Opening Ceremony of the Official Survey for the External Assessment of 04 Undergraduate Programmes at Van Lang University

Since its establishment, Van Lang University (VLU) has remained steadfast in its commitment to educational quality, demonstrated through continuous efforts. The University consistently strives to meet both national and international accreditation standards by aligning its academic programmes with societal needs, improving teaching quality, engaging in research and community services, and investing in modern infrastructure. These efforts not only lay the foundation for creating an optimal learning environment for students but also help VLU gain recognition on the global educational map.

Following the success of its quality assurance and accreditation efforts, on the afternoon of September 19^th, 2024, VLU held the opening ceremony of the official survey in preparation for the external assessment of 04 undergraduate programmes under the national quality standards. In this round of accreditation, the Saigon Center for Educational Quality Accreditation (CEA-SAIGON) will assess 04 undergraduate programmes of VLU, including: Automotive Engineering Technology, Information Technology, Law, and Nursing.

The opening ceremony was attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi My Dieu, VLU’s President, a member of the Board of Administrators; faculty leaders; representatives of various departments; lecturers, students, and stakeholders of the four programmes being assessed. 

Representatives from CEA-SAIGON were Dr. Duong Mong Ha, Director of the Center - Head of the External Assessment Team; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Do Hanh Nga, Permanent Deputy Director and a member of the assessment team; Dr. Le Hoang Vu, Deputy Director and secretary of the assessment team; as well as other members and observers of the assessment delegation.

Dr. Duong Mong Ha, representing CEA-SAIGON, expressed particular impression for VLU’s thorough and meticulous preparations for this official survey. He commended the University for promptly completing all required documents and evidence following the preliminary survey on September 9^th, 2024, reflecting VLU’s strong commitment to meeting national quality standards.

This is the second time CEA-SAIGON has collaborated with VLU, and the assessment team was impressed by the University’s remarkable development, particularly its achievements in global rankings, such as being in the 801–1000 range in the THE Impact Rankings, receiving a QS Stars 4-star rating, and more recently, being accredited by FIBAA for institutional quality. These accomplishments not only affirm VLU’s position on the international education map but also reflect the sound development strategy pursued by the University's leadership and community.
Dr. Duong Mong Ha emphasized that the assessment team would conduct the quality assessment in full accordance with MOET’s regulations and expressed hope for the University’s continued support during the survey, which would ensure accurate and reliable evaluations, fostering trust among students, government agencies, and the public.

In her opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi My Dieu emphasized that quality assurance has been a fundamental commitment and top priority for VLU since its founding. The University continuously collects feedback from stakeholders through various channels, enabling constant improvements in its programmes, ensuring the provision of a workforce that meets labor market demands, and contributing to positive societal impacts. She believed that with the expertise and experience of the expert team from CEA-SAIGON, the University, and specifically the four programmes under review, would identify areas for improvement and receive valuable recommendations for addressing existing challenges, ultimately enhancing the quality of education. Additionally, she affirmed the University’s dedication to fully cooperating and providing all necessary support for the assessment team to complete the official survey as planned.

The expert team from CEA-SAIGON will conduct the official survey at VLU in 05 days, from September 19^th to September 23^rd, 2024. Following the opening session, alongside reviewing self-assessment reports and supporting documents, the team will proceed with activities such as interviewing the self-assessment councils, heads of departments, lecturers, staff from each programme, students, alumni, and employers of the four programmes. They will also inspect the University’s facilities and equipment to provide an objective and impartial assessment of the programmes’ compliance with quality standards.

The opening ceremony and the first working day of the external assessment team ended successfully, marking an important milestone in VLU’s journey toward enhanced quality. The closing session is scheduled for September 23^rd, 2024, concluding the assessment process and heralding a new chapter in VLU’s continued pursuit of excellence.