On 1 January 2016, ESIGELEC became a member of UGEI (Union of Independent Grandes Écoles). UGEI is one of the two major Higher Education and Research federations. Etienne Craye, ESIGELEC’s Managing Director, sees it as « On the one hand, a network of schools which collaborate on common themes and projects; and on the other, an effective lobby which, in an increasingly challenging environment, defends the interests of private higher education institutions specialising in engineering and business. Thanks to its recognised expertise, ESIGELEC was admitted by the unanimous consent of the 32 members. The network will enable it to put its progress and development plans into action even more effectively. »

UGEI currently numbers among its members 12 management schools, and 20 engineering schools which award Master’s degrees.  Its goal is to promote the pursuit of excellence in both training and research in the high-quality private higher education sector.

The UGEI organisation was created in 1993 and has the following objectives:

• to represent independent Grandes Ecoles with respect to their environment, create a quality label and encourage the development of a higher education ethos,
• to promote international links and complementarities between the different institutions which belong to the Union,
• to encourage reflection on teaching, research and social norms,
• to organise seminars, working groups or projects for the benefit of its members.

It also sets out to represent the organisation’s members in collective bargaining and to enter into agreements or partnerships on their behalf.

http://www.ugei.fr