Cycle 1 AUQA Audit

This page includes the background to the 2006 Cycle 1 AUQA audit of UWS, the outcomes of the audit and the resources that emerged from this process.

Background

The Australian Universities Quality Agency (opens in a new window)(AUQA) audited UWS during 2006. Overall the audit delivered a positive assessment of the University´s progress against its mission and objectives and endorsed its quality management system.

The University conducted a detailed Trial Audit during May 2006 and submitted a Performance Portfolio to AUQA in July. The AUQA Cycle 1 audit site visit took place from 15-19 October 2006. A selection of the offshore operations of the University was also audited, with AUQA visiting five partners in three countries.

During October 2006, the Panel held interviews with staff, students and other stakeholders from all campuses. In all, the Audit Panel spoke with over 280 people, including the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, members of the Board of Trustees, Academic Senate, senior management, academic and general staff, research students, international students, Indigenous students, undergraduate and postgraduate students, research sponsors and community partners.

Outcomes

The final report (opens in a new window)(PDF, 274Kb) of the Cycle 1 AUQA audit of UWS details the Audit Panel's findings: commendations, affirmations and recommendations.

Commendations

  • Strong corporate and academic governance under the leadership of the BOT & Academic Senate
  • Strong leadership and effective management by the VC and executive team in challenging & transitional times, in developing and implementing innovative & coherent structures & procedures that will provide a sound foundation for future development
  • Development of computer-supported quality systems for consolidating data and tracking processes including the Online Course Approval System, and the Tracking and Improvement in Learning and Teaching system
  • Heads of Program Network which has increased the visibility of the important contributions of heads of program, & facilitates peer support and leadership development Significant improvements demonstrated in the Library over a short period of time & exemplary use of benchmarking for monitoring the quality of the services
  • Development of the computer-supported Complaints Handling System & for using it effectively for continuous quality improvement
  • Effective use of the Register of Research Activity to encourage further research activity, & for providing PD opportunities for researchers & higher degree research supervisors
  • Fulfilling our mission with a deeply embedded culture of commitment to serve the people of GWS in a mutually beneficial way through programs such as the Cooperative Education Program

Affirmations

  1. More integrated and linked planning
  2. Review assessment practices
  3. Further enhancement for WebCT and blended learning
  4. Further refinement, support and use of research concentrations
  5. Implement a whole-of-university engagement strategy
  6. Align human resources with strategic priorities
  7. Sharpen the University's workload system
  8. Monitor client service in student administration and support

Recommendations

  1. More targeted benchmarking with like institutions
  2. Self-sufficiency (A) and improvement of business development office
  3. Quality Management for Offshore international operations
  4. Identify the distinctive UWS student experience
  5. Increased HDR enrolments, support and completions
  6. Implement Indigenous Education commitment & add a graduate attribute
  7. Implement a more rigorous staff evaluation and review system
  8. Develop a more robust strategic approach to the governance of IT

Resources 

 

 

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