2003 Key achievements
- International and Transnational Students
- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Response
- ESOS Compliance Framework
- Corporate Website
- Australian Universities Quality Agency Audit
- Transnational Program Review Cycle
- Project Quality System
International and Transnational Students
UniSA maintained its position as the largest provider of offshore education in Australia and the 5th largest provider of education to international students among Australian universities. We experienced growth of 21% in international onshore and 8% growth in transnational student (EFTSU) from 2002 to 2003. Transnational student numbers were affected by SARS, the appreciation of the Australian dollar and the downturn in offshore economies.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Response
Some activity simply cannot be planned and the outbreak of SARS in South East Asia required an emergency response to ensure the safety of staff and students and, where, possible, the continuity of transnational program delivery. The University’s Crisis Management Response addressed the safety of staff and students offshore, the perceived risk of international students arriving from affected regions and the development of alternative teaching modes for programs that would have been delivered in affected areas. For further information, please contact Rob Greig, Director UniSA International.
ESOS Compliance Framework
In providing higher education to international students, UniSA must comply with the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act. In 2003, UniSA International commissioned an internal audit of the compliance frameworks in place for the ESOS Act. The University's Planning and Assurance Services Unit found that the University’s response to ESOS requirements had been thorough, with sound compliance practices that were being well resourced and managed. For further information, please contact Project Officer, Compliance Irina Ferouleva.
Corporate Website
The UniSA corporate website went live in 2003 introducing new templates and web accessibility requirements. Considerable changes were made to the international prospective student, student exchange and staff travel pages. Specifically, the notion of providing information for the life cycle of a student enquiry was introduced to the international prospective students site.
Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA) Audit
In preparation for the AUQA audit in March 2004, the University thoroughly reviewed and documented its performance across all areas of business. A considerable feature of the audit was to examine our management and delivery of transnational programs. Consequently, transnational education was selected as a UniSA 2003 Corporate Priority.
Transnational Program Review Cycle
Developed and endorsed by the International Quality Steering Group, the framework for reviewing transnational programs is based on the self assessment audits of the West review (Word - staff access only). The review team requests and considers self assessment reports from transnational program partners. Site visits are used to investigate the self assessment report and discuss potential recommendations. The Transnational Program Review Cycle operates within existing quality assurance processes. For more information please contact Rob Greig, Director International.
Project Quality System
The Project Quality System (PQS) was developed to manage revenue generating projects across the University. Initially designed for research projects, the University has developed an application of the system for use in managing the quality of transnational education. Partner selection, contract development, budget preparation and strategic fit of transnational programs and partners are addressed in the PQS enhancement. For further information please contact Mark Gorringe, ISO Quality Officer.