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ALHOSN University, a leading Abu Dhabi-based university dedicated to high-quality, value-based education, recently participated in a professional meeting hosted by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (COC-SACS) at its headquarters in Decatur, Georgia, USA. Prof. Raymond Tennant, Head of ALHOSN’s Effectiveness and Accreditation Center, represented the university in a series of workshops held from April 22 to 23, 2010 covering the accreditation process and the proper assessment of institutional effectiveness. The workshops were attended by representatives from institutions based in the southern states of US as well as several international colleges and universities.
One of the workshops focused on the structure of COC-SACS - one of six regional accrediting agencies overseen by the Commission - and the concept of regional accreditation. It also discussed the accreditation process mandated by the COC, including steps for standards compliance as covered by the SACS publication ‘The Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement.’
A second workshop centered on the assessment of institutional effectiveness as a key activity in developing and improving academic and administrative programs. Participants shared the overall planning and evaluation cycles of their respective institutions and how these facilitate the achievement of stated missions and goals. Specific examples of best practices were given to demonstrate methods for further developing institutional effectiveness.
“Our success as an educational institution relies significantly on the quality controls we employ. Accreditation and periodic assessments of our organizational effectiveness are crucial to ensuring that we maintain the high levels of quality and performance we promise to our students, their guardians, and our other stakeholders. Our representation in the COC-SACS workshops reflects our commitment to adopting world-class standards in all our processes, policies and standards,” said Prof. Raymond Tennant.
ALHOSN’s participation in the US event follows its recent hosting of a workshop on institutional effectiveness entitled ‘Internal Quality Assurance in Higher Education Institutions’ last April 17, 2010. The seminar was organized by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research’s Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) and facilitated by Prof. Hilary Winchester, Pro Vice Chancellor for Strategy & Planning at the University of South Australia.
ALHOSN University constantly engages in local, regional and global dialogues to improve the quality and delivery of academic programs. Its 11 undergraduate programs and 7 graduate programs are fully accredited by the CAA and are open to students of all nationalities.
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