Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC)

IQAC Promotes a Quality Assurance Culture with in the University

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About IQAC

Higher education forms the basis of knowledge society, a comprehensive system of creativity and innovation, which are very critical for attaining rapid socioeconomic development. In Bangladesh the scope of higher education is expanding fast in both public and private sectors. The government, UGC and the universities feel an increasing need to look at the quality and standard of higher education. Fostering global competence through quality education needs the values of quest for excellence through the development of benchmarks of excellences, good practices in higher education and institutionalization of continuous improvement process. UGC is responding positively to these challenges and is committed to change the higher education landscape through establishing IQAC at the university level. The establishment of an IQAC is an indispensable first step towards the development of internal quality assurance system in a university. The general objective of IQAC is to promote a quality enhancement culture within the university by ensuring that the academic units adopt and implement QA standards and benchmarked quality criteria.

For the initial period the IQAC shall be established with the financial assistance from HEQEP. However, the IQACs shall become a permanent organ of the universities and their operations will be sustained and maintained under the revenue budget of the institution. For this purpose, universities will prepare a succession plan during the project period with the objectives of its continuity. For the purpose of a dynamic and effective IQAC the concerned university must take initiative to increase the availability of experienced and competent academics.

IQAC, USTC has started its activity since June 2016. The prime task of IQAC USTC is to develop a system for conscious, consistent and catalytic improvement in the performance of institutions. IQAC USTC is working to ensure continuous improvement in the entire operations of the institution, and assuring all the stakeholders connected with higher education: namely students, parents, and teachers, staff, funding agencies and society in general for the establishment of a Quality Culture in this renowned Higher Education Institution founded by Honorable National Professor Dr Nurul Islam. We wish to work to achieve the dream of the Founder Vice Chancellor of USTC to establish the Institution as one of the centers of excellence in higher education in South East Asia

Role of IQAC

Development and application of quality benchmarks/parameters for various academic and administrative activities of the universities.
Facilitating the establishment of a learner-centric environment conducive to quality education and faculty maturation to adopt the required knowledge and technology for participatory teaching and learning process
Dissemination of information on various quality benchmarks/parameters of higher education
Take initiatives to develop a culture conducive to securing position in World University Rankings
Organizing inter and intra institutional workshops, seminars, consultative dialogues on quality related themes for promotion of quality culture
Documentation of various programs/activities leading to quality improvement

Acting as a nodal agency of the universities for coordinating quality-related activities, including adoption and dissemination of the best practices
Preserving and forwarding the Self-Assessment Report and Peer Review Report to the QAC and the UGC
Coordinating and facilitating external review process
Providing administrative and financial support to carry-out the self-assessment exercise; • Developing and maintaining institutional database through Management Information System (MIS) for the purpose of maintaining and enhancing the institutional quality
Undertaking measures for feedback from students, parents and other relevant stakeholders on quality-related institutional processes
Preparing the Annual Quality Assurance Report (AQAR) as per guidelines and parameters set by the UGC, to be submitted to the Commission

Director’s Message

I am honored to address as the acting Director of the Institutional Quality Assurance Cell at the University of Science and Technology Chittagong (USTC). Our institution stands as a beacon of knowledge, innovation, and progress in the landscape of higher education. Higher education is not merely about disseminating information; it is about shaping minds, fostering critical thinking, and preparing individuals to contribute meaningfully to society. As the acting Director of the IQAC, I am entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that every facet of our university aligns with the highest standards of quality. We understand that quality is not an endpoint, but a journey of continuous improvement.

Ensuring Academic Excellence: At USTC, we are committed to providing our students with education that empowers them to face the challenges of a rapidly evolving global landscape. The IQAC acts as a guardian of academic quality, meticulously evaluating curriculum design, teaching methodologies, and learning outcomes to ensure they remain relevant and impactful.

Fostering Research and Innovation: Innovation is the cornerstone of progress, and it thrives in an environment of uncompromising quality. Our IQAC facilitates an ecosystem that nurtures research and innovation. By promoting research ethics, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, and supporting faculty in their pursuit of cutting-edge knowledge, we contribute to the advancement of human understanding.

Student-Centric Approach: Students are at the heart of our endeavors, and their holistic development is our prime concern. The IQAC works closely with student feedback mechanisms to understand their needs, aspirations, and challenges. By doing so, we ensure that our educational processes are tailored to cultivate well-rounded individuals equipped with both knowledge and character.

Industry-Integration and Employability: The world beyond academia is dynamic and competitive. Our IQAC forges meaningful partnerships with industries, fostering internships, experiential learning opportunities, and curriculum alignment with industry demands. This synergy enhances our graduates’ employability and equips them with practical skills to thrive in their chosen professions.

Accreditation and Recognition: Recognizing the importance of external validation, the IQAC spearheads our accreditation endeavors. Accreditation serves as a testament to our commitment to quality and transparency. It allows us to benchmark ourselves against global standards and continually raise the bar of excellence. Currently we are working as per the guidelines from Bangladesh Accreditation Council and the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh.

Quality assurance is not a singular effort; it’s a collective endeavor that involves every member of our academic community. Faculty, administrative staff, students, and stakeholders all play integral roles in upholding our commitment to excellence.

As we journey forward, the IQAC at USTC remains resolute in its dedication to enhancing the quality of education we offer. We will continue to engage in introspection, adopt best practices, and embrace innovation to ensure that our university remains a center of excellence that empowers individuals to shape a better world.

Thank you for your unwavering support, and together, let us stride confidently towards a future of limitless possibilities

Dr. Subhra Prakash Datta
Director (Acting)
Institutional Quality Assurance Cell
University of Science and Technology Chittagong (USTC)

Vision

To build and ensure a quality culture with conscious, reliable and transparent efforts through a combination of self and external quality evaluation, promotion and sustenance initiatives.

Mission

To channelize and systematize the efforts and measures towards academic excellence
To be the driving force for escorting in quality to remove deficiencies and enhance quality
To encourage departments to establish student Learning-centric environment to use ICT tools for teaching and learning process and to inculcate value–based education system.
To encourage Departments to organize Seminars, Workshops, Orientation and Faculty Development Program
To assess the annual progress of Departments and the University through timely internal and external audit
To ensure an effective and transparent operations to achieve excellence in Academic, Administrative and Financial activities
To develop an Institutional data base and documentation of the various activities leading to quality improvement
To ensure the adequacy, timely maintenance and smooth functioning of the support structure
To build association with stakeholders and to stimulate Social Responsibility