1. Purpose of policy

1.1 This policy relates to the delivery the University’s coursework programs whether in Australia or overseas, wholly or in part, in a delivery arrangement with a Third Party education provider and sets out the requirements and responsibilities for ensuring compliance with relevant higher education legislation and standards.

2. Policy scope and application

2.1 This policy applies to all University coursework programs where there are arrangements with a Third Party to provide services such as: program or course delivery (teaching, learning and assessment); student admissions; library, information services and student support services.

2.2 This policy must be applied by all University staff involved in the development and administration of these arrangements.

2.3 This policy does not apply to student placements, internships and the like. Please refer to the Work Integrated Learning - Academic Policy.

3. Definitions

Please refer to the University’s Glossary of Terms for policies and procedures. Terms and definitions identified below are specific to this policy and are critical to its effectiveness:

Due diligence means the process of investigation whereby the University assesses the suitability of a Third Party prior to entering into a program delivery agreement.

Third Party Agreement means a formal relationship whereby the University enters into a contractual agreement with a Third Party where there is an arrangement for the Third Party to deliver university programs and support services in whole or in part to students enrolled in the programs.

Third Party means a legally established entity separate from the University with which the University has a formal relationship for the purposes of delivering programs and associated support services to students.

4. Policy Statement

4.1 Arrangements with a Third Party must be underpinned by a due diligence assessment and formalised by a legally binding third party agreement to ensure that the University meets its obligations to its students and continues to meet all relevant higher education legislation. This includes alignment with the University’s Prevention and Response to Gender‑Based Violence – Governing Policy.

5. Principles

5.1 The following principles support an arrangement with a Third Party Provider to deliver university coursework programs:

(a) all students enrolled in a USC program are entitled to the same rights and responsibilities regardless of delivery arrangements for the program;

(b) academic standards and learning outcomes of USC courses and programs delivered through a Third Party arrangement must be equivalent to those provided directly by the University; and

(C) the University has ultimate responsibility for the quality of its programs and compliance with the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency regulated Higher Education Standards, Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 and the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students.

5.2 All University policies, procedures and guidelines related to teaching, learning, courses, programs and student support apply to the delivery of all programs leading to a USC award. All agreements for coursework program delivery with a Third Party must operate in accordance with the USC Quality and Standards Framework.

5.3 All arrangements with a Third Party must include a schedule of periodic audits, agreed by the University and the Third Party.

5.4 Where there are international students on Student Visas accepted or studying in a program delivered by a Third Party, any changes to the arrangements with the Third Party must be approved by TEQSA prior to the changes being made.

5.5 A register of Third Party Coursework Program Provider Agreements will be maintained by the University. An annual report on the arrangement will be provided to Academic Board.

6. Authorities/Responsibilities

6.1 As the Approval Authority, Academic Board approves this policy in accordance with the University of the Sunshine Coast Act 1998 (Qld).

6.2 As the Responsible Executive Member the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) can approve procedures and guidelines to operationalise this policy. All procedures and guidelines must be compatible with the provisions of this policy.

6.3 As the Designated Officer the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education) can approve associated documents to support the application of this policy. All associated documents must be compatible with the provisions of the policy.

6.4 This policy operates from the last amended date, with all previous iterations of policy documents on Third Party Provider Coursework Program Arrangements - Academic Policy are replaced and no longer operating from this date.

6.5 All records relating to Third Party Provider Coursework Program Arrangements must be stored and managed in accordance with the Records Management - Procedures.

6.6 This policy must be maintained in accordance with the University Policy Documents – Procedures and reviewed on a standard 5 year policy review cycle.

6.7 Any exception to this policy to enable a more appropriate result must be approved in accordance with the University Policy Documents – Procedures prior to deviation from the policy.

6.8 Refer to University Delegations – Governing Policy in relation to the approved delegations and authorisations detailed within this policy.

The following authorities/responsibilities are delegated under this policy:

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