Quality at the University of Newcastle

Quality Principles and Quality Enhancement Framework

Our Quality Enhancement framework builds on our existing quality assurance systems and processes of governance and management. Our Quality Principles for 2007-2011 are defined as:

  1. Commitment: Commit to quality at all levels, with appropriate resourcing.
  2. Consultation: Engage with staff, students and others to enhance processes, standards and outcomes.
  3. Communication: Communicate quality enhancement as a process of monitoring, feedback and action.
  4. Coordination: Coordinate planning, evaluation, improvement and reporting activities.
  5. Encouragement: Encourage risk taking within a well-defined risk management framework.
  6. Evaluation: Use quantitative and qualitative evidence to monitor activities, inform decisions and evaluate strategies.
  7. Standards: Link outcomes to external standards and engage in comparison.

Download the Quality Enhancement Framework (PDF, 220KB)

How do we assess the quality of the services we provide?

The quality assurance cycle encompasses the ongoing process of setting goals, checking progress and implementing actions to improve outcomes. The ADRI framework describes the four dimensions of our ongoing process of quality assurance at UoN, whereby we strategically:

  • Plan our 'Approach' (our overall objectives through to more specific goals and the planned arrangements for how these will be achieved)
  • Monitor the 'Deployment' (whether, and how effectively, the approach is being put into effect)
  • Assess the 'Results' (as a means of determining how well the deployment is achieving the planned approach)
  • Implement the 'Improvement' phase (reflect on our performance and use this understanding to bring about improvements)

What are our goals at the University of Newcastle?

As described in our Strategic Plan 2007-2011, "Building Distinction", the University of Newcastle recognises the importance of:

  • Displaying confidence in the abilities of our staff and students to excel and investing in their development
  • Striving to improve the quality of our scholarship and research activities
  • Building a firm and robust platform for organisational and personal performance and growth
  • Engaging with our communities to provide opportunities for high quality education and opportunities for knowledge creation and transfer
  • Creating a framework in which to be dynamic, responsive, flexible and risk-taking
  • Promoting an identity that is clearly defined, differentiated and reflects the University of Newcastle experience

What is our vision at the University of Newcastle?

This vision describes how the University of Newcastle will look as we fulfil our purpose.

  • We are recognised and respected as a University of distinction
  • Our teaching leads in the education of professionals and our research is internationally acclaimed
  • Our organisation is responsive, dynamic and strong

What are our core values at the University of Newcastle?

These core values guide the activities and behaviours of the University's staff and students. They are critical to fulfilling our purpose and realising our vision.

  • We value distinction - excellence and achievement combined with a clear sense of identity
  • We uphold and are models for the highest standards of academic, personal and business integrity and in doing so, practise the values of honesty, trust, fairness, respect and responsibility
  • We take opportunities to build and promote collaboration within and outside the University so that we achieve more than is individually possible

What is our purpose at the University of Newcastle?

The University of Newcastle exists to make a distinctive difference in people and in society. It does this by:

  • Preparing graduates who are lifelong learners and sought after by employers, and who contribute to society by being adaptable, critical and global citizens
  • Pursuing outstanding scholarly teaching and research
  • Contributing to the intellectual, social, economic, cultural, sporting and environmental enrichment of our communities

How do we know we are providing services of high quality at the University of Newcastle?

As part of our commitment to quality assurance, the University of Newcastle is audited by the Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA) on a five yearly cycle. The second audit of the quality of the academic activities, our quality assurance arrangements and our compliance with external criteria, such as the National Protocols for Higher Education, occurred in April 2008.