هيئة اعتماد مؤسسات التعليم العالي

Overview

The Higher Education Accreditation Council (HEAC) of Jordan is an independent governmental institution established in 2007 to regulate and enhance the quality of higher education in Jordan. Its primary function is to evaluate and accredit higher education institutions and programs based on a set of quality standards and criteria. HEAC operates under the umbrella of the Prime Ministry, ensuring its autonomy in decision-making and operations. The council aims to promote excellence in higher education, aligning Jordanian institutions with international standards and fostering a competitive academic environment.

History and Legal Framework

HEAC was initially established in 2007 under Law No. (20) to oversee the accreditation of higher education institutions in Jordan. In 2009, the law was amended to grant HEAC full administrative and financial independence, placing it under the direct jurisdiction of the Prime Ministry. In 2016, the council's mandate was expanded to include quality assurance, leading to its current designation as the Accreditation and Quality Assurance Commission for Higher Education Institutions (AQACHEI). This evolution reflects Jordan's commitment to improving the quality and competitiveness of its higher education sector.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives in Higher Education

Mission: HEAC's mission is to enhance the performance and competitiveness of Jordanian higher education institutions by ensuring their adherence to national and international accreditation and quality assurance standards.

Vision: To position Jordanian higher education institutions at the forefront of regional and global academic excellence.

Objectives:

• To evaluate and accredit higher education institutions and programs based on established quality standards.
• To implement and monitor quality assurance mechanisms within higher education institutions.
• To foster continuous improvement in academic and administrative practices.
• To align Jordanian higher education with international accreditation and quality assurance frameworks.
• To support institutions in enhancing their competitiveness on national, regional, and global levels.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

HEAC operates as an autonomous entity under the Prime Ministry, ensuring its independence in decision-making processes. The council is governed by a board of directors comprising experts and stakeholders in higher education. This structure allows HEAC to function effectively and impartially, free from external influences. The council's independence is crucial for maintaining the integrity and credibility of the accreditation and quality assurance processes in Jordan's higher education sector.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

HEAC is responsible for the accreditation of higher education institutions and academic programs in Jordan. It establishes and enforces quality standards that institutions must meet to achieve and maintain accreditation. The council conducts regular evaluations and assessments to ensure compliance with these standards, promoting continuous improvement in the quality of education. By aligning with international accreditation frameworks, HEAC enhances the recognition and reputation of Jordanian higher education institutions globally.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

HEAC actively engages in international collaborations to promote the global recognition of Jordanian higher education. The council participates in various international accreditation and quality assurance networks, facilitating the exchange of best practices and aligning Jordan's standards with global benchmarks. These partnerships enable Jordanian institutions to gain international accreditation, enhancing their competitiveness and appeal to prospective students and faculty worldwide.

Current and Future Impact on Higher Education

HEAC's initiatives have significantly contributed to the improvement of higher education quality in Jordan. By establishing rigorous accreditation and quality assurance processes, the council has helped institutions enhance their academic offerings and administrative practices. Looking forward, HEAC aims to further strengthen its role in elevating the standards of higher education in Jordan, ensuring that institutions continue to meet the evolving demands of the global academic landscape.

Summary

The Higher Education Accreditation Council of Jordan plays a pivotal role in regulating and enhancing the quality of higher education in the country. Through its independent governance, rigorous accreditation processes, and international collaborations, HEAC ensures that Jordanian higher education institutions meet high standards of excellence. The council's efforts contribute to the global competitiveness of Jordanian institutions, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and academic achievement.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Higher Education Accreditation Council of Jordan?
  HEAC is an independent governmental institution established to regulate and enhance the quality of higher education in Jordan.
• When was HEAC established?
  HEAC was established in 2007 under Law No. (20).
• What is HEAC's mission?
  HEAC's mission is to enhance the performance and competitiveness of Jordanian higher education institutions by ensuring their adherence to national and international accreditation and quality assurance standards.
• How does HEAC ensure quality in higher education?
  HEAC evaluates and accredits higher education institutions and programs based on established quality standards, conducts regular assessments, and promotes continuous improvement.
• Does HEAC collaborate internationally?
  Yes, HEAC actively engages in international collaborations to promote the global recognition of Jordanian higher education and participates in various international accreditation and quality assurance networks.

Organization Name

هيئة اعتماد مؤسسات التعليم العالي

Higher Education Accreditation Council

Acronym

HEAC

Year of Establishment

2007

Control Type

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 35262
Amman
Amman Jordan

Phone

+962 (6) 533 6684

Fax

+962 (6) 535 4562

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Higher Education Accreditation Council's Facebook page

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Higher Education Accreditation Council's X page

LinkedIn

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YouTube

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Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

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