Academic Quality Regulations
May 30, 2023 2024-03-15 11:47Academic 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.
