Courtesy : accreditation.info
Standards for Accreditation of Education
Education Quality Accreditation Commission
EQAC EDUCATION QUALITY ACCREDITATION STANDARDS
The Education Quality Accreditation Commission Standards become an easy and effective instrument for measuring institutional education quality on international level because they are not affected by local legislative formats, regulations or cultural idiosyncrasies.
Any educational institution that intends to earn the accreditation status from the Education Quality Accreditation Commission must demonstrate compliance, through the application for accreditation (Self Assessment Report), with the education quality standards set forth by the Education Quality Accreditation Commission.
The accreditation standards set forth by the EQAC are:
A. ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITY ACCREDITATION
- Identification
- Legal authorization
- Accreditation, recognition and references
- Facilities
- Financial stability
- Qualified staff
- Educational values & ethics
- Permanent quality control
- Continuous improvement
B. INSTITUTIONAL INTEGRITY ACCREDITATION
- Information & Veracity
- Admission Procedures
- Legal contract
- Assistance
- Post-Graduate Service
C. ACADEMIC QUALITY ACCREDITATION
- Courses / Programs description
- Hours of study
- Course objectives or expected learning outcomes
- Course contents & materials
- Course delivery & availability
- Course update
- Teaching methodology
- Tutorial or guidance
- Teachers proficiency
- Assessment & Evaluation
- Certificate or diploma
- Transcript or equivalent
Click here to download the Application for Accreditation (Self Assessment Report .docx)
Why is Accreditation Important?
In nearly every country, higher education is controlled and monitored by the national government, which promulgates higher education policy. As free markets, open frontiers, and individualism spread around the world, however, many nations are adapting their higher education systems to the more liberal, competitive and diverse. Today, higher education is emerging as a diverse, competitive, decentralized “system,” with vibrant private and public sectors in which colleges and universities enjoy comparatively high autonomy. Accreditation is one of the major factors to monitor education quality behind this global trend. Accreditation reflects the comparative advantages of numerous and diverse institutions and methods of higher education, and respects their core values of autonomy, self-governance, scholarship, and the assurance of academic quality through peer review or accreditation.
Employers, parents, students, and others look to accrediting organizations for consistent and reliable information about educational institutions. There is no single model for providing information about education quality that is so important for public accountability. The accreditation from the Education Quality Accreditation Commission want to relate each educational institution own structure and procedures with an efficient way to guarantee their accountability.
A. Accreditation of administrative responsibility
ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITY ACCREDITATION
The accreditation of administrative responsibility refers to results associated with the legal status, facilities, financial stability and staff of the institution as well as its commitment to ethical values and continuous improvement. The applicant higher education institution must demonstrate its administrative capacity, stability and responsibility.
The following set of standards will guide the institution to achieve the desired administrative responsibility.
A1. Identification.
The educational institution identifies its legal name, foundation date, missions statement, the type of education offered (traditional education, adult education, distance learning, part-time residential learning, professional training, etc…), current number of students enrolled and current number of graduates.
A2. Legal authorization.
The educational institution is legally authorized to conduct its educational activities according to the laws and procedures of the corresponding country, state and/or province.
The Education Quality Accreditation Commission requires that the educational institution provides proof of its legal status. Copies of the certificate of incorporation, articles of the institution, letters of authorization from governmental bodies or any other relevant documents attaining to its legal status may be used as a proof. If applicable the educational institution should also explain in a brief report what are the specific legal requirements and policy of its country of origin such as the laws, norms and/or government departments involved.
A3. Accreditation, recognition and references.
The educational institution must describe any third party references that attain to its education quality such memberships in relevant professional bodies, accreditation, recognition, organizational approvals from third parties, quality assurance certifications.
Proof of these references must be provided in the form of a copy of the corresponding letter or certificate or with an active verifiable Internet link to the organization.
A4. Facilities.
The physical situation, transportation and facilities provided at the center are suitable for its users and for the activities conducted by the educational institution. Facilities are open to users at clearly specified and appropriate times which take into account any special needs of its users. User have convenient and accessible communication with the staff. There is a manager who has overall responsibility for running the center daily.
The Education Quality Accreditation Commission requires that the educational institution provides a brief description of its situation, transportation and facilities, as well as working hours, study timetables, yearly schedules and the name of the staff manager.
A5. Financial stability.
The educational institution is financially responsible and can meet its obligations to learners. It should have a corporate and financial plan for its future development. Where the educational activity is embedded in a larger body, this plan may be for the body as a whole.
The Education Quality Accreditation Commission suggests that it should also have adequate insurance to cover its liabilities and responsibilities to learners and third parties, and appropriate contingency and recovery plans. The EQAC recommends that the educational institution provides a financial & business plan detailing business and professional development for the past three years as well as the planning of the following 3 years.
A6. Qualified staff.
All staff are suitable for the positions they hold, and possess appropriate qualifications and experience. Steps are taken to ensure such qualifications and experience. Learners are supported by suitably qualified staff at all times the educational institution is open.
The Education Quality Accreditation Commission requires an organizational chart displaying the names, positions and duties of the educational institution staff and the education qualifications and professional experience of all staff working at the educational institution at managerial level.
A7. Educational values & ethics.
The educational institution demonstrates a high commitment to educational values. This should be evident in any corporate, strategic or marketing objectives the educational institution adopts. Its actions should at all times be compatible with those educational values. The educational institution should also be committed to the continuous professional development of its staff and teachers, and adopts widely accepted norms of good business and employment practice. Copyright of student work should always belong to the students, and subsequently it can not be used without their written permission.
The Education Quality Accreditation Commission suggest that the educational institution has a clear, fair and effective procedure for dealing with complaints and refunds, and that has control over the use and storage of data, student records and copyrights. The educational institution does not discriminate, directly or indirectly, sex, race, color, nationality, ethnic origin, or religious or political belief.
A8. Permanent quality control.
The educational institution notifies and encourages its students and graduates to contact the EQAC and communicate their satisfaction, complains or suggestions about their learning experience. All comments will be used for the permanent improvement of the accredited institution and to monitor that the EQAC policies are respected.
The Education Quality Accreditation Commission suggests that all students and applicants from the accredited institution should know that they are welcome to contact EQAC at any time, to provide a report on their satisfaction or complains.
A9. Continuous improvement.
This standard speaks to the awareness of needed improvement which is a direct result of the self-study process. There is no one preferred method of addressing this standard. Rather, the “planning for change and scrutiny for improvement” will often emerge from the internal evaluative mechanisms during the accreditation process in the context of the educational institution itself.
The Education Quality Accreditation Commission encourages purposeful change and improvement through the self-study process conducted by the higher education institution. The EQAC also suggests that the educational institution routinely maintain effective checks and control to foster continuing public confidence and improvement.
B. Accreditation of Institutional Integrity
INSTITUTIONAL INTEGRITY ACCREDITATION
The accreditation of institutional integrity refers to results associated with information and admission, fees and overall administration of the institution processes and services. The applicant higher education institution must demonstrate the means and procedures that assure its institutional integrity.
The following set of standards will guide the institution to achieve the desired institutional integrity.
B1. Information & Veracity.
Prior to enrollment on a particular course, the prospective student is made properly aware of all terms and conditions relevant to that course, either in the prospectus or similar material, by correspondence, or in discussion with the educational institution.
Fees clearly state what services are covered by those fees; what additional payments, if any, may be necessary to achieve the course outcome; what period those fees are valid for; payment plans; the circumstances under which full or partial refunds, or transfers to other courses, are possible; and any other policies that may affect the course fees.
No advertising and promotional material gives a false, misleading, or exaggerated impression of the educational institution, its personnel, its provision, or the outcomes of that provision.
The EQAC suggests that, when applicable, these should normally include:
- The institution legal status and any relevant data attaining to its legal status.
- The institution mission statement.
- The type of education offered.
- Relevant memberships, accreditations, recognitions or references.
- The course total hours of study and its estimated duration.
- The course tuition fee and schedule of payment.
- Refund policy.
- Description of any additional costs not included in the tuition fee.
- Admission requirements.
- Any limits imposed for course completion.
- Learning, tutorial and material support requirements for satisfactory completion of the course.
- The availability of this resources.
- The timetable for their provision and how they are linked to the schedule of payment of fees.
- The course objective and expected learning outcomes;
- The course level of recognition, professional and/or licensing status.
The Education Quality Accreditation Commission suggests that all publicity material clearly identifies the educational institution, explains the education or training on offer and avoids any impression that employment is on offer or somehow guaranteed.
The Education Quality Accreditation Commission requires samples of every prospectus, brochure, advertising and promotion material, recruitment related letters and written evidence of any information affecting the prospective student attached to the self-study report of any educational institution applying for accreditation.
B2. Admission Procedures.
Potential students are handled promptly and sympathetically by a person competent to do so. Staff or agents engaged in promotion are fully briefed in and adhere to the admissions policy of the educational institution. The educational institution takes full responsibility for the actions, statements, and conduct of its sales personnel.
The students are made aware of their responsibility to assess their own needs and capabilities before embarking upon a course, and are offered an opportunity to discuss these matters with the educational institution prior to enrollment.
The Education Quality Accreditation Commission suggests verification of the following issues prior to enrollment:
- Whether the applicant’s objectives can be realized through that course.
- Whether the course is suitable for the applicant’s level of competence.
- Any special needs of the applicant.
B3. Legal contract.
There is a learning agreement, which may be legally enforceable, between the educational institution and the student.
The Education Quality Accreditation Commission suggests that such contract should specify:
- The nature and scope of the course.
- The services to which the educational institution is committed.
- Any disclaimers which protect the educational institution.
- The rights, obligations and commitments expected of the learner.
- The financial agreement between the learner and the institution.
B4. Assistance.
The educational institution provides the student with all the guidance and channels of communication necessary in order to improve service, student performance and academic success. The learning experience should never become impersonal and detached. Students have adequate and clear procedures available to handle any questions, problems or suggestion. Difficulties between particular individuals, should they arise, should not impede the learning process.
B5. Post-Graduate Service.
The educational institution keeps students records for a minimum of 5 years and will provide graduates with duplicates of diplomas, transcripts, certificates or other pertinent documents upon request. Student records are sufficient, accurately maintained and up to date. Records should include at least, amongst other information, details of all payments received and/or refunds made, details of any special agreements on learning outcomes between the educational institution and the student, and information on student progress such as records of all assignments and examinations results. Records should be maintained in a secure place.
The Education Quality Accreditation Commission requires a through description of how each of the above set of standards is accomplished. Sample of letters or documents, and any written evidence related to the above procedures may be attached to the self-study report of any educational institution applying for accreditation.
C. Accreditation of Academic Quality
ACADEMIC QUALITY ACCREDITATION
The accreditation of academic quality refers to results associated with teaching, learning, and service. The applicant higher education institution must explain the means and procedures that advance academic quality. It must demonstrate how those procedures emphasize student achievement and high expectations of teaching and learning, research, and service; and that those procedures are developed within the framework of institutional mission.
The following set of standards will guide the institution to achieve the desired academic quality results.
C1. Courses / Programs description.
Total number and description of all courses / programs offered.
C2. Hours of study.
How many hours of study on completion of each course and how they are earned (class attendance, homework, independent study, project, challenge exam, transfer, tutorial, on-line, credit for prior knowledge, or any other means).
C3. Course objectives or expected learning outcomes.
A brief and clear statement of what the student can expect to achieve on successful completion of each course.
The Education Quality Accreditation Commission suggests that despite course objectives may vary from learner to learner, they should be, in all cases, made clear to potential students prior to enrollment. Explaining course objectives may be specified in terms of the development of specific skills, vocational or professional competence, the preparation for internally- or externally-assessed qualifications, the provision of job-related training, the imparting of information, or personal growth. In any case, the majority of the programs offered should lead to grant higher education degrees, assuring academic quality, achievement and student success.
The Education Quality Accreditation Commission requires a list of all the courses or programs offered that must include the course name, description, total hours of study per course, any equivalent credits or academic units (if applicable), and any degree or qualification earned upon completion. A sample of the course objectives or expected learning outcomes for one course should also be attached to the self-study report of the educational institution applying for accreditation.
C4. Course contents & materials.
Course contents and material are sufficient to achieve the course’s stated objectives in whatever media and by whatever method provided. The reading, listening or viewing level of course materials is appropriate to its intended students. The course contents and material are structured to facilitate effective learning and real acquisition of skills.
The Education Quality Accreditation Commission suggests that good quality study material should include: an appropriate and well-managed presentation; subdivision into appropriate units, lessons or modules; a sequential exposition, with new material building on previous material; the use of a variety of approaches, including summaries, visual material, and illustrative examples as appropriate, to illuminate particular concepts and the inclusion of clear instructions to guide the learner through the material.
The Education Quality Accreditation Commission requires a minimum of one full and detailed sample of course contents, organization and study material attached to the self-study report of any educational institution applying for accreditation.
C5. Course delivery & availability.
The provision of study materials to learners is prompt and timely and guidance on study skills is also provided. If a significant element of the provision is technology-based, the educational institution ensures that the learner understands the system requirements. If materials other than those supplied by the educational institution are required, clear information as to where to obtain those materials is given, and their probable cost.
C6. Course update.
Course contents and materials are reviewed within specified time periods to ensure they remain available, effective and up-to-date.
C7. Teaching methodology.
The higher learning institution must provide a through description of the methodology or teaching style, such as class attendance, distance learning, part-time seminars, TV/Broadcasting, etc… Applicant institutions are encouraged to describe other pedagogical initiatives and activities that advance academic quality.
C8. Tutorial or guidance.
Teachers or tutorial support of sufficient quality is available to all students. Where this is not the case, the course material is capable of achieving its stated objectives without such support.
C9. Teachers proficiency.
Teachers are qualified in their areas of expertise. They have a sound understanding and up-to-date knowledge of their subject; they know how learners learn; they help and motivate their students and communicate enthusiasm for the subject. They also make effective use of feedback from students to enhance their own performance as teachers.
C10. Assessment & Evaluation.
Student progress is assessed on a regular, ongoing basis, and learners are provided with prompt and helpful comments on their progress in relation to learning expectations and goals. Appropriate schedules for the submission and return of assignments and examinations are adopted. Care is taken to support and encourage learners who submit unsatisfactory work or examinations; learning support is only withdrawn after all reasonable efforts have been made to overcome their problems.
The Education Quality Accreditation Commission requires a description of the evaluation methodology and a list of teachers displaying the names, area of expertise, courses, major or department they are responsible for and their level of involvement (part-time or full time). Copies of the Curriculum Vitae or Resume of all teachers or tutors directly involved in the learning process must also be enclosed. Curriculum Vitae should show personal biodata, education and professional experience.
C11. Certificate or diploma.
Any certificate or diploma offered by the higher education institution on completion of a course clearly indicates:
- Name of the awarding body.
- Nature of the achievement recognised (degree, professional recognition…).
- Name of the student.
- Date of completion of the course.
- Representative signature and/or seal of the awarding body.
C12. Transcript or equivalent.
On completion of a course, the higher learning institution must also produce a transcript or document containing, at least, information about:
- Total number of hours of study earned.
- Grades or assessed qualification achieved.
- Name of the awarding body.
- Name and birth date of the student.
- Name and date of completion of the course or subjects.
- Representative signature and/or seal of the awarding body.
This information does not need to be on a separate document. It may also show on the certificate or diploma.
The Education Quality Accreditation Commission suggests that any transcript should be produced bearing in mind that it must be clearly understood by other educational institutions, companies and people. It should contain complete information about the grading system used by the higher learning institution; the hours of study/credits ratio (per example: 10 hours of study equal 1 credit, academic unit or point); full biodata about the student; detailed information about the course contents or subjects; and the higher learning institution’s contact address, phone or e-mail.
The Education Quality Accreditation Commission requires a minimum of one sample of the certificate or diploma, and the transcript attached to the self-study report of any educational institution applying for accreditation.
Education Quality Accreditation Commission
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