Introduction to ELIR

In March 2012, RGU is going to undergo a review, called the Enhancement Led Institutional Review, or ELIR for short. The review is carried out by the Quality Assurance Agency for Scotland – the government body charged with ensuring that the quality and standards of education provided by University’s is constantly improving.  RGU needs to do well in the ELIR to ensure that the reputation of the University as a modern, professional and dynamic institution is preserved.

What does ELIR look at?

The review examines the ability of the University to manage the standards of its academic awards and the quality of the teaching and learning experience it provides for students.  The ELIR reviews the University Strategy for continually improving the student learning experience.  Amongst other things, it will look at the system of student representation at the University and the processes of collecting and dealing with student feedback. The QAA, and therefore the whole ELIR process, recognizes the value of listening to student views if courses are to be improved.

In what ways will Students be involved?

Students are involved in every aspect of the review. The main document that the University produces, explaining its approaches to quality enhancement, is called the Reflective Analysis.  We are convening a focus group on Thursday 17^th November to allow students to critically assess the honesty and accuracy of this document.

The Students’ Association has had input into this document as well, both by being on the steering committee of the ELIR and by writing some of the student focused sections of the Reflective Analysis.

The actual review is carried out by a team that will include one student as a full member of the team. This student will be someone with experience in student representation. The team will be very keen to meet with RGU students.

So why is ELIR a good thing for RGU students?

ELIR focuses on the need to listen to student reps and student feedback to ensure that degree provision is of the highest quality at the Robert Gordon University. All Schools/Faculties will need to demonstrate that they have mechanisms in place to ensure all student reps are truly listened to and actively involved in the development of their course. It’s all about YOUR student experience and how well the University listens to YOUR voice.

ELIR means that the importance of facilitating student involvement in the quality process is being re-emphasized. By listening to students on a course, important improvements can be made that will benefit both current students and future students on that course. It’s crucial that this process of student involvement takes place.