Centre for Internal Quality Assurance (CIQA)
Comprehensive internal quality assurance system for providing high-quality programmes of higher education in the Open and Distance Learning mode.
Objectives and Functions
The objective of establishment of Centre for Internal Quality Assurance (CIQA) is to develop and put in place a comprehensive and dynamic internal quality assurance system to provide high quality programmes of higher education in the Open and Distance Learning mode.
Activities of Centre for Internal Quality Assurance
Prepare a Programme Project Report for each programme according to the norms and guidelines prescribed by the Commission and wherever necessary by the appropriate regulatory authority having control over the programme.
Get the Programme Project Report approved by the appropriate authority of the Higher Educational Institution and the Commission before launch of the programme.
Oversee the development of Study Learning Material (SLM), integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), setting up of Learning Centres and coordination with the parent institution and relevant Regulatory authorities.
Put in place monitoring mechanism to ensure the proper implementation of Programme Project Reports.
Design annual plans for quality level enhancement at the level of the Higher Educational Institution and ensure their implementation.
Arrange for feedback responses from students, employers and other stakeholders for quality related institutional processes.
Develop quality benchmarks or parameters for the various academic and administrative activities of the Higher Educational Institution.
Obtain information from other Higher Educational Institutions on various quality benchmarks or parameters and best practices.
Organise workshops or seminars on quality related themes and Higher Educational Institution wise dissemination of the proceedings of such activities.
Suggest restructuring of programmes in order to make them relevant to the job market.
Develop and implement innovative practices in major areas leading to quality enhancement in services to the learners.
Create learner centric environment rather than institution centric environment.
Cultivate creativity and innovation in the faculty and staff.
Adopt measures to ensure internalisation and institutionalisation of quality enhancement practices through periodic accreditation and audit.
Conduct or encourage system based research to bring about qualitative change in the entire system.
Coordinate between the Higher Educational Institution and the Commission for various quality related issues or guidelines.
Record activities undertaken on quality assurance in the form of an annual report.
Coordinate recognition and accreditation of the Higher Educational Institution.
It will be mandatory for all Higher Educational Institution to submit Annual Reports to its Statutory Authorities or Bodies about the activities undertaken by Centre for Internal Quality Assurance during the financial year.
Establishment of Centre for Internal Quality Assurance
Director
The Centre for Internal Quality Assurance will be established in all Higher Educational Institutions offering programmes in Open and Distance Learning mode and should be headed by a full-time Director, being a senior academician of the rank of Professor, supported by adequate academic and other staff.
CIQA Committee
A Centre for Internal Quality Assurance Committee should be constituted, chaired by its Director and consisting of academic staff and internal quality auditors nominated from various functions or departments of the Higher Educational Institution.