The Quality Assurance Management Center (QAMC) Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) plays a crucial role in ensuring that these institutions meet high standards of education and administration. This office is typically responsible for implementing and maintaining a Quality Management System (QMS) aligned with ISO 9001:2015 standards
The Quality Assurance Management Center (QAMC) was established to provide assistance in the establishment, implementation, maintenance and continual improvement of the ISUFST Quality Management System (QMS). The QAMC also provides leadership and is responsible in overseeing and managing the achievement of the Quality Policy and Objectives to ensure sustainability of the QMS.
Accreditation and ISO 9001 certifications are contained in the strategic plan. The organizational structure describes the personnel responsible to plan, implement and maintain continuous improvement of ISUFST. They had undergone the required training. Likewise, validity of accreditation levels of accredited programs are identified and scheduled for assessment to level-up including new programs qualifying preliminary survey visits.
This Quality Assurance Strategic Plan of the University outlines the framework for ensuring the continuous improvement of the University's academic programs, administrative services, and overall student experience. It aligns with the University's vision to be a leading and empowering research university in fisheries, agriculture, education, and technology in Southeast Asia by 2030 and its mission to produce globally competitive and empowered graduates in fisheries, agriculture, education, and technology, and to capacitate individuals and communities towards sufficiency for nation-building. To achieve academic excellence in Fisheries, Agriculture, Education, Arts and Sciences, Engineering and technology by 2023, the following are QAMC Objectives:
1. Recognition of Programs and Accreditation (CHED-recognized accreditation of programs)
2. Ensure continuous improvement through compliance and maintenance of quality management system
Management of the processes and the system as a whole is achieved using the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) Cycle.
The University utilizes procedures and process flow charts to provide the process owners and external relevant interested parties of the instructions and requirements of its different activities. These are documented to substantiate inputs and outputs, and to provide support for the achievement of quality compliance, as planned.
Quality Assurance Plans, Programs, and Activities
The University actively supports the Quality Assurance Management Center (QAMC) through its quality assurance plans, activities, and programs. These initiatives are even incorporated into the University Calendar of Activities, showcasing their commitment to quality.
To institutionalize the Quality Management System (QMS) of the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), Quality Manual was developed that defines and clarifies policies, systems, and procedures adopted to implement and continually improve the QMS. ISO 9001:2015 specifies the QMS requirements intended to be applicable to ISUFST regardless of its type or size, or the products and services it provides.
This manual is designed to document existing mechanisms, procedures, and processes. It aims to facilitate and ensure that quality, however it is defined and measured by the University, is delivered to students and other relevant interested parties. It also documents the complex structure and design of the University QMS, interconnected processes, and the operational arrangements which support the quality assurance activities and academic standards. It gives an outline of the key processes with reference to policies and procedures that comprise the University QMS and provides a holistic and integrative view of the quality management of its activities. The manual is an articulation of the University’s commitment to quality and continuous improvement. This will also inform the internal and external stakeholders and enable them to observe and implement the QMS that is being maintained by ISUFST.
It is intended to be used by all the units of the University as it also defines and clarifies policies, systems, and processes adopted to implement and continually improve the University QMS. Likewise, it serves as a reference and guide for University personnel to familiarize themselves with the University QMS. The manual was approved by the Board of Trustees as per BOT Resolution No. 172 s. 2022.
An Accreditation Task Force is a critical component in a university's successful preparation for an external review.
B. Maintain ISO 9001:2015 Certification
ISO 9001 fosters a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring the university constantly strives to enhance the quality of its educational programs, administrative services, and overall student experience. Maintaining certification demonstrates the university's commitment to quality and can attract students, faculty, and external partners seeking a high-caliber institution.
Internal Reviews
Regular reviews of academic programs, departments, and administrative units. ISUFST continuously assures the quality of programs and services provided and delivered to students. This is evidenced in the design, development, and delivery of higher education services that covers curriculum development, student admission and registration, management of learning, research and development, and promotion or conferment of degree.
The University is responsible for the design, administration, and delivery of a rigorous and coherent curriculum to equip its students. It is expected that students conferred with degrees have the capability to become productive citizens who will continually contribute to the global and rapidly changing society. The conduct of a review facilitates curriculum development and approval, ensures alignment between the designed, delivered, and assessed curriculum, and evaluates the effectiveness of the curriculum.
The established curriculum committee headed by the VP for Academic Affairs periodically reviews the curriculum design, and determines course requirements to satisfy the needs of the students and other higher education programs. The Deans prepare prospective teachers for the necessary competencies essential for effective teaching in the University.
Curiculum Design and Devt.pdf
Development of Syllabus and Instructional Materials
Syllabus and instructional materials development involves the processes that the faculty members undertake in order to improve, upgrade, or innovate instructional materials used. The syllabus is a documented information of the course content, goals, and elements that serves as a guide for the faculty during the management of learning. It also helps the students to be aware of the kind of teaching and learning they can expect in the class. The faculty members prepare and update a well-structured syllabus for each course they handle every start of the semester. Inputs in the preparation of the syllabus include the course curriculum, relevant references, among others.
Through collaborative effort of the members of the University’s organization spearheaded by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Deans the design outputs are verified against input by analyzing the interrelation of the following educational elements contained in the instructor's guide/syllabi
Internal Quality Audits are conducted to check compliance with established quality standards and procedures (like ISO 9001), identify areas for improvement in processes and systems, and assess the effectiveness of the organization's quality management system (QMS).
QP-Internal Audit.pdf
Management review
The University’s Top Management reviews the QMS at least twice a year to adopt measures to ensure its continuing suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness. The review includes assessing opportunities for improvement and the need for changes to the QMS, including the quality policy and quality objectives.
QP-Management Review.pdf
Minutes of MR.pdf
External Audit (ISO 9001:2015)
An external audit for ISO 9001:2015 certification is a rigorous assessment conducted by an accredited certification body to verify if a university's Quality Management System (QMS) meets the requirements of the standard. ISO certification bodies conduct surveillance audits every year or two in between recertification audits (usually every three years).
A QA Officer was hired to assist the Director in all aspects of quality assurance endeavors. The Quality Assurance Officer (QAO) plays a vital role in ensuring the university upholds its commitment to continuous improvement and delivers a high-quality educational experience.
a) Assists in the development, implementation, and maintenance of the University’s Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with both national and international standards.
b) Assists in the planning and implementation of the accreditation of academic programs on all campuses
c) Assists in monitoring the accreditation status of the academic programs and assist the Deans in complying with recommendations of accrediting institutions
d) Prepares and maintains quality assurance data management system
e) Assists in the preparation of reports and related information for communication to external validating and accreditation agencies
f) Coordinates schedule of activities relative to program accreditation and audit
g) Assists in analyzing, interpreting, and reporting data to the top management and participates in corrective action planning
In its commitment to excellence, ISUFST fosters a culture of continuous improvement through employee development. Faculty and staff benefit from a combination of in-house training programs for QMS documentation and participation in external seminars and workshops conducted by AACCUP. This ensures they possess the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to maintaining and enhancing the university's quality management system.
ISUFST is committed to continuous improvement and believes Institutional in Sustainability Assessment will provide a valuable framework to evaluate our current sustainability practices and identify areas for enhancement. The university has initiated activities in preparation for its application for ISA.