Providers may use the following pointers as a guide for the self-study report preparation:
Standard 1 – Mission and Objective
Criterion Statement
The institution’s mission and objectives are appropriate to post-secondary or tertiary education and consistent with the policies and practices that guide its operations.
Standard 1.1
The institution has a clear, well-articulated mission that represents the institution’s objectives and goals.
Example of Evidence
- The institution’s mission is documented and approved by its board or governing body.
- The mission is effectively communicated to the relevant stakeholders including prospective and enrolled students.
- The institution has clearly defined institutional goals.
- The institution’s mission is consistent with its purpose and goals.
Standard 1.2
The institution has a defined mission and objective that are appropriate to post-secondary or tertiary education and training.
Example of Evidence
- The levels of certification offered are consistent with the requirements of post-secondary or tertiary education and training.
- The goals of the institution are congruent with post-secondary or tertiary education and training.
Standard 1.3
The mission statement reflects the needs of the internal and external stakeholders.
Example of Evidence
- The mission statement clearly identifies the stakeholders the institution serves.
- There is adequate documentary evidence to indicate the input of the stakeholders in determining their needs.
- The institution’s mission statement demonstrates its commitment to the needs of all its stakeholders.
Standard 1.4
The mission is communicated to, and supported by, all stakeholders within the institution.
Example of Evidence
- The board, faculty, administration and students understand and support the institution’s mission.
- The mission statement is prominently displayed and included in all relevant official documents.
- The institution’s decision making processes are informed by its mission and objectives.
- The institution has clearly defined the roles of the internal stakeholders in achieving its mission and objectives.
- The institution has a clearly stated and published admission’s policy which is compatible with its mission and objectives
Standard 2 – Governance and Administration
Criterion Statement
The institution’s system of governance ensures ethical decision-making and efficient provision of human, physical and financial resources to effectively accomplish its educational and other purposes.
Standard 2.1
The institution’s governance and administrative structures and practices promote effective and ethical leadership that is congruent with the mission and objective of the institution.
Examples of Evidence
- The institution has a governing board/system of governance that involves participation from its stakeholders and facilitates the successful accomplishment of its mission, goals and objective.
- The institution’s board/governing body is legally constituted and has ultimate responsibility to ensure that the policies, procedures and regulations are adhered to by its stakeholders.
- The institution has documented policies and regulations that define authority and relationships among its stakeholders.
- The institution has a Director/Chief Executive Officer/Principal whose full-time or major responsibility is to manage the operations of the institution in keeping with the board/governing body’s directives.
- The system of governance makes provision for consideration of the views and judgements of its stakeholders.
- The institution has mechanisms to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of its governing body and to improve its operations.
- The institution has adequately qualified, trained and experienced staff to manage its resources.
Standard 2.2
The institution’s resource base supports the institution’s educational programmes and its plans for sustaining and improving quality.
Examples of Evidence
- The faculty plays a major role in identifying the resources required for programmes offered by the institution.
- There are adequate and appropriate resources for the educational programmes being offered.
- The institution has established mechanisms, processes and procedures to address procurement, storage and allocation of resources on a timely basis.
- The institution has established mechanisms to provide for the adequate maintenance and updating of teaching and learning resources
Standard 2.3
The institution has sound financial policies and capacity to sustain and ensure the integrity and continuity of the programme offered at the institution.
Examples of Evidence
- The institution is financially viable to ensure completion of programmes undertaken and to respond to financial emergencies or unforeseen circumstances.
- The institution has mechanisms and procedures to control its financial resources and to allocate them appropriately to achieve its educational objectives.
- The institution plans, administers and monitors its budgets and investment portfolio.
- The institution uses adequate auditing and budgetary controls and procedures in keeping with statutory requirements.
- The institution’s policies stipulate the terms and conditions for accepting gifts and/or donations from public, private and international organizations.
- The institution has mechanisms to ensure financial integrity through regular audits and reports.
- The institution has clearly stated, equitable and publicized policy related to the refund of tuition and other fees in the event that a learner does not enter and/or complete a programme.
- The institution has clearly stated, equitable and publicized policy related to the refund of tuition and other fees in the event that the institution discontinues the programme before its completion due date.
Standard 2.4
The institution’s system of governance provides for learners’ input in decision-making in matters directly and indirectly affecting them.
Examples of Evidence
- There is a functioning student governing body/guild/association.
- The roles and responsibilities of the student governing body/guild/association are clearly defined in the institution’s constitution or other supporting documentation.
- There is a constitution outlining the student governing body/guild/association’s structure and operations.
- The Minutes/Agendas/decisions of meetings are recorded and can be retrieved.
Standard 3 – Teaching and Learning
Criterion Statement
The institution provides evidence of student learning outcomes and faculty effectiveness in achieving its educational objectives and demonstrates the capability to continue to do so.
Standard 3.1
The institution has formal mechanisms and/or procedures to undertake planning and evaluation of educational programme objectives.
Examples of Evidence
- Policies and procedures exist for planning, evaluation and revision of programme objectives.
- The institution’s strategic plan considers planning and evaluation.
- Programmes are evaluated regularly to ascertain their effectiveness and relevance.
- Decisions to add or delete programmes are consistent with the institution’s resource base and students’ needs.
- Committees are established to provide direct input into the design, development, implementation and evaluation of programmes and qualifications.
