The Center for Educational Improvement and Quality Assurance (CEIQA) office at St. Mary’s University conducted a capacity‑building training on February 26, 2026, bringing together Quality Enhancement Committee (QEC) members and representatives from both academic and administrative units.
During the session, Nibretu Kebede (PhD) emphasized the significance of quality enhancement as a vital management tool for evaluating institutional performance, ensuring accountability, and supporting evidence‑based decision‑making. He noted that monitoring QECs helps assess progress against planned activities, identify documentation gaps, and understand the challenges that affect their effectiveness.
Participants revisited key quality assurance concepts, including accreditation, internal and external QA processes, and the distinctions between Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Enhancement (QE). The training reaffirmed that while QA ensures adherence to standards, QE promotes continuous improvement, and the two operate hand in hand.
The training covered the major functions of internal quality assurance and reviewed SMU’s QA framework, policies, and guiding principles. A central part of the discussion focused on the ADRI model—Approach, Deployment, Results, and Improvements—as an essential tool for planning and evaluating institutional quality efforts. Its emphasis on evidence, alignment with strategic goals, and continuous improvement was highlighted as critical for strengthening QEC performance.
The session further linked QA practices with SMU’s vision, mission, values, and the strategic directions of the 4th Strategic Plan. Participants were reminded of their core responsibilities, including preparing operational plans, conducting surveys, monitoring follow‑up actions, producing evidence‑based reports, supporting ISO implementation, managing data systems, and carrying out regular self‑assessments.
Overall, the training provided a valuable platform for reflection and experience sharing, reaffirming SMU’s commitment to building a strong quality culture rooted in continuous improvement and institutional excellence.
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