1. Purpose of policy

This policy identifies the requirements for and the purpose, scope and nature of external cyclical reviews of Schools at USC.

2. Policy scope and application

This policy applies to each School of USC.

3. Definitions

Please refer to the University’s Glossary of Terms for policies and procedures.

4. Policy Statement

4.1 Requirements for School reviews

4.1.1 External reviews of each School will be undertaken at least every seven years.

4.1.2 Each external School review will be undertaken by a review panel appointed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), the membership of which must comprise a majority of persons with no formal association with the particular School to be reviewed or with the University.

4.1.3 Each School review will be conducted in accordance with the latest version of the School Review Procedures associated with this policy.

4.2 Purposes, scope and nature of School reviews

4.2.1 External School reviews are intended to contribute to identification and implementation of changes, developments and improvements that could be made in relation to a School in order to ensure continued quality assurance and quality improvement in their capacity to deliver teaching, learning and research activities.

4.2.2 Each review will entail evidence-based evaluations of the extent to which, and the effectiveness of the means by which:

(i) a School’s operations and outcomes have contributed to achievement of the University’s priorities, strategic objectives and targets;

(ii) a School’s practices and processes are consistent with higher education sector norms and expectations;

(iii) a School has contributed to the University’s ongoing compliance with relevant national Higher Education Standards and other legislation.

4.2.3 The review panel will provide independent advice and recommendations, derived from the evaluations, to assist each School and the University in identifying:

(i) School strengths, good practices, positive outcomes and productive improvements in performance in recent years, and ongoing compliance with relevant Higher Education Standards and other legislation; and

(ii) areas in which School practices, performance and outcomes should be enhanced or

improved, including in relation to comparable practices, performance and outcomes elsewhere, approaches to assuring and improving quality, and maintaining compliance with relevant Higher Education Standards and other legislation.

4.2.3 Each external School review will address the approved terms of reference for the review in a School Review Portfolio.

4.2.4 Each review will result in a School developing a response to the review findings, an action plan to address review recommendations, progress reports and a final report on implementation of the plan, consistent with the School Review Procedures associated with this policy.

5. Authorities/Responsibilities

The following authorities are delegated under this policy:

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