Academic audit gives Auckland good grade

By STUART DYE


The country's top-ranked university has been praised for its service to students, but told to tighten up some procedures.

A report of the Universities Academic Audit Unit focuses on teaching quality, programme delivery and the achievement of learning outcomes.

For the University of Auckland, it concludes that there is much that is positive and innovative, and students are attracted to the university because of its high reputation. But the unit warns that reputation should not be taken for granted.

"The challenge facing such a large, diverse and complex institution is to ensure that the university meets its own high expectations and the expectations of those who come to learn."

Among the recommendations were to:

* Review the roles and responsibilities of key committees, deans and heads of schools.

* Develop quality assurance processes for teaching and learning that are more coherent and effective.

* Formulate a clear definition of the international and intercultural dimension in teaching and learning.

* Ensure that mechanisms for supporting Maori and Pacific Island students are robust and effective.

Several of the recommendations in the report are designed to strengthen the university's own initiatives, put in place this year.

They include development of teaching and learning plans and evaluation of teaching and programme delivery.

The university earned praise for its efforts to enhance the quality of life for students.

Other initiatives and services that gained approval included:

* The positive impact of the School Partnership Office and Equal Opportunities Office.

* Efforts to improve staff orientation and induction.

* The emerging distinctive profile of the Tamaki Campus and its teaching and learning innovations.

* Development and implementation of the distance learning management system.

* Efforts to address the issue of English language proficiency.

Acting Vice-Chancellor Raewyn Dalziel said the audit results highlighted areas already identified and prioritised by the university.