IQACACADEMIC AUDIT PROCESS

Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) is to promote quality culture as the prime concern of Institution through institutionalizing and internalizing all the quality-enhancing and sustaining initiatives taken with internal and external support. The prime task of the IQAC is to develop a system for conscious, consistent and catalytic improvement in the overall performance of its institution.

The purpose of an academic audit is to encourage programs and the institution to evaluate their quality processes and standards based on predetermined benchmarks. It also focuses on activities required to produce, assure, and regularly improve the quality of the whole system in place including curricular and co-curricular activities. At the same time activities related to infrastructure and support services that are important/ contribute to academics are taken into consideration.

It is a model of ongoing self-reflection, collaboration, teamwork and peer feedback focused on a common goal to improve quality in teaching and learning and enhancing teaching and learning process. The objectives of academic auditing include the assessment of course delivery as per the curriculum and syllabus prescribed by Anna University, the co-curricular and extra-curricular activities of students, monitoring of the academic activities referring to the academic calendar, internal assessments, attainment of the program outcomes, student welfare, grievances etc.

Table 1. Frequency of academic audit

Internal/ External Academic Audit

Frequency

Internal Academic Audit

Twice in a semester

1st Audit

After CIA 1

2nd Audit

End of the Semester

External Academic Audit

Once in a year

At the end of the Academic year

For proper functioning of academics and to quantify the efforts dispensed by the faculty and students, some assessment components have been designed.

  • To ensure timely, efficient and progressive performance of academic processes
  • To monitor and improve the quality of evaluation procedures and its credibility to support the system
  • To develop and set up quality benchmarks/parameters for various academic activities of the institution
  • To define effectiveness of teaching – learning process to optimize and integrate modern methods of teaching and learning
  • To ensure that the institute is benefitted by Outcome Based Education approach
  • To facilitate the creation of a learner-centric environment through co-curricular and extracurricular activities
  • To incorporate feedback mechanism from students, parents and other stakeholders on quality-related institutional processes

Internal Academic Audit

The internal audit has been conducted by internal auditors of IQAC. The audit is conducted twice in a semester. First internal audit is conducted after the first internal assessment test and second audit is conducted at the end of the semester.

The Committee comprises of

  • IQAC Coordinator
  • Senior faculty from another department

The Internal auditor will verify the following

Calendar of events: The auditor will verify the lesson plan according to calendar of events of the department

  • Timetable: The auditor will check whether the classes have been engaged as per the timetable
  • Lesson Plan: The auditor will verify whether the classes are conducted according to the lesson plan
  • CO-PO Mapping: The auditor will verify the CO-PO mapping for allotted subjects
  • Course materials: The auditor will verify the lecture notes, PPTs, content beyond syllabus and Question bank
  • Logbook: The auditor will verify whether the attendance is marked properly
  • Internal Test and Evaluation: The auditor will verify the quality of question papers which covers the course outcomes along with the Revised Blooms Taxonomy with levels and the evaluation done according to the scheme
  • Assignments: The auditor will verify whether the questions cover the course outcomes along with the Revised Blooms Taxonomy with levels and the evaluation done according to the scheme
  • Lab Manuals: The auditor will verify whether Instruction manual has been prepared with theory, procedure/algorithm and the expected results to be obtained for all the experiments
  • Lab records: The auditor will verify whether the records have been evaluated based on the rubrics
  • Mentoring: The auditor will verify whether the faculty has done mentoring and also about student progress
  • Lab Maintenance: Stock register, Movement register, Maintenance register and Students entry register will be verified
  • Department Documents: Faculty profile, Curriculum, Workload and timetable file, Internal assessment file, University result analysis file, Department events, Students and Faculty external participation, Industrial Visit, Feedback, Parent teachers meeting and Class committee meeting

Internal Audit Report

During the internal audit process the internal auditor will verify the documents and record the comments in the audit report. At the end of the audit process, the internal auditor will submit the audit report and give recommendations to the Head of the department for improvement. Any lapses in the implementation will be communicated to the respective faculty member as feedback for rectification and further improvement.

Outcome

Based on the observations and recommendations given by the internal auditor, the Head of the department will inform the concerned faculty about the lapses.

External Academic Audit

The External Academic Audit is an integral part of our quality assurance framework, aimed at promoting and sustaining a culture of excellence within the Institution. The audit process, conducted annually at the end of the academic year, involves an external review to assess the institutions adherence to predetermined benchmarks and standards. The goal is to ensure the continuous improvement of academic processes, covering both curricular and co-curricular activities, as well as infrastructure and support services contributing to academics.

Frequency of External Academic Audit

Once in a year: Conducted at the end of the academic year

Objectives of External Academic Audit

  • Assessment of Course Delivery: Evaluate the alignment of course delivery with the curriculum and syllabus prescribed by Anna University
  • Evaluation of Co-curricular and Extra-curricular Activities: Monitor and assess the quality and impact of activities beyond the curriculum
  • Monitoring Academic Calendar: Ensure adherence to the academic calendar for timely completion of academic activities
  • Internal Assessments: Review and assess the effectiveness of internal assessment processes
  • Attainment of Program Outcomes: Evaluate the achievement of program outcomes and their alignment with institutional goals
  • Student Welfare and Grievances: Address student welfare concerns and grievances effectively

Components of the External Academic Audit Process

  • Assessment Components Design: Design assessment components to quantify faculty and student efforts
  • Timely, Efficient and Progressive Academic Processes: Ensure the timely and efficient performance of academic processes
  • Quality of Evaluation Procedures: Monitor and enhance the quality and credibility of evaluation procedures
  • Setting Quality Benchmarks/Parameters: Develop benchmarks for various academic activities to maintain and improve quality
  • Effectiveness of Teaching-Learning Process: Define and optimize teaching and learning processes, incorporating modern methods
  • Outcome-Based Education Approach: Ensure the institution benefits from an Outcome-Based Education approach
  • Learner-Centric Environment: Facilitate the creation of a learner-centric environment through co-curricular and extracurricular activities
  • Feedback Mechanism: Establish a feedback mechanism involving students, parents, and other stakeholders to improve quality-related institutional processes

External Audit Report and Outcome

The External Audit Report serves as a comprehensive and objective assessment of the institutions academic processes, providing valuable insights into the adherence to established benchmarks and standards. Conducted annually at the conclusion of the semester, the report evaluates the overall quality of academic activities, encompassing course delivery, co-curricular and extra-curricular initiatives, infrastructure, and support services. It plays a crucial role in affirming the institutions commitment to continuous improvement and excellence.

The report outlines observations, commendations, and recommendations made by external auditors, offering a transparent and constructive perspective on the institutions academic performance. It serves as a vital tool for stakeholders, including faculty, administrators, and accrediting bodies, to gauge the effectiveness of academic practices and identify areas for enhancement.

By delving into specific components such as course alignment, program outcomes, internal assessments, and student welfare, the External Audit Report not only highlights achievements but also pinpoints areas that require attention. The feedback provided facilitates informed decision-making, supporting the institution in its ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of education and foster a conducive learning environment.

Ultimately, the External Audit Report contributes to the institution’s credibility, accountability, and commitment to delivering a high standard of education. It is a dynamic document that informs strategic planning, resource allocation, and continuous improvement initiatives, reinforcing the institutions dedication to excellence in academic endeavours.