New Zealand Universities Academic Audit Unit Finds Clear Direction and Commitment to Learning
An academic audit of Lincoln University conducted by the New Zealand Universities Academic Audit Unit Team has found a strong fit between teaching aims and learning outcomes and a clear commitment to the university’s goals.
The review has also highlighted a strong relationship between teaching and support staff, and high quality teaching and learning resources within the University. It also noted that the profile of graduates, in terms of their attributes and abilities, is true to the University’s promise.
The report was based on an internal self review and a four day audit visit in September. Members of the audit panel interviewed 130 members of staff, students and stakeholders.
Lincoln University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Roger Field, says it is an excellent report with commendations across the university, reflecting the high calibre of staff and a commitment to strong academic outcomes and employment opportunities for students.
The review found:
- The applied nature of the disciplines within Lincoln University encourages the application of theory to practice; students are getting real-life experiences.
- There is a high level of commitment and loyalty of staff. The review noted that the University is addressing the issue of staff workload pressures.
- Teaching and Learning Support services provide a high level of support.
- The student learning facilities in the Library are of a high quality, with excellent development of new information communication technologies in line with student expectations.
- There is extensive use of graduate feedback and satisfaction surveys.
- The Foundation Studies and English Language Centre is providing valuable student support and promoting cross-cultural understanding.
The audit report commended the Vice Chancellor and his senior management team for the manner in which the University’s vision, environment for teaching and learning, and relationships with external stakeholders have been set, communicated and implemented. It noted that there is a realistic fit between statements about graduate attributes, and teaching, and student learning outcomes. In addition, the report commended the extent of academic involvement during the audit’s self-review phase, and for strengthening relationships with Ngāi Tahu.
The audit report recommended the development of an institution-wide understanding of benchmarking in teaching and learning to support the many and varied informal benchmarking activities. It also encourages an institution-wide discussion on the contribution of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary teaching and learning.
Professor Field says the high standards across the University were a significant achievement and he was delighted with the results of the academic audit. Given the difficult financial environment in which universities operate, staff can take considerable pride and satisfaction from this report.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Elizabeth Owens
Marketing and Communications Manager
Phone 027 290 6019