The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has unveiled a stringent Affiliation Policy 2024, ushering in a new era for universities and degree-awarding institutions.
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has unveiled a stringent Affiliation Policy 2024, ushering in a new era for universities and degree-awarding institutions. The policy introduces several key reforms aimed at streamlining the affiliation process and ensuring a higher standard of education across affiliated colleges.
One of the pivotal changes mandated by the Affiliation Policy 2024 is the requirement for universities or degree-awarding institutions to obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the HEC before affiliating with public or private colleges. This step is seen as a proactive measure to maintain the academic integrity and standards associated with these institutions.
Moreover, the policy imposes desk reviews by the HEC on previously affiliated colleges to continually assess and uphold the quality of education they provide. To facilitate this, universities are now mandated to furnish essential information about their existing affiliated colleges through the dedicated HEC portal. This move is expected to enhance transparency and accountability within the higher education system.
The HEC has made it clear that non-compliance with the new policy will result in strict actions against educational institutes. Consequences may include the refusal to attest degrees and other disciplinary measures. Additionally, violating the policy could lead to a ban on affiliating colleges, a stern measure aimed at ensuring institutions adhere to the outlined standards.
One noteworthy provision in the policy draft prohibits universities from affiliating new programs to colleges unless these programs have been operational within the university for a minimum of five years. This provision is geared towards preventing premature affiliations and ensuring that affiliated colleges benefit from the expertise and experience of well-established programs.
To facilitate the effective implementation of the new policy, the HEC has launched an online portal where universities must submit details about both new and existing affiliated colleges. The information provided will undergo thorough review by the HEC Review Desk, marking a departure from the previous system and ushering in a more systematic and transparent process.
It is essential to highlight that this policy comes almost a year after the HEC took the proactive step of halting public sector universities from granting new affiliations to colleges. The decision to extend this restriction to private institutions underscores the HEC’s commitment to fostering a standardized and quality education system across the board.
The HEC’s dedication to enforcing these measures is evident in its commitment to not recognizing degrees or documents of students enrolled in violation of its policies. This decision underscores the seriousness with which the commission views the adherence to the new policy and aims to deter institutions from flouting the guidelines.
In conclusion, the Affiliation Policy 2024 by the Higher Education Commission represents a significant leap forward in ensuring the quality and integrity of higher education in the country. By introducing stringent measures, the HEC is signaling its commitment to fostering a standardized and accountable higher education system, ultimately benefiting students, institutions, and the nation as a whole.