Preparation for Audit
The AUQA audit process operates on a five or six year cycle, and is an opportunity for both internal and external review of the University's operations. In preparing for the 2009 audit the University has developed a detailed plan to assure the quality of its internal operations.
The AUQA audit preparation plan includes the following steps:
- A 'desk review' of the University's operations against the National Protocols for Higher Education Approval Processes - this is a requirement of all Universities undergoing Cycle 2 audit, and was submitted to AUQA in May 2008.
- Selection of two 'themes' or activity areas which will be scrutinised by AUQA in this audit: AUQA has approved the selection of International Activities and Flexible Learning.
- Development of a Communication Plan, including briefings on the audit process to the University community (including Council, Academic Board, all Schools, student groups, administrative organisational units, partnership entities).
- A self review of the University's activities, including reviewing the outcomes made on recommendations from the 2003 Cycle 1 audit and an internal check on all activities, particularly those of relevance to the two theme areas.
- Development of a Performance Portfolio, based on the outcomes of the self review, for submission to AUQA in April 2009.
Once the Performance Portfolio has been submitted to AUQA there will be a preparatory visit to the University by the audit panel Chair and the AUQA Audit Director, to discuss the audit visit program. At this time the University will also receive advice from AUQA about the membership of the audit team, the University personnel they wish to talk to and the University sites, including offshore and other partnership sites, they will visit.
The audit week will be in July 2009. Following the audit visit the University will receive the Audit Report and will commence its post-audit implementation activities. AUQA require a Progress Report 12 months after the release of the Audit Report.
A more detailed project plan is available in the Preparation for Audit document.