1. Policy Statement
Rajagiri College of Management and Applied Sciences, Kakkanad (RCMAS), through its Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), is committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in all aspects of academic and administrative endeavors. IQAC’s commitment lies in upholding the highest standards of quality across all functions, ensuring stakeholder satisfaction, and striving for global recognition in education and research.
2. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to outline the procedures and standards for maintaining and enhancing the quality of academic and administrative operations at RCMAS. This support aims to promote a culture of excellence, interdisciplinary research, innovation, and continuous learning among staff and students.
3. Scope
This policy applies to all academic and administrative operations, staff, and students of Rajagiri College of Management and Applied Sciences, Kakkanad.
4. Eligibility
a. All full-time academic and administrative staff of RCMAS.
b. All enrolled students of RCMAS.
5. Quality Assurance Activities
a. Professional Development
Promotion of pedagogical innovation and staff development through ongoing education, training, and motivation.
Organizing tailored capacity-building programs for both students and faculty.
b. Research and Collaboration
Encouraging interdisciplinary research and collaboration, fostering innovation, and scholarly achievement.
Facilitating and supporting high-quality research and publication endeavors among students and faculty.
c. Teaching and Learning Enhancement
Enhancing the learning experience by optimizing modern teaching methods and resources.
Utilization of e-resources and learning management systems.
d. Assessment and Evaluation
Ensuring transparent and credible assessment and evaluation processes.
Monitoring student progress and mentoring systems.
e. Stakeholder Engagement
Actively engaging with stakeholders and disseminating relevant information about the policies, programs, and achievements of the institution.
Preparing and submitting necessary reports and data for assessment and accreditation agencies in higher education.
f. Resource Allocation
Allocating adequate resources and infrastructure that support quality enhancement initiatives effectively.
g. Community and Social Initiatives
Facilitating activities related to initiatives that work towards social justice and economic equality.
Engaging in community service and outreach activities.
Implementing green initiatives and sustainable practices to foster an eco-friendly learning environment.
h. Policy and Procedures for Quality Assurance
Developing and implementing a strategy for the continuous enhancement of quality.
Ensuring policies and procedures have a formal status and are publicly available.
Including roles for students and other stakeholders in the quality assurance processes.
i. Approval, Monitoring, and Periodic Review of Programmes and Awards
Establishing formal mechanisms for the approval, periodic review, and monitoring of programmes and awards.
Ensuring the assessment of students using published criteria, regulations, and procedures applied consistently.
j. Quality Assurance of Teaching Staff
Ensuring teaching staff are qualified and competent.
Making teaching staff available for external reviews and commenting upon them in reports.
k. Learning Resources and Student Support
Ensuring resources available for student learning are adequate and appropriate for each programme offered.
Assuring training and development on ‘quality’ and other functional competencies of academic and non-academic staff.
l. Information Systems
Collecting, analyzing, and using relevant information for effective management of study programmes and other activities.
m. Public Information
Regularly publishing up-to-date, impartial, and objective information about policies, procedures, programmes, and awards offered.
n. Evaluation and Documentation
Carrying out evaluations in relation to self-assessment and external reference points.
Ensuring independent, impartial, rigorous, thorough, fair, and consistent decision-making.
Maintaining clear documentation concerning self-evaluation and external evaluation, including standards, decision criteria, assessment methods, and reporting format.
o. Resources for External Evaluation
Ensuring adequate and accessible resources (human and financial) to organize and run the process of external evaluation effectively and efficiently.
p. Periodic Reviews and Follow-up Procedures
Undertaking external quality assurance of the College and/or programmes on a cyclical basis with clearly defined and published review procedures.
Implementing predetermined follow-up procedures consistently for quality assurance processes containing recommendations or requiring subsequent action plans.
6. IQAC Structure and Roles and Responsibilities
Structure
The IQAC at RCMAS comprises the following members:
- Chairperson: Principal of the College
- Coordinator: Senior faculty member appointed by the Principal
- Additional Cooordinators: Faculty Members appointed by the Principal
- Secretary: Faculty Member appointed by the Principal
- Faculty Members: Heads and Representatives from various departments
- Administrative Staff: Representative from the administrative staff
- Student Representatives: Nominated students from various programs
- Industry Expert: Expert from outside the institution
- Local Community Representative
- Alumni Representatives: Distinguished alumni of the college
- Parent Representative
Roles and Responsibilities
Chairperson
- Provide leadership and direction for IQAC activities.
- Ensure the integration of quality assurance practices across all academic and administrative functions.
Coordinator
- Coordinate all IQAC activities and initiatives.
- Prepare and disseminate quality assurance reports and documentation.
- Facilitate communication between IQAC members and other stakeholders.
Additional Coordinators
- Support the planning, implementation, and monitoring of quality enhancement initiatives, ensuring effective data management, documentation, and stakeholder engagement.
- Organize training sessions, conduct internal audits and assist in accreditation processes to promote continuous institutional improvement.
Secretary
- Coordinating and overseeing the day-to-day activities of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell, including organizing meetings, maintaining documentation, and ensuring the implementation of quality enhancement initiatives.
- Act as a liaison between the IQAC and other institutional bodies, facilitating communication and compliance with accreditation requirements and standards.
Faculty Members
- Contribute to the development and implementation of quality assurance policies and procedures.
- Participate in academic audits and assessments.
- Promote quality enhancement initiatives within their respective departments.
Administrative Staff
- Support the implementation of quality assurance activities related to administrative processes.
- Assist in the preparation of reports and documentation for accreditation and assessment purposes.
Student Representatives
- Provide feedback on the quality of academic and administrative services.
- Promote student participation in quality enhancement activities.
Industry Experts
- Provide external perspectives on quality assurance practices.
- Advise on best practices and innovative approaches to quality management.
Local Community Representative
- Provides valuable insights and feedback from the community’s perspective, helping to align the institution’s activities and goals with local needs and expectations.
- Foster strong community-institution relationships, support outreach initiatives and enhance the institution’s social responsibility and engagement within the community.
Alumni Representatives
- Offer insights based on their experiences and professional expertise.
- Assist in fostering connections between the institution and its alumni network.
Parent Representative
- Offers a unique perspective on the educational experience and expectations of students, helping to ensure that institutional policies and practices meet the needs and aspirations of students and their families.
- Facilitate communication between the institution and the parent community, providing feedback and suggestions for enhancing the overall quality of education and student support services.
7. Review and Amendments
a. This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure its effectiveness and relevance.
b. Amendments or updates to this policy will be made at the discretion of the management.
Conclusion
By implementing this policy, Rajagiri College of Management and Applied Sciences aims to foster a culture of continuous learning, professional development, and scholarly contributions among its staff and students, ensuring the holistic development of the institution and its stakeholders alike.
