The Role And Structure Of Zimche
At one level ZIMCHE is a regulatory body (in respect of the accreditation, registration, auditing and, where necessary, de-registration of institutions and programmes). ZIMCHE also plays a facilitation role (in the promotion of quality, equitable access to higher education, and co-operation between institutions).
The Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE) was established by an Act of Parliament, Chapter 25:27, promulgated in 2006, to register and accredit institutions of Higher Education.
ZIMCHE'S MAIN ROLE IS QUALITY ASSURANCE
► Quality in education is the means through which an institution can guarantee, with confidence, and certainty, the standards of its educational provision are being maintained and improved continuously.
The term 'quality assurance' in higher education institutions (HEls) is used to denote the practices whereby academic standards, that is, level of academic achievement attained by graduates, are maintained and improved continuously.
The definition of academic quality as equivalent to academic standards consistent with emerging focus in higher education policies on student learning outcomes, the specific knowledge, skills and abilities that students achieve as a consequence of their engagement in particular education programmes. (Brennan and Shah, 2000)
QUALITY ASSURANCE TO WHAT END ?
> To improve and promote quality ( curriculum, staff and Infrastructure)
> To assure the public and the international
►To provide assurance to stakeholders and professionals standards of competence are being met.
> For institutions to demonstrate to Government, ZIMCHE and the world that the re uirements of good governance,
WHAT "QUALITY" MEANS IN HIGHER EDUCATION
The expectation is that through their programmes HEls will develop and transform these students
> By the time they come out of the institution they ought to have acquired the necessary skills, values, qualities and competencies that make them useful and productive members of
society
> Who are not only employable, but can generate employment for themselves and others.
FUNCTIONS
► At one level ZIMCHE is a regulatory body (in respect of the accreditation, registration, auditing and, where necessary, de-registration of institutions and programmes).
> ZIMCHE also plays a facilitation role (in the promotion of quality, equitable access to higher education, and co-operation between institutions).
BASIC FACTS
►ZIMCHE is made up of a 21- member Council and a Secretariat with a current establishment of 40. In post 30
►Council is the decision making body while the Secretariat performs the day-to-day duties of Council.
►The members of Council are drawn from the top brass of the nation's intelligentsia, and are from various
sectors, including students, professional bodies, government, universities and business.
►The Council is required to have within it three Vice•
Chancellors who represent public and private universities.
DIRECTORATES OF THE SECRETARIAT
The Secretariat currently operates through 3 directorates and 3 units in the CEO's Office
> Each directorate is headed by a Principal Director:
Registration and Accreditation (A/ PD Dr A. Tirivangana) H.H.
COMMITTEES OF COUNCIL
The Council operates through the committee system and currently has seven committees:
►The Executive Committee (EXCO)
►The Higher Education Quality Assurance Committee (HEQAC)
►The Higher Education Finance Committee
►The Human Resources Committee
►The Higher Education Shape and Size Committee
►The ICT committee
► Audit & Risk Committee
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