Transnational Quality Assurance Procedures

Parent Policy

Collaborative Coursework Arrangements Policy

This set of procedures applies to all coursework programs that involve the delivery of Monash courses with higher education provider/s in other countries.

1. Quality monitoring and review will be undertaken to ensure that contractual arrangements are suitable and are being effectively implemented, and that the academic, business, strategic and reputational case for continuing each arrangement is appropriately considered.

Responsibility

ODVCI, Vice-Chancellors Group International, International Advisory Group, Education Committee, Faculties.

2. Monitoring and review activity consists of two elements:
a) an Annual Monitoring Report; and
b) a formal review of each agreement at least every three years. 

Responsibility

ODVCI, Vice-Chancellors Group International, International Advisory Group, Education Committee, Faculties.

3. Annual Monitoring Report
The Annual Monitoring Report is to focus of the is on student performance and satisfaction and financial viability of each transnational arrangement.

Responsibility

ODVCI, Vice-Chancellors Group International, International Advisory Group, Education Committee, Faculties.

4. Faculties must complete and submit an Annual Monitoring Report to ODVCI before 1 October each year using the template approved by Education Committee.  

Responsibility

ODVCI, Faculties

5.  Formal Review Process
Triennial reviews are organised at partnership 'site' level such that they involve all faculties involved with that partner.  This approach is consistent with the structure of the contracts which exist between Monash and the partner.

Responsibility

ODVCI, Faculties

6. Scope of Triennial Review

The following dimensions form the basis of Triennial Reviews:

• assessment of the suitability of the contractual arrangements and the effectiveness of their implementation;
• assessment of student performance and satisfaction and comparison with data for other modes of offering;
• assessment of financial viability - cost drivers specified by FiRM.

Responsibility

ODVCI, Faculties

7. Triennial Review Procedures

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (International) appoints a panel to undertake the review on their behalf (see section 10).

The review commences with a self-review undertaken by each faculty operating courses with the partner. The self-review presents an opportunity for each faculty to consider course directions, progress, achievements and strengths, as well as areas for development and improvement and the means of achieving these. 

The partner is invited to provide written comment to the panel on its assessment of the effectiveness of the arrangements with the university.

The review panel considers the self-review documentation and may then seek additional information of faculties, either by meeting with relevant faculty staff or by requesting further documentation. 

The panel then undertakes a site visit which should include as a minimum interviews with partner management and staff and with selected students from the courses involves, as well as an inspection of facilities.  A typical site visit schedule is provided in Appendix 3.

The review panel prepares a written report, which will typically include commendations of good practice and recommendations for improvement.  The report is submitted to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (International) who through the International Advisory Group, the Vice-Chancellors Group (International) and Education Committee ensures the implementation of the recommendations.

Responsibility

ODVCI, Faculties, the International Advisory Group, the Vice-Chancellors Group (International) and Education Committee.

8. Triennial Review Cycle and Schedule

Transnational collaborative teaching arrangements with each partner are normally reviewed every three years.  VCGI determines the schedule of reviews and provides information to CHEQ for inclusion on the online Review Database.

Responsibility

ODVCI, Centre for Higher Education Quality

9. Support

Quality assurance and improvement are core responsibilities for each faculty and budgeting for faculty activities is therefore part of the normal planning and budgeting process. 

Review panel costs are met through the Office of the DVC (International).  Briefing on procedures for faculty staff is available through the Director, International Education.  Executive assistance for review panels is provided through the Office of the DVC (International).

Responsibility

ODVCI

10. Review Panel

Review panels are selected by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (International) and comprise qualified, experienced Monash staff, with the majority of staff external to the programs under review.  The review panel typically has four or five members and is chaired by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (International) or nominee.

Responsibility

DVCI

11. Review Report

The Chair of the review panel, working closely with the Director, International Education, drafts the review report, seeking comment and input from the panel as appropriate.  A draft of the report is provided to the faculty contact person, for comment.  The final report is then submitted to IAG which provides it to the relevant faculties and other interested parties which may include VCG (International).  ODVCI’s activities are reported to Academic Board and Education Committee.

Responsibility

Director, International Education, International Advisory Group, VCG (International).

12. Achieving Improvement

On receiving the review report each Dean, in consultation with ODVCI, decides priorities and develops an implementation plan for approval by IAG and VCGI.  As well as prioritising actions, the implementation plan assigns responsibilities, assess resource implications and provide timelines for implementation.

Faculties provide progress reports to IAG and VCGI as requested on progress against the implementation plan.

Responsibility

Faculties, International Advisory Group, VCG (International).

Contact Person: Education Policy