The Arab Open University (AOU) is a major provider of higher education in the Arab world. The eight countries where it currently offers courses are united by a common language and related cultures and separated by diverse educational systems and local accreditation requirements. As part of AOU, the Quality Assurance Unit (QAA) operates in this multicultural environment. The development of commitment to and a culture of care for, quality is one of the key aims of the QA system of AOU. AOU abides by the QAA (Quality Assurance Agency, UK) quality standards enshrined in its Code of Practice.
Quality Control and Monitoring Activates
The main activities of QAA Unit at Oman are:
- Managing QAA Unit at the Branch and organizing the QAA Committee
- Contributing to tutor and student induction
- Preparing Annual Program Evaluation Statistics using SIS and other systems
- Managing the completion of the Annual Programme Evaluation Document.
- Monitoring exams and assessment
- Producing Internal Review report for Oman with the contribution from other departments.
- Contributing to the development of QA in University.
- Liaison with other campuses for the effectiveness of any improvements.
- Preparing QA reports for the Ministry of Higher Education in Oman and other government bodies
- Participation in QA Conferences, workshops, and seminars
- Report findings to the rector, QAA Committee Meeting, or concerned department and to QAD every semester. The findings include suggestions for necessary improvements at the branch level or at the university level.
- Develop policies, guidelines, processes for AOU Oman as required.
- Monitors the implementation of the staff appraisal and student and tutor survey, and report the findings.
- Managing the completion of the annual program evaluation statistics and reports.
- The QAA Unit Coordinator at the Branch continuously monitors the academic and the relevant administrative procedures and processes in order to determine whether certain pre-defined Quality standards and other University requirements are met or not.
Mapping of QAA Code of Practice onto the Rules and Regulations of AOU
Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Code of practice “provides guidance on maintaining quality and standards for universities and colleges subscribing to QAA". The Arab Open University (AOU) subscribes to these standards for ensuring the quality of its provisions. Mapping the QAA Code of practice, enshrined in its ten precepts, onto the rules and regulations of AOU is the first step toward that goal. These precepts, as well as the rules and regulations of AOU, evolve in time to adjust to new circumstances. It is therefore essential that AOU should keep abreast of these developments and update this mapping whenever necessary.
