Renewal of registration

Report on renewal of registration of Perth Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd

TEQSA has determined, under Section 36(1) of the TEQSA Act, that registration of Perth Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd as a higher education provider be renewed for a period of seven years to 10 June 2021 in the provider category of Higher Education Provider.

Background to Decision

Perth Institute of Business and Technology 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 Perth Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd against the Threshold Standards. The scope of the assessment included all its Australian sites. Perth Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd has demonstrated to TEQSA that it continues to meet the Threshold Standards.

Renewal of registration

Report on renewal of registration of Polytechnic West

TEQSA has determined, under Section 36(1) of the TEQSA Act, that registration of Polytechnic West as a higher education provider be renewed for a period of three years to 17 October 2016 in the provider category of 'Higher Education Provider'. TEQSA has, under subsection 32(1) of the TEQSA Act, imposed three conditions on the registration of Polytechnic West as a higher education provider.

Condition 1:

For each of the fields of study in which Polytechnic West offers higher education courses, complete the recruitment of senior academic leaders with experience in higher education, scholarship and professional practice (by 31 December 2013);

Condition 2:

That the appointed academic leaders for each field of study review all existing course materials and PWA reports back to TEQSA by the 31 March 2014, in such a way to ensure that:

1. Each course presents the required level of intellectual inquiry to engage students with advanced knowledge and critical reflection of material and issues pertinent to the field of study and AQF level; and
2. The graduate attributes and employment opportunities stated in material made available to students and prospective students for each course of study ensure accurate advice is provided to current and prospective students; and

Condition 3:

Progressive implementation of the Institute's Research and Scholarship Strategy 2012-2017 to meet the requirement in Category Standard 1.4 for academic staff to be active in scholarship that informs their teaching, with reporting of the implementation made to TEQSA on an agreed timeframe that is consistent with the provider's planning and review schedule.

Background to Decision

Polytechnic West 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 the Decision

As part of the registration process, TEQSA has assessed the application submitted by Polytechnic West against the Threshold Standards. The scope of the assessment included all its Australian sites.

TEQSA considers that the decision to apply conditions to the application from Polytechnic West for renewal of registration is consistent with the basic principles for regulation in Part 2 of the TEQSA Act, as there are concerns about the Institute's compliance with a number of Threshold Standards, particularly those relating to academic leadership, course design, engagement with advanced knowledge and inquiry, and level of scholarly activity, and consequently, the ability to maintain academic quality.

TEQSA considers that the risks of non-compliance with the Threshold Standards involve significant matters that may affect Polytechnic West's capacity to manage and deliver its higher education awards consistently with the Threshold Standards. The conditions noted above are intended to allow Polytechnic West a reasonable period of time to demonstrate it can sustain improvement, while mitigating the potential risk to students resulting from uncertainty about whether it has the capacity to improve performance and place Polytechnic West's higher education operations on a sustainable footing.

Similar concerns have also resulted in the shortened period of registration of three years deemed necessary to address the risk that Polytechnic West may not develop the required higher education teaching and learning and scholarly environment in the medium term. The five year period will allow Polytechnic West sufficient time to demonstrate it is addressing the conditions, and that it is meeting the requirements of the Threshold Standards.

In accordance with sections 34 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.

Renewal of registration

Report on revocation of conditions of registration of Polytechnic West

On 17 July 2014 TEQSA made a decision, under Section 32(3) of the TEQSA Act, to revoke the conditions imposed on the registration of Polytechnic West (refer public report of 17 October 2013). The decision to revoke the conditions was made on the basis that TEQSA was satisfied that the conditions had been met.

Renewal of registration

Report on renewal of registration of The University of Notre Dame Australia

TEQSA has renewed the registration as a higher education provider, under Section 36(1) of the TEQSA Act, of The University of Notre Dame Australia for a period of seven years to 18 February 2023 in the provider category of 'Australian University'.

Main reasons for decision

TEQSA has assessed the application submitted by The University of Notre Dame Australia against the Threshold Standards. The scope of the assessment included all its Australian sites.

The University of Notre Dame Australia has demonstrated to TEQSA that it continues to meet the Threshold Standards and that it:

• shows sound corporate and academic governance through effective oversight of the University's strategic direction, administration and academic standards
• has effective policies and practices to establish and maintain academic quality and integrity, including robust course design and approval, internal and external review and improvement mechanisms,
• has a proven history of successful graduate outcomes
• demonstrates a significant commitment to ensuring a positive student experience and providing high quality student support, and
• ensures safe, well-maintained physical and electronic resources and infrastructure

Renewal of registration

Report on renewal of registration of Williams Business College Ltd.

On 26 September 2013 TEQSA decided, under subsection 36(1) of the TEQSA Act, to reject the application by Williams Business College Ltd for renewal of registration as a higher education provider. Williams Business College Ltd applied to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for review of TEQSA's decision.

On 12 June 2014 the Tribunal affirmed TEQSA's decision. On 19 June 2014 the Tribunal ordered that TEQSA's decision will come into effect on 4 August 2014.

The Tribunal's Decision and Reasons for Decision are available at: http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/cases/cth/aat/2014/371.html

Background to Decision

Williams Business College Ltd. submitted an application for renewal of registration as a higher education provider under Section 35 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (the TEQSA Act). Section 36 of the TEQSA Act enables TEQSA to renew a provider's registration for a period not exceeding seven years if TEQSA is satisfied that the provider continues to meet the Threshold Standards.

Main Reasons for Decision

TEQSA made its decision on the basis that it was not satisfied that Williams Business College Ltd. continues to meet the Threshold Standards. Details of the basis for TEQSA's decision, as well as the Tribunal's reasons for affirming this decision, are available at http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/cases/cth/aat/2014/371.html

Renewal of registration

Report on renewal of registration and course re-accreditation of Navitas Bundoora Pty Ltd

TEQSA has renewed the registration as a higher education provider, under Section 36(1) of the TEQSA Act, of Navitas Bundoora Pty Ltd for a period of seven years to 15 December 2023 in the provider category of Higher Education Provider.

TEQSA has, under subsection 32(1) of the TEQSA Act, imposed three conditions on the registration of Navitas Bundoora Pty Ltd as a higher education provider.

Condition 1:

By 30 June each year, or until further notice, Navitas Bundoora Pty Ltd must provide:

a) Evidence from the Navitas Board demonstrating its continued responsibility to improve student performance. This should include minutes of the Navitas Board to evidence review of quantitative data for the LTM and LTUSC cohorts specifically, and a report from the Navitas Board, detailing its responses and actions arising from student performance data for the year ending 31 December of the previous year.

b) The report should include, but not be limited to, clear identification of sub-optimal student performance, additional strategies and additional human resources allocated to improve student performance. The report should be accompanied by an action plan, with an implementation timeline and measurable targets, through which material improvement of student performance should be achieved throughout the course of registration.

Condition 2:

By 30 June 2017, Navitas Bundoora Pty Ltd must provide evidence of a review of its current strategic plan with clearly identified and measurable key performance indicators, particularly those relating to student performance and student feedback. Navitas Bundoora Pty Ltd must also provide the minutes which evidence the approval of the revised strategic plan by the Navitas Board and evidence that the strategic plan has been disseminated to all relevant internal and external stakeholders.

Condition 3:

By 31 December 2017, Navitas Bundoora Pty Ltd must provide:

a) evidence of the establishment and implementation of a plan for the systematic and cyclical review and update of all policies and procedures relating to its higher education operations

b) evidence that all policies and procedures have been reviewed and updated and formally approved by the LTM Executive; for academic policies, the Academic Board; and, unless the power to approve a particular policy is delegated, the governing body.

TEQSA makes the following observations relating to the decision to renew the registration of Navitas Bundoora Pty Ltd:

a) That LTM is reminded of the requirement to have effective mechanisms in place to maintain the academic quality and integrity of all courses offered under the current arrangements between La Trobe University, LTM and LTUSC

b) LTM must ensure that casual staff are fully apprised of the opportunities and support available to them to engage in the full range of professional development activities

c) TEQSA's most recent finalised Risk Assessment addresses the response from LTM. The response, inter alia, identifies the increase in student load of domestic students of 82% for the period 2013 - 2014 and an increase in international students of 29.8% in same period as contributing to the overall high risk to students. The Case Team observes that this represents deterioration from the previous Risk Assessment that identified an overall moderate risk to students. LTM acknowledges that both cohorts have specific needs for pastoral and academic support. LTM is reminded to ensure the need for the continued development of tailored and appropriate student support programs to meet the needs of this varied cohort.

Main Reasons for Decision

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

TEQSA considers that the decision to apply conditions to Navitas Bundoora Pty Ltd's registration is consistent with the basic principles for regulation in Part 2 of the TEQSA Act, as Navitas Bundoora Pty Ltd is at risk of not complying with a number of the Threshold Standards.

• The broad issues which relate to the Navitas Bundoora Pty Ltd registration include identified risk regarding:

  a) corporate and academic governance

  b) deteriorating student outcomes

  c) issues identified with LTM academic staffing profile

  d) increasing student load

  e) high student/staff ratio and

  f) a high attrition rate.

Renewal of registration

Report on renewal of registration of Australian College of the Arts Pty Ltd

TEQSA has renewed the registration as a higher education provider, under Section 36(1) of the TEQSA Act, of Australian College of the Arts Pty Ltd for a period of four years to 19 January 2021 in the provider category of 'Higher Education Provider'.

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

Condition 1:

By 31 March 2017, Collarts must provide TEQSA with the 'Formal Scholarship Policy', the 'Scholarship and Research Portfolio' and a Workforce Plan. The Workforce Plan must demonstrate:

a) the maintenance of an appropriate level of academic leadership for each course of study and academic field

b) that all teaching staff are qualified to at least one AQF qualification level higher than the course of study being taught by them or have equivalent professional experience relevant to the units they are teaching, and that the AQF+1 Qualification Mapping Policy is consistently applied

c) academic staff will be active in a range of relevant types of scholarship that informs their teaching

Condition 2:

By 30 June 2017, Collarts must provide TEQSA with a plan to ensure that facilities and infrastructure, including staff office space, student meeting areas and library facilities, and IT infrastructure are appropriate. Collarts must also provide a report, by 31 March 2018 and each subsequent year until further notice, on the implementation of the facilities and infrastructure plan.

Condition 3:

In the event of a breach of the loan agreement between Australian College of the Arts International Pty Ltd and National Australian Bank that gives rise to action by National Australia Bank, Collarts must notify TEQSA within 2 business day of any financial impact on the college.

Condition 4:

By 31 March 2017, and each year thereafter, Collarts must provide reports on:

• student performance data including attrition, progression and completion rates (this report must include Collarts' own analysis of the causes and sources of attrition and plans to address them
• the implementation of the workforce plan
• scholarship activities carried out by academic staff through the Annual Scholarship Report and scholarship portfolios

Main Reasons for Decision

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

TEQSA considers that the decision to apply conditions to Australian College of the Arts Pty Ltd registration is consistent with the basic principles for regulation in Part 2 of the TEQSA Act, as Australian College of the Arts Pty is at risk of not complying with a number of the Threshold Standards.

• The broad issues which relate to the Australian College of the Arts Pty registration include:

  a) The academic leadership and staffing profile, which may not be appropriate to the AQF level of the courses for the attainment of expected student learning outcomes, and for students to receive adequate feedback on their assessed work from appropriately qualified academic staff.

  b) The relatively low level of scholarship, in particular associated with teaching and learning that could denote a risk that staff are not sufficiently knowledgeable in pedagogy that promotes active and critical learning in students.

  c) The high level of attrition in two of the three Bachelor courses

  d) Physical and electronic resources and infrastructure at the main campus, which may not be suitable for both students and teaching staff, particularly if student numbers increase as planned.

Withdrawal of registration

Report on the application to withdraw provider registration by Swinburne College Pty Ltd

A delegate has determined, under subsection 43(2) of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (the TEQSA Act), to grant the application from Swinburne College Pty Ltd to withdraw its registration as a Higher Education Provider, with effect from 08 September 2015.

Background to Decision

Swinburne College Pty Ltd submitted an application to withdraw its registration as a Higher Education Provider under section 43(1) of the TEQSA Act.

Main Reasons for the Decision

The TEQSA delegate was satisfied that it is appropriate for the registration of the Swinburne College Pty Ltd to be withdrawn as Swinburne College is no longer operating as a commercial entity. The delegate was satisfied that no students were affected by the withdrawal.

Renewal of registration

Report on renewal of registration of International Institute of Business and Technology (Australia) Pty Ltd

TEQSA has renewed the registration as a higher education provider, under Section 36(1) of the TEQSA Act, of International Institute of Business and Technology (Australia) Pty Ltd (IIBT) for a period of three years to 19 March 2018 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 IIBT as a higher education provider requiring IIBT to provide TEQSA with:

Condition 1:

1. A plan to enhance scholarship among staff teaching IIBT's higher education course by 19 May 2015.
2. A report on scholarly activities undertaken by IIBT staff in the year prior to the report, with the report to be provided by 28 February of each year after 2015 in which IIBT is registered as a higher education provider.

Main Reasons for Decision

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

TEQSA considers that the decision to apply conditions to IIBT's registration is consistent with the basic principles for regulation in Part 2 of the TEQSA Act, as IIBT is at risk of not complying with a number of the Threshold Standards.

The broad issues which relate to the IIBT's registration include:

• Provider Category Standard 1.4, in relation to the scholarly activities undertaken by IIBT staff.