1. Overview

Establishment

The Directorate of Quality Assurance and Curriculum Development (DQACD) at the University of Zakho was officially established in 2010. Since its establishment, the Directorate has played a central role in enhancing the quality of teaching, learning, and curriculum development through systematic quality assurance practices and continuous institutional improvement.

2. About Us Who We Are?

The Directorate of Quality Assurance and Curriculum Development is responsible for promoting academic excellence and ensuring the effectiveness of educational processes at the University of Zakho. The Directorate works in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and internationally recognized quality assurance standards.

Mission

To ensure high-quality teaching, learning, and curriculum development through systematic evaluation, continuous improvement, and stakeholder engagement.

Objectives

• Improve teaching and learning outcomes.
• Enhance students’ academic and scientific competencies.
• Strengthen the professional, pedagogical, and research capacities of academic staff.
• Ensure compliance with national quality assurance regulations and international best practices.
• Promote a culture of quality, transparency, and continuous improvement across the university.

3. Organizational Structure

The Directorate consists of the following units:

Bologna Process Unit

Responsible for implementing and monitoring Bologna Process requirements, including learning outcomes, ECTS, and student-centered learning.

Ranking Unit

Responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting data related to national and international university ranking systems.

4. Director’s Message

Director’s Word

Welcome to the Directorate of Quality Assurance and Curriculum Development at the University of Zakho.

Our Directorate is committed to enhancing the quality of teaching, learning, and curriculum development across the university. We work to ensure that academic programs meet national requirements and internationally recognized standards through systematic quality assurance processes, including program evaluation, learning outcomes assessment, curriculum review, and continuous academic development.

By fostering a culture of quality and continuous improvement, we aim to strengthen academic performance, improve student learning outcomes, and support institutional excellence. We value collaboration with all stakeholders to advance innovation and quality in higher education at the University of Zakho.

Dr. Kanaan R. Ahmed
Assistant Professor
Director of Quality Assurance and Curriculum Development
University of Zakho

5. Teaching Quality Assurance (TQA)

The University of Zakho implements an integrated Teaching Quality Assurance (TQA) system aligned with:

• Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research regulations,
• Bologna Process principles,
• European Standards and Guidelines (ESG).
• Core Mechanisms

The TQA system operates through three interconnected mechanisms:

• Student Feedback (SF)
• Student-centered evaluation aligned with ESG principles.
• Continuous Academic Development (CAD)
• Monitoring and assessment of academic development, research, and professional growth.
• Teaching Staff Portfolio (TP)
• Comprehensive annual performance evaluation.

6. Stakeholders Covered by TQA

·       Academic Staff

• All teaching staff at university departments.
• Administrative post holders involved in teaching.
• PhD students engaged in teaching activities.
• Academic staff working at university presidency units (if teaching).

·       Students

• Undergraduate students (course evaluation).
• Postgraduate students (program evaluation).
• All enrolled students (mandatory feedback participation).
• Student representatives involved in quality processes.

·       Administrative Leadership

• College Quality Assurance Staff (employees)
• Department QA Coordinators.
• College QA Officers.
• University QA Directorate.
• Ministry-level QA authorities.

7. Stakeholder Benefits

For Academic Staff

• Clear performance expectations.
• Career development pathways.
• Professional training and development opportunities.
• Recognition through quality-related awards.

For Students

• Improved teaching quality.
• Active participation in quality enhancement.
• Better learning materials and assessment methods.
• Preparation for international mobility and employment.

For the Institution

• Systematic quality enhancement.
• Improved national and international rankings.
• Accreditation readiness.
• Sustainable culture of academic excellence.

For Society

• Qualified graduates aligned with labor market needs.
• Research contributions to national development.
• Enhanced regional and international reputation.

8. Compliance and Accountability

Mandatory Participation

• Academic staff: compulsory participation in CAD, Portfolio, and Student Feedback.
• Students: mandatory participation during evaluation periods.
• Administrators: responsible for implementing QA processes.
• Institution: annual reporting to relevant authorities.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

• Academic staff: performance-related consequences.
• Students: reduced representation in quality improvement.
• Administrators: evaluation linked to QA implementation.
• Institution: impact on accreditation, ranking, and ministerial support.

This enhances transparency, accountability, and confidence in academic quality.

10. Quality Assurance Officers and Coordinators

Duties and Responsibilities

Regular dissemination of updated QA regulations.

Organization of seminars on QA systems.

Continuous coordination with the Directorate.

Support academic staff in documentation and uploading evidence.

Participation in QA meetings and reporting activities.