Assessment of Academic and Non-Academic Entities

The assessment of academic and non-academic entities is part of the continuous improvement process, which covers all aspects of the University. This assessment is an opportunity for each entity to take a step back from its day-to-day activities and examine the extent to which these activities support the University's mission. 
It enables every entity to verify the alignment of its objectives with the University's strategic orientation. It also promotes proactive management, the use of data in decision-making, effective communication, and institutional learning.

Following this assessment, the entity should be able to:
•    Highlight priorities related to the University’s strategy.
•    Develop short-term and long-term plans.
•    Highlight the involvement of the entity’s members in the assessment and continuous improvement process.
•    Implement assessment measures that provide continuous feedback, especially regarding stakeholders’ satisfaction levels.
•    Report on the quality of communication within the entity.

a.    Annual Self-Assessment
The annual self-assessment of academic and non-academic entities is conducted by a team that drafts an annual report in July. This process helps to identify the entity’s strengths and weaknesses, leads to a set of improvements and an Action Plan to be implemented, and establishes Performance Indicators to measure the progress and achievements of objectives.

UAQ supports this evaluation upon request.

An annual report form has been prepared for this purpose in order to harmonize the collection of data required for the self-assessment, the monitoring of the University Strategic Plan, or the requirements of external ranking and accreditation agencies. It was designed so that its drafting would be an opportunity for reflection and thus a lever for improvement. This form consists of two parts. The first is a Word document that briefly addresses the various aspects related to the mission and activities of the entities. The second is an Excel document that outlines the axes, objectives, and actions of the University’s Strategic Plan and allows the entity to highlight the contribution of its activities to the implementation of this Plan and to plan actions for the next three years.

The Annual Report enables the Quality Assurance Unit to identify best practices to be shared. Academic best practices are shared through exchange forums organized by the University Pedagogical Mission (MPU) or on its website in a dedicated section.

b.    External Assessment
An external assessment, generally carried out every 5 to 7 years, may be requested by the Rector. The Rector chooses the external assessment agency in consultation with the entity in question. He may also entrust this task to an external Assessment Committee made up of experts in the field, from other USJ departments or institutions, or from other universities. The agency or committee draws up a report after examining the self-assessment report prepared by the entity. It may request additional information or propose a visit.