What we do

Purpose:

The purpose of the AQA is to contribute to the advancement of New Zealand university education by:
- engaging as a leader and advocate in the development of academic quality,
- applying quality assurance and quality enhancement processes that assist universities in improving student engagement, academic experience and learning outcomes, and
- supporting confidence in the academic quality of New Zealand universities.

AQA Constitution:

Click here to view AQA's Constitution.

Terms of Reference:

AQA will:
- acknowledge the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
- maintain consistency with international expectations, standards and developments in external quality assurance;
- advise the New Zealand Vice-Chancellors’ Committee and Universities New Zealand on quality assurance matters;
- reflect areas of importance to universities with respect to their teaching, learning, student experience and student outcomes activities;
- undertake quality assurance reviews (currently in the form of an academic audit) that are robust, fair and perceptive and that assist universities and their students;
- acknowledge and respect the individual contexts of universities in undertaking quality assurance reviews;
- make provision for appeals regarding the content of a quality assurance review;
- publish quality assurance reviews of universities;
- identify and promote good practice in quality assurance and enhancement;
- support the contribution of an effective student voice in quality assurance and enhancement;
- recognise other accountabilities and responsibilities of universities;
- maintain a constructive relationship with the Committee on University Academic Programmes (CUAP) that recognises the responsibilities of CUAP and AQA;
- contribute to the development of quality assurance in New Zealand and internationally;
- undertake contract work as is compatible with its purpose and terms of reference.

Policy

The Te Tiriti o Waitangi policy is available here. AQA’s other policies are available here. 

Strategic Framework:

Click here to view AQA's current Strategic Framework and here to view AQA's Te Tiriti o Waitangi Action Plan.