Abstract:
Higher education is an essential element of social and economic growth and prosperity. Development of a system offering high quality education is a prerequisite to gain access to knowledge which ensures development in any society. Moreover, at the micro-level, attaining high level of quality in education enables the higher education institutions (HEIs) to establish a sustainable system by attracting high caliber lecturers, researchers, and students. Being aware of this, Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) has committed itself to the establishment of a quality assurance system and further enhancement of its academic programs.
In the quest of achieving world class standards and becoming a popular and competitive HEI, the necessary ingredients of the establishment of a comprehensive quality assurance system are assessment and continuous improvement. This includes the accreditation of academic programs and establishing a practical quality assurance and assessment system at the program and university level. Shortly, the academic programs and institutional academic policies ought to be systematically reviewed to identify whether they meet the world-wide standards in education, infrastructure, student services, and research. Establishing a noteworthy quality assurance system is not a short-term goal. HEIs need to lay the foundations of establishing a long-term process by developing a Quality Culture within their institutions. Establishment of Quality Culture within an HEI is a very long and tedious process as people usually resist to changes. However, a dedicated and energetic top level administration can reduce the resistance if they wholeheartedly believe in the benefits of it to the institution and to the society.
EMU administration committed itself to develop a well-structured and sustainable QA system, to achieve its short- and long-term goals specified in its Strategic Plan. Development and enhancement of a world-standard system is a top-priority issue on the agenda and this hand-book has been prepared as a first-step towards achieving a long-term goal.
