The Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA) has added 8 of CQU’s good practices to its Good Practice Database.

At AUQA’s invitation, CQU submitted the commendations from the AUQA Audit Report to the database.

The database was developed as a benchmarking resource for higher education organisations. It is an online searchable collection (more than 150 entries) of systems and activities that are relevant to quality assurance and good outcomes in Australasian higher education.

Entries into the AUQA Good Practice Database are by invitation only.

The Good Practice Database can be accessed online at http://www.auqa.edu.au/gp/. Entries in the database are searchable by keywords, contributing institution or topic. Each entry has a ‘print-friendly’ version and a discussion board.

CQU’s entries are as follows:.

 Educational Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Operating Manual (Version 4).

The intent of the CQU ESOS Operating Manual is to define the requirements for Central Queensland University (CQU) staff, partner organisations and agents to follow in order to comply with the legislative requirements of the ESOS Act 2000 and Regulations, and the Migration Act (1958) and Regulations.

 Multi Campus/Teaching Site Roles and Responsibilities.

The purpose of the Multi Campus/Teaching Site Roles and Responsibilities document is to provide a consistent process to deliver quality courses and programs across all Central Queensland University (CQU) campuses and teaching sites onshore and offshore.

 Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS).

Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) is a pre-university preparatory program which was developed to provide a much-needed pathway to higher education for mature-age students. STEPS empowers students from socially, economically and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds to eliminate the barriers that locate them outside the tertiary sector. It allows students from particular disadvantaged sub-groups, traditionally underrepresented at the tertiary level to reach their educational potential.

STEPS provides a curriculum within a supportive learning environment that fosters in adult learners the personal and academic skills for progression to undergraduate study.

 Student Learning Journey.

The Student Learning Journey is an initiative of Central Queensland University (CQU) that targets ways in which the teaching, learning and support aspects of the University can provide maximum benefit and support to students during their studies. CQU acknowledges that each student has a unique learning journey and that their journey changes through time. It is also recognised that each student must also graduate with common and measurable characteristics. The joint staff and student approach addresses the needs of both our students and our staff.

 Student Mentor and Leadership Program.

The primary aim of the Student Mentor and Leadership Program is to assist first-year students at Central Queensland University (CQU) to make a successful transition to university through their first year of study. Individual students are matched with Student Mentors, who use their university experience to assist new students in their Mentor Group. This process enables students to develop a sense of belonging and to build the vital academic and social networks necessary for successful integration into university study. An additional aim is to assist Student Mentors to develop and demonstrate transferable skills such as leadership, group work and communication skills, in a supportive environment.

 Nulloo Yumbah: Indigenous Learning, Spirituality and Research Centre.

Nulloo Yumbah, as CQU’s Indigenous Learning, Spirituality and Research Centre, has goals specific to improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander outcomes.

Any questions regarding the AUQA Audit or any other quality matters should be directed to the Quality Office by emailing cquality@cqu.edu.au.