Quality Assurance

The University of Western Australia’s performance is judged by the significance of its contribution to the community as assessed by the quality of its students and graduates, the excellence of its staff and its achievements in teaching and research in an international context.

The University emphasises that quality assurance and improvement are fully embodied in its planning and decision-making processes. UWA is committed to systematically monitoring and accounting for its performance in relation to its plans through its Cycle of Planning and Accountability, which embodies the following core values contained in the UWA Strategic Plan:

• evaluation – the University is committed to the regular evaluation of its activities and processes and believes that self-evaluation and review are central to the University’s responsibility as an autonomous institution. Assistance from external evaluators is sought where necessary to ensure objectivity and credibility; and
• decision-making and accountability – decisions within the University are made explicitly, openly and consistently, on the basis of relevant information, and as an integral part of the University’s accountability to its staff and students, to the public and to governments.

Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA) - 2003 Cycle 1 Audit

In 2003 the Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA) audited UWA to assess the effectiveness of the University’s processes in achieving its objectives (‘fitness for purpose’) and to determine whether the University monitors and reviews its performance against these objectives as a means of self improvement.

As part of the AUQA audit the University was required to undertake a critical self-review that briefly outlined UWA’s quality system and an appreciation of its effectiveness, with evidence. The results of this self-review were reported in a submission to AUQA of a written portfolio (the Performance Portfolio).

The UWA Performance Portfolio for the 2003 AUQA audit can be downloaded in either Word or PDF format, and the appendices can be supplied on request.

AUQA produced a draft report in February 2004 on the outcomes of it's audit, and the University's response to this audit can also be downloaded.

In April 2004 AUQA released the final report on the UWA audit which is available here.

Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA) - 2009 Cycle 2 Audit

In May 2009 UWA will again be audited by AUQA as part of its second cycle of audits. UWA has been asked to prepare another Performance Portfolio, this time addressing the way in which the University manages its activities and performance in two areas selected for audit: the Student Experience; and International Activities.

The UWA Performance Portfolio for the 2009 AUQA audit can be downloaded in PDF format.