South East Technological University has successfully completed the CINNTE review process, earning commendation for its commitment to quality assurance, governance, and strategic vision.
SETU was the third Technological University to complete the CINNTE review process, conducted by an independent team of experts appointed by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).
The process has provided a comprehensive review of the effectiveness of SETU's quality assurance processes since its establishment in May 2022. The review ensures that SETU maintains ambitious standards in education and training. It also aligns with European and international quality assurance standards.
Weeklong visit
As part of the process each institution conducted a self-evaluation on quality assurance processes, and an independent team of international experts reviewed this self-evaluation during a weeklong visit to SETU’s campuses in Waterford and Carlow.
Just under 200 SETU staff, students, and stakeholders contributed to the preparation for the review and participated in the visit.
Genuine commitment
The review team commended SETU on its multi-campus ethos as a newly merged Technological University and its efforts to establish that ethos across the entire university community, resulting in a genuine commitment, buy-in and sense of pride in SETU as the new identity.
The University was commended for the regional support it enjoys as an anchor institution, and its commitment to driving the success of the South East of Ireland as a global leader in specific areas of the economy.
Significant progress
SETU’s significant and initial progress in establishing a unitary quality assurance and governance framework was highlighted by the review team.
The establishment of Centre for Organisational Research, Data and Analysis (CORDA), which provides the University with a single source of information to inform decision-making and quality assurance activities, was commended.
The enthusiasm and commitment of SETU’s staff to the success and well-being of their students was also recognised. It was noted that staff members demonstrate a clear dedication to ensuring students receive the support they need, in particular those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Recommendations
The international expert panel recommended that SETU work on the academic portfolio integration project and the academic delivery framework, and fast track the establishment of a dedicated group, drawing from those with knowledge and expertise from across the organisation to address student retention issues.
It was also suggested that SETU develop clearer structures for integrating postgraduate students, and to develop a mechanism for monitoring and supporting workload and employee wellbeing.
The review team recommended that SETU further promote the single location for accessing policy and regulatory documents and consider channels for communicating policy developments to staff, students and other SETU stakeholders.
Encouraging
SETU President, Professor Veronica Campbell, expressed her gratitude to the review team for their thorough evaluation and valuable insights. “We are greatly encouraged by the review panel's strong endorsement of our shared vision for SETU's future development. The recommendations will inform the University’s ongoing development, academic policies, and quality assurance and enhancement strategies," said Professor Campbell.
The review team was impressed by the enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by everyone involved with regard to SETU’s mission, vision and strategy and its role in the South East of Ireland.
Professor Maria Hinfelaar Former Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive at Wrexham University
Builds on solid foundations
Professor Maria Hinfelaar, former Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive at Wrexham University, who chaired the SETU review team, commented: “The review team congratulates SETU on the successes it has already achieved since its establishment as a new university. The review team was impressed by the enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by everyone involved with regard to SETU’s mission, vision and strategy and its role in the South East of Ireland. Its strategic plan (2023-2028), Connecting for Impact, builds on the solid foundations and reputation of its antecedent institutions, which already played a significant role in the region. However, it was also clear to the review team that SETU is now raising its ambitions across teaching, research and engagement, in order to fulfil its role as a true anchor university for the economic, social and cultural success of the South East of Ireland on the global stage.”
Strong portfolio
Professor Hinfelaar continued, “SETU has a great deal to offer to its current and future students, with a strong portfolio of programmes and opportunities to do postgraduate studies. An ethos of widening participation and learner support was also very evident to the review team. Research, development and innovation links are also well-established, through deep partnerships with industry stakeholders and other education bodies.
“The University is undertaking a major transformation programme so that it will be well-placed to meet challenges and opportunities as it prepares to deliver its strategy, and the review team wish SETU well on that journey.”