CIQA

ANNUAL

REPORT

2020

IGNOU

Center for

Internal

Quality

Assurance

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REPORT

CENTRE FOR INTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE

1ST

January 2020 – 31st December 2020

The Centre for Internal Quality Assurance (CIQA) as per its mandate played a significant role in

preparing the University for its assessment and accreditation (A&A) (first cycle) by the National

Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in the year 2020.

During the period under reference, the following were the major activities of CIQA.

1. Activities undertaken for NAAC Accreditation

(i) Approval of IIQA

The queries raised by NAAC on the institutional data filled up in the Institutional

Information for Quality Assessment (IIQA) format on NAAC portal, submitted on 16th

October 2019 were responded to, based on which NAAC approved the IIQA of the

University on 9th

January 2020 and asked IGNOU to submit its Self Study Report (SSR)

within 45 days.

(ii) Preparation and Submission of Self Study Report (SSR)

CIQA prepared SSR by collecting the institutional data and documentary proofs from the

concerned departments for the 90 quantitative metrics. The data and documents which were

collected were then collated and compiled by CIQA Team members and uploaded on the

NAAC portal. The 40 qualitative metrics

(QlMs) were prepared by the CIQA Team

members. A series of meetings were

conducted with the Directors/ Registrars of the

Schools, Divisions, Centres, Cells, and Units

under the Chairpersonship of the Vice-

Chancellor, to finalize the response for SSR.

The SSR was also reviewed by an external

agency. Thereafter, an internal Review

Committee comprising the Pro- Vice-

Chancellors, senior Professors, a few

Directors, the Registrar Administration, and the Finance Officer, and chaired by the Vice-

Chancellor, reviewed all the uploaded data metric-wise. The SSR was finally submitted on

the NAAC Portal on 7th

March 2020. (Annexure A-1&2)

(iii) Efforts made for the Student Satisfaction Survey (SSS)

In June, the NAAC had informed the University of the deficient response in the Satisfaction

Survey (SSS) of IGNOU learners. The SSS was started by NAAC on 19th

March 2020,

Vice Chancellor with CIQA Team members after submission of SSR

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which ended on 18th

April 2020. The overall response was quite low i.e. 0.1232 %. CIQA

had requested NAAC to conduct the Survey again, referring to the current situation of

lockdown and difficulties being faced by the learners. NAAC had agreed to extend the date

to 30th

June 2020. Still, the response was not satisfactory as the current status of the total

response received as on 30th

June 2020 was only 0.1378% (NAAC Portal). Thereafter,

during June 2020, the University had taken manifold efforts to contact the learners through

different channels to appraise them about the NAAC SSS. The following action was

initiated by CIQA: (i) uploading the modified poster on the Homepage of IGNOU websites

(HQs and all Regional Centres well as Learner Support Centres) and Social Media accounts

of IGNOU (Annexure B-1); (ii) sending bulk e-mails and SMS to the IGNOU learners

informing them of the SSS by all Regional Centres; (iii) announcements on GyanDarshan

and GyanVani channels and FaceBook live sessions; (iv) academic counsellors of UG and

PG degree programmes were requested to disseminate this vital information among the UG

and PG degree learners attached to them; and (v) a Special Google Meet was conducted

with all our Regional Centres for this purpose.(Annexure B-2 & B-3)

(iv) Completion of the DVV Process

The data/information submitted by IGNOU in its SSR was validated through the Data

Validation and Verification (DVV) process by NAAC. The DVV team of NAAC has found

some deviations in the data submitted. On the SSR submitted by the University on 7th

March 2020, the DVV team of NAAC has found some deviations in the data submitted. The

NAAC had raised 11 queries pertaining to the Extended Profile and 58 to the metrics. The

NAAC had also suggested the corrected versions to be validated by the University. Fifteen

days were given to the University from 30th

June onwards to give a final response to their

findings. The University submitted its response clarifying the issues raised by the DVV

team on 13th

July 2020, well in time.(Annexure C-1)

(v) Preparation for NAAC Peer Team Visit

a) Detailing of QlMs for Peer Team Visit for NAAC Accreditation: The work on the 40

QlMs was completed by the CIQA Team members which was a tedious task. Regular

interaction through WhatsApp Chat and other

online tools with the Team members enabled

CIQA to make sure that the task was completed

during the difficult time of the pandemic. The

data received on the email was checked by the

academic staff of CIQA.

b) Checking of Data on IGNOU HQs Website: The academic staff of CIQA was

engaged in checking all the web pages of the IGNOU website.

c) Follow up with NAAC on SSS: Based on the communication received from NAAC on

the poor response of the IGNOU learners, the CIQA immediately represented the matter

CIQA Working Group Members

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to NAAC to take remedial measures because of the abnormal situation. Several follow-

up emails/ letter were exchanged and positive supports were provided to the University

by NAAC, resulting in the successful completion of SSS.

d) Review of the online available content on NAAC Peer Team Visit: The academic

staff of CIQA was entrusted with the task of downloading videos of Peer Team Visit

(PTV) of other Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) and preparing a sequence of

events that takes place during the PTV of NAAC. Accordingly, various videos/ literature

/reports accessible online were skimmed.

The academic staff of CIQA attended a Webinar on Effective Strategies to Face NAAC

PTV under the UGC Paramarsh Scheme, related to PTV on 29th July 2020.

e) Feedback Reports from Schools, RSD, ID, and CPC: The Schools, Regional Services

Division (RSD), International Division (ID), and Campus Placement Cell (CPC) were

asked to prepare the Feedback Analysis Reports for the 6 stakeholders from whom the

feedback was collected on the Teaching-Learning process. The Feedback Analysis

Reports after their placement in the concerned statutory bodies were received from all

Schools, RSD, ID, and CPC were uploaded on the CIQA web pages. (Annexure- D-1)

f) Preparation for the upkeep of the University campuses -HQs and RCs: The

Qualitative metrics (QlM) on the infrastructure and its upkeep were identified and a

draft note was put up to the Vice-Chancellor for his perusal and approval so that during

the lockdown period itself action could be initiated.

g) Preparation of presentations for Peer Team Visit: The CIQA Team members worked

on the Vice-Chancellor’s presentation to be made before the Peer Team of NAAC. The

slides and content were prepared for all the 7 Criteria by the CIQA Team members. The

academic staff of CIQA also prepared the CIQA presentation to be made before the Peer

Team. All Schools were also given a template by CIQA to prepare a presentation for the

NAAC Peer Team. The presentations submitted by the Schools were reviewed by CIQA

and specific comments were provided for their improvement.

All Regional Centres were asked to collect the data of the distinguished alumni for the

presentations of the Schools which were compiled by RSD before it was shared by

CIQA with all the Schools.

h) A meeting was convened by Director CIQA on 11th

December 2020 at 11.00 AM with

all the Directors/ Registrars of Schools, Divisions, Institute, Centres, Units and Cells,

senior faculty members and CIQA team members which was Chaired by the Vice

Chancellor to appraise them of the NAAC peer Team Visit to IGNOU and discuss the

modalities of the Visit and the preparations thereof. (Annexure- E-1)

i) A Google meet was conducted with all the Regional Centres on 16th

December 2020

regarding their preparation of the impending NAAC Peer Team Visit.(Annexure: E-2)

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2. Submission of Additional information on UGC Annual Report of CIQA

CIQA Annual Report was submitted on the UGC DEB portal on 20th

December 2019.

Subsequently, some clarifications were sought by UGC, which was also submitted on the

UGC portal.

3. Orientation cum Workshop on h-Index

Two Workshops were conducted jointly by CIQA and the Library and Documentation

Division on 5th

and 6th

February 2020, whereby 35 research scholars were trained for

preparing the h-index for the publications of the faculty of the University. On completion of

the workshops, the research scholars were allotted Schools to complete the task on hand.

(Annexure F-1 and F-2)

4. Self Evaluative Study of the University

The extensive Self- Evaluation of the University done by CIQA while preparing the Self-

Study Report, as a mandatory requirement of the Assessment and Accreditation process of

NAAC, in March 2020. This was subsequently finalized during the DVV process conducted

by NAAC in July 2020.

Based on the Self- Study Report, criterion- wise action required by the concerned School/

Division/ Centre/ Institute/ Unit was detailed out. General recommendations were also given

which were suggestive in nature and beneficial in terms of improving the quality of the

functioning of the University. (Annexure – G-1)

5. Development of Institutional Implementation Plan of PARAMARSH Scheme of UGC-

Task assigned to TASK GROUP-11

Task Group -11 on the PARAMARSH SCHEME: the Quality Mandate circulated by UGC

was assigned to CIQA to coordinate. The task group was assigned the task of

developing IGNOU’s Institutional implementation plan for the same. The detailed REPORT

of TASK GROUP-11 was finalized and submitted to the competent authority on 16th

April

2020. (Annexure H-1 and H-2)

7. Preparation of NAAC Manuals for Dual Mode Universities & Sanskrit DMUs

Prof Manjulika Srivastava, Director CIQA was involved in the preparation of the National

Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) Manual for Dual Mode Universities. Prof

Manjulika Srivastava, Director CIQA was invited by NAAC as the ODL expert to prepare the

metrics for the Directorates of Distance Education attached to Dual Mode Universities. The

final Manual that has total 25 metrics for Directorates of Distance Education: 17 quantitative

metrics and 8 qualitative metrics, totalling to 100 points out of the grand total of 1000 points

for the Dual Mode Universities. The Manual was launched on 7th February 2020 and is

available on the NAAC website at http://naac.gov.in/images/docs/Manuals/final-Dual-

Mode-University-Manual-7feb2020.pdf

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Prof Manjulika Srivastava, Director CIQA was involved in the preparation of the National

Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) Manual for Sanskrit Dual Mode Universities.

She attended meetings of NAAC through WebEx as a member of the Committee appointed

for developing the Manual of Sanskrit Dual-mode Universities. She prepared and submitted

the draft Manual for Sanskrit DMUs to NAAC.

8. Preparation of Regulations for Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Punjab State Open University

Prof Manjulika Srivastava, Director CIQA was appointed as a member of the Committee for

developing the Regulations of the Punjab State Open University. She has prepared the draft

Regulations for the University which were discussed and finalized by the Committee

members in a series of meetings.(Annexure I-1)

9. Publications by CIQA Academic Staff

The academic staff of CIQA is involved in the writing of research papers to further their

academic knowledge, sharpen their research skills and academic competency. (Refer Annexure

J: 1-9)

Sno. Title Of The Article Authors Details of publication

1. Student Satisfaction as Reflection of

Quality Education: A case Study on

Student Support System of Indira

Gandhi National Open

University(IGNOU)

Dr Navita Abrol

Dr S K Mohanty

International

Multidisciplinary E-

Journal.

Vol-9, Issue-4, April-

2020

2. Online Mentoring Model For NAAC

Accreditation UnderParamarsh

SchemeIn The Age Of Social

Distancing And Digital Era

Manjulika Srivastava

SK Pulist

NavitaAbrol

Shekhar Suman

EduTech- Journal of

Education &

Technology, Issue No-

2020, 11th May 2020

3. Online Tutoring And Counselling:

Redefining Learner Support In The

Digital Age

Manjulika Srivastava

SKPulist

NavitaAbrol

Shekhar Suman

The Online Journal Of

Distance Education And

E-Learning (TOJDEL)

8 (4) October 2020

4. Recognition Of Prior Learning (RPL):

Strategy For Increasing GER In India

NavitaAbrol

Manjulika Srivastava

Shekhar Suman

University News, 58

(26), July 2020

5. Online Evaluation: A Viable

Alternative For Contemporary Times

Manjulika Srivastava,

Vijayakumar, P

NavitaAbrol

Bijayalaxmi Mishra

Shekhar Suman

Indian Journal of Open

Learning (under

publication)

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6. Recognition, Assessment,

And Accreditation Of Open

Universities In India: A Critical

Evaluation

Manjulika Srivastava,

Bijayalaxmi Mishra

NavitaAbrol

Dev Kant Rao

Shekhar Suman

Global and Lokal

Distance Education-

GLOKALde,

6 (2), October 2020

7. Recent Trends Of Research In Open

And Distance Education In India- A

Review

Manjulika Srivastava,

Bijayalaxmi Mishra

Dev Kant Rao

NavitaAbrol

VandanaVarma

Bharat Bhushan

Asian Association of

Open Universities

Journal (AAOUJ) 15

(2) October 2020

8. Accreditation Of Higher Education

Institutions Offering Programmes

Through ODL Mode – An Appraisal.

Manjulika Srivastava

ManishaRai

NavitaAbrol

University News, 58

(31), August 2020

9. Unlocking the Lockdown during the

Pandemic: Setting a New Normal for

Indira

Gandhi National Open University

Learners

Manjulika Srivastava,

Bijayalaxmi Mishra

Dev Kant Rao

Navita Abrol

VandanaVarma

Bharat Bhushan

University News, 58

(37), September 2020

10. National Education Policy (2020):

Proposed Implementation Strategy

for Accreditation of Higher Education

Institutions

Manjulika Srivastava,

Bijayalaxmi Mishra,

Vandana Varma

Navita Abrol

University News, 58

(41), October 2020

11. NEP: Equity and Inclusion in Higher

Education

Manjulika Srivastava Chapter for Book (under

publication)

10. FDP/ Workshops/ Webinars Attended by Academic Staff of CIQA.

SNo. Type of

Programme

Programme Details Date Organizer Name of the

Participant

1. Webinar NAAC Awareness Program -

University (in the Hindi

language)

06th

May

NAAC Dr. Shekhar

Suman

2. FDP Design and Development of

MOOCs and E-Learning

Technologies

10- 16

May

2020

GGSIPU, New

Delhi

Dr. Shekhar

Suman

3. Webinar Turn the Challenges to

Opportunities: COVID-19

Pandemics and measures to

combat by Higher Education of

India

28th

May

2020

NAAC Dr. Shekhar

Suman

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4. Workshop Use of ICT tools for Teaching

and providing Online Support

to Students during Covid-19

28-29

May

2020

SOCIS,

IGNOU, New

Delhi

Dr. Navita Abrol

5. Workshop Use of ICT tools for Teaching

and providing Online Support

to Students during Covid-19

28-29

May

2020

SOCIS,

IGNOU, New

Delhi

Dr. Shekhar

Suman

6. FDP One Week Faculty

Development Program on

"Tools for Scientific

Communication and Effective

Teaching"

02-06

June

2020

Electrical and

Electronics

Engineering

Department,

Vaagdevi

College of

Engineering

Warangal

Dr. Shekhar

Suman

7. FDP ICT enabled Research During

COVID Pandemic

17-21

August

2020

STRIDE,

IGNOU

Dr. Shekhar

Suman

Dr. Navita Abrol