Academic Quality Policy

1. Introduction
This Quality Assurance (QA) Policy outlines the principles, procedures, and mechanisms that ensure academic and administrative excellence across New Uzbekistan University. It is rooted in the belief that high-quality  ducation is essential not only for student success but also for the broader societal impact of the university. The policy reflects a commitment to continuous improvement, transparency, accountability, and alignment with international standards in higher education.

2. Purpose and Scope
The purpose of this policy is to:

• Establish a coherent framework for internal and external quality assurance processes.
• Ensure academic programs meet international benchmarks while addressing local and regional needs.
• Safeguard academic integrity, inclusivity, and fairness across all operations.
• Provide mechanisms for monitoring, evaluating, and improving teaching, learning, research, and support services.

This policy applies to all academic and administrative units, including faculties, research centers, student services, and governance structures

3. Guiding Principles
Quality assurance at New Uzbekistan University is guided by the following principles:

1. Student-Centeredness ‒ ensuring that policies and practices enhance student learning, development, and success.
2. Transparency and Accountability ‒ documenting decisions and processes in ways that are open and accessible to all stakeholders.
3. Continuous Improvement ‒ embedding feedback loops that encourage reflection and innovation.
4. Equity and Inclusiveness ‒ recognizing diversity in the backgrounds, needs, and aspirations of students and staff.
5. Alignment with International Standards ‒ benchmarking practices against globally recognized frameworks such as QAA (UK), ESG (Europe), AACSB (Business), ABET (engineering), and relevant national regulations.

4. Quality Assurance Structures
Quality Assurance Office (QAA Department): Responsible for oversight, policy implementation, and reporting.
Academic Departments: Responsible for program-level QA, including curriculum design, assessment practices, and student support.
Boards & Committees (Curriculum, Academic Council, etc.): Provide governance, review, and approval mechanisms.
External Examiners / Accreditation Bodies: Provide independent evaluation to ensure credibility and comparability.

5. Academic Quality Assurance
5.1 Program Development and Review

1. New programs undergo rigorous needs assessments, benchmarking, and external review before approval.
2. All programs are subject to cyclical review during years 3‒5, incorporating student feedback, graduate outcomes, and employer input.

5.2 Teaching and Learning –

1. Faculty development programs ensure teaching excellence, innovation, and alignment with learning outcomes.
2. Learning outcomes are clearly articulated, mapped to assessments, and aligned with graduate attributes.
3. Student evaluations of teaching (SETs) and peer observations feed into improvement plans.

5.3 Assessment and Academic Integrity

1. Assessments are fair, reliable, valid, and aligned with learning outcomes.
2. Academic integrity is enforced through clear policies on plagiarism, retakes, grade appeals, and sanctions.
3. Multiple feedback mechanisms (rubrics, written feedback, digital systems) support student learning.

6. Research and Innovation Quality Assurance

1. Research ethics committees oversee compliance with international research ethics standards.
2. Peer-reviewed outputs, impact factors, and external grants serve as benchmarks of quality.
3. Capacity-building initiatives (mentorship, grant-writing workshops) ensure the sustainability of research excellence.

7. Administrative and Support Services QA

1. Student services (advising, counseling, career guidance) are monitored through satisfaction surveys and service audits.
2. Administrative processes (registration, transcript issuance, and complaint handling) follow transparent SOPs.
3. Digital systems ensure secure, accurate, and efficient management of student records.

8. Feedback and Continuous Improvement

1. Students: Feedback through surveys, course evaluations, focus groups, and representation on committees.
2. Faculty and Staff: Annual reviews, performance evaluations, and professional development planning.
3. External Stakeholders: Employers, alumni, and community partners provide input for curriculum relevance and societal impact. Feedback is systematically collected, analyzed, and acted upon, with documented follow-up actions.

9. External Quality Assurance and Accreditation The institution will:
● Engage with recognized national and international accreditation agencies.
● Undergo external audits and reviews as part of accountability measures.

Monitoring and Reporting
✔ Annual Quality Assurance Report prepared by QAO and submitted to the Academic Council.
✔ Departmental self-assessments are reviewed by QA committees.
✔ Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for academic outcomes, student progression, research output, and graduate employability are tracked regularly.

10. Policy Review and Adjustments
This policy will be reviewed every three years or earlier if required by regulatory or accreditation changes. Adjustments will be made through a consultative process involving students, faculty, administration, and external experts. Personalization to context̶, such as adapting assessment rubrics, redefining graduate attributes, or tailoring governance structures̶, will be made in line with the institution’s evolving mission and vision.

11. Academic Qualify Framework
This Academic Quality Framework in annex 1 sets out how New Uzbekistan University establishes and maintains academic standards, assures academic quality, and continuously enhances teaching and learning. The  ramework reflects the Academic Council’s responsibility for academic standards.

Specifically, it is designed to:

• Maintain the standards and reputation of the University’s academic awards;
• Provide guidance for the development, delivery, and review of academic programs;
• Promote continuous improvement in teaching and learning to ensure an effective student experience.
• Deliver robust data to support monitoring, improvement, and closure of feedback loops;
• Foster a culture where faculty engage in reflection, evaluation, and ongoing enhancement of their teaching and research.

12. Conclusion
This Quality Assurance Policy affirms the institution’s commitment to building a culture of excellence, trust, and accountability. It is not a static document but a living framework that adapts to the changing needs of students, faculty, and society. By embracing quality assurance, the university ensures that it fulfills its mission: to prepare graduates who contribute responsibly, ethically, and innovatively to the advancement of their communities and the global society.

Annexes
Annex 1 - AoL 5-year Roadmap
Annex 2 - Annual Administrative Reports
Annex 3 - Specification form (Syllabus)
Annex 4 - Terms of Reference for Academic Quality Sub-committee of Academic Council
Annex 5 - Program Proposal Form
Annex 6 - Regulatory Framework for Undergraduate Programs and Courses