Institutional Certified Evaluation
and Accreditation: Universities
Optional Evaluation Items
2009-2010

NIAD-UE
National Institution for Academic Degrees and University Evaluation

Introduction
The certified evaluation and accreditation by NIAD-UE evaluates overall condition ofuniversities, particularly the education of regular programs. On the other hand, research isalso one of important activities for universities. As a member of the society, universities areexpected to cooperate and share their intellectual property, both of research and education,with local communities and the industrial sector.

Therefore, based on the objectives of evaluation “to provide high quality evaluation reports
to universities for the quality improvement of their education and research activities”, and “toassist universities in fulfilling accountability to the general public on their status as publicorganizations, by clarifying the condition of their education and research”, NIAD-UE sets two
optional evaluation items to evaluate their activities from a different dimension from thecertified evaluation and accreditation: the conditions of research, and education offered tothose other than full-time students. This scheme is designed to contribute to theenhancement of their individualization. NIAD-UE carries out this evaluation at the request ofthe university.
This evaluation does not lead to a judgment whether something meets certain standards ornot, but focuses on how far the university is attaining its goals related to these items.

© National Institution for Academic Degrees and University Evaluation 2009

1-29-1 Gakuen-Nishimachi, Kodaira, Tokyo 187-8587 Japan
www.niad.ac.jp

Disclaimer: This document has been translated from the Japanese original made by NIAD-UE to contributeto deepen the understanding of the certified evaluation and accreditation system. Where any discrepancy
between this English version and the Japanese original is found, the Japanese original will prevail.

Contents
Introduction
Optional Evaluation Item A:
The Conditions of Research ·········································2
Optional Evaluation Item B:
Education Offered to Those Other Than Full-Time Students ················4Optional Evaluation Items

1

Optional Evaluation Item A:

A-1

The Conditions of Research

In light of the university’s purpose, the necessary systems for the conduct of research

are maintained and functioning.
A-2In light of the university’s purpose, research are conducted actively and producing

positive outcomes.

OutlineUniversities are responsible to foster excellent human resources and, through the conductof a wide range of research, contribute to the development of the society, economy, andculture.
NIAD-UE’s basic policy for its Standards for Evaluation and Accreditation is to evaluate thestatus of education and research comprehensively, particularly focusing on educational
activities. In this process, research are therefore examined along with the educational aspects(See Viewpoints 3-3-i, 5-1-ii, 5-4-ii, and 5-8-ii). Accordingly universities conduct
self-assessment of their research from these perspectives.
However, universities carry out a broad range of research that cannot necessarily beassessed adequately through the relation with educational activities. For the university tokeep active in their research, it is essential that it establishes systems for conducting andsupporting research and implements policies to promote them. At the same time, theuniversity should accurately assess the current conditions, the research outputs, outcomes,
and the impact for the society, economy, and culture. The findings should be reflected inenhancing its research, and informed to the public.
This optional evaluation item has been created to satisfy the needs of universities which
requests comprehensive evaluation focused on their research.
With this item, at the point will be on, in light of the university’s purpose, whether systems
for conducting, supporting and improving research are established, and measures on
resource allocation, rules governing research, and system for the quality improvement ofresearch are functioning properly.
Other focuses will be on how actively research are conducted (the number of research
publications, the status of collaborative research projects, the use of competitive researchfunds), the quality of research (factors such as the number of success for competitive
research funds, the results of external evaluations, and the number of prizes won), and thesocial, economic, and cultural contributions clarified by analysis of the effective use of its

2

research outcomes. These factors are assessed in light of the university’s purpose.
Here, the term “research” refers not only to basic and applied research, but also to the wide
range of creative activities that academic staff are engaged in.

Viewpoints
A-1-i

Appropriate organizational structures for conducting, supporting, and promoting

research are maintained and functioning.

A-1-iiAppropriate policies and programs for research are defined and implemented.

A-1-iii

Initiatives to monitor the status of research, address problems, and improve theirquality are implemented.

A-2-i

The evidences on research activities and outputs show that they are activelyimplemented.

A-2-ii

The evidences on the outcomes show their high quality.

A-2-iii

The status of applications of research outcomes in social, economic, and cultural

fields and evaluation by external bodies indicate that the university’s research is contributing
to the development of those fields.

Optional Evaluation Items

3

Optional Evaluation Item B:

Education Offered to Those Other Than

Full-Time Students

B-1

In light of the university’s purpose, appropriate services are provided to persons otherthan full time students, and are producing positive outcomes.

OutlineWith the advance of technology and the increasing complexity of society, the growing
affluence of citizens and increasing diversification of values, it is required for universities torespond systematically to the demands for nurturing excellent human resources in various
sectors, with enhanced vocational skills, providing life-long learning and contributing to thelocal community. In essence, it is required to open itself up more to society as centers ofsystematic and continuous learning. Many universities are already taking action in responseto these developments, sharing its intellectual wealth with the society through offering
education to a more varied audience.
The education may be offered by arrangements such as the auditing student for credit
accepting system, auditing student system, open classes, and qualifications courses, training
programs or seminars, as well as providing learning opportunities such as by opening theirmuseums and libraries to the public. In addition, some universities also take part in lecturesand symposia, join committees, to provide the local community with academic support under
the cooperation.
Some universities view these social activities as an important social service. Where these areclearly stated in the university’s purpose, it will be the subject for review for item.
The focus of this optional evaluation item will be the extent to which the university is
attaining its goals for educational services by reviewing how well its goals and plans havebeen established and are informed of, the appropriateness of activities and methods, thepositive outcomes of educational services being delivered, and the systems are in place formaking improvements.

Viewpoints
B-1-i

The university has established suitable plans and specific policies for achieving its

goals for educational provisions. Staff and students are well informed of these plans andpolicies.

4B-1-ii

Educational services are provided appropriately in accordance with the plans.

B-1-iii

The services are attracting a reasonable number of participants. The levels ofsatisfaction of the people conducting and receiving the services indicate positive outcomes.

B-1-iv The university addresses initiatives to enhance the quality of services.

Optional Evaluation Items

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Optional Evaluation Items 2009-2010
National Institution for Academic Degrees and University Evaluation
1-29-1 Gakuen-Nishimachi, Kodaira, Tokyo 187-8587 Japan
www.niad.ac.jp