University Committees

Roshan Afghanistan University (RAU) maintains a committee-based governance system to support academic quality, transparency, institutional accountability and participatory decision-making. The committee structure reflects established practices in Afghan higher education while incorporating international standards relevant to a modern, non-profit and fully online university.

The University’s committees bring together academic leaders, professors, researchers, administrative colleagues, technical specialists, students and, where appropriate, external advisers. They support the University leadership and Academic Council by reviewing evidence, developing policies, monitoring implementation and making formal recommendations within their assigned areas.

Because RAU operates online and is supported by Afghan and international volunteer academics, its committee system also addresses matters that are especially important to digital higher education, including online assessment, learning-management systems, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data protection, digital credential verification, international academic cooperation and the safety of students facing educational restrictions.

General Principles Governing University Committees

All University committees operate according to the following principles:

Academic freedom and institutional independence;
Quality over quantity;
Transparency and accountability;
Evidence-based decision-making;
Collegial and participatory governance;
Gender equality and non-discrimination;
Respect for Afghanistan’s cultural and social diversity;
Protection of student privacy and safety;
Academic integrity and research ethics;
Responsible use of technology and artificial intelligence;
Confidentiality where required;
Prevention of conflicts of interest;
Proper documentation of decisions;
Regular monitoring and institutional improvement; and
Alignment with the University’s vision, mission and strategic priorities.

Each permanent committee should have approved Terms of Reference defining its mandate, authority, composition, reporting line, meeting schedule, quorum, voting procedure, confidentiality obligations and record-keeping responsibilities.

Committee Structure

RAU’s committees are organised into three principal categories:

A. Strategic Governance and Institutional Oversight Committees

These committees support institutional planning, accountability, risk management and responsible administration.

B. Academic and Educational Committees

These committees oversee curricula, teaching, assessment, research, academic integrity, degrees and quality assurance.

C. Student Support Digital Development and External Relations Committees

These committees address student welfare, digital education, international cooperation, inclusion, career development and public communication.

A Strategic Governance and Institutional Oversight Committees

1. Executive and Institutional Coordination Committee

Purpose

The Executive and Institutional Coordination Committee supports the President in coordinating the University’s academic, administrative, technical and international activities.

Main Responsibilities

The Committee shall:

Coordinate implementation of decisions made by the University leadership and Academic Council;
Review progress across faculties, departments and administrative units;
Identify urgent institutional challenges and recommend solutions;
Coordinate annual academic and administrative planning;
Monitor implementation of strategic priorities;
Review major operational reports;
Coordinate responsibilities between academic and administrative units;
Ensure that institutional activities remain consistent with the University’s mission;
Review proposals requiring senior-level institutional decisions; and
Refer academic matters to the Academic Council and governance matters to the appropriate authority.

Suggested Composition

President of the University as Chair;
Academic Vice-President or senior academic officer;
Vice-President for International Affairs;
Heads of principal administrative divisions;
Quality Assurance representative;
Director of Student Affairs;
Director of Information Technology;
Secretary of the University; and
Other relevant officers invited according to the agenda.

Meeting Frequency

The Committee should normally meet monthly and may hold extraordinary meetings when urgent coordination is required.

2. Strategic Planning and Institutional Development Committee

Purpose

This Committee guides the University’s long-term development and ensures that institutional growth remains realistic, sustainable and consistent with available academic capacity.

Main Responsibilities

The Committee shall:

Develop and periodically review the University’s strategic plan;
Translate the University’s vision and mission into measurable objectives;
Recommend annual institutional priorities;
Review proposals for new faculties, departments, centres and programmes;
Assess the academic, technical and administrative feasibility of expansion;
Monitor progress against strategic indicators;
identify institutional strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and risks;
Coordinate institutional-development projects;
Promote sustainability and responsible growth;
Ensure that expansion does not reduce academic quality;
Review the University’s readiness for new international partnerships; and
Prepare an annual institutional-development report.

Suggested Composition

Senior representative of University leadership as Chair;
Academic planning representative;
Quality Assurance representative;
Finance representative;
Information Technology representative;
International Relations representative;
Faculty representatives;
Research representative; and
External academic adviser where appropriate.

Meeting Frequency

The Committee should meet at least quarterly.

3. Finance Audit and Risk Committee

Purpose

The Finance, Audit and Risk Committee promotes financial integrity, lawful resource management, internal control and institutional risk awareness.

Main Responsibilities

The Committee shall:

Review annual budgets and financial plans;
Monitor lawful use of donations, grants and project funds;
Review financial reports and supporting documentation;
recommend internal financial controls;
Monitor compliance with applicable legal and institutional requirements;
Review procurement and resource-allocation procedures;
Identify financial, operational and reputational risks;
Maintain an institutional risk register;
Review risk-mitigation measures;
Examine actual or suspected financial irregularities;
Ensure that financial support does not compromise academic independence;
Review external audit findings where applicable; and
Provide regular reports to the appropriate University authority.

Suggested Composition

Qualified finance or audit professional as Chair;
Treasurer or Finance Officer;
Senior University representative;
Legal or compliance adviser;
Academic representative;
Risk-management specialist where available; and
An independent external member where appropriate.

No person should independently approve and audit the same financial transaction.

Meeting Frequency

The Committee should meet at least quarterly and whenever a significant financial or institutional risk arises.

4. Human Resources and Volunteer Engagement Committee

Purpose

This Committee oversees fair appointment, responsible engagement and effective support of the University’s volunteer academic and administrative colleagues.

Main Responsibilities

The Committee shall:

Develop policies for volunteer and honorary appointments;
Review staffing and volunteer needs;
Establish transparent recruitment and selection procedures;
Maintain accurate records of appointments and responsibilities;
Recommend role descriptions and performance expectations;
Promote professional conduct and institutional responsibility;
Develop orientation programmes for new colleagues;
Support retention and recognition of volunteer professors and staff;
Review requests for certificates of service;
Address volunteer-management challenges;
Recommend measures to prevent discrimination and favouritism;
Ensure that appointments are based on competence and institutional need; and
Coordinate with the Faculty Development Committee on academic appointments.

Suggested Composition

Human Resources representative as Chair;
Senior academic representative;
Administrative representative;
Faculty representative;
Quality Assurance representative;
International Affairs representative where relevant; and
Gender and inclusion representative.

Meeting Frequency

The Committee should meet at least once every two months and during major recruitment periods.

5. Ethics Compliance and Institutional Integrity Committee

Purpose

This Committee promotes ethical conduct, institutional credibility and compliance with University policies.

Main Responsibilities

The Committee shall:

Develop and review the University’s Code of Ethics;
Advise on conflicts of interest;
Review allegations of serious institutional misconduct;
Protect the University against misuse of its name, logo and identity;
Recommend measures against fraud, impersonation and document misuse;
Review ethical concerns involving senior officials;
Promote transparency and responsible decision-making;
advise on gifts, donations and external influence;
Monitor compliance with confidentiality obligations;
Recommend corrective action where institutional standards have been violated; and
Provide ethics training to University leaders, professors and staff.

Suggested Composition

Senior academic or ethics specialist as Chair;
Legal or compliance adviser;
Academic representative;
Administrative representative;
Quality Assurance representative;
Gender and safeguarding representative; and
Independent adviser where appropriate.

Meeting Frequency

The Committee should meet quarterly and whenever an urgent ethical matter arises.

B Academic and Educational Committees

6. Quality Assurance and Academic Standards Committee

Purpose

The Quality Assurance and Academic Standards Committee is responsible for protecting and improving the quality of teaching, learning, assessment, academic services and institutional performance.

Main Responsibilities

The Committee shall:

Develop the University’s quality-assurance framework;
Establish minimum academic standards;
Review the quality of programmes, courses and student services;
Monitor implementation of approved curricula;
Review teaching evaluations and student feedback;
Assess the capacity of faculties before new admissions;
Recommend the number of students who may be admitted without reducing quality;
Conduct or coordinate internal programme reviews;
Recommend corrective and improvement plans;
Monitor implementation of quality recommendations;
prepare the University for external academic review;
Maintain quality-assurance records and evidence;
Review academic performance indicators;
Promote a culture of continuous improvement; and
Submit an annual quality report to the Academic Council.

Suggested Composition

Director or Head of Quality Assurance as Chair;
Senior academic representative;
Representatives from each faculty;
Curriculum specialist;
Assessment specialist;
Student Affairs representative;
LMS or digital-learning representative;
Student representative where appropriate; and
External quality expert where available.

Meeting Frequency

The Committee should meet monthly during active academic periods and before each major admission cycle.

7. Curriculum and Academic Programmes Committee

Purpose

This Committee ensures that academic programmes are coherent, current, academically rigorous and responsive to the needs of Afghan society and the modern world.

Main Responsibilities

The Committee shall:

Review proposals for new academic programmes;
Review and approve programme structures before submission to the Academic Council;
Examine course descriptions, credits, learning outcomes and assessment methods;
Review the adaptation of pre-2021 Afghan curricula;
Ensure that curricula reflect current disciplinary knowledge;
Integrate technology, research, practical skills and project-based learning;
Review the cultural and social relevance of programme content;
assess programme duplication and academic coherence;
Recommend revision or suspension of outdated courses;
Review modern and interdisciplinary programmes;
Coordinate curriculum development with international academic partners;
Ensure appropriate sequencing of courses;
Promote employability and transferable skills; and
Review student and faculty feedback on curricula.

Suggested Composition

Senior academic officer as Chair;
Curriculum specialists;
Heads of relevant departments;
Faculty representatives;
Quality Assurance representative;
Digital-learning specialist;
Labour-market or professional adviser where appropriate;
Student representative; and
International academic expert where relevant.

Meeting Frequency

The Committee should meet at least once every two months and whenever a new programme is proposed.

8. Admissions Enrolment and Academic Capacity Committee

Purpose

This Committee ensures that admissions are fair, transparent, academically appropriate and consistent with the University’s teaching and support capacity.

Main Responsibilities

The Committee shall:

Develop admission policies and eligibility requirements;
Review annual and semester-based admission plans;
Assess available capacity in each programme;
Coordinate with Quality Assurance before setting admission numbers;
Review entrance-examination procedures;
Ensure fair and non-discriminatory applicant assessment;
Verify admission documents and eligibility;
Consider exceptional admission cases;
Monitor enrolment trends;
Recommend admission priorities consistent with the University’s mission;
Protect applicant information;
Prevent admission fraud and unofficial payments;
Review complaints related to admission procedures; and
Report admission outcomes to the Academic Council.

Suggested Composition

Senior academic representative as Chair;
Registrar or Admissions Officer;
Representatives of relevant faculties;
Quality Assurance representative;
Student Affairs representative;
Information Technology representative;
Gender and inclusion representative; and
Legal or compliance adviser where necessary.

Meeting Frequency

The Committee should meet before and during every admission cycle.

9. Examination Assessment and Academic Progress Committee

Purpose

This Committee safeguards the fairness, reliability and academic integrity of examinations and student assessment.

Main Responsibilities

The Committee shall:

Develop examination and assessment policies;
Review assessment methods used in online education;
Approve examination schedules and procedures;
Promote secure and proportionate student-identity verification;
Monitor online examination arrangements;
Review grading practices;
Establish procedures for grade review and correction;
Review requests for replacement examinations;
Address examination irregularities;
Recommend measures to prevent cheating and impersonation;
Review student progression and academic standing;
Coordinate the use of projects, presentations and continuous assessment;
ensure that assessment measures stated learning outcomes; and
Submit assessment reports to the appropriate academic authority.

Suggested Composition

Senior academic or examination officer as Chair;
Assessment specialist;
Faculty representatives;
Registrar representative;
Quality Assurance representative;
LMS or Information Technology representative;
Academic Integrity representative; and
Student representative for policy matters where appropriate.

Meeting Frequency

The Committee should meet before, during and after every major examination period.

10. Degrees Academic Records and Credential Verification Committee

Purpose

This Committee protects the integrity of degrees, transcripts, certificates and official academic records issued by the University.

Main Responsibilities

The Committee shall:

Verify that graduation requirements have been completed;
Review lists of eligible graduates;
Confirm the accuracy of transcripts and academic records;
Recommend degree awards to the appropriate academic authority;
Supervise the credential-verification system;
Ensure that each eligible credential receives a unique verification code;
Establish procedures for verifying degrees and certificates;
Review requests for corrected or replacement documents;
Investigate suspected forged or altered credentials;
Maintain secure graduate and credential records;
Develop standards for digital credentials;
Coordinate joint or dual-degree records with partner institutions;
Ensure that degree titles match approved programmes; and
Report credential risks and irregularities to the appropriate authority.

Suggested Composition

Registrar or senior academic-records officer as Chair;
Academic Affairs representative;
Quality Assurance representative;
Examinations representative;
Information Technology or systems-security specialist;
Faculty representative;
Legal or compliance adviser; and
International Partnerships representative where joint credentials are involved.

Meeting Frequency

The Committee should meet at the end of each academic term and whenever degree awards or credential concerns require review.

11. Research and Innovation Committee

Purpose

The Research and Innovation Committee promotes academically credible, socially relevant and innovative research by professors, researchers and students.

Main Responsibilities

The Committee shall:

Develop the University’s research strategy;
Identify institutional research priorities;
Review internal research proposals;
Promote interdisciplinary research;
Support student research and innovation projects;
Encourage research on Afghanistan and crisis-affected societies;
Develop research groups, centres and thematic initiatives;
Promote cooperation with international researchers;
Review applications for research funding;
Support policy briefs, reports and academic publications;
Promote student innovation and project exhibitions;
connect research with community needs;
Monitor research progress and outputs; and
Submit an annual research report.

Suggested Composition

Senior researcher as Chair;
Faculty research representatives;
Research-methodology specialist;
Statistics or data-analysis specialist;
Student research representative;
International Research representative;
Innovation and technology representative; and
External researcher where appropriate.

Meeting Frequency

The Committee should meet at least once every two months.

12. Research Ethics Committee

Purpose

The Research Ethics Committee protects the dignity, rights, safety and privacy of research participants and promotes responsible academic research.

Main Responsibilities

The Committee shall:

Review research involving human participants;
Assess informed-consent procedures;
Review privacy and data-protection measures;
Evaluate risks to women and other vulnerable participants;
Review studies involving sensitive political, social or health information;
Ensure responsible use of interviews, surveys and personal data;
Review conflicts of interest in research;
advise on secure storage and use of research data;
Monitor compliance with approved ethical conditions;
Review allegations of research misconduct;
Protect the independence of ethical review; and
Provide research-ethics training.

Suggested Composition

Research-ethics specialist as Chair;
Senior researcher;
Social-science representative;
Psychology or health representative where available;
Legal or data-protection adviser;
Gender and safeguarding specialist;
Community or public representative where appropriate; and
A member independent of the research team under review.

Members must not participate in reviewing projects in which they have a direct interest.

Meeting Frequency

The Committee should meet according to the volume of research applications, ordinarily at least once every two months.

13. Academic Integrity and Responsible Artificial Intelligence Committee

Purpose

This Committee promotes honest academic work and establishes responsible standards for the use of artificial intelligence in teaching, assessment and research.

Main Responsibilities

The Committee shall:

Develop the Academic Integrity Policy;
Define plagiarism, cheating, impersonation and unauthorised collaboration;
Develop guidelines for responsible AI use;
Clarify when students must disclose the use of AI tools;
Advise professors on designing AI-resilient assessments;
Promote verification of AI-generated information;
Protect personal and research data from unsafe AI use;
Review serious or repeated academic-integrity cases;
Recommend proportionate academic consequences;
Ensure that automated AI-detection tools are not treated as conclusive evidence;
Provide academic-integrity education;
Review emerging technological risks; and
update University guidance as AI technologies develop.

Suggested Composition

Senior academic as Chair;
Academic-integrity specialist;
Artificial-intelligence or computer-science specialist;
Research representative;
Assessment representative;
Data-protection representative;
Faculty representative; and
Student representative for policy discussions.

Meeting Frequency

The Committee should meet at least quarterly and whenever major integrity cases or technological developments require review.

14. Faculty Appointment Development and Evaluation Committee

Purpose

This Committee promotes transparent academic appointments and continuous professional development of volunteer professors.

Main Responsibilities

The Committee shall:

Review academic qualifications and teaching experience;
Recommend appointments to academic positions;
assess the suitability of professors for specific courses;
Establish academic rank and title criteria where applicable;
Review teaching performance;
Promote orientation for new professors;
Develop faculty-training programmes;
Support online-teaching skills;
Promote research and publication;
Review applications for promotion or expanded responsibility;
Recommend recognition of outstanding voluntary service;
Address academic-performance concerns; and
Ensure fairness, diversity and non-discrimination in appointments.

Suggested Composition

Senior academic officer as Chair;
Faculty representatives;
Quality Assurance representative;
Human Resources representative;
Research representative;
International academic member where appropriate; and
Subject specialist for discipline-specific appointments.

Meeting Frequency

The Committee should meet during recruitment periods and at least once each academic term.

15. Library Publications and Learning Resources Committee

Purpose

This Committee develops access to reliable academic resources and promotes responsible University publications.

Main Responsibilities

The Committee shall:

Develop the digital-library strategy;
Identify essential books, journals and databases;
Promote lawful access to academic resources;
Review electronic learning materials;
Support the distribution of authorised PDF and soft-copy resources;
Monitor copyright compliance;
Recommend resources for low-bandwidth access;
Review proposals for University journals and publications;
establish editorial and peer-review standards;
Promote student and faculty publications;
Support open-access scholarship where appropriate;
Develop academic-writing and referencing guidance; and
Review the quality of institutional publications.

Suggested Composition

Library or academic-resources representative as Chair;
Faculty representatives;
Research representative;
Publications or editorial specialist;
Information Technology representative;
Copyright or legal adviser where available;
Student representative; and
International academic-resource adviser where appropriate.

Meeting Frequency

The Committee should meet at least quarterly.

C Student Support Digital Development and External Relations Committees

16. Student Affairs Welfare and Engagement Committee

Purpose

This Committee promotes student well-being, participation, academic support and a positive online university experience.

Main Responsibilities

The Committee shall:

Review student-support needs;
Coordinate academic counselling;
Promote student orientation and induction;
Support student associations and academic groups;
Develop leadership and personal-development activities;
Review student participation and retention;
Identify barriers affecting online learning;
Coordinate referrals for psychological or professional support;
Promote respectful communication between students and professors;
support students affected by displacement or difficult circumstances;
Review student-service quality;
Promote student representation in relevant committees; and
Prepare recommendations for improving the student experience.

Suggested Composition

Director of Student Affairs as Chair;
Faculty representative;
Academic adviser;
Psychological-support representative;
Gender and safeguarding representative;
Technical-support representative;
Student representatives; and
Career-development representative.

Meeting Frequency

The Committee should meet monthly during active academic terms.

17. Equality Inclusion and Safeguarding Committee

Purpose

This Committee protects equal access, dignity, safety and non-discrimination, with particular attention to women and students facing educational or social risks.

Main Responsibilities

The Committee shall:

Develop equality and non-discrimination policies;
Promote safe participation of women in online education;
Review safeguarding concerns;
Recommend measures against harassment and abuse;
Protect students from retaliation;
Review accessibility needs of students with disabilities;
Promote ethnic, linguistic and religious inclusion;
advise on culturally sensitive educational practices;
Review risks related to publication of student identities or images;
Coordinate confidential reporting pathways;
Promote family and community confidence in the University;
Provide safeguarding awareness to professors and staff; and
Monitor implementation of inclusion policies.

Suggested Composition

Gender or safeguarding specialist as Chair;
Student Affairs representative;
Faculty representative;
Psychology or counselling representative;
Legal or human-rights adviser;
Data-protection representative;
Female student representative; and
External safeguarding adviser where available.

Meeting Frequency

The Committee should meet at least once every two months and immediately when an urgent safeguarding concern arises.

18. Complaints Appeals and Disciplinary Committee

Purpose

This Committee ensures that complaints, academic appeals and disciplinary matters are handled fairly, consistently and without retaliation.

Main Responsibilities

The Committee shall:

Develop complaints and appeals procedures;
Review formal student and staff complaints;
Consider academic appeals not resolved at faculty level;
Review allegations of misconduct;
Ensure that all parties have an opportunity to be heard;
Protect confidentiality;
recommend proportionate outcomes;
Maintain records of decisions;
Identify recurring institutional problems;
Recommend preventive measures;
Ensure that complainants are protected from retaliation;
Distinguish between academic, administrative and safeguarding cases; and
Refer criminal or legally sensitive matters to appropriate authorities where required.

Suggested Composition

Senior impartial academic as Chair;
Academic Affairs representative;
Student Affairs representative;
Legal or compliance adviser;
Faculty representative not involved in the original decision;
Gender or safeguarding representative where relevant; and
Student representative for general policy matters.

A person involved in the original decision must not decide the appeal.

Meeting Frequency

The Committee should meet as cases arise and review complaint trends at least once each academic term.

19. Digital Learning LMS and Educational Technology Committee

Purpose

This Committee guides the effective academic use of RAU’s Learning Management System and other educational technologies.

Main Responsibilities

The Committee shall:

Develop the University’s digital-learning strategy;
Oversee academic use of the LMS;
Review LMS functionality and accessibility;
Recommend improvements to online course design;
Promote interactive and project-based learning;
Establish minimum standards for online course pages;
Support electronic assignments and assessments;
Promote downloadable and low-bandwidth resources;
Coordinate digital training for professors and students;
Review technical barriers affecting participation;
Evaluate new educational technologies;
Monitor user experience and system performance;
ensure that technology supports learning outcomes; and
Coordinate with cybersecurity and data-protection structures.

Suggested Composition

Director of Digital Learning or Information Technology as Chair;
LMS administrator;
Instructional-design specialist;
Faculty representatives;
Quality Assurance representative;
Assessment representative;
Student representative; and
Accessibility specialist where available.

Meeting Frequency

The Committee should meet monthly or at least once every two months.

20. Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Emerging Technologies Committee

Purpose

This Committee promotes the responsible integration of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies into education, research and institutional development.

Main Responsibilities

The Committee shall:

Develop the University’s AI and innovation strategy;
Identify relevant emerging technologies;
Support AI literacy across faculties;
Recommend responsible educational uses of AI;
Develop student innovation projects;
Promote programming, data and technology skills;
Encourage interdisciplinary technology initiatives;
Establish innovation challenges and project showcases;
advise on ethical and social implications of technology;
Review proposed AI tools before institutional adoption;
Promote human oversight and accountability;
Connect students with mentors and international experts;
Encourage technology solutions relevant to Afghanistan; and
Report on emerging opportunities and risks.

Suggested Composition

Artificial-intelligence or technology specialist as Chair;
Computer Science representative;
Educational Technology representative;
Research representative;
Academic Integrity representative;
Data-protection specialist;
Entrepreneurship representative;
Student innovator representative; and
International technology adviser where available.

Meeting Frequency

The Committee should meet at least once every two months.

21. Information Technology Cybersecurity and Data Protection Committee

Purpose

This Committee protects the University’s digital infrastructure, information systems, academic records and personal data.

Main Responsibilities

The Committee shall:

Develop cybersecurity and data-protection policies;
Review access controls for the LMS and institutional systems;
Protect student and staff accounts;
Review data collection and retention practices;
Monitor cybersecurity risks;
Coordinate responses to data breaches;
Develop backup and recovery procedures;
Promote strong passwords and multi-factor authentication;
Review third-party digital platforms;
Protect the credential-verification system;
Support secure online examinations;
Provide digital-security awareness;
Assess risks affecting women and students inside Afghanistan; and
Submit regular security reports to University leadership.

Suggested Composition

Information Technology or cybersecurity specialist as Chair;
LMS administrator;
Data-protection adviser;
Registrar representative;
Academic representative;
Student Affairs representative;
Legal or compliance adviser; and
External cybersecurity expert where available.

Meeting Frequency

The Committee should meet at least once every two months and immediately following a significant security incident.

22. International Relations Partnerships and Academic Cooperation Committee

Purpose

This Committee develops meaningful, lawful and academically valuable cooperation with international universities and organisations.

Main Responsibilities

The Committee shall:

Develop the University’s internationalisation strategy;
Review proposed international partnerships;
Assess the academic value and feasibility of cooperation;
Review draft memoranda and academic agreements;
Coordinate joint teaching and research;
Develop faculty-exchange and guest-lecture opportunities;
Promote student research and professional opportunities;
Review proposed credit-recognition arrangements;
Coordinate joint or dual-degree pathways where formally approved;
Monitor implementation of partnership commitments;
Prevent unauthorised use of partner names and logos;
Maintain records of active agreements;
Evaluate the results of international cooperation; and
Recommend continuation, revision or termination of partnerships.

Suggested Composition

Vice-President or Director for International Affairs as Chair;
Academic Affairs representative;
Quality Assurance representative;
Legal adviser;
Finance representative where resources are involved;
Relevant faculty representatives;
Credential and Records representative;
Research representative; and
External international adviser where appropriate.

Meeting Frequency

The Committee should meet at least quarterly and whenever a major partnership proposal requires review.

23. Career Development Entrepreneurship and Alumni Committee

Purpose

This Committee supports students and graduates in developing professional skills, entrepreneurship, networks and pathways beyond graduation.

Main Responsibilities

The Committee shall:

Develop career-readiness programmes;
Provide curriculum-vitae and interview guidance;
Promote digital and remote-work skills;
Support entrepreneurship education;
Connect students with mentors;
identify internships and volunteer opportunities;
Promote student business and social-enterprise projects;
Develop an alumni network;
Maintain appropriate contact with graduates;
Conduct graduate-outcome surveys;
Invite alumni to support research and mentoring;
Organise professional-development events;
Build relationships with employers and professional organisations; and
Report on graduate development and alumni engagement.

Suggested Composition

Career or Student Affairs representative as Chair;
Entrepreneurship specialist;
Faculty representative;
International Relations representative;
Alumni representative;
Student representative;
Communications representative; and
Employer or professional adviser where available.

Meeting Frequency

The Committee should meet at least quarterly.

24. Communications Branding and Public Information Committee

Purpose

This Committee protects the University’s public identity and ensures that institutional information is accurate, consistent and responsible.

Main Responsibilities

The Committee shall:

Develop communication and branding policies;
Protect the University’s name, logo and visual identity;
Review major public announcements;
Maintain consistency across the website and social media;
Prevent publication of inaccurate academic claims;
Respond to impersonation and misuse of the University’s identity;
Issue fraud-prevention notices where necessary;
Promote the University’s tuition-free educational mission;
communicate the work of volunteer Afghan and international professors;
Protect student privacy in public communications;
Review media requests;
Coordinate multilingual communication;
Support communication during emergencies; and
Maintain an archive of major institutional announcements.

Suggested Composition

Director of Communications as Chair;
University leadership representative;
Academic Affairs representative;
Legal or compliance adviser;
Student Affairs representative;
International Relations representative;
Information Technology representative; and
Gender and safeguarding representative.

Meeting Frequency

The Committee should meet monthly and whenever an urgent communication issue arises.

Faculty Level Committees

Each faculty may establish smaller faculty-level committees aligned with the central University committees. These may include:

Faculty Academic Committee;
Faculty Curriculum Committee;
Faculty Quality Assurance Committee;
Faculty Examination Committee;
Faculty Research Committee;
Faculty Student Affairs Committee; and
Faculty Academic Integrity Committee.

Faculty-level committees should address routine matters within the faculty and refer matters requiring University-wide authority to the appropriate central committee.

Committee Membership Standards

Appointment

Committee members should be formally appointed by the competent University authority for a specified term. Appointments should be based on expertise, responsibility, integrity and institutional need.

Terms of Service

A normal term may be two years and may be renewed according to University policy. Student representatives may serve shorter terms based on their enrolment status.

Representation

Where relevant, committees should include:

Women members;
Representatives from different faculties;
Academic and administrative perspectives;
Student representation;
Technical expertise;
International academic participation; and
External independent expertise.

No committee should be unnecessarily large. Membership should be sufficient to provide expertise while allowing effective decision-making.

Chair and Secretary

Each committee should have:

A Chair responsible for leadership, agendas and reporting; and
A Secretary responsible for notices, minutes, records and follow-up.

The Chair and Secretary should ensure that decisions are documented and communicated to the appropriate authority.

Quorum

Unless otherwise specified, quorum should consist of more than half of the appointed voting members.

Decision-Making

Committees should seek consensus where possible. Where consensus cannot be reached, decisions may be made by a simple majority of members present and voting. The Chair may have a casting vote only where authorised by the Terms of Reference.

Conflicts of Interest

Members must disclose any personal, professional, academic or financial interest in a matter under consideration. A conflicted member should not participate in the relevant decision.

Confidentiality

Members must protect confidential student, staff, research, financial, partnership and institutional information. Confidentiality continues after committee service ends.

Minutes and Records

Every formal meeting should produce minutes recording:

Date and attendance;
Agenda items;
Declared conflicts of interest;
Main points considered;
Decisions and recommendations;
Assigned responsibilities;
Deadlines; and
Matters requiring referral.

Minutes should be approved and securely retained.

Annual Reporting

Each permanent committee should submit an annual report summarising:

Meetings held;
Matters reviewed;
Decisions and recommendations;
Actions completed;
Unresolved issues;
Risks identified; and
Priorities for the following year.

Student Participation

Students should participate in committees dealing with student experience, quality, digital learning, inclusion, careers and general academic policy. Students should not participate in confidential decisions concerning another student’s grades, discipline, personal information or individual complaint.

External Advisers

RAU may invite qualified external advisers to participate in committee discussions. Their role may be advisory and non-voting unless formally determined otherwise.

Online Meetings

Because RAU is an online and internationally connected university, committees may meet through secure digital platforms. Electronic meetings, voting and document approval should follow the same standards of identity, confidentiality and record-keeping as physical meetings.

Committee Review

The University should review its committee structure periodically to ensure that:

Responsibilities remain clear;
Duplication is avoided;
Committees remain active and useful;
Decisions are implemented;
Membership reflects necessary expertise;
Student and faculty interests are represented;
Digital and academic risks are addressed; and
The committee system continues to serve RAU’s mission.

Committees may be merged, divided, renamed or restructured by the competent University authority when institutional development or operational experience demonstrates a clear need.

Roshan Afghanistan University
Free Education for All
Website: www.Afghanistan-uni.org
Email: info@Afghanistan-uni.org