National Commission for Academic Assessment and Accreditation

Overview

The Agência Nacional para a Avaliação e Acreditação Académica (ANAAA)or National Agency for Academic Assessment and Accreditation, is an autonomous public institution in Timor-Leste responsible for evaluating and accrediting higher education institutions and their academic programs. Established by Decree-Law No. 21/2010 and later restructured under Decree-Law No. 27/2014, ANAAA operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Culture (MESC). Its primary mission is to ensure the quality and relevance of higher education in Timor-Leste, aligning with national development goals and international standards.

History and Legal Framework

ANAAA was initially established in January 2010 as the National Commission for Academic Assessment and Accreditation (NCAAA). In December 2010, it was restructured and renamed to its current designation through Decree-Law No. 21/2010. Subsequently, Decree-Law No. 27/2014 further defined its legal status and operational framework. These legal instruments grant ANAAA administrative and financial autonomy, enabling it to function effectively as the national quality assurance agency for higher education.

Mission, Vision and Objectives in Higher Education

ANAAA's mission is to assess and accredit higher education institutions and their study programs in Timor-Leste. Its objectives include:

• Ensuring that higher education institutions meet national and international quality standards.
• Promoting continuous improvement in academic programs and institutional practices.
• Facilitating the alignment of higher education with the country's development needs.
• Enhancing the credibility and recognition of Timor-Leste's higher education system globally.

Through these objectives, ANAAA aims to contribute to the development of a skilled and knowledgeable workforce capable of driving national progress.

Governance, Structure and Independence

ANAAA is governed by a Board of Directors, which oversees its strategic direction and ensures adherence to its mission and objectives. The agency operates with administrative and financial autonomy, allowing it to make independent decisions regarding its operations. While it functions under the supervision of MESC, ANAAA maintains operational independence to effectively carry out its responsibilities in higher education assessment and accreditation.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

ANAAA plays a pivotal role in maintaining and enhancing the quality of higher education in Timor-Leste. Its responsibilities include:

• Conducting institutional evaluations to assess the overall performance of higher education institutions.
• Accrediting academic programs to ensure they meet established quality standards.
• Providing recommendations for program improvements and institutional development.
• Monitoring the implementation of accreditation standards and ensuring compliance.

These activities are essential for fostering a robust higher education system that meets the needs of students, employers and the broader society.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

ANAAA actively engages in international cooperation to enhance the quality and recognition of Timor-Leste's higher education system. It collaborates with various international organizations and participates in global networks focused on higher education quality assurance. These partnerships facilitate knowledge exchange, capacity building and alignment with international best practices in accreditation and assessment.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

ANAAA's initiatives are expected to have a significant impact on the higher education landscape in Timor-Leste. By ensuring that institutions and programs meet rigorous quality standards, ANAAA contributes to:

• Improved educational outcomes for students.
• Enhanced employability of graduates.
• Increased international recognition of Timor-Leste's higher education institutions.
• Alignment of academic programs with national development priorities.

These outcomes are crucial for building a knowledge-based economy and achieving sustainable development goals.

Summary

The Agência Nacional para a Avaliação e Acreditação Académica (ANAAA) is a cornerstone institution in Timor-Leste's higher education sector. Through its rigorous assessment and accreditation processes, ANAAA ensures that higher education institutions and their programs meet high-quality standards, thereby contributing to the country's social and economic development. Its legal autonomy, strategic governance and international collaborations position ANAAA as a key player in shaping the future of higher education in Timor-Leste.

FAQs

• What is the role of ANAAA?
  ANAAA is responsible for evaluating and accrediting higher education institutions and their study programs in Timor-Leste, ensuring they meet national and international quality standards.
• When was ANAAA established?
  ANAAA was established in January 2010 as the National Commission for Academic Assessment and Accreditation (NCAAA) and restructured in December 2010 under Decree-Law No. 21/2010.
• Who oversees ANAAA?
  ANAAA operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Culture (MESC), but maintains operational independence to carry out its responsibilities effectively.
• What types of evaluations does ANAAA conduct?
  ANAAA conducts institutional evaluations and program accreditations to assess the quality and effectiveness of higher education institutions and their academic offerings.
• How does ANAAA contribute to international recognition?
  Through its adherence to international quality assurance standards and participation in global networks, ANAAA enhances the credibility and recognition of Timor-Leste's higher education system on the world stage.

Organization Name

National Commission for Academic Assessment and Accreditation
Agência Nacional para a Avaliação e Acreditação Académica

Acronym

ANAAA

Year of Establishment

2010

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

Rua Balide
Dili
Dili East Timor

Phone

+670 333 9645 ext 515

Fax

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

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Wikipedia Article

National Commission for Academic Assessment and Accreditation's Wikipedia article

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