Academic Quality Regulations

Academic Quality & Regulations

At NU, we place the utmost importance on academic quality and regulations, recognising their vital role in shaping the global landscape of higher education. Quality assurance (QA), a term borrowed from industry practises, has become indispensable in today’s context of higher education, and we are committed to upholding its principles.

  • QA has emerged as a crucial aspect of global Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs).
  • We acknowledge the absolute necessity of QA in ensuring the highest standards of education.
  • As providers of higher education, we bear the primary responsibility for the quality of our educational offerings.
  • We are dedicated to assuring the quality and excellence of our programmes.
  • QA is not a one-time activity but an ongoing process that demands continuous improvement.
  • Each member of the NU community is accountable for integrating QA into their daily routines and activities.
  • We recognise that internal QA serves as the foundation of QA in higher education.
  • It requires the active participation and commitment of all individuals within our institution

At NU, academic quality and regulations are not mere buzzwords. We foster a culture that prioritises continuous improvement and accountability, ensuring that our students receive a world-class education that meets international standards.

The Internal Quality Assurance Unit (IQAU): Enriching Excellence

To ensure the highest quality of education, we have re-organised our Internal Quality Assurance Unit (IQAU) in accordance with the guidelines set by the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Council of the UGC.
Proposed Activities: Fostering a Culture of Quality
  • We prioritise the professional growth of our academic staff through comprehensive staff development programmes.
  • By enhancing their skills and knowledge, we empower our educators to deliver exceptional teaching and guidance.
  • Conducting thorough quality reviews allows us to assess our academic programmes and identify areas for enhancement.
  • Through rigorous evaluations, we continuously strive to elevate the standards of education we provide.
  • As an institution committed to global standards, we actively collaborate with international QA networks such as APQN and INQAAHE.
  • This partnership ensures that our quality assurance practises align with international best practises.
    • Pursuing ISO 9001:2015 status demonstrates our dedication to quality management systems and continuous improvement.
    • This certification serves as a testament to our commitment to delivering excellence in education.
    • The IQAC serves as the central coordination hub for all quality assurance-related activities within our institution.
    • This ensures a cohesive and systematic approach to maintaining and enhancing our educational standards.
    • We actively engage with external QA agencies and regulatory bodies such as the NSHE/UGC/QAA
      Council.
    • This collaboration enables us to align our practises with industry standards and promote continuous
      improvement.
    – We conduct comprehensive reviews and audits of our academic programmes, allowing us to identify strengths and areas for improvement. – Through follow-up actions, we ensure that proposed academic programmes meet the highest quality standards.
    • We strive to establish and uphold robust academic regulations and by-laws.
    • If any gaps are identified, we promptly recommend remedial actions to ensure compliance and maintain quality.
    • We are dedicated to improving our website to enhance the user experience and increase our WEBOMETRIC ranking.
    • A user-friendly and informative website reflects our commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements
    The IQAC diligently reports to the Academic Senate on a regular basis, ensuring transparency and accountability in our quality assurance efforts.

    Staff Development Programme

    At NU, we are dedicated to unlocking the full potential of our staff members. Aligned with the recommendations of the University Grants Commission, our Staff Development programme is designed to meet the evolving needs of academic staff. Conducted by our Staff Development Centre (SDC), this programme offers a learning experience that spans a minimum of 120 hours. Successfully completing this training is a mandatory requirement to attain the status of confirmed academic staff within the university system. NU goes the extra mile by extending the duration of our programme to 135 hours. Renowned Directors of SDCs and other subject matter experts are invited as Resource Persons, bringing their expertise and insights. Major modules that have been meticulously crafted to empower our academic staff:
    • Module 1: Orientation as a Teacher in Higher Education
    • Module 2: Higher Education in 21st Century and Quality Assurance & Accreditation Process in HE
    • Module 3: Curriculum Development
    • Module 4: Lesson Planning
    • Module 5: Teaching Methods – Theory
    • Module 6: Teaching Methods – Practicals
    • Module 7: Assessments
    • Module 8: Teaching/ Learning Resources
    • Module 9: Information Technology based Teaching/ Learning
    • Module 10: The role of Academics in Marketing
    • Module 11: Innovative and Interactive Teaching Methods
    • Module 12: Teaching Practice
    • Module 13: Personal and Professional Development
    • Module 14: Teacher/Course Evaluations
    • Module 15: Student Counselling and Advisory
    • Module 16: Governance and Management in HE
    • Module 17: Research in the life of an Academic

    Elevating Excellence: Ensuring Unparalleled Academic Quality at NU

    We have embraced the powerful tool of Internal Academic Audit. This integral element of our strategy serves as a robust framework for upholding the highest standards of learning, ensuring that our programmes and awards stand out among the best.

    Through careful examination, we focus on five key areas that shape the quality of our academic offerings:

    We delve into the effective implementation of quality assurance instruments, ensuring that they are seamlessly integrated into the fabric of our educational practises.
    • Rigorous academic staff recruitment
    • Peer evaluation
    • Student evaluation
    • Reputation surveys
    Our auditors scrutinise the design and structure of our programme curricula, ensuring that they align with the evolving needs of the academic landscape and equip our students with the skills and knowledge required to thrive.
    • Reliability: Knowledge that is correct, accurate, and up-to-date
    • Conformance: Meeting established standards and benchmarks
    • Durability: Promoting deep learning experiences
    • Efficiency: Applicability to future careers
    We place great emphasis on the art of teaching and learning, exploring innovative pedagogical approaches, fostering interactive classroom environments, and creating transformative educational experiences.
    • Responsiveness: Willingness and readiness to help students
    • Understanding Customers: Meeting the unique needs of our students
    • Access: Availability of staff to support students
    • Competence and Delivery: Expertise and effective presentation skills
    • Courtesy: Positive attitude towards students
    • Communication: Effective interaction between lecturers and students
    We understand the importance of fair and accurate assessments in gauging student progress. Through our audit, we evaluate the development and implementation of robust assessment practises that truly reflect the capabilities of our students.
    • Reliability and Validity: Ensuring accurate measurement of ILO attainment
    • Integrity: Safeguarding the security of examination materials
    • Testability: Fair assessment representing the subject of study
    • Redress: Promptly addressing and resolving student complaints
      Our auditors shine a light on the overall implementation of quality education at NU, examining the various facets that contribute to a rich and rewarding learning journey for our students.
      • Retention rate in the first year: Reflects the quality of our programmes and tuition
      • Graduation rate: Measures the productivity of our programmes
      • Average time to graduation: Indicates the level of teaching support students receive
      Through our unwavering commitment to quality assurance, we create an environment where your potential can flourish, and your dreams can become a tangible reality.

      President/CEO

      Introducing the visionary behind the establishment of NORTHERN UNI, Professor Lalith Gamage, a true trailblazer in the realm of academia. With a remarkable record of accomplishments and a profound commitment to education, Professor Gamage assumes the pivotal role of Director, guiding our institution towards unparalleled heights of excellence.

      Recognised for his exceptional leadership in academia, Professor Gamage was bestowed with The Outstanding Young Person of the Year (TOYP) award for Academic Leadership in 2000. As an Affiliate Professor at the esteemed University of British Columbia, Canada, his expertise and insights are truly invaluable.

      Beyond his remarkable accolades, Professor Gamage holds an unwavering vision for the development of the northern region of Sri Lanka. He is resolutely dedicated to breaking down barriers and ensuring equal access to quality education across the country. With a deep understanding of the immense potential residing within the north, Professor Gamage is committed to nurturing a fertile educational landscape that empowers individuals and fuels inclusive growth. His aspirations extend beyond education, encompassing the creation of a robust ecosystem that fuels innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic advancement.

      Professor Gamage has made significant contributions to the promotion of the IT industry and has served the Sri Lankan government in various influential capacities. He has held prestigious positions such as Chairman of the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA), the Lanka Software Foundation (LSF), the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies (ACCIMT), the ICT Cluster, and the Executive Director of the Trade Information Network of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board. Moreover, he played a pivotal role in establishing Conceptnursery, Sri Lanka’s first technology incubator, and nurturing numerous successful technology companies. In 2020, his unwavering dedication and contributions to the development of Sri Lanka’s IT industry earned him the distinguished ‘Most Outstanding ICT Contributor of the Year award at the NBQSA, the prestigious National ICT Awards Organised by the Sri Lanka Section of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

      As an esteemed Advisory Board Member of the Sri Lanka Association of Software and Service Companies (SLASSCOM) and the Founding President of the Sri Lanka Association of Non-State Higher Education Institutes (SLANSHEI), Professor Gamage continues to shape the future of Sri Lanka’s education and technology landscape.

      Professor Gamage completed his undergraduate studies in Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering at the prestigious University of Moratuwa and holds a PhD from the University of British Columbia, Canada. His research expertise spans diverse domains, including Computer Vision, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Evolutionary Computing.Under the visionary leadership of Professor Lalith Gamage, NORTHERN UNI propels towards a future where education, innovation, and progress intertwine, preparing students to become the change-makers of tomorrow.

      President/CEO

      Introducing the visionary behind the establishment of NORTHERN UNI, Professor Lalith Gamage, a true trailblazer in the realm of academia. With a remarkable record of accomplishments and a profound commitment to education, Professor Gamage assumes the pivotal role of Director, guiding our institution towards unparalleled heights of excellence.

      Recognised for his exceptional leadership in academia, Professor Gamage was bestowed with The Outstanding Young Person of the Year (TOYP) award for Academic Leadership in 2000. As an Affiliate Professor at the esteemed University of British Columbia, Canada, his expertise and insights are truly invaluable.

      Beyond his remarkable accolades, Professor Gamage holds an unwavering vision for the development of the northern region of Sri Lanka. He is resolutely dedicated to breaking down barriers and ensuring equal access to quality education across the country. With a deep understanding of the immense potential residing within the north, Professor Gamage is committed to nurturing a fertile educational landscape that empowers individuals and fuels inclusive growth. His aspirations extend beyond education, encompassing the creation of a robust ecosystem that fuels innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic advancement.

      Professor Gamage has made significant contributions to the promotion of the IT industry and has served the Sri Lankan government in various influential capacities. He has held prestigious positions such as Chairman of the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA), the Lanka Software Foundation (LSF), the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies (ACCIMT), the ICT Cluster, and the Executive Director of the Trade Information Network of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board. Moreover, he played a pivotal role in establishing Conceptnursery, Sri Lanka’s first technology incubator, and nurturing numerous successful technology companies. In 2020, his unwavering dedication and contributions to the development of Sri Lanka’s IT industry earned him the distinguished ‘Most Outstanding ICT Contributor of the Year award at the NBQSA, the prestigious National ICT Awards Organised by the Sri Lanka Section of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

      As an esteemed Advisory Board Member of the Sri Lanka Association of Software and Service Companies (SLASSCOM) and the Founding President of the Sri Lanka Association of Non-State Higher Education Institutes (SLANSHEI), Professor Gamage continues to shape the future of Sri Lanka’s education and technology landscape.

      Professor Gamage completed his undergraduate studies in Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering at the prestigious University of Moratuwa and holds a PhD from the University of British Columbia, Canada. His research expertise spans diverse domains, including Computer Vision, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Evolutionary Computing.Under the visionary leadership of Professor Lalith Gamage, NORTHERN UNI propels towards a future where education, innovation, and progress intertwine, preparing students to become the change-makers of tomorrow.

      Founder and Chairman

      Introducing the visionary entrepreneur, Mr. Indy Pathmanadan, affectionately known as Mr. Indy, a driving force in the Bath Furniture and Modular Kitchen industries. With over 30 years of expertise, Mr.Indy’s journey is one of extraordinary accomplishments and relentless pursuit of excellence.

      A graduate in engineering from the prestigious University of Waterloo, Ontario, Mr. Indy’s entrepreneurial journey began as a Coop student in his Canadian garage. From humble beginnings, he transformed MagickWoods into a global powerhouse with operations spanning across North America and Asia. Today, MagickWoods stands tall with an impressive presence in renowned retailers such as Home Depot, Lowes, and Menards. Mr. Indy’s bold vision includes establishing a strong domestic presence in the USA, facilitating the transformation from China to Aurora. His innovative approach involves forging exclusive partnerships with retailers, creating bespoke brands tailored to their discerning customer base.

      With an unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled quality, Mr. Indy is a firm believer in the digital economy. His passion for enhancing the customer experience led him to pioneer the use of cuttingedge 3D and augmented reality technologies in kitchen design, revolutionising the industry. Demonstrating his forward-thinking mindset, Mr. Indy recently unveiled Magickhome.com, an exceptional ecommerce platform that offers direct-to-consumer digital sales channels, further expanding his reach and impact. Notably, he holds a patent for his groundbreaking invention, the Bath weighing scale product, exemplifying his dedication to innovation.

      Mr. Indy’s exceptional contributions have earned him a plethora of accolades. From prestigious design awards for his innovative creations at Bath Furniture to receiving the esteemed Young Entrepreneur Award from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, his outstanding achievements have been recognised on numerous occasions. Additionally, his remarkable export performance and job creation efforts have garnered accolades from the Government of India, solidifying his reputation as an industry trailblazer. Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavours, Mr. Indy actively engages in social causes close to his heart. As the co-founder of CanTYD, a non-profit organisation focused on youth development in Canada, he channels his passion for empowering the younger generation. Furthermore, he dedicated four years of his life to serving on the Southeast Asian Consultative Committee of the Metropolitan Toronto Police, striving to create a safer community for all.

      As a proud parent of three children, Mr. Indy finds solace in the embrace of nature. Whether it’s the thrill of running, the serenity of hiking, the pursuit of adventure through hunting, or the freedom of cycling amidst the majestic Rocky Mountains, he cherishes the moments that rejuvenate his spirit. Mr. Indrakumar Pathmanadan, the epitome of entrepreneurial brilliance, continues to redefine industry standards through his remarkable achievements. Join us at our university as we draw inspiration from Mr.Indy’s journey, fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and unwavering determination.

      Founder and Chairman

      Introducing the visionary entrepreneur, Mr. Indy Pathmanadan, affectionately known as Mr. Indy, a driving force in the Bath Furniture and Modular Kitchen industries. With over 30 years of expertise, Mr.Indy’s journey is one of extraordinary accomplishments and relentless pursuit of excellence.

      A graduate in engineering from the prestigious University of Waterloo, Ontario, Mr. Indy’s entrepreneurial journey began as a Coop student in his Canadian garage. From humble beginnings, he transformed MagickWoods into a global powerhouse with operations spanning across North America and Asia. Today, MagickWoods stands tall with an impressive presence in renowned retailers such as Home Depot, Lowes, and Menards. Mr. Indy’s bold vision includes establishing a strong domestic presence in the USA, facilitating the transformation from China to Aurora. His innovative approach involves forging exclusive partnerships with retailers, creating bespoke brands tailored to their discerning customer base.

      With an unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled quality, Mr. Indy is a firm believer in the digital economy. His passion for enhancing the customer experience led him to pioneer the use of cuttingedge 3D and augmented reality technologies in kitchen design, revolutionising the industry. Demonstrating his forward-thinking mindset, Mr. Indy recently unveiled Magickhome.com, an exceptional ecommerce platform that offers direct-to-consumer digital sales channels, further expanding his reach and impact. Notably, he holds a patent for his groundbreaking invention, the Bath weighing scale product, exemplifying his dedication to innovation.

      Mr. Indy’s exceptional contributions have earned him a plethora of accolades. From prestigious design awards for his innovative creations at Bath Furniture to receiving the esteemed Young Entrepreneur Award from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, his outstanding achievements have been recognised on numerous occasions. Additionally, his remarkable export performance and job creation efforts have garnered accolades from the Government of India, solidifying his reputation as an industry trailblazer. Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavours, Mr. Indy actively engages in social causes close to his heart. As the co-founder of CanTYD, a non-profit organisation focused on youth development in Canada, he channels his passion for empowering the younger generation. Furthermore, he dedicated four years of his life to serving on the Southeast Asian Consultative Committee of the Metropolitan Toronto Police, striving to create a safer community for all.

      As a proud parent of three children, Mr. Indy finds solace in the embrace of nature. Whether it’s the thrill of running, the serenity of hiking, the pursuit of adventure through hunting, or the freedom of cycling amidst the majestic Rocky Mountains, he cherishes the moments that rejuvenate his spirit. Mr. Indrakumar Pathmanadan, the epitome of entrepreneurial brilliance, continues to redefine industry standards through his remarkable achievements. Join us at our university as we draw inspiration from Mr.Indy’s journey, fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and unwavering determination.