The Sohar University Experience OAAA Pilot Institutional Standards Assessment Gweneth O’Gorman, QA Manager, SU

Snapshot of SU First Private University in Oman Opened September ,000sqm campus (9 buildings and hostels) 6,696 Students Over 500 Staff More than 20 UG and PG Programs

Our Mission ‘To develop skilled, knowledgeable, articulate and enterprising graduates who, through their challenging learning experience at Sohar University, are able to contribute effectively to the changing world in which they live and work’.

Our Specialisation Business (UG and MBA program) Computing and IT (UG and PG program) Education & Arts (UG and 3 PG programs) Engineering (UG and new PG in 2016) Language Studies (UG and new PG in 2016) Law (UG program)

The Pilot The Journey begins…….

Why SU Volunteered… Time was ripe for Self-Assessment Opportunity to test internal systems and structures Constructive Learning Curve Undoubted benefits for the “real” deal

Time for Self-Assessment… Growth of SU Students Students – 5997 (  33%) Faculties 4Faculties 6 (3 successfully running PG programs) Research Output…………..

Student Research

Time for Self-Assessment… Corporate / Governance Level  Exploring the move towards Operational Plans  Identified need to elaborate Risk Management framework  Greater student involvement Corporate Governance Framework Charter (2013) Strategic Plan

Testing Effectiveness of Systems and Structures Were we closing the loops  Committees & reporting systems  Programme/Course reviewing  Student/Staff Feedback analysis & Action Plans  Academic (advising, assessment & measuring LOs)  HR systems (recruitment, retention etc.)  Registration (records, retention, progression rates etc.)

Risks & Challenges Meeting the deadline Meeting the standards/criteria How to start… – Understanding ADRI Failure to find/provide adequate evidence - SM Getting everyone ‘on board’ Reputational Damage Overstretching Staff (with extra duties) Developing a “band-aid” approach to management

Pilot ISAA Timelines January – November 2014 from the OAAA Board (January) OAAA team visit and workshop (April) Submission of the pilot ISAA (July) Panel Visit (November) January November

Drafting the ISAA Document Writing the Report

Stage I – Getting Started Standards Committees StandardCommittee ChairTeam Members 1VC1. Dean of….. 2. Risk Management Officer 3. Finance Manager 4. Health & Safety Officer 4Head of Research1. Dean of…./Program Coordinators 2. Research active staff 3. Research active student(s) 7Pro VC Student Affairs1.Student Affairs Manager 2.Alumni Executive Officer 3.Student Council Rep

Stage II Drafting the Report Timetable for Completion of the ISAA Report DetailsStart DateDeadline Information DoneNotes Submission of completed Draft 1 Thursday 24 th April Draft 1 of each standard is ready for review. ✓ S9 to be delivered on 27/04 Review Part 1*( see new reviewer assignments below ) Thursday 24 th April Wednesday 30 th April Each reviewer to proof-read and review the standard prepared by his/her colleague and provide feedback. ✓

Stage III - Collecting Supporting Material SM No.Title of DocumentDescription of Document VersionOwner of Document SM001XXX V1VC Office SM002TLC Committee SM200XXX V4Alumni Office

Stage IV – The Critical Friend! The Third EYE ‘All Feedback is good Feedback’ Internal & External Document Reviewers

Stage V - Submission Don’t leave anything to the last minute! Follow OAAA requirements/instructions carefully…… – How many hard copies? – How many flash drives? – What’s the font? – Are Tables numbered correctly? – Have we got all the appendices there? – Did you give yourself a ranking???

Role of the QA Office Facilitating meetings/workshops from Day 1 to………………………….. Identifying key personnel Liaising between faculties, departments, staff and students Communicating/updating staff and students on progress to date Building the Repository for Supporting Materials

After Submission The Panel Visit

Before The Panel Visit Brief all staff on the expected visit Run workshops on the standards for staff/students Identify key and requested additional Supporting Materials Brief the students (Student Council) on the visit

Before The Panel Visit Involve the students in the organizational process Run Mock Panel Sessions Thoroughly prepare EACH & EVERY aspect of the visit

During The Panel Visit Leave nothing to chance – Be WELL prepared! Location, Location, Location……… QA administrator on hand 24/7

During The Panel Visit Support Services team on hand to ensure visit goes smoothly (IT, facilities, catering, copiers etc.) Ensure nobody turns up late! Always have back-ups Brief interviewees thoroughly beforehand Debrief the interviewees after meetings

After The Panel Visit

Reflections What went well What could have been done better

From the Experience Be fiscal about deadlines (stick to them!) Know your staff - use people that can help and want to help Help staff see what’s really needed from their side

From the Experience

Communicate REGULARLY with staff and students Build a momentum from Day 1 Don’t just think Assurance, think Enhancement

From the Experience Be Honest - if you’re not doing it; don’t say you are Don’t let your core business suffer

Thank You! Gweneth O’Gorman QA Team Sohar University