Guidelines on Standards

4. STUDENTS

4.1 ADMISSION POLICY AND SELECTION

There is no one best method of student selection. Whatever method is selected, the institution must be able to defend it consistently.

Basic standard
The institutions must have an admission policy with clear statements on the criteria and process of student selection. The criteria and process of selection must be published and disseminated to students.

Pre requisite knowledge and skills must be clearly stated and must not be too broad or too narrow for each programme or discipline.

If an interview is used, the institution must demonstrate that it is objectively and fairly structured.

Unless there are affirmative action policies, student selection must be free from discrimination and bias.

There must be a clear mechanism for appeal.

If geographically separated campuses are operated, the selection and assignment of all students must be the ultimate responsibility of the degree granting institution.

Quality development
The admission policy should be reviewed periodically to reflect the social responsibilities of the institution, the language requirements, the changing human resource and societal needs and opportunities for life long learning.
The outcome of selection and student performance should be monitored to improve the selection process if necessary.

The relationship between student selection, the educational programme and the desired characteristics of graduates should be stated.

The institution should provide a bridging programme for students who qualify but are deficient in some specific aspects.

4.2 STUDENT INTAKE

The number of students to be admitted is determined by the resources of the institution and the number of qualified applicants. When determining the size of the student body, the institution should consider the need to share resources to educate postgraduate students or other students within the university, the size and variety of other programmes, both as a responsibility and supplement to the teaching programme, and responsibilities for research, continuing education and service.

Basic standard
The size of student intake for each session must be stated and related to the capacity of the institution to effectively deliver the programme at all stages of education and training.

There must be accounting of all visiting students to assure the adequacy of the institution's resources to accommodate additional students.

Quality development
The size of student intake and the characteristics of students should be reviewed in consultation with relevant stakeholders (e.g Ministry of Human Resources) and modified periodically to meet the needs of society and the country. These needs include a consideration of gender and ethnic balance and social responsibilities such as special policies for disadvantaged/marginalized students.

4.3 TRANSFER STUDENT

The diversity of curricula requires that application for transfer between programmes or institutions be considered on an individual basis, so that both the student and the institution will be assured that courses taken previously are compatible with the programme to be entered; otherwise there should be evidence of supplementation of a student's programme after transfer. It is essential that students accepted for transfer demonstrate achievements that are comparable to those of the students in the class they seek to join.

Basic Standard
The institution must provide criteria and mechanisms to enable qualified students who do not wish to continue to transfer to an alternative programme.

Quality Development
The institution should make available bridging courses for good students who drop out of a programme to gain an alternative degree.

4.4 STUDENT SUPPORT AND COUNSELLING

Student support include physical amenities and services to facilitate learning and wholesome personal development in areas such as recreation, arts and culture, accommodation, transport, security, food, health, finance, academic advice and counseling.

Basic standard
Physical facilities and student support services must be made available.

Confidential counseling must be provided by adequate and qualified staff.

Quality development
Counseling should be based on monitoring of student progress and should address personal and social needs. These would include needs for academic advice, learning skills, career guidance, and assistance in handling health, financial, stress, emotional and spiritual problems.

4.5 STUDENT REPRESENTATION
The participation of students in various institutional activities inculcates self-confidence for leadership and provides experience in education and related matters. By involving students it will also be easier for the institution to obtain their feedback.

Basic standard
The institution must have a policy on student representation and appropriate participation in the formulation, management and evaluation of the curriculum, and in other matters relevant to students.

Quality development
Student activities and student organizations should be encouraged and facilitated to provide experience in management and governance, representation in education and related matters and social activities.