The EMA Policy and Quality Assurance (PQA) Unit closed out 2024 with a dynamic and forward-thinking meeting on December 20th, bringing together EMA leadership and dedicated volunteers. The session focused on policy enhancement, governance, strategic growth, and community engagement, with significant contributions from EMA President Ashiqur Rahman and Vice President Ruturaj Trivedi. Key highlights included revisions in governance policies, strategic priorities for the future, research accomplishments, and preparations for the upcoming EMA Presidential Elections.
The meeting commenced with Shahin, Director of the PQA Unit, discussing ongoing efforts to revise and refine EMA’s existing policies. His work was acknowledged and commended by EMA President Ashiqur Rahman, who emphasized the importance of continuous improvement and adaptation in policy frameworks. Following this, David presented an in-depth analysis of his revision of the EMA Electoral Policy, an essential governance document. Ashiqur provided historical context, explaining how EMA’s foundational policies were originally drafted and adopted between 2019-2021, highlighting the critical role of the Executive Committee (EC) in shaping EMA’s governance. The discussion reinforced the unit’s commitment to maintaining transparency and accountability within the organization.
EMA Leadership’s Vision and Priorities
After the policy review, Shahin invited President Ashiqur to share the Management Board’s (MB) vision and strategic priorities for the remainder of their mandate. Ashiqur outlined five key priorities that will guide EMA’s progress:
Financial Sustainability – Establishing a robust donation channel and drafting a Financial Management Policy are top priorities, with Shahin actively assisting the Finance Management Unit (FMU) in this initiative.
EMA Membership and Community Portal – Addressing the challenges in EMA’s membership system, Ashiqur acknowledged Shahin’s contributions and the Membership Sub-Unit volunteers for launching the "Membership Type Survey."
MB Unit Documentation and Visibility – Enhancing transparency and visibility of EMA’s work within the global Erasmus Mundus community remains a focal point.
EMA Presidential Elections – 19th GA 2025 – With EMA’s 19th General Assembly (GA) in 2025 approaching, preparations for a fair and democratic election process are already underway.
ESAA (Funded) Activities – Encouraging volunteers to actively engage in co-creating ESAA activities, ensuring EMA’s outreach and impact continue to grow.
These priorities reflect a comprehensive and forward-looking strategy aimed at ensuring EMA’s sustainability, inclusivity, and efficiency in the coming year.
Celebrating Policy and Research Achievements
Following the strategic discussions, Vice President Ruturaj Trivedi took the floor to recognize the significant contributions of the PQA Unit. He commended Shahin and the PQA volunteers for successfully completing the Visa Experience Survey 2023-2024, including its reveal ceremony. This research effort provided valuable insights into visa challenges faced by Erasmus Mundus students, reinforcing EMA’s commitment to policy advocacy and student support. Another notable highlight was the revival of the EMA for Equity Project, a significant initiative aimed at promoting inclusivity and fairness within both EMA and the Erasmus Mundus Programmes. Additionally, Ruturaj announced an initiative to showcase EMA’s research activities on a dedicated webpage under the PQA Unit, further strengthening the organization’s commitment to transparency and accessibility.
Looking Ahead: A Collaborative and Impactful Future
As the meeting drew to a close, there was a shared sense of enthusiasm and purpose among attendees. The discussions reflected a deep commitment to strengthening EMA’s governance, supporting volunteers, and ensuring sustainable organizational growth. With the Management Board and PQA Unit working hand in hand, EMA is poised to enhance its efficiency, inclusivity, and strategic impact. As the PQA Unit wraps up the year, the organization remains dedicated to its mission of policy excellence and quality assurance. Looking ahead, EMA continues to drive positive change, support its community, and build a stronger, more resilient network.
By Samsoon Nahar Shampa
EMA's Membership-Executive, PQA Unit
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