ESTABLISHMENT OF QUALITY ENHANCEMENT CELLS AT PUBLIC SECTOR UNIVERSITIES (HEC)

Transcription

1 ESTABLISHMENT OF QUALITY ENHANCEMENT CELLS AT PUBLIC SECTOR UNIVERSITIES (HEC) Prepared by Ms. Fakiha Zafar Training Coordinator Higher Education Commission H-9, Islamabad August 2006

2 GOVERNMENT OF PAKISTAN PLANNING COMMISSION PC-1 FORM (SOCIAL SECTORS) 1 Name of the Project Establishment of Quality Enhancement Cells at Public Sector Universities (HEC) 2 Location All Pakistan 3 Authority responsible for: i. Sponsoring Higher Education Commission Islamabad ii. Execution Higher Education Commission Islamabad iii. Operation and maintenance Concerned University/Institution and Higher Education Commission iv. Concerned federal ministry Higher Education Commission 4 Plan Provision 5 Project objectives and its relationship with Sect-oral objectives 1 HEC has an allocation of billion for the next five years in MTD Framework. The project falls under the head Infrastructure Development in the 5 years plans for higher education. The proj ect has been incl uded in the PSDP (HEC # 322) and Rs mill ion has been allocated in the FY Sector Issues: Obsolete infrastructure at universities for research in science and technology. Inadequate scientific and technological manpower and no emphasis on faculty training/development. Sector Strategy: Infrastructure development at universities would be undertaken to enhance quality of research. Pakistan needs to develop a sound base of technological manpower in emerging and market based technologies. Priority would be given to disciplines like Engineering Sciences, Genetic Engineering, Material Sciences, Microelectronics, Robotics, Mechatronics, Space Sciences, Information Technology and renewable energy technology, Water Resource development etc. to excel at international level.

3 Objective of the Project: The project will cater for the financial requirements for the establishment of Quality Enhance Cells (QEC) at 20 public universities and also for Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) established at HEC. QAA is responsible for designing and monitoring of quality assurance program of institutions of higher learning across country. The general purpose of the project is to build the capacity of higher education institutions to meet the rising global challenges in quality assurance and improved levels of international compatibility and competitiveness of our graduates through a systematic training program. The project will help develop a cadre of Master Trainers for Quality Assurance in higher education institutions through foreign training of professionals. The specific objective of the project is: 6 Description, justification and technical parameters Establishment of 20 Quality Enhancement Cells at public sector universities throughout the country to implement the quality assurance program. General Description: With quantum increase in the budget grants for the higher education sector of the country it is now possible and logical to lay stress on the quality component outputs of higher learning and, therefore, to bring about the revolutionary changes and to improve the quality of output and efficiency of the higher education learning systems, a viable and sustainable Quality Assurance mechanism is essentially required. The Quality Assurance Agency will directly monitor and improve the standards of quality of higher education in a systematic way with uniformity across country. It will help to introduce an enabling learning environment which is fostering element for building a knowledge economy. The Agency will contribute substantially in the success of other programs of higher learning such as faculty, curriculum and infrastructure development. The Quality Assurance Agency will also be responsible to assure the integration of important components of Quality in all developing fields and coming policies of higher education 2

4 Project Related Description: In order to look after the key issue of Quality Assurance in the knowledge being imparted by all higher education institutions of Pakistan the Chairman Higher Education Commission constituted a Quality Assurance Committee in the first quarter of year 2003 with the objective of developing guidelines for a viable system of quality assurance in higher education sector and improved learning environment. The Committee was composed of Vice-Chancellors of various public and private sector universities and representatives of HEC. The list of committee members is given below: 1. Dr. Abdul Raouf, Chairman, Institute of Management and Technology, Lahore. 2. Dr. Bashir Ahmad, Vice-Chancellor, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. 3. Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Taj, Vice- Chancellor, University of Balochistan, Quetta. 4. Dr. Syed Zahoor Hassan, Vice Chancellor, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore. 5. Dr. A.Q.K Rajput, Vice-Chancellor, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro. 6. Dr. Najma Najam, Vice-Chancellor, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi 7. Dr. S. Sohail H. Naqvi, Executive Director, Higher Education Commission, Islamabad. 8. Prof. Dr. Haroon Rasheed, Vice- Chancellor, University of Peshawar, Peshawar 9. Prof. Dr. Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, Vice-Chancellor,University of Karachi, Karachi 10. Prof. Dr. Riaz Hussain Qureshi, Advisor Quality Assurance & Learning Innovation, HEC. Islamabad. 11. Mr. Jalil Ahmad, Director General Strategic Vision and Quality Assurance, Higher Education Commission, Islamabad Ms. Zia Batool, Program Coordinator QAA, HEC, Islamabad The Quality Assurance Committee is holding regular meetings at various higher education institutions. These meetings of the committee are some times combined with Seminars on relevant topics to get feed back from all stakeholders and to increase the sense of ownership regarding Quality Assurance policies. The committee 3

5 strongly recommended developing Quality Enhancement Cells at all universities with a special focus on Quality of higher education in the country. The whole program of Quality Assurance in higher education will be executed by all Quality Enhancement Cells established at all universities. All these Quality Enhancement Cells will be regulated and facilitated by the Quality Assurance Agency established at HEC according to rules provision under the Ordinance of HEC 2002, Section 10 (e). HEC has successfully launched 10 Quality Enhancement Cells in public sector universities under the project Quality Assurance Agency with a capital cost of Rs million. The executing agency has achieved the goals of previous project and through this present project, 20 more Quality Enhancement Cells will be established in 20 more public sector universities. Achievements of the project Quality Assurance Agency : Under the project, Quality Enhancement Cells have been established in the following 10 public universities. (i). University of Karachi, Karachi (ii). University of Engg and Technology, Lahore (iii). University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Muzaffarabad (iv). Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro Sindh (v). University of Peshawer, Peshawar (vi). National University of Science and Technology, Rawalpindi (vii). University of Balochistan, Quetta (viii). Agriculture University, Faisalabad (ix). The University of Punjab, Lahore (x). Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad 4 Quality Assurance Agency has been set up at HEC, Islamabad. Guidelines developed by QAA for the implementation of the Quality Assurance mechanism in the universities have been circulated among the QECs for further implementation. Necessary infrastructure and funds have been provided to establish these QECs. Extensive capacity building programs have been carried out for the QAA and QEC staff on national/international level on the subject of quality assurance. QAA has been actively involved in the establishment of Accreditation Councils. In this regard National Computing

6 Education Accreditation Councils & National Agriculture Education Accreditation Council have been established, whereas Pakistan Business Education Accreditation Council & Pakistan Teachers Education Accreditation Councils are in the process of establishment. Coordination has been developed with existing councils. For details on Physical progress of QECs see Annex -7 Technical Parameters: The Quality Assurance Agency (Q.A.A.) is established with the following mission and objectives. i. Mission: To integrate the concept of quality assurance in higher learning with enhanced levels of international compatibility through capacity building. ii. Vision Statement: Developing a viable and sustainable mechanism of quality assurance in higher learning sector to meet the rising challenges of transforming the country into a knowledge economy. iii. Goals: The Quality Assurance Agency has been established at HEC as a policy making and monitoring body and it is a source of capacity building for quality assurance and enhancement in higher education sector of the country. The policies designed to achieve the following goals will be implemented through Quality Enhancement Cells which are in the process of establishment at all public sector higher education institutions in a phased program. The Quality Assurance Agency is established to achieve the following goals. Policy making and developing practical guidelines of quality assurance in cross cutting areas of higher learning. Developing guidelines for establishing of Quality Enhancement Cells and Monitoring & Evaluation of these QEC s. Capacity building to enhance the standards of quality assurance in higher education at national level 5

7 Organizational Setup of Quality Assurance Agency (QAA): The QAA has been established at HEC headquarter and it will plan, implement and evaluate the whole program of quality assurance and enhancement. The Agency will be headed by a Managing Director whose services will be hired against the criteria required to meet the needs for Quality Assurance in the global context. The Managing Director QAA has to report directly to the Adviser (QA&LI). The Head of the Agency is provided with supporting staff accordingly. Functions of Quality Assurance Agency: The QAA is established at HEC to perform the following functions: 6 a) Developing practical guidelines and policies for establishing Quality Enhancement Cells at public sector universities for integration of quality assurance in higher education b) Monitoring& Evaluation of all Quality Enhancement Cells. c) The Head of Quality Assurance Agency will be responsible for visiting/cause visitation of the Quality Enhancement Cells for monitoring and evaluation of the activities and uniformity of pace and standards across country d) Capacity building of selected professional staff of Quality Enhancement Cells to serve as Master Trainers after training in Quality Assurance to increase the levels of international compatibility through skill enhancement in the respective field. e) Hiring the services of foreign experts, having practical exposure and experience of academic quality assurance for conducting training/workshops/seminars for the capacity building of QAA & QEC staff. f) Professional staff of Quality Assurance Agency will be sent to attend the training programme in the field of quality assurance to technologically advanced countries. After receiving international

8 training in quality assurance of higher education, they will serve as Master Trainers for capacity building training of professional staff of Quality Enhancement Cell in turn. Organizational Setup of Quality Enhancement Cells (QECs): The Quality Assurance Agency will establish Quality Enhancement Cells at all public sector universities and higher education institutions in a phased manner. The detailed guide lines for the establishment of these QECs are given as Annex 6. During the phase-i of the project, 10 QECs have been established at various locations covering all four provinces, Federal area and AJK. During this project, another slot of twenty more QECs will be selected covering all provinces, Federal areas and AJK in the same manner. All the remaining public higher education institutions will be covered in a phased manner. The private sector universities/ higher education institutions will also be involved in this process through the establishment of QEC at an appropriate time. The Quality Assurance Agency will facilitate the functioning and funding of these QECs. These Cells will be operated at universities and will be headed by Professionals equivalent to status of a Professor in BPS 20. The guidelines for hiring the services of heads of the QECs have been developed by Quality Assurance Agency to maintain the uniformity of standard across country (Please see Annex V for detail of guidelines). The heads of these Cells are also provided with support staff accordingly. The Universities may hire the QEC staff on contract or regular basis according to need for effective functioning of QEC. In case of regular employees, the salary may be set according to regular BPS. Justification Higher Education Commission vision for a knowledge based economy can only be achieved through quality of education. The present status of higher education institutions is not compatible with the international standards. In order to enhance the standard of our higher learning institutions there should be a mechanism for the assessment of current situation to recommend/ 7

9 introduce interventions for improvement in the higher education. Internationally, Quality Assurance Agencies are established & working for the said purposes. Keeping in view the importance of the cause and recognizing the need, DDWP in a meeting held on the approved the establishment of Quality Assurance Agency in Pakistan. In fact, the proposal put forward here is in compliance of the DDWP decision to extend this project into second phase after the completion of the first phase which was a sort of the pilot project for this phase. During the first phase, the objectives have been achieved successfully through the establishment of 10 fully functional QECs.The QEC funds have been released and IT equipments have been handed over to the QECs. ( detail Annex VII) The Quality Assurance Agency will strengthen the existing policies and standards of quality in higher education sector and it will further enhance the quality of sector as a whole with greater international compatibility. The Quality Assurance Agency will design and regulate the policies for strengthening the existing systems of higher education and will also be responsible for developing guidelines to increase the connectivity of Quality Assurance with all other relevant programs such as faculty development, examination systems and curriculum development at country level. The enhanced levels of Quality in higher learning will also provide support to foster the development in other sectors of the economy like industries, agriculture, trade and commerce and services by developing human resources as an out put of high quality systems of higher learning and research. The employment prospects of graduates after the implementation of Quality Assurance Programme are is expected to improve significantly. The employment policies in public sector organizations are not gender specific and hence there are equal job opportunities without any gender bias. It is estimated that ample employment opportunities will be generated for professionals and support staff to conduct the program of establishing quality enhancement 8

10 program at universities. All the higher education systems of country will be benefited from this program of Quality Assurance and all the stakeholders i.e. students, faculty members, administrators and policy makers of higher education sector will be considered as participants of the program to assure its ownership and success. 7 Capital cost estimates Rs million (Annex -1 for details). 8 Annual operating and maintenance cost Rs million per QEC after completion of the Project 9 Demand and supply analysis Changing and competitive world, education is the master keys for respectable survival and progress. This can only be achieved due to diversity and flexibility that can be built on a coherent policy and funds base that recognizes a new priority particularly for higher education in the country. The fundamental reality is that Pakistani educational institutions are underresourced. Pakistan needs a pool of high quality human capital capable of innovation, forward thinking and professional quality management. The quality education system is very important to ensure an adequate supply of qualified, highly skilled and well-trained graduates. 10 Financial Plan and mode of financing The source of Funding will be Government of Pakistan through HEC PSDP. 11 Project benefits and analysis i. Financial The project will uplift the status (infrastructure, research, faculty, teaching etc) of the local institutions, increasing the demand for Pakistani institutions in the international market. The productivity of the institutions will be improved and increased through quality research, quality students etc which will contribute in the economic uplift of country. ii. Social benefits with indicators (a) Direct benefits (no. of persons served) 9 1. Overall improvement in quality of higher education on sustainable basis across board. 2. Capacity building of higher education institutions to meet the rising needs of modern world with the objective of increased international compatibility and competitiveness. 3. Uniformity of policies and standards with

11 practices of effective and efficient Quality Assurance mechanism at country level. 4. Mainstreaming the concept of Quality Assurance in cross cutting areas of higher learning required for creating an enabling learning and research environment at national level. (b) Indirect and other benefits (contributions toward specific targets/social objectives) 1. Significant contribution in development of other sectors of economy connected with higher learning such as industries, agriculture and services. 2. Developing a culture of excellence in higher education sector 3. Mainstreaming a cadre of social elites for socioeconomic development of Pakistan (c) Other socio-economic benefits/ disadvantages which are likely to accrue as a result of the project The quality of knowledge being imparted in higher education institutions and universities will be significantly improved with the help of Quality Assurance Agency. The enhancement in international compatibility of higher education sector of Pakistan and human resources development with a learned core of social elites to serve as leaders for transforming in to a knowledge economy. iii. Employment generation (direct and indirect) 10 (i) During Implementation of Project The implementation of the project required immediate establishment of Quality Assurance Agency at HEC. This created employment opportunity for one high level professional whose services will be hired equivalent to a salary package of PAK Rupees 80,000 per month, three mid level professional and support staff persons. For each of the 20 QECs, one professional will be hired against BPS 20(or equivalent)., one professional staff will be hired against BPS 18 (or equivalent).and one Professional will be hired against BPS 16(or equivalent) along with two support staff for each QEC. (ii) During Operation of the project If total 56 Quality Enhancement Cells will be established at all public sector higher education institutions under the umbrella of Quality

12 Assurance Agency, ample employment will be generated for professionals and support staff. iv. Environmental impact No hazards are foreseen as the result of implementation of the Project v. Impact of delays on project cost and viability The delay in release of the project funds will cause an obstacle for the timely purchase of items for QECs as the cost of the items may get changed with time. The staff salaries will not be released in time which will also severely affect the establishment of project activities. 12 Implementation schedule Project will be implemented in 12 months 13 Management structure and manpower requirements including Specialized skills during execution and operational phases The project will be implemented by HEC. HEC has the basic infrastructure and facility to execute this mega project. Management structure and manpower requirements a) Administrative arrangements for implementation of the project. a) Advisory Body: The advisory body for Quality Assurance Agency will be existing Quality Assurance Committee working under the umbrella of HEC. The Managing Director Quality Assurance Agency may take advice from Committee in consultation with the Adviser (QA&LI)/Executive Director and Chairman HECas per requirement b) Reporting Authority: The Managing Director Quality Assurance Agency will be reporting directly to the Adviser (QA&LI) HEC. Manpower requirements during execution and operation of the project be provided by skills/profession. The project shall be implemented with the support of QAA. The staff required for execution is shown in Annex-2&3. 11

13 14 Additional projects/decisions required to maximize socio-economic benefits from the proposed project Being the principal accounting officer, Executive Director, HEC with help of administrative staff will take the decisions required for implementation of the project and maximize socio economics benefit. 15 Certified that the project proposal has been prepared on the basis of instructions provided by the Planning Commission for the preparation of PC-I for Social Sector projects. Prepared by (Ms.Fakiha Zafar Training Coordinator QAA Higher Education Commission, Islamabad Phone #: Checked by Ms. Zia Batool Consultant QA Higher Education Commission, Islamabad Phone# Dr. Riaz Hussain Qureshi Advisor )QA&LI) Higher Education Commission, Islamabad Phone #: Approved by Prof. Dr. S. Sohail H. Naqvi Executive Director Higher Education Commission Islamabad Phone # Dated: 17 th August

14 Annex-1 Capital Cost SN Item Cost (m. Rs.) Detail 1 Office Equipment for 20 QECs Annexure-2 2 Operational Cost of 20 QECs Annexure-3 3 Operational Cost of QAA Annexure-4 Total

15 Annex-2 Detail of Office Equipment for 20 Quality Enhancement Cells SN Items Quantity Rate (Rs) Estimated Cost (million Rs.) 1 Computers (2 computer per QEC) 2 Fax machine (one per QEC) 40 50, , Telephone (one per QEC) 4 Photocopier (one per QEC) 5 Laser Printers (one per QEC) 20 2, , , Total

16 Annex-3 Detail of Operational Cost of 20 Quality Enhancement Cells SN Item Cost per QEC (M. Rs.) No of QECs Total Cost (m. Rs) 1 Staff Salary (Detail Below) 2 Research/ workshops/ Seminars 3 Travel Expenditure Telephone/ fax/ mail bills Miscellaneous (Stationery etc) Total Staff Salary for One Quality Enhancement Cell SN Position/Title No. of Positions Monthly Salary (Rs.) Annual Salary (m. Rs) 1 Dean/Director/Advisor 01 40, BPS 20 2 Deputy Director 01 20, BPS 18 3 Data Analyst 01 15, BPS 16 4 Personal Assistant 01 10, BPS 11 5 Naib Qasid 01 5, BPS 1 Total for One QEC The salary mentioned in the PC1 against all posts is the minimum contribution from HEC. The universities may enhance the package as per requirement and the salaries may be readjusted under the total budget. 2. After the establishment year, the QEC expenditure will be met from the recurring budget of the university. 15

17 Annex-4 Detail of Operational Cost of Quality Assurance Agency SN Item Total Cost (m. Rs) 1 Staff Salary (Detail Below) Office equipment & Furniture (Detail Below) Travel Expenditure (within country) Foreign Training Seminar/Workshops Research Publications Telephone /Fax/Mail bills Miscellaneous (stationery, and other unforeseen) Total Staff Salary for Quality Assurance Agency SN Position/Title No. of Monthly Salary Annual Salary Positions (Rs.) (m. Rs) 1 Managing Director 01 80, Program Coordinator 01 35, Training Coordinator 01 30, Office Manger 01 20, Data Analyst 01 15, PA/Stenographer 01 10, Office Assistant 02 6, UDC 01 5, Driver 01 5, Naib Qasid 02 4, Total

18 Detail of Office Equipment and Furniture for QAA SN Items Quantity Rate (Rs) Estimated Cost (million Rs.) 1 Computers 02 50, Laptop , Photocopier , Digital Camera 01 45, Laser Printers 01 20, Furniture Total

19 Guidelines for Selection Criteria of Head of QEC Annex-5 The status of head of all QECs will be equivalent to Dean. The salary will be offered in a package of Rs. 40,000 per month inclusive of all. The successful candidate must have a clear vision and depth of knowledge in the field of Quality Assurance and Higher Education. (These qualities will be judged by a power point presentation by all short listed candidates). The qualification requirement for this vacancy will be Masters/PhD in any relevant discipline from a recognized university/institution of higher education. Successful candidate must have experience of minimum five years out of which minimum two years should be in the relevant field. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential Strong analytical and writing skills are prerequisite for this vacancy. Experience in Quality Assurance and Quality Management will be preferred. 18

20 Guidelines for Establishing Quality Enhancement Cells Annex-6 1. The Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) is to be headed by a Dean reporting directly to Vice Chancellor/Rector. He is to be correspondent with the outside bodies. 2. QEC is responsible for promoting public confidence that the quality and standards of the award of degrees are enhanced and safeguarded. 3. QEC is responsible for the review of quality standards and the quality of teaching and learning in each subject area. 4. QEC is responsible for the review of academic affiliations with other institutions in terms of effective management of standards and quality of programs. 5. QEC is responsible for defining clear and explicit standards as points of reference to the reviews to be carried out. It should also help the employees to know as to what they could expect from candidates. 6. QEC is responsible to develop qualifications framework by setting out the attributes and abilities that can be expected from the holder of a qualification, i.e. Bachelors, Bachelor with Honors, Master s, M. Phil., Doctoral. 7. QEC is responsible to develop program specifications. These are standard set of information clarifying what knowledge, understanding, skills and other attributes a student will have developed on successfully completing a specific program. 8. QEC is responsible to develop quality assurance processes and methods of evaluation to affirm that the quality of provision and the standard of awards are being maintained and to foster curriculum, subject and staff development, together with research and other scholarly activities. 9. QEC is responsible to ensure that the university s quality assurance procedures are designed to fit in with the arrangements in place nationally for maintaining and improving the quality of Higher Education. 10. QEC is responsible to develop procedures for the following: Approval of new program Annual Monitoring and evaluation including program monitoring, Faculty monitoring, and student perceptions. Departmental review Student feedback Employer feedback Quality assurance of Master s, M.Phil and PhD degree programs Subject review Institutional assessment Program specifications Qualification framework. 19

21 ANNEX 7 OVERVIEW OF TEN QUALITY ENHANCEMENT CELLS ESTABLISHED UNDER QAA A Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) has been established at HEC, Islamabad for integrating the concept of Quality in higher learning institutions of Pakistan through the establishment of Quality enhancement Cells (QECs) in all public and private universities in a phased manner. The function of the QECs is to uplift the standard of institutions by developing and implementing the measures of quality assurance in higher learning institutions under the guidelines provided by HEC. The QAA aims to cover all the public and private institution under this program in a phased manner. During the first phase of the establishment of QAA, 10 QEC s have been established in the following universities, which are different stages of establsihemnet:- 1. University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 2. University of Karachi, Karachi 3. University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 4. University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Muzaffarabad 5. Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro Sindh 6. University of Peshawer, Peshawar 7. National University of Science and Technology, Rawalpindi 8. University of Baluchistan, Quetta 9. The University of Punjab, Lahore 10. Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 1. QUALITY ENHANCEMENT CELL, AGRICULTURE UNIVERSITY FAISALABAD The University of Agriculture, Faisalabad started working for the establishment of QA mechanism with effect from September 2004 and made commendable performance during the short span of time. The QEC UAF is performing substantially well amongst all QECs. Separate office for the Quality Enhancement Cell was established on 4 th Jan The university Vice Chancellor constituted a committee consisting of four senior faculty members on 25 th November 2005 for formal implementation of the QA mechanism until the permanent recruitments for the QEC are made. New recruitments for Data Analyst and Naib Qasid have been made whereas a PA s recruitment is arranged from regular staff of university temporarily. The post of Head of QEC has been advertised twice but no suitable candidate found and the post has been advertised against the regular post for the Director QEC. Both the Program Team and Assessment Teams have been constituted in each department. Four proformas of Self assessment have been circulated among all the teaching departments. Feed back on three proforma i.e Faculty Course Review Report, Student Course Evaluation Questionnaire, Research Student Progress Review Form have been filled nad submitted by all the departments and entered into the database, based on which the Self Assessment teams will further evaluate the respective program. The Teachers Evaluation Forms are evaluated for their best teachers Award for the year

22 The QEC organized a four day orientation workshop from 7 th July to 14 th 2005 and a one day workshop on role and functions of the QEC on 31 st May 2006 for the awareness of the faculty members of the university. All the monthly meetings and workshops at HEC have been attended. QEC UAF holds monthly meetings of its members to discuss the matters thoroughly. An informative QEC website has been developed with address Future vision: 12 departments have submitted the Self Assessment Reports and reminders have been send to the remaining departments. Based on the SAR, visit program will be scheduled for the SA teams. The proforma for survey of alumni and employers will be circulated during the second year of establishment of QEC as desired by HEC. Ranking of departments and the decision making summary will be submitted to the Vice Chancellor 2. QUALITY ENHANCEMENT CELL, UNIVERSITY OF PESHAWAR The University of Peshawar started working for the establishment of QEC w.e.f 01 November 2004 i.e before the project was approved. Thus QEC Peshawar has made significant progress: A well furnished and well equipped QEC office has been established at the Vice Chancellor s secretariat. All the permanent QEC staff as mentioned in PC-1 has been recruited after fulfillment of the formal procedure. Dr. Mohammed Arfan was working as Director QEC since November 1004 April 2006 and successfully implemented the QEC activities. However, since April 2006 Mr. Mohammed Taimur is heading the QEC as Full time Director QEC. The Program Teams (Self Assessment Teams) have been constituted for 37 departments where as the remaining 4 departments have been advised for PT formation till September Three proformas regarding the Student Program Completion Survey, Student Course completion questionnaire and Teachers evaluation Questionnaire have been circulated among the Departments and feed back has been obtained from 16 departments. Self Assessment Reports of 14 out of 48 departments/institutes for session received along with analysis report by the SATs. These reports will be discussed in the Deans Committee in September. The Dean QEC through consultation with the Deans of Faculties and Vice Chancellor formulated a Mission Statement and Vision Statement for the first time for the University of Peshawar and made available on QEC website. A two days workshop has been organized by the QEC on 19 th and 20 th June 2006 to educate the faculty about the self assessment model of HEC. As nominated by HEC, Dr. Mohammed Arfan, Director QEC attended a workshop on Academic Quality Audit in Australia. All the three workshops and four monthly meeting organized at HEC have also been attended. The QEC University of Peshawar is first to launch its official website as Future vision 21

23 The proforma for the Graduating Students Survey and Faculty Resumes have been circulated, response awaited. The Student Program Completion Survey, Student Course completion questionnaire for the year 2006 has also been circulated, response awaited. Formation of Assessment Teams by the Vice Chancellor by the end of September after the review of SAR in the Deans Committee. 3. NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, RAWALPINDI The National University of Science and Technology, Rawalpindi started working for the establishment of QEC w.e.f 16 th May 2005 i.e just after the formal approval of the project. Initially, the QEC implemented the QA process with a fast pace, however the quality and quantity of performance is maintained: QEC office was established in August All the three permanent staff has been recruited and Naib Qasid has been provided by the university. Local QECs (Program Teams) have been established at all the NUST Institution situated at different locations. The local QECs have distributed proformas regarding the Faculty Course Review, Student Course Evaluation, Annual Academic Program Monitoring, Student Program Completion and M.Phil/ P.hd Research Student Progress Review Form on 29 th August 2005 and are at different stages of the collection of information. The local QECs report back to their Commandants of the institutions and record is maintained at the local QEC level. QEC organized a workshop on QA in HE in April 2006 to orientation to the QECs about the general concept of quality in reference to education. No separate QEC website has yet been developed, however useful information regarding the QA System has been uploaded the NUST website. The Director QEC has visited Kungliga Tekniska Hogskolan (KTH), the Royal Institute of technology at Sweden and discussed issues regarding the faculty development and quality assurance. All the three workshops and monthly meetings of the QECs organized by HEC are successfully attended. Dr. Abdul Nabi, Director QEC was also nominated by HEC to attend a workshop on Academic Quality Audit in Australia but due to some personal reasons the workshop was not attended. Future Vision Conduct regular meetings of the local QECs for frequent interaction and to define the direction of work. To develop a feed back mechanism to keep central record at the QEC NUST. 4. QUALITY ENHANCEMENT CELL, UNIVERSITY OF BALUCHISTAN, QUETTA The University of Baluchistan established QEC with the appointment of the Director QEC in February 2004; however the proper functioning of QEC started from June 2005 with the release of first installment of Rs.0.3 million. 22

24 The recruitment of three permanent staff has been carried out but no permanent Director QEC has so far been recruited. Dr. Abdul Nabi is looking after the QEC matters as an addition assignment from the university Vice Chancellor. The post of Director QEC has not yet been advertised. Program teams have been constituted for all departments. Feed back on the two proformas regarding the Student Course Evaluation Questionnaire and Student Program Completion Survey is collected and evaluation has been made for individual departments and evaluation at the faculty level is under process. The evaluation report will be submitted to the university authorities with during the month of September Orientation for the PTs of the Faculty of science and faculty of Arts has been done Director QEC attended a National conference on Quality Assurance in Education September at Lahore The QEC has developed website and placed relevant information on its website Future vision Formation of Assessment Teams Implementation of proformas regarding the graduating student s survey, faculty survey. 5. QUALITY ENHANCEMENT CELL, UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY LAHORE As per the directives of HEC the University of Engineering and Technology Lahore took steps to establish QEC in September The QEC has adopted a sound approach and has made a reasonable progress for the establishment of a QA system. The Director QEC is looking after the QEC activates as an additional assignment as per the directives of university authorities. However permanent recruitments are made against all the remaining three posts. A separate QEC office has been established withal facilities available. Program teams have been constituted for all the departments. The QEC is focusing on the comprehensive orientation program of Deans, Chairman and senior Faculty members at the department level. During the orientation programs, the program teams of the relevant department are assign the following tasks: a) Implementation of proforma for the Teachers evaluation, Course Evaluation and student feed back b) Preparation of Teachers course Folders c) Program Objectives d) Preparation of Alumni and employers list Each meeting is chaired by the Vice Chancellor, a total of nine departments have been covered and the orientation of renaming seven departments is in process. The UET Lahore has attended all the four QEC meetings and orientation workshop organized bat the HEC. Future vision Implementation of all the SA process by all the departments Collection and compilation of information Establishment of informative QEC website. 23

25 6. QUALITY ENHANCEMENT CELL, UNIVERSITY OF KARACHI The QEC in University of Karachi was established on 18 th January 200. The QEC has made reasonable progress in due course of time in spite of the untoward incidents in Karachi and clashes among student s rival groups. The recruitment of all the four QEC staff on adhock basis as per HEC guideline has been made. All the posts will be advertised in 2007 as per decision of the syndicate. The employers opinion Survey has been circulated among seven departments. And feed back is obtained from two departments. Also the research student Proforma has been sent to the Deans of the faculties for on wards transmission to the Research fellows. There are total 53 departments in the university. All departments will be covered in a phased manner The program teams have been formulated for ten departments which have initiated the two surveys. For workable preposition the QEC intends to implement other self assessment proforma gradually. In order to further strengthen the program and to complement the activities, the QEC has also organized some seminar/workshop and Training programs for the teaching and non teaching staff of the University. The QEC website has not yet been developed. Future Vision: The Alumini survey, Graduating students survey and Faculty surveys will be conducted 7. QUALITY ENHANCEMENT CELL, UNIVERSITY OF AZAD JAMMU AND KASHMIR The Quality Enhancement Cell was established at University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Muzaffarabad on 8 June However after the earthquake in Muzaffarabad on 8 th October 2005, the QEC shifted to Islamabad in February The QEC performance is affected due to the natural disaster and less support from the university management; however, it has been advised to further improve the level of performance with immediate effect. No permanent staff recruitments have been made whereas four employers of the university i.e. Director QEC, Programmer, DEO and Naib Qasid are transferred for carrying out the QEC activities. The posts for the recruitment of permanent QEC staff have been advertised on 10 th May Program Teams have been constituted in each Academic unit of the university. All the Self assessment performas regarding Student-Course Evaluation, student Program Evaluation, Faculty course Evaluation, student-teacher Evaluation, Random-student Evaluation, graduating student survey, Alumni and employer survey forms have been circulated among the program teams but only one out of the total twenty five departments has reported back the information All the Departments have been requested to seek the evaluation at the end of the present semester. 24

26 The QEC has organized two workshop on quality Assurance Methods and Self assessment of Academic Programs for the Program Teams of all the departments on 20 th May 2006 and 30 th May Orientation meetings have been held with the Program teams of the academic units. The QEC has attended all the four meetings of QECs and only two of the orientation workshops organized by HEC Islamabad. QEC website has been developed. Future Vision Recruitment of permanent staff for QECs. Submission of a comprehensive Self assessment report by all departments on quarterly basis to show the progress against the QA process defined in the Self Assessment manuals 8. QUALITY ENHANCEMENT CELL, LIAQUAT UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES, JAMSHORO In July 2005, the LUMHS Jamshoro formally agreed working for the establishment of a QA system in the university. Although the QEC LUMHS Jamshoro is one among the early established QECs, yet slow progress has been observed in the actual implementation of the QA mechanism and more efforts are being made by the QEC for the awareness and orientation of the University faculty. The reason reported is less conducive environment at the faculty level. The QEC office was established in February All the permanent staff recruitments have been made. Program Teams have been constituted at 19 departments and is under the process of development in remaining two departments. A series of extensive orientation program for the faculty directly involved in the implementation of QA program has been carried out The SA proformas have been computerized and up loaded on website but not yet been circulated among the departments for further implementation. The QEC has attended three monthly meetings and two orientation workshops at HEC. QEC website is being developed, URL created j.domaindlx.com/qualityenhancement Future Vision Practical Implementation of QA mechanism 9. QUALITY ENHANCEMENT CELL, QUAID-I AZAM UNIVERSITY ISLAMABAD The Quaid i-azam University Islamabad started working for the establishment of QEC w.e.f March 2006 with extreme delay. The QEC has not presented a significant performance and achievements in setting up a proper QEC office and staff recruitment. The university management may be requested for taking serious action in this regard. The university authority has given an additional charge of Director QEC to Dr. Aslam Baig. The university has not advertised the posts for the QEC permanent staff; no separate QEC office is yet established. Program teams have been constituted at the department level 25

27 The Performa regarding the Teachers evaluation has been circulated to all departments, the students feed back has been received at the Chairman offices and their evaluation is under process. No internal workshops have been organized at the university level for orientation and awareness of the faculty members. All the four QEC meetings and three workshops organized by HEC are being attended. Future vision Establishment of a separate QEC office Recruitment of QEC staff Implementation of the Self Assessment mechanism as defined in Self assessment manual with immediate effect. 10. QUALITY ENHANCEMENT CELL, UNIVERSITY OF PUNJAB University of Punjab, Lahore started working for the establishment of QEC w.e.f 18 th February 2006 with extreme delay. A QEC office is established in the office of Institute of Quality &Technology management in March One Personal Assistant and Naib Qasid recruited through advertisement and selection from existing staff. No permanent recruitment is made against the post of Director QEC. The Peer review and Self Assessment Manual has been distributed among the faculty. Future Vision Formation of Program and Assessment Teams Orientation of faculty members on Self assessment guidelines Implementation of all SA parameters 26