TEQSA has drafts of three guidance notes out for comment. Top marks for thoroughness by including a bunch of stuff that should not need stating.
Information for prospective/current students
Must be in “plain English” and other languages “to suit the needs of their cohorts” and accessible for all, including people “with diverse needs.” Information for prospective internationals should include “the indicative cost of living … healthcare and accommodation.”
TEQSA will look for providers meeting the statutory threshold standards for information on admission, wellbeing and safety, student grievances/complaints and representations to students about course content and accreditation.
What annoys the agency includes:
- “limited or unavailable” course content and pre-requisites
- Info that is not easily accessible
- “excessive jargon and technical language”
Information management
Notably, maintaining the security of information systems that “are accurate and update.”
“TEQSA expects providers to maintain accurate and up to date records of students’ enrolments, progression, and completion of qualifications.”
Plus the agency reminds providers they are covered by Commonwealth requirements to develop cybersecurity incident response plans, conduct exercises, “to build cyber preparedness” and “maintain a near real-time threat picture.”
Representation
A diligent provider will, “Ensure all its educational offerings and charges, whether directly or through one of its agents or other parties, is accurate and not misleading” (and that includes microcredentials).
And a diligent provider most definitely will not:
- Claim a course is accredited by TEQSA when it isn’t
- Make false claims about the career outcomes of its graduates, not to mention,
- Make false claims about being able to guarantee migration outcomes and/or visas to students for studying with the provider.
