This page provides information in response to frequently asked questions about official bodies and work units at, and associated with, Victoria University.

On this page:

What is VUWSA?

The Victoria University of Wellington Students' Association (VUWSA) is the official representative body for students studying at Victoria University. It has more than 15,500 members and works on the principle that the best people to represent the interests of students are students themselves. VUWSA has representation on the Victoria University Council.

Back to top ^

What is the New Zealand Vice-Chancellors' Committee?

The NZVCC is a statutory body and the Education Amendment Act 1990 sets out its statutory functions and powers.

The NZVCC works through a permanent secretariat based in Wellington and has delegated a number of functions to a range of standing committees generally consisting of a representative from each university.

Each New Zealand university is represented on the NZVCC by its Vice-Chancellor.

Back to top ^

What is CUAP and how does it work?

The Committee on University Academic Programmes (CUAP) is a NZVCC Standing Committee which considers academic matters across the university system. These include inter-university course approval and moderation procedures, advice and comment on academic developments, the encouragement of the coherent and balanced development of curricula and the facilitation of cross-crediting between qualifications.

CUAP has consulted with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority to determine criteria for validating and monitoring university qualifications and nominates university representatives to panels convened by the Authority. It also has responsibility for oversight of inter-university subject conferences. Its membership includes representation of other tertiary education interests and the student body.

Back to top ^

What does the Academic Audit Unit (AAU) do?

The primary function of the New Zealand Universities' Academic Audit Unit (AAU) is the administration of academic audits of universities against their Charters and Statements of Objectives (which are approved by Government). The second important function of the AAU is the identification and sharing of good practice in developing and maintaining quality in higher education. Together these functions work to support quality improvement in New Zealand universities.

In 2005, Victoria University (along with several other universities) was subject to a Cycle 3 audit by the AAU. This primarily focused on the national themes of teaching quality, programme delivery, and the achievement of learning outcomes. Specifically for Victoria, it also focused on progress made on recommendations arising from the Cycle 2 report in 2001 and testing the effectiveness of the process of academic programme reviews introduced by the University since 2001.

All audit reports are public documents and are available in full on the AAU's website.

Back to top ^

What is the University Teaching Development Centre (UTDC)?

Victoria's University Teaching Development Centre provides staff development and research support in relation to the teaching role of academic staff. It is also responsible for the development and administration of the student evaluation system.

Back to top ^

What is the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation?

Established in 1990, the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation is a registered charitable trust that raises external funds for projects that promote academic excellence at Victoria - in the teaching and research of its staff, and in the achievements of its students. The projects are all funded through the generosity and foresight of alumni, friends and the corporate sector.

Back to top ^

What is Victoria Link Ltd?

Victoria Link Ltd is a company wholly owned by Victoria University of Wellington. It is the University's commercial arm through which contract research, consulting and other services are offered to the community.