policy & reform impost on providers. We take seriously evidence-based critique of our approaches or suggestions for streamlining our business processes or policies.
As well as implementing improvements identified through consultations and our internal business reviews, we are working closely with the Australian Skills Quality Authority to streamline processes for multisector providers.
A key area for attention is reducing duplication in the parallel processes for accountability presently required by the TEQSA Act and the ESOS Act. In the interests of regulatory certainty, we will avoid making piecemeal changes, but will announce a package of revised processes later this year.
The tertiary sector is moving towards greater integration. In July last year, we took on delegated responsibility under the ESOS Act for all CRICOS obligations, not only for higher education providers but also for 28 ELICOS providers and two foundation program providers. We now have the capacity to take a holistic view in relation to the quality of higher education, and its regulation.
The agency recognises that it has a significant role in instilling confidence internationally in the quality of Australian higher education. Our international strategy has three main objectives: fostering cooperative relations with overseas regulatory and quality assurance agencies; extending TEQSA’ s capacity to conduct regulatory activities overseas where Australian institutions are active; and building confidence in Australia’ s higher education sector.
In late February this year, TEQSA signed memoranda of cooperation with the United Kingdom’ s Quality Assurance Agency and Singapore’ s Council for Private Education, to formalise existing ties, particularly in the areas of information sharing, dialogue on best practice and joint projects on quality assurance and regulatory matters.
TEQSA encourages innovative approaches to teaching and learning, research and business operations in higher education. The standards-based approach is flexible enough to allow providers to adapt and thrive in response to changes in the domestic and international higher education market.
A particular topic of interest in the sector is the emergence of new forms of online technology, such as multimedia, video and online conferencing tools, podcasting lectures and‘ online only’ courses. When designed effectively, eLearning is recognised for its potential to enhance learning and to increase student accessibility to higher education.
The TEQSA Act supports multiple means through which higher education can be delivered. Providers are required to demonstrate that outcomes for students will be achieved, whatever the chosen method of delivery. Our focus remains on ensuring the interests of students are protected.
The evidence supplied by providers to demonstrate compliance will be different to other delivery modes, but the standards remain constant. TEQSA will be issuing an information sheet shortly to explain our approach to the regulation of providers currently employing or contemplating the use of online technologies.
Australia’ s higher education sector continues to change and evolve in response to the dynamic context of domestic reform and international competition. TEQSA is an essential part of the higher education architecture, supporting the ongoing delivery of quality education and a strong advocate for the sector in many forums. n
Dr Carol Nicoll is TEQSA’ s chief commissioner.
Vice-Chancellor and President
The University of Western Sydney( UWS) seeks to appoint a successor to Professor Janice Reid who will conclude her term in December 2013 after successfully leading the University since 1998. Professor Reid has overseen the significant development of UWS into a vibrant and large metropolitan university with a rapidly growing profile and reputation in the sector. The new Vice-Chancellor will embrace UWS’ s mission, vision and values, bringing the leadership, commitment, energy and vision required to deliver on its promise to the students, staff and region.
Founded in 1989, UWS is uniquely the inheritor of Greater Western Sydney’ s diverse historical traditions and the aspirations of its people. The University is committed to an academic focus that is contemporary, interdisciplinary, creative, innovative and international in its outlook.
UWS has a number of outstanding areas of research concentration which have an excellent reputation nationally and internationally. The University is also performing strongly in national competitive grant income and national research assessments.
With over 40,000 students enrolled across its campuses in a comprehensive range of academic disciplines, UWS is a substantial and influential institution.
As the academic head and Chief Executive Officer of UWS, the Vice-Chancellor will have( among other attributes):
• doctoral level academic qualifications, a strong understanding of what constitutes excellence and innovation in teaching and demonstrated success in research and research leadership;
• a highly engaged, broad and strategic understanding of the nature and context of, and challenges for, the higher education sector nationally and internationally;
• an understanding of, and demonstrable support for, the University’ s mission, values and commitment to the Greater Western Sydney and Asia-Pacific regions;
• demonstrated successful leadership of a complex organisation, including experience in managing human, physical, technological and financial resources;
• experience in strategic leadership including leading successful institutional innovation;
Application Process Potential applicants should direct their enquiries to the consultant advising the University on this appointment:
Elaine Connor Managing Consultant, Jo Fisher Executive Search Email: vcuws @ jofisher. com Phone: + 61 2 8569 4900
An information booklet is available for prospective candidates. Applications close 15 April 2013
• demonstrated strength in building effective networks, which may be with business, governments or the community, together with evidence of standing and impact as a public intellectual; and
• outstanding communication, collaboration and negotiation skills, the capacity to inspire others and the ability to interact authentically with people from all walks of life.
www. campusreview. com. au March 2013 | 21