Assessment & Reflection: Enhancing Institutional practices for NAAC Accreditations

A comprehensive session on NAAC criteria for higher education institutions took place from October 10th to
October 19th, 2023 led by respective NAAC Criterion coordinators , each day focused on different criteria. All
faculties including heads and deans attended the session.
Day 1 covered a session on “Curriculum Design & Development” (Criterion I). Led by Mr. Piyush Mahendru, the
session delved into NAAC Criterion I, covering curriculum planning, academic flexibility, enrichment, and
feedback systems. Documents for NAAC SSR were discussed, emphasizing preparation for the academic years
2022-23 and 2023-24.
Day 2 delved into a session on Teaching Learning and Evaluation (Criterion II). Dr. Roopa Rani and Dr. Ananna
Bardhan led the session on Criterion II, addressing student enrolment, diversity, the teaching-learning process,
teacher profile, evaluation process, and student satisfaction. Mapping CO-PO, PO-Mission, and student-centric
learning methodology adopted for teaching various courses along with the use of ICT tools were discussed,
with a call for updates for the academic year 2022-23 and 2023-24.
On Day 3, the session was covered by Dr. Ankita Gaur on Research, Innovations and Extension (Criterion III),
focusing on research promotion, resource mobilization, innovation, publications, awards, consultancy,
extension activities, and collaborations. The importance of awards for innovation and the impact of research
activities on the institution’s academic standing were highlighted. Documenting correct affiliations of research
publications, books/book chapters and journals was emphasized. The importance of extension activities and its
recognition being awarded was discussed.
On Day 4, the session titled “Infrastructure and Learning Resources” (Criterion IV), was led by Dr. Nitika,
discussing the quality of physical, academic, and support facilities, emphasizing the need to align with the
university’s vision and mission. Specifics on classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and IT infrastructure were
addressed within the context of NAAC criteria 4.1 and 4.3. At the same time, the library facilities were also
detailed.
Day 5 covered a session on “Student Support and Progression” (Criterion V), by Dr. Niharika Thakur, the
session covered student support initiatives, career counselling, grievance redressal mechanisms, and alumni
involvement. Requirements for maintaining updated records, conducting cultural and sports activities, and
tracking student placements and progression to higher studies were highlighted. It was appealed to both
departments and the DSW Office to maintain an updated record of Awards/Medals/Certificates won by the
students at the State/National/International Level. Also, the need for complete documentation of the reports
was emphasized.
On Day 6, a session on “Governance, Leadership, and Management” (Criterion VI) was delivered by Dr. Urmila
Pilania regarding Criterion VI, focusing on financial support for teachers, professional development programs,
and quality assurance measures. There was a strong emphasis on aligning all processes with the university’s
vision and mission. The importance of actively seeking financial support for workshops and conferences, along
with encouraging widespread participation in faculty development programs, workshops, conferences, and
professional memberships, was underscored. Additionally, the need to promote quality-enhancing sessions for
both faculty and students was highlighted.
Day 7 covered a session on “Institutional Values and Best Practices” (Criterion VII), led by Dr. Ajit, the session
covered Criterion VII, emphasizing institutional values, best practices, and measures for promoting gender
equity. The impact of innovations and best practices on outcomes such as student performance, research
output, and stakeholder satisfaction was discussed.
The sessions provided insights into each criterion, detailed discussions on key indicators, and guidance on
document preparation for NAAC SSR submission. The importance of aligning institutional practices with NAAC
criteria for quality assurance and enhancement was emphasized throughout the week.