Programme Development Group (PDG)

Rōpū Hōtaka Whakawhanake | Programme Development Group (PDG)

The key feature of the process for making changes to approved programmes and training schemes is a recognition that any changes, no matter how small, affect the programme as a whole. Small changes in one course can have a knock on effect to other courses, or a good idea in one area could be an opportunity for improvement to be used across the whole programme.

In order to ensure that any and all changes to programmes are considered as a holistic whole, each Te Komiti o ngā Hotaka | Programme Academic Quality (PAQCs) establishes a Rōpū Hōtaka Whakawhanake | Programme Development Group (PDG) to manage the process of evaluating any proposed changes and ensuring that all change applications are complete and continue to meet the relevant NZQA approval rules as well as improve outcomes for students.

Any changes to approved programmes need to either be:

• communicated to NZQA (notified) so accurate records are maintained, or
• approved by NZQA before the amended programme is provided to learners.

Whether the change needs to be notified or approved depends on what type of change it is: Type 1 or Type 2. For more information about these change types see the NZQA page Changes to Programme Approval. Also see the specific Nest pages set up to explain Type 1 Changes, and Type 2 Changes.

Process for the Programme Development Group (PDG)

Individual staff identify any changes that they wish to make to their courses and make a submission for change to their PDG using a Type 1/2 Change – Consolidated Application for AAC

Preparation for meeting       PDG Meeting.

Prior to the meeting, Administrator, Academic Quality will: Receive individual proposals from Academic Staff Confirm the type of change (in consultation with Policy /TKK) Complete pre-check on change request in collaboration with Convener Prepare agenda for PDG meeting § Communicate with members to prepare for meeting Attend the meeting and take notes of discussion During the meeting, PDG Committee members will: Peer review proposed development and improvement applications against approval criteria Consider the relationship between all proposed changes to ensure there is Programme cohesion Evaluate all proposals for their compliance with Unitec policy and procedure, and NZQA or other external requirements (in collaboration with TPA & TKK) Recommend actions to endorse, decline or defer any change requests Confirm summary information requirements for inclusion in consolidated change application Request more information for requests that are not complete and cannot be endorsed Set conditions related to any endorsements (such as additional moderation requirements, etc.) Confirm any communication required regarding decisions of the committee

Actions following the Meeting.

Following the meeting, Administrator, Academic Quality will: Prepare and publish minutes of PDG meeting in collaboration with Convener Forward PDG minutes to next PAQC meeting Prepare final consolidated change application for each type of change for submission to PAQC in collaboration with Convener Forward change application to next PAQC meeting Convener, PDG will: Approve minutes of PDG meeting in collaboration with AAQ Communicate specific decisions of the PDG to relevant staff Work with AAQ to prepare final consolidated change application for submission to PAQC Request more information for requests that were not complete and cannot be endorsed Attend the PAQC to speak to each proposal. Attend the AAC to speak to each proposal if required.

The PDG forwards the consolidated change application, along with their recommendations to the PAQC to endorse (or modify) the changes prior to them being sent to aac@unitec.ac.nz and, if a type 2 change, to NZQA for approval.

The documents in the resource section are designed to guide you through the process. As always if you need assistance, contact us.

Note: Significant programme changes may require ELT approval prior to any work being undertaken for the change.

If you are considering improvements for your courses or programmes, come talk with us or send an email to the Academic Approvals Committee at aac@unitec.ac.nz

Please send PAQC endorsed applications to aac@unitec.ac.nz

Resources

Programme Development and Improvement Process

Dates for Programme Development and Improvement submissions

For Teaching Staff

Understanding Programme Improvement Request Types

For Programme Development Group

Programme Development Group – Terms of Reference

Type 1/2 Change – Consolidated Application for AAC

Programme Information Details Sheet

Unitec Programme Document Guidance 2020

Relevant Policy and Procedures

AC 1.4 Change and Improvement Procedure

NZQA Guidance

Changes to Programme Approvals