SELF-ASSESSMENT (SA):

 

In recent years it has become an obligation that institutions of higher education demonstrate the effectiveness of their academic programs in providing high quality education that positively impacts students. Furthermore, most accrediting bodies and others concerned with quality assurance are requesting that institutions assess students’ learning outcomes as a means of improving academic programs. This has led The Higher Education Commission (HEC) to develop methods for assessing the quality of academic program.

 

        Assessment is a systematic process of gathering, reviewing and using important quantitative and qualitative data and information from multiple and diverse sources about educational programs, for the purpose of improving student learning, and evaluating whether academic and learning standards are being met. The process culminates when assessment results are used to improve student learning.

 

A successful assessment program includes the following:

 

1. Purpose identification

2. Outcomes identification

3. Measurements and evaluation design

4. Data collection

5. Analysis and evaluation

6. Decision-making regarding actions to be taken.

 

        The purpose of this document is to outline the process of conducting self-assessment (SA) of academic programs. It is HEC that requires universities to conduct periodic self- assessment for its academic programs in order to improve them and ensure high academic standards. Self-assessment is an important tool for academic quality assurance and provides feedback for faculty and administration to initiate action plans for improvement.

 

Objectives of Self Assessment:

 

The objectives of self-assessment are to:

 

• Enhance students’ learning
• Verify that the existing programs meet their objectives and institutional goals
• Provide feedback for quality assurance of academic programs
• Prepare the academic program for review by discipline councils

Assessment Team:

Early an Assessment Team was formed for assessment of four departments which is as under 

• Pro Vice Chancellor
• Director QEC
• Prof. Dr. Ijaz Ahmed
• Concern Faculty Dean

Now QEC is going towards forming Assessment Teams for each and every department in this regard the first program team for Chemistry has been formed and following are members of Assessment Team

• Prof. Dr. Iqbal Kasi
• Prof. Dr.Abdullah Khan Kakar
• Prof. Dr. Rasool Bukhsh Tareen

Self Assessment Process Updation:

In the first phase following four departments have completed their self Assessment Reports and implementation plan:

1. Department of Computer Science. (Executive Summary)
2. Institute of Bio Chemistry (Executive Summary)
3. Department of Education (Executive Summary)
4. Department of International Relations (Executive Summary)

(Weightage of above four departments)

In second phase eleven departments have been included in the process of Self Assessment. So far six departments have been submitted their first draft of Self Assessment Report and the rest of five in progress.

(Score card of QEC related Self Assessment Reports)

From May, 1st 2010 all the departments of University of Balochistan will be included in the process.