Source: University of Waikato
The University of Waikato has been recognised for its high-quality teaching, learning support and student outcomes by the Academic Quality Agency as part of its Cycle 6 Academic Audit.
The University received one of its strongest ever results, achieving 19 commendations supporting the University’s strategic direction and recognising its leadership and management of teaching and learning as an area of strength.
The audit involves a self-review report reflecting on activities at the University over the past seven years and is measured against an audit framework of 30 guideline statements. The Audit Panel also conducted a site visit and interviews with 74 staff and 29 students in September this year.
The final report commended the University’s strategic framework, its commitment to using data to inform planning and reporting, its support for the diverse student body and staff professional teaching development opportunities and our mature approach to managing risks to the quality and continuity of teaching and learning.
“The results of the Cycle 6 Academic Audit are extremely pleasing, and the 19 commendations made by the Panel represent one of our best ever results. They confirm the University is delivering high-quality teaching, learning support and student outcomes underpinned by a strong strategic direction,” says Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Professor Robyn Longhurst.
Along with commending the University’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic and how the University’s Treaty of Waitangi Statement underpins work across the University, the Panel recognised the Ōritetanga programme that supports the learning of all students but especially Māori and Pacific students, and the work-integrated learning programme that helps students transition into the workplace.
“It is extremely pleasing to see these key initiatives and programmes receiving recognition for the outcomes they are achieving for our students and staff,” says Professor Longhurst.
The development of The Pā and Tauranga campus were recognised as valuable additions to the teaching and learning environment and the University was also commended for its flexible approach to teaching and learning (including FLEXI papers) that has provided resilience for the University and supported accessibility for students
In total the Panel made 19 commendations, 15 affirmations and 11 recommendations supporting the strategic direction of the University.
