International Higher Education (IHE) Reaccreditation Inspection

Transcription

1 BRITISH ACCREDITATION COUNCIL INSPECTION REPORT International Higher Education (IHE) Reaccreditation Inspection INSTITUTION: International University College, Sofia ADDRESS: Tsarigradsko Shose 149-B Sofia 1784 Bulgaria HEAD OF INSTITUTION: Professor Dr Vesselin Blagoev DATE OF INSPECTION: 3 and 4 October 2013 ACCREDITATION STATUS AT INSPECTION: Accredited DECISION ON ACCREDITATION: Reaccreditation awarded for the full four-year period. Decision on accreditation deferred. Accreditation to be withdrawn. Date: 5 Dec 2013 Page 1 of 18

2 PART A - INTRODUCTION 1. Background to the institution International University College Sofia (IUC or the College) was established in 1993, first accredited by BAC in 2004 and reaccredited in 2009 with a successful interim inspection in At the time of the first inspection, IUC was operating as an independent private limited company offering franchised degree programmes of the University of Portsmouth (UoP). However, shortly after the inspection, there was a reform of higher education in Bulgaria which withdrew recognition of foreign degrees except where they were offered in partnership with a nationally recognised higher school, which was effectively an institution already authorised to award Bulgarian degrees. As this was an apparent breach of Bulgaria s pre-accession undertaking to accept the EU Directive on the mutual recognition of higher education awards, IUC attempted to challenge the decision, but to no effect. In the meantime, enrolments were very severely damaged by statements made by the Minister for Education and Science which suggested that the College was acting illegally. In 2005, IUC enrolled 152 new students. This figure fell to 49 in 2006 and, reversing modest increases reported in 2009, reached only 44 on undergraduate programmes in 2010, reflecting the fact that IUC continues to suffer under the same difficulties, despite a ruling by the Bulgarian Supreme Court to the effect that the education ministry was operating illegally in its failure to recognise the degrees of another EU state. As a result of the ministry s action, it was eventually decided to wind up the private limited company and become part of International University College Dobrich, an independent higher school recognised by the Bulgarian government as a degree-awarding institution. A new agreement between International University College Dobrich and the University of Portsmouth was signed in 2007, with the university retaining full responsibility for academic standards of the awards and student experience. The University of Portsmouth programmes are only taught in IUC, which operates largely as a fully independent part of International University College Dobrich, although responsible to the Dobrich Rector. BAC was informed of this arrangement and expressed no issues with continuing accreditation. Consequently, IUC students gain degrees from both the University of Portsmouth and International University College Dobrich, requiring a short additional period of study at Dobrich and a period of assessed work placement in order to gain the Dobrich degree. Since the 2009 inspection, IUC has introduced an MBA programme in partnership with Cardiff ropolitan University. IUC is currently running concurrent undergraduate programmes from Portsmouth and Cardiff ropolitan and the MBA from Cardiff. The inspectors were informed that the agreement with Portsmouth University that has been in force for some 20 years will end in two years' time. Undergraduate recruitment for the academic year is to Cardiff ropolitan University programmes. IUC will continue to service the second and third year Portsmouth undergraduates until their courses end in The students are aware of the situation and have not expressed any concerns. Contingency arrangements will be put in place should any student fail in the final year so that the failures may be redeemed. The main effect of the ministry s refusal to recognise UK degrees gained at IUC is that graduates will not gain employment in the public sector based upon their overseas degree. This fact does not seem to faze the students and IUC is able to point to a high level of success with its graduates gaining posts in the private sector, including large international companies such as KPMG, Price Waterhouse and Ernst and Young. Career guidance and links to career opportunities (partly through links with alumni) form a major part of IUC's service to its students. A major part of IUC s mission is to provide leadership in the development of the economies of Bulgaria and other former communist countries through publications and biennial conferences. Despite the Supreme Court ruling in 2006 the education ministry is still reluctant to recognise franchised degrees from the UK for entry into public sector employment. However the college takes a pragmatic approach to this situation and continues to focus on producing high quality graduates for the private sector. The decision to make Cardiff ropolitan University the sole partner for IUC reflects the close working relationship that Sofia has with the other International University College partners at Dobrich and Varna, both centres being located at the eastern extremity of the country. A single agreement relating to all three centres was signed in September 2012 authorising a number of courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels to be franchised to the IUC group. The arrangement at IUC Sofia is that the first and second years of the Cardiff undergraduate programmes are validated by Cardiff while the final year operates on a franchise basis. During the inspection IUC received approval, in principle, from the Bulgarian Accreditation Authority to award the Page 2 of 18

3 College higher school status. This decision is subject to parliamentary ratification, the decision of which is expected towards the end of December If this is granted, then BAC should request that it is informed of the new status of the College and also any new name under which it may choose to operate. Consequently as a result of the closer academic and programme ties with Dobrich and Varna, the College should be asked to clarify whether it is likely to have to relinquish some of its current independence in the way that it operates. 2. Brief description of the current provision As a result of the termination of the Portsmouth University agreement, its undergraduate provision will be phased out over the next two academic years. IUC has recruited to two new undergraduate programmes from Cardiff ropolitan University: BA(Hons) in International Business Management and BA (Hons) in Business and Management with Finance. IUC continues to offer the Cardiff MBA. 3. Inspection process Two inspectors spent two days at the College. Classes were observed both during the day and the evening. Meetings were held with the Director, who is also Vice-Rector of IUC, Dobrich, and senior managers. The College is relatively small and much of the final decision making is taken by the Director. He in turn is responsible to the Rector who is based at Dobrich. Formal meetings were also held with students, academic and administrative staff. The overwhelming majority of academic staff are employed on a part-time basis and bring significant business and managerial expertise to the College. The inspectors also had the opportunity to question the Portsmouth contact tutor who was present at the College in order to attend the annual graduation ceremony. Although not part of the formal inspection process, the inspectors accepted an invitation to attend the University of Portsmouth Graduation ceremony that took place on the evening of 4 October. 4. Inspection history: Inspection type Date Full Accreditation 8-11 May 2004 Interim 21 September 2005 Full Accreditation April 2009 Interim May 2011 Page 3 of 18

4 PART B - JUDGEMENT AND EVIDENCE The following judgements and comments are based upon evidence seen by the inspector(s) during the inspection and from documentation provided by the institution. INSPECTION AREA - MAGEMENT, STAFFING AND ADMINISTRATION The institution is effectively managed The management structure is clearly defined, documented and understood, including the role and extent of authority of any owners, trustees or governing body. The head of the institution and other senior managers are suitably qualified and experienced, understand their specific responsibilities and are effective in carrying them out. 1.3 There are clear channels of communication between the management and staff. 1.4 The institution conducts a regular and systematic review of its overall performance. Partially t This is a very small College and there are effective channels of communication both formal and informal. There are regular and systematic reviews of the performance of the institution mainly carried out by the Director, but the results of these reviews do not filter into an institutional annual monitoring procedure. We therefore believe that 1.4 is met and deal with the broader issue of institutional annual monitoring at standard 8 below. The College might also wish to reflect on what the likely impact on existing administrative and academic resources will be should student numbers significantly increase. 2. The administration of the institution is effective 2.1 Administrators are suitably qualified or experienced and understand their specific responsibilities and duties. 2.2 The size of the administrative team is sufficient to ensure the effective day-to-day running of the institution. 2.3 The administrative support available to the management is clearly defined, documented and understood. 2.4 Policies, procedures and systems are well documented and effectively disseminated across the institution. 2.5 Data collection and collation systems are effective Clear descriptions of course structures, assessment systems and requirements for progression are readily available to students. Administrative records are efficiently organised and stored. Partially t While data collection systems are effective, the inspectors recommend that IUC management should reflect on student performance and other data in a more formal way. For example, in some units the examination performance of some students was found to be significantly weaker than in their coursework assignments. The College needs to formally consider whether this is an issue that needs to be addressed and more targeted examination preparation introduced. See the comments at 8 below and the resultant action point. Page 4 of 18

5 3. The institution employs appropriate staff 3.1 There are appropriate policies and effective procedures for the recruitment and continuing employment of suitably qualified and experienced staff. 3.2 Experience and qualifications claimed are verified before employment. 3.3 There is an effective system for regularly reviewing the performance of staff. 3.4 Academic staff have a level of qualification and/or academic professional experience appropriate to the level at which they are teaching. E.g. those teaching at undergraduate/ HND level will hold a post-graduate degree and appropriate experience. Partially t Staff performance reviews need to be built into a formal annual monitoring procedure. See 8 below. 4. Publicity material gives a comprehensive, up-to-date and accurate description of the institution and its curriculum 4.1 Text and images provide an accurate depiction of the institution s location, premises, facilities and the range and nature of resources and services offered. 4.2 Information on the courses available is comprehensive, accurate and up to date Students are informed of the status of the qualifications offered, including the awarding body and level of award. Students are informed of the full cost of all programmes, including costs of examinations and any required materials. Where the degree-awarding body is not a UK university, the national origin of the award is clearly stated. Partially t 4.5 above is not applicable given that degrees are awarded by Portsmouth and Cardiff ropolitan universities. Page 5 of 18

6 5. The institution takes reasonable care to recruit and enrol suitable students for its courses 5.1 Entry requirements for each course are set at an appropriate level and clearly stated in the course descriptions seen by prospective students. 5.2 A formal application process ensures that students meet the entry requirements and any claimed qualifications are verified Students are properly briefed on the nature and requirements of the courses for which they apply, and all application enquiries responded to promptly and appropriately. Any overseas recruitment agents are properly selected, briefed, monitored and evaluated. 5.5 Students receive a proper initial assessment which includes language ability to confirm their capability to complete the courses on which they are enrolling. Partially t Additionally, the College should ask potential recruits to provide details of any special needs or physical impediments. 6. There is an appropriate policy on student attendance and effective procedures and systems to enforce it 6.1 There is a clear and published policy on student attendance and punctuality, requiring that they attend at least 80% of their scheduled classes. 6.2 Accurate and secure records of attendance and punctuality at each session are kept for all students, collated centrally and reviewed at least weekly. 6.3 Student absences are followed up promptly and appropriate action taken. Partially t Page 6 of 18

7 7. The institution regularly obtains and records feedback from students and other stakeholders and takes appropriate action where necessary The institution has effective mechanisms for obtaining feedback from students and other stakeholders (such as staff, partner institutions and employers) on all aspects of the institution s provision, including formal student representation where appropriate. Feedback is obtained, recorded and analysed on a regular basis. 7.3 The feedback is reviewed by management and action is taken where necessary. 7.4 There is a mechanism for reporting on the institution s response to the feedback to the student body. Partially t It is recommended that student feedback should be included as part of a formal College annual monitoring process. See 8 below. More could be done to encourage students to engage in the unit feedback procedure. 8. The institution has effective systems to review its own standards and assess its own performance with a view to continuing improvement 8.1 There are effective systems for monitoring and periodically reviewing all aspects of the institution s performance Reports are compiled at least annually which present the results of the institution s reviews and incorporate action plans. Reports include analysis of year-on-year results on student satisfaction, retention, achievement, examination results and completion rates. Action plans are implemented and regularly reviewed, with outcomes reported to the management. Partially t Annual monitoring takes place in order to comply with the requirements of Cardiff ropolitan and Portsmouth Universities' quality assurance procedures. This process generates a significant amount of data, particularly in respect of student performance, external moderator and examiner comments. Additionally, IUC collects student feedback on a unit by unit basis. The perceived weakness is that IUC does not bring all this information together in any form of institutional evaluation. This lack of a formal IUC annual monitoring system means that the information gathered throughout the year is not assessed coherently and does not provide the basis for institutional action planning or focused strategic thinking. As a mature institution, IUC should not only be responding to the requirements of its UK university partners but should also be evolving its own critical assessment procedures preferably on an annual basis. Please see the comments at 1, 2, 3,7 and 11. Page 7 of 18

8 INSPECTION AREA - TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT 9. Academic management is effective 9.1 There is a suitably qualified and experienced academic manager or academic management team with responsibility for teaching, learning and assessment. 9.2 Classes are timetabled and rooms allocated appropriately for the courses offered. 9.3 The allocation of teachers to classes provides for a consistent learning experience. 9.4 There is an appropriate policy and effective procedures for the acquisition of academic resources. 9.5 There is provision for academic leadership in each area of the academic programme There are regular scheduled and minuted meetings of academic staff to review academic programmes. There are effective procedures in place for the induction and appraisal of all academic staff. 9.8 There are structures in place which either directly involve or take account of the views of those responsible for the delivery of academic programmes and the maintenance of academic standards. 9.9 Students have access to individual teaching staff in order to supplement classroom-based teaching and learning. Partially t There are regular minuted meetings that consider the Cardiff ropolitan and Portsmouth programmes on average every three months. Board of Studies meetings are also minuted. Staff meetings occur approximately once per semester and need to be formally minuted. Page 8 of 18

9 10. The courses are planned and delivered in ways that enable students to succeed Courses are designed and delivered in ways that allow students to develop the knowledge and skills which will be required for final examinations or assessments. Lessons and assessments maintain an appropriate focus on any assessment objectives or statement of learning outcomes established by the awarding body. Formative assessments appropriately reflect the nature and standards of summative examinations. Students are encouraged and enabled to develop independent learning skills There are explicit statements in relation to required levels of attendance, required criteria for grading assessed work, and requirements for progression. Any required coursework and revision periods are scheduled in advance The academic backgrounds and particular needs of students are taken into account in the classroom delivery of the course. Partially t Teachers are suitable for the courses to which they are allocated and effective in delivering them Teachers are appropriately qualified and experienced Teachers have a level of subject knowledge, pedagogic and communicative skill which allows them to deliver the content of courses effectively. The appraisal procedures for teaching staff incorporate regular classroom observation Teachers are supported in their continuing professional development and enabled to develop further pedagogic techniques to enhance the learning of students Teachers respond to different learning needs of students where appropriate, taking various learning styles into account in their planning and delivery of lessons Teachers employ effective strategies to involve all students in active participation and to check their understanding of concepts and course content There is evidence of course planning to ensure curriculum coverage The balance between large and small group teaching is appropriate to the needs of higher education learning. Students are encouraged to develop autonomy in the planning and management of the learning process. Partially t Classroom observation does take place and impacts upon staff appraisal, but needs to be more coherently applied and built into an annual College monitoring procedure. See 8 above. Page 9 of 18

10 12. The institution provides students and teachers with access to appropriate resources and materials for study 12.1 The teaching methodology requires students to make use of the resources for study available to them Resources for study are well organised and catalogued to facilitate access Handouts and other resources are appropriate to the level of the course. Partially t 13. Students receive appropriate assessment and feedback on their performance and progress, which are effectively monitored 13.1 Courses are planned to include a schedule of assessments, the procedures and criteria for which are available in writing and in advance to students and teachers Assessment outcomes are monitored to enable the identification of students who are not making satisfactory progress and prompt intervention where appropriate Students are made aware of how their progress relates to their targeted level of achievement The institution takes appropriate steps to identify and discourage cheating and other misdemeanours, and to penalise offenders Additional support or advice on alternative courses is provided to students who are judged not to be making sufficient progress to succeed Oral and written feedback is given to individual students on a regular basis, tailored to meet their specific needs and constructive in its nature and delivery Students have appropriate access outside class time to teachers or personal tutors for academic support Student progress is measured and recorded regularly ion the basis of adequate and explicit data There are systems in place for the analysis of student outcomes in terms of the current year and year-on-year performance There are systems in place for the analysis and investigation of significant variations in student achievement between comparable course elements. Partially t Page 10 of 18

11 The institution offers courses leading to accredited awards granted by recognised awarding bodies wherever appropriate For courses leading to the award of a UK degree, the institution has a formal agreement with a recognised UK degree-awarding body. For courses leading to other UK awards, the awarding body is recognised by the relevant regulator. For courses leading to the award of an overseas degree, the institution has a formal partnership agreement with the overseas degree-awarding body, which is itself accredited by a recognised national agency. Partially t 15. There is a clear rationale for courses leading to unaccredited or internal awards 15.1 There is a clear statement of the level claimed relative to the NQF/QCF and evidence that students who receive the award meet the stated requirements for that level There is evidence of the extent to which the awards are accepted for the purposes of employment or further study External moderators are involved in the assessment process where appropriate There is evidence that the comments of external moderators have been addressed. Partially t 15.4 is not applicable in the IUC context. 16. There are satisfactory procedures for the administration of examinations and other means of assessment 16.1 The institution complies with the requirements of the relevant awarding bodies in terms of examination security and administration For internal awards, there are effective systems in place for examination security and administration, and clear procedures for students to appeal against their marks. Partially t Page 11 of 18

12 There is appropriate provision of advice for students intending to proceed to employment or higher/further education Students have access to advice from a designated staff member on further study and career opportunities. If the institution offers courses preparing students for higher education, they have access to prospectuses and to advice from a designated staff member both on selecting courses and institutions and on the application process. Partially t If student numbers significantly increase, the College should give consideration to putting careers guidance on a more formal footing. Currently many informal approaches are made to academic staff mainly because of their links with large companies in the region and therefore potential employers. INSPECTION AREA - STUDENT WELFARE Students receive pastoral support appropriate to their age, background and circumstances There is at least one named staff member responsible for student welfare who is suitably trained, accessible to all students and available to provide advice and counselling. Students receive appropriate advice before arrival Students receive an appropriate induction and relevant information upon arrival Students are issued with a contact number for out-of-hours and emergency support The institution has policies in place to avoid discrimination and a published procedure for dealing with any abusive behaviour. There are effective systems to communicate with students There are effective means for identifying and responding to student opinion. Partially t Page 12 of 18

13 19. International students are provided with specific advice and assistance 19.1 International students receive appropriate advice before their arrival on travelling to and living in the country International students receive an appropriate induction upon arrival covering issues specific to the local area. Information and advice specific to international students continues to be available throughout the course of study. Provision of support takes into account cultural and religious considerations. Where possible, students have access to speakers of their own first language. Partially t The very small number of non-bulgarian nationals tend to be sons and daughters of diplomats or parents who are working in Sofia. The College does not recruit in the traditional sense from the international market. 20. The fair treatment of students is ensured 20.1 Students apply for and are enrolled on courses under fair and transparent contractual terms and conditions Students have access to a fair complaints procedure of which they are informed in writing at the start of the course. Partially t Where residential accommodation is offered, it is fit for purpose, well maintained and appropriately supervised Any residential accommodation is clean, safe and of a standard which is adequate to the needs of students. Any residential accommodation is open to inspection by the appropriate authorities A level of supervision is provided appropriate to the needs of student Separate accommodation blocks are provided for students under 18 (if applicable) Students are provided with advice on suitable private accommodation. Partially t The College does not offer residential accommodation. Page 13 of 18

14 Where home-stay accommodation is organised, the welfare of students is ensured and the institution's relationship with hosts is properly managed Due care is taken in selecting home-stay accommodation which both provides a safe and comfortable living environment for students and is appropriately located for travel to the institution and back. Any home-stay accommodation is inspected before students are placed and is subject to regular re-inspection by a responsible representative or agent of the institution. The institution has appropriate contracts in place with any hosts, clearly setting out the rules,terms and conditions of the provision. Appropriate advice and support is given to both hosts and students before and during the placement. Clear monitoring procedures are in place with opportunities for student feedback and prompt action taken in the event of problems. Partially t The College does not offer home-stay accommodation The institution provides an appropriate social programme for students and information on leisure activities in the area Students are provided with appropriate information on opportunities for participation at events and other leisure activities which may be of interest. The social programme is responsive to the needs and wishes of students Any activities within the social programme have been chosen with consideration for their affordability by the majority of students Any activities organised by the institution are supervised by a responsible representative with suitable qualifications and experience Students are encouraged to develop and participate in extra-mural activities. Partially t Students are local to Sofia which minimises the need for formal social programmes. However, there are occasions when students meet socially at the College: for example, there was a social evening for the launch of the new MBA cohort to which alumni were invited. Page 14 of 18

15 INSPECTION AREA - PREMISES AND FACILITIES 24. The institution has secure possession of and access to its premises 24.1 The institution has secure tenure on its premises Where required, the institution has access to suitable external premises for academic or non-academic purposes of a temporary or occasional nature. Partially t 25. The premises provide a safe, secure and clean environment for students and staff 25.1 Access to the premises is appropriately restricted and secured The premises are maintained in an adequate state of repair, decoration and cleanliness There are specific safety rules in areas of particular hazard (e.g. science laboratories), made readily available to students, staff and visitors. General guidance on health and safety is made available to students, staff and visitors There is adequate signage inside and outside of the premises and notice boards for the display of general information. There is adequate circulation space for the number of students and staff accommodated, and a suitable area in which to receive visitors. There are toilet facilities of an appropriate number and level of cleanliness There is adequate heating and ventilation in all rooms. Partially t Page 15 of 18

16 26. Classrooms and other learning areas are appropriate for the courses offered Classrooms and other learning areas provide adequate accommodation in size and number for the classes allocated to them. Classrooms and any specialised learning areas (e.g. laboratories, workshops, studios) are equipped to a level which allows for the effective delivery of each course. There are facilities suitable for conducting the assessments required on each course Teaching areas are of an appropriate size and level of equipment for lectures, seminars and tutorials. Partially t 27. There are appropriate additional facilities for students and staff Students have access to sufficient space and suitable facilities for private study, including library and IT resources. Teaching staff have access to sufficient personal space for preparing lessons, marking work and relaxation. Students and staff have access to space and facilities suitable for relaxation and the consumption of food and drink where appropriate. Students and staff have access to storage for personal possessions where appropriate There are individual offices or rooms in which academic staff and senior management can hold private meetings and a room of sufficient size to hold staff meetings Administrative offices are adequate in size and resources for the effective administration of the institution There is appropriate provision of required specialist teaching equipment and work areas There is appropriate provision of IT facilities for research, word processing, data processing or internet search for staff and students. Partially t COMPLIANCE WITH STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS Declaration of compliance has been signed and dated. Page 16 of 18

17 PART C - SUMMARY OF STRENGTHS AND ACTION POINTS Numbering of action points aligns with that of the minimum standards MAGEMENT, STAFFING AND ADMINISTRATION Institution's strengths Efficient programme management and administrative support. Very experienced chief administrator with 18 years experience of IUC. Actions required 8. The College must introduce an institution-wide annual monitoring procedure that informs and underpins managerial action and strategic planning. This should be implemented at the end of the current academic session. The annual monitoring exercise should include data from numerous sources and from a formal documented annual appraisal system for staff. Priority H/M/L High Medium Low TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT Institution's strengths Highly qualified staff with practical experience which is highly valued by students and which is also beneficial in assisting students in making career choices. Excellent learning resources for students that includes an on-campus library which is kept up to date with recent texts, electronic access to Ebsco and the on-line resources of Portsmouth and Cardiff ropolitan universities. Excellent IT facilities. Actions required Priority H/M/L ne. High Medium Low STUDENT WELFARE Institution's strengths The small size of the college facilitates easy communication and enables quick action to be action when issues of concern arise. The 'open-door' approach to students so that any concerns can be directly communicated to academic, managerial and administrative staff. Actions required Priority H/M/L ne. High Medium Low PREMISES AND FACILITIES Institution's strengths Well appointed lecture theatres and seminar rooms each containing projection facilities. Actions required Priority H/M/L ne. High Medium Low RECOMMENDED AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT Page 17 of 18

18 The following recommendations are offered for future development: The College anticipates increased student numbers. The current small numbers of administrative and full-time academic staff suggests that, if this occurs, there is a risk to future operations should key members of staff leave or suffer serious illness. It is recommended that management should give serious consideration to succession planning and the resource implications of increasing the numbers of academic and administrative staff. The College application form should seek additional information from prospective students in respect of any specific learning needs or physical impediments. The College should encourage students to respond to the unit feedback questionnaires. The introduction of a formal documented annual appraisal system should embrace both academic and administrative staff. The practice of minuting Board of Studies meetings should also be applied to Faculty meetings. If student numbers rise it is recommended that the College seeks to formalise support for career guidance. COMPLIANCE WITH STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS Page 18 of 18