The SAR is not shaping up as I expected…-NCAAA sleepless nights
The Self-Evaluation Report - NCAAA
(or sometimes Self-Assessment Report)
This is a core document that institutions and programs submit to the National Center for Academic Accreditation and Evaluation (NCAAA) in Saudi Arabia. It provides a comprehensive, structured evaluation of how well the institution or program meets the required standards.
The SAR typically includes:
Evidence-based assessments of each standard
Reflections on strengths and areas for improvement
Supporting data and documentation
Strategic actions and quality improvement plans
For a postgraduate school or nursing college,for example, the SAR is especially important in demonstrating alignment with national priorities, research impact, and the development of advanced skills and competencies relevant to governance and good practice.
EXAMPLE SAR Nursing Department - Institutional Accreditation
Standard 1: Mission and Objectives
Program mission, vision, and alignment with institutional mission
Consistency with national health strategies (e.g., Vision 2030, MOH priorities)
Stakeholder involvement in developing and reviewing program objectives
Graduate attributes for safe, evidence-based nursing practice
Standard 2: Governance & Administration
Program organizational structure and leadership
Role and effectiveness of program committees
Communication channels and decision-making mechanisms
Documentation of policies, regulations, and operational manuals
Standard 3: Management of Quality Assurance and Improvement
Quality assurance processes at program level
Internal review mechanisms (e.g., course reports, annual program reports)
Program KPIs, benchmarks, and trend analysis
Use of student, faculty, alumni, and employer feedback for improvement
Standard 4: Learning and Teaching
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) aligned with NQF
Teaching strategies suited for nursing education (e.g., case-based learning, simulation)
Assessment plans and tools (e.g., OSCEs, clinical performance evaluations)
Student academic performance monitoring and remediation policies
Standard 5: Students
Clear and fair admission policies
Orientation programs and academic advising
Clinical placement guidance and student tracking
Student feedback systems and support (mental health, career advising)
Standard 6: Teaching Staff
Faculty qualifications (e.g., MSN/PhD, SCFHS registration)
Recruitment, orientation, and workload distribution
Faculty development programs (CPD, pedagogy, research training)
Faculty performance evaluations and student feedback
Standard 7: Learning Resources, Facilities, and Equipment
Skills labs, simulation centers, and clinical equipment availability
Access to databases and journals (e.g., CINAHL, UpToDate)
ICT infrastructure and e-learning platforms
Maintenance and accessibility of learning spaces
Standard 8: Financial Planning and Management
Financial strategy and sustainability
Budget planning and allocation
Resource monitoring and control
Alignment with academic planning
Revenue diversification
Financial reporting and transparency