News

The University of Otago has received a generally positive review in an Academic Unit Report published on 20 March. The New Zealand Universities Academic Audit Unit (NZUAAU) undertakes a review of each of New Zealand’s eight universities every five years and with Otago getting its turn this year.

The audit began with a self-assessment written by the University and submitted to NZUAAU’s Panel last June. The Panel used this and interviews conducted at the Otago’s Dunedin and Wellington campuses late last year to form their opinion of the University for their 65-page report.

The report was generally favorable with certain areas singled out for extra praise. The Panel seemed impressed by the prevalence of their favourite buzzword “collegiality”, noting the University is “based on a collegial system” and “has an institution-wide collegial ethos … in which collegiality is supported and encouraged at all levels”.

However “collegiality” is also a problem because it is linked “to a reluctance to impose mandatory requirements on staff.” Most of the Panel’s recommendations were related to this issue, with increased mandatory frameworks and consistency across departments suggested. But do not fear, collegiality will not be reduced if this takes place. “The Panel does not see this kind of compliance as being at odds with collegiality,” the Report reassures.

In addition to the need for greater compliance and consistency, the Panel also expressed concern at an “under-representation of equity groups” among University academic staff, in particular Maori, Pacific Islanders and women. The Panel recommended a “system of strategic workforce planning” which would pay attention to “demographic impacts” and recruitment of Maori staff and Pacific staff. The report did not elaborate as to exactly how “a system of strategic workforce planning” would combat years of entrenched societal biases against minority groups. However, Critic speculates it can only add to the University’s already impressive collegiality.