by: Mine Racho
The DVE-hosted webinar focuses on best practices for governance excellence in higher education registration and re-registration, particularly in meeting TEQSA’s regulatory requirements. Experts discuss common reasons for adverse TEQSA decisions, including weak governance structures, conflicts of interest, poor financial viability, and inadequate risk management. Institutions must establish independent and effective governing bodies with strong oversight to ensure compliance.
TEQSA’s governance expectations emphasize alignment with the Higher Education Standards Framework, requiring institutions to have independent boards with clearly defined roles, effective risk management strategies, and a culture that upholds academic freedom and ethics. Regular governance reviews and audits are necessary to identify gaps and maintain compliance.
A successful TEQSA submission relies on governance structures that are fit for purpose, demonstrate clear compliance with standards, and foster collaboration between academic and corporate governance. Proper documentation, iterative feedback processes, and proactive risk mitigation are crucial elements in governance planning and execution.
The discussion also highlights key governance best practices, such as adaptability to external risks (e.g., COVID-19), maintaining accurate records, ensuring a balanced board composition with expertise in finance, law, and academia, and conducting regular internal and external governance reviews. Effective governance oversight requires distinguishing between management responsibilities and strategic decision-making.
Additionally, the webinar addresses challenges in student engagement in governance. Many students are hesitant to participate due to time constraints or lack of awareness. Institutions can increase engagement by establishing student councils, recognizing student contributions, and demonstrating the impact of their feedback on institutional changes. A structured approach to student involvement helps create a more inclusive and effective governance framework.
Overall, the webinar underscores the importance of strong governance, proactive risk management, and student participation in ensuring institutional success and regulatory compliance.
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