GAAAA's Quality Assurance Standards represent our commitment to educational excellence across the Gulf region. These eight comprehensive standards address all critical dimensions of institutional quality, providing a framework for evaluation, continuous improvement, and public accountability.
Our Approach to Quality
These standards are mission-centered, recognizing the diversity of institutional purposes across our membership. Each standard articulates a dimension of institutional quality that, together, ensure institutions achieve their stated purposes and serve students effectively.
The standards are designed to be aspirational yet achievable, encouraging innovation while maintaining rigor. They reflect international best practices adapted to the unique educational and cultural context of the Middle East.
The Eight Standards
Mission & Purpose
Clear, publicly accessible mission that guides operations and reflects commitment to educational excellence and service to the Gulf region. The mission provides direction for planning, evaluation, and resource allocation.
Planning & Evaluation
Systematic planning and evaluation processes that accomplish and improve achievement of mission and purposes. Includes strategic planning, assessment systems, and use of data for institutional improvement.
Governance & Leadership
Effective governance system that facilitates mission accomplishment and supports institutional integrity. Clear organizational structure, qualified leadership, and appropriate decision-making processes.
Academic Excellence
High-quality educational programs with clear learning outcomes, qualified faculty, effective pedagogies, and systematic assessment. Programs serve institutional mission and student needs.
Student Success
Comprehensive support services, appropriate admissions practices, and commitment to student achievement. Services address academic, personal, and career development needs of diverse student populations.
Faculty & Staff
Sufficient number of qualified faculty and staff to fulfill institutional mission. Appropriate credentials, professional development opportunities, and fair evaluation and compensation systems.
Institutional Resources
Adequate financial, physical, technological, and information resources to support mission and ensure sustainability. Sound financial management and appropriate facilities and technology infrastructure.
Integrity & Public Disclosure
Ethical operations with transparency in all dealings. Truthful public information, protection of academic freedom, and adherence to ethical standards in research, teaching, and service.
Application of Standards
In applying these standards, GAAAA assesses and makes determinations about the effectiveness of the institution as a whole. Each standard includes multiple components that provide the basis for institutional self-study and external evaluation.
The Commission recognizes that some aspects of an institution are always stronger than others. Meeting the Standards does not guarantee the quality of every program or graduate, but serious weaknesses in any area may threaten accreditation status.
Institutions whose policies, practices, or resources differ significantly from those described in the Standards must demonstrate that these differences are appropriate to higher education, consistent with mission, and effective in meeting the Standards' intent.
Ready to Learn More?
Download our comprehensive Standards Guide or contact our team for detailed information
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