Annual Report
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ANNUAL REPORT Quality Enhancement Committee 2017 - 2018 Table of Contents Executive Summary ..................................................................................................................................3 Section A: Quality Enhancement Strategy Developments .......................................................................4 1.Summary & Overview ............................................................................................................................4 2. UCC Quality Activities ...........................................................................................................................6 I. Evaluation of Academic Quality Review Process ............................................................................... 6 II. Analysis of Academic Review Recommendations ............................................................................ 12 III. Student Reviewer Digital Badges ................................................................................................. 15 IV. University Student Surveys Board ................................................................................................ 15 V. Quality Review Schedule .................................................................................................................. 17 3. External Quality Developments ......................................................................................................... 19 I. Institutional Review of UCC by Quality & Qualifications Ireland: .................................................... 19 II. International Projects ...................................................................................................................... 22 Section B: Quality Review Reports ........................................................................................................ 24 1. Published Review Reports: 2017/2018 ........................................................................................... 24 School of Music & Theatre Studies Panel Report .................................................................................. 24 Department of Government & Politics Panel Report ............................................................................ 28 Lewis Glucksman Gallery Panel Report ................................................................................................. 31 Marketing and Communications Panel Report ..................................................................................... 34 OCLA Panel Report ................................................................................................................................ 36 Language Centre Panel Report .............................................................................................................. 40 Information Services Panel Report ........................................................................................................ 43 2. Recent Peer Reviews (2018) ............................................................................................................ 45 School of Engineering ............................................................................................................................ 45 Cork University Business School ............................................................................................................ 46 Section C: Annual Institutional Quality Report (AIQR) .......................................................................... 47 2 Executive Summary Section A This report details the outcomes of quality activities for the academic year 2017/18 up to January 2019. The report includes: a 360˚ evaluation of the academic review method undertaken by the Quality Enhancement Unit as an important part of our own commitment to enhancement. This review was an evaluation of the effectiveness of the current academic review process in advancing an enhancement agenda consistent with institutional strategic objectives. An analysis of the strategic outcomes of academic review from 2017/18 identifies key issues for consideration at management levels. Student-centred quality approaches are reflected in the Digital Badges initiative and the University Surveys Board which both give a focal point to enhancing student engagement and feedback processes institutionally. Section B Published Quality Review Reports for 2017/18 and details of Quality Review Reports in preparation are provided for information. Section C Provides for noting the penultimate draft of UCC’s Annual Institutional Quality Report (AIQR) (Part 1) to Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). This report is a requirement as part of the national quality framework for quality monitoring, it serves to confirm alignment with national and European quality requirements and is a public document published on the QQI website following submission in February 2019. Recommendations That the Governing Body approves this report and its publication on the University web site. That the Governing Body refers this report for discussion and consideration of any actions to be taken to the Academic Council and other University bodies. 3 Section A: Quality Enhancement Strategy Developments 1. Summary & Overview The Annual Report of the Quality Enhancement Committee provides the Governing Body with an account of the operation of the University’s quality assurance procedures as required by the University’s Act (1997) and in accordance with the Qualifications & Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 (paras 28 & 29). These requirements include: procedures for quality assurance and enhancement of education, research and services; the application of these procedures on a cycle of at least every seven years; the identification of actions arising from evaluation required to improve the quality of education, research and services and the provision of public information on the outcome of quality evaluations. In particular sections B and C provide information on the quality assurance procedures in operation. The University Strategic Plan 2017-2022 states clearly the University’s commitment to a quality enhancement approach: By embedding a strong quality-enhancement ethos, we will use our quality processes to ensure a culture and experience of best practice in the delivery of our academic mission, demonstrating our commitment to continuous evolution and improvement (p.23) Quality Enhancement Unit as the executive arm of the Quality Enhancement Committee has been working steadily to advance an enhancement led approach to quality and the work reported in Section A of this report speaks to that endeavour. The reference point for this focus is the Quality Enhancement Policy https://www.ucc.ie/en/qeu/quality-enhancement-policy/ : Our approach to quality is founded on openness, systematic self-evaluation, engagement with peer review processes and a commitment to enhancement-based outcomes that are responsive, creative, enabling and student-centred. The evaluation of the academic review process conducted in 2018, which involved all key stakeholders including Heads of Academic Units, Student Reviewers, External Peer Reviewers, Internal Peer Reviewers and Review Chairs allowed a systematic and evidence based assessment of the effectiveness of the current model. The outcomes of that review point confirm the value of embedding the aims and needs of the unit under review in the objectives for review, the provision of support from QEU and others customised to the needs of the unit under review as part of realising further an enhancement approach in our periodic review method. Analysis of the outcomes from peer review and in particular the strategic dimensions of some of the recurring themes has provided valuable information to support management level discussion within academic units, and at UMT level. As part of the overall institutional performance strategy and management approach it has been agreed that an Analysis of Quality Review outcomes will be integrated into the UMTS annual planning approach. Furthermore the refinement of the academic review method and integration of review outcomes into strategy and performance planning is reflected in UCC’s Mission Based Performance Compact with the Higher Education Authority. In terms of student-centred activities, the development of Digital Badges for Student Reviewers provides a unique way for the University to recognise student contribution to quality enhancement. The quality of student engagement has been commended by external peer reviewers who have viewed it as an innovative and effective feature of UCC’s quality review methodology. Importantly 4 the participation of students in this way, which is based on effective partnership with the Student’s Union sabbatical officers allows a vibrant student-centred focus in the conduct of quality review. The work of the University Student Surveys Board, provides an important focal point for furthering student engagement and the development of a distinctive academic experience. Some excellent foundations for quality enhancement have been laid down to date and the next stage is to build further upon these working collaboratively with colleagues across the University, with students and with external stakeholders. Some of the key actions for quality enhancement include: further development of resources and supports to facilitate the educational quality objectives of academic units contributing to the implementation of the Connected Curriculum particularly where