(1) The Academic Quality Assurance processes of the University of New England (UNE) support academic excellence and ensure ongoing confidence in UNE’s academic programs. (2) This Policy defines a whole-of-institution quality assurance approach for: (3) Within this Policy: (4) Academic quality assurance at UNE is guided by key principles: (5) The Academic quality assurance is supported at all levels of the organisation, across the broad range of academic activities (research, teaching and learning, knowledge development, professional support) and is inclusive of academic partnerships and arrangements between UNE and third party providers that contribute to the academic outcomes of the University. (6) UNE’s Academic Quality Assurance Model defines the assurance structure and accountabilities across the University for managing risks to academic quality and inform decision making. This model defines the relationship between assurance functions and defines how responsibilities are segregated: (7) The governance, roles and responsibilities of the Academic Quality Assurance Model are defined in Parts B and C. (8) Institutional level governance bodies with accountability for Academic Quality Assurance include: (9) Institutional level governance roles with accountability for Academic Quality Assurance include: (10) Academic Quality provides a foundation for excellence via the process of continuous improvement and is realised through the four-stage UNE Quality Cycle of Plan, Act, Evaluate, and Improve. (11) The UNE Academic Quality Assurance Model defines the focus areas and scope of responsibilities for delivering Plan, Act, Evaluate and Improve activities. (12) Individual Policies, where required, define the detailed approach for successfully delivering the key activities of the focus areas defined above. (13) The Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 29 of the University of New England Act 1993 (NSW), makes this University policy. (14) The Policy Steward, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, is authorised to make Policies and associated information, that are consistent with this Policy, for the operation of this Policy. (15) (16) This Policy operates from the (17) Previous policy on academic quality assurance and any related documents are replaced and have no further operation from the (18) This Policy confirms the University’s commitment to quality and describe the approach for monitoring the professional accreditation requirements where applicable and statutory obligations under the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011, the Higher Education Standards Framework (Thresholds Standards) 2021, the (19) Notwithstanding the other provisions of this Policy, the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer may approve an exception to this Policy where the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer determines the application of this Policy would otherwise lead to an unfair, unreasonable or absurd outcome. Approvals by the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer under this clause must be documented in writing and must state the reason for the exception.Academic Quality Assurance Policy
Section 1 - Objectives and Scope
Part A - Academic Quality Assurance Model
Academic Quality Assurance Model
Table 1: Academic Quality Assurance Model
Assurance Level
1st Line
2nd Line
3rd Line
4th Line
Approach
Regulatory and standards obligations.
Part B - Academic Quality Assurance Governance
Part C - Academic Quality Management Approach
Table 2: Institutional Quality Assurance Focus Areas and Mechanisms
Focus Area / Purpose
Key Activities
Section 2 - Authority and Compliance
Authority
Compliance
View Current
This is the current version of this document. To view historic versions, click the link in the document's navigation bar.
Ongoing Self-monitoring of the risks to quality.
Application of management controls (policies and procedures).
Identification and management of risks to quality.
Independent compliance reporting to Committees.
Evaluation by internally independent assurers.
Independent reporting.
Independent External Compliance Reviews.
Reporting
Academic Board Committees
Academic Board Committees
Academic Board
Academic Board
Council
Government Regulators
Focus Areas
Operational level monitoring, risk identification and mitigation
Implement actions
Academic Governance Review
Corporate Governance Review
Institutional Level Monitoring and Review
Thematic Reviews
Academic Program Reviews
Third Party Provider (Academic Programs) Reviews
Benchmarking
1. Corporate Governance Review:
These reviews provide assurance that corporate governance in place has oversight of academic performance consistent with TEQSA Guidance and the UNE Act.
Corporate Governance provides assurance of strategic and continuity planning, risk management, financial management and risk factors, and the management of delegations as per the relevant legislation. This assurance includes regular self-monitoring and periodic external reviews of corporate governance functions at least every seven years
Confirm evidence of planning for academic quality and integrity.
Review financial risk factors and determine impact on support for academic program delivery.
Confirm evidence of assurance re compliance with academic quality standards, policies and processes and higher education regulations.
Undertake periodic Governance Body Review defined in the UNE Governance Framework.
2. Academic Governance Review
These reviews provide assurance that academic governance in place is undertaking its functions to support academic quality and integrity within UNE’s academic programs, and to advise the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer and Council of same.
Review of Academic Board and Committees re role in ensuring policies and frameworks for quality academic outcomes;
Academic Board and Committees oversight of monitoring academic program quality and deliver and Institutional academic metrics and actions to support continuous improvement.
3. Institutional Level Monitoring and Review
These reviews provide assurance that UNE’s institutional performance metrics relevant to academic quality assurance are being monitored and acted up as part of a continuous improvement approach.
Institutional Benchmark Performance Monitoring
TEQSA (Domains 1- 7), AQF, HESA, AQF and ESOS;
Higher Education Support Program Reviews e.g., HEPPP; Indigenous Tutorial Assistant Program; University Compact; Regional University Network program etc;
4. Thematic Reviews
These reviews provide assurance that UNE’s strategic and operational activities that cross Divisions, Schools, Academic and Professional responsibilities are structured and functioning effectively. Assess current or emerging strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities to academic quality.
Thematic reviews include assurance that:
UNE has academic leadership over its academic pedagogy that support students to gain knowledge and is at the level commensurate with the programs of study.
UNE’s places and spaces are fit for purpose and support the delivery and student experience of academic programs.
UNE as an institution and individual academic staff are engaged in scholarship and knowledge development activities that support and academic programs delivery.
Thematic Review are conducted on a rolling program scheduled and ad hoc basis in response to an identified risk or need.
Thematic reviews are conducted at school and institutional level.
School Review re performance; resources implement the strategy of the University, and is delivering quality outcomes in teaching and learning, research, community engagement, and student and staff performance.
Faculty Review re performance against Faculty Plan; resources, strategic alignment, and assurance re quality outcomes in teaching and learning, research, community engagement, and student and staff performance.
5. Academic Program Reviews
These reviews provide assurance that UNE’s academic programs are structured and functioning effectively.
QILT Review.
Student Progress and completions Reporting.
Course and Unit Reviews.
6. Third Party Provider (Academic Programs) Reviews
These reviews provide assurance that third party providers engaged by UNE are supporting academic programs delivery to the requisite quality standards set by and required by UNE so as to support student outcomes.
Third Party Provider (academic programs) quality reviews
Third Party Provider (academic programs) performance audits