Welcome to the website for the Academic Quality Framework Evaluation System. This website has been designed to demonstrate the design, regulatory foundations, and impact or outputs of the Evaluation System on enhancing evaluation capacity and capabilities at the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ).
At UniSQ, the Academic Quality Framework (2019-2023) stands as a transformative Evaluation System aimed at elevating academic governance, evidence-informed decision-making, and comprehensive diagnostic analysis of university programs. By mirroring the components of our curriculum offerings, the Evaluation System streamlines accreditation and re-accreditation processes while fostering a culture of evaluative theory and practice. With an extensive suite of reports, it facilitates ongoing monitoring and supports data-driven decision-making for improved student experience.
The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) is a regional Australian university, located in southeast Queensland. The university has three campuses: Ipswich, Toowoomba, and Springfield. The University of Southern Queensland acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waterways where the University is located. Further, we acknowledge the cultural diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and pay respect to Elders past, present, and future.
Overview of the Evaluation System
Unlocking Excellence: Embracing Systemic Change for Optimal Quality Improvement
Recognizing the need to surpass the minimum requirements set by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), UniSQ’s Evaluation System was meticulously crafted to go above and beyond legislative obligations. Collaboratively co-designed with our dedicated academic staff, it empowers those who deliver the curriculum to contribute their invaluable insights, providing them with a direct feedback pathway to the university’s executive. With a deep commitment to embedding a culture of evaluative theory and practice, our Evaluation System operates on a systemic level, unravelling the intricacies of the quality assurance ecosystem. Overcoming the challenges of cultural change after a prolonged period of neglecting evaluation, this framework seeks to enhance the student experience and foster continuous improvement throughout our institution.
The Academic Quality Framework Evaluation System’s aim is to:
- Enhance academic governance and evidence-informed decision-making
- Streamline accreditation and re-accreditation processes for academic programs
- Foster a culture of evaluative theory and practice
- Provide an extensive suite of reports for ongoing monitoring and data-driven decision-making
- Improve the student experience through comprehensive diagnostic analysis
- Ensure accessibility to all staff members within the university
- Mirror the components of our curriculum offerings for a cohesive evaluation approach
Background and Challenges Leading to the Development of the Evaluation System
In 2018, as part of the re-registration process under the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011, UniSQ faced the challenge of demonstrating comprehensive diagnostic analysis for each of its higher education programs. This requirement prompted a journey to develop a new quality assurance framework that would strengthen academic governance and enable evidence-informed strategic decision-making regarding courses, programs, and the student experience.
To meet this challenge, UniSQ initiated a commission to develop the Academic Quality Framework, which aimed to provide a robust structure for evaluating and improving academic activities. The framework’s conception, subsequent rollout, and progress tracking were documented in a series of endorsed reports, ensuring transparency and thorough academic governance throughout the implementation process.
Overall, the challenges presented during the re-registration process prompted the development of the Evaluation System as a transformative solution. By aligning with the Academic Quality Framework, the system empowers UniSQ to make informed decisions, enhance academic governance, and ensure the provision of high-quality education to its students.
By establishing the Evaluation System within the Academic Quality Framework, UniSQ aimed to address the need for comprehensive diagnostic analysis and evidence-based decision-making. This system served as a strategic response to the challenges posed by the re-registration process, paving the way for continuous improvement and enhancing the quality of education and services offered.
Through the implementation of the Evaluation System, UniSQ embraced a proactive approach to evaluating its programs, courses, and the overall student experience. The system’s development and integration into academic governance processes demonstrates UniSQ’s commitment to meeting external requirements while fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Read more about the origin and background to the project via the following published reports:
Citations:
- Alderman, L. (2019). USQ Academic Quality Project Final Report. Brisbane: The Evaluators’ Collective.
- Alderman, L. (2019). Business Specification for USQ Academic Quality Suite of Reports. Brisbane: The Evaluators’ Collective.
