THE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF

WELFARE AND COMMUNITY WORKERS INC.

THE ASSOCIATION FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE PROFESSIONALS

Vic.  Reg. A0036440S                                                         ABN 28 696 828 620

 

 

CAMPUS VISIT GUIDELINES

 

The following guidelines are to be generally followed when an AIWCW Course Assessor determines that a Campus Visit will be required. This will usually be the case for a substantially new course, where there is no pre-existing course similar to the applicant course (e.g. community development, youth work, rehabilitation, social work), or where no educational infrastructure has been in place for at least 2 years (i.e. the institution has only recently begun offering courses at this level).

 

1.    Preliminary Requirements

       1.1  The Course Leader will be notified of the apparent circumstances requiring a Campus Visit, and given the       opportunity to explain why it may not be needed.

       1.2  If a visit is still assessed as required, a suitable Campus Visitor will be recruited, who may in turn recruit a       colleague or assistant with experience in such a course and/or campus. The appointed Course Assessor may    act in either of these roles.

       1.3  Any necessary additional information and documents will be requested of the course, to be either supplied beforehand, or available during the visit, and mutually acceptable arrangements for the visit made.

       1.4  Written evidence from at least three relevant social welfare agencies is required, that field     education      placements will in principle be available to students.

       1.5  Appropriate evidence of expenditure and range of purchases of library resources are made available. This        could include a list of actual purchases, especially when there is no affiliation with other nearby or associated resources.

       1.6  Where use is made of existing library holdings associated with other courses, or at other campuses, or at    public libraries (in large cities, e.g.) etc., and even if readily available, there    should be a minimum holding    worth at least $5000, actually on campus and immediately available for loan by students.

 

2.    The Campus Visit should occupy at least 3 hours, and involve:

       2.1  Interview with the Course Leader, and a majority of other teaching staff.

       2.2  Brief observation of a classroom situation involving current students, followed by discussion with these     students and their teacher. Invitation and opportunity (but not a requirement) for discussion with individual        or small group(s) of students. The purpose of the Visit is explained to students, as is information about    AIWCW, and the Course Review process.

       2.3  Inspection of a sample of student work – written or video, with permission of the student(s).

       2.4  Inspection of detailed curriculum documents, such as a sample of relevant detailed subject outlines –   including references and assessment; and including fieldwork planning.

       2.5  Inspection of all the educational facilities used by the students, including library resources, audio-  visual     and computer equipment.

       2.6  Inspection of other facilities, with regard to the comfort and safety of staff and students, including transport      access.

       2.7  If appropriate, brief meeting with divisional head, chief executive officer of the college, etc.

 

3.     Campus Visit Report

        3.1 Drafted by the Visitor and checked by any colleague, with a copy sent to the Course Leader asking that it be   publicly available, inviting comment, modifications or additional information, within a specified time limit.

        3.2 A Final Campus Visit Report, incorporating feedback from the Course Leader or any staff or student or    graduate, will be sent to the Course Assessor or Panel, and to the full MAP if necessary.

        3.3 The Course Assessor will request any further necessary information or documents from the Course Leader,     within a specified time limit.

 

4.     Campus Application Report will prepared by the Course Assessor.  This will be a detailed report incorporating information in the Campus Visit Report and any additional information received, with recommendations, which may include:

       4.1  Rejection of the application

       4.2  Request for more information or more time for gathering additional data, or request to correct       substantial       deficiencies (within a specified time limit).

       4.3  Provisional Approval, usually for a specified time period, pending more information or correction of     minor deficiencies. In this case, Approval Certificate is not issued, but “Provisional Approval” status may     be publicised.

       4.4  Basic Campus Approval granted (for 3 years).

                                                                                                                                               CRSE.08 Ver Apr08