Maynooth University Strategy & Quality Office
ToggleMaynooth University Quality Assurance and Enhancement Framework and Guidelines
Maynooth University Quality Assurance and Enhancement Framework
Quality Review Process and Guidelines
Quality reviews are carried out in academic, administrative and support units on a 7/8 year cycle. Periodically, reviews will also be undertaken of cross-College structures. From time to time, thematic reviews of University-wide issues are also carried out. Typically the review model comprises of five key elements:
- Preparation of a Self-Assessment Report (SAR)
- A site visit by a Peer Review Group (PRG) that includes external and internal experts, both national and international
- Preparation of a Peer Review Report (PRR)
- Agreement of a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP), an action plan for improvement
- Follow up report on the implementation of the Quality Improvement Plan
Quality Assurance is an ongoing process. It should be continuous and does not end with the first review or with the completion of the formal follow-up procedures. It has to be periodically renewed. Subsequent external reviews should take into account progress that has been made since the previous review.
The University's strategic and holistic approach to academic unit review acknowledges that the various aspects of a unit's operations (strategy and organisation, teaching and learning, assessment strategies, research and resources) are inter-related and ensures that members of the unit come together to reflect upon what they are trying to achieve in all aspects of their work, and how these different areas of activity impact upon one another. All members of the unit, both academic and non-academic, are included in the review and are expected to engage, as appropriate, in discussions and the preparation of all materials, as a collegial activity. The primary focus of the review is on quality improvement.
MU Guidelines for Internal Quality Review Academic
MU Guidelines Internal Quality Reviews Admin Support Units
Review Schedule
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
What is my role in the quality review process of Schools and Units at Maynooth University?
Students may be involved at several stages of the quality review process. Schools and Units may choose to involve a student representative as a member of the Unit Quality Committee which prepares a School or Unit Self-Assessment Report (SAR). Feedback from students may be incorporated into the preparation of the report. Students are invited to meet with the Review Group during their site visit and to comment on all aspects of their student and learning experience. This may involve commenting on the curriculum, accessibility of staff, teaching and assessment methods etc.
Students also have an opportunity to view the findings of the Review Group following publication of the report. Schools and Units may also choose to involve a student representative in the quality improvement plan process.
As a student within the University how can I take a proactive role in the quality review process?
Active student participation in the review process can be undertaken in a variety of ways: through participation in staff-student committees; University or unit feedback surveys or focus groups; becoming a class representative; through participation on the unit’s quality committee; and/or meeting with the Review Group during the site visit.
What is my involvement during the quality review site visit?
Students meet with the Review Group during their site visit. Generally the Review Group will meet with representatives from various stages of undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Former students may also meet with the Review Group. Meetings are generally scheduled for 45-60 minutes and the focus of the discussion typically covers all aspects of the students’ experience of studying at Maynooth.
Students are encouraged to engage fully with the Peer Review Group during their visits. Your experiences form an important part of the Peer Review Group’s understanding of quality assurance and ongoing improvements in the Area.
What questions will the Review Group ask?
The Review Group will read the Self-Assessment Report provided by the Unit, which will contain student feedback as part of its discussion. The Review Group uses the site visit to verify and discuss the content of the Self-Assessment Report. The questions asked may vary, but should cover areas such as registration, teaching methods, examinations and assessment, student support facilities, research methods, staff accessibility, etc.