On October 7 – 13, 2018 O. Matveeva, Deputy Head of the Accreditation Office, participated in institutional review of the University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka.

The External Review Panel involved 8 leading experts of Sri Lanka universities.

It is for the first time that the Quality Assurance Council of the University Grants Commission (UGC) involved foreign experts in institutional accreditation of the universities. Participation of foreign experts provides transparency of procedures for all stakeholders and promotes improvement of education quality.

During one week experts evaluated work of 10 faculties. The review was conducted in accordance with the Regulations of the UGC Quality Assurance Council that included 10 criteria comprising 140 standards. In addition, standards were evaluated by every expert individually before the site visit; outcomes were submitted to UGC to make a preliminary report on the audit.

Meetings with the University Rector, administration, Heads of Quality Centres of the Faculties, representatives of Finance Departments, Audit Centres, Student Unions, Open and Distance Learning Centre, Staff Development Centre, graduates and employers were held.

Experts examined material and technical resources of the Faculties, visited laboratories, student dormitories, attended classes and presentations of graduation works. Meetings with Deans of the Faculties, Heads of Departments, teachers and students were held. Moreover, meetings with the technical staff, service personnel, employees of dining halls and dormitories, medical staff, etc. were also held. It is the peculiarity of institutional accreditation in Sri Lanka.

A summary report including experts’ recommendations on each standard based on the results of the external review will be prepared. The University of Jaffna will examine the report and coordinate it with the experts for factual amendments. Then, the report will be submitted to the UGC Quality Assurance Council to make a decision on accreditation. The University will get A, B, C or D rank.

Participation of NCPA staff in external accreditation procedures makes it possible to get acquainted with the best practices of other countries, promotes professional development, helps to extend educational relations and improve cooperation of agencies at different levels..