Purpose
The University of Iceland Quality Assurance Policy (UI QA Policy) is designed to guarantee and enhance the quality of University activities. The QA Policy provides a roadmap for staff and students and supports the Strategy of UI.
The QA Policy lays the foundation for UI’s formal QA system. It describes the University’s focuses and goals regarding quality assurance for core activities, in order to best meet the expectations of students, the University community and external stakeholders.
The QA Policy is based on the University’s core values of academic freedom, equality and professionalism, as well as its Strategy and Code of Ethics. The policy is also informed by the Standards and guidelines for quality assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG).
Accountability and roles
The rector and the University Council set the UI QA Policy and the director of strategy and quality management is accountable for its implementation. Staff and students are responsible for putting the QA Policy into action.
Objectives
UI will comply with domestic and international standards for the quality of higher education.
The activities of UI will comply with the ESG, the Higher Education Institutions Act no. 63/2006, and any regulations established on the basis of this Act.
UI will conduct systematic internal review and monitoring of the quality of teaching and research.
Internal review and monitoring of the quality of UI’s core activities will take place within schools, faculties, departments and other units as appropriate.
UI will implement strategic management for a cycle of continuous improvement
The UI Strategy will be implemented in consideration of internal review and monitoring of organisational units. Internal quality reviews will support implementation of the University’s strategic goals.
Decision making within UI will be based on reliable data
Reliable key data and information will be collected regularly. Performance will be evaluated and decisions taken on the basis of this data and information.
UI will employ standardised and transparent procedures
Procedures will be standardised and systematic. Accountable parties will be clearly documented for procedures that are shared across UI units.
Internal and external stakeholders will be actively involved in implementing the QA Policy
Staff, students and external stakeholders will be actively involved in regular improvements within UI.
Implementation and review
The formal UI QA system is based on the UI QA Policy and is designed to ensure its implementation. The success of QA Policy implementation will be evaluated every five years by the Strategy and Quality Board and reviewed in accordance with the findings of internal and external evaluations.
