Circular No. 12/2017/TT-BGDĐT Issuing Regulations on Quality Assurance for Higher Education Institutions

 

CIRCULAR

Issuing Regulations on Quality Assurance for Higher Education Institutions

Pursuant to the Higher Education Law dated June 18, 2012;

Pursuant to Decree No. 123/2016/NĐ-CP dated September 1, 2016 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers and organizational structure of Ministries and ministerial-level agencies;

Pursuant to Decree No. 32/2008/NĐ-CP dated March 19, 2008 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Education and Training;

Pursuant to the Government Decree No. 141/2013/NĐ-CP dated October 24, 2013 detailing and guiding the implementation of certain articles of the Higher Education Law;

At the proposal of the Director of the Testing and Quality Assurance Agency;

The Minister of Education and Training issues this Circular to promulgate Regulations on Quality Assurance for Higher Education Institutions.

Article 1. These Regulations are issued together with this Circular.

Article 2. This Circular takes effect from July 4, 2017.

This Circular replaces Decision No. 65/2007/QĐ-BGDĐT dated November 1, 2007 of the Minister of Education and Training on Standards for Evaluating the Quality of Higher Education Institutions; Article 1 and Article 2 of Circular No. 37/2012/TT-BGDĐT dated October 30, 2012 of the Minister of Education and Training; provisions on procedures and cycles of quality assurance for universities, colleges, and specialized secondary schools in Circular No. 62/2012/TT-BGDĐT dated December 28, 2012 of the Minister of Education and Training on Procedures and Cycles of Quality Assurance for Higher Education Institutions, Colleges, and Specialized Secondary Schools.

Article 3. The Director of the Office, the Director of the Department of Testing and Quality Assurance, the Heads of units under the Ministry of Education and Training related to this matter; the Chairpersons of Provincial People's Committees; the Heads of direct management agencies of higher education institutions; the Rectors of universities and academies; the Principals of university departments; the Directors of educational quality assurance organizations shall be responsible for implementing this Circular.

 

 

 

 

 

REGULATIONS

On Quality Assurance for Higher Education Institutions

(Issued together with Circular No. 12/2017/TT-BGDĐT

dated May 19, 2017 of the Minister of Education and Training)

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

Article 1.Scope of Regulation and Applicability

1. This document stipulates regulations on quality assurance for higher education institutions, including standards for evaluating quality and procedures, cycles of quality assurance for higher education institutions.
2. This document applies to universities, academies, and university departments (hereinafter referred to collectively as higher education institutions) within the national education system, including higher education institutions with foreign investment operating within the territory of Vietnam; educational quality assurance organizations established and permitted by the Minister of Education and Training; other organizations and individuals related to this matter.

Article 2.Explanation of Terms

In this document, the following terms shall be understood as follows:

1. Quality of Article 1. This Circular guides the content, measures, inspection, and evaluation of building safe schools, preventing and controlling accidents and injuries in general education institutions and regular educational institutions, and the responsibilities of relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals. refers to the fulfillment of goals set by the higher education institution, ensuring the requirements of the Higher Education Law regarding educational objectives, and being consistent with the needs for human resource training for socio-economic development at both local and national levels.
2. Evaluation of Quality of Higher Education Institution involves collecting and processing information, making judgments based on evaluation standards concerning all activities of the higher education institution, including strategic quality assurance, systemic quality assurance, functional quality assurance, and the results of the higher education institution's operations.
3. Quality Assurance of Higher Education Institution is the activity of evaluating and recognizing the degree to which the higher education institution meets the quality standards for education issued by the Minister of Education and Training.
4. Self-Assessment is the process where the higher education institution reviews and studies based on the quality education evaluation standards issued by the Minister of Education and Training to report on the current status of educational quality, the effectiveness of training activities, scientific research, human resources, infrastructure, and other related issues to adjust resources and processes to achieve quality education standards.
5. External Evaluation involves surveying and evaluating by educational quality assurance organizations based on the quality education evaluation standards issued by the Minister of Education and Training to determine the degree to which the higher education institution meets the quality education standards.
6. Quality Assessment Standards for Higher Education Institutions are the levels of requirements and conditions that the higher education institution must meet to be recognized as achieving quality education standards. Each standard corresponds to a specific field of activity of the higher education institution; each standard includes several criteria.
7. Quality Assessment Criteria for Higher Education Institutions are the levels of requirements and conditions that need to be achieved in a specific aspect of each standard.
8. Expected Learning Outcomes (ELO) are the minimum requirements for knowledge, skills, autonomy, and personal responsibility that students achieve upon completing a training program, committed by the higher education institution to students, society, and publicly announced along with the conditions to ensure implementation.
9. Training Program (Programme) at a specific level of a field of study includes: objectives, expected learning outcomes; training content, methods, and activities; infrastructure and technical conditions, organizational structure, functions, tasks, and academic activities of the unit responsible for implementing the training program.
10. Curriculum of a training program at a specific level includes: general objectives, specific objectives, and expected learning outcomes for the field of study and each course; training content, assessment methods, and duration for the field of study and each course. of a training program at a specific level includes: general objectives, specific objectives, and output standards for each field of study and course; training content, assessment methods, and duration for each field of study and course.
11. Benchmarking is the activity of comparing and contrasting a higher education institution or a training program with quality education assessment standards or selected higher education institutions/training programs.
12. Stakeholders related to the higher education institution include students, lecturers, staff, leadership and management teams, employers, partners, families of students, investors, direct management agencies, state management agencies for education, and other related organizations and individuals.
13. Educational Philosophy is a core set of views guiding educational objectives, teaching content and methods, the roles of lecturers and students in educational activities.

Article 3.Purpose of Using Quality Assessment Standards for Higher Education Institutions

1. Educational institutions shall use the quality assessment standards for educational institutions to self-assess all activities of the institution with the aim of continuously improving the quality of education and fulfilling accountability towards relevant parties regarding the current status of educational quality and the effectiveness of the institution's operations.
2. Quality assurance organizations in education shall use the quality assessment standards for educational institutions to assess and recognize or not recognize the achievement of educational quality standards for educational institutions.
3. Other organizations and individuals may rely on the quality assessment standards for educational institutions to evaluate, assess, and participate in social criticism regarding the educational institutions they are interested in.

 

Chapter II

MINISTRY QUALITY ASSESSMENT STANDARDS EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

 

Section 1

ENSURING QUALITY IN STRATEGY

 

Article 4. Standard 1: Vision, mission, and culture

Clause 1.1: The leadership of the educational institution ensures that the vision and mission of the institution meet the needs and satisfaction of relevant parties.

Clause 1.2: The leadership of the educational institution promotes cultural values consistent with the vision and mission of the institution.

Clause 1.3: The vision, mission, and culture of the educational institution are disseminated, implemented, and clearly explained.

Clause 1.4: The vision, mission, and culture of the educational institution are reviewed to meet the needs and satisfaction of relevant parties.

Clause 1.5: The vision, mission, and culture of the educational institution, as well as the process of building and developing them, are improved to meet the needs and satisfaction of relevant parties.

Article 5. Standard 2: Governancemanagement

Clause 2.1: The governance system (including the board of directors or school council; party and mass organizations; other advisory boards) is established in accordance with the law to set strategic directions appropriate to the specific context of the educational institution; ensuring accountability, sustainability, transparency, and minimizing potential risks during the governance process of the educational institution.

Clause 2.2: Decisions of governance bodies are translated into action plans, policies, and guidelines for implementation.

Clause 2.3: The governance system of the educational institution is regularly reviewed.

Clause 2.4: The governance system of the educational institution is improved to enhance operational efficiency of the institution and better manage risks.

Article 6. Standard 3: Leadership and management

Clause 3.1: The leadership of the educational institution establishes a management structure where roles, responsibilities, decision-making processes, information systems, and reporting procedures are clearly defined to achieve the vision, mission, culture, and strategic goals of the institution.

Clause 3.2: The leadership of the educational institution participates in informing and connecting relevant parties to guide the vision, mission, culture, and strategic goals of the institution.

Clause 3.3: The leadership and management structure of the educational institution is regularly reviewed.

Clause 3.4: The leadership and management structure of the educational institution is improved to enhance management efficiency and achieve desired performance outcomes of the institution.

Article 7. Standard 4: Strategic Management

1. Criterion 4.1: Implement strategic planning to achieve the vision, mission, culture, and strategic goals in education, scientific research, and community service.

2. Criterion 4.2: The strategic plan is implemented and translated into short-term and long-term plans for execution.

3. Criterion 4.3: Key performance indicators and main targets are established to measure the degree of achievement of strategic goals by the educational institution.

4. Criterion 4.4: The strategic planning process, as well as key performance indicators and main targets, are improved to achieve the strategic goals of the educational institution.

Article 8. Standard 5: Policies on Education, Scientific Research, and Community Service

1. Criterion 5.1: A system is established to develop policies on education, scientific research, and community service.

2. Criterion 5.2: Procedures for monitoring compliance with policies are formalized in writing, disseminated, and implemented.

3. Criterion 5.3: Policies on education, scientific research, and community service are reviewed regularly.

4. Criterion 5.4: Policies on education, scientific research, and community service are improved to enhance the operational efficiency of the educational institution and meet the needs and satisfaction of stakeholders.

Article 9. Standard 6: Human Resource Management

1. Criterion 6.1: Human resources are planned to fully meet the needs of educational activities, scientific research, and community service.

2. Criterion 6.2: Recruitment and selection criteria, including ethical and academic freedom standards, used in promotion, appointment, and staff placement are defined and disseminated.

3. Criterion 6.3: Standards of competence, including leadership skills, for different groups of administrative staff, lecturers, and other employees are identified and developed.

4. Criterion 6.4: Training, development, and capacity-building needs for administrative staff, lecturers, and employees are identified, and activities are implemented to address these needs.

5. Criterion 6.5: A system for managing task implementation (including reward systems, recognition, and training plans) is implemented to promote and support educational activities, scientific research, and community service.

6. Criterion 6.6: Human resource management systems, policies, procedures, and planning are reviewed regularly.

7. Criterion 6.7: Human resource management systems, policies, procedures, and planning are improved to support education, scientific research, and community service.

Article 10. Standard 7: Financial and Physical Asset Management

1. Criterion 7.1: A system for planning, implementing, auditing, and enhancing financial resources to support the realization of the vision, mission, and strategic goals in education, scientific research, and community service is established and operated.

2. Criterion 7.2: A system for planning, maintenance, evaluation, and upgrading physical assets and infrastructure such as teaching and learning facilities, laboratories, equipment, and tools to meet the needs of education, scientific research, and community service is established and operated.

3. Criterion 7.3: A system for planning, maintenance, auditing, and upgrading information technology equipment and infrastructure such as computers, network systems, backup systems, security, and access control to meet the needs of education, scientific research, and community service is established and operated.

4. Criterion 7.4: A system for planning, maintenance, evaluation, and enhancement of learning resources such as library materials, teaching aids, and online databases to meet the needs of education, scientific research, and community service is established and operated.

5. Criterion 7.5: A system for planning, implementation, evaluation, and improvement of the environment, health, safety, and accessibility for individuals with special needs is established and operated.

Article 11. Standard 8: Networks and external relations

1. Criterion 8.1: There is a plan to develop partners, networks, and external relations to achieve the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the educational institution.

2. Criterion 8.2: Policies, procedures, and agreements to promote partners, networks, and external relations are implemented.

3. Criterion 8.3: Partners, networks, and external relations are reviewed.

4. Criterion 8.4: Partners, networks, and external relations are improved to achieve the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the educational institution.

 

Section 2

QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEM

 

Article 12. Standard 9: Internal quality assurance system

1. Criterion 9.1: The structure, role, responsibilities, and accountability of the internal quality assurance system are established to meet strategic goals and ensure the quality of the educational institution.

2. Criterion 9.2: A strategic plan for quality assurance (including strategy, policies, stakeholder participation, activities that include promoting quality assurance work and training to enhance capacity) is developed to meet strategic goals and ensure the quality of the educational institution.

3. Criterion 9.3: The strategic plan for quality assurance is implemented and translated into short-term and long-term plans for execution.

4. Criterion 9.4: A system for storing documents, reviewing, disseminating policies, systems, procedures, and processes for quality assurance is implemented.

5. Criterion 9.5: Key performance indicators and key targets are established to measure the results of quality assurance work at the educational institution.

6. Criterion 9.6: The planning process, key performance indicators, and key targets are improved to meet the strategic goals and quality assurance of the educational institution.

Article 13. Standard 10: Self-assessment and external assessment

1. Criterion 10.1: A self-assessment plan and preparation for external assessment are established.

2. Criterion 10.2: Self-assessment and external assessment are conducted periodically by staff and/or independent experts who have been trained.

3. Criterion 10.3: Findings and results of self-assessment and external assessment are reviewed.

4. Criterion 10.4: The self-assessment process and the preparation process for external assessment are improved to meet the strategic goals of the educational institution.

Article 14. Standard 11: Internal quality assurance information system

1. Criterion 11.1: An information management plan for the internal quality assurance system includes collecting, processing, reporting, receiving, and transferring information from stakeholders to support teaching, scientific research, and community service is established.

2. Criterion 11.2: Information on the internal quality assurance system, including data analysis results, must be appropriate, accurate, and available to provide timely support for decision-making; while ensuring consistency, confidentiality, and security.

3. Criterion 11.3: Review the internal quality assurance information management system, quantity, quality, consistency, confidentiality, and security of data and information.

4. Criterion 11.4: Management of internal quality assurance information, as well as policies, procedures, and plans for managing internal quality assurance information, are improved to support teaching, scientific research, and community service.

Article 15. Standard 12: Enhancing Quality

1. Criterion 12.1: Establishing a continuous plan to enhance the quality of the educational institution, including policies, systems, processes, procedures, and resources to effectively carry out training activities, scientific research, and community service.

2. Criterion 12.2: Criteria for selecting partners, benchmark information, and comparisons to improve the quality of activities are established.

3. Criterion 12.3: Implementing benchmarking and comparison to strengthen quality assurance activities and encourage innovation and creativity.

4. Criterion 12.4: The process of selecting and using benchmarking and comparison information is reviewed.

5. Criterion 12.5: The process of selecting and using benchmarking and comparison information is improved to continuously achieve the best results in training, scientific research, and community service.

 

Section 3

QUALITY ASSURANCE IN FUNCTION IMPLEMENTATION

 

Article 16. Standard 13: Admissions and Enrollment

1. Criterion 13.1: Developing plans, policies, and communication strategies for admissions to different training programs of the educational institution.

2. Criterion 13.2: Establishing criteria to select high-quality students for each training program.

3. Criterion 13.3: Having a monitoring process for admissions and enrollment work.

4. Criterion 13.4: Having measures to monitor admissions and enrollment.

5. Criterion 13.5: Admissions and enrollment work is improved to ensure suitability and effectiveness.

Article 17. Standard 14: Design and Review of Teaching Programs

1. Criterion 14.1: Establishing a system to design, develop, supervise, review, assess, approve, and issue teaching programs for all training programs and subjects/courses with contributions and feedback from relevant parties.

2. Criterion 14.2: Having a system to establish, review, adjust, and set output standards for training programs and subjects/courses to meet the needs of relevant parties.

3. Criterion 14.3: Course outlines, teaching plans of training programs and subjects/courses are documented, disseminated, and implemented based on output standards.

4. Criterion 14.4: Reviewing the design, assessment, and review process of teaching programs is carried out.

5. Criterion 14.5: The design, assessment, and teaching program process is improved to ensure relevance and updates to meet the constantly changing needs of relevant parties.

Article 18. Standard 15: Teaching and Learning

1. Criterion 15.1: Establishing a system to select teaching and learning activities that align with the educational philosophy and to achieve output standards.

2. Criterion 15.2: Implementing a system to attract, select, and assign tasks to faculty members based on their expertise, professional abilities, achievements, and experience.

3. Criterion 15.3: Organizing lifelong learning activities that promote teaching and learning to achieve output standards.

4. Criterion 15.4: Teaching and learning activities are monitored and evaluated to ensure and improve quality.

5. Criterion 15.5: The educational philosophy and teaching and learning activities are improved to achieve output standards, ensuring quality teaching and learning, and lifelong learning.

Article 19. Standard 16: Evaluation of Students

1. Criterion 16.1: Establishing a system for planning and selecting appropriate evaluation methods during the learning process.

2. Criterion 16.2: Designing student evaluation activities that align with achieving the desired outcomes.

3. Criterion 16.3: Reviewing student evaluation methods and results to ensure accuracy, reliability, fairness, and alignment with desired outcomes.

4. Criterion 16.4: Improving student evaluation methods and types to ensure accuracy, reliability, and alignment with desired outcomes.

Article 20. Standard 17: Student Support Activities

1. Criterion 17.1: Having plans to implement support and monitoring activities for students.

2. Criterion 17.2: Implementing student support and monitoring activities to meet the needs of stakeholders.

3. Criterion 17.3: Reviewing student support and monitoring activities.

4. Criterion 17.4: Improving student support and monitoring activities to meet the needs and satisfaction of stakeholders.

Article 21. Standard 18: Scientific Research Management

1. Criterion 18.1: Establishing a system for directing, managing, implementing, supervising, and reviewing research activities, quality of research staff, resources, and related activities.

2. Criterion 18.2: Implementing strategies for seeking funding, promoting research, scientific innovation, cooperation, and top-tier research to achieve the vision and mission of the educational institution.

3. Criterion 18.3: Using key performance indicators to assess the quantity and quality of research.

4. Criterion 18.4: Improving research management to enhance the quality of research and scientific innovation.

Article 22. Standard 19: Intellectual Property Management

1. Criterion 19.1: Establishing a system for managing and protecting inventions, patents, copyrights, and research results.

2. Criterion 19.2: Implementing a system for recording, storing, and utilizing intellectual property.

3. Criterion 19.3: Implementing a review system for intellectual property management work.

4. Criterion 19.4: Improving intellectual property management to protect the educational institution, researchers, and community interests.

Article 23. Standard 20: Cooperation and Research Partnerships

1. Criterion 20.1: Building a system to establish cooperative and partnership relationships in research to meet research objectives.

2. Criterion 20.2: Implementing policies and procedures to promote research cooperation and partnerships.

3. Criterion 20.3: Implementing a system to review the effectiveness of research cooperation and partnerships.

4. Criterion 20.4: Improving research cooperation and partnership activities to achieve research goals.

Article 24. Standard 21: Community Engagement and Service

1. Criterion 21.1: Developing plans for community engagement and service provision to fulfill the vision and mission of the educational institution.

2. Criterion 21.2: Implementing policies and guidelines for community engagement and service activities.

3. Criterion 21.3: Implementing a system to measure and monitor community engagement and service.

4. Criterion 21.4: Improving community service and engagement activities to meet the needs and satisfaction of stakeholders.

 

Section 4

RESULTS OF ACTIVITIES

 

Article 25. Standard 22: Training outcomes

1. Criterion 22.1: The ratio of students meeting requirements and the dropout rate for all training programs and courses/subjects are established, monitored, and compared to improve quality.

2. Criterion 22.2: The average graduation time for all training programs is established, monitored, and compared to improve quality.

3. Criterion 22.3: The employment rate of graduates from all training programs is established, monitored, and compared to improve quality.

4. Criterion 22.4: The satisfaction level of stakeholders regarding the quality of graduates is established, monitored, and compared to improve quality.

Article 26. Standard 23: Scientific research outcomes

1. Criterion 23.1: The type and volume of research conducted by faculty members and researchers are established, monitored, and compared to improve quality.

2. Criterion 23.2: The type and volume of research conducted by students are established, monitored, and compared to improve quality.

3. Criterion 23.3: The type and number of scientific publications including citations are established, monitored, and compared to improve quality.

4. Criterion 23.4: The type and number of intellectual property assets are established, monitored, and compared to improve quality.

5. Criterion 23.5: The budget for each type of research activity is established, monitored, and compared to improve quality.

6. Criterion 23.6: Research and innovation results (including commercialization, trial transfer, establishment of startup units) are established, monitored, and compared to improve quality.

Article 27. Standard 24: Community service outcomes

1. Criterion 24.1: The type and volume of participation in community connection and service activities contributing to society are established, monitored, and compared to improve quality.

2. Criterion 24.2: Social impact and results of community connection and service activities contributing to society are established, monitored, and compared to improve quality.

3. Criterion 24.3: The impact of community connection and service activities on students and staff, including faculty members and employees, is established, monitored, and compared to improve quality.

4. Criterion 24.4: The satisfaction level of stakeholders regarding community connection and service activities contributing to society is established, monitored, and compared to improve quality.

Article 28. Standard 25: Financial and market outcomes

1. Criterion 25.1: The results and financial indicators of training, scientific research, and community service activities are established, monitored, and compared to improve quality.

2. Criterion 25.2: The results and market indicators of training, scientific research, and community service activities are established, monitored, and compared to improve quality.

Chapter III

QUALITY ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES AND CYCLE

 

Section 1

PROCEDURES, CYCLE, EVALUATION METHODS, SCORING METHODS

 

Article 29. Quality assessment procedures and cycle for educational institutions

1. The quality assessment procedure for educational institutions is carried out through the following steps:

a) Self-assessment;

b) External assessment;

c) Review of assessment results;

d) Recognition of compliance with quality education standards.

2. The quality assessment cycle for educational institutions is five years.

Article 30. Evaluation methods and scoring methods

1. The criteria of the quality assessment standards for educational institutions stipulated in Chapter II of this Regulation are evaluated according to a seven-level scale (corresponding to seven points) as follows:

a) Level 1. Does not meet the standard criterion requirements: No quality assurance work is performed to meet the standard criterion requirements. There are no plans, documents, evidence, or available results. Immediate quality improvement is required;

b) Level 2. Does not fully meet the standard criterion requirements, but significant quality improvements are needed: Quality assurance work for areas that need improvement to meet the standard criterion requirements is at the planning stage or does not meet the requirements. There are few documents or evidence. Quality assurance activities are rarely implemented or have limited effectiveness;

c) Level 3. Does not fully meet the standard criterion requirements, but only minor improvements are needed to meet the requirements: Quality assurance activities to meet the standard criterion requirements have been identified and implemented, but additional minor improvements are needed to fully meet the requirements. There are documents, but there is no clear evidence showing they are used and implemented effectively. Implementation of quality assurance activities is inconsistent or has limited results;

d) Level 4. Fully meets the standard criterion requirements: Quality assurance work is fully performed to meet the standard criterion requirements. There is evidence showing that implementation is carried out comprehensively. Implementation of quality assurance activities achieves expected results;

đ) Level 5. Exceeds the standard criterion requirements: Quality assurance work exceeds the standard criterion requirements. There is evidence showing that implementation is carried out effectively. Implementation of quality assurance activities shows good results and demonstrates positive trends for improvement;

e) Level 6. Performs exceptionally well as a national model: Implementation of quality assurance work to meet the standard criterion requirements is considered the best example in the country. There is evidence showing that implementation is carried out effectively. Implementation of quality assurance activities yields very good results and demonstrates very positive trends for improvement;

g) Level 7. Performs excellently, reaching the level of top global educational institutions: Implementation of quality assurance work to meet the standard criterion requirements is considered excellent, reaching the level of top global educational institutions or being the best example for other global educational institutions to follow. There is evidence showing that implementation is carried out creatively. Implementation of quality assurance activities yields excellent results and demonstrates excellent trends for improvement.

2. Scoring method

a) The score for each criterion is the whole number corresponding to the levels specified in Clause 1 of this Article;

b) The score for each standard is the average of the scores of the criteria within that standard, rounded to two decimal places.

c) The average score of the criteria in each section of Chapter II of this Regulation is the rounded average of the scores of the criteria in the section to two decimal places.

 

Section 2

SELF-EVALUATION

 

Article 31. Steps for self-evaluation

1. Establishing a self-assessment council.

2. Develop a self-evaluation plan.

3. Collect, analyze, and process information and evidence.

4. Write a self-evaluation report.

5. Store and utilize the self-evaluation report.

6. Implement activities following completion of the self-evaluation report.

Article 32. Self-evaluation Council of educational institutions

1. The self-evaluation council of an educational institution shall have an odd number of members, with at least eleven members, established by the Director or Principal (hereinafter referred to collectively as the Principal) of the educational institution.

2. The Chairman of the self-evaluation council is the Principal; the Vice-Chairman is a Deputy Principal. Other members include representatives from the School Council or Board of Trustees, Scientific and Training Council, Party organization, other organizations within the educational institution; specialized units responsible for quality assurance and some departments, faculties, and subjects; representatives of lecturers and students.

3. The self-evaluation council has a Secretariat to assist it, consisting of staff from the specialized unit responsible for quality assurance and other staff, with the head of the quality assurance unit designated as the head of the Secretariat. Specific tasks of the self-evaluation council are assigned to specialized working groups comprising members of the self-evaluation council and the Secretariat. Each working group consists of three to five people, responsible for certain standards and supervised by a member of the council.

4. The self-evaluation council assists the Principal in directing the implementation of self-evaluation of the educational institution according to this Regulation. The self-evaluation council operates under the principle of democratic centralism, discussing to reach consensus.

5. The self-evaluation council has the following responsibilities:

a) Promote policies on implementing self-evaluation; introduce the self-evaluation process, study, exchange self-evaluation experiences, and request related units and individuals to cooperate in implementation;

b) Collect information, evidence, review activities, and compare results achieved with the goals set by the educational institution; assess the degree of achievement, identify strengths and weaknesses of the educational institution; propose improvement plans and enhance quality;

c) Compare achievements with quality assessment criteria issued by the Minister of Education and Training, write a self-evaluation report;

d) Publishing the self-assessment report within the educational institution;

d) Organize maintenance and update of self-evaluation database;

e) Advise the Principal on measures to improve and enhance educational quality.

6. Responsibilities of members of the self-evaluation council:

a) The Chairman of the council is responsible for the council's activities, assigns specific tasks to each member, including identifying tasks corresponding to each evaluation criterion, start and end times, primary responsible person, and those who will collaborate; convenes and chairs council meetings; approves the self-evaluation plan; directs the process of collecting information and evidence, processing, analyzing, and writing the self-evaluation report; resolves issues arising during the implementation of self-evaluation;

b) Other members of the council are responsible for performing tasks assigned by the Chairman and are accountable for the tasks delegated to them;

c) When authorized by the Chairman, the Vice-Chairman is responsible for chairing the council and is accountable for the tasks delegated.

7. Members of the council must be trained in self-evaluation procedures covering: quality assurance system; quality assessment cycle and process; self-evaluation guidance; domestic and international self-evaluation experience; techniques such as document review, interviews, observation, group discussion, surveys, and writing self-evaluation reports.

8. The self-evaluation council may request the Principal to hire consultants to assist the council in implementing self-evaluation. Consultants must hold a master's degree or higher, possess knowledge of quality assurance and assessment, self-evaluation, and necessary techniques for implementing self-evaluation.

Article 33. Development of Self-Assessment Plan

1. The educational institution shall develop a self-assessment plan which must be approved by the Rector - Chairman of the Self-Assessment Council.

2. The self-assessment plan must include the following contents:

a) Purpose and scope of the self-assessment period;

b) Composition of the Self-Assessment Council;

c) Specific tasks of each member of the Council;

d) Self-assessment tools;

đ) Identification of information and evidence to be collected;

e) Anticipated resources for infrastructure, finance, and the time points at which these resources will be mobilized during the implementation of self-assessment;

g) Timeline: clearly indicating the necessary duration to implement and the schedule for specific activities during the self-assessment process.

Article 34. Collection, Analysis, and Processing of Information and Evidence

1. Based on the criteria in the quality assessment standards for educational institutions,, the Self-Assessment Council assigns specific responsibilities to its members to organize the collection, analysis, and processing of information and evidence before drafting the self-assessment report.

2. During the process of collecting information and evidence, their sources must be clearly identified. Measures must be taken to protect and store the information and evidence, including related materials concerning the origins of the collected information and evidence. It is encouraged to use information technology to facilitate the self-assessment activities, digitize evidence, and make it easier to update, store, and compare information.

Article 35. Writing the Self-Assessment Report

1. The self-assessment report shall be presented concisely and clearly, ensuring objectivity and completeness according to the quality assessment criteria, including the following main sections:

a) Data on the educational institution;

b) Level of compliance with the standards;

c) Self-assessment on quality assurance.

2. A draft of the self-assessment report shall be published internally within the educational institution for management staff, lecturers, scientific officers, employees, and students to read and provide comments for a minimum of ten working days.

3. The self-assessment report shall be finalized by the Self-Assessment Council based on the feedback from management staff, lecturers, scientific officers, employees, and students. The Rector - Chairman of the Self-Assessment Council shall approve the self-assessment report.

Article 36. Storage and Use of the Self-Assessment Report

1. The educational institution shall store the approved self-assessment report along with all related files from the development and completion processes.

2. A copy of the self-assessment report shall be kept in the library for organizations and individuals interested in referencing it. For educational institutions requiring confidentiality according to state regulations, the Rector shall stipulate the use of the self-assessment report under confidentiality procedures.

Article 37. Implementation of Activities Following Completion of the Self-Assessment Report

1. Implement quality improvement plans outlined in the self-assessment report to enhance and improve the quality of education.

2. Submit the self-assessment report to the direct supervisory authority along with a letter requesting attention and support during the implementation of quality improvement actions as stated in the self-assessment report; simultaneously send it to the Ministry of Education and Training (Quality Assurance and Testing Department) for reporting.

3. Annually, the self-assessment report shall be updated (in the form of an annual supplementary report) and stored in the library of the educational institution.

 

Section 3

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT

 

Article 38. Procedures and formalities for registering external evaluation

1. An educational institution shall register for external evaluation with an education quality assurance organization licensed by the Ministry of Education and Training after publicly announcing its self-assessment report within at least 20 working days within the educational institution. For educational institutions that require information confidentiality according to state regulations, the institution shall submit the self-assessment report to the direct management agency to request permission to register for external evaluation.

2. Every five years or upon the request of the state management agency on education, the educational institution shall be responsible for preparing the self-assessment report and registering for external evaluation to be considered and recognized as meeting the education quality standards.

3. The education quality assurance organization shall publicly disclose on its electronic information website the method of calculation and level of funding for activities such as reviewing self-assessment reports, conducting external evaluations, and recognizing educational institutions as meeting quality standards, so that educational institutions can choose an education quality assurance organization to register for evaluation and related parties can monitor.

Article 39. Contract for reviewing self-assessment reports and external evaluations between the education quality assurance organization and the educational institution

1. At the request of the educational institution, the education quality assurance organization shall enter into a contract with the educational institution to review the self-assessment report. The educational institution shall send the self-assessment report and related documents to the education quality assurance organization for review.

2. Within twenty working days from the date of signing the contract, the education quality assurance organization shall review the self-assessment report and return the review results to the educational institution in the following cases:

a) The self-assessment report does not meet the requirements regarding form and content. The educational institution needs to continue improving;

b) The self-assessment report meets the requirements and can proceed with external evaluation.

3. In case the self-assessment report meets the requirements, the education quality assurance organization and the educational institution shall agree to sign a contract for external evaluation.

4. Contracts between the education quality assurance organization and the educational institution shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions of the law on economic contracts.

Article 40. Formation of the external evaluation team

1. The external evaluation team shall consist of at least five members appointed by the Director of the education quality assurance organization, including at least fifty percent of members holding accreditation inspector cards for education quality assurance, comprising:

a) The team leader shall be someone who has been or is currently a leader of an educational institution or holds equivalent or higher positions, knowledgeable about evaluation, experienced in implementing self-assessment and external evaluation activities, holding an accreditation inspector card for education quality assurance. The team leader is responsible for managing the team's activities;

b) The secretary shall be someone knowledgeable about accreditation of education quality, holding an accreditation inspector card for education quality assurance, tasked with assisting the team leader in preparing and implementing external evaluation activities, drafting documents of the external evaluation team;

c) Other members shall be experts from educational institutions, state management agencies on education and training, social occupational organizations, or labor recruiters corresponding to the field of training of the evaluated educational institution, holding accreditation inspector cards for education quality assurance or certificates of completion of training programs for accreditation inspectors as prescribed by the Ministry of Education and Training. Members shall be responsible for performing tasks assigned by the team leader.

2. Criteria for members of the external evaluation team:

a) Having good character, honesty, and objectivity; having sufficient health to perform assigned tasks;

b) Having ten or more years of teaching or educational management experience; in the case where members of the team are labor recruiters, they do not need to have teaching or educational management experience but must have at least five years of management experience;

c) Having a labor contract working for the education quality assurance organization;

d) Having a commitment letter with the education quality assurance organization stating that they have not and do not work at the evaluated educational institution; do not have capital contribution, share purchase, or bond transactions; do not have relatives (father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters, half-siblings) serving as members of the leadership board of the evaluated educational institution.

3. Before forming the external evaluation team, the education quality assurance organization shall notify the educational institution of the proposed team list. The educational institution has the right to request the education quality assurance organization to change one or more members of the team if there is evidence that this member has had conflicts of interest with the educational institution, but may not suggest or propose other individuals to join the external evaluation team.

After a period of ten working days from receiving the proposed list, if the educational institution does not provide feedback, it will be deemed to have agreed with the proposed list of the education quality assurance organization.

4. External evaluation implementation can only be carried out after the education quality assurance organization and the educational institution have signed an external evaluation contract and the external evaluation team has been formed in accordance with the provisions of this Article.

Article 41. Steps for External Evaluation

1. Reviewing self-assessment files:

The external evaluation team studies the self-assessment report and related files of the educational institution; collects and processes information and evidence related to the quality assessment standards.

2. Preliminary survey at the educational institution.

3. Formal survey at the educational institution.

4. Drafting the external evaluation report, sending it to the educational institution for comments:

a) The draft external evaluation report must be approved by at least two-thirds of the members of the team;

b) The external evaluation team sends the draft external evaluation report to the educational institution for comments through the quality assurance organization within fifteen working days from the date the educational institution receives the draft report.

5. Finalizing the external evaluation report:

a) Within fifteen working days from the date of receiving feedback from the educational institution or from the end date of the educational institution's response period, the external evaluation team through the quality assurance organization sends a notification letter to the educational institution regarding the opinions that have been accepted or reserved. In case of reservation, the reasons must be clearly stated;

b) The external evaluation team finalizes the external evaluation report and submits the report along with related files (if any) to the Director of the quality assurance organization for the quality assurance organization to officially send the external evaluation report to the educational institution and request contract termination;

c) Members of the external evaluation team may not provide information related to the work content and evaluation results without permission from the quality assurance organization or the competent state management agency.

Article 42. Utilization of External Evaluation Results

The external evaluation results serve as a basis for the educational institution to implement improvement plans and enhance educational quality, and for the Quality Assurance Council of the quality assurance organization to review and recommend recognition or non-recognition of the educational institution meeting the educational quality standards.

Article 43. Responsibilities of Educational Institutions Regarding External Evaluation Activities

1. Prepare complete files and data related to the activities of the educational institution and other necessary conditions to support the external evaluation process.

2. Assign a leader of the educational institution and a dedicated staff member to act as the main contact person for the external evaluation team.

3. Cooperate, exchange, and discuss with the external evaluation team about the research results of the self-assessment report and the survey results of the team at the educational institution.

4. Within fifteen working days from the date of receiving the draft external evaluation report, the educational institution has the responsibility to send a letter to the quality assurance organization detailing the agreement or disagreement with the draft external evaluation report.

In case of disagreement with the draft external evaluation report, the reasons must be clearly stated along with supporting evidence. If the educational institution does not respond within the above time limit, it will be considered as agreeing with the draft external evaluation report.

5. Within fifteen working days from the date of receiving the external evaluation report sent by the quality assurance organization according to point b, Clause 5, Article 41 of this Regulation, the educational institution sends a letter to the quality assurance organization requesting consideration for recognition of meeting the educational quality standards.

 

Section 4

REVIEWING THE RESULTS OF EDUCATIONAL QUALITY ASSESSMENT

 

Article 44. Time limit and dossier for reviewing the results of educational quality assessment

1. Within six months from the date of receiving the document requesting recognition of meeting the educational quality standards, the organization conducting educational quality assessment shall convene the Educational Quality Assessment Council to review the results of the educational quality assessment.

2. The dossier for reviewing the results of the educational quality assessment includes: self-assessment report; external assessment report; the document of the educational institution requesting recognition of meeting the educational quality standards; the feedback document of the educational institution on the external assessment report; the document of the external assessment team sent to the educational institution regarding the adoption or reservation of opinions; summary report of self-assessment and external assessment results; document summarizing issues to be focused on in discussions.

3. The secretariat assists the Educational Quality Assessment Council in preparing a plan for reviewing the results of the educational quality assessment, preparing the dossier for review, and sending the dossier for review to the members of the Council at least fifteen working days before the meeting.

Article 45. Procedure for reviewing the results of the educational quality assessment

The procedure for reviewing the results of the educational quality assessment by the Educational Quality Assessment Council shall be carried out in the following sequence:

1. A full meeting of the Council chaired by the President or Vice-President of the Council authorized to chair shall be convened to perform the following tasks:

a) Listening to the summary report on the results of self-assessment, external assessment, and issues to be focused on in discussions;

b) Discussing contents including: Results of self-assessment; results of external assessment; draft resolution of the Council on reviewing the results of the educational quality assessment;

c) Approving recommendations of the Council regarding requests for the educational institution to address existing shortcomings and continue improving and enhancing educational quality;

d) The Council shall vote secretly to approve the resolution on reviewing the results of the educational quality assessment.

2. Within ten working days from the date of the review results, the organization conducting educational quality assessment shall be responsible for sending the resolution on reviewing the results of the educational quality assessment along with the Council's recommendations to the educational institution.

3. In cases where there are no graduates yet, the educational institution shall use the review results of the educational quality assessment to continue improving and enhancing the school's educational quality. For cases where there is at least one graduating class, within twenty working days from the date of receipt of the documents stipulated in Clause 2 of this Article, the educational institution shall send a feedback document to the organization conducting educational quality assessment in one of the following three situations:

a) Agreeing with the content of the resolution and the Council's recommendations; requesting the organization conducting educational quality assessment to consider recognizing the educational institution as meeting the educational quality standards and issuing a certificate of educational quality assessment;

b) Agreeing with the content of the resolution and the Council's recommendations; the educational institution shall have a plan to address existing shortcomings and continue improving and enhancing educational quality to register for educational quality assessment in the near future;

c) Disagreeing with part or all of the content of the resolution and the council's recommendations; requesting the quality assurance organization to reconsider.

4. In cases as provided in point a, Clause 3 of this Article, within ten working days from the date of receipt of the document from the educational institution, the organization conducting educational quality assessment shall publicly announce the external assessment results, the content of the resolution, and the Council's recommendations on its electronic information website. After fifteen days of announcement, if there are no complaints or accusations, the organization conducting educational quality assessment shall issue a decision and grant the Certificate of Educational Quality Assessment to the educational institution; if there are complaints or accusations, the organization conducting educational quality assessment shall review the entire process and dossier for reviewing the results of the educational quality assessment before deciding whether to issue the Certificate of Educational Quality Assessment to the educational institution.

For educational institutions required to keep information confidential according to state regulations, the external assessment results, the content of the resolution, and the Council's recommendations shall be sent to the direct management agency at least fifteen days in advance for consensus before being considered for recognition by the organization conducting educational quality assessment.

5. In cases as provided in point b, Clause 3 of this Article, the organization conducting educational quality assessment shall be responsible for explaining the content of the resolution and the Council's recommendations when requested by the educational institution; advising and assisting the educational institution in improving and enhancing educational quality.

6. In cases as provided in point c, Clause 3 of this Article, the organization conducting educational quality assessment shall prepare a plan to re-examine the content of the resolution and the Council's recommendations at the next regular meeting according to the procedure stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article and implement subsequent steps as prescribed in this Article.

 

Section 5

RECOGNITION OF MEETING EDUCATIONAL QUALITY STANDARDS

 

Article 46. Conditions for Recognizing Educational Institutions as Meeting Quality Standards

1. At least one cohort of students has graduated.

2. Has been externally evaluated and there is a document requesting the quality assurance organization to consider recognition as meeting quality standards. For educational institutions that require information confidentiality according to state regulations, the institution must submit the external evaluation results to the direct management authority and simultaneously request consideration for recognition as meeting quality standards.

3. After the review of the quality assessment results, each standard within each section of Chapter II of this Regulation must have an average score of 3.5 points or higher, with no standard having an average score below 2.0 points.

Article 47. Certificate of Education Quality Assessment

1. Based on the proposal of the Education Quality Assessment Council, the Director of the Education Quality Assurance Organization issues a decision and grants the Certificate of Education Quality Assessment to educational institutions that meet the conditions stipulated in Article 46 of this Regulation.

2. The Certificate of Education Quality Assessment is valid for a period of five years from the date of issuance.

At least nine months before the expiration date of the Certificate of Education Quality Assessment, the educational institution conducts self-assessment for the next cycle, clearly outlining quality improvements compared to the previous cycle, and registers with the Education Quality Assurance Organization to continue the assessment process.

3. The Certificate of Education Quality Assessment  meeting quality standards is designed and printed by the Education Quality Assurance Organization after registering the certificate model with the Ministry of Education and Training.

Article 48. Revocation of the Certificate of Education Quality Assessment

In cases where the Certificate of Education Quality Assessment still has validity and the state education management agency discovers fraud in the quality assessment process or the educational institution no longer meets the requirements of the quality assessment criteria, the state education management agency requests the Director of the Education Quality Assurance Organization to decide on the revocation of the Certificate of Education Quality Assessment.

Article 49. Responsibilities of Educational Institutions Recognized as Meeting Quality Standards

1. Publicly announce the Certificate of Education Quality Assessment on the educational institution's electronic information website no later than ten working days after issuance (this does not apply to educational institutions requiring confidentiality according to state regulations).

2. Report to the Ministry of Education and Training and the direct management authority the results of the quality assessment, plans for improvement, and enhancement of educational quality after receiving the Certificate of Education Quality Assessment.

3. Maintain and develop conditions ensuring training quality. Preserve and promote the recognized quality assessment results throughout the entire validity period of the Certificate of Education Quality Assessment. If quality is not maintained as recognized, depending on the nature and severity of the violation, they may be reprimanded, warned, or have their Certificate of Education Quality Assessment revoked.

4. Annually implement plans for improvement and enhancement of educational quality based on recommendations from the Education Quality Assessment Council, report to the direct management authority on the results of quality improvement and measures taken to address deficiencies identified in the external evaluation report.

5. Two and a half years after being recognized as meeting quality standards, register and conduct mid-cycle reviews with the Education Quality Assurance Organization, and report the results to the Ministry of Education and Training and the direct management authority.

6. Conduct the next cycle assessment as stipulated in Clause 2 of Article 47 of this Regulation.

Article 50. Responsibilities of Educational Quality Assurance Organizations

1. Publicly announce the results of external evaluations, the contents of resolutions and recommendations of the Educational Quality Assurance Council on the website of the educational quality assurance organization at least 15 days before issuing the Educational Quality Assurance Certificate to the educational institution (this does not apply to educational institutions that require information confidentiality according to state regulations).

2. Publicly announce the Educational Quality Assurance Certificate of the educational institution on the website of the educational quality assurance organization no later than five working days after issuing the Educational Quality Assurance Certificate to the educational institution and maintain it on the website for at least five years. Publicize the list of educational institutions that have been issued the Educational Quality Assurance Certificate.

3. Conduct mid-cycle reviews of educational institutions two and a half years after they are recognized as meeting quality standards.

4. Issue a decision to revoke the Educational Quality Assurance Certificate for educational institutions upon the proposal of the state management agency for education in accordance with Article 48 of this Regulation.

Article 51. Utilization of Educational Quality Assurance Results

1. The results of educational quality assurance of educational institutions serve as a basis for determining the quality of higher education, the position and reputation of educational institutions; implementing autonomy and self-responsibility; and one of the criteria for authorities with jurisdiction to consider investment support, assignment of tasks, implementation of stratification, ranking, granting of autonomy, and restructuring the network of educational institutions.

2. Educational institutions participating in quality assurance in accordance with the regulations and recognized as meeting quality standards are prioritized by competent authorities for investment development and granted higher levels of autonomy. Credits accumulated by students at educational institutions that have undergone quality assurance are recognized and transferred.

3. Educational institutions participating in quality assurance but not yet recognized as meeting quality standards are restricted in their autonomy. If they fail to improve quality standards over a continuous three-year period thereafter, sanctions limiting or suspending admissions will be applied.

PART IV

IMPLEMENTATION

 

Article 52. Transitional Provisions

Educational institutions currently implementing assessments based on the university quality assessment standards promulgated together with Decision No. 65/2007/QĐ-BGDĐT dated November 1, 2007, by the Minister of Education and Training regarding the standards for assessing the quality of university education, amended and supplemented by Circular No. 37/2012/TT-BGDĐT dated October 30, 2012, by the Minister of Education and Training, may continue to follow the current quality assurance procedures during the transitional period until June 30, 2018. During this period, self-assessment and registration for external evaluation with the educational quality assurance organization shall only be conducted until this Circular takes effect.

2. Educational institutions already recognized as meeting quality standards based on the university quality assessment standards promulgated together with Decision No. 65/2007/QĐ-BGDĐT dated November 1, 2007, by the Minister of Education and Training regarding the standards for assessing the quality of university education, amended and supplemented by Circular No. 37/2012/TT-BGDĐT dated October 30, 2012, by the Minister of Education and Training, may register for additional assessments under the educational institution quality assessment standards stipulated in Chapter II of this Regulation.

Article 53. The Testing and Quality Assurance Agency

1. Publish the list of quality assurance organizations that have been licensed to operate quality assurance activities and educational institutions recognized as meeting quality standards on the Ministry of Education and Training's electronic portal.

2. Provide professional guidance for educational institutions and quality assurance organizations to effectively implement this Regulation.

Article 54. Direct Management Authority of Educational Institutions

The direct management authority of educational institutions shall create favorable conditions for such institutions to strive to meet educational quality standards at each stage.

Article 55. Educational Institutions

Educational institutions shall base their assessment activities on their mission, vision, objectives, and strategic plans in accordance with this Regulation; they may select quality assurance organizations to conduct evaluations and recognize achievement of quality standards at each stage.

Article 56. Quality Assurance Organizations

Quality assurance organizations shall proactively carry out assessments and recognition of educational institutions meeting quality standards; report to the Ministry of Education and Training; publicly disclose information and results of quality assurance activities in accordance with this Regulation and other relevant laws./.

 

DEPUTY MINISTER

DEPUTY MINISTER

 

Bui Van Ga