JU’s march towards quality and excellence leads to an ‘A’ Grade

Jammu, June 16 : The University of Jammu has been reassessed and reaccredited by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) as an 'A' grade University for the period 2003 to 2008. The University was accredited by NAAC in 2001 and was awarded four star status equivalent to a B grade.
The report from NAAC indicates that the University has obtained a high score of 3.13 out of 4 i.e. 78%. The six major features and strengths of the institution highlighted in the NAAC report are:
• Establishment of quality management system under ISO 9001:2000 certification,
• Good governance and leadership
• Establishment of centre for quality assurance
• Creation of a vibrant ambience to meet knowledge challenges,
• Good progress in spite of functioning in a sensitive environment
• Establishment of satellite campuses
The University, in its post accreditation period i.e 2002 onwards created a niche for itself by becoming the first public university in the country to have its quality management system certified under ISO 9001:2000. The University scaled new heights during the period by laying strong emphasis on institutionalizing and internalizing quality with the establishment of a full fledged Centre for Quality Assurance aimed at establishing Quality Management System in the University. Use of Information and Communication (ICT),providing global exposure to faculty and students and developing world class infrastructure have been the thrust areas of the University during this period leading to transformation of the University from a little known provincial University to an institution which has found its place on the academic map of the country.
The public perception and brand image of the University remarkably improved. The critical role played by the University of Jammu in increasing access and enhancing the quality of higher education through establishment of new colleges and campuses was also widely acclaimed. Apart from making strides in academics, research ,infrastructure, the University won special appreciation for emerging as a socially responsible and responsive institution of higher learning focusing on contemporary,socio economic and political issues of the region and reaching out to the civil society.
 According to Director, Quality Assurance, Dr. Meenakshi Kilam "the quality initiatives which were responsible for transforming the University were also extended to the affiliated colleges. Having benefited from multiple accreditations, the University provided guidance, consultancy, training and an enabling environment to the colleges to go in for accreditation under ISO as well as NAAC, with the result the quality assurance movement gained strength in Jammu region with 22 colleges having obtained ISO certification, 31 colleges having initiated NAAC assessment process and 5 colleges being both ISO certified and NAAC accredited. Further, the colleges which are due for reaccreditation are also being provided guidance and consultancy by the University as well as the Department of Higher Education, J&K Govt."
It is pertinent to mention here that NAAC is an autonomous organization established by the University Grants Commission in 1994 which assesses and accredits institutions which volunteer themselves for this process. The process involves submitting reaccreditation report, sending regular annual quality assurance reports followed by a peer team visit by NAAC to validate the report and strengths and weaknesses of the institution with respect to Quality Assurance.
The peer team which visited the University of Jammu in March 2009, comprised of eminent academic experts like Prof.R.C Sobti,Vice Chancellor,Punjab University,Prof.NJayasankaran, Director General, Bharathidasan Institute of Management ,Prof.Harish Narang ,JNU,Dr.R.C.Sonkawade,Senior Scientist,Inter University Accelerator Centre,Prof. R.Indira,University of Mysore, Prof. Naresh Kumar Kurukshetra University,Mr.C.VRao,Industry Expert and Mr.B.S.Madhukar, Asssitant Advisor,NAAC.

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By :  News Team