Students in Quality Reviews
Student Participation in Quality Reviews
As part of DCU's student partnership framework, the University has procedures to enable the participation of students in our cyclical quality review process.
Our Quality Review process unites Faculties, Schools, Students and Professional Support areas in a drive to continuously enhance the quality of DCU and the educational experience of all its students. The QIO strongly encourages the active participation of students in University quality assurance and enhancement processes.
Students are invited to participate in our quality reviews to ensure that the process covers issues of primary concern to our learners.
Students are invited to participate in two ways;
As a Student Reviewer, each Peer Review Group (our panel of external and internal experts) includes one student reviewer
As a Student Representative, Peer Review Group visits include meetings with representatives of the student body
Student Reviewers
What is the role of Student Reviewers?
Student Reviewers have a range of responsibilities, in line with those shared with other PRG members. As a Student Reviewer, you will be expected to:
Commit to reviewing documentation (including the area's self-assessment report) and provide initial comments ahead of the review visit for other panel members to consider;
Engage with members of the review team in the lead-up to and throughout the site visit as required;
Engage with staff and student stakeholders throughout the review visit;
Contribute to the development of the PRG report and identify commendations and recommendations for quality enhancement.
How are Student Reviewers selected?
The Quality and Institutional Insights Office (QIO) shall develop, maintain and update a list of potential reviewers, following the submission of an expression of interest by students.
The process for identifying and recruiting potential student reviewers shall commence through an invitation to eligible students involved in Class Rep Council (CRC), Board/Committee Membership, and Club and Social Life Committee.
This process will be completed following close consultation between the Office of Student Life (OSL) and DCU Students' Union to identify a selection of suitable candidates.
Who can be a Student Reviewer?
Students who are interested in becoming a Student Reviewer should meet the following criteria;
Be in Year 3 of an undergraduate programme, a postgraduate student, or a recent graduate (no more than 2 years since completion of award)
Will have participated, or will participate in either class-rep training or national N-StEP student reviewer training
Are willing to participate in DCU student reviewer training before the quality review visit
How to prepare as a Student Reviewer?
The DCU Student Reviewer Training Programme will build on the high-quality class rep training provided through the development of a bespoke programme.
Student reviewers will be informed about why HEI’s are mandated to conduct cyclical quality reviews, the benefits achieved in doing so for both the institution and student population and to best prepare them for their role on the panel.
Eligible students will also engage in the National Student Reviewer Training Programme, designed and delivered by the National Student Training and Engagement Programme (NStEP) and QQI. Engaging in this multifaceted training will increase student readiness and provide clarity around the role and responsibility of the PRG.
If required, support will be provided in developing your academic writing skills and providing you with tools and techniques to support building confidence in order to maximising your ability to add a valuable contribution and to enhance the overall experience. To access further information relating to these services, please contact rachel.keegan@dcu.ie
How to be a good reviewer?
In order to maximise your participation on the review team, and to enjoy the overall experience of the quality review process, student reviewers might consider the following;
Ensure you have reviewed all documentation provided relating to the area under review (SAR and associated material)
Take notes and ask questions where relevant
Maintain a non-biased position throughout the review process and visit
How much time will it take?
Student participants will be a full member of the Peer Review Group, and in line with other members will make a commitment to;
Review the Area Self-Assessment Report (SAR) and supporting documentation at least 4 weeks in advance of the review visit
Provide initial comments in response to the documentation to the QPO team at least one week in advance of the visit. Collective PRG comments will be shared with all members and used to identify areas that may require clarification and or additional information
Participate in a 1-hour introductory meeting the week before the review visit (typically Friday) to discuss the PRG approach when engaging stakeholders and, select a chairperson ahead of the visit
Commit to 4 – half days (remote review) or 3 full-day (on-campus review) to conduct the review, identify commendations and recommendations for quality improvement and the development of the PRG Report
Two representatives of the PRG (Chairperson and Rapporteur) will participate in the quality improvement follow-up discussion one-month post-review visit
Why you should get involved?
Participating as a Student Reviewer on the Peer Review Group presents an opportunity to invest in your professional and personal development. The experience will:
Provide valuable insight into quality assurance structures at a national/international and institutional level through an evidence-based model of reflection
Create a pathway for student representation development and or enhance your profile for a potential Sabbatical position in the SU
Provide an opportunity to engage with multiple categories of staff across the university and broaden your network
Improve student readiness for participation in quality-related dialogue
Provide an opportunity to ensure the student voice is considered when implementing quality improvement initiatives
Enhance your ability to recommend solution-focused recommendations for quality improvement
Recognition for Student Reviewers
Students are considered an equal member of the panel who will contribute, in equal measures to the review visit and report writing.
They will receive an honorarium payment in line with external panel members and will be required to commit to up to 4 days to complete the process, in addition to preparation and write-up time.
Student Representative in a Peer Review Group
Students are invited to meet with the PRG during their site visit and to comment on all aspects of their student and learning experience.
This may involve commenting on curriculum, accessibility of staff, teaching and assessment methods, student supports, etc.
Generally, the PRG will meet with representatives at various stages of undergraduate and postgraduate studies. If you are invited to attend a session, you will attend with a number of other students.
These meetings generally last around 45 minutes and the focus typically covers many aspects of the student experience in DCU.
Following the review visit, students have an opportunity to view the PRG Report and Quality Enhancement Plan following publication on the QIO Webpage.
If you have been invited to meet with the PRG, you will be representing your fellow students and ensuring that their experiences are captured in the PRG report. The variety of voices and views of the student body must be well-represented at these sessions.