NIAD-UE
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
between
National Institution for Academic Degrees and University Evaluation
and
Higher Education Evaluation and Accreditation Council of Taiwan
May 29, 2014
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
between
National Institution for Academic Degrees and University Evaluation
and
Higher Education Evaluation and Accreditation Council of Taiwan
NIAD-UE is an incorporated administrative agency created by Japanese Act of General Rules
for Incorporated Administrative Agency and the NIAD-UE Law. NIAD-UE traces its roots to
1991 when its predecessor, NIAD, was established as an academic degree-awarding institution
that in 2000 was renamed and reorganized as a new entity charged with evaluating universities
in addition to its existing functions to contribute to the further development of higher education
in Japan.
The Higher Education Evaluation and Accreditation Council of Taiwan (HEEACT) was
established on December 26, 2005 with joint funding from the Ministry of Education and 153
universities and colleges in Taiwan. HEEACT has the mandate to assess and accredit programs
in higher education institutions of Taiwan.
This memorandum of understanding between the two agencies outlines the mutual objectives and
resourcing parameters for future co-operation succeeding the initial MOU concluded in 2011.
The memorandum of understanding covers the following areas.
1. Exchange of information
Exchange information and expertise on quality assurance and in particular on key policy
documents and practical experiences concerning each party’s evaluation activity.
2. Mutual understanding
Work to enhance their understanding of each other’s approach to ensure quality in higher education
and respective systems in place for quality in higher education.
3. Quality Systems
Aim to enhance awareness in Taiwan of the existence of the Japanese higher education quality
assurance system, its role in ensuring the quality of transnational activities and the specific role and
MOU – NIAD-UE and HEEACT - May 29, 2014
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capabilities of the quality assurance system; and aim to enhance awareness in Japan of the
existence of the Taiwanese higher education quality assurance system, its role in ensuring the
quality of transnational activities and the specific role and capabilities of the quality audit system.
4. Emphases
Ensure that NIAD-UE fully understands which quality issues are of greatest importance to Taiwan
advising the Japanese higher education sector on this, as appropriate. Conversely, ensure that
HEEACT fully understands which quality issues are of greatest importance to Japan, advising the
Taiwanese higher education sector on this, as appropriate.
5. Staff Exchange
When appropriate and possible, staff from the two agencies
o will participate as observers in institutional audits
o will be involved in training activities
o will spend time in each other’s offices so that staff are acquainted with systems, processes
and other relevant matters.
6. Use of Each Other’s Reviewers
Where appropriate and possible, draw on auditors or accreditors or other specialists from each
other’s systems to strengthen the international dimension of audits on mutually agreed terms and
conditions.
7. Collaboration
Where appropriate and possible, collaborate in relation to the quality of Japanese educational
activities in Taiwan and vice-versa.
8. Mutual Recognition
Where appropriate and possible, in operations relating to quality assurance of higher education
within one party’s jurisdiction but originating from the other party’s jurisdiction, have due regard
to the relevant decisions and judgements of the other parts.
9. Good Practice Database
Where appropriate and possible, include the good practices of higher education institutions
accredited by HEEACT in the Good Practice Database of NIAD-UE, Japan and vice-versa.
MOU – NIAD-UE and HEEACT - May 29, 2014
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10. Duration of the Memorandum
The memorandum will take effect from May 29, 2014 (date of signing) for a period of three years.
The memorandum may be altered at any time with the consent of both parties. It may be extended
on mutual agreement of both parties.
11. Resources
Unless alternative arrangements are specifically agreed to meet particular project requirements,
the two agencies will normally cover their own costs of implementing the terms of the
Memorandum. For particular areas of cooperation, donor funding may be sought from other
sources.
12. Schedule of projects and activities
Specific details on any projects or other activities that are entered into under the terms of this
Memorandum shall be negotiated and agreed by both parties and will be described in
administrative schedules to be annexed to the Memorandum.
Agency Officers responsible for managing the Agreement
The President of NIAD-UE and the Executive Director of HEEACT will have responsibility for
managing the memorandum of understanding. This responsibility may be delegated to relevant
members of their staff in relation to particular areas of co-operation.
Signatures as follows:
Dr. Tomoyuki Nogami
President, NIAD-UE
Dr. Ru-Jer Wang
Executive Director, HEEACT
National Institution for Academic Degrees
and University Evaluation
(NIAD-UE)
Higher Education Evaluation and
Accreditation Council of Taiwan
(HEEACT)
Date: May 29, 2014
MOU – NIAD-UE and HEEACT - May 29, 2014
Date: May 29, 2014
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