A Definition of Excellence

Opportunity for a Pit Stop?

Universities are striving for excellence, but what exactly are they striving for? And do students share the universities' view of what constitutes ‘the best’? In an attempt to define excellence from a student perspective, the author first addresses the negative features of defining excellence: approaches which focus on the quantifiable aspect of quality, which are seriously distorted by considerations of cost-effectiveness and the prioritisation of research, and which are driven by university rankings. The author goes on to describe the student perception of excellence: greater attention to teaching quality and innovation and to the social inclusiveness of education. Although the race to the top continues at high speed, the author hopes that some universities will make a pit stop to change their tires.