Site visit of the Review team for Bachelor of Science Honours in Computer Science Degree Programme
The programme review for the BSc Hons (Computer Science) study programme at the Department of Computer Science (DCS), University of Jaffna commenced in the early part of 2020 by preparing a thorough self-evaluation report (SER) in order to promote a culture of analysis and evidenced-based programme improvement. The DCS submitted the SER on the 28th of May 2020 to the QAC of the UGC for evaluation. Subsequently, a team of external reviewers appointed by the UGC started to evaluate the SER from a broader perspective. Due to the prolonged pandemic in the country, the evaluation process was suspended and then resumed by mid-2022.
As a part of the programme review, a team of external reviewers consisting of Professor Prasad M. Jayaweera (SJP), Professor Sriyani Wickramasinghe (RUSL) and Dr. M.B.M. Irshad (SEUSL) visited the University of Jaffna on 8th and 9th of November, 2022.
The reviewers met the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jaffna, Professor S. Srisatkunarajah, in the first meeting held on 8th of November 2022 in the Boardroom of the University. It was noticeable that the reviewers were impressed by the Vice Chancellor’s insightful in-depth explanations and comments on the department and the university. The Registrar Mr. V. Kandeepan, the Dean/Faculty of Science Professor P. Ravirajan, HoD/DCS Mr. S. Suthakar, Bursar Mr. K. Sureshkumar, Director/CQA Professor (Mrs.) M. Senthilnanthanan, and Coordinator/IQAC Professor S. N. Surendran also participated in the discussion, and the HoD/DCS presented the details of the submitted SER and the degree programmes offered at the DCS.
After that, the reviewers visited the department and observed the facilities of the DCS, and had a conversation with the SER writing team and permanent academic staff of the DCS, and the senior administrative staff of the university. They also attended lectures and practical sessions to observe the teaching-learning methods and the students’ involvement. On that day, in the evening they visited the common facilities of the university and discussed with the staff there.
Next morning on 9th of November 2022 the reviewers returned to the department and interacted with the temporary academic staff, academic support staff and non-academic staff of the DCS. They then conducted lengthy discussions with potential employers, alumni, and present students. After that, they discussed with Faculty-level Coordinators and Sub-committee Chairs.
In the final de-briefing and wrap-up session, the reviewers discussed the strengths and weaknesses of the department in detail with the Dean/Science, Director/CQA, Coordinator/IQAC, HoD/DCS and all other staff of the DCS. They highly praised the staff for their united hard work, dedicated services and camaraderie with the students, and also discussed the future developments of the department.
