Quality at UOW
To ensure that our objectives and standards are tested and improved, the University of Wollongong is committed to a four-step quality cycle: Plan, Act, Review, Improve.
Plan
Identify and define what we want to achieve and how we intend to achieve it.
The UOW Strategic Plan and its operational plans are the first and end points of the UOW Quality cycle. The Strategic Plan is implemented through aligned targets in the Core and Enabling Plans. A Planning and Reporting Framework articulates the planning and accountability structure that integrates with and is applied to all levels of Planning and Reporting to ensure UOW achieves its strategic vision and objectives.
Act
Implement specific strategies and actions for achieving our plans.
The planning objectives and strategies are implemented through policies, procedures, projects and resource allocation at University, faculty and unit levels.
Review
Monitor progress against plans and evaluate outcomes.
The University's plans, frameworks and policies, and the standards they set, are the reference points for performance monitoring, through the key review processes of:
- Planning & budget reviews
- Annual faculty & unit reviews against plans
- Course review cycle
- Policy review cycle
- Unit and thematic reviews
- Evaluation and reviews of subjects and teaching
- Professional accreditation
- Student feedback/surveys
- Annual performance reviews of staff
- Reviews against external references and standards
- Benchmarking
- Risk management
- Internal audits
- External audits and quality certification
An annual 'stocktake report' on performance against the Strategic Goals is based on the committee, faculty and unit performance reviews. It is presented to the University Council each year and forms the basis for the University's Annual Report to Parliament. A Report against Key Performance Indicators is also presented to Council.
Improve
Identify changes and adjust objectives and strategies as appropriate.
Improvements identified in the review process are assessed for approval and action. Planning strategies, objectives and goals are adjusted to recognise and sustain improvements.
The strategic planning and academic review processes are monitored at an institutional level by the Academic Senate and the University Council.