USJ seeks to protect, enhance and maintain the integrity of all of its work. To that end, QAE is based on the principle that every aspect of the work of the University and its academic, administrative, service and support units can be improved continuously and that evaluation and self-evaluation, both internal and external, are ongoing practices that serve that improvement.
QAE is constructive, diagnostic, developmental and formative as well as judgemental and summative; it is evaluative, descriptive, evidence-based and evidence-informed, with evidence drawn from a wide range of sources. There are several principles of QAE:
- An institutional culture and pan-university ownership of QAE is essential in achieving international standards in all the work and operations of the university.
- QAE is an ongoing, systematic and methodical process of planned interventions, monitoring, reviewing, judging, evaluating, documenting and reporting, with consequent action, development and continuous improvement, ensuring excellence in all the work and operations of the University.
- QAE is evidence-based, evidence-informed, transparent, rigorous, equitable and systematic.
- QAE promotes effectiveness, efficiency, efficacy and high impact of all the work and operations of the University, focusing on input, uptake, processes, outcomes, action planning and effects.
- QAE is a shared responsibility; it is collaborative, cooperative and empowering, involving all areas and operations of the University, parties and stakeholders, together with their development and enhanced professionalism.
- QAE meets international standards in internal and external approval, accreditation and recognition, promoting institutional and public confidence in the academic standards and operations of the University.