Monitoring of Degree and Postgraduate Qualifications

This policy outlines the monitoring process for degree and postgraduate qualifications at Otago Polytechnic Limited (Ltd). The monitoring process ensures that Otago Polytechnic Ltd's quality management systems are effective in relation to the approved qualification and to ensure that concerns and recommendations made in approval and accreditation reports by approval panels and subsequent monitors' reports are addressed. It also enables the sharing of professional advice relating to curriculum content, delivery, and assessment.

Degrees and Related Qualifications Guidelines for Programme Approval and Accreditation to Provide Programmes. NZQA.

Guidelines for the monitoring programmes leading to diplomas, degrees, and related qualifications at levels 7-10. NZQA, May 2016

1. All approved Level 7 programmes of study leading to diplomas, degrees and related qualifications at Levels 7-10 will be subject to an annual monitoring process and will comply with New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) requirements.
2. There are two (2) monitoring processes:

      2.1. NZQA-managed monitoring for new programmes of study leading to diplomas, degrees, and related qualifications at Levels 7 - 10 in the first years of delivery; and

     2.2.  Monitoring by Annual Programme Evaluation and Review (APER) report.

     2.2.1.    In this instance, the monitoring process is managed by Otago Polytechnic Ltd following application to and approval from NZQA for delegated responsibility for monitoring by APER to manage the annual monitoring process. This includes the Otago Polytechnic Ltd appointment of an external monitor.

3. Where monitoring is by NZQA appointed monitor, the Head of College or delegate organises the monitor's visit following the first year of delivery in the first quarter of the second year of delivery and thereafter annually. NZQA is notified of each visit and may attend the first visit. Monitoring visits will occur annually until application is made to NZQA to approve self-monitoring by APER.
4. Following each visit, the monitor sends a report to NZQA who refers it back to Otago Polytechnic Ltd for checking factual accuracy. Heads of College or delegate are responsible for addressing the monitor’s recommendations in the subsequent report to the monitor and the APER.
5. When the monitor considers that the programme of study and its delivery are stable and that all conditions for changing to self-monitoring status have been met, the monitor will recommend to NZQA that Otago Polytechnic Ltd be invited b to apply for self-monitoring/APER This application must outline mechanisms to ensure independent, external academic input by an Otago Polytechnic Ltd appointed monitor.
6. Where monitoring is by APER, the Director: Academic Excellence, following completion of the APER report and any Otago Polytechnic Ltd required meeting, prepares these for submission to NZQA by the required deadline each year.
7. The Head of College or delegate notifies the Director: Academic Excellence and the Deputy Chief Executive: Academic Delivery of impending monitors visits and arranges a meeting between the monitor and these parties.
8. The Head of College or delegate ensures that the Director: Academic Excellence and the Deputy Chief Executive: Academic Delivery receive a copy of the monitor’s report.
9. The Head of College or delegate ensures that the final monitor's report is uploaded to the centralised repository.

NZQA Guidelines for Monitoring Programmes Leading to Diplomas, Degrees and Related Qualifications at Levels 7 to 10

Self-Assessment and Internal Evaluation policy

Approved by:
Dr. Megan Gibbons
Chief Executive
Date 17 June 2022

Policy Version: V7 Previously Coded: AP0707