Effects of non-accreditation of study programmes in operation


Resolution 53/2012

Effects of non-accreditation of study programmes in operation

Under the terms of article 60 of Decree-Law no. 74/2006, 24th March, amended by Decree-Law 107/2008, and of article 21 of A3ES Regulation no. 504/2009, 18th December, the breach of the legal or statutory provisions and the non-observance of scientific and pedagogical criteria that justified the accreditation of a study programme taught in a higher education institution, determine its cancellation after preliminary hearing of the institution concerned; also, according to the same provisions, the decision to cancel the accreditation should set the deadline for the cessation of operation of the study programme, as well as measures to safeguard the expectations of the enrolled students.

According to the mentioned legal provisions, the Management Board of A3ES determines:

1 — The decision of non-accreditation of a study programme in operation, taken in the scope of its assessment/accreditation by A3ES, after preliminary hearing of the institution concerned,  implies the cancellation of the previous accreditation, as well as of the authorization for operation of the study cycle, with the legal consequences arising from such cancellation.

2 — The decision of non-accreditation means in particular that the study programme can no longer be offered by the respective higher education institution and cannot welcome new students from the moment the decision is communicated, and determines its closure after the period referred in n. 3.

3 — The study programme may, however, continue to operate regularly for two academic years, with the students already registered and enrolled, in order to enable them to complete the programme.

4 — The non-accreditation of a study programme that previously was operating regularly does not have, either to the respective higher education institution, or to the students who have completed or who are enrolled and registered in it, any other effects beyond the referred to in the preceding paragraphs. Consequently, the degrees and diplomas awarded under the previous accreditation or authorization of operation up to the time of cessation of operation of the study programme maintain their full validity and effectiveness.

5 — The period mentioned in n. 3 may be extended in cases where special circumstances of operation of the study programme or of the situation of the enrolled students justify it.

A3ES, December 4th, 2012.