Uni gets top grade from watchdog

THE peak university regulatory body has extended the University of Tasmania’s registration for another seven years, but with two conditions.

The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency routinely reviews and accredits all Australian higher education providers and seven years is the maximum extension period.

UTAS was recognised for its commitment to access and social equity for Tasmanians, extensive student support offerings and “sound commitment to continuous improvement of its learning, teaching and research activities”.

TEQSA made the decision to impose two conditions in relation to improved management of attrition, including comprehensive reporting of student outcomes to the academic senate, and a need for a more effective policy framework within the university.

University Provost Jane Long said the maximum extension was a reflection of UTAS’s commitment to excellence in teaching and research.

“The issues that TEQSA has highlighted are ones that we had identified as part of our strategic review last year,” Professor Long said.

“We are currently delivering a response to these things and we welcome the additional focus that TEQSA’s conditions bring to our efforts.”

In September 2017, End Rape On Campus Australia lodged a complaint to TEQSA on behalf of then student Penny Plaschke, claiming the university had breached or failed to adhere to a number of standards — including failing to provide a safe environment and denying her equal right to an education.

A TEQSA spokesman said the authority did not comment on the outcome of its investigations, but there were no formal regulatory sanctions imposed on the university.