Reputation is paramount

Read more about Jandy Godfrey

By Jandy Godfrey, Executive Director/Vice President (Development and International)

17 June 2005: I have great pleasure in presenting to you all my first column on behalf of the Development and International Division.

Recently the Sydney Morning Herald and other newspapers published a series of stories on international students and international education generally. They dealt with issues such as academic standards and the welfare of international students, off-shore campuses and the reputation of the Australian higher education sector overseas.

From my point of view, the primary concern of ALL
students is the high reputation of their university and
the portability of their qualification - not just nationally, but internationally. We know this is important for students at the University of Canberra because in the recent survey completed by 2008 UC students, they told us so. They want to know that the degree they have worked so hard to achieve is well regarded and that it will provide entry to good employment or career change or career advancement.  

The reputation of our University and the credibility of our degrees are precious beyond measure and must be protected at all cost.

The University has in place processes involving consultation with appropriate professional bodies, industry and business to ensure the relevance and content of our courses. There are stringent approval processes through Divisional Education Committees and Academic Board. Exam papers are set and moderated. Students' examination scripts are marked independently and anonymously. Marks are sent to the moderator of each course and then to the Divisional Assessment Committees for critical evaluation. There is an appeals process for students if they are dissatisfied with their results.

This is called due process and it is there to protect the quality of a degree and the reputation of our University. It ensures that all students are treated equally.

The University of Canberra processes are reviewed regularly and, like all Australian universities, we are subject to audit from the Australian University Quality Agency.  

In the end, it is employers who measure the worth of our degrees, which brings us back to the high employability of our students and their high starting salaries. We are pleased that the University of Canberra has an excellent reputation for getting a job (five star rating in the Good Universities Guide 2005 Edition) , and for starting salary (four star rating), and this reputation is upheld by strict processes.

Such debates as we have seen in the press should be welcomed by the higher education sector. They focus our attention on the importance of assuring that we deliver quality courses and services and this in turn leads to the best possible outcomes for our graduates - wherever they may work across the world.

For further information about Monitor Online, contact the editor: monitor@canberra.edu.au

Copyright © 2005 University of Canberra

Last Updated on August 1, 2005