Wheel of Academic Law 

RUB Wheel of Academic Law

Quality Assurance Documentation

The Wheel of Academic Law is the official academic policy document of the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB), outlining regulations, policies, and procedures governing academic matters across all affiliated colleges, including Gyalpozhing College of Information Technology (GCIT). It provides a structured framework to ensure consistency, quality assurance, and academic integrity in all programs.

For GCIT, the Wheel of Academic Law serves as the primary guiding document for:

• Curriculum design and program approval.

• Assessment policies and student evaluations.

• Quality assurance and accreditation.

• Ensuring compliance with RUB’s educational standards.

The approval of syllabi and lesson plans by the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) Academic Board is governed by the Wheel of Academic Law. The process is detailed under Regulation F1: Validation of a New Programme and the Adoption of an Existing Programme. Here’s how the process works, including the relevant reference and page:

1. Programme Proposal and Planning: New academic programmes are first proposed by the member colleges. These undergo initial review and endorsement by the Academic Planning and Resources Committee (APRC) for planning approval.
   
   

2. Validation Process:
   
   

   • The programme proposal, including syllabi and lesson plans, is submitted to the Programmes and Quality Committee (PQC).
     
     

   • PQC reviews the documentation and, if deemed satisfactory, forwards it for validation.
     
     

   • A validation panel is formed, which visits the institution, reviews documents (including syllabi and lesson plans), and meets with staff.
     
     

   • The panel recommends either approval, conditional approval, or rejection.
     
     

3. Final Approval by Academic Board:
   
   

   • The Academic Board considers the recommendations from the PQC and the validation panel.
     
     

   • If approved, the programme (including syllabi and lesson plans) becomes part of the official university offerings.
     
     

4. Documentation Required: The required documents include a Programme Specification and Module Descriptors. These define aims, learning outcomes, assessment methods, and detailed lesson structures.
   
   

Reference:

Royal University of Bhutan. The Wheel of Academic Law. Refer to Section F1: Validation of a New Programme and the Adoption of an Existing Programme, pages 104–110 in the PDF file (actual printed pages may vary slightly) .

Royal University of Bhutan’s (RUB) assessment policies, specifically aligned to Key Aspect 2.4 of the BQPCA accreditation framework, and citing the exact source from The Wheel of Academic Law:

RUB’s Comprehensive Assessment Policies

Reference: The Wheel of Academic Law, Section D1: Assessment Regulations, pp. 151–157

(Cited in ISAR p. 59 for Key Aspect 2.4)

1. Purpose of Assessment (D1.1)

The assessment system at RUB is designed to:

• Evaluate whether students have achieved the intended learning outcomes of a module or programme.
  
  

• Promote learning by providing feedback to students.
  
  

• Enable the fair and consistent award of academic credit and qualifications.
  
  

2. Types of Assessment (D1.2–D1.4)

RUB uses a combination of:

• Continuous Assessment: Includes assignments, quizzes, presentations, practicals, and class tests.
  
  

• Semester-End Examinations: Centrally scheduled final exams that assess cumulative learning.

The balance between these components is determined in the module descriptor, which must define the weighting and method of assessment.

3. Minimum Pass Mark and Grading (D1.5)

• The minimum pass mark is 50% for both continuous assessment and semester-end examinations.
  
  

• A letter grading system is used, defined by grade descriptors, with a GPA scale to reflect performance.
  
  

• Students must pass both assessment components individually and meet the overall module pass criteria.
  
  

4. Reassessment and Repeat Policies (D1.7–D1.9)

• Reassessment: Students who fail a module are allowed to retake the failed components under specific conditions.
  
  

• Module Repeat: If reassessment fails or is not permitted, the student may repeat the module, subject to institutional rules.
  
  

5. Moderation and Quality Assurance (D1.10–D1.11)

• All assessments are subject to internal and external moderation to ensure fairness and academic standards.
  
  

• Programme Boards of Examiners oversee the assessment process and confirm final results.
  
  

• An External Examiner system is in place to validate the fairness and consistency of assessment outcomes across RUB colleges.
  
  

6. Academic Integrity and Appeals (D1.12–D1.13)

• Clear regulations are provided for dealing with academic misconduct, such as plagiarism and cheating.
  
  

• Students have the right to appeal their assessment results, and institutions must ensure transparent and fair grievance procedures.
  
  

7. Accessibility and Consistency

• Assessment policies are standardized across all RUB colleges, ensuring consistent academic expectations and grading systems.
  
  

• Each module and programme includes detailed assessment strategies in its programme specification and module descriptor, which are reviewed during validation and curriculum review processes.
  Official Citation

 (APA 7th Edition):

Royal University of Bhutan. (2021). The Wheel of Academic Law (6th ed., pp. 151–157). Office of the Vice Chancellor.

Summary of The Wheel of Academic Law (RUB)

Key Sections and Important Details

1. Governance and Structure

• The Academic Board of RUB governs academic affairs, with amendments and updates approved through formal processes.

• The Governance Manual replaces Section A, transferring governance-related policies to a separate document.

2. Programmes and Awards

• Program Structure: Defines academic credits, module coding, and expectations for different awards.

• Degree Requirements:

• Diploma: 240 credits over 2 years.

• Degree: 360 credits over 3 years, 480 credits over 4 years.

• Honours Degree: 480 credits over 4 years with research emphasis.

• Postgraduate Degrees: Includes Master’s, Postgraduate Diploma, and Postgraduate Certificate.

3. Admission and Registration

• Defines student admission criteria and registration processes across RUB institutions.

• Includes requirements for credit transfers and recognition of prior learning.

4. Teaching, Learning, and Assessment

Assessment Regulations:

• Coursework and exams are structured to ensure fairness and maintain academic integrity.

• Plagiarism policies and penalties are outlined to uphold academic honesty.

• Examination Regulations:

• Defines rules for conducting exams, grading systems, and re-evaluation policies.

Academic Dishonesty:

• Strict rules against cheating, plagiarism, and falsification of academic records.

5. Quality Assurance and Programme Management

Programme Validation and Review:

• New programs must be approved through a rigorous validation process.

• Annual and periodic reviews ensure continuous improvement and relevance.

Accreditation:

• Programs undergo internal and external accreditation and monitoring.

6. Graduation and Academic Awards

Graduation Requirements:

• Completion of required credits and minimum grade thresholds.

Academic Dress Code:

• Specific guidelines for convocation ceremonies.

7. Expectations of RUB Graduates

• Graduates should demonstrate:

• Critical reasoning, analysis, and evaluation skills.

• Interpersonal and leadership abilities.

• Cultural awareness and Gross National Happiness (GNH) values.

• Strong communication and research competencies.

8. Postgraduate Studies

• Master’s Programmes:

• Minimum 180 credits, including coursework and a dissertation.

• Postgraduate Diploma and Certificate:

• Standalone awards or exit qualifications from a Master’s program.

• PhD and Research Degrees:

• Doctoral programs require an extensive research component and thesis submission.

9. Student Progression and Awards

Diploma to Degree Progression:

• Students must achieve minimum grade criteria for upward mobility.

Degree to Honours Progression:

• Minimum of 70% overall performance to qualify for Honours.

10. Semester System and Academic Calendar

• Two-semester system with a winter break.

• Annual academic calendar ensures consistency across all RUB institutions.