Renewal of registration

Report on renewal of registration of Wesley Institute

TEQSA has determined, under Section 36(1) of the TEQSA Act, that registration of Wesley Institute as a higher education provider be renewed for a period of seven years to 17 July 2020 in the provider category of 'Higher Education Provider'.

Background to Decision

Wesley Institute submitted an application for renewal of registration in the category of 'Higher Education Provider' under Section 35 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (the TEQSA Act). Subsection 36(4) of the TEQSA Act enables TEQSA to renew a provider's registration for a period not exceeding seven years.

Main Reasons for Decision

Wesley Institute has demonstrated to TEQSA that it continues to meet the Threshold Standards.

Renewal of registration

Report on renewal of registration of Whitehouse Institute Pty Ltd

TEQSA has determined, under Section 36(1) of the TEQSA Act, that registration of Whitehouse Institute Pty Ltd as a higher education provider be renewed for a period of seven years to 20 February 2021 in the provider category of 'higher education provider'.

Background to Decision

Whitehouse Institute Pty Ltd submitted an application for renewal of registration in the category of 'higher education provider' under Section 35 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (the TEQSA Act). Subsection 36(4) of the TEQSA Act enables TEQSA to renew a provider's registration for a period not exceeding seven years.

Main Reasons for Decision

As part of the renewal of registration process, TEQSA has assessed the application submitted by Whitehouse Institute Pty Ltd against the Threshold Standards. The scope of the assessment included all its Australian sites.

Whitehouse Institute Pty Ltd has demonstrated to TEQSA that it continues to meet the Threshold Standards.

Renewal of registration

Report on renewal of registration of ACPE Limited

TEQSA has renewed the registration of ACPE Limited, under Section 36(1) of the TEQSA Act, for a period of seven years to 17 September 2022, in the provider category of 'Higher Education Provider'.

TEQSA has, under subsection 32(1) of the TEQSA Act, imposed one condition on the registration of ACPE Limited as a higher education provider.

Condition 1

ACPE Limited, by 30 June 2016, and then annually by 30 June each year or until further notice, must provide TEQSA each preceding academic year's Quality Teaching and Learning Report (or equivalent) demonstrating:

• implementation of effective quality assurance arrangements, monitoring and review, leading to significant improvement in student attrition rates
  • the report must include analysis of yearly trend data on student attrition, student progress, course completions and grade distributions at the course and institution level.
• improvements in the level of scholarly activity per staff member
• active consideration by the Academic Board

Main Reasons for Decision

As part of the renewal of registration process, TEQSA assessed the application submitted by ACPE Limited against the Threshold Standards. The scope of the assessment included all its Australian sites. TEQSA considers that the decision to apply one condition to ACPE Limited's registration is consistent with the basic principles for regulation in Part 2 of the TEQSA Act, as ACPE Limited is at risk of not complying with a number of the Threshold Standards.

The broad issues which relate to the ACPE Limited's registration included:

• a delay in the reporting of the Quality Teaching and Learning Report with information regarding student performance data, benchmarking and academic scholarship, required to enable ACPE Limited's governing bodies to carry out their functions
• the trend data provided for the period within scope indicated decreasing student enrolments and increasing attrition rates. In the absence of reporting, it was unclear what the outcomes were of ACPE Limited's strategies to address these issues

Renewal of registration

Report on renewal of registration of Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education

On 29 August 2013, TEQSA determined, under subsection 36(1) of the TEQSA Act, that registration of Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education as a higher education provider be renewed for a period of three years to 29 August 2016 in the provider category of 'Higher Education Provider'.

On 29 August 2013, TEQSA imposed, under subsection 32(1) of the TEQSA Act, five conditions on the registration of Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education as a higher education provider.

TEQSA made subsequent decisions on 27 February 2014 and 12 March 2015 to revoke conditions two, three, four and five.

The main reasons for these decisions are outlined in the Addendum of this report.

Conditions currently imposed:

Under subsection 32(1) of the TEQSA Act, one condition is currently imposed on the registration of Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education as a higher education provider:

Condition 1: Batchelor Institute's self-accrediting authority is limited to its current courses at Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) levels 8, 9 and 10, as currently focused on Indigenous knowledges.

Main Reasons for Decision

TEQSA considers that the decision to register Batchelor Institute for a period of three years and to apply conditions to the renewal of registration as a higher education provider is consistent with the basic principles for regulation in Part 2 of the TEQSA Act for the following reasons:

• Batchelor Institute is at risk of not complying with a number of the Threshold Standards. In particular, a number of aspects of Batchelor Institute's higher education operations give rise to concerns of future non-compliance with Sections 3 and 4 of the Provider Registration Standards. Of most immediate concern is the performance of Batchelor Institute's current Higher Degree by Research courses.
• Batchelor Institute has been through a period of review and significant reorganisation. It has demonstrated that it is putting in place arrangements to support its corporate and academic governance and a framework to protect academic integrity and quality, including initiatives to improve the performance of its Higher Degree by Research courses.
• The decision will allow Batchelor Institute a reasonable period of time to implement both its new governance arrangements and the measures to improve academic quality and performance. It will give Batchelor Institute an opportunity to demonstrate the effectiveness of these arrangements and measures.
• The decision ensures that TEQSA will be able to review their effectiveness and ensure that Batchelor Institute has in place the highly effective academic governance processes needed to self-accredit its courses.

Addendum to Public Report on 27 February 2014: Conditions Revoked

On 27 February 2014, TEQSA made a decision to revoke conditions two, three and four, followed by a decision to revoke condition five on 12 March 2015. The decisions to revoke the conditions were made on the basis that TEQSA was satisfied the conditions had been met.

The conditions previously imposed on 29 August 2013 were that:

Condition 2: By no later than 31 March 2014, Batchelor Institute must provide TEQSA with a report on the major review of the Master of Indigenous Knowledges (by Research) and an implementation plan for the outcomes of the review.

Condition 3: Batchelor Institute must not accept any new enrolments in the Master of Indigenous Knowledges (by Research) until two months after the date TEQSA receives the report and the implementation plan referred to above.

Condition 4: By no later than 31 December 2013, Batchelor Institute must provide TEQSA with up-to-date individual learning plans for each current Higher Degree by Research student. These plans are to include:

1. an evaluation of the student's progress to date
2. timelines and mapping of a path to completion of or exit from the relevant course
3. details of academic and other support to be provided to the student.

Condition 5: By no later than 30 September 2014, Batchelor Institute must complete a review of its corporate and academic governance documents, including by-laws, charters, policies, procedures, terms of reference and delegations, and report to TEQSA on the outcome of the review.

Renewal of registration

Report on renewal of registration of the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education

On 13 April 2017, TEQSA determined, under subsection 36(1) of the TEQSA Act, that registration of Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education be renewed for a period of seven years to 13 April 2024 in the provider category of 'Higher Education Provider', with self-accrediting authority.

Main reasons for decision

TEQSA has assessed the application submitted by the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education against the Threshold Standards. The scope of the assessment included all its Australian sites.

TEQSA found that the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education continues to meet the Threshold Standards. The Institute's capability to continue exercising its self-accrediting authority for AQF levels 8 -10 has been clearly demonstrated.

In particular, TEQSA found that the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education has demonstrated:

• improved corporate governance and the necessary expertise to drive the strategic direction of the Institute as an indigenous higher education provider
• significant improvements to its policy framework
• a commitment to building its research capacity, consistent with its strategic objectives
• robust internal academic quality assurance processes
• strong benchmarking activities
• well-targeted support, appropriate to the varying needs of its students.

Renewal of registration

Report on renewal of registration of the Australian College of Natural Medicine Pty Ltd

On 1 May 2014, TEQSA determined, under subsection 36(1) of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), that the registration of the Australian College of Natural Medicine Pty Ltd be renewed for a period of seven years to 1 May 2021 in the provider category of 'Higher Education Provider'.

On 1 May 2014, TEQSA imposed one condition on the registration of the Australian College of Natural Medicine Pty Ltd, under subsection 32(1) of the TEQSA Act, as outlined below.

Condition 1:

To demonstrate ongoing maintenance of academic standards, quality assurance, and appropriateness of student outcomes, the Australian College of Natural Medicine Pty Ltd is required to:

(i) Provide to TEQSA a report detailing the results of ACNM's planned comprehensive diagnostic analysis of probable causes for student attrition and completion rates for the period 2008 to 2013, accompanied by a detailed explanation regarding method of calculation. This analysis and report will address attrition and completion rates for each course of study; and will compare attrition and minimum time completion rates according to entry pathway (including diversion to and performance in the Learner's Discovery Quiz and enabling courses; and recognition of credit); and mode (part-time and fulltime; and online and on-campus) and place of study. This data and analysis must be provided to TEQSA by 31 July 2014.

(ii) Effectively address poor student attrition and completion rates and trends by establishing specific and appropriate annual targets for improvement of student attrition and completion rates for each year of its registration; overall and for each course of study; and strategies to achieve these targets; and provide these targets and strategies to TEQSA by 31 July 2014.

(iii) Revise the targets in part (ii) in accordance with any direction from TEQSA.

(iv) Demonstrate appropriate improvement in attrition and completion rates, overall and for each course of study, by meeting the annual targets agreed by TEQSA, through annually reporting to TEQSA on these rates, including comparative analysis according to admission approach and mode and place of study, in January each year for the period of registration.

On 19 June 2014 and 13 November 2014, TEQSA made subsequent decisions to vary and revoke parts (i) (ii) and (iii) of Condition 1. On 30 January 2015, part (iv) was varied to include a different reporting date. These decisions are outlined in the Addendum of this report.

Background to Decision

The Australian College of Natural Medicine submitted an application for renewal of registration in the category of 'Higher Education Provider' under section 35 of the TEQSA Act. Subsection 36(4) of the TEQSA Act enables TEQSA to renew a provider's registration for a period not exceeding seven years.

Main Reasons for Decision

As part of the renewal of registration process, TEQSA has assessed the application submitted by the Australian College of Natural Medicine against the Threshold Standards. The scope of the assessment included all its Australian sites. TEQSA considers that the decision to apply a condition to the Australian College of Natural Medicine's registration is consistent with the basic principles for regulation in Part 2 of the TEQSA Act, as the Australian College of Natural Medicine is at risk of not complying with a number of the Threshold Standards.

TEQSA imposed the condition on the registration of the Australian College of Natural Medicine on the basis that attrition and completion rates gave rise to concerns regarding the ongoing ability of the provider to demonstrate compliance with Provider Registration Standards 1.5, 3.8 and 6.5 and Provider Course Accreditation Standards 3.1, 4.4 5.4, 5.6.

TEQSA imposed the condition on the registration of the Australian College of Natural Medicine in order to ensure that the provider:

• systematically monitors student performance data, and
• takes strategic and sustained action to effectively address student attrition and completion rates.

Addendum to Public Report: Variation to Condition

On 19 June 2014, TEQSA varied the deadlines outlined in parts (i) and (ii) of the condition from 31 July 2014 to 30 September 2014, under subsection 32(2) of TEQSA Act.

On 30 January 2015, TEQSA varied the deadline outlined in part (iv) of the condition from an annual report in January each year to an annual report due by 31 May each year, for the period of registration, under subsection 32(2) of TEQSA Act.

TEQSA's decisions on 19 June 2014 and 30 January 2015 to vary the deadlines set out in the condition were made on the basis that by allowing additional time for the provider to prepare a thorough and accurate analysis, this could better achieve the outcomes intended.

On 13 November 2014, TEQSA made a decision under subsection 53(2) of the TEQSA Act to revoke parts (i), (ii) and (iii) of the condition on the basis that these parts had been met.

The condition currently imposed under subsection 32(1) of the TEQSA Act is as outlined below:

Condition 1: To demonstrate ongoing maintenance of academic standards, quality assurance, and appropriateness of student outcomes, the Australian College of Natural Medicine Pty Ltd is required to:

(iv) Demonstrate appropriate improvement in attrition and completion rates, overall and for each course of study, by meeting the annual targets agreed by TEQSA, through annually reporting to TEQSA on these rates, including comparative analysis according to admission approach and mode and place of study, on 31 May each year for the period of registration.

Renewal of registration

Report on revocation of condition on renewal of registration of the Australian College of Natural Medicine Pty Ltd

On 13 November 2014 TEQSA made a decision, under Section 32(2) of the TEQSA Act, to revoke items (i), (ii) and (iii) of the condition imposed on the renewal of registration of Australian College of Natural Medicine Pty Ltd (also refer to public report of 1 May 2014).

The decision to revoke the condition was made on the basis that TEQSA was satisfied that the condition had been met.

Renewal of registration

Report on renewal of registration of Australian College of Natural Medicine Pty Ltd

TEQSA has determined, under section 36(1) of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), that registration of Australian College of Natural Medicine Pty Ltd as a higher education provider be renewed for a period of seven years to 1 May 2021 in the provider category of 'Higher Education Provider'.

TEQSA has, under subsection 32(1) of the TEQSA Act, imposed a condition on the registration of Australian College of Natural Medicine Pty Ltd as a higher education provider.

On 1 May 2014, TEQSA imposed, under subsection 32(1) of the TEQSA Act, a condition on registration. On 19 June 2014 this condition was varied as set out immediately below. Refer to the Addendum for information relating to the variation of the conditions.

Condition 1:

To demonstrate ongoing maintenance of academic standards, quality assurance, and appropriateness of student outcomes, ACNM is required to:

i) provide to TEQSA a report detailing the results of ACNM's planned comprehensive diagnostic analysis of probable causes for student attrition and completion rates for the period 2008 to 2013, accompanied by a detailed explanation regarding method of calculation. This analysis and report will address attrition and completion rates for each course of study; and will compare attrition and minimum time completion rates according to entry pathway (including diversion to and performance in the Learner's Discovery Quiz and enabling courses; and recognition of credit); and mode (part-time and fulltime; and online and on-campus) and place of study. This data and analysis must be provided to TEQSA by 30 September 2014

ii) effectively address poor student attrition and completion rates and trends by establishing specific and appropriate annual targets for improvement of student attrition and completion rates for each year of its registration; overall and for each course of study; and strategies to achieve these targets; and provide these targets and strategies to TEQSA by 30 September 2014

iii) revise the targets in (ii) in accordance with any direction from TEQSA

iv) demonstrate appropriate improvement in attrition and completion rates, overall and for each course of study, by meeting the annual targets agreed by TEQSA, through annually reporting to TEQSA on these rates, including comparative analysis according to admission approach and mode and place of study, in January each year for the period of registration.

Background to Decision

Australian College of Natural Medicine Pty Ltd submitted an application for renewal of registration in the category of 'Higher Education Provider' under section 35 of the TEQSA Act.

Subsection 36(4) of the TEQSA Act enables TEQSA to renew a provider's registration for a period not exceeding seven years.

Main Reasons for Decision

As part of the renewal of registration process, TEQSA has assessed the application submitted by Australian College of Natural Medicine Pty Ltd against the Threshold Standards. The scope of the assessment included all its Australian sites. TEQSA considers that the decision to apply a condition to the Australian College of Natural Medicine Pty Ltd's registration is consistent with the basic principles for regulation in Part 2 of the TEQSA Act, as the Australian College of Natural Medicine Pty Ltd is at risk of not complying with a number of the Threshold Standards.

A condition has been imposed on the Australian College of Natural Medicine Pty Ltd's registration in response to the student attrition and completion rates it reported. These rates give rise to concerns regarding the ongoing ability of the provider to demonstrate compliance with Provider Registration Standards 1.5, 3.8 and 6.5 and Provider Course Accreditation Standards 3.1, 4.4 5.4, 5.6.

TEQSA imposed the conditions on the registration to ensure that Australian College of Natural Medicine Pty Ltd:

• systematically monitors student performance data, and
• takes strategic and sustained action to effectively address student attrition and completion rates.

Addendum to Public Report on 19 June 2014: Condition Varied

In accordance with subsections 32(2) and 32(3) of the TEQSA Act, TEQSA may vary or revoke a condition imposed on the registration of a higher education provider, either on its own initiative, or upon application by the provider for variation or revocation.

On 1 May 2014 TEQSA imposed a condition on the registration of Australian College of Natural Medicine. Subsequently, TEQSA made a decision under subsection 32(2) of the TEQSA Act on 19 June 2014 to vary the condition. The condition as originally imposed was as follows:

Condition 1: To demonstrate ongoing maintenance of academic standards, quality assurance, and appropriateness of student outcomes, ACNM is required to:

i) provide to TEQSA a report detailing the results of ACNM's planned comprehensive diagnostic analysis of probable causes for student attrition and completion rates for the period 2008 to 2013, accompanied by a detailed explanation regarding method of calculation. This analysis and report will address attrition and completion rates for each course of study; and will compare attrition and minimum time completion rates according to entry pathway (including diversion to and performance in the Learner's Discovery Quiz and enabling courses; and recognition of credit); and mode (part-time and fulltime; and online and on-campus) and place of study. This data and analysis must be provided to TEQSA by 31 July 2014

ii) effectively address poor student attrition and completion rates and trends by establishing specific and appropriate annual targets for improvement of student attrition and completion rates for each year of its registration; overall and for each course of study; and strategies to achieve these targets; and provide these targets and strategies to TEQSA by 31 July 2014

iii) revise the targets in (ii) in accordance with any direction from TEQSA

iv) demonstrate appropriate improvement in attrition and completion rates, overall and for each course of study, by meeting the annual targets agreed by TEQSA, through annually reporting to TEQSA on these rates, including comparative analysis according to admission approach and mode and place of study, in January each year for the period of registration.

TEQSA's decision to vary the above conditions imposed on the registration of Australian College of Natural Medicine was on the basis that the provider had requested the variation to effect and extension of time to meet parts (i) and (ii) of the condition; and that by allowing the additional time for the provider to prepare thorough and accurate analysis, the condition will better achieve the outcomes intended.

Renewal of registration

Report on renewal of registration of Australian Institute of Management - QLD & NT

TEQSA has determined, under Section 36(1) of the TEQSA Act, that registration of Australian Institute of Management - QLD & NT as a higher education provider be renewed for a period of seven years to 16 January 2021 in the provider category of 'Higher Education Provider'.

Background to Decision

Australian Institute of Management - QLD & NT submitted an application for renewal of registration in the category of 'Higher Education Provider' under Section 35 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (the TEQSA Act). Subsection 36(4) of the TEQSA Act enables TEQSA to renew a provider's registration for a period not exceeding seven years.

Main Reasons for Decision

As part of the renewal of registration process, TEQSA has assessed the application submitted by Australian Institute of Management - QLD & NT against the Threshold Standards. Australian Institute of Management - QLD & NT has demonstrated to TEQSA that it continues to meet the Threshold Standards.