www.iao.

org

Quality Assurance

Table of Contents

PREFACE
The Concept of International Accreditation The Accreditation Commission Purpose of Quality Assurance Manual 03 04 04

INTRODUCTION
Accreditation & Its Importance IAO 06 07

IAOs ACCREDITATION
IAOs Offerings Accreditation for Non-Traditional Institutions Accreditation for Traditional Institutions Purpose of IAOs Accreditation Benefits of IAOs Accreditation IAOs Accreditation Commission IAOs Commission Responsibilities IAOs Evaluation Commission IAOs Chapters 09 09 09 10 10 11 13 14 15

IAOs UNIQUE PATENTED PROFILE SYSTEM

Eligibility Criteria Accreditation Metrics Organizational Management Academic Management Institutional Performance 17 18 18 50 63

PROCESS OF ACCREDITATION
Process Overview Accreditation of Individual Schools Right to Appeal Maintaining Accreditation Displaying Status Obligations of Accreditation Re-Accreditation 68 71 71 71 72 73 74

APPENDIX
Fee Structure Traditional University Non-Traditional University Traditional Institute Non-Traditional Institute Checklist of Important Documents 76 76 77 78 78 79

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Chapter 1: Preface

1.1

The Concept of International Accreditation

While there are countless regional accreditation agencies and boards around the world, international organizations that assess and improve educational standards are unheard of to many in the education industry. Establishing international indicators of education systems is a challenging task mainly because the impact cannot easily be assessed across different systems. Studies examine how many years of education students acquire, and how many of them pass their exams. However, since these exams are not the same in different countries, it does not really allow one to evaluate if the system actually works for the students. International tests have to date focused on how well students have mastered certain parts of the curricula being followed in other countries. This is a useful but narrow measure of performance. Additionally, traditional educational institutions have resisted the imposition of a single international standard of what schools should teach, because students thought patterns are invariably affected by cultural approaches. International comparisons will be inevitable and a country's educators will have to accept experts into their classrooms to scrutinize their programs and recommend adjustments and changes. It is the only way to move forward in the face of tough global competition in the field of education. Still, accrediting organizations cannot ignore the common need for certain key competencies across the international education economy. Therefore, if they cannot compare academic programs, how can they verify the quality of education provision? Through processes. All quality educational institutions have management and academic processes, in addition to the curricula they teach. These two processes can provide a solid base on which results for quality assurance activities can be compared. The validity of an organizations educational offering and its continuity can be judged by assessing these systems and processes. With the advent of non-traditional means of education, the educational field has expanded dramatically and is no longer constrained by geographical locations. The premise that superior quality education is only given in elite paid-for schools in developed countries would be dispelled by the fact that with a proper and sound training base and educational system, students from developing countries enrolled in a non-traditional institute could perform equally well or even better than their counterparts in the elite schools. If this was significantly true, it would prove that quality education was not an exclusive trait of the privileged class. In these circumstances, an accreditation by an internationally accepted agency can be an additional benefit in the quest for worldwide program coverage and independent verification of an institutions educational process.

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Chapter 1: Preface

1.2

The Accreditation Commission

From traditional institutions to distance learning and online education, the pace of change in the education sector is rapid. To assure the quality of education worldwide, accreditation is done on the basis of fixed standards. These standards are developed by The Accrediting Commission and are intended to: 1. Foster excellence in education through the development of criteria and guidelines for assessing educational effectiveness 2. Encourage institutional improvement of educational endeavors through continuous self-study and evaluation 3. Ensure the confidence of educational community, the general public, and other agencies or organizations educational institutions These standards allow the accreditation body to appraise a wide variety of institutions, differing in purpose, size, and organization, scope of program, support, and control. In addition to making decisions on the accreditation of institutions, the Accreditation Commission is also responsible for reviewing IAOs conditions, standards and criteria from time to time. Any changes considered appropriate will be recommended to the Committee which may decide to implement them.

1.3

Purpose of Quality Assurance Manual

This manual aims to provide basic information about accreditation related to educational institutions all over the world. It is a complete compilation of the Accrediting Commissions policies, procedures and standards. It outlines these standards and formulates a reliable process for evaluating institutions which voluntarily apply to seek accreditation status. The manual also provides guidance to newly established educational institutions seeking to build or refine their policies and practices, whether or not they apply for IAOs accreditation.

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Chapter 2: Introduction

2.1

Accreditation and Its Importance

The number of people enrolling in educational institutions is growing at a phenomenal rate. Prospective students view the traditional and non-traditional approaches as a way to not only further their formal education but also as a means to increse their opportunities and advance their careers. But students everywhere need to understand the importance of getting a degree from an accredited institution and the dangers of receiving a degree from an institution without accreditation. Accreditation in education began over a century ago. The movement started as a public reaction to the vast differences among educational institutions that initially appeared to be similar. Accrediting bodies were voluntarily organized by educators to develop and implement common policies and standards to measure educational quality. From its inception, accreditation has been a non-governmental, completely voluntary, peer group method of identifying educational institutions or programs which meet published standards of quality. A variety of regional and professional accrediting groups came into being in the early 1900s in response to the publics demand for reliable indicators of institutional quality. Accreditation is a means by which reputed institutions and good practices are promoted, while safeguarding students' best interests and educational goals. It ensures a basic level of quality in the education that students receive from an institution. It also ensures that the degrees of students will be recognized for their achievements. Accreditation status is provided by accrediting bodies which are private, nongovernmental organizations that have been created specifically to review colleges, universities, and other institutions and programs to guarantee quality and sound educational standards. The accreditation process ensures a review of a school's faculty, recruiting practices, admissions procedures, course content, and more. Influenced and affected by the role of accreditors, educational institutions are responsible for improving the quality and results of the education they provide.

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Chapter 2: Introduction

2.2

IAO

International Accreditation Organization (IAO) is an international agency working to enhance the standards of education across the globe. It operates worldwide, granting educational accreditation by evaluating institutions against the standards and quality of education provided by traditional and non-traditional institutions. IAO is focused on recognizing and accrediting institutions offering conventional education and professional skills through on-campus or non-traditional means. Over the years, IAO has evaluated and accredited traditional and non-traditional educational institutes based on its patented evaluation process. After its independent analysis, the IAO allocates a unique Points Profile to each institution depending on the quality of education they impart compared to the globally accepted standards of education. Upon final accreditation, the IAO also suggests improvement in non-traditional education system. IAOs team consists of highly professional experts from all over the world, helping IAO improve educational standards whether the institution follows a traditional or non-traditional method of education. IAOs expertise and services are also recognized by different global accreditation associations.

To establish, preserve, and promote the finest educational standards worldwide by acting as a catalyst for information, training and networking to traditional and non-traditional institutes.

Mission:

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Chapter 3: IAOs Accreditation

IAOs Accreditation

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Chapter 3: IAOs Accreditation

3.1

IAOs Offerings

IAOs accreditation serves the interests of companies, agencies, and the public through the establishment of standards, policies, and procedures in conjunction with an objective evaluation designed to identify and inspire sound education and training practices. Once an institution partners with IAO, this reflects the latters commitment to high standards of education and accountability. IAO is an entity entrusted with the task of providing quality assurance standards to traditional and non-traditional educational institutions.

Accreditation for Non-Traditional Institutions

The advent of the Internet has made unimaginable things possible in todays fast-paced and technology-oriented world. It has made huge strides in the field of education too. Now, it is possible for the students to complete their education without going to a traditional institutionthey can do it online without sacrificing on their personal and professional commitments. In todays age of high-speed information exchange, online education is gaining wide currency among people belonging to different walks of life working adults, housewives, military personnel, etc. Students have a broad range of options to pursue their education through CDs, websites, real-time online facilities such as webcasts, webinars and virtual classrooms. To pursue its mission of recognizing and nurturing online and distance education, IAO accredits online & distance learning schools and institutes. Accreditation of non- traditional educational institutions by IAO ensures that they are operating according to the set principles and are meeting the required global educational standards.

Accreditation for Traditional Institutions

Despite the growing importance of online education, the most common form of instruction is still traditional, classroom-style learning. IAO accredits: A regional (traditional/campus-based) higher educational institution Or A higher educational institution that offers special educational programs like evening & executive programs in any field Accreditation for traditional or campus-based institutions ensures that the institution is operating as per the defined criteria and standards of quality education and is meeting the benchmark set by the IAO. IAO also accredits online & distance learning and regional / traditional campus-based professional and vocational institutes all over the world.

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Chapter 3: IAOs Accreditation

3.2 Purpose of IAOs Accreditation

Below are the four main purposes of IAOs accreditation: To support and advise higher education institutions about enhancing their educational standards To counsel students seeking to pursue higher education in any institution of the world To assure students, government departments and other relevant bodies about the good standing of an institution To enable an institution to state publicly that it has voluntarily accepted independent inspection and has satisfied IAO about all relevant aspects of its operation

3.3 Benefits of IAOs Accreditation

Below are the advantages IAO accredited institutions enjoy: Institutes that are granted accreditation by IAO enjoy unmatched respect, recognition and credibility To improve the standards and practices, IAOs Evaluation Commission periodically sends its publications, recommendations and suggestions to the educational institutes. The main purpose of these publications and recommendations is to keep the institutes updated on the latest developments pertaining to the accreditation standards around the world. It helps the member institutes to maintain and enhance their educational practices and standards An institution may possibly gain eligibility for its participation and its students in certain programs of governmental aid for postsecondary education IAO provides a unique professional development opportunity for the institutions staff members to serve on accrediting examining committees visiting other institutions To students, accreditation provides: An assurance that the educational program, policies and procedures of an accredited institution have been found to be satisfactory Facilitation in acceptance of credits and degrees among other accredited academic institutions. IAOs accredited degrees are accepted by almost all universities of the world Acceptance of a degree by the corporate sector and private organizations To the public, the values of accreditation include: An assurance of external evaluation of the institution or program and a finding that there is conformity to general expectations in education or the professional field An identification of institutions which have voluntarily undertaken activities directed at improving its quality and its professional programs An improvement in the professional services available to the public as accredited programs modify their requirements according to the changes in the field of education Accreditation serves the professions by: Setting the requirements for preparation to enter the workforce Bringing together practitioners, teachers, and students at one place with the aim of improving professional standing and practices

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Chapter 3: IAOs Accreditation

3.4 IAOs Accreditation Commission

IAO is a private educational quality assurance agency seeking to accomplish its mission of standardizing and promoting traditional and non-traditional education worldwide. IAOs accreditation committee not only examines the educational institution as a whole but also evaluates specific educational programs. IAOs Accreditation Commission has developed accreditation standards of qualitative criteria that measure an institutions current state of educational effectiveness. It also identifies the basic elements that must exist in all education programs to make them more effective. These standards include all the functions and processes in an institution, including their mission and purpose of the institute, planning and evaluation, organizational governance, academic programs, library and information services and financial resources. The Accreditation Commission has full authority to award, refuse, withdraw or suspend accreditation. It discharges this duty after assessing the inspection reports of institutions, with a range of possible decisions and the individual criteria considered in the process. In addition to making decisions on the accreditation of institutions, the Accreditation Commission is also responsible for reviewing conditions, standards and criteria from time to time. Any changes considered appropriate may be implemented, which provides opportunities for improvement in all aspects of service delivery and is pivotal to the overall quality enhancement. Membership leads to the following prestigious positions of office-bearers:

The President is a highly qualified and accomplished individual who leads and represents the Accrediting Commission. As a leader, the president helps members develop as leaders and works to ensure that IAOs professional and leadership development activities are successfully promoted and completed. Responsibilities of President Maintaining coordination with the IAO team in the UK Communicate the latest happenings and performance of IAO to all members Arranging events, seminars on behalf of IAO in their respective regions Leading the IAO team appointed in their region (chapter members) for paid visits for full accreditation Communicate problems faced by the team while paying visits and suggest changes

President

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Chapter 3: IAOs Accreditation

The VP is selected for his outstanding contributions to education and his expertise in business, education, and related fields. IAO appoints a VP keeping in view the commitment demonstrated by the individual for the promotion of high standards for institutions, willingness to become involved with accreditation programs for educational institutes, their demonstrated objectivity and sound judgment, and the outstanding competencies they bring to the Commission from their respective backgrounds. Responsibilities of Vice President Look after all administrative functions of IAO Share activity plans with the IAO chapter members and ensure their further improvement Carry out cost benefit analysis of each activity, like events or paid visits and share it with the President Submit a quarterly activity report to the President Formulate policies for each region and discuss it with the President Risk management

Vice President

The treasurer is responsible for arranging/ organizing workshops and seminars to ensure that the organization carries out their stated aims and objectives. As the collector and disburser of funds, the treasurer is responsible for IAOs financial stability. To carry out this assignment, the treasurer should meet with the previous treasurer and consult a certified accountant. Responsibilities of Treasurer Look after the cash management, debt management ensuring that the institutions make the payment to IAO Investment management (If there are external funds needed to set up offices in their regions) Budget development and financial reporting to the President Offer banking services to the institutions and facilitate payments

Treasurer

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Chapter 3: IAOs Accreditation

3.4.1 IAOs Commission Responsibilities:

IAOs Commission aims to maintain and promote the high educational standards of traditional and non-traditional institutes. The IAOs Accrediting Commission identifies and accredits those educational institutions or training providers that have attained and maintained the sufficient quality of standards of educational programs to achieve the stated objectives and mission. The responsibilities of the Commission are to: Establish criteria for the evaluation of the traditional and non-traditional institutes Receive applications from institutions seeking accreditation Appoint qualified evaluators and provide for a comprehensive evaluation procedure Re-evaluate the accredited institute, its programs, and courses of study at reasonable intervals Make available the criteria for accreditation and the operation of the Commission to the public

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Chapter 3: IAOs Accreditation

3.5 IAOs Evaluation Commission

For each international chapter of IAO, native educational specialists have been inducted in IAOs team who are well aware of the dynamics of their country's education system and possess the necessary expertise and knowledge to serve traditional and non-traditional education. The following professionals are part of IAOs Team: Basem A. M. Shahin Dr. Ines Dika Dr. Ameer Ali Dr. Emelin Molo Magada Ar. Almir Pestek Mohamed Noureldin Ahmed Abdelhakim Amani Ramsis Dr. Abdul Rahman- Wolfgang Hanoun Saifuddin S. Rangwala's Marta Zugaro Jihan Jaber Zaid N. Zaid Al-Shammari Najib Nicolas Gerges Ali Rasheed Abdul-Hadi Al-Hassnawi Dr. Florabel O. Nieva Dr Bordeianu Constantin Cristian Al Bakri Saudi Arabia Ambili P.K Dr. Sebastin Bruque-Cmara Dr W.G.Somaratne Mazen Akell Dr Levent Akdeniz Brent M. Tabor

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Chapter 3: IAOs Accreditation

3.6 IAOs Chapters

To achieve its mission of providing quality education to all, IAO has created chapters in different countries. All these regional chapters have native members who are related to the field of education and work to achieve IAO's mission in their respective chapters. IAO has chapters in the following countries: Abu Dhabi Albania Bangladesh Bahrain Bosnia Dubai Egypt Germany India Italy Jordan Kuwait Lebanon Libya Malaysia Oman Philippines Romania Saudi Arabia Singapore Spain Srilanka Syria Turkey USA

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Chapter 4: IAOs Unique Patented Profile System

IAOs Unique Patented Profile System

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Chapter 4: IAOs Unique Patented Profile System

IAO provides assessment and evaluation to education providers based on a unique approach that focuses on improving the quality standards by providing specific recommendations based on a unique point profile system. The approach differentiates itself from other EQA based on: 1. Point score instead of pass/fail 2. Full recommendation report to improve standards 3. Borderless approach through global representatives IAO has developed a unique Points Profile system with the advice and cooperation of outstanding authorities on education and accreditation. These accreditation standards provide a benchmark of minimum acceptable policy and practice for the evaluators and commissioners as they evaluate an institution as part of the accrediting program. These standards also serve as benchmarks in helping the institutions staff and faculty evaluate important aspects of their institutions programs. These standards are divided into 3 heads, consisting of further sub-divisions that are described below.

4.1 Eligibility Criteria

The applicant should be an educational establishment that: Formally enrolls students and maintains student records Retains a qualified faculty to service students Transmits to students organized instructional materials Provides continuous two-way communication on student work, e.g., evaluating students examinations, projects, and/or answering queries, with prompt feedback given to students The educational establishment can be of the following types: Traditional Secondary schools Professional & Vocational Non- Traditional Distance Learning Online Professional & Vocational The institute should offer Degree Programs Associates degree Bachelors degree Masters degree Doctorate degree Diploma Programs Undergraduate Diploma Graduate Diploma Certificate Programs Undergraduate Course Certificate Undergraduate Certificate Graduate Course Certificate Graduate Certificate

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Chapter 4: IAOs Unique Patented Profile System

It also offers education and training other than that required for academic credentials The applicant educational institution is financially sound and will continue to provide services to the students It is duly licensed, authorized and approved by the applicable state educational institutional authority (or its equivalent for non-U.S. institutions). The institution must also be in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal requirements The applicant institutes name is free from any illegal actions and unethical conduct The institution, the institutions owners, governing board members, and administrators possess sound reputations and show a record of integrity and ethical conduct in their professional activities, business operations, and relations. The owners, board members and executive staff must have records free from any association with any misfeasance, including, but not limited to, owning, managing or controlling any educational institutions that have entered bankruptcy or have closed with students having been disadvantaged as a result The institutions Application for Accreditation must be complete in all respects The Commission may not accept an application from an institution, if the institution is unable to show that it can meet IAOs standards concerning the qualifications of the institutions owners, governing board members and administrator, or financial responsibility. In the event the Accrediting Commission does not accept an application for one or both of these reasons, the decision would be appealable. In addition, the Commission reserves the right to not accept an application from an institution, if travel conditions or security concerns in that country are perceived by the Commission to be unsafe. This decision would not be appealable. The failure of one education program and/or division to apply for or achieve accreditation within a time frame set by the Commission does not render all education programs or divisions ineligible for accreditation.

4.2 Accreditation Metrics

The heads and sub-heads discussed below are the IAOs accreditation Commissions standards against which all applicant institutes are evaluated. The policies, procedures, practices, and activities of an applicant institution must be in compliance with these Standards.

4.2.1 Organizational Management:

The factors covered under this head give a history and overview of the applicant institution. This head focuses on the concepts and methods of how the institution is managing itself. It gives insights into the culture of the applicant institutions strategic planning and implementation; organization structure; human resource management; and operational management. The sub-heads covered under this are:

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Chapter 4: IAOs Unique Patented Profile System

1. Operational Status:
Explanation: Operational Status means the period of time that the applicant institution has been in existence. IAO Standards: The applicant institute should: a. Provide history of the institution; showing the founding date, why the institution was founded, changes of name, creation of new divisions, new training sites, and any major changes in ownership and management. b. Describe the legal form of the institution and the ownership of the institution. c. List the names and addresses of any persons or organizations owning 10% or more of the voting stock, if the institution is a stock corporation. d. Provide a general description of the types of courses/programs being offered. e. Describe the history of major changes in the institution with respect to the addition of student services and new personnel, changes in admission standards and marketing procedures, online offerings, etc. f. Provide the names and addresses, terms of office, and occupations of any governing board members. Describe the role of the Board, list their duties, and explain how they contribute to the institutions achievement of its mission. If there are multiple boards, describe each. g. Explain the authority of any agency, other than the governing board, which has power to initiate, review, or reverse actions of the schools management. Questions: For how many years has your institution been fully operational? Flow Chart:

Start

Give date of commencement of business, as on certificate given by approving educational body

Y
Is your institute operational?

Give date expected to start business

Apply to IAO for candidacy status

Stop

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2. Vision:
Explanation: The vision defines the institutions aim including its educational activities, its student body, and its role within the education community. Through its planning process, the institution asks questions, seeks answers, analyzes itself, and revises its goals, policies, procedures, and resource allocation. The institutions vision defines how well, and in what ways, it is accomplishing its mission and goals and uses the results for broad-based, continuous planning and evaluation. IAO Standards: a. The institution should provide its engagement in systematic planning for, and evaluation of, its activities, including teaching, research, and public service. b. The institution should provide supplementary evidence of the necessary resources for effective evaluation and planning processes. c. The institution should provide documentary support of how it integrates its evaluation and planning processes to identify institutional priorities for improvement. d. How the institution uses the results of its systematic evaluation activities and ongoing planning processes to influence resource allocation and to improve its instructional programs, institutional services, and activities. Questions: What is the vision (rationale) behind the institution?

Flow Chart:
Start

Does the Organization have a vision?

Develop vision statement

State vision statement

Does it address current and future goals?

Amend vision statement

Stop

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Chapter 4: IAOs Unique Patented Profile System

3. Governing Board:
Explanation: It aims to check if the institution has competent owners, governing board members, administrators, instructors/faculty, and staff. This body has powers that decide and govern the direction of the institution and also review and authorize strategic and operational plans. IAO Standards: IAO requires that: a. The institution, institutions owners, governing board members, and administrators possess sound reputations and show a record of integrity and ethical conduct in their professional activities, business operations, and relations. b. The governing board members are knowledgeable and experienced in one or more aspects of educational administration, finance, teaching/learning, and distance study. c. They possess appropriate qualifications and experience for their positions and roles and have demonstrated the ability to direct institutional operations successfully. d. They have responsibilities for the educational program(s) and a policy-making voice in advertising, sales, and collections. Questions: Do you have a functioning governing board with a minimum of 5 members? List out your current board members List out your boards educational qualifications? Has your board changed from the date of establishment? List out the changes in your board? Does your board make policies independent to management? Is the total number of your board members greater than 5% of your total staff size? Does the governing board function towards the educational interests of non- traditional students?

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Chapter 4: IAOs Unique Patented Profile System

Flow Chart:
Start

Do you have a functioning B.O.D?

Elect B.O.D acc. to IAO criteria

Elect remaining members

No of members less than 5

Provide members list with qualifications

Stop B.O.D. Members

Start

List no. of changes since start date

B.O.D changed?

Current list of B.O.D.

Stop

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Chapter 4: IAOs Unique Patented Profile System

4. Senior Management:
Explanation: Senior Management develops tangible strategies to increase the effectiveness of education for long-term institutional success and manages the fiscal constraints. In agreement with established institutional systems and procedures, the senior management should be responsive to the needs and concerns of students, faculty, other administrators and staff. IAO Standards: IAO requires that the Senior Management be knowledgeable in: a. Advising the Governing Board on the financial implications of current or prospective business activities. b. Development of operating policies and continuous improvement programs. c. Evaluation of growth opportunities in alignment with the institute's strategic plan. d. Identification and implementation of solutions that improve operational efficiencies while providing superior service to students. Questions: Has your institution had the senior management from day one? List the changes in the senior management. List your current management details. Flow Chart:
Start

Elect CEO following Org Procedures

Do you have a CEO?

Name and qualification of CEO with date selected

List of past CEOs and term in office

Has he/she been CEO from day one?

Stop

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5. Mission:
Explanation: The institutions mission statement refers to its purpose of existence and is supported by specific, clearly defined goals and objectives, including an institutional commitment to providing quality education programs. IAO Standards: a. Present the institutions overall mission statement, goals, and objectives, and the institutions commitment to providing quality educational programs. b. The institution should be able to demonstrate that it is effectively carrying out its mission, is attaining its goals and objectives. c. Explain how the institution regularly reviews and revises, as necessary, its mission statement, institutional goals and objectives, institutional policies, and practices to ensure consistency and integrity in all of its representations about its mission, goals, objectives, programs, and services. d. Explain the process of ensuring that the institutions current mission statement is readily accessible to students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders and is used consistently wherever it is widely promulgated. Questions: Does your institution have a mission statement? Does your mission statement address non- traditional students? Do you have a fixed review policy for your mission? Who is responsible for the Evaluation of mission communication and adoption? No direct responsibility or department/individual? Do other stakeholders apart from the governing body such as management staff, faculty, and students have input in review process? Count and calculate the average number of times your mission statement appears in all your official documents (web, print, correspondence, etc.)? Do you have values statements? Does the mission address the non- traditional students education?

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Flow Chart:

Start

Publish mission statement

Decide mission with stakeholders

Do you have a mission?

Printed mission statement

Consider amending mission statement

Does it address non-traditional students?

Does it reflect current goals?

Amend mission statement for current operations

Updated mission statement

Y Stop

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6. Institution Structuring:
Explanation: Institution Structuring describes the country of origin and registration, legal structure (whether it is a profit or non- profit) as well as other factors including license and state authority. This also includes legal details considering the institutes degrees issuing rights in their country of operation. The institutional structure affects the policies in practice. It emphasizes on gathering information in institutional planning, policy formation, and decision-making categories to analyze the institutional effectiveness. IAO Standards: The institutions are evaluated on: a. The expertise available for institutional policy planning, development and analysis. b. The extent to which implementers of policy feel a sense of commitment to policy change. c. The degree to which policy proposals are regional or international. d. The support for new proposals. Questions: What is the institutions country of registration? What is the legal structure of your organization (for profit, not-for-profit)? Is the institution chartered, licensed, authorized by state/ nation/ authority operating in public interest? Does your institution have the formal right to issue a degree in your country of incorporation? What is the structure of the Departments (matrix, other)? Flow Chart:
Start

Start Regn. Process

Is your Institute Registered?

Cert and date of Registration

Cert. issued by authorized body

Right to issue degree

Apply for authorization

Authorized certificate

Stop

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7. Management Team:
Explanation: The management team of an enterprise refers to its top officers in the planning and administration of the business. A good management team brings decades of diverse experience and a history of success. IAO evaluates an institution on the policies that these executives develop. These officers are held responsible by the stakeholders if the organization fails to achieve its stated goals and objectives. IAO Standards: a. Institutions Management teams commitment to a quality-oriented culture. b. Institutions ability to adopt a disciplined approach to the business including working on the business to create plans and align the stakeholders to execute the business plans. c. The teams ability to inculcate a culture of team work and commitment. d. How technology is used strategically? e. How the team has developed relationships with its stakeholders? Questions: Does your institution have sufficiently qualified personnel to fulfill the responsibilities and obligations for each key organizational and departmental role? List your management teams educational qualifications and work experience. List the functional heads of each department of the institution Flow Chart:
Start

Prepare org. chart with dept. response

Does your org have a org chart?

List of dept heads with date of selection

Stop

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8. Institutional Integrity:
Explanation: The institution is governed and administered with respect for the individual in a nondiscriminatory manner while responding to the educational needs and legitimate claims of the constituencies it serves, as determined by its chartered purposes and accredited status. Institutions must remain intellectually free and allow others the same freedom to pursue truth and to distinguish the pursuit of it from a commitment to it. IAO Standards: a. There is an obligation of trustees and administrators, to protect faculty and students from inappropriate pressures or destructive harassments. b. There is the obligation of faculty to distinguish personal conviction from proven conclusions and to present relevant data fairly to students. c. There is the obligation of students, to sift and to question, to be actively involved in the life of the institution, but involved as learners at appropriate levels. The determination and exercise of proper responsibilities will be related to the students status as undergraduate, professional, or graduate students. Questions: Do your mission/ values/ corporate culture encourage high ethical standards? Does your institution have a code of conduct & ethics policy? Does your institution communicate to the public its compliance to all government policies? Does your institute formally promote its mission / values / corporate culture (i.e. included in publications, policy manual & website? Is there formal communications of all relevant Policy Documents to all stakeholders? Flow Chart:
Start

Policy Documents

Prepare & include policy

Does your institute have a code of conduct & ethics policy?

Policy Documents

Policy Documents

Prepare & include policy

Does your institute communicate relevant policies to all stake holders?

Mediums used?

Stop

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9. Policies & Public Information:

Explanation: This policy formulates the standards and practices being followed by an institution. It requires disclosure of an institutions information and describes the extent and nature of the materials which will be made available to the public. This policy reflects the institutions commitment to the disclosure of information in an open, honest and fair manner. IAO Standards: a. The information that has to be voluntarily disclosed by the institution includes: Letter of incorporation Annual report/financial statements Tax exemption letter (if any) Institution laws and policies Board of trustees Organization chart Scholarships/research proposals Donor information Study programs, courses and Faculty b. Since IAO respects the privacy of individuals, it does not disclose the following information: Private information of donors/ prospective donors Donor amounts/ gift amounts Personal information about students, employees or other stakeholders Questions: Does your institution publish your academic policies? How many communication methods does your institution use to communicate policy changes? Does the institution have a policy document / manual? How many communication methods does your institution use to communicate lists of faculty? How many communication methods does your institution use to communicate lists of programs and courses? Does your institution have strong back-up procedures and multiple storage of all students histories and records? Flow Chart:
Start

Policy Documents

Prepare & include policy

Does your institute publish academic policies?

Policy Documents

Policy Documents

Develop methods

What methods are used to communicate the changes in policies?

Mediums used?

Policy Documents

Develop methods

Does your institute have a back up for students records?

Policy Documents

Stop

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10. Research & Scholarship:

Explanation: Scholarship and research is inherent in the work of faculty and students and is integrated in mutually supportive ways with instructional activities, regardless of the size or nature of the institution. IAO Standards: IAO requires that: a. Consistent with institutional mission and goals, the faculty are engaged in scholarship and research. b. Institutional policies and procedures, including ethical considerations, concerning scholarship and research are clearly communicated. c. Consistent with institutional mission and goals, the faculty have a substantive role in the development and administration of research policies and practices. d. Consistent with its mission and goals, the institution provides appropriate financial, physical, administrative, and information resources for scholarship and research. e. The nature of the institutions research mission and goals and its commitment to faculty scholarship and research are reflected in the assignment of faculty. f. Sponsored research and programs funded by grants, contracts, and gifts are consistent with the institutions mission and goals. g. The faculty is accorded academic freedom to pursue scholarship, research, and artistic creation consistent with the institutions mission and goals. Questions: Does the institution have a formal policy for the pursuit of research and scholarship? What percentage of faculty pursues scholarship (which includes the ongoing application, utilization/ dissemination of existing knowledge as well as creative activity within and outside classroom or system) What percentage of faculty pursues research? What number of faculty pursues research specially targeted for non- traditional students?

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Flow Chart:
Start

Include standards

Does your organization give research and scholarship opportunity to faculty?

Percentage of faculty members pursuing research and scholarship

Policy documents

Prepare and inculde policy

Policy for faculty research and scholarship opportunity

Policy documents

N Include policy

Research and scholarship opportunities paid by institute

Stop

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11. Acquisition, Discovery & Application of Knowledge:

Explanation: The primary purpose for this category outlines the institutions policies for the promotion of culture of learning by fostering and supporting enquiries, creativity and practice. IAO Standards: a. The institutions information resources and services include sufficient holdings, equipment, and personnel in all of its libraries, instructional media and production centers, computer centers, networks, telecommunication facilities, and other repositories of information to accomplish the institutions mission and goals. b. Equipment and materials are selected, acquired, organized, and maintained to support the educational program. c. Policies, regulations, and procedures for systematic development and management of information resources, in all formats, are documented, updated, and made available to the institutions constituents. d. Information resources are readily accessible to all students and faculty. These resources and services are sufficient in quality, level, breadth, quantity, and currency to meet the requirements of the educational program. e. Communications services are used to extend the boundaries in obtaining information and data from other sources, including regional, national, and international networks. f. Information resources and services are determined by the nature of the institutions educational programs and the locations where programs are offered. Questions: Does your institution have a formal policy for the acquisition, discovery, and application of knowledge through novel research and scholarship? Does the institution plan to develop a policy for implementation of new learning methods? Does the implementation of new learning methods cater to the educational needs of nontraditional students?

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Flow Chart:
Start

Policy documents

Develop working policy

Institution policy for acquisition, discovery and application of knowledge

Is the policy implemented?

Implement policy

New learning methods

Y
Discussion and implementation of new learning methods

Stop

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12. Campus/ Online Area/ Medium:

Explanation: Campus structure describes the entire working environment, the number and quality of campuses and their accessibility. The online area is the technological hub of the campus that provides Internet accessibility around the campus. Other modes of learning are also included in this area such as CDs, broadcasts, handouts and conferencing. Campus and the media are regarded as the general mode of communication between on campus and off-campus students. This policy ensures that sufficient physical resources, particularly instructional facilities, are designed, maintained, and managed (at both on- and off-campus) to achieve the institutions mission and goals. IAO Standards: IAO requires that: a. Instructional facilities are sufficient to achieve the institutions mission and goals. b. Facilities assigned to an instructional function are adequate for the effective operation of the function. c. The institutions facilities are furnished adequately for work, study, and research by students, faculty, and staff. d. The management, maintenance, and operation of instructional facilities are adequate to ensure their continuing quality and safety necessary to support the educational programs and support services of the institution. e. Facilities are constructed and maintained with due regard for health and safety and for access by the physically disabled. f. When programs are offered off the primary campus, the physical facilities at these sites are appropriate to the programs offered. g. When facilities owned and operated by other organizations or individuals are used by the institution for educational purposes, the facilities meet this standard. h. Suitable equipment (including computing and laboratory equipment) is provided and is readily accessible at on- and off-campus sites to meet educational and administrative requirements. i. Equipment is maintained in proper operating condition, is inventoried and controlled, and replaced or upgraded as needed. j. Use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials are in accordance with the institutions prescribed procedures. Questions: How many campuses does your institution have? What is the quality of campuses? How can the campuses be accessed? What is the speed of the online area? What is the uptime? What is the ease of use of: Distance learning other than online Broadcast CD/ DVD Books/ handouts Conferencing

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Flow Chart: For traditional / campus based

For online education / department

Start Start

Does institute have a physical facility?

Establish physical area for information liaison

Physical Faculty

Establish physical facility liaison office

List address, buildings & departments with head of institution

List address of website

List email contact on website List map of physical layout List prospectus, procedures for registration fees etc Stop List types of programs, resources

List process for exams, tests

List process for obtaining a degree, diploma

Stop

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13. Financial Resources & Management:

Explanation: The institution needs to document that it is financially responsible and in control of its financial matters. The institution should also demonstrate that it will continue to operate as a going concern for the benefit of students, and is capable of producing accurate and timely financial information. IAO Standards: IAO requires that: a. The institution shows, by complete, comparative financial statements covering its two most recent fiscal years, that it is financially responsible and that it can meet its financial obligations to provide quality instruction and service to its students. (Financial statements must be prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.) b. The institution must have at least one person who is qualified and able to prepare accurate financial reports in a timely manner. Internal auditing trails and controls are in place to ensure finances are properly managed, monitored, and protected. c. The institution can demonstrate that it is able to continue to operate as a going concern and is not exposed to undue or insurmountable risk. Any risk that exists is adequately monitored, manageable, and insured. Adequate safeguards are in place to prevent unauthorized access to online and on-site financial information. Questions: Do you have the past three years financial statements? Are your financial documents audited minimum once a year? Do you have an internal audit team? Does your institution do realistic on-going financial planning through a financial plan document prepared a minimum of once a year? Does your institution do realistic financial planning through a financial plan document prepared once a year? Does your institution formally allocate financial resources through a document a minimum of once a year? Do your financial statements display financial stability through: (i) a viable funding/revenue base (ii) adequate financial resources and cash flow? Does management have and follow policies on financial resources controlling? Does your institution offer financial aid? Does your institution do an annual financial aid audit?

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Flow Chart:

Start

Does your institute have a financial plan?

Establish yearly financial plan

Financial planning document

Approval of governing body?

Get plan approved

Approved financial plan document

Implement approved financial plan

Have you appointed internal & external auditor?

Appoint internal and external auditor

Internal and external audit conducted

Report to management

Publish audit report in yearly review

Stop

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14. Administrative Resources Management:

Explanation: This aims to evaluate if the institution has adequate facilities to handle the educational program(s). These resources include institutes medical and technical facilities, a well-stocked library, an up-to-date computer lab and research facilities. The institutes buildings, workspace, and equipments should comply with local fire, building, health, and safety regulations. A well planned and controlled infrastructure is imperative for smooth operation of all activities for both on campus and off- campus sites. IAO Standards: a. Buildings, workspace, and equipment comply with local fire, building, health, and safety regulations and are adequately equipped to handle the educational program(s) of the institution. b. Institutional financial and administrative records and students educational records are maintained in a reasonably accessible place and are adequately protected for as long as they are likely to be needed. Protection may be by: (1) an active fire suppression system, or (2) with passive protection using two-hour rated files or vaults, or (3) by using off-site back-up files. Other records are maintained in accordance with current educational, administrative, business, and legal practices. Questions: Does your institution have a library and / or Classroom Resources? Do your library and / or Classroom Resources have proper instructions for usage? Does the institution have a Library and / or Classroom Resources Policy? Are your library staff and / or Classroom Resources management staff sufficiently qualified i.e. do they hold qualifications in information management, or similar fields? Does Faculty / curriculum development staff ensures that use of library /information resources is incorporated into learning process and does management check for inclusion of information resources in course content before approval? Does your institution have a computer lab? What is your computer to student ratio? Do you have a research lab? Does your intuition offer preventive and emergency health care services? Does management plan its resource requirements and allocation and publish this requirement to the necessary stakeholders? Does your institution have a department / individual whose sole responsibility is the proper management, maintenance, and operation of your physical resources at both on- and off-campus sites? Do you have an official policy on preventative and fault maintenance? Do you have a security and crisis plan and procedure?

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Flow Chart:

Start

Does your institute have a library?

Establish well-stocked physical library

Hire qualified library staff

Library policy

Are new books being purchased?

Establish policy for new books purchase

Y
Cost of new subject wise books purchased

Stop

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15. HR Management:
Explanation: In this head IAO aims to evaluate how the institution employs people, develops their capacities, utilizes, maintains and compensates their services in line with the job and institutes requirements. IAO Standards: The evaluating factors under this head covers how actively the institution are involved in: a. Building professional skills in all the stakeholders such as students, teachers and administrators on a regular basis. b. Developing a culture of performance, accountability, and motivation. c. Setting goals and sustaining achievements. d. Balancing centralized and decentralized management. e. Managing change and conflict in collegial environments. Questions: Do you have qualified staff in all departments (Finance, administration, student services)? Does the institution make a public and transparent procedure of recruitment and have an established transparent recruitment policy? Does the institution have defined appointment criteria and procedures for each faculty and staff job description in the form of Recruitment policy documents? Does the institution offer training programs to faculty and staff? Does the institution offer training programs to new staff? Does the institution have established training programs, schedule, policy and implement training policy and documents? Does the institution have a employee / employer satisfaction survey procedure? Does the institution carry out systematic performance evaluations every semester / year? Does your institution have back-up faculty and / or teaching professionals on hand as required? Does your board allow for independent policy development by institution management (i.e. does it set broad institutional policies but accept the authority of management decision(s)? Does the board select the Senior Management? Are less than 30% of your board members related to the Senior Management shareholders? Does the institution publish and clearly define the board's structure? Are authority, responsibilities, and relationships among the governing board, administration, staff, and faculty clearly described in a constitution / writing? Does the institution have a formal channel for students to post their feedback? Does the institution offer a personal, academic and guidance counseling service? What is the institutions counselor-to-student ratio? Does the institution have a students rights memorandum? Does the institution have an established alumni association?

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Flow Chart: (a) Board

Start

Governing board and management responsibilities separated

Separate and delineate responsibilities

Responsibilities documents

Y
Separate responsibilities defined in prospectus

CEO selected by board of directors and owners

Establish procedure for CEO selection

Print in policy manual

Management / owners relationships

Print list of relationships

N Stop

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Flow Chart: (b) Students

Start

Does your institute have a student affairs department?

Establish student affairs department and sections

Evaluate working efficiency

Student grievance and satisfaction

Student psychological counseling service

Student alumini and placement service

Stop

Hire qualified staff

Hire qualified psychologist

Hire qualified PR & marketing liaison

Yearly report on cases handled and solved

Submit periodical reports

Establish alumni association

Establish working relations with office-bearers

Report of jobs/ internships generated

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Flow Chart: (c) Faculty

Start

Qualified staff in all departments?

Hire Qualified staff

Departmental list of staff with qualifications

Establish transparent recruitment policy available?

Establish, approve and implement recruitment policy

Recruitment policy documents

Training programs for new staff

Establish policy for training programs schedule and implement

Training policy and documents

Employee satisfaction surveys

Establish survey procedure

Stop

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16. Marketing:
Explanation: The institution must clearly indicate and affirmatively disclose in its advertisements, promotional materials, enrollment forms, descriptive literature, and other media of all the programs it offers. The advertising must be ethical in all respects. IAO Standards: a. The institution must have a catalog readily available to students, prospective students, and other members of the interested public in printed or online (pdf) format. At a minimum, the catalog must accurately contain the following information: i. The institutional mission, goals, and objectives. ii. Names and titles of administrators of the institution. iii. The legal control, names of trustees, directors, and/or officers of the corporation. iv. A general statement of accredited status and governmental approvals. v. Hours of operation, including holiday schedule, and faculty/instructors availability. vi. List of full-time and part-time faculty, each listed separately, with degrees held and conferring institutions and the area of teaching specialization. vii. Academic calendar for combination programs or any programs that operate on a fixed calendar. viii. Institutions admission policy for each specific degree offered, i.e., Associate, Baccalaureate, Masters. ix. Statement of curricula offered including curriculum objective, courses included, total credits required. x. Required prerequisites, requirements for certification, and licensing as appropriate. xi. Expectations for maintaining satisfactory academic progress. xii. Explanation of grading policies, transfer of credits, and equivalent. xiii. Assessment and proctoring procedures. xiv. Student code of conduct and academic and non-academic dismissal policies. xv. Student identity verification procedures. xvi. Student financial aid program policy disclosures. xvii. Graduation requirements, including minimum passing grades. xviii. Statement of fees, tuition, and all regular and special charges for each program. xix. Statement of refund policy. xx. Description of counseling and/or placement services available to students, if any. b. Marketing approaches through: i. Direct advertising in newspapers, magazines, yellow pages, mail, etc. Leads from these sources are then approached by phone or mail. ii. Poster advertising. Leads are contacted by mail or phone with enrollment usually being made by a sales representative. iii. Telemarketing efforts in which inquiring prospects are called on the phone. iv. Television advertising. TV ads may or may not use toll-free numbers so prospects can easily express interest. Follow-up is usually made through telemarketing. v. Web site and social media promotional efforts maintained by the institution. vi. Internet advertising on other web sites and portals. Questions: List all the marketing mediums you use? What is your current budget? What is your fee to marketing expenses ratio?

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Flow Chart:

Start

Does your institute have concrete marketing plan?

Develop marketing plan

Price courses

Product Offering

Placeadvertisement facilities

Delivery method

Evaluate Effectiveness Online Classroom

Calculate fees/mktg exp ratio

Stop

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17. Organizational Planning:

Explanation: An organization plan is basically a to-do list for an organization. It lists out work plan, programs and organizational growth for a certain period of time. Formulating an organizational plan involves making a list of the short, medium and long term goals to be achieved, tasks to be performed, assigning responsibilities to individuals, and setting timelines for project completion. IAO Standards: a. The institution clearly defines its planning and evaluation processes. It develops and implements procedures to evaluate the extent to which it achieves institutional goals. b. The institution engages in systematic planning for, and evaluation of, its activities, including teaching, research, and public service consistent with institutional mission and goals. c. The planning process is participatory involving constituencies appropriate to the institution such as board members, administrators, faculty, staff, students, and other interested parties. d. The institution uses the results of its systematic evaluation activities and ongoing planning processes to influence resource allocation and to improve its instructional programs, institutional services, and activities. e. The institution integrates its evaluation and planning processes to identify institutional priorities for improvement. f. The institution provides the necessary resources for effective evaluation and planning processes. g. The institutions research is integrated with and supportive of institutional evaluation and planning. h. The institution systematically reviews its institutional research efforts, its evaluation processes, and its planning activities to document their effectiveness. i. The institution uses information from its planning and evaluation processes to communicate evidence of institutional effectiveness to its public. Questions: Does your board / senior management have organizational design and planning procedures in place at least once a year? Do your institution have long-term and short-term planning procedures pre-scheduled minimum once a year

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Flow Chart:
Start

Does your institute have organizational planning for a year?

Prepare organizational plan and implement

Organizational plan details document

Revenue / expense structure

Number of programs and admin details

Budget details for salaries etc

Revision & approval by board of directors

Stop

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18. Campus/ Partner Institutions:

Explanation: The institution frequently publishes the location of different campuses and programs available at branch campuses, other locations, including overseas operations at which students can enroll, along with a description of the programs and services available at each location as well as mention institute partners. It includes complete information about all the operating campuses and partner institutes that are in coalition with the institution along with their available programs and services. IAO Standards: a. IAO requires that the institution publishes complete information describing the size and characteristics of the campuses, their setting, the avalilablity of academic and other support services. b. The institution is also required to have published a list of its current partner institutions, indicating departmental or program affiliation, distinguishing between those who have full and part time status, showing degrees held and the partner institutions granting them. c. All the campus names with their working bodies are required to have information about the partner institutions that are working in collaboration with the institute. d. The institution will include information of its international partner in its annual report. e. The partner institution must exhibit appropriate due diligence before entering into partnership. The partner must also be licensed by or have received the necessary approval or accreditation from the countrys higher educational institution. Questions: List out your campus name(s), address(es), location(s) and other details. List out your partner institutions name(s), address(es), location(s), program(s) and other details.

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Flow Chart:
Start

One

Do you have one or many campuses?

Many

List address on document and website

List all addresses and locations on website and

Do you have affiliate programs?

Stop

List names and locations of all affiliates

List details of programs and professionals

Stop

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4.2.2 Academic Management:

This sector aims to evaluate the admissions policies, requirements, and practices of the institution: Following sub heads are covered under it:

1. Academic Programs (Secondary, UG, PG, Taught degrees and Research Degrees):
Explanation: The institution has clearly stated and reasonably attainable educational program objectives and offers educationally sound and up-to-date curricula that are supported by quality instructional materials and appropriate technology. As conditions and needs change, the institution continually redefines for itself the elements that result in educational programs of high quality. IAO Standards: a. Educational program objectives are clearly defined and simply stated. They indicate the benefits for reasonably diligent students. The character, nature, quality, value, source of the instruction, and educational services that are used to help students achieve the objectives are set forth in language understood by the types of students enrolled. If a program prepares for an occupation, field of occupations, or vocation, the objectives clearly state the types of occupations for which preparation is given. b. The program objectives must be reasonably attainable through any methods of study. Appropriate objectives include the development of skills, providing job-related training, the imparting of knowledge and information, the training in the application of knowledge and skills, and the development of desirable habits and attitudes. Evaluation of the program is based on the announced objectives and the success with which students achieve the objectives. c. Details of credit hours for each course, number of courses required to complete a degree and total duration should be clearly mentioned in the prospectus. The same goes for the grading criteria and requirements for transfer or credit and equivalency of courses. There should be rules for dropping and resuming studies. Core courses and non-core courses should be clearly defined. Questions: How many program types does the institution have? Names of programs under each separate discipline of study. What is your average program length? What is the total frame work or course break-up? Requirement for passing the course and thesis and dissertation. How many major courses do you have? How many core courses? How many general courses? Number of courses? Flexibility?

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Flow Chart:
Start

Which programs do you run?

Classroom

Online/distance learning

List types, duration and specialization in areas

List type, duration and specialization in areas

List requirements for degrees/ diplomas certificates

List requirements for degrees/ diplomas certificates

Update on website policy manual and prospectus

Update on website policy manual and prospectus

Do you accept transfer?

N
Start

Do you accept transfer?

N
Start

Y
Details of transfer program

Y
Details of transfer program

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Do you have a policy for pause in education?

Stop

Do you have policy for pause in education?

Stop

Details of educational pause and resumption policy

Details of educational pause and resumption policy

Do you have a policy on prior learning assessment?

Stop

Do you have a policy on prior learning assessment?

Stop

Details of prior learning assessment policy

Details of prior learning assessment policy

Stop

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2. Schools / Fields of Study:

Explanation: The institution must disclose in writing the scope and nature of its courses/programs, and its educational and training objectives. IAO Standards: a. The institute must publish all degree, diploma, certificate awarding schools, their grading policies, and ensure its accurate assessment. b. Describe the history of all degree program(s) offered and why they were developed. c. Give a brief summary of the programs. (e.g. how many, number of credits needed, time to complete each unit, cost, etc.). d. The institution must publish its academic grading policies, assignment marking system, course extension policy, and information on issuance and completion of incomplete grades, and apply them with fairness and consistency. e. It should ensure details of counseling by instructors/faculty that are provided for assignments/lessons and examinations. Questions: List out each school. List out the programs and majors as above. Flow Chart:
Start

One

Field of study

Many

List of majors, courses and certificates

Stop

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3. Curriculum:
Explanation: The applicant institution is expected to offer a complete working curriculum for the year that culminates in identifying student competencies and leads to degrees or certificates in recognized fields of study. The institution should offer an educationally sound and up-to-date curriculum that is supported by quality instructional materials and appropriate technology. IAO Standards: a. The curriculum is sufficiently comprehensive for students to achieve the stated program objectives and its content is supported by sound research and practice. b. The curriculum/curricula reflect(s) current knowledge and practice. Effective procedures are used continuously to keep it/them up-to-date. Internal course/program reviews are conducted on a periodic basis. c. Online and written instructional materials are appropriately presented. Online materials fit the content and are delivered using readily available, reliable technology. Institutional prepared materials must be keyed to the reading competence of the students in the program and be legibly reproduced. d. Instructional materials are sufficiently comprehensive to enable students to achieve the announced program objectives. The instructional materials are accurate and reflect current knowledge and practice and are regularly reviewed and revised. e. Examinations and other assessment techniques adequately measure achievement of the stated learning objectives and outcomes. f. Instructions and suggestions on how to study and how to use the instructional materials help students to learn effectively and efficiently. g. Learning resources for faculty and students must be available and appropriate to the level and scope of program offerings. Program designers and/or faculty/instructors make effective use of appropriate teaching aids and learning resources, including educational media and supplemental instructional aids in creating programs and in teaching students. The institution makes effective provisions for students to access learning resources and libraries that are appropriate for the attainment of program learning outcomes. h. Students who are unable to make satisfactory progress through the program are encouraged to continue until they either show inability to make satisfactory progress or demonstrate satisfactory progress. i. An active program designed to optimize interaction between the institution and the student is followed to encourage students to start, continue, and finish the program in which he/she has enrolled, if continuing and finishing are the students goals. j. Reactions of students are systematically sought as one basis for evaluating and improving instructional materials, the delivery of instruction, and educational services.

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k. Student assessment services are guided by published grading policies and a marking system that includes prompt return of accurately, fairly, and consistently graded assessments as well as necessary academic counseling by the instructor/faculty or qualified staff member. l. The institution articulates student learning outcomes independent of delivery method, has a systematic and ongoing process for assessing student learning, and provides documented evidence that show that the results are used to improve programs, curricula, instruction, faculty development, and services. Questions: Is curricular planning done regularly at least on an annual basis? Is each program's rationale assessed prior to development / approval? Are each programs objectives clearly defined? Are each program's contents based on coherent and planned design? Is the use of degree designators consistent with program content? Is there administration and faculty coordination in the planning for each program? Does management take full responsibility for program curriculum implementation while allowing faculty academic freedom? Is there a compulsory program review at the end of each program completion? Does management give final approval on all programs? Is each courses financial requirements assessed and addressed in a formal plan?

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Flow Chart:
Start

Do you have a procedure for course planning and development?

Draw up a policy procedure

Planning documentation

Implement plan Establish periodic review date and implement

Is planning done regularly?

Names of professional on planning committee

Course description objective and content in line with current practices

Amend course material and implement

Is course admission rate sufficient?

Review course offer

Stop

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4. Admissions:
Explanation: This section discuses the institutions policy on students admissions and other requirements like information about the minimum age, previous formal education, occupation, and work experience. The institution and program provide educational services that meet the needs of students. The institution ensures that educational services are designed to optimize interaction between the student and the institution in order to encourage and facilitate learning. IAO Standards: a. The institution must not discriminate in its admissions because of race, sex, color, creed, age, or national origin in admitting students. b. Essential, accurate student records are adequately maintained and readily accessible. c. Relevant student inquiries are welcome and are answered promptly and thoroughly. d. Provisions are made to be responsive and flexible to meet the individual differences of students with diverse backgrounds, prior achievements, employment, and other relevant circumstances. Counseling and guidance are provided, as required, to help students to satisfy institutional and program requirements, to achieve required program objectives and individual course learning outcomes, and to achieve their educational goals. e. The institution must establish qualifications that an applicant must possess to successfully assimilate the educational materials. The institution must also determine with reasonable certainty, prior to acceptance of the applicant, that the applicant has been informed of and has proper qualifications to enroll in the course/program. f. If the institution enrolls a person not meeting established qualifications for admission, a record must be kept showing the reasons for acceptance of that person. g. The institute should give details about how it protects the student privacy. Questions: Does the institute have a written admission policy document? Does the institution make public and transparent the procedure of admission? Are Undergraduate and Graduate admission requirements published clearly? Does the institution have an equal opportunities admissions process? Does your institution actively manage programs to increase diversity and /or develop a student body representative of the population? Do the admissions criteria reflect the institutions mission and values? What is the institutions average admissions rate for the past three years?

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Flow Chart:
Start

Does your institute have a written admission policy?

Discuss, develop and update publication documents on website

Admission policy document

Does it give equal opportunity to all?

Review and remove discriminatory elements if possible

Publish prospectus and policy manual on website

Revised and approved admission policy

Stop

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5. Flexibility:
Explanation: As an educational institute, it is expected that multitude of applications are received for various courses. This section discusses the flexible means and methods available to students and credit transfer possibilities. IAO Standards: a. IAO expects that all institutions applying for accreditation will have developed written policies and procedures for evaluating and determining the equivalency for foreign/ non-local qualifications. There should also be a committee which deliberates and decides on these matters. b. Timings of courses should suit both students and instructors. Procedures for assessment of study equivalency should be clearly defined. c. The institution uses appropriate and readily accessible technology to optimize interaction between the institution and the learner and enhance instructional and educational services. d. Training must supplement the study method whenever it is necessary to attain the stated institutional and program objectives and intended student learning outcomes. Questions: Are programs timings assessed by management to ensure optimum scheduling for non-traditional students ? Do you have clear outlines for having a pause in education? Does the institution allow study abroad programs either due to relocation or vacations? Does the institution employ sound and acceptable, defined and published policies consistent with the mission for evaluating, awarding, and accepting credit for transfer, experiential learning, advanced placement, and professional certificates? Does the institution plan for a prior learning assessment policy? Are there established policies for the review and acceptance of transfer credits?

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Flow Chart:
Start

Do study program timings suit Non-traditional students?

Revise program timings if needed

Revise timings policy

Do you have policy for break in study?

Discuss and determine policy

Revised break policy

Do you have policy for prior learning assessment?

Discuss and determine policy

Revised assessment policy

Stop

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6. Faculty:
Explanation: This section evaluates how willing the experts of an academic discipline or field of study are to disseminate their expertise and knowledge to peers, students, and external audiences, and if they are interested in serving on advisory board, and mentoring and advising students. The faculty is sufficient in number and qualification to meet its commitment towards achievement of the institutions mission and goals. IAO Standards: a. The institution has an appropriate number of qualified instructors/faculty to give individualized service to each student. b. The institution maintains files containing the resumes and official transcripts of its instructors/faculty. c. Faculty is carefully screened for appointment, and is properly and continuously trained with respect to institution policies, learner needs, and the use of appropriate instructional technology. d. The institution has clear, consistent procedures to evaluate faculty performance. Questions: List the professional qualifications of the institutions permanent and part- time faculty. List out the faculty members with qualifications. Is your faculty diverse? Does your institution allow full academic freedom to faculty except for certain defined criteria.

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Flow Chart:
Start

Do you have qualified faculty for each department?

Hire qualified faculty

List of qualified faculty

Publish in web and propectus

Stop

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4.2.3 Institutional Performance:

1. Alumni Performance:
Explanation: Alumni performance is the result of the qualitative and quantitative study of the students experiences. It shows the instrumental role the graduates of an institute play in evaluating the effectiveness of the offered programs. IAO Standards: a. Submit any information available on the number of school alumni working in different walks of life. b. Describe in detail the alumni services, such as alumni newsletters, honor societies, associations, clubs, user groups, etc. c. For vocational programs, submit information available on the number of alumni working in professions in which they have received formal training. Questions: What is your current employment rate for the alumni graduated over past three years? Flow Chart:
Start

Do you have an alumni association?

Create and implement Alumni program

Do you have alumni section on website?

Create website for alumni association

List of updated alumni information

Stop

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2. Measure of Students Performance:

Explanation: A required benchmark which calculates the number of on-time graduates with a regular degree or diploma. In this section methods of assessment and grading guidelines are discused in detail, ensuring that the institute exercises fair checking practices. IAO Standards: a. Provide evidence of an institutions formal written plan for regularly conducting student learning outcomes assessment for all programs on an annual basis. b. Describe the grading policies and an assignment/lesson/project and examination marking system and how it is applied with fairness and consistency. c. Describe how the instructor/faculty or qualified staff member scores, corrects, and grades submitted assignments/lessons/projects and examinations. d. Explain what controls are in place to ensure the accuracy, fairness, and consistency of scoring, correction, grading, and other assessment services. e. Explain what provisions exist for safeguarding examination answers, including those delivered online. f. Describe methods used for submission of assignments/lessons/projects and examinations (i.e., tele-test, exam scan cards, e-mail, online auto-grading, etc.) and state how long (in days or hours) it takes to return graded examinations, assignments/lessons/projects, etc. to students. Questions: What is the current graduation rate of your institution and the rate for the past three years? Flow Chart:

Start

Have you calcuated your graduation rate?

Calcuate graduation rate

Update on prospectus and review annually if needed

Graduation rate comparable with competition

Review and discover reasons

Change policies if needed

Stop

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3. Standard Accreditations:
Explanation: This section aims to check if the institute is already recognized by regional accreditation bodies and quality standards associations. IAO Standards: a. Supply the names of any local, state, or other government or non-government agencies by which the institution is licensed, approved, or accredited. b. Give dates of license and/or first approval and subsequent re-approvals, and provide documentation. c. Give the name of the agency, the dates of the action, and the details if the institution or any of its programs were ever denied approval or accreditation or had approval or accreditation withdrawn by any accrediting agency. d. Provide details if the agency is ISO 9001 certified. Questions: Do you have ISO-9001 certification? How many regional accreditations do you currently possess?

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Flow Chart:
Start

Does your institute need to comply with local and regional standards?

Adopt and implement IAO standards

Comply with local, regional and IAO standards

Print on website, policy manual and prospectus

Stop

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Chapter 5: Process Of Accreditation

5.1 Process Overview

With IAO as the accrediting body, it is ensured that the institutions awarded accreditation have met stringent set of evaluation criteria as measured through patented evaluation procedure. The highlights of our accreditation steps are listed below:

Step 1: Orientation
Online presentation or briefing over the phone is conducted as the first step in the accreditation process. This phone call or workshop presents a complete briefing on core requirements and complete procedure, ascertaining that the applicant institution understands all that is required in the accreditation process.

Step 2: Application Forms & Affidavit

Short Application Form for Checking Eligibility: To begin the accreditation process for IAO accreditation, the applying institution needs to provide details through the eligibility application form available on IAOs website. The form provides overview of the educational institute, its basic structure, functions and other key factors, allowing evaluation of the institutions eligibility for the accreditation. Applicants are requested to fill in each field carefully before submitting the application form. Detailed Application Form & Affidavit: The applicant institution is then required to fill in and submit a detailed application form that covers the organizational management, academic management and institutional performance of the institution. Here the institution is asked to provide information on institutes mission, its operations, course offerings, curriculum, faculty etc. This document should reflect the working operations, strengths and weaknesses of the institution as per accreditation standards. This detailed form enables IAO to analyze the educational institute as per their patented accreditation process. This is a meticulous assessment against the standards and performance metrics required for granting accreditation to an institute. This step also requires the applicant institution to submit an affidavit on its letterhead duly signed by a notary public, stating all information submitted on your online application form is correct.

Step 3: Candidacy Status

On the basis of all the submitted documentary evidence through the detailed form and letter, the applicant institution is evaluated for candidacy as an accredited institute based on IAOs unique patented profiling system. The IAO will award institutions with an accreditation candidacy and provide the unique points profile keeping in view the best global practices.

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The institution may begin communicating this candidacy accreditation and points profile instantly, using IAOs logo on its printed and online official source and communications material. If the institution meets all the criteria, it will be granted accreditation. After gaining accreditation, the institute can use IAO logo to confirm its accreditation with the association and it can also be used for reference in documents and other official files. IAO will provide with brand guidelines containing details of where the institute can use the IAO logo along with certain limitations. IAO will also set up a dedicated online account area on its website. The IAO is the only accrediting body that provides such a state-of-the-art facility to its members, allowing rapid communication and interactive features. This members area enables you to easily perform administrative functions. For example, if you have made changes to any of your education programs, you can post the details on your account area to help us revise your Candidate points profile. IAO will also provide the institutes students with a dedicated account area on its website for their valuable feedback on the institutions enrollment practices, lessons, student services, and their satisfaction with the course(s) and the institution.

Step 4: Towards Full Accreditation

Once IAOs Accreditations Points Profile has been generated, the institution is required to undergo an on-site visit. An examining committee is set up that is appointed to visit the institution to verify the information provided by the institute in the application forms. The IAO representative will visit the institutions facility or office on mutually agreed date and will evaluate its educational system for full accreditation through its location and/or education provision system, through student involvement and through IAO's proprietary variable. The IAOs Committee might interview staff and examine files, review records, verify data, and assemble relevant information to present a comprehensive picture of the institutions operations. Full accreditation will be awarded and final points profile will be granted to the institution based on IAOs evaluator(s) visit and assessment of your location and / or online or distance learning platform and system if you are solely an online/distance learning establishment. This means: (i) A detailed audit of your online education provision system in terms of both the front end ease-of-use of the user interfaces and the backend security and technology systems of your educational set-up to confirm that your institute conforms to our standards and requirements (ii) Gauging student feedback (iii) Reviewing your processes and systems against IAOs proprietary assessment IAO will further provide a report to the institution with recommended changes to improve its program so it fits closer to the global education standards for working adults, boosting an institutes points profile.

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Flow Chart:

Pre-accreditation advice

Accreditation documentation

Workshop

Submission of application forms and affidavit

Yes

Receipt of application and payment

Yes

Can the institution provide the required documentation?

Application Review - Check documentary evidence - Check statutory compliance - Take up references All in order? No

A letter is sent to the institute requesting the required documentation

Suggest Improvements

No Yes Candidacy Status -Profile Profile generation Accreditation Standards met?

Full Accreditation Award

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5.2 Accreditation of Individual Schools

Inconsistencies may exist between the standards of education and operation between different schools of a university. Keeping such cases in mind, IAOs accreditation system assesses each and every school separately. Failure of one school to meet IAOs accreditation standards and requirements does not affect the accreditation assessment of other schools in the university. Similarly, the Accreditation Commission requires that all education courses, programs, divisions, and/or affiliates of the ownership undergo the accreditation process. The failure of one education program to apply for or to achieve accreditation within a time frame set by the Commission does not render all education programs or divisions ineligible for accreditation.

5.3 Right to Appeal

The Commission may not accept an application from an institution in the following cases: The institution made substantial errors or omissions in carrying out prescribed procedures If the institution is unable to show that it can meet IAOs standards concerning the qualifications of the institutions: Owners Governing board members and administrator Financial responsibility In the event the Accrediting Commission does not accept an application for one or both of these reasons, the decision would be appealable. Furthermore, the Commission reserves the right to reject an application from an institution, if travel conditions or security concerns in that country are perceived by the Commission to be unsafe. This decision would not be appealable. An institution that is aggrieved by a negative action of the Commission may appeal by following the process below: The institution must give written notice of its intention to appeal within thirty (30) days of the institutions receipt of the accreditation decision. The notice of intention to appeal shall set forth the specific grounds for the request, and shall include a statement of the reasons for each ground, along with any other relevant statements or documents the institution desires to include.

5.4 Maintaining Accreditation

In order for an institution to maintain its eligibility for accreditation, it must be in continuous compliance with IAOs accreditation standards and requirements. This means, among other things, that an institution must: Be in continuous operation, training students in accordance with its primary objective Fulfill all reporting requirements Maintain compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal requirements Pay all sustaining, processing, and on-site evaluation fees as required on a timely basis

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5.5 Displaying Status

After a thorough analysis of all submitted documentary evidence, including the detailed registration form and letter, the Accreditation Commission evaluates an institution for accreditation candidacy on the basis of IAOs patented points profile system. High quality standards and global best practices are major factors in this evaluation. Points are awarded accordingly to the educational institute under consideration. After obtaining the candidacy accreditation and a Points Profile score, an institution becomes eligible to communicate this status and score through all its documentation and publications. This communication of accreditation status also includes the eligibility to use IAOs logo on all official communications, be it online or offline. IAO will provide with brand guidelines containing details of where the institute can use the IAO logo along with certain limitations. Acceptable forms of the statement are: Accredited by the International Accreditation Organization Accredited by IAO IAO accredited The further following conditions also apply: Accreditation covers all eligible provisions that the institution has been declared to IAO. Accreditation applies only to the specific institution whose application IAO received and not to any partner, branch or otherwise connected institution. If the institutes accreditation is withdrawn, it must be removed from all statements or claims of accreditation by IAO from the promotional and other material as soon as is reasonably practicable and must immediately refrain from representing itself as IAO accredited. The institute must use only an official graphic supplied by IAO and which is available in several variations to meet contextual design considerations. The size, positioning and coloring must adhere to IAOs design specification. Details of this specification and further guidance on using the accreditation mark are available along with the graphic files from the IAO office. If the institution wishes to use the accreditation mark on its website, it should use the HTML code supplied by IAO. The institute will be notified of any changes to the accreditation mark at least 30 days before they take effect. The institute should then replace all instances of the accreditation mark in its promotional materials as soon as is reasonably practicable. The IAO logo and accreditation mark must not be used on award, attendance or completion certificates unless the institute has been granted express, written permission to do so. The IAO logo is a registered trademark and the institute must not duplicate, recreate or adapt the logo except as part of the agreed usage of the accreditation mark described above.

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5.6 Obligations of Accreditation

Accreditation brings with it a number of obligations for the institution. An accredited institution must continue to meet all accreditation standards, and it must continually strive to improve itself. Having been recognized by the Commission, the institution must continue to justify the confidence placed in it and modify itself in areas that may have been identified as weak. Each accredited institution is required to file an annual report to the Accrediting Commission. An accredited institution is charged an annual accreditation fee to help sustain the accreditation process. As a member of IAO, each member institution is charged annual dues. These dues support the research and professional activities of the Council. The institution should notify IAO when there are changes in the institutions ownership, management, or location. The institution must inform the Commission whenever it adds or revises a course/program. An accredited institution must inform the Commission of any actions it plans to take itself or any actions taken against it by any agency if these actions hold the potential of damaging the name and accreditation status of the institute and take action to resolve any such issues in a prompt manner. An accredited institution is obligated to issue a public correction to all incorrect information intentionally or unintentionally released in reference to its accreditation status, the contents of reports of the examining committee from accreditation-related visits, and/or any actions taken by the Accrediting Commission with respect to the institution. It is the duty of the Accrediting Commission to make certain that any substantive change an accredited institution makes does not adversely affect its capacity to continue to meet IAOs standards of accreditation. The Accrediting Commission reserves the right to determine if accreditation be removed or reaffirmed if an institution fails to pay its financial obligations in a timely manner or if any institution fails to agree to the on-site visit and observe the timelines specified by the IAO Commission. The applicant institution must avoid any inaccurate or misleading statements concerning accreditation and if uncertain should contact IAO to seek clarification on what is acceptable.

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5.7 Re-Accreditation
IAO offers an initial accreditation of one year. Accredited institutions wishing to remain in accreditation must submit an application for re-accreditation and will undergo a full re-accreditation inspection every year. When an institution is first accredited, it receives a letter stating when its accreditation expires. An institution must renew its accreditation before it expires. This means having an on-site visit and course reviews prior to the Commissions Annual meeting. IAO expects its accredited institutions to develop and improve their own quality assurance processes over the period of accreditation. In applying for re-accreditation, the institution needs to demonstrate that it has completed a full self-assessment against IAOs standards and can evidence this fully. The application should emphasize on the attention and initiatives that have been taken to correct previously mentioned critical areas. Particularly in those areas in which the IAO application calls for current data, the institution will need to present a current picture of itself, such as up-to-date financial data, staff resumes, and new marketing/ advertising materials; and in the case of significant changes in curriculum, sales approach, administration, etc. In writing an application for re-accreditation, there should be a strong emphasis throughout the document on how the institution has improved since the last review. For an accredited institution to remain in accreditation, IAO must receive by the mentioned deadline an application for re-accreditation, comprising: Re-accreditation application form (incorporating detailed report) Required additional documentation Payment of a deposit The re-accreditation application should include: A description of any program additions at the school since the last full visit that have had a major impact on the institution or specific curricular programs. A description of the schools procedures for the implementation and the monitoring of the action plan on a yearly basis. Progress on Critical Areas A description of progress on all critical areas for follow-up (or major recommendations) carried out within the institution. If any critical areas or major recommendations have not been addressed or are slow to progress, please indicate why and explain the schools plan for how to achieve progress in that area during the next years of accreditation. Comment on any additional areas that were addressed within the action plan. Indicate what impact the action plan has had on the quality and level of student learning. Applications will not be processed until all required documentation has been received along with full payment. A re-accreditation inspection will be carried out only if IAO has received a completed application within the given deadline. Should an institution fail to undergo a re-accreditation inspection before its current accreditation expiry date and without having been granted an extension by the Accreditation Committee, the accreditation will be withdrawn.

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Chapter 6: Appendix

6.1 Fee Structure

Traditional University Application fee Candidacy status review Candidacy certificate IAO official visit Full accreditation Full accreditation certificate Annual charges Annual charges for candidacy status Annual charges for full accreditation Traditional University Accreditation for each School * Application fee Candidacy status review Candidacy certificate IAO official visit Full accreditation Full accreditation certificate Annual charges Annual charges for candidacy status
* Accreditation for each school fee will be paid in addition to the accreditation fee of the university.

$400 Waived $999 Free $1,999 Waived $4,000 $1,000 $2,000 $400 - waived Free $125 $250 Waived $500 $125

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Non-Traditional University Application fee Candidacy status review Candidacy certificate IAO official visit Full accreditation Full accreditation certificate Annual charges Annual charges for candidacy status Annual charges for full accreditation Non-Traditional University Accreditation for Each School * Application fee Candidacy status review Candidacy certificate IAO official visit Full accreditation Full accreditation certificate Annual charges Annual charges for candidacy status
* Accreditation for each school fee will be paid in addition to the accreditation fee of the university.

$400 Waived $2,499 Free $1,999 Waived $10,000 $2,500 $5,000 $400 - waived Free $313 $1,999 Waived $1,250 $313

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Chapter 6: Appendix

Traditional Institute Application fee Candidacy status review Candidacy certificate IAO official visit Full accreditation Full accreditation certificate Annual charges Annual charges for candidacy status Annual charges for full accreditation $500 $1,000 Waived $499 Free $1,999 Waived $2,000

Non-Traditional Institute Application fee Candidacy status review Candidacy certificate IAO official visit Full accreditation Full accreditation certificate Annual charges Annual charges for candidacy status Annual charges for full accreditation $1,500 $3,000 Waived $1, 499 Free $1,999 Waived $6,000

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Chapter 6: Appendix

6.2 Checklist of Important Documents

Application Forms Short Long & detailed Institutional Brochure Mission, goals, and objectives Organizational chart Copies of licenses and/or approval Copies of contracts with partners Qualifications of owners, board, instructors/faculty: Record of integrity and ethical conduct Evidence that instructors/faculty are sufficient (provided instructor/student ratios) Screening process of faculty for appointment Faculty are properly and continuously trained with respect to institution policies, learner needs and use of appropriate technology Performance of faculty and staff is evaluated Faculty and staff are encouraged to enhance knowledge through outside organizations, research, continuing education or training Website checklist Institutional improvement plan Succession plan Course data Degree programs Evidence that buildings conform to local fire, building, health, and safety regulations Evidence that student educational records are maintained and protected Advertising, promotional literature and recruitment personnel Copies of advertising and promotional materials Copies of catalogs Course Development Manual Clearly defined program objective Evidence of comprehensive curriculum Evidence of current and up-to-date curriculum Evidence that instructional materials are reviewed and revised Lists of textbooks, authors, publishers, copyright dates Evidence of appropriate curriculum delivery, including online Evidence of reliable technology used for delivery of curriculum Evidence of study materials prepared by the institution Evidence of adequate study guides Evidence of effective use of teaching aids and learning resources

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Chapter 6: Appendix

Evidence the institution makes effective provisions for students to access learning resources and libraries that are appropriate for the attainment of program learning outcomes Evidence of clear, specific, published academic policies related to student integrity and academic honesty Copies of the published academic grading policies Evidence of accurate assessment, correction services, and counseling by instructors/faculty are provided for assignments/lessons and examinations. Sample of transcript Evidence that competent counseling is available upon request Evidence of alumni services Evidence that the institution has a systematic process for assessing student learning Evidence that students are satisfied with instructional and educational services Faculty Manual Student Handbook/ Study Guide Admission policies, requirements, and practices Policies and procedures for evaluating experiential learning Policies and procedures for evaluating credit Enrollment Agreements Statement of institutions obligations Statement of students obligations Refund policy How students may cancel their admissions Signature of student and date Signature of institutional representative and date Total price of course (including all materials) Special fees (transcript evaluations, portfolio assessment, expedited shipping) Payment terms (if any) Transcripts Financial Statements Document that at least one person is qualified and able to prepare accurate financial reports in a timely manner Demonstrate that the institution is able to continue operation as a going concern and is not exposed to undue or insurmountable risk Provide evidence that any risk that exists is adequately monitored, manageable, and insured

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IAO, 10685-B Hazelhurst Dr. #11524 Houston, TX 77043, USA

Contact Office

1-866-2768-IAO (426)

Phone

[email protected]

E-mail

Website
www.iao.org