High praise from national quality audit
by Michèle Nardelli
The University of South Australia has passed its national quality audit with flying colours.
Only the second SA University to be audited by the Australian Universities Quality Agency, the University has received 16 commendations for good practice from the auditors highlighting a robust quality assurance framework, good governance and strategic management, high quality assurance standards for offshore education programs, flexible program delivery, strong support for local and international students and a positive focus on innovation and contributing to the community.
The audit team spent four days in Adelaide, visited three countries to look at UniSA’s offshore programs and interviewed over 400 people including UniSA staff and students, Council members and education and industry partners.
The report findings noted that the University was well managed, responded to opportunities with speed and flexibility and demonstrated a culture of innovation.
Welcoming the AUQA report Vice Chancellor Professor Denise Bradley said she was extremely proud of the results and how well they reflected the commitment of the whole University community – staff, students and community partners.
“In the past seven years the university sector has met so many new challenges,“ Professor Bradley said.
“As an institution established just 13 years ago, UniSA has grown with a determination to make a difference to the community and the students who study with us in South Australia and around the world.
“We have had a very clear view that a modern institution must operate with an explicit approach to quality assurance as it implements its strategic intentions. This audit report makes clear we are responsive and innovative but also aware of the necessity of assuring the quality of all that we do.“
But perhaps it is best to summarise in the auditor’s words:
There is … a culture of innovation, combined with a willingness to abandon
ideas if they do not work.
The University is good at leveraging opportunities with speed and
flexibility. Also, staff express the view that new ideas are acknowledged
and appreciated within UniSA.
The far-reaching aspirations of the University and its ability as an organisation to consistently move towards them, are notable.
To read the report on the net, go to
www.auqa.edu.au/qualityaudit/sai_reports/index.shtml
Click here to view UniSA's sixteen commendations from AUQA