Quality Assurance & Institutional Effectiveness
Joint Academic Committee for International Collaborative and Transitional Programs (JAC-ICTP)
To ensure academic excellence, regulatory compliance, and strategic alignment in all international joint academic programs offered between Gulf Medical University (GMU) and its partner institutions outside the UAE. This includes dual degrees and transitional programs such as split-degree pathways. The committee oversees curriculum integrity, student outcomes, collaborative governance, and quality assurance.
Purpose
Chair
Members
Chancellor, Gulf Medical University
Vice Chancellor Academics (GMU)
Dean of the relevant College (GMU)
Program Director of the relevant program (GMU) (Member Secretary)
Three to four faculty representatives from the other University with substantial academic and research credentials (to be nominated)
Term of office
Two years (renewable based on performance and institutional needs)
Frequency of Meetings
Held once per semester or as needed (virtual or in-person).
Special meetings may be convened for urgent programmatic decisions.
Reports to the University Council at GMU and the Academic Board at the partner institution.
Quorum
Minimum 75% of the total appointed members, with minimum one representative from each institution present.
Decision-Making & Voting Right
Decisions are made by majority vote of members present.
The Chair holds the deciding vote in case of a tie.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities and Duties
The JAC-JP shall be responsible for the following:
Admissions and Student Selection
•Approve entry criteria, oversee interviews, and validate final student selection.
•Coordinate structured interviews with applicants and oversee the selection process.
Program Oversight and Curriculum Governance
•Monitor program implementation and recommend curriculum changes to the College Curriculum Committee.
•Review and approve transitional curriculum pathways between GMU and the partner university.
•Validate equivalency of credits and learning outcomes between institutions.
•Ensure compliance with academic regulatory requirements in both countries
Student Academic Support and Progress
•Review and approve individual academic plans including timelines, training, and exchange periods
•Monitor academic progress through supervisor reports and progression records
•Intervene in cases of student research or academic challenges.
•Support and track students transitioning from GMU to the partner university.
•Assess and recommend the conferral of interim awards (e.g., Higher Diploma at GMU).
Coordination with University Committees
•Liaise with the College Curriculum Committee to propose and finalize curriculum updates
•Coordinate with the University Academic Committee when substantive program modifications arise
•Ensure that feedback from QA&IE is effectively integrated into program enhancement plans
External Collaboration and Compliance
•Ensure program practices are in full compliance with MoU terms between GMU and the other university.
•Promote mutual engagement in research, teaching, and student development activities
•Facilitate academic mobility as outlined in the MoU.
Documentation and Records:
•Maintain records of meeting minutes, decisions, student tracking logs, and approvals
•Submit annual summary reports to the Chancellor’s Office and QA&IE Unit
Amendments to ToR :
•These Terms of Reference may be amended by mutual consent of both institutions and approval from the Chancellor of GMU and the other university.