Understanding the HEC's Program Review for Evaluation and Enhancement (PREE)

The Program Level Review for Evaluation and Enhancement (PREE) is a quality assurance mechanism introduced by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan through its Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). It provides a structured process for universities to evaluate and enhance their academic programs, ensuring alignment with national standards and responsiveness to the evolving needs of students, employers, and society.

Purpose and Frequency

PREE is conducted periodically - typically every few years - to assess academic programs at the departmental level. The process promotes continuous improvement, enabling programs to evaluate their strengths, and identify areas requiring development. Beyond compliance, PREE helps institutions embed a culture of reflection and enhancement in their academic practices.

Framework and Standards

HEC’s PREE framework operates under the Precepts, Standards, and Guidelines (PSG-2023). Programs are evaluated across eight standards that collectively define academic quality:

1.    Programme Mission, Objectives and Outcomes
2.    Curriculum Design and Organization
3.    Subject-Specific Facilities
4.    Student Advising and Counselling
5.    Teaching Faculty and Staff
6.    Institutional Policies and Process Control
7.    Institutional Support and Facilities
8.    Institutional General Requirements
 

These standards provide a framework ensuring that every element from curriculum relevance and faculty's competence to infrastructure and institutional policies contributes effectively to student learning and program goals, and ultimately, to the institution’s mission. 

The Self-Assessment Report (SAR)

At the heart of the PREE process lies the Self-Assessment Report (SAR) prepared by each department. The SAR is a detailed reflection of how the program meets the PREE standards. It presents evidence on curriculum design, faculty qualifications, student learning outcomes, feedback mechanisms, and resource adequacy. Preparing the SAR allows the departments to critically review their own practices and set a clear roadmap for improvement. 

Review and Evaluation

Once the SAR is submitted, internal and external reviewers assess the program. Internal reviewers understand institutional priorities and context, while external reviewers, academic or industry experts, bring objectivity and benchmarking against national and international standards. Together, they evaluate the evidence, engage with the program team, and produce a report highlighting commendations and recommendations to improve the program.

Outcomes and Enhancements

The PREE process typically results in actionable improvements such as curricular revisions - through the introduction of new courses, enhanced teaching and learning strategies, and faculty development initiatives. It also helps institutions strengthen their student support systems and align programs more closely with the institution’s mission and labor market demands by adopting practices recommended by external reviewers.

Value for Smaller Universities

For smaller universities, PREE adds significant value. With limited administrative and academic resources, smaller institutions benefit from the structured framework PREE provides. It helps them prioritize effectively, optimize faculty and facility resources, and gain credibility through transparent, evidence-based assessment. The external validation from peer reviewers enhances their academic reputation and fosters a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

PREE is more than an evaluation, it is a transformative process that drives institutional learning and quality enhancement. By adhering to HEC’s national standards and embedding regular reflection into academic practice, universities can ensure their programs remain relevant, competitive, and impactful. Whether large or small, every institution stands to benefit from the structured improvement and strategic insight that PREE brings to higher education in Pakistan. 

AI tools were used to assist with grammar refinement and readability improvements in this blog.