• Minister launches new TEQSA Academic Integrity Toolkit

    Australia’s Minister for Education, the Hon Dan Tehan MP, has officially launched TEQSA’s new Academic Integrity Toolkit.

    The Minister launched the new resource, which was developed with $150,000 in funding from the Australian Government, during an academic integrity webinar attended by more than 500 people from across the sector earlier today.

    TEQSA Chief Commissioner Professor Nick Saunders, who also spoke at the launch event, noted the toolkit was a key part of TEQSA’s ongoing approach to engaging with the sector to support academic integrity.

    “TEQSA considers academic integrity a key issue, recognising that breaches of academic integrity have broad and serious implications, in addition to the risks to the reputation of Australian higher education,” Professor Saunders said.

    “The development of good practice in maintaining academic integrity remains a key focus for TEQSA and this new toolkit, with its strong focus on supporting the sector to prevent, detect and respond to commercial academic cheating services, will complement our existing resources.”

    The new toolkit includes a guide to substantiating when contract cheating occurs, benchmarking tools, advice on policy and case studies from Australian higher education providers.

    It was developed following a series of workshops in late 2019 and the sector was also consulted through the beta-release of the toolkit in June.

    Professor Saunders also thanked the project team, comprising the late Professor Tracey Bretag from the University of South Australia, Dr Guy Curtis from the University of Western Australia, Dr Margot McNeill from the International College of Management Sydney and Dr Christine Slade from the University of Queensland, for their work.

    Date
    Last updated:

  • Improving admissions transparency: TEQSA evaluative report released

    A new TEQSA report has found most Australian higher education providers have taken steps to improve the transparency of admissions information for prospective students.

    TEQSA evaluated admissions information at 28 universities and 36 independent higher education providers that offer courses to Australian domestic students.

    Overall, TEQSA found that there have been improvements in the transparency of admissions information, with 92 per cent of sampled providers having implemented changes to their admissions information.

    The improvements follow recommendations from the Higher Education Standards Panel and agreement by the sector-wide Implementation Working Group that aim to provide prospective domestic undergraduate students with easily accessible, high-quality admissions information that allows them to compare both providers and courses to make informed choices.

    TEQSA also identified several areas for further improvement within the sector. These include:

    • Providers needing to ensure that ATAR profiles are up-to-date.
    • The types of ATAR adjustment factors should be detailed more clearly and consistently.
    • Greater quality, consistency, and clarity of admissions information for the four applicant groups (Higher Education Study, Vocational Education and Training, Recent Secondary Education, and Work Life Experience).
    • The availability of course level admissions information on credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and advanced credit can be improved.

    TEQSA Chief Executive Officer Alistair Maclean welcomed the sector’s work to improve the transparency of admissions information, but noted it was essential providers continued to focus on further improvements.

    “The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has compounded the need for clear and transparent information, with the increased demand from domestic school leavers for tertiary education and providers offering different entry options for students whose final year of schooling has been disrupted,” Mr Maclean said. 

    “It is essential that transparent admissions information is made available for prospective students, and TEQSA encourages higher education institutions to make use of resources such as the Good Practice Note and checklist for providers available on our website.”

    The Improving the transparency of higher education admissions report was developed by TEQSA as part of the sector-led Admissions Transparency Implementation Working Group (IWG)’s final implementation plan.

    The report is based on a summative evaluation of admission transparency actions by providers against the Higher Education Panel’s admissions transparency recommendations and the IWG’s Phase Two Common Terminology and Information Sets.

    TEQSA reported the results to the Minister for Education and presented the report at the Higher Education Standards Panel meeting in September 2020.

    Further information

    Date
    Last updated:

  • International Day of Action against Contract Cheating - 21 October

    Every year, the International Center for Academic Integrity (ICAI) holds an International Day of Action against Contract Cheating (IDoA). 

    This year’s IDoA is on Wednesday 21 October 2020 and ICAI is hosting Twenty in 20 – Sharing and Conversation about Contract Cheating, a series of 20 live feed events from across the globe over 20 hours involving students, institutions, higher education institutions, and quality assurance agencies.

    TEQSA is delighted to be participating in this international event by hosting a panel discussion on: 

    A Window of Opportunity: COVID and Contract Cheating – an Australian approach

    When: Wednesday 21 October at 2.00pm (Melbourne time)

    Panellists:

    Rosemary Marcon, Manager, Executive Office, TEQSA
    Greg Simmons, Director, Policy and Analysis Group, TEQSA
    Karen Treloar, Director, Engagement Group, TEQSA

    Date
    Last updated:

  • Murdoch University compliance assessment

    TEQSA recently finalised its compliance assessment of Murdoch University (Murdoch) under section 59 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act). 

    The compliance assessment focused on Murdoch’s international student admissions and relevant English language proficiency requirements with reference to the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards).

    TEQSA found that Murdoch had been at risk of non-compliance due to an inconsistent application of its own Admissions practices, which resulted in the admission of some international students (in 2018) who were ill-equipped to progress through their course of study. 

    TEQSA is satisfied that Murdoch responded appropriately in addressing these issues, having:

    • identified the causal and contributing factors that resulted in the admission of this cohort in 2018, and having implemented comprehensive changes to mitigate future risks
    • subsequently demonstrated continuous improvement in relation to its international admissions practices in 2019 and 2020
    • ensured the international students impacted were adequately supported.

    The finalisation of this compliance assessment is distinct from a renewal of registration application. 

    TEQSA has made this statement in light of the general public interest in the matters covered by the assessment. This disclosure is made under s196 of the TEQSA Act.

    Date
    Last updated:

  • Our engagement with students

    TEQSA recognises that in the post-pandemic environment there are major changes to the student experience. That’s why we are reviewing our student engagement approach to ensure we are best able to gain a diversity of perspectives from all cohorts of higher education students. Information on this page reflects our current approach and structures. This may change in the future.

    Overview

    Students are central to TEQSA’s role as the national higher education regulator and the organisation’s purpose statement reflects this:

    TEQSA’s purpose is to protect student interests and the reputation of Australia’s higher education sector through a proportionate, risk-reflective approach to quality assurance that supports diversity, innovation and excellence.

    TEQSA engages with students by working to understand student experiences and by providing information to students.

    TEQSA considers student engagement as part of both its initial registration and re-registration processes. TEQSA’s course re-accreditation process considers providers’ internal student feedback systems (including complaints) and also how providers act on that feedback. Additionally, as part of its overall provider risk assessment, TEQSA considers available student data including progression, attrition and completion rates, student employment outcomes and student satisfaction.

    To check your provider’s current status in respect to areas of TEQSA activity such as registration, course accreditation, and overall compliance, view our National Register.

    Last updated:

  • TEQSA welcomes new CEO

    The Minister for Education the Hon. Dan Tehan MP has announced the appointment of Alistair Maclean as TEQSA’s new CEO.

    Mr Maclean brings extensive public and private sector leadership experience to TEQSA, as well as strong skills in international engagement and negotiations developed during his 25 years working as a diplomat and advisor.

    Prior to his appointment at TEQSA, Mr Maclean was the inaugural CEO of Victoria’s Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) from 2013-20, where he was responsible for the management of IBAC’s activities and functions. From 2008-13, he was General Manager (External Affairs) with PanAust Ltd, an ASX-listed gold and copper producer.

    Mr Maclean was previously an Australian diplomat, serving as Ambassador to Laos from 2004-07, with prior postings to Washington DC and Bangkok. In between, he fulfilled various roles in Canberra, including as a senior advisor to the Prime Minister.

    Mr Maclean will commence with TEQSA on 1 September 2020.

    Date
    Last updated:

  • TEQSA releases academic integrity toolkit for international quality assurance agencies

    TEQSA has published a new resource to support higher education quality assurance agencies around the world to promote, develop and sustain cultures of academic integrity.

    TEQSA led the development of the new Toolkit to support quality assurance agencies to address academic integrity and contract cheating, which was funded by a grant from the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE).

    TEQSA Chief Commissioner and Acting CEO Professor Nick Saunders said ensuring academic integrity was a shared focus among global higher education quality assurance agencies and TEQSA was proud to have made this contribution.

    “The reputation of higher education globally depends on students, institutions, business and governments having confidence that academic integrity is being upheld,” Professor Saunders said.

    “This new resource, developed by TEQSA with support from the Quality Beyond Boundaries Group of quality assurance agencies, will assist higher education quality assurance agencies around the world in developing and sustaining cultures of academic integrity within their respective jurisdictions and will support them to stamp out contract cheating.”

    “At a time when there has been considerable disruption to higher education worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential that academic standards continue to be supported and upheld, and I believe this new resource will be a welcome tool for many agencies.”

    The new toolkit includes good practice advice around a range of topics including academic integrity frameworks, contract cheating and supporting and sustaining cultures of academic integrity.

    Media enquiries 

    Bryan Allchin, Assistant Director, Communications: comms@teqsa.gov.au, 0437 143 012

    Date
    Last updated:

  • TEQSA to establish new Higher Education Integrity Unit

    TEQSA has welcomed Australian Government funding to strengthen the agency’s ability to identify and protect against risks to the integrity of the nation’s higher education sector.

    Announced earlier today by the Minister for Education, the Hon Dan Tehan MP, the Australian Government will provide $3.9 million per year to maintain the new Higher Education Integrity Unit within TEQSA to identify and analyse emerging risks and take pre-emptive action to assist the sector to address these threats.

    ‘This welcome investment will enable TEQSA to be more proactive in responding to risks to the integrity of Australia’s higher education sector, supporting the protection of student interests and the reputation of the sector,’ said TEQSA Chief Commissioner and Acting CEO Professor Nick Saunders.

    ‘The Higher Education Integrity Unit will continue TEQSA’s partnership approach, collaborating with higher education providers and other stakeholders to deliver a range of activities including data and intelligence analysis, provision of educational resources and establishing communities of practice.’

    Areas of focus for the Higher Education Integrity Unit will change as circumstances require (following consultation with the sector, government and other stakeholders), but will include admission standards and information, academic and research governance integrity, student safety, foreign interference, cyber security, fraud and corruption. The integrity unit’s activities will not be subject to cost recovery.

    The funding will also support TEQSA’s responsibilities under the Prohibiting Academic Cheating Services Bill which is currently before Parliament.

    Media enquiries 

    Bryan Allchin, Assistant Director, Communications: comms@teqsa.gov.au, 0437 143 012

    Date
    Last updated:

  • Good Practice Note published

    TEQSA has released a new online resource to assist Australian higher education providers in preventing and responding to sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH).

    The Good Practice Note: Preventing and responding to sexual assault and sexual harassment in the Australian higher education sector features examples and practical advice for providers to support further improvements in policies, procedures and practices.

    “The sector has been working to improve its ability to prevent and respond to sexual assault and sexual harassment for several years. It is essential that this work continue, even during the disruption caused by COVID-19, to ensure student interests are protected,” said TEQSA Chief Commissioner and Acting CEO Professor Nick Saunders.

    “This Good Practice Note aims to further support Australian higher education providers to adopt policies and practices to prevent and respond to sexual assault and sexual harassment, consistent with TEQSA’s fundamental purpose to safeguard student interests and the reputation of Australia’s higher education sector,” he said.

    The Good Practice Note was developed following extensive consultation and input from across the sector.

    TEQSA acknowledges and thanks all students, experts, providers and their staff, as well as other stakeholders who have made a contribution to its development.

    Media enquiries 

    Bryan Allchin, Assistant Director, Communications: comms@teqsa.gov.au, 0437 143 012

    Date
    Last updated: