Bond University’s unique personalised approach to tertiary education was recognised today, amongst other commendations, in a report released by the Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA).
Titled Report of an Audit of Bond University, Australia’s peak university quality authority confirmed what Bond University, its students and alumni, have long claimed. That is, that Bond University offers its students a ‘distinctive experience’ during their studies through to their working life.
The Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA) is an independent, not-for-profit national agency that promotes, audits and reports on quality assurance in Australian higher education.
In a list of twelve commendations, Bond University was applauded for its small class sizes, personalised approach to students, alumni relations, focus on graduate attributes, operational efficiency, and outstanding IT and library resources.
The AUQA report states that Bond’s small class sizes and low student ratios ‘are a real strength and a distinguishing factor between it and most, if not all, other Australian universities’. This contributes significantly to a distinct ‘Bond experience’ highly prized by students.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Stable welcomed the report.
“From the outset, Bond University has focused on quality not quantity,” said Professor Stable.
“We do not aim to be the biggest university in Australia, but we do aim to set the standard when it comes to educational excellence.
“I am delighted that the audit panel recognised our innovative approach and the outstanding relationship we maintain with our students,” he said.
Bond University Chancellor Mr Trevor C Rowe AM is equally pleased that AUQA has recognised Bond’s commitment to graduate outcomes. As Chairman of Citigroup, a Director of the Australian Stock Exchange and Chairman of United Group Ltd, Mr Rowe has been involved in the international business arena for more than twenty years and is keenly aware of the need to shape graduates to meet the demands of international business.
“Through curriculum designed with the ‘end goal’ in mind, students head into the workforce with practical skills and a can-do attitude – something that the global business community is hungry for,” said Mr Rowe.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Stable stated that the audit process is part of an ongoing commitment to quality improvement.
“It is always worthwhile to have a third party validate your approach and provide suggestions for ongoing improvement,” said Professor Stable.
Last month Bond University appointed Professor Dennis Gibson AO to the Bond University Council. Chancellor Trevor Rowe said this appointment has been under consideration for several months.
“Having an academic of Professor Gibson’s stature helping to steer the course of the University’s future is significant strategic development for Bond,” said Chancellor Rowe.
“His experience and broad academic perspective will ensure our core educational philosophy remains a key priority in establishing strategic policies,” he said.
AUQA further commended Bond University for the following practices:
- AUQA commends Bond University for achieving its goal of maintaining a low student/staff ratio and small tutorial class sizes.
- AUQA commends Bond University for the high level of satisfaction expressed by students in the staff and the teaching.
- AUQA commends Bond University for addressing its goal of being client-focused by offering students the standard option of a three-semester year.
- AUQA commends Bond University for the outstanding relations it has developed and maintains with its students.
- AUQA commends Bond University for the way it mobilises and maintains contact with its alumni.
- AUQA commends the Vice-Chancellor of Bond University for encouraging an organisational culture that fosters openness to discussion and high levels of interaction within the Bond community.
- AUQA commends Bond University for the quality of its IT support for students.
- AUQA commends the Bond University Library for its effective support of the University’s academic activities through planning, training, co-ordination, and its links with the wider library community.