About Us
The Quality Enhancement Unit (QEU) was established formally at the start of 2002-03 to support the University in its mission to provide high quality programmes and to continue to enhance the quality of the student experience. To achieve this, the Unit administers the Enhancement Strategy (ES) quality framework to support the academic standards of awards.
QEU works in collaboration with SAUWS on the implementation of the University's Student Representation Strategy, and with the Centre for Academic and Professional Development (CAPD) to provide support to Faculties in preparing for validation, SHR and annual monitoring activities.
Following academic re-structuring in session 2009/10 some QEU staff and functions were devolved to Faculties to support quality enhancement at faculty level. These staff are based in the Faculties, but can advise in all aspects of QEU functions.
QEU act as the executive arm of Senate's LTAB in implementing its directives and sub-groups and actively supports the implementation of the Strategy for Learning, Teaching and Assessment. The Unit undertakes to interpret the external agendas for quality and enhancement in HE, particularly those of the Funding Council and QAA (including Enhancement-led Institutional Review [ELIR]).
The Unit provides leadership in engaging with these issues and communicating them to the University community. We provide annual updates on University quality management procedures within a range of documents and guidance booklets.
Key Functions of QEU
- To advise and support the University staff on management of academic quality and standards
- To prepare and publish annual updates on quality procedures
- To advise University staff on QAA requirements and the expectations of the QAA Code of Practice and to ensure UWS quality procedures are consonant with these
- To advise University staff on SFC requirements on quality management and to ensure UWS quality procedures are consonant with these
- To support academic leaders in the development and implementation of the university’s Quality Enhancement Strategy
- To manage the Learning Teaching and Assessment Board under the direction of the Vice Principal Learning & Teaching
- To work in partnership with SAUWS to promote student engagement and representation
- To appoint and induct external examiners in collaboration with the academic schools
- To manage the validation of new programmes within Faculties
- To manage the annual monitoring process within Faculties
- To manage the Collaborative Forum and undertake validations and reviews of collaborative partnerships leading to UWS awards
- To draft Collaborative agreements in line with the expectations of the QAA Code of Practice and CVU good practice
- To manage the Student Experience Group and coordinate its events and activities under direction of the Dean of Students
- To manage the business of the Portfolio Overview Group under direction of the Depute Principal
- To manage the business of the LTAB sub group; Credit, RPL and Admissions Committee
- To prepare an annual overview report for the Funding Council on the outcomes of internal review and professional accreditation.
Quality Enhancement Unit staff are expected to be able to advise university staff on the UWS policy and procedures in relation to the above activities.
Learning, Teaching & Assessment Strategy (SEQLTA)
The purposes of the Strategy for the Enhancement of Quality in Learning, Teaching and Assessment (SEQLTA) 2007-11 are to support the University in achieving its mission and the goals within its institutional Strategic Plan.
The strategy can be found by clicking here.
The new Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy is currently in development.