Review of Established Sealed Award Courses (Higher Education) Procedure

Policy code: AG1281
Policy owner: Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching)
Approval authority: Pro Vice-Chancellor, Learning and Teaching
Approval date: 25 February 2025
Next review date: 16 February 2026

Purpose
Scope
Legislative context
Definitions
Actions
(1). Course review schedule
(2). Preparing for the Course Review Panel membership and meeting date
(3). Preparing the Self Review Report for Institute Board
(4). Course Review Panel meeting process
(5). Development of the Course Review Panel report ready for Institute/School response and committee approval
(6). Continuous quality assurance and improvement
(7). Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Course Review
Supporting Documents
Responsibilities
Promulgation
Implementation
Records Management

Purpose

This procedure describes the process and criteria for the review of all established sealed award courses that are not courses conducted solely by research.

This review process quality assures the content, teaching, academic integrity, academic standards, student experience and outcomes of Higher Education HE established sealed award courses at Federation University Australia and facilitates timely and purposeful improvement in a planned and systematic manner.

Scope

This procedure applies to all established sealed award Higher Education courses. This procedure forms part of the University's quality assurance framework for undergraduate, coursework related courses and Higher Degree Research courses.

According to the TEQSA Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 “All accredited courses of study are subject to periodic (at least every seven years) comprehensive reviews that are overseen by peak academic governance processes and include external referencing or other benchmarking activities (Section 5.3.1)" The aim of this procedure is to ensure the TEQSA review requirements are met at Federation University Australia.

Legislative context

Definitions

Term Definition
ADLT Associate Dean, Learning and Teaching
CC Course Coordinator
Course Review Institute/School Contact The staff member within the Institute or School with the responsibility to liaise directly with Academic Secretariat in relation to all matters relating to the course review process.
GRS Graduate Research School
HE Higher Education
HDR Higher Degree by Research
LTQC Learning and Teaching Quality Committee

Actions

(1). Course review schedule

The University’s Review of Established Sealed Award Courses HE Schedule is maintained by the Academic Secretariat in collaboration with the Chair, Learning and Teaching Quality Committee (Lead) and Dean, Quality and Accreditation (Q&A). The Course Review Schedule includes:

  • The date of future reviews
  • When previous reviews were held
  • When the Institute/School response to the course review report was approved by Academic Board.
  • When 24 monthly progress reports are due.

As part of the development and update of the schedule, course alignment with external accreditation and other benchmarking activities are also considered. Where possible, courses that are nested, as reviewed at the same time.  A nominated time-period will be confirmed relevant to the course review.

  • Time period 1 – Jan – April
  • Time period 2 – May- Aug
  • Time period 3 – Sept - Dec

Courses are required to be reviewed every five years from the date of commencement (not date of approval). In special circumstances, such as newly emerging or rapidly changing fields of study, Academic Board may require a course to undergo a course review more frequently.

The Chair, Learning and Teaching Quality Committee, Dean, Quality and Accreditation or nominee will contact all Course Coordinators and check details regarding the university schedule (See “Course Review Flowchart” for more information. The Course Coordinators are the chairs of the Course Review Panels. There are both internal and external members on the panel which allows for open and robust conservations towards best practice.

Higher Degree by Research HDR Course Review Process

The Higher Degree by Research (HDR) course review process is described in Section 7: HDR Course Process.

(2). Preparing for the Course Review Panel membership and meeting date

No Activity Responsibility Steps
1.

Formation of Course Review Panel and sending “SAVE THE DATE” meeting invites

Membership:

  1. Course Coordinator (Chair) (n=1-3)
  2. Learning and Teaching Leader/Champion (as nominated by the ADLT – Level B and above) (n=1)
  3. Course Coordinator (from an alternative Institute) (n=1)
  4. External stakeholder from industry (n=1-2)
  5. Additional members as required and deemed necessary by the Course Coordinator (maximum n = 2)

Course Coordinator
  1. The Course Coordinator collaborates with the Associate Dean, Learning and Teaching (ADLT).
  2. The Course Coordinator completes Section 2 of the Course Review Panel Report. Section 2 lists the details of the Panel Review Members.
  3. Significant attempts must be made to fill all Course Review Panel membership.
  4. The Course Review Panel date will be coordinated by the Course Coordinator and sent to the Course Review Panel via a “SAVE THE DATE” TEAMS invites (3-hour).
  5. This should occur within the first month of the nominated time-period. See below for options:
    • Time period 1 – Jan – April
    • Time period 2 – May- Aug
    • Time period 3 – Sept - Dec

(3). Preparing the Self Review Report for Institute Board

No Activity Responsibility Steps
1. Course Coordinator

Chair, Learning and Teaching Quality Committee LTQC, Dean Quality and Accreditation (Q&A) or nominee
  1. The Chair LTQC will coordinate Course Review briefings with the Course Coordinators. This 30-60min session will outline the process and the expectations towards an efficient and robust system.
  2. Conflict of interest and remaining independent will also be discussed.
  3. This briefing will cover the key related support documents:
    • Course Review Flowchart
    • Course Review Data Source Input Summary
    • Course Review Notes Pages and
    • Course Review Panel Report
2. Establishing two MS TEAMS environments for each Course Review Chair, LTQC, Dean (Q&A) or nominee
  1. Set up one MS TEAMS sites and channels for each course
  2. As they develop their Self-Review Report Membership includes all the key stakeholders contributing to the Course Review data and the relevant teaching staff. Files include folders for each data input section.
  3. Set up a second MS TEAMS site for the Course Review Panel Discussions only. Membership contains only the members for the panel. Files include the Agenda, Completed and endorsed Course Self Review Report, the Course Review Panel Notes and Course Review Panel Report ready for completion.  This site contains templates for email communication with the panel members. 
3. Accessing Self Review Report data inputs

Course Coordinator

Key service centre stakeholders
  1. Data reports are required to inform the timely completion of the Course Self Review Report. All stakeholders will be required to upload relevant reports to a nominated TEAMS site by a nominated date.
  2. The Course Coordinator will do their best in responding to each question and nominating the Appendix as per the data input.
  3. Key stakeholders from the following areas are required to provide timely information to the Course Coordinators. This data is described in the 'Course Review Data Source Input Summary'.
  4. Data will be provided by the support staff as nominated in the 'Course Review Data Source Input Summary' and may take up to 4-6 weeks to fully collate.
  5. Where appropriate alternative forms of evidence can be provided as the discretion of the Head of Discipline/ADLT.
  6. Note: The Self Review Report can have support material embedded throughout, or the additional information can be captured as appendices.
4. Submission of Self Review Report to the Institute

Chair of Institute Board/ School Board

Course Coordinator

ADLT
  1. Once completed, the Course Self Review Report is endorsement by the Institute Board/School Board.
  2. Once approved the Course Coordinator needs to upload it into the Course Review Panel MS TEAMS site ready for the Course Review Panel Meeting. The panel members must have at least 10 business days to review the information prior to the meeting date.

(4). Course Review Panel meeting process

No Activity Responsibility Steps
1. Preparation of Course Review Panel member

LTQC, Chair

Dean (Q&A) or nominee

CC
  1. The LTQC, Chair/nominee and CC need to ensure all the following documents are ready before updating the Course Review Panel link to the panel members.
    • University Procedure
    • Course Review Agenda
    • Course Self Review Report
    • Course Panel Notes Template
    • Course Review Panel Report
2. Confirming Course Review Panel Document Access   CC
  1. Update the Course Review Panel invite with update MS TEAMS links to key files/folders.
3. Pre-reading prior to Course Review Panel Meeting (Expectations of all members) All panel members
  1. All members are required to successfully access and read all the documents. If a member is unable to access MS TEAMS, please contact the LTQC, Chair/nominee on GPS.Academic.Services@federation.edu.au.
  2. All members are asked to develop/draft/suggest focus areas for discussions and/or draft recommendations based on the information provided.
  3. All members are required to add notes in the 'Course Review Panel Notes. Comments could be questions to the Course Coordinator, clarifying areas and/or outlining areas of strengths. Information collected here will be the key focus of the meeting time.
4. Deliberations at the meeting towards development of commendations and recommendations All panel members
  1. Where the Course Coordinator is directly involved with significant aspects of course design, delivery and assessment, this needs to be declared at the commencement of the Course Review Panel meeting. Appropriate strategies to mitigate any bias needs to be decided and confirmed.
  2. The Course Coordinator follows the agenda and prompts as outlined.
  3. All members must be respectfully heard as part of meeting discussion. All member expertise is valued. The Course Coordinator will ensure equal opportunity for contribution across the session.
  4. The Course Coordinator facilitates the discussion with the Course Review Panel members. The Course Coordinator can focus on key areas, clarifying and/or responding to key questions and exploring data trends.
  5. The Course Coordinator then accesses the Course Review Panel Report and documents the agreed commendations and recommendations for the course overall (GREEN SHADED FIELDS).
  6. It is expected that approximately 5- 10 commendations and 5-10 recommendations are developed as part of this process.  Recommendations can have a 3-12 month timespan (depending on course complexity).
  7. The Panel are thanked for their engagement and agree on the set commendations and recommendations.

(5). Development of the Course Review Panel report ready for Institute/School response and committee approval

No Activity Responsibility Steps
1. Development of the completed Course Review Panel Report in preparation for Institute/School Board approval Course Coordinator
  1. After the meeting, the Course Coordinator considers the proposed recommendations and elaborates these into a 1-2 brief paragraphs (BLUE SHADED FIELDS).
  2. The Course Coordinator must submit the Course Review Panel Report to the next Institute Board meeting (within 6-8 weeks).
2.

Endorsement of the Course Review Panel Report post meeting:

 

Institute/School Board and LTQC

Course Coordinator

Institute/School Board

Institute/School Board Executive Officer

ADLT
  1. The updated Course Review Panel Report now requires endorsement at the Institute/School Board. The Course Review Panel Report will be placed on the appropriate agenda by the Course Coordinator.
  2. The Institute/ School Board must consider and endorse the Course Review Panel Report within 2 months of receiving it. Additional comments can be added in the recommendation section (GREY SHADED FIELDS).
  3. Once the Course Review Panel Report is finalised (All GREEN, BLUE and GREY sections are completed), the Course Coordinator is required to send the document the Academic Secretariat and place it on the next LTQC Agenda for discussion.  Two items are required for the next step: (1) Final Version of the Course Review Panel Report and (2) Evidence of Institute/School endorsement (ie meeting minutes, cover notes etc).
  4. The ADLT will be asked to talk to the items at the LTQC. The Chair, LTQC may also offer the CC to present the item at the LTQC meeting.
3. Academic Board approval via the Chair, LTQC Chair, LTQC
  1. The Chair, LTQC, provides the Course Review Panel Report for approval at Academic Board (peak governing body)
  2. The Review of Established Sealed Award Courses HE Schedule is then updated to note the course review process has been completed pending a follow up report in 24 months.

(6). Continuous quality assurance and improvement

No Steps Responsibility Comments
1. Enhancements aligned to recommendations

Course Coordinator

Unit Coordinator
  1. The level of enhancement for the course depends on the identified recommendations.
  2. The implementation of recommended enhancements may take the form of:
    1. COURSE RENEWAL PROCESS – for enhancements requiring cross-functional support and resourcing
      • Refresh (minor enhancements achievable in a short time period)
      • Reshape (minor to major enhancements that may require a slightly longer time period for development and implementation)
      • Rejuvenate (major enhancements)
    2. INDEPENDENT PROCESS – for enhancements deemed implementable by teaching staff with minimal support and resourcing.
  3. For further information regarding actioning enhancements via either of the above processes, please see the Institute ADLT.
2. 2-Year Progress Update

Course Coordinator

Chair, LTQC

Dean (Q&A) or nominee
  1. A 24- month course progress report will be provided by the Institute/School against each of the recommendations/improvement opportunities identified by the Course Review Panel. The progress report will be endorsed at Institute Board and subsequently submitted to LTQC for noting. LTQC Chair, will also submit the progress report to Academic Board for noting.
  2. Where appropriate, LTQC may request the Institute/School provide further annual progress reports if recommendation implementation plans exceed 12 months.

(7). Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Course Review

1. Establish panel and timelines
2. Undertake the Self-review and complete the Report Template
3. Panel Deliberations
4. Complete Panel Review Report Template

This section is aligned to the reviewing HDR courses only.

1. Establish panel and timelines

The Dean, Graduate Research (GR) is responsible for initiating the HDR Course Self-review.

1.      Step Responsible Comment
1. The Graduate Research School Board GRSB is notified of intended Self-Review Dean, Graduate Research

The Dean, Graduate Research provides notice to the GRSB of the intended submission date of the HDR Self-Review to the Board.

The Board may provide the Dean, Graduate Research with advice on membership of the Self-Review Panel
2. Panel membership and Executive Officer is confirmed Dean, Graduate Research

The Dean, Graduate Research selects and confirms at least three Review Panel members. A member of the Graduate Research School will be named to act as Executive Officer.

Membership must be confirmed at least three months prior to the GRSB submission date.

The Dean, Graduate Research will act as Panel Chair, unless a suitable alternative is nominated.
3. Timelines for completion of HDR Course Self-Review Report Template are set Dean, Graduate Research The Dean, Graduate Research must set clear timelines for the completion of the HDR Course Self-Review Template and Review Panel meeting. The Dean, Graduate Research will provide the Review Panel with the intended timeline and meeting invitations.

2. Undertake the Self-review and complete the Report Template

1. Course Design
2. Performance metrics and outcomes
3. Quality of supervision, staff support, and the overall student experience
4. Student Support
5. Resourcing and Support
6. Policy and operational context
7. Risk and Compliance

Principles for the Review 

The Dean, Graduate Research should engage with key stakeholders as part of completing the HDR Self-Review Report Template. The Dean, GR should actively seek input from key stakeholders including Business Intelligence (BI) staff, candidates, supervisors, research training leaders and other intersecting areas across the university.

This template will collect data and responses in the following key areas:  

1. Course Design

Evidence that:

  • The course supports students to achieve the appropriate AQF requirements (level 9 or 10) and any course learning outcomes, regardless of the place of study or mode of delivery,
  • The principles of the Cooperative University are upheld, and appropriate opportunities for industry-connected research are provided.
2. Performance metrics and outcomes

Provide commentary on:

  • Exploring data and trends within Federation University and how it compares with like institutions (such as Regional Universities Network) (similar size, cohort, multi-campus) for:
    1. Commencements
    2. Total enrolments
    3. Completion numbers
    4. Timely completion
    5. Attrition rates
    6. Timely attrition
    7. Progression
    8. Withdrawals
  • National and international benchmarking (where appropriate),
  • Student Evaluation of Postgraduate Programs (SEPP) results (Federation University) and QILT (nationally),
  • Student commencement, enrolment and completion numbers and if they are tracking in accordance with the Strategic Plan,
  • Student attrition rates and time to completion, and if they are within the expected parameters,
  • How students are supported in their acquisition of the most current knowledge and scholarship, research skills, values and practices of the discipline.
  • Student engagement with the Cooperative Model
  • Whether graduates are suitably prepared for entry into the workforce, career progression or for further research opportunities.
3. Quality of supervision, staff support, and the overall student experience

Provide evidence that:

  • Supervisors meet the requirements for eligibility to supervise HDR students including being sufficiently research active
  • Supervisors undertake appropriate initial and ongoing professional development
  • Processes are in place to identify and address supervisory overload or poor performance
  • Candidates’ satisfaction with their supervisory experience is monitored and responded to Student feedback is presented through surveys (for examples via Quality Indicators of Learning and Teaching data) and potential themes identified via annual HDR progress reports (as appropriate)
4. Student Support

Comment on:

  • Appropriate orientation to the University and induction as a research higher degree student are provided for domestic and international students.
  • Appropriate and sufficient ongoing training for the development of research skills is provided.
  • Students in the course are supported by an appropriate research culture and environment of research activity.
  • Students in the course receive consistent, quality supervision throughout their candidature.
  • Effective mechanisms for identification and support of at-risk students are in place.
  • Appropriate processes are available for the resolution of disputes and the management of research integrity, research data and intellectual property.
  • The observations and experiences of candidates, graduates and external stakeholders are sought and acted upon.
5. Resourcing and Support

Comment on:

  • The provision, appropriateness, and management of resources to support candidates’ research are
  • The nature and structure of the support provided by the GraduateResearch School
  • Levels of engagement, from all relevant areas of the University, in the provision and support of the Graduate Research agenda
  • The levels of financial support available to candidates via stipends and other scholarships and any reliance risks
6. Policy and operational context

Comment on:

  • The alignment of HDRcourse with the University’s Strategic and Research Plans
  • The courses’ acknowledgement of, and response to (where appropriate) current national and international priorities in research training
7. Risk and Compliance

Comment on:

  • Compliance with regulatory and standards relevant to research training in Australia including, but not limited to
    • Section 4 Research and Research Training of the Higher EducationStandards Framework
    • TEQSA’s Guidance note: Research and research training
    • National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018
    • The Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research including the Management of Data and Information in Research: A guide supporting the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research
    • Defence Trades Control Act
    • Foreign Interference Guidelines
    • Other relevant legislation and guidelines
  • Any identifiable risks to the sustainable quality of the course, including adequacy of resources, academic and administrative management, available supervision, adequacy of facilities available to candidates.
No. Step Responsible Comment
1. Data analysis, evidence and stakeholder feedback collected

Dean, Graduate Research

Key Stakeholders relevant to key sections

Information, as set out in Section 7, subsection 2 of this document, is compiled to support completion of the Report Template.

Documents and evidence should be stored in such a way that it is easily retrievable and auditable in relation to the Report.
2. HDR Course Self-Review Report Template completed Dean, Graduate Research The Dean, Graduate Research collates the data and evidence, completing the HDR Course Self-Review Report Template.
3. Dean, Graduate Research or nominee arranges Panel Review meeting and advises panel members Dean, Graduate Research or nominee

The HDR Course Panel Review meeting must take place ten or more days after receipt of the completed HDR Course Self Review Report.

The Panel is provided adequate information to pre-reading material aligned to best practice.
3. HDR Course Self-Review Report submitted to Panel Dean, Graduate Research or nominee The Self-review Report and all appendices and associated documents should be made available to all Panel Members.
4. Panel members may provide written submissions Panel Members Prior to the Panel Review meeting, Panel members may provide a written submission regarding the HDR Course Self-Review Report and its findings.

3. Panel Deliberations

The Panel works constructively to discuss the HDR Course Self-review Report and to complete the HDR Course Review Panel Report (currently under construction).

The Chair can choose to nominate staff and students to contribute to the panel discussions. This may include a representative group of both candidates and supervisors from a range of Research Centres, Institutes, locations of work or enrolment and other student attributes (stage of candidature, domestic/international, part-time/full-time).

No. Step Responsible Comment
1. Panel meets to discuss the HDR Course Self-review Report

Review Panel

Dean, Graduate Research

 The Panel discuss the ‘HDR Course Review Self-Review Report’ and related submissions. 
2. The Panel may meet with students, staff, or other stakeholders to collect contributions to the Panel Report

Review Panel

Dean, Graduate Research

 Where stakeholder meetings are required, the Dean, Graduate Research or nominee will send invitations and required documents to attendees and support the meeting/s as required.
3. Review Panel completed the HDR Course Review Panel Report Review Panel The Course Review Panel completes the Panel Report collectively.

4. Complete Panel Review Report Template

Once the ‘Course Review Panel Report’ is completed, it should be submitted to the Graduate Research School Board for discussion and endorsement. Once endorsed by Graduate Research School Board, the document should progress to the Learning and Teaching Quality Committee for further endorsement. Final approval is sought from Academic Board via the Chair, Learning and Teaching Quality Committee. The HDR Course Panel Review Report should summarise the strengths and weaknesses of the program, assess provision in line with national best practice and provide a list required actions and opportunities for further improvement.

Acknowledgement for Section 7: Fiona Zammit, Edu Management and Consulting (July 2023).

Supporting Documents

Forms

Responsibilities

  • Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching), as the Approval Authority, is responsible for monitoring the implementation, outcomes and scheduled review of this procedure.
  • Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching), as Document Owner, is responsible for maintaining the content of this procedure.

Promulgation

This procedure will be communicated throughout the University through:

  1. An announcement on the FedNews website;
  2. The 'What's New' page on the Policy Central Website.

Implementation

This procedure will be implemented through:

  1. An announcement on the FedNews website;
  2. The 'What's New' page on the Policy Central Website;
  3. A memo to the Executive Deans/Dean, GPS/Dean, Graduate Studies and Institute Boards/School Boards;
  4. An agenda item at LTQC and Academic Board.

Records Management

Document Title Location Responsible Officer Minimum Retention Period
Course Review Schedule

Academic Secretariat

Institute/Schools

Chair, LTQC/Dean, Quality and Accreditation/nominee

Course Coordinator

 7 years
Course Review Institute/School Report to LTQC Institute/School Executive Officer, Institute Board/School Board 7 years
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 Glossary


Policy Glossary

Approval Authority: Pro Vice-Chancellor, Learning and Teaching Original Issue 30/10/2005
Policy Sponsor: Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching) Current Version: 25/02/2025
CRICOS Provider Number 00103D Review Date: 16/02/2026
TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12151 Provider Category: Australian University
RTO Code 4909 Policy Code AG1281