Guidelines on Standards

8. LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE

There are many ways of administering an educational institution and the methods of management also differ between institutions. Nevertheless, governance that reflects the leadership of an academic organization must emphasis excellence and scholarship. It is very crucial that leadership at the various levels of the university provide clear guidelines and direction, builds relationship amongst different categories of based on collegiality and transparency and manage finances and other resources with accountability in achieving the mission and goals. Every university must have the structure and decision-making processes that emphasizes in all academic and scholarly activities.

The university leadership should forge smart partnerships with significant stakeholders in educational delivery, research and consultancy. Whilst formalised arrangements can protect these relationships, they are best developed by an ethos of reciprocity and open communication.

8.1 GOVERNANCE

Basic standard
Governance structures and functions of the institution and their relationships within the university must be defined and translated to the various levels of management with a balance of power that is based on transparency, equality, objectivity, authority and accountability.

The institution must have the appropriate authority for the curriculum and mechanisms for resource allocation to ensure attainment of the programme objectives, including courses conducted by other faculties or other agencies.

Quality development
Governance should set out the committee structure responsible for the educational programme.

Governance should reflect the representation of academic staff, students and other stakeholders.

8.2 ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP

Basic standard
The criteria and responsibilities of the academic leadership of the institution and for the educational programme must be clearly stated and filled by those with the qualification and experience.

Quality development
The academic leadership should be evaluated at defined intervals with respect to achievement of the mission and objectives of the institution.

8.3 ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF AND QUALITY MANAGEMENT

Basic standard:
The administrative staff of the institution must be appropriate and sufficient to support the implementation of the educational programme and other activities and to ensure good management and deployment of the resources.

Quality development
The management should establish a quality assurance programme and proactively submit itself to regular review.

8.4 INTERACTION WITH EXTERNAL SECTORS

Basic standard
The institution must have a constructive and proactive mechanism for cooperation with external stakeholders.

Quality development
The collaboration with external sectors should be formalized through memoranda of understanding and agreement and should be followed by actions.