لجنة الاعتماد الأكاديمي

Overview

The Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) is the national quality assurance and regulatory agency responsible for the evaluation and accreditation of higher educational institutions and their academic programs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Established in 2000, the CAA operates under the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, aiming to ensure that UAE colleges and universities meet international standards of academic quality and effectiveness.

History and Legal Framework

The CAA was founded in 2000 as part of the UAE government's initiative to enhance the quality of higher education. It operates within the legal framework established by Federal Decree by Law No. 48 of 2021 on Higher Education, which outlines the licensing, accreditation and regulation requirements for higher education institutions in the country. This legislation provides the legal basis for the CAA's activities and ensures that higher education institutions operate in compliance with national standards.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

Mission: The CAA's mission is to promote educational excellence across diverse institutions of higher learning in the UAE by ensuring that colleges and universities operate at international levels of quality.

Vision: To be a leading agency in the UAE that guarantees the quality and integrity of higher education, contributing to the development of a knowledge-based economy.

Objectives:

• Conduct licensure of higher education institutions and accreditation of their academic programs.
• Ensure that institutions meet high levels of quality and effectiveness.
• Collaborate with international and local authorities to enhance the quality of higher education.
• Support institutions in continuous improvement and alignment with global standards.

Governance, Structure and Independence

The CAA is governed by a board of directors appointed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. It operates independently in its decision-making processes, ensuring that accreditation decisions are based on objective assessments of institutional and program quality. The CAA collaborates with various stakeholders, including higher education institutions, government agencies and international organizations, to fulfill its mandate effectively.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

The CAA is responsible for the licensure of higher education institutions and the accreditation of their academic programs. It conducts comprehensive evaluations based on established standards to assess the quality and effectiveness of institutions and programs. The CAA's accreditation process includes a thorough review of institutional mission, governance, academic programs, faculty qualifications, student support services and outcomes assessment. By ensuring that institutions meet these standards, the CAA plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the quality of higher education in the UAE.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The CAA holds accreditation from the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) and collaborates with international quality assurance and accreditation agencies. This recognition allows the CAA to align its standards with global best practices and facilitates the recognition of UAE-based academic programs internationally. The CAA's participation in international networks enhances its capacity to evaluate and accredit programs effectively, ensuring that UAE higher education institutions meet global standards of quality.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

The CAA's role in accrediting higher education institutions and programs has a significant impact on the quality of education in the UAE. By setting and enforcing high standards, the CAA ensures that institutions provide quality education that meets the needs of students and the demands of the labor market. Looking forward, the CAA aims to continue enhancing the quality of higher education by adopting innovative evaluation methods, expanding international collaborations and supporting institutions in their efforts to achieve continuous improvement.

Summary

The Commission for Academic Accreditation is a vital agency in the UAE's higher education landscape. Through its rigorous accreditation processes, the CAA ensures that higher education institutions maintain high standards of quality and effectiveness. Its collaboration with international bodies and commitment to continuous improvement contribute to the development of a robust and globally competitive higher education system in the UAE.

FAQs

• What is the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA)? The CAA is the national quality assurance and regulatory agency responsible for the evaluation and accreditation of higher educational institutions and their academic programs in the UAE.
• When was the CAA established? The CAA was established in 2000 under the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
• What is the CAA's role in higher education? The CAA conducts licensure of higher education institutions and accreditation of their academic programs to ensure they meet international standards of quality.
• Is the CAA recognized internationally? Yes, the CAA holds accreditation from the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) and collaborates with international quality assurance and accreditation agencies.
• How does the CAA impact students? By ensuring that institutions and programs meet high-quality standards, the CAA helps students receive quality education that prepares them for success in their careers.

Organization Name

لجنة الاعتماد الأكاديمي

Commission for Academic Accreditation

Acronym

CAA

Year of Establishment

1999

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

PO Box 45133
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates

Phone

+971 2 642 7772

Fax

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Not available

X (Twitter)

Not available

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Commission for Academic Accreditation's Wikipedia article

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