Understanding the CAA Accreditation Process in UAE's Education System
This workshop explores the preparation of self-study documents for CAA Certified Reviewer Project Commission for Academic Accreditation in the UAE. Topics covered include self-study definitions, standards, required manuals, and the accreditation process. The session aims to provide a clear understanding of self-study expectations, content, addressing standards, and required evidence.
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Workshop 1: Preparing the Self-Study Document CAA Certified Reviewer Project Commission for Academic Accreditation Ministry of Education, UAE February 2022 1
Session 2: The Self-Study Document & Standards 2019 Dr. Dawit Teklu Commissioner Commission for Academic Accreditation Ministry of Education, UAE February 2020 2
Outline Introduction Definition The Self-Study and the Standards Summary Practical Session/ Group Exercise 3
At The End Of The Session You Will Have a clear understanding of the Self-Study Including Expectations of the Commission Content of the Self-Study Addressing the Standards Required Evidence for each Standard 5
Introduction Presentation 20 minutes Guest Presentation 20 minutes Practical Session/ Group Exercise 10 minutes 6
The Purposes of Accreditation To provide assurance to the public that education provided by institutions meets acceptable levels of quality, To maintain the high quality of higher education institutions in the UAE, and To promote continuous institutional improvement 7
THE CAA ACCREDITATION PROCESS The Institution Submits a Self-Study and accompanying documents A Commissioner and External Review Team visit the Institution ERT report with decision on the Program Institutional Response Assessment of Institutional response One to three iterations if all requirements are not met Recommendation to Council of Commissioners Accreditation recommendation to the Minister 8
YOUR TURN WHAT IS A SELF-STUDY? 9
Self-Study Defined The Self-Study is a self-critical, evidence based and analytical document which clearly shows the ways in which the institution is addressing the Standards, identifies strengths and weaknesses of the academic programs, and outlines plans for addressing the weaknesses. Procedural Manual for Renewal of Program Accreditation page 4 10
Take Away from the Definition The Self-Study is Self-Critical, Evidence based, Analytical The Self-Study identifies strengths and weaknesses of the academic programs. The Self-Study outlines Plans for addressing the weaknesses. 11
YOUR TURN WHY DO INSTITUTIONS PREPARE A SELF-STUDY? WHO SHOULD TAKE PART IN THE SELF-STUDY PROCESS? 12
Purpose of the Self-Study The Self-Study Report and the Standards serve as the basis for the onsite evaluation by External Review Teams. The Self-Study plays a significant role in meeting the Expectations of the CAA. 13
WHO SHOULD TAKE PART IN THE SELF-STUDY PROCESS The Self-Study Process has to be inclusive. The Process should involve the participation of all stakeholders (Administration, Faculty, Staff, Governing Board, Students) The Document that results from such an inclusive process is always a better product. 14
Self-Study Weaknesses Idenified by Reviewers Not Analytical Don t follow the CAA specified format Very little or no evidence Don t tell the whole story Poorly put together Spelling and Grammatical Errors Poorly labeled Appendix and Supporting Documents 15
The Standards 2019 Sections of the Self-Study and the Standards Section 1: Quality Assurance (Standard 2) Section 2 :Educational Programs (Standard 3) Section 3:Research and Scholarly Activities (Standard 4) Section 4: Faculty and Professional Staff (Standard 5) Section 5: Students (Standard 6) Section 6: Learning Resource Center (Standard 8) (PLEASE REFER TO PP. 15-27 of Procedural Manual for Renewal of Program Accreditation) 16
Addressing the Standards Standard 2 Quality Assurance Section1: QualityAssurance (Standard 2) The Application for RPA includes a copy of the institution s current QualityAssurance Manual 1.1 Quality Assurance System Evidence that the results of institutional research are used to improve the program. 1.2 Continuous Quality Enhancement that benchmarking is used as part of continuous quality improvement, that the resultant improvements are monitored and evaluated. Self-Study demonstrates that the institution maintains a quality assurance unit that is adequately resourced to perform all functions and supports the program. 1.3 Quality Assurance Unit 17
Addressing the Standards Standard 3 Educational Programs Section 2: Education Programs (Standard 3) 2.1 Program Planning & Development How does the program fill the needs of students and society? Involves feasibility projection, student enrollment, graduation, a cohort analysis. Goals and outcomes of the program and any changes since the last program accreditation study, employment 2.2 Budgeting for Programs Capacity to sustain the program. Detailed budget and financial projections. If not sustainable institution is required to provide a plan for the phase out of the program. 2.3 Program Structure & Completion Requirements Course files must be available to the Review Team How does the program meet International standards? Any changes since the last program accreditation review 18
Addressing the Standards Standard 3 Educational Programs Section 2: Education Programs (Standard 3) 2.4 National Qualifications Framework (QFEmirates) PLOs are consistent with the defined level of the degree/award specified in QFEmirates. The program is designed and delivered at the appropriate level of QFEmirates. 2.5 Graduate Programs The Self-Study must show that the program puts emphasis on the development of research and other competencies expected in graduate education The Self-Study must show that General Education programs are evaluated. 2.6 General Education Address how General Education program outcomes supports the Do students who complete remedial courses progress and succeed in academic programs? 2.7 Remedial Courses 19
Addressing the Standards Standard 3 Educational Programs Section 2: Education Programs (Standard 3) 2.8 Internship or Practicum Where applicable the Self-Study must document the effectiveness of the program . The Self-Study must include a detailed Internship Manual . The philosophy for teaching in the program. Self-Study must discuss the strategy and 2.9 Teaching and Learning Methodologies What are the institutional guidelines for optimal class size? How does the institution evaluate teaching and learning in the program? How are results used to make improvements? 20
Addressing the Standards Standard 3 Educational Programs Section 2: Education Programs (Standard 3) 2.10 Student Assessment The Self-Study must provide evidence on how a variety of assessment approaches are used in the program. The Review team looks at course files for this evidence. Are the teaching strategies used in the program effective? 2.11 Course Delivery Do faculty adhere to the syllabi while delivering the courses? Are markings accurate and consistent? Again, the course files are the source of the evidence. 2.12 Course and Program Evaluation Are there appropriate policies and procedures by which the institution evaluates the effectiveness of all academic courses and programs? 21
Addressing the Standards Standard 3 Educational Programs Section 2: Education Programs (Standard 3) 2.13 Program Effectiveness The Self-Study must provide evidence of a thorough analysis and summary of the results of program effectiveness. How were the results used to make improvements in the program? Program graduate outcomes including employability should be part of the summary. Were there any CAA approved substantive changes to the program since the last program accreditation? If so the Self-Study should list them in this section. 2.14 Substantive Change for Programs 22
Addressing the Standards Standard 4 Research & Scholarly Activities Section 3: Research & Scholarly Activities (Standard 4) What it the institution s research strategy in the context of the program under review? 3.1 Strategy and Policies Are faculty research active? Are students engaged in the research? What kinds of support does the institution provide to faculty and students in the program? 3.2 Support for Research and Scholarly Activity Are the facilities and equipment appropriate for the type of research the program under review requires? Is there evidence of collaborative research with external agencies and organizations related to the program? How effective is it? How does it enrich the program? 3.3 Collaborative Research and Scholarly Activity 23
Addressing the Standards Standard 4 Research & Scholarly Activities Section 3: Research & Scholarly Activities (Standard 4) What are the research and Scholarly expectations for faculty and students? Are these expectations being met? 3.4 Expectations for Research and Scholarly Activity What does the research and scholarly activity of faculty and students in the program look like? 3.5 Research and Scholarly Outputs How does it contribute program? to improvement in the How does it impact the community and national goals? 24
Addressing the Standards Standard 5 Faculty and Professional Staff Section (Standard 5) 4: Faculty and Professional Staff The Institution is required to submit a current Faculty Manual with the Self-Study 4.1 Faculty Manual The Institution is required to submit a current Staff Manual with the Self-Study 4.2 Professional Staff Manual How does the institution recruit faculty to the program? 4.3 Recruitment and Terms of Employment What are some of the challenges and how did the institution address the challenges? The Self-Study provides information on faculty qualifications including rank, degrees earned, specialization ,institution, and demographic information. 4.4 Faculty Qualifications The review team expects to see workload and teaching assignment data 25
Addressing the Standards Standard 5 Faculty and Professional Staff Section (Standard 5) 5: Faculty and Professional Staff Here the Self-Study needs to document research activity, academic rank, supervisory experience, and high level teaching experience. 4.5 Graduate Faculty Describe the composition and profile the program professional staff. 4.6 Professional Staff Qualifications An analysis of faculty workload is required. This includes administrative duties and any assignments outside the program under review 4.7 Faculty Workload The Self-Study should talk about the adequacy of existing full and part time faculty to fully support the program in compliance with the Standards. Plans for addressing any deficiencies must also be addressed. 26
Addressing the Standards Standard 5 Faculty and Professional Staff Section (Standard 5) 4: Faculty and Professional Staff Here the focus is adherence to Stipulation 5.8 of the Standards. (Please refer to PP48-49 of the Standards) 4.8 Part-time Faculty Here the Self-Study must demonstrate the program s compliance with Stipulation 5.9 of the Standards. (Please refer to PP 49 of the Standards) 4.9 The Role of Faculty The Self-Study must show the arrangements for supporting faculty and staff professional development. The professional development budget and data on actual expenditure on PD activities must be presented 4.10 Professional Development The adherence to Stipulation 5.11 of the Standards. (Please refer to p. 50 of the Standards) Self-Study must document the programs 4.11 Employee Records 27
Addressing the Standards Standard 5 Faculty and Professional Staff Section (Standard 5) 4: Faculty and Professional Staff The Self-Study must demonstrate that the program faculty and staff are evaluated on an annual basis and professional development plans are derived from the evaluations. The reviewers expect to see evidence of this during the site visit. 4.12 Evaluation The Self-Study Must demonstrate adherence to Stipulation 5.13 of the Standards. (Please refer to p. 50 of the Standards.) 4.13 Code of Conduct The Self-Study must document there is a policy in pace and it is followed . Stipulation 5.14 of the Standards makes this clear (Refer to p, 51 of the Standards) 4.14 Disciplinary Actions and Appeals As per Stipulation 5.14,the Self-Study must document the grievance policy and procedures (Please refer to P. 51 of the Standards) 4.15 Grievances 28
Addressing the Standards Standard 5 Faculty and Professional Staff Section (Standard 5) 4: Faculty and Professional Staff The Self-Study must demonstrate the accepted use of graduate assistants in teaching Stipulation 5.16 of the Standards sets the rule. ( Please refer to p. 51 of the Standards.) 4.16 Graduate Assistants and instruction. 29
Addressing the Standards Standard 6 Students Section 5: Students (Standard 6) The institution must submit the current catalog with the Self-Study (Graduate or Undergraduate) 5.1 Catalog The undergraduate admissions details must be presented in the Self-Study and demonstrate they are in compliance with Stipulation 6.2 of the Standards. (Please refer to p.52 of the Standards.) 5.2 Undergraduates Admission The graduate admissions details must be presented in the Self-Study and demonstrate they are in compliance with Stipulation 6.2 of the Standards. (Please refer to p.52 of the Standards.) 5.3 Graduate Admission 5.4 Transfer Admission, Transfer credit & Advanced Standing The Self-Study must demonstrate the effectiveness of the arrangement if it applies to the program under review 30
Addressing the Standards Standard 6 Students Section 5: Students (Standard 6) The Self-Study must demonstrate the effectiveness of the arrangement if it applies to the program under review 5.5 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Here the Self-Study must show that the registration and records of students in the program must adhere to Stipulation 6.6 of the Standards. (Please refer to p.58 of the Standards) 5.6 Registration and Records The expectation here is documenting the types of Students services provided in the program including any financial aid and scholarship, 5.7 Student Support Services 5.8Advising Services How effective are the advising services in helping students progress through the program and graduate? 31
Addressing the Standards Standard 6 Students Section 5: Students (Standard 6) The Self-Study must document any special activities and publications associated with the program under review 5.9 Student Activities and Publications How does the program ensure academic integrity. How are violations handled and recorded? The review team will ask for evidence of adherence to the policy in place. 5.10 Student Behavior and Academic Integrity Here the focus is adherence to Stipulation 6.11 of the Standards. The Self-Study must demonstrate that there is a process in place and it is applied consistently. (Please refer to P. 59 of the Standards) 5.11 Student Appeals and Complaints 32
Addressing the Standards Standard 6 Students Section 5: Students (Standard 6) The Self-Study submission must include a current copy of the Student Handbook 5.12 Student Handbook How does the program stay on touch with Alumni? Is there an Alumni office? How does the program under review benefit from this connection? 5.13Alumni Does the program systematically gather feedback from students? 5.14 Feedback from students How is the feedback used to improve the program and the institution as a whole? 33
Addressing the Standards Standard 8 Learning Resources Center Section 6: Learning Resources Center (Standard 8) The Self-Study must demonstrate the effectiveness of the LRC to aid teaching and learning in the program. (Please refer to Stipulation 8.1 of the Standards P.64) 6.1 LRC Facilities and Infrastructure Here the Self-Study must show the adequacy of the LRC staff to support the program. (Please refer to Stipulation 8.2 of the Standards P.64) 6.2 Staff The Self-Study must include detailed timed-action plans to address any deficiencies in the LRC. 6.3 Operations The self-Study must provide an evaluation of the LRC resources both print and electronic. 6.4 Electronic and Non-electronic Collections The currency and relevancy of the collection for teaching and research must be addressed in the Self- Study 34
Addressing the Standards Standard 8 Learning Resources Center 6: Learning Resources Center (Standard 8) 6.1 LRC Facilities and Infrastructure Is there adequate space? Stipulation 8.1 Sufficient qualified staff ? Stipulation 8.2. number of professionally 6.2 Staff Detailed plan to address any deficiencies 6.3 Operations 6.4 Electronic and Non-electronic Collections Evaluation of the LRC Resources. Wide involvement in the development of collections. What kinds of arrangements are there with other LRCs and agencies? 6.5 Cooperative Agreements 35
In Summary The Self-Study is a required Document for the Accreditation Process It MustAddress all the Standards It has to be Analytical, Self-Critical, Evidence Based Identifies Strengths & Weaknesses of the Program Has to Include Plans for Addressing weaknesses of the Program 36
Practical Session/ Group Exercise Group Assignment Section 2 Educational Programs (Standard 3) Reflecting back on the material presented please address the following questions Outline a process for writing Section 2 Educational Programs of the Self-Study Who would you involve in the process of writing the section ? How would you ensure Section 2 of the Self-Study properly addresses Standard 3 ? How would you address the strengths and weaknesses of the program in the Self-Study ? 39
