Guidelines on Standards

9. CONTINUOUS RENEWAL

Society demands increasing accountability from universities. For example, universities are expected to produce graduates who are relevant and who meet the needs of society and the nation at a cost that is effective and quality that is assured. Needs on the other hand are constantly changing because of the explosive growth in global knowledge and advancements in science, technology as well as education that are rapidly disseminated through electronic networks. In facing these challenges universities, as dynamic learning organisations need to continually and systematically review and monitor the various aspects issues that impact on education so that programmes can be smoothly planned in a constantly changing environment.

The issues include:

=>Continuous adaptation of the mission and objectives of the institution to the scientific, socio-economic and cultural development of society.

=>Modification of the required competencies of the graduating students in accordance with documented needs of the environment graduates will enter.
Adaptation of the curricular design and instructional methods to ensure that these are appropriate and relevant.

=>Adjustment of curricular elements and their relationships in keeping with knowledge development in the relevant disciplines and the changes in society. The adjustment shall assure that new relevant knowledge, concepts and methods are included and outdated ones discarded.

=>Review of assessment approaches and student achievement, methods and the number of examinations according to changes in the educational objectives and teaching-learning methods.

=>Adaptation of student recruitment policy and selection methods to changing expectations and circumstances, human resource needs, changes in the pre-university education system and the requirements of the educational programme.

=>Adaptation of academic staff recruitment and staffing policy according to changing needs of the institution.

=>Updating of educational resources according to new needs such as changes in the size of student intake, size and profile of academic staff, the educational programme and contemporary educational principles.

=>Refinement of programme monitoring and the system of evaluating student performance.

=>Development of the organizational structure and management principles in order to cope with changing circumstances and needs of the institution over time.

=>Building relationships and accommodating to the interests of the different groups of stakeholders.

Basic standard
The institution must establish dynamic policies, procedures and mechanisms for regular reviewing and updating of its structure, functions, strategies and core activities to assure quality and must rectify documented deficiencies.

Quality development
The process of continuous improvement should be based on prospective studies and analyses and should lead to the revisions of the policies and practices of the institution in accordance with past experience, present activities and future perspectives.