Meta dalgħodu kienet ippreżentata l-analiżi dettaljata li saret biex l-American University of Malta tingħata l-liċenzja ta’ università, iċ-ċerpersin tal-Kummissjoni għall-Edukazzjoni Ogħla, Martin Scicluna, ta sensiela ta’ raġunijiet għaliex mis-settur edukattiv ukoll din l-applikazzjoni kienet waħda li tgħamel sens. Hawn taħt il-mistoqsija u t-tweġiba li ta Scicluna fuq diversi temi.
Starting with the educational due diligence. The check-list my Commission uses to ensure due process of applications for university accreditation, and which has been adapted for the start-up situation of this applicant, comes up with the following answers in the case of the American University of Malta.
- Was the Evaluation Panel set up according to QAC procedures? Answer Yes.
- Has the Expert Panel met regularly and been in regular communication to ensure that due consideration has been given to the AUM application? Answer Yes.
- Was the applicant informed of requests for information or clarification in a timely manner? Answer yes.
- Has the panel considered all the tests of eligibility of Regulation 47 for the consideration of a University application? Answer Yes.
- In considering the seven tests for eligibility, has the Expert Panel been guided by, and has it adhered to, the guidelines issued by the NCFHE board for the correct interpretation of Subsidiary Legislation 327.433? Answer yes.
Specifically, has the applicant demonstrated that they have a strategic contractual relationship with an experienced and reputable higher education institution that ensures due process for all quality assurance procedures and integrity of outcomes in all core administrative operations of the applicant? Answer yes, as I have already outlined in its relationship with Clemson University.
- Was the applicant’s application in line with the requirements for: top administrative and top academic staff that are named and fit for purpose; the minimum number of accredited courses/ programmes required for an application for university accreditation? Answer Yes. As I have already mentioned, Professor Ryder, the Provost. The other senior administrative staff who will be employed from the start are the Directors for Human Resources and Quality Assurance. Both are experienced and fit for purpose. The courses that have been accredited are: BA in Graphic Design and Animation; BSc Accountancy; BSc in Game Development; BSc in Business Administration; Masters in Business Administration; PhD in Computer and Information Science. Other course applications are presently being processed, but this list is sufficient in terms of the regulations to allow for licensing.
- Are the premises to be used with immediate effect fit for purpose and in line with planning regulations? Answer: we are laying down specific conditions about this as I shall explain in a moment.
- Does the applicant have a viable and sustainable quality assurance system that is fit for purpose? Answer yes. The check-list that was used to evaluate the quality assurance system is included in your pack. Additionally, the main task to be performed by Clemson University will be to support the AUM in this key function.
Does the applicant have a viable and sustainable academic strategic plan, related procedures and manuals, and a related detailed budget forecast? Answer Yes. The Panel reviewed the academic strategic plan in detail and compared it with the proposed policies and procedures, faculty and student manual and business plan to check for congruence, continuity and completeness.
- Did the recommendations made by the Expert Panel in its Report specifically address these issues, giving findings for each aspect and reasons for each recommendation? Answer Yes. The Expert Panel was in constant communication with the applicant giving detailed feed-back on what needed to be addressed and revised. The detailed report that the Panel presented to the QAC based on the template in your pack gave detailed recommendations.
- Did the Board have sufficient time to consider these QAC recommendations? Answer Yes.
Was the final decision of the Board communicated to the applicant? Answer Yes. It has been communicated orally. A formal offer will be delivered today.
