Overview of Session Current guidelines for accreditation Current quality assurance processes in the context of some recent examples Discussion

We think Quality is fundamental to maintaining and enhancing the reputation of New Zealand qualifications and New Zealand providers overseas and is vital to the continued success of any off-shore education initiatives.

So we Require to accredit the off-shore delivery arrangements for any course, or part of a course, over which we have jurisdiction.

Information requirements for accreditation Applications should include evidence that the overseas operations:  are covered by the provider’s quality management system  will be consistent with the standards of the provider’s NZ operations  comply with legal requirements in the particular country  are acceptable to the relevant educational authorities in the particular country

Information requirements for accreditation In the case of joint venture arrangements, we expect that specific information is provided about:  the standing of the overseas provider and evidence that the provider meets relevant quality standards in their own country  any qualification approval and accreditation processes applying to the overseas provider in relation to the particular qualification under consideration  the formal agreement between the NZ provider and the overseas provider.

Off-shore delivery of one paper from a 1 year Diploma programme Nature of delivery :  New Zealand provider’s tutors at off-shore provider’s premises.

Off-shore delivery of one paper from a 1 year Diploma programme Issues :  relatively minor implications regarding staffing, resourcing, assessment practices and moderation  provider with some prior experience in off-shore delivery  short period of delivery with no risks to continuity of study for students

Off-shore delivery of one paper from a 1 year Diploma programme Issues:  associated with professional development of staff consideration of the requirement for teaching to be informed by research  NZ qualification and upcoming New Zealand study – expectation of a NZ context to off-shore delivered component

QA Process Straightforward desktop analysis of submission providing confirmation of delivery and resourcing arrangements, the respective role of both parties and assurances around other requirements.

Off-shore delivery of 1 Semester of a NZ degree programme overseas to students who will then travel to New Zealand to complete the qualification Nature of delivery:  Overseas delivery by joint venture partner with visiting tutor support. Proposal also involved cross-crediting initial papers.

Off-shore delivery of 1 Semester of a NZ degree programme overseas to students who will then travel to New Zealand to complete the qualification Issues:  cross-crediting arrangements  staffing – overseas provider not an accredited degree granting organisation – issues associated with professional development of staff consideration of the requirement for teaching to be informed by research

Off-shore delivery of 1 Semester of a NZ degree programme overseas to students who will then travel to New Zealand to complete the qualification Issues:  NZ qualification and upcoming NZ study – expectation of a NZ context to off-shore delivered component  off-shore provider in Malaysia - the joint venture was subject to Memorandum of Understanding that the Authority has developed with the Malaysian accreditation agency

QA Process Careful consideration by mini panel including degree monitor and additional academic. Evaluation included conference calls with representatives of both providers. Monitor to visit overseas site to monitor implementation.