Emerging Role of IQAC from Internal to Beyond Academics: Demystifying the Broader Version in HEIs

The Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) plays a crucial role in higher education institutes. While IQAC primarily focuses on overall institutional quality assurance, it indirectly influences classroom learning by creating a conducive environment and promoting best practices.

IQAC fosters institutional development by promoting a culture of continuous improvement. It encourages colleges and universities to set and achieve benchmarks in various areas, including infrastructure development, administrative processes, and student services.

Nowadays IQAC has become only a data center or repository for the data collection and analysis of the data related to various types of rankings and accreditations which is a very narrow scope or preview in current systems. IQAC role has to emerge beyond academics. IQAC should assist in strengthening the governance and leadership of the institution. It can provide feedback and recommendations to the leadership on strategic planning, policy formulation, and decision-making. IQAC facilitates engagement with various stakeholders, including students, parents, alumni, and the community. It gathers feedback and acts on it to improve the overall experience and impact of the institution.

IQAC can encourage and support research and innovation within the institution. It may organize workshops, seminars, and conferences to promote research activities and the dissemination of knowledge.

Some of the key roles of IQAC beyond academics may include:

1. Community Outreach: Beyond the campus, IQAC can promote community outreach programs and social responsibility initiatives. This could include organizing community service projects, health camps, and other activities that benefit the local community.
2. Environmental Sustainability: IQAC may also focus on environmental sustainability by encouraging eco-friendly practices within the institution. This can include waste reduction, energy conservation, and promoting green initiatives.
3. Student Development: IQAC can collaborate with other departments to enhance student development programs, such as career counseling, soft skills training, and extracurricular activities. It plays a role in creating a holistic educational experience.
4. Technology Integration: In the modern era, IQAC can also play a role in ensuring the effective integration of technology in teaching, learning, and administrative processes. This includes ensuring access to digital resources and maintaining the quality of online courses.
5. Financial Management: While not a primary responsibility, IQAC can contribute to financial management by recommending efficient resource allocation and utilization strategies that align with the institution's goals.
6. Conflict Resolution: IQAC can mediate and resolve conflicts or issues within the institution, fostering a harmonious and productive academic environment.
7. Documentation and Reporting: It maintains records of various quality measures and prepares reports for internal and external stakeholders, demonstrating the institution's commitment to quality improvement.

In the last context, the role of IQAC in higher education institutes extends far beyond academics. It encompasses various aspects of institutional development, quality assurance, stakeholder engagement, and overall enhancement of the institution's effectiveness and impact.

The institutes whose IQAC domain is strong, and stringent and helps in continuous monitoring of the above compliances can be taken as the perfect example of the best quality governance model.