Australian regulator sets conditions for ANU to retain registration
In Australia, the higher education regulator has set four conditions for the Australian National University (ANU), on whose fulfilment the retention of its registration depends. A 14-month compliance review found breaches of three key national higher education standards, ABC News Australia reports.
Regulator's conditions
The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) has required the university to implement a governance and university council strengthening program, ensure the integrity of the university, provide orientation and training for council members, and review the flows of information received by the council.
TEQSA concluded that ANU had not ensured proper governance oversight and accountability, the diligent performance of governance functions, or effective and sustainable operations. The regulator also indicated that the university's future development directions did not include defined realistic performance indicators, measures to address underperformance, or effective risk management.
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Deadlines and the university's response
Within 30 days, ANU must appoint an independent expert approved by TEQSA. The expert will conduct the governance strengthening program together with the university and its council; it provides for the development of plans for financial sustainability, academic operations, risk management, and determining the future course of development.
Some of the conditions will cease to apply after three years, although TEQSA may extend their duration. The regulator's intervention began in June last year amid a 250 million Australian dollar cost-cutting program that prompted protests by staff and students.
In September last year, former vice-chancellor Genevieve Bell resigned, and in May, former chancellor Julie Bishop stepped down. ANU said it had already begun work on reforms and would continue to cooperate openly and constructively with TEQSA to strengthen governance mechanisms.
