Policies and Guidelines – Quality Assurance Policy

1. KEY DIFFERENTIATORS

• Our people are good at what they do

• We understand the goals and needs of the students

• We are flexible & innovative in our approach

• We stay the course and our solutions work

• We use technology & best practice to enhance competitiveness and value for our students, staff and others who are affected by our activities

2.      Quality Policy

The object of the Quality Policy is to continuously improve the quality of its educational activities and solutions to its students. US University of Technology, Science and Arts pursues this by:

2.1.   Providing Students Satisfaction

• Understanding what is needed

• Setting students’ expectations

• Meeting commitments

• Being flexible, proactive and responsive

• Building trusted relationships

• Delivering students’ expectations

2.2.            Efficiently & Economically

• Estimating and planning effectively

• Reducing wasted effort

• Solving problems quickly

• Operating effectively and efficiently

• Delivering to time and budget

2.3.            Through a Committed Workforce

• Open to learning

• Sharing knowledge

• Working as a team

• Developing people and ideas

• Engendering trust

• Building transparent relationships

2.4.            With Manageable Risk

• Identifying risks and issues

• Plan in preventative and mitigation strategies

• Handling risks as they arise

• Dealing with issues logically in a timely fashion

• Innovating by process improvement

• Evaluating options carefully

• Picking the right answers to the problems

• Improving the value of employees

3.      US University of Technology, Science and Arts’s Vision

• US University of Technology, Science and Artsaims to be the Students’ first Choice

• US University of Technology, Science and Artsaims to deliver education to our students using expert knowledge

• US University of Technology, Science and Artsaims to be recognized as a company that delivers innovative solutions to difficult problems

• US University of Technology, Science and Arts aims to grow sustainably, delivering value to shareholders, opportunity to staff and security to our students.

• US University of Technology, Science and Artsaims to excel

• US University of Technology, Science and Artsaims to recruit and develop the best people: a committed workforce expert in their fields

4.      US University of Technology, Science and Arts’ Values

• Focus – be clear about what we are doing

• Inclusion – people are informed & involved

• Commitment – work hard & enjoy the work

• Belief – that we are the best at what we do

• Honesty – open and honest about our activities

5.      QUALITY ASSURANCE

5.1.            Purpose of the Quality Document

US University of Technology, Science and Arts requires all courses and activities in support of student learning to be subject to rigorous quality assurance procedures. This Quality Manual has been developed to ensure that the student learning experience is placed at the centre of all activities.

US University of Technology, Science and Arts ensures that quality is an integral part of the design, development, and offering of all services, therefore emphasizes the use of problem prevention and correction in order to supply quality services.

US University of Technology, Science and Arts’s quality assurance system facilitates ownership and accountability at the point of activity with each step of the activity, which is seen as an opportunity for evaluation and review on a self-assessment basis. This review process results in action plans and the setting of targets to facilitate systematic improvement.

5.2.            Quality Assurance

A popular definition sees quality simply as “fitness for purpose”. Gold taps are therefore not a measure of quality when all the customers want reliable brass ones. In other words quality is the efficient use and effectiveness of resources to be measured against specified criteria. Quality assurance can mean the process of monitoring quality of product or service according to certain tolerances or standards.

Quality assurance can best therefore be described as “the complete process of ensuring that the nature and quality of services are sufficient to secure the Institution’s aims and objectives”.

Quality depends on the commitment, professionalism and personal responsibility of every member of academic, administrative and support staff. Quality assurance is about people and attitudes. It includes them and needs them; however it is people who actually deliver them.

Quality improvement is not simply concerned with getting marginally better results from current activity. The greater challenge is to continually improve the manner in which services provided by the Institution are delivered to meet individual needs and raise student achievements within the context of inclusive learning.

5.3.            Quality Assurance System

US University of Technology, Science and Arts ’s Quality Assurance system is designed to be rigorous and effective in:

• Ensuring continuous improvement in all aspects of our students’ needs and expectations

• Raising student achievement

• Fulfilling the requirements of external stakeholders/associates

• Ensuring the provision of the best possible services

5.4.            Aims

To strengthen US University of Technology, Science and Arts’s reputation for providing high quality learning that:

• Is student-centred

• Enhances students’ employability

• Is valued by students, employers, professional bodies and the community

• Contributes to the vision for a high quality HE sector

To support the achievement and delivery of  US University of Technology, Science and Arts’s strategic goals

To further embed within US University of Technology, Science and Arts a culture of critical self-evaluation leading to continuous quality enhancement and management of risk.

To assure standards through rigorous self-regulation and review, the effective use of external reference points and appropriate peer and student involvement in review processes at all levels.

5.5.            Commitments

US University of Technology, Science and Arts is committed to achieving the aims of the Quality Assurance Policy by focusing on three main quality perspectives

• An assurance perspective whereby academic standards are verified and commitment to students is honoured

• An enhancement perspective whereby US University of Technology, Science and Arts’s vision is realized through critical self-evaluation and programmes and teaching which are imaginative and forward looking

• A customer care perspective, where the Institution listens and responds to the student voice; respects and embraces diversity; encourages student engagement with quality processes; and ensures that systems are in place to respond appropriately to issues raised.

5.6.            Communication

US University of Technology, Science and Arts will continuously insist on:

• Valuing quality enhancement as an integral component of effective learning and teaching and recognising that the expertise and commitment of all staff is critical to realising the strategy

• Making use of relevant external and internal points of reference to inform and support our approach to quality enhancement

• Improving the flow of quality-related information into and within US University of Technology, Science and Artsensuring the effective dissemination of good practice

• Identifying appropriate SMART targets, defined by outcome rather than process wherever possible and contributing to the drive for the better achievement of students

• Supporting US University of Technology, Science and Arts’s capacity to respond to new challenges and promoting greater collaboration and co-operation across and between institutions

5.7.            Compliance

• US University of Technology, Science and Arts will only accept those students who, to the best of our knowledge, meet the requirements of the immigration office

• US University of Technology, Science and Arts will not engage in any false, misleading or deceptive conduct or otherwise contravene any of US University of Technology, Science and Arts’s obligations towards the government, the public and students as a whole. 

• The Institution will require all its employees to adhere to the guidelines stated in the Staff Handbook

• The Institution will require all its employees to abide by the rules and regulations of Immigration departments and other regulatory bodies

• The Institution will create mechanisms by which employees and students can express genuine concerns and have them investigated, with every reasonable assurance of confidentiality as appropriate

• The Institution will appoint a person to be responsible for monitoring staff’s adherence to the Staff Handbook guidelines, investigating alleged breaches and reporting to the CE.  CE will decide on any action to be taken to ensure compliance with the guidelines

• The CE will be responsible for initiating and supervising investigations into alleged breaches of the guidelines by members of staff, and for ensuring that appropriate action is taken

• The person responsible for monitoring staff’s adherence to the Staff Handbook guidelines  may be asked to report on any practice that appears to be in breach of the guidelines

5.8.            Staff’s Contribution

Staff will contribute to the implementation of the Quality Assurance Policy by:

Designing and delivering high quality and relevant educational experiences that motivate students and engage them in their study.

Creating and delivering an excellent student experience by:

• Critically reflecting on the student experience and achievement and how it can be enhanced

• Gathering and responding to student feedback on learning, teaching and assessment activities specifically and the student experience generally

• Incorporating equity and fairness into the design, delivery and assessment of educational experiences and its support structures and activities

• Ensuring that students receive prompt and constructive feedback on performance

• Identifying, sharing and embedding good practices

• Demonstrating academic leadership as lecturers, module leaders, programme leaders etc.

• Participating actively in relevant staff development opportunities

• Ensuring continuous professional development in order to face the challenges as they arise and help the development of the Institution

5.9.            Students’ Contribution

Students will contribute to the implementation of the Quality Assurance Policy by:

Taking an increasingly proactive and responsible role for their own learning including:

• Providing feedback on their learning experience

• Using feedback to self-assess and improve their own future performance

• Engaging in activities that enhance their employability

• Raising issues related to their learning appropriately as they arise

• Attending lectures, tutorials and other relevant activities as appropriate

• Participating in activities linked to quality assurance such as:

• Contributing to student/staff liaison tasks

• Ensuring that any work submitted by them adheres to guidelines prescribed on the Policy on Academic Misconduct and Plagiarism

5.10.        Quality Improvement

• Quality improvement is a continuous process which should be integrated into the normal delivery of the learning programme and not as a response to internal inspection.

• US University of Technology, Science and Arts will run different training programs and workshops to equip its employees with required knowledge and update them on current issues affecting Higher Education.

• US University of Technology, Science and Arts will consider the feedback given by students and visitors to improve the existing state of services

• Development Consultant will constantly endeavour to identify tools and mechanisms to improve the quality of products and services

• US University of Technology, Science and Arts will carry out regular checks on its products and services to evaluate current situation so as to bring improvement in the future

6.                  EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

6.1.               Policy

• The Institution welcomes diversity amongst its students, administrative staff and visitors

• The Institution is committed to support students, academic and administrative staff irrespective of sex, sexual orientation, racial origin, religion and political affiliation

• Participants in the educational process should treat all other members of the Institution’s community with tolerance and respect

• The CE of the Institution is responsible for over-seeing the implementation of the Equal Opportunities Policy

(Please refer to the ‘Equal Opportunities Policy’ of the Institution for more information)

6.2.               Institution Environment: Access and Participation

• A clear statement of the Institution’s commitment to equal opportunities will be given in appropriate Institution publications

• The Institution will create an environment in which all students feel comfortable, irrespective of personal circumstances

• Institution admissions systems will be free from any form of bias and all students will receive a positive welcome from the first point of contact

• Guidance given to students, or potential students, will be non-discriminatory in terms of gender, race, disability, etc.

6.3.               Marketing, Publicity and Public Liaison

• The Institution will ensure professionalism and integrity to market its educational products.

• The Institution’s publicity will reflect best equality practice. All publications will be screened to ensure that appropriate and sensitive language and images have been used

• The Institution will develop and promote a multicultural atmosphere by selecting students from different parts of the world where all the students would become mutually a singular body and brand of US University of Technology, Science and Arts

• The Marketing Office of the Institution will ensure that all the communications and advertisements are clear, easy, fully explained and informative.

(Please refer to the ‘Marketing Strategy’ of the Institution for more information)

6.4.               Curriculum

• The activities of teaching and learning will be conducted in accordance with equality of opportunity

• Learning resources used to deliver the curriculum will be conducive to learners of all styles and be free from racist, sexist and other discriminatory assumptions, images and language. Curriculum content should, where possible, reflect the multi-cultural and multi-ethnic nature of contemporary society

• The Institution will ensure that the staff and existing students are aware that no discrimination will be tolerated on the basis of the disability of a person and everyone will be treated equally.

6.5.               Recruitment and Promotion

• Recruitment for all positions within the Institution will be carried out in a manner which accords with best equal opportunities practice

• Jobs will be advertised in the Institution’s website and in other major platforms.

• Equal consideration will be given to the interest of full-time, part-time, permanent and temporary staff. Staff will be promoted to the upper level of the organisation based on their performance.

6.6.               Staff Development

• The Staff Development & Performance Review scheme of US University of Technology, Science and Arts’ aims to link individual performance review with plans for organisational and staff development

• Every member of US University of Technology, Science and Arts’ staff will be expected, encouraged and enabled to conduct a regular and systematic self-­evaluation of his or her own practice, to promote professional self-development

• All staff will be aware of their responsibilities for implementing the Institution’s equal opportunities policies.

• There will be training opportunities for all staff

• All members of staff should have opportunities for career progression and be treated as professional colleagues regardless of the positions held within the Institution

• The Chief Executive of the Institution has overarching responsibility for policy implementation relating to the development of all staff.

(Please refer to US University of Technology, Science and Arts’ The Staff Development & Performance Review for complete guidance)

6.7.               Harassment

• The Institution will not tolerate any harassment, and sees it as a form of discrimination

• Students, staff and visitors to the Institution can be accused of harassment, or can be the victim of harassment

• An appropriately senior member of staff will be designated to deal with these incidents in the first place, and subsequently investigate, and take appropriate action in accordance with Institution’s disciplinary procedures

• All staff and students will be informed of these procedures

• In addition to dealing with the offender, the Institution will provide support for the victim

6.8.               Quality Assurance

• Quality assurance procedures will require reflection on equality and diversity issues, and appropriate comment when completing quality assurance documentation. This will apply across all curriculum and service areas

• The Institution will comment on equality and diversity issues in its annual self-assessment report, summarising the observations and actions identified at curriculum and service area level

7.                  MANAGEMENT AND STAFF

7.1.            Management

• In US University of Technology, Science and Arts, the Chief Executive is the head of the Institute who is responsible for the overall affairs. Under his/her leadership, the Institution will implement all of its policies  and gradually move forward. Academic Head, Director of Administration and Development Consultant will be there to help and advise the CE

• Employees of US University of Technology, Science and Arts must abide by the guidelines stated in the Staff Handbook of the Institution

• Staff may face disciplinary actions if they act against the interest of the Institution

• US University of Technology, Science and Arts will ensure that all involved in the operation of the Institution enjoy their rights without any hindrance

7.2.            Staff

• In selecting a lecturer and allocating teaching tasks, the Institution will ensure that the lecturer has the appropriate skills, experience and knowledge in the subject area being taught

• Lecturers will receive constructive and regular feedback on their performance (including strengths and weaknesses)

• Lecturers’ performance will be monitored over the duration of the teaching and this should include classroom observation

• In selecting a staff, the applicant’s relevant experience and qualifications will be the centre of focus. All applicants must prove and provide evidence to show that they are eligible to work.

7.3.            Staff Development

• US University of Technology, Science and Arts is committed to supporting and promoting training and staff development, recognizing that it represents an investment in the most important asset, its staff

• It is the policy of US University of Technology, Science and Arts to ensure that all personnel are trained and experienced to the extent necessary to undertake their assigned activities and responsibilities effectively. US University of Technology, Science and Arts generally procures and recruits employees capable of meeting the skill, experience and educational requirements of the Institutions activities

• All staff and senior employees are responsible for recommending the training needs of others and for ensuring that all employees are suitably qualified and experienced to execute their entrusted responsibilities. Once training needs are identified these are provided under the supervision of the CE

• The Institution believes that training and staff development is likely to be most effective when individual member of staff take responsibility for their own development. It recognises and will give appropriate support (including time), encouragement and direction to enable this process to occur

• US University of Technology, Science and Arts will encourage and where possible, support academic staff intending to pursue relevant teaching qualifications

• US University of Technology, Science and Arts will encourage and support the involvement of individual members of staff in training and staff development activities

• Lecturers including academic head are expected to undertake appropriate training either themselves or supported by US University of Technology, Science and Arts

(Please refer to US University of Technology, Science and Arts’ Staff Development and Performance Review for complete guidance)

8.                  RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE

8.1.            Religious Festivals

In order to help students participate in their religious festivals the institution will endeavour to announce holidays on significant festivals.

9.                  INFORMATION DISCLOSURE

9.1.            Privacy of Present and Former Students

The Institution respects the right to privacy of its present, former and potential students, and will take all reasonable steps to protect personal information given to it by students

9.2.            Confidential Information

• Any staff maintaining any lists or other databases of students in computer must comply with the requirements of relevant Data Protection Legislation.

• The Institution recognizes the importance of protecting its information assets and, in particular, the information relating to its staff, students and other individuals in whatever form that information is held. All data, whether held electronically or manually are kept securely and not disclosed unlawfully.

9.3.            Disclosure Required by Law

• This rule of confidentiality does not apply if disclosure is required by law or with the consent of the individual concerned

• Information about the qualifications which have been awarded to individual students (i.e. name and subject of award, class of degree if appropriate, and date of award) is not confidential, and may be released

• It is permissible to indicate to enquirers whether or not the individual who is the subject of the enquiry is or has been a student, although oral requests from agencies such as government offices should be dealt with by asking for the request to be put in writing

• In exceptional or urgent cases, the caller should be put through to the CE

9.4.            Authenticity of Enquiry

Even where disclosure of information is permitted, reasonable steps must be taken to determine the authenticity of the enquiry before any information is disclosed

9.5.            Communication with Law Enforcement Agency

• The Institution’s policy is to offer reasonable assistance to police in their enquiries. However, steps should be taken to establish the authenticity of a police request by, for example, asking the caller to leave name, rank, and station telephone number, and then phoning back and asking for the officer concerned.

• In case of any doubt about how to deal with a particular enquiry, it should be passed on to the CE for further assistance.

10.              INFORMATION ON PROGRAMMES OF STUDY

10.1.           Course Information

• Full details of the course structure and philosophy i.e. how the courses progress, the aims and objectives, learning outcomes etc.

• Specific skills that may be required during the course e.g. essay writing, giving presentations, basic computing skills etc., and when they will be required

• Policy on possible module choices particularly optional modules

10.2.           Assessment Information

• The purpose, methods and schedule of assessment tasks during, and at the end of a module or programme of study

• The criteria for assessment including, where appropriate, descriptors of expected standards of student attainment; what is expected in order to pass or to gain a particular grade or classification

• The marking and grading conventions that will be used

• Consequences of assessment, such as decisions about progression to the next level, final awards and the right of appeal

• A briefing about academic misconduct

• How and when assessment judgments are published

• Any opportunities for re-assessment

• Policy on late submission of work where applicable

• Consequences of academic misconduct

• US University of Technology, Science and Arts will follow the guidelines given by the awarding bodies in relation to assessment for the purpose of informing students

7.3.      Academic Progress

• US University of Technology, Science and Arts’s policy on students’ progress is very rigid and it monitors students’ progress throughout the programme

• The Personal Tutors are required to report their students’ progress to the Academic Committee through the Course Coordinator at the end of each semester. The outcome of the report is considered at the Academic Committee meeting at the end of each semester

• Students are required make overall significant progress in order to achieve their goal; enhance career prospect and comply with the regulations of Immigration Departments Students are permitted to proceed with their approved courses of study only if they maintain satisfactory progress as evidenced by attendance at classes, satisfactory performance in examinations and the proper completion of such other work/task as may be allotted to them

• If any student’s progress is unsatisfactory, he/she will be given extra care and support and other relevant remedial measures to help him/her make progress. At the same time, he/she will be warned about the consequences he/she might face due to his/her unsatisfactory progress

• If a student persistently makes unsatisfactory progress even after pursuing the US University of Technology, Science and Arts’s remedial measures under a given period of time, he/she may eventually be excluded from the Institution and Immigration Departments will be notified about it duly.

• US University of Technology, Science and Arts monitors students’ progress in three stages namely Early Monitoring, Mid-Term Monitoring and Term Final Progress. In both Early & Mid-Term Monitoring, students will be given assignment/task/mock test etc. as appropriate and be given feedback on their works. Term Final Progress includes the examinations/assignments as conducted by the awarding body of each programme. Based on the students’ performance in examinations/assignments marked and graded by the concerned awarding body, the Course Coordinator of each academic department of US University of Technology, Science and Artswill make a report that will be presented to the Academic Committee

(Please refer to US University of Technology, Science and Arts’s Policy and Procedures on Monitoring and Reporting Students Academic Progress for detailed information)

7.4.Other

• Channels of communication i.e. how students make their views known, how they receive feedback on their views

• Role of lecturers, giving definitions of module/personal tutor as appropriate, and what sort of queries each deals with

• Course/subject review committee meetings and minutes

• Purchase of books; recommended texts, price, when they will be required during the course

• Comparison of examinations with earlier results

• Student feedback and the evidence of actions taken

• Information about administrative office hours

8.      CAREER INFORMATION & GUIDANCE

8.4.               Career Potential Support

Academic programmes, extra-curricular programmes and activities, part-time employment and work experience, voluntary work in the community-all contribute to the development of students’ career potential whilst studying at US University of Technology, Science and Arts

US University of Technology, Science and Arts will ensure:

• To give greater clarity about the diverse ways in which the US University of Technology, Science and Arts supports the career development of its students and about the respective roles of academic staff, and of the support provided for career development. Details of any aspects of such which students can expect to be provided by the Institution staff

• to make clear to students their entitlement to this support, what they can expect, and from whom

• US University of Technology, Science and Arts is not an employment agency and therefore it will not be engaged in finding jobs for students

8.5.               Learning Placements

Where Placement Learning is an intended part of a programme of study, US University of Technology, Science and Arts will ensure that:

• The responsibilities for Placement Learning are clearly defined

• The intended learning outcomes contribute to the overall aims of the programme

• Any assessment of Placement Learning is part of a coherent assessment strategy

• Clear policies and procedures are in place to ensure that responsibilities for Placement Learning are met and that learning opportunities during a placement are appropriate

• Placement providers know what their responsibilities are during the period of Placement Learning

• Students are made aware of their responsibilities and rights

• Students are provided with appropriate guidance and support in preparation for, during, and after their placements

• Staff who are involved in Placement Learning are competent to fulfill their role

• There are procedures in place for dealing with complaints and that students are aware of, and can make use of, them

9.      COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

9.1   Purpose of the Complaints Procedure

• The purpose of the complaints Procedure is to establish an effective monitoring system in the organization. The Institution can learn and check the ongoing irregularities or ineffectiveness of systems, when there is a complaint about the matter from an interested party. The complaints procedures are also used as indicators of standards of customer services that have been successfully established and tested.

• When a complainant approaches the Institution with a genuine complaint, it is believed that the complainant has given the Institution a chance to rectify the errors or ineffectiveness or unfairness in the system. It also helps the Institution to take appropriate policy decisions after careful consideration and investigation of the alleged complainant. The most important purpose of the complaints Procedure is to ensure that no client leaves the organization with bad experience, dissatisfactions or grievance.

Please refer to the US University of Technology, Science and Arts Complaints Procedure for more information.

10.  FEEDBACK TO STUDENTS

10.3.                    Appropriate Feedback

• US University of Technology, Science and Arts will ensure where appropriate, feedback is provided to students on their works in order to facilitate improvement and promote learning.

• US University of Technology, Science and Arts should ensure that feedback is provided at times which are appropriate to enable the students to benefit from such feedback

• Formal feedback must be given to students on their works collected for Early and Mid-Term Monitoring purposes. Students will be given feedback on their performance at the end of the term (Term Final Progress) as well

• Lecturers and course coordinators should ensure that their feedback on students’ works is constructive

11.     MARKETING AND RECRUITMENT

11.1.                      Students Recruitment

• US University of Technology, Science and Arts will promote all educational programmes accurately and honestly in terms of quality, standing and availability.

• Differences between US University of Technology, Science and Arts and competitors should be portrayed in a comprehensible and accurate way so as to project a cooperative marketing image to the target audience. No false or misleading comparisons should be drawn with any other provider.

• US University of Technology, Science and Arts should promote themselves in a professional and ethical manner and ensure that all marketing activities reflect best practice.

• In all advertising and public communications, the Institution will avoid untruth, concealment and overstatement about its programmes, achievements and services.

• The Institution will avoid recruitment practices that involve the offer of improper financial or other inducements to students.

• The Institution will make all reasonable attempts to deliver learning programmes and support services to meet the individual needs of students, efficiently and effectively to accepted quality standards, and will take reasonable steps to rectify any shortcomings in the service delivered.

• Learning support, information, advice and guidance offered to students will be impartial and guided by the best interests of the student.

11.2.                      Appointment of Agents

US University of Technology, Science and Arts insist on appointing consultants who:

• Demonstrate qualities and abilities to expertly fulfill genuine needs of international students while respecting US University of Technology, Science and Arts’ policies

• Do not support or encourage illegal actions

• Maintain proper and high standards of professional conduct of business as an international education agent

• Accurately represent US University of Technology, Science and Arts, its courses, facilities and procedures

• Maintain the honour and confidentiality of the student and information supplied by them

• Do not allow unjustified criticism of other educational representatives or Institutions

• Will resolve any conflict directly with the students in a professional manner

• Keep themselves constantly updated in areas of advice and new developments in all sectors be it new courses, immigration regulations and or new procedures

• Provide US University of Technology, Science and Arts and students with information they need disclosing all relevant information

• Swiftly respond to communications

• Support and promote US University of Technology, Science and Artsand its educational programmes

• Do not discriminate on the basis of ethnic origins, religion or sexual orientation, disability or age

• Abide by the Marketing ethics of US University of Technology, Science and Arts

• Notify any applicable charges to the student and US University of Technology, Science and Arts in advance

• Will be accountable to both US University of Technology, Science and Arts and students

11.3.                       External Relationships

• The Institution will be responsive to its community and within the framework of its own Mission Statement will seek to provide programmes and services relevant to the needs of individuals and employers.

• The Institution will provide timely and accurate information to the best of its abilities on individual student to employers or others, within the confines of relevant Data Protection Legislation and any other relevant legal requirements.

• The Institution will ensure that its contracts with organisations comply with acceptable ethical standards and legal frameworks

12.     HEALTH AND SAFETY

12.1.        Introduction

As an employer and premises occupier, US University of Technology, Science and Arts will ensure as far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of members of staff, students, and other people who may be affected by its activities. All members of staff have a role to play in health, safety and welfare matters. Such roles include observing approved Institution’s policy, and carrying out specific procedures in the event of particular incidents.

12.2. General Statement of Policy & Principle 

The US University of Technology, Science and Arts is committed to best practice in ensuring health & safety in the campus. It aspires to continual improvement beyond basic legal compliance in respect of members of staff, students, visitors, contractors who may be carrying out work on the Institution’s sites, and any other persons who could be affected by its activities.

The Chief Executive has overall responsibility for health and safety matters in the Institution, although staff and students of the Institution share some responsibility for their own health and safety and that of others whilst engaged upon the Institution business.

1. The Health & Safety Policy will be implemented through a commitment to the following objectives:

1. Provision must be made and maintenance must be for safe and healthy working conditions,

2. Equipment and systems of work;

1. The implementation of a health and safety management system involving a process of regular audits, inspections and resultant actions must be ensured;

2. The effective consultation must be held with members of staff and health and safety representatives;

3. There will be sufficient resource and activities for the promotion of best practice in health and safety within the Institution;

4. The Institution must ensure the competence of members of staff and students with designated responsibilities;

5. The Institution must show consideration of health and safety issues at all stages of project management;

6. The Institution must allocate adequate resources and enlist specialist advice;

7. The Institution must encourage a fit and healthy workforce;

8. The Quality Assurance Committee of the Institution will ensure that this Policy is carried out through the approval of strategy, policy and action plans, and by regular monitoring.

12.3.          Environment Policy

US University of Technology, Science and Arts is committed to complying with all relevant environmental legislation at local, regional and national level as a minimum requirement and to continually improve environmental performance through appropriate initiatives, controls, provision of resources and training of employees.

The aim is to minimise significant impacts of US University of Technology, Science and Arts’ activities, products and services. These are based on a commitment to following environmental principles:

• Prevention of pollution

• Effective and responsible waste management and disposal.

• Promoting reuse and recycling of products.

• Maintaining a high level of awareness of environmental issues in the workforce.

• Involving suppliers, contractors and customers in environmental initiatives.

(Please refer to Health & Safety: Principle & Policy for more information)

13.     QUALITY ASSURANCE AUDIT

13.1.                           Introduction

US University of Technology, Science and Arts is keen and committed to maintaining the quality assurance in each of the academic and administrative departments. So, the primary objective of US University of Technology, Science and Arts is to establish a proper system of quality audit which can effectively and efficiently manage the quality assurance within the Institution.

US University of Technology, Science and Arts  Quality Assurance Committee will be vigilant and make sure that quality assurance matters are discussed and audits are conducted every year without any failure. US University of Technology, Science and Arts will conduct academic audit on a regular basis.

13.2.                       Internal Audit Objectives

The purpose of audit can be identified as the following:

• To ensure that the quality assurance systems and procedures adopted throughout the Institution are efficient, effective, and sufficient to deliver the intended outcomes

• To fulfill an enhancement function through the dissemination of information on good practice throughout the academic department and, where weaknesses are identified, to require and/or recommend appropriate action for improvement

• To ask to disclose any relevant information relating to the academic matters

• To hold meeting individually with any of academic personnel for example a lecturer

• To hold meeting with the students of different academic departments

13.3.           Quality Assurance Auditor

US University of Technology, Science and Arts will ensure that suitably experienced personnel are appointed to take charge the obligation of conducting the quality assurance audit for each of the academic and administrative departments. Quality Assurance Auditor will be appointed by the Quality Assurance Committee in consultation with the Chief Executive or Director of Administration.

US University of Technology, Science and Arts will ensure that the Quality Assurance Auditor possesses a strong analytical background and is much organised. Excellent interpersonal skills, data analysis, computer skills and a very good level of understanding of private and Higher Education and rules & regulations of Immigration Departments are essential for a Quality Assurance Audit and therefore these attributes will be highly focused on before an Auditor is appointed. 

13.4.           Personnel who must be present during Academic Audit

The following personnel must be present during the academic quality assurance audit:

• Academic Head

• Deputy Head of the Academic Department, if any

• Lecturers

• Course Co-coordinators

13.5.           Areas of Audit

• Lecturers

• Lectures

• Handouts

• Revision Lectures

• Mock Examinations

• Mock Examinations Feedbacks

• Student Satisfactions

• Student Success Rate

• Department Meetings

13.6.           Lecturers

The QAA will assess the following issues in terms of lecturer’s quality of the relevant Academic Department.

13.7.           Lectures

The QAA will assess the following areas while auditing the lectures of the Academic Department:

13.8.           Hand-outs

The QAA will also assess the following areas of the hand-outs provided by the lecturers.

13.9.           Revision Lectures

The QAA will assess the following areas of the revision lectures.

13.10.       Assessing Department’s Activities

The QAA will assess the department’s activities of the Institution in details. The QAA will consider the provisions of the Academic Best Practice Guide (ABPG) of US University of Technology, Science and Arts and will check whether the Department, which is under audit, is observing the provisions of the ABPG properly. The following areas will meticulously assessed by the QAA and these are:

• Lesson plan

• Regular lectures

• Attendance chasing

• Updated lectures handouts

• Revision lectures

• Mock Examinations

• Mock Examinations Feedbacks

• Student Counseling

• Student special advice sessions

• Departmental regular meetings with lecturers

• Department follow up activities

13.11.       Assessing Department’s Documents and Evidence

The QAA will also meticulously assess the supporting documents or evidence of the academic activities. The QAA will not make any comment unless he or she has assessed the relevant documents or evidence relating to the academic activities. The documents or evidence actually substantiate what the Head of the Department is suggesting. If the suggested activities do not have any documents or evidence to show, it will be assumed that the Department, which is under audit, has failed to perform accordingly. The QAA will assess the following documents or evidence while auditing the Academic Department.

13.12.       Student Affairs

• Records of Student application form

• Records of Student’s registration with awarding body

• Students’ attendance records

• Records of chasing letters for attendance

• Records of Examinations results

• Other records of student progress

• Records of Student’s credentials

• Records of academic feedbacks

• Records of examinations feedbacks

• Records of written assignments

• Records of assignments feedbacks, if any

• Records of disabled student’s facilities, if any

• Records of student supporting letters

13.13.       General Academic Administration

• Records of Minutes of academic staff meetings

• Records of complaints formal or informal

• Records of any corrective actions

• Records of extenuating circumstances

• Records of external body’s report e.g. academic performance appraisals

• Records of disciplinary actions, if any

• Records of staff appraisals

• Records of staff trainings & developments

• Records of staff disciplinary actions and reports

• Records of feedbacks from students

• Records of appropriate time table

14.14.   Administrative Audit

The QAA will assess the following areas while auditing different administrative departments and issues:

• Enquires & Application

• Admission

• Record Keeping

• Marketing

• Health & Safety

• Complaints Handling

• Student Service