The GAAAA Eligibility Criteria represent the fundamental standards of quality by which institutions across the Gulf region are evaluated for accreditation or reaffirmation of accreditation.
Mission-Centered Evaluation: GAAAA recognizes the wide diversity of institutional missions across our membership. Each institution's distinctive mission serves as the cornerstone around which effectiveness, integrity, and commitment to continuous improvement are evaluated.
The criteria are organized into five comprehensive domains that address all critical aspects of institutional quality.
Criterion 1: Mission & Purpose
The institution has a clear, articulated mission that guides its operations.
Mission Clarity and Public Accessibility
The institution's mission statement is clearly articulated and publicly available.
Evidence:
- Published mission statement
- Mission in strategic planning
- Stakeholder awareness
Mission-Program Alignment
Academic programs align with and support the stated mission.
Evidence:
- Programs support mission
- Enrollment aligns with mission
- Services support mission
Educational Excellence Commitment
Commitment to educational quality and serving the public good.
Evidence:
- Programs meet regional needs
- Graduate success evidence
- Community engagement
Criterion 2: Institutional Integrity
The institution operates with integrity in all its dealings.
Ethical Conduct and Governance
The institution adheres to established ethical standards and policies.
Evidence:
- Code of conduct published
- Clear governance structure
- Ethical decision-making
- Ethics training programs
Truthful Representation
All information regarding programs and operations is accurate.
Evidence:
- Accurate program descriptions
- Truthful marketing materials
- Current catalog information
- Honest outcome reporting
Academic Freedom
Support for intellectual inquiry and scholarly discourse.
Evidence:
- Academic freedom policies
- Faculty rights protection
- Diverse perspectives support
Responsible Resource Use
Responsible stewardship of resources and data protection.
Evidence:
- Resource allocation policies
- Data privacy protocols
- Intellectual property policies
- Regular audits
Criterion 3: Educational Excellence
High-quality educational programs with appropriate learning outcomes.
Programs and Learning Outcomes
Clear learning goals appropriate to level and content.
Evidence:
- Defined learning outcomes
- Curriculum alignment
- Appropriate rigor
- Regular curriculum review
Qualified Faculty
Faculty possess appropriate qualifications and credentials.
Evidence:
- Appropriate credentials
- Sufficient faculty numbers
- Professional development
- Faculty evaluation processes
Effective Teaching
Effective pedagogies that engage students in active learning.
Evidence:
- Evidence-based teaching
- Student engagement
- Technology integration
- Faculty training
Student Support Services
Comprehensive services addressing academic and personal needs.
Evidence:
- Academic advising
- Career counseling
- Personal counseling
- Library resources
- Technology support
Learning Assessment
Systematic assessment of student learning and improvement.
Evidence:
- Systematic assessment
- Multiple assessment methods
- Results used for improvement
- Faculty engagement
Criterion 4: Institutional Resources
Adequate resources to fulfill mission and ensure sustainability.
Financial Stability
Financial stability with adequate resources for operations.
Evidence:
- Audited financial statements
- Balanced budgets
- Adequate reserves
- Financial sustainability planning
Facilities and Infrastructure
Adequate physical facilities and infrastructure.
Evidence:
- Appropriate classrooms/labs
- Safe campus environment
- Accessibility standards
- Library facilities
- Technology infrastructure
Administrative Capacity
Effective administrative structures and qualified leadership.
Evidence:
- Clear organizational structure
- Qualified leadership
- Sufficient staff
- Effective communication
Technology Systems
Adequate technology infrastructure and information systems.
Evidence:
- Robust technology infrastructure
- Learning management systems
- Administrative systems
- Cybersecurity measures
- Technical support services
Criterion 5: Continuous Improvement
Systematic planning, assessment, and improvement processes.
Strategic Planning
Systematic strategic planning with clear goals and objectives.
Evidence:
- Current strategic plan
- Implementation evidence
- Stakeholder involvement
- Resource alignment
Data-Informed Decisions
Systematic data collection and use for decision-making.
Evidence:
- Data management systems
- Regular analysis and reporting
- Data use in decisions
- Benchmarking practices
Program Review
Regular systematic review of academic programs.
Evidence:
- Established review cycle
- Comprehensive program reviews
- Improvement from findings
- Documentation of changes
Improvement Culture
Institutional-wide commitment to quality enhancement.
Evidence:
- Documented improvements
- Faculty/staff engagement
- Professional development
- Innovation support
- Stakeholder feedback response
Student Success Outcomes
Positive student outcomes showing continuous improvement.
Evidence:
- Strong retention/graduation rates
- Employment outcomes
- Student satisfaction
- Learning outcomes achievement
- Continuous improvement trends
Questions About Our Eligibility Criteria?
Our accreditation team is here to help you understand how these criteria apply to your institution.