Oman Authority for Academic Accreditation

Establishment and Responsibilities In 2010, a Royal Decree was issued establishing the Oman Academic Accreditation Authority (OAAA) and replacing the former Oman Accreditation Council (OAC). The OAAA is an entity with legal status and financial and administrative independence, which reports to the Education Council. The OAAA was established to continue the efforts initiated by the OAC in the dissemination of a quality culture and accreditation of institutions and their programs. This is in order to enable Omani graduates to compete in the job market, and to contribute effectively to the sustainable development of the country. The Royal Decree stated that OAAA is responsible for regulating the quality of higher education in Oman to ensure the maintenance of a level that meets international standards, and to encourage higher education institutions to improve their internal quality, through the following: Establishment of a system that includes the standards and procedures for quality audit and institutional and programme accreditation of higher education institutions, in addition to establishment of the procedures for recognizing foreign higher education academic programmes offered in Oman. Conduct of quality audits of higher education institutions. Accreditation of higher education institutions against relevant standards established in this regard; Accreditation of higher education academic programmes against relevant standards established in this regard; Development and update of the National Academic Qualifications Framework in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education and other relevant authorities; Collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education regarding the development and upgrading of the procedures of quality audit and institutional and programme accreditation of higher education institutions; Signing of mutual recognition memorandums of understanding with relevant authorities of quality assurance in higher education in other countries; Preparation of an annual report regarding the quality of higher education institutions and their programmes that are reviewed, and presenting the results and recommendations to the Higher Education Council; Publication of quality audit and institutional and programme accreditation results; Any other issues assigned by the Education Council related to the OAAA’s responsibilities. Vision, Mission and Values Vision To assure the world of the quality of education in Oman. Mission Guiding and supporting the education sector in Oman to meet the relevant national priorities and objectives while maintaining internationally benchmarked standards. Values 1- Integrity We believe in fairness, honesty and respect and we adhere to the highest standards of integrity in interacting with all stakeholders. 2- Professionalism We apply our skills, knowledge and best judgment in order to carry out our mission effectively. 3- Transparency We ensure all stakeholders have relevant accessibility to our processes and decisions while respecting confidentiality where applicable. 4- Reflectiveness We employ reflection to inform continuous quality enhancement in all our processes. 5- Commitment to international Good Practices We strive to ensure that all our work processes comply with international good practices. 6- Accountability We believe that we are accountable to all our stakeholders in ensuring that our mandate is achieved. 7- Collaboration We value input from all stakeholders to ensure that our work remains responsive to their needs. 8- Diversity We respect diversity of professional opinion while encouraging innovation and creativity.