Quality embodies the essence of every establishment’s success. Any institution that aspires to stay ahead of the game takes every measure possible to ensure its services are unique and parallel with world quality standards. Dar Al-Hekma is no different.
As a renowned private university in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Dar Al-Hekma is on a never-ending mission to achieve excellence in teaching, learning, and community engagement by meeting national and international standards.
In alignment with this objective, Dar Al-Hekma has launched the Department of Quality Assurance and Strategic Planning (QASP), which is committed to supporting its long-term planning efforts and annual operational plans.
Mission
The Department of Quality Assurance and Strategic Planning aims to assist the division and department at the university in providing high-quality services, ensuring an exceptional experience for everyone involved. The department implements an effective and robust quality assurance system that functions to fulfill the national and international accreditation requirements and stakeholders’ satisfaction.
Message
Providing top-tier education lies at the heart of Dar Al-Hekma’s pursuit of its vision and mission in a rapidly evolving global arena. The objective of thriving to unprecedented heights in the realm of educational services and master programs hinges on the university’s adherence to national and international quality benchmarks.\
The quality assurance committees at the institutional, divisional, and departmental levels are the dedicated engines running the QASP department. They monitor the progress of operational plans, making sure they are accomplishing their goals and are refined if any improvement is necessary. They also review self-study and quality reports to make certain they provide quality feedback that supports improvement and offers accountability to DAH’s various stakeholders.
Functions of the Department
Planning
Spearheading the strategic planning process, they empower departments to craft their own operational plans. This collaborative approach ensures alignment between the long-term vision and everyday actions. As they navigate this journey, meticulous progress is tracked against both strategic and operational goals, keeping both management and the Board of Trustees informed through comprehensive reports. This transparent communication allows for course correction and fuels a collaborative environment for achieving excellence.
Quality Assurance
Acting as the quality guardians, they first build a fortress of standards and checks. Then, they become quality detectives, constantly reviewing their effectiveness and identifying any vulnerabilities. Their mission doesn’t stop there, though. They transform into quality champions, providing support and training to equip all divisions and departments with the tools and knowledge to maintain excellence. Finally, they act as quality cheerleaders, encouraging everyone to embrace the system and continuously strive for improvement, ensuring a journey towards ever-increasing quality.
Accreditation
Think of them as the bridge builder between the university and the National Center for Academic Accreditation and Assessment. They keep a watchful eye on quality standards, making sure every aspect of the university aligns with those goals. Like a skilled conductor, they guide the process of accreditation, ensuring all the moving parts work in harmony. They are also quality translators – taking the complex standards from the Accreditation Center and making sure the university’s goals and initiatives sing the same tune.
Assessment
Like a detective gathering clues, they delve into data and trends to uncover valuable insights. This information empowers the leadership and other key figures to make informed decisions, ensuring the institution stays on the right track. But their role doesn’t end there. Just like a dedicated coach, they facilitate assessments and evaluations, constantly striving for improvement and ensuring the institution stays accountable to all stakeholders, from national authorities to prestigious rankings. It’s a continuous cycle of gathering information, making smart choices, and pushing for excellence.
