CENTRE FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE
UNIVERSITY OF PERADENIYA
THE VISION OF THE CQA
The Vision of the Centre for Quality Assurance of the University of Peradeniya is,
to be instrumental in improving the learning, work and living experience of the university community by propelling all the academic and administrative entities towards attaining the highest level of performance,
to be a driving force of continuous improvement of all core processes of the University,
to contribute to making it the most trusted institution nationally and internationally, and
to inspire the university community through its supportive and collaborative role in enhancing the standard of the practices of all the entities, thereby enabling the University to achieve its Vision.
THE MISSION OF THE CQA
"The Mission of the Centre for Quality Assurance of the University of Peradeniya is to ensure the highest quality in the pursuit of education, learning and research and the dissemination of knowledge through a robust internal quality assurance system".
ABOUT CQA
The Centre for Quality Assurance (CQA) of the University of Peradeniya was established by the Governing Council of the University per the by-laws relating to Internal Quality Assurance of the University approved by the Council at its 503rd meeting on 04th February 2021 under the UGC circular No 09/2019. Prior to this, the Centre was functioning as the Internal Quality Assurance Unit (IQAU) since 2016 in accordance with the guidelines stipulated by the UGC circular 04/2015. The Centre aims to ensure the highest quality in the pursuit of education, learning and research and the dissemination of knowledge through a robust internal quality assurance system in the University. It shall be instrumental in improving the learning, work and living experience of the university community by propelling all academic and administrative entities towards attaining the highest level of performance. Further, the Centre attempts to be a driving force for continuous improvement of all core processes of the University to contribute to making it the most trusted institution nationally and internationally. It shall inspire the university community through its supportive and collaborative role in enhancing the standard of the practices of all the entities, thereby enabling the University to achieve its Vision. The activities of the Centre are administered by a Management Committee, which is the Standing Committee of the Senate on Quality Assurance and chaired by the Vice-Chancellor of the University. A part-time Director is responsible for the overall administration of the Centre and is supported by an Administrative Officer and other staff.
SIGNIFICANCE OF CQA
In addition to having external quality assurance (EQA) procedures such as external reviews & accreditation, which take place only at intervals, Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) at an HEI should be a continuous, ongoing process where all academic, administrative and support staff and students take the responsibility. IQA ensures that an institution or any entity of it enhances standards of operations and its outputs by relentlessly adopting more and more appropriate best practices to their day-to-day routine activities. Since this can be brought about only through well-functioning internal quality assurance procedures (IQA cycle) and processes, it is considered the cornerstone of QA in higher education. Therefore, it is extremely important that an efficient and effective CQA is in place in each University.
OBJECTIVES OF THE CQA
Support the University to develop existing good practices to establish a quality culture within the institution with enhanced governance and management.
Institutionalize globally recognized best practices and a quality culture within the university community with a robust quality assurance system.
Ensure that the university’s quality assurance system is designed based on national requirements, guidelines and frameworks and the requirements of the students, staff of the university and the public.
Liaise with the QAC of the UGC and other local and international quality assurance agencies to share good practices and enhance the internal quality assurance of the University.
Develop, maintain and enhance the quality of processes and outputs of the University in relation to education, research and community contributions.
Enhance awareness and engagement of all stakeholders in quality assurance.
Assist in developing the public perception of the university with the highest level of trust and confidence of all stakeholders ensuring transparency, accountability, and good practices in all aspects of operations.
Prepare the university to meet the external quality assurance assessment and accreditation requirements by the UGC and other local and international agencies and facilitate follow-up actions and monitor progress.
To foster and facilitate a wide range of discussions on understanding the nature and functions of “quality” in the University system that recognizes both the diversity and range of disciplines of the Faculties/PGIs involved.