Teaching Quality Assurance (TQA)

The University of Duhok implements a comprehensive quality assurance framework aligned with the regulations of the Ministry of Higher Education in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, as well as the Bologna Process principles and the European Standards and Guidelines (ESG), and operates through three integrated mechanisms.

• Student Feedback (SF) - ESG-compliant student-centred evaluation
• Continuous Academic Development (CAD) - Faculty research and development assessment
• Teacher Portfolio (TP) - Holistic annual performance review

This system ensures internal quality assurance through systematic student involvement, continuous monitoring, and outcome-based assessment. Quality Assurance at the University of Duhok targets multiple stakeholders across the institution:

1. Academic Staff(Faculty)
   1. All faculty teaching at UOD departments
   2. Administrative post holders who still lecture
   3. PhD students who teach (50% CAD requirements)
   4. Faculty working at the University Presidency Building (if teaching)
2. Students
   1. Undergraduate students - course evaluation and feedback
   2. Postgraduate students - specialised program assessment
   3. All enrolled students - mandatory participation in feedback systems
   4. Student representatives - formal involvement in quality processes
3. Administrative Leadership
   1. Department QA Coordinators
   2. College QA Officers
   3. University QA Directorate
   4. Ministry-level QA officials

Stakeholder Benefits

For Faculty

• Clear performance expectations and career development pathways
• Recognition through Teacher of the Year awards
• Professional development support and training opportunities
• Research activity encouragement and international collaboration

For Students

• Enhanced teaching quality and learning experiences
• Voice in educational improvement processes
• Better course materials and assessment methods
• Preparation for international mobility and career success

For Institution

• Systematic quality enhancement and international recognition
• Improved national and international rankings
• Accreditation readiness and compliance
• Sustainable academic excellence culture

For Society

• Qualified graduates meeting labour market needs
• Research contributions to national development
• International competitiveness of local education
• Enhanced regional higher education reputation

COMPLIANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Mandatory Participation

• Faculty: Cannot opt out of CAD, Portfolio, or Student Feedback systems
• Students: Required participation in feedback periods
• Administrators: Must support and implement QA processes
• Institution: Annual reporting to the Ministry and regional authorities

Consequences for Non-Compliance

• Faculty: Grade-based consequences (teaching suspension, role reassignment)
• Students: Limited voice in quality improvement if non-participatory
• Administrators: Performance evaluation tied to QA implementation success
• Institution: Impact on rankings, accreditation, and ministerial support