University of the Sunshine Coast The University has adopted an approach to quality assurance and quality improvement that is underpinned by four principles:
The University is currently developing a comprehensive plan on quality assurance and quality improvement; however, some initial steps have been taken or identified and these are discussed below. Continuous improvement The University has included, as a standard element in its policies, provisions for review and, in many cases, formal reporting on the performance of that policy. A series of annual reporting requirements have been implemented which allow for review of all major university activities. The annual Strategic Plan review, in particular, is centrally concerned with quality and is conducted by external consultants. To facilitate the review of service provision, an understanding of service improvement techniques is a key selection criterion for all supervisory positions within the University’s administration. Input and involvement Quality in the University’s academic activities, especially course development and senior academic staff appointments, is assured through the inclusion of senior academic staff from other institutions, practising professionals, industry representatives and students at each level of the decision-making process. In addition, the University has made a range of adjunct academic appointments that facilitate more regular interaction between University academic staff and experts from other organisations. The process commenced in 1994 and there has been, and continues to be, extensive involvement of staff from established universities. Quality in the University’s administrative activities is similarly assured through the inclusion of key stakeholders in the development, implementation and evaluation of major activities such as promotions, staff recruitment, enrolments and examinations. Empowerment of staff and students The University has adopted a policy of student and staff inclusion on all decision-making and advisory bodies within the institution. This ensures that stakeholders are in a position to identify both areas of improvement as well as priorities for improvement. Systematic use of qualitative and quantitative feedback The University has, as part of its Enterprise Bargaining negotiations, reached agreement with the National Tertiary Education Industry Union on the introduction of a number of quality-related processes. While the detail is not yet finalised qualitative mechanisms such as a performance planning portfolio for each member of staff, peer evaluation of teaching, and student comment on teaching are expected to be in place by the end of 1998. It is anticipated that from 1999, when the first large group of graduates enter the marketplace, the University will utilise the Course Experience Questionnaire developed by the Graduate Careers Council of Australia and participate in the annual Graduate Destination Survey conducted by that body. Being in its early years of establishment the University does not believe that there is yet sufficient data to develop internal benchmarks nor is there sufficient comparability with other institutions to establish external benchmarks. The use of quantitative indicators, then, will be introduced at some future point once sufficient base-line data is available. Links with other universities internationally will help the international benchmarking process. Mr Michael McIntyre, Registrar |