FIJI HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION

NEWSLETTER

QUARTER 2 NEWSLETTER 2016

PRESIDENT OFFICIALLY OPENS

INQAAHE FORUM

It was the first time ever for a nation’s President to officially

open the Biennial Forum of the International Network of Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education. The 2016 Forum, hosted by the Fiji Higher Education Commission was officially opened by the President of Fiji, His Excellency, Major General *Retired+ Joiji Konousi Konrote.

Addressing about 140 delegates from around the world, Mr Konrote on behalf of the government of Fiji highlighted the importance of the conference and congratulated the INQAAHE Network President for advancing the cause of high-er education, now in its 25th year.

“ Higher education is undoubtedly central to economic and political development. With this national or political expecta-tion of higher education and training, quality assurance is expected to be an on-going process given the changing global environment in which higher education is conducted,” remarked Mr Konrote.

The President further commented that Fiji’s smallness in size does not discount it from the influences of the changes happening in higher education globally. These changes are challenging our countries to respond in ways that will bring about benefits rather than adversities. Mr Konrote stressed it was vital to learn from gatherings such as the INQAAHE when researchers, experts and practitioners would share their views and experiences which were bound to go a long way in enhancing efforts to raise the quality of

higher education and sustain quality assurance worldwide.

[L-R] His Excellency, Major General [Retired] Jioji K Konrote, Dr Milika Sobey

[ FHEC Chair] and Dr Jagannath Patil [ INQAAHE Outgoing President]

FIJI CONFERENCE – A GREAT SUCCESS

The Fiji Higher Education Commission *FHEC+ continues to

receive positive messages from participating countries after

successfully hosting two international conferences back to

back in May this year.

The FHEC hosted the International Network of Quality

Assurance Agencies in Higher Education Biennial Forum

*INQAAHE+ at the Intercontinental Fiji, Natadola on the 22-24

May 2016. Taking a day break, the FHEC again hosted the

Asia Pacific Quality Network *APQN+ Conference and AGM

from 25-27 of May.

Dr Jagannath Patil who held the Presidency post for both

these international networks commented that the success of

the conferences could be judged from the number of

participants registered.

“ We were surprised at this great number of people

registered for the Fiji Conference and participants were from

all over the globe,” commented Dr Patil.

INQAAHE Past President, Dr Carol Bobby said that INQAAHE

strived to have delegates from around the world and that

was what INQAAHE had in Fiji.

Dr Patil congratulated the FHEC for hosting what most of the

participants called ‘the best conference’ so far.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

INQAAHE and APQN Stories—[pg 2 & 3]

SPATS To Work With National Agencies [pg 4]

Malini Joins APQN Board [pg 4]

New Registration Committee [pg 5]

Higher Education Amendment Bill [pg 5]’

Regional Qualification [Sustainable Energy & Resilience] [pg 6]

Staff Capacity Building Through Careers New Zealand [pg 6]

2016 QUARTER 2 NEWSLETTER

2016 INTERNATIONAL NETWORK OF QUALITY ASSURANCE AGENCIES IN HIGHER EDUCATION *INQAAHE+

Forum . Hosted by the Fiji Higher Education Commission on 22-24 May 2015 at the Intercontinental Fiji,

Natadola.

THEME : Quality Assurance In Higher Education in Challenging Times

The INQAAHE also celebrated its silver jubilee.

REMARKS FROM THE INQAAHE PRESIDENTS

Fiji was the best host I have ever met for the INQAAHE forum. Having their President to

inaugurate the forum shows Fiji’s commitment.

INQAAHE OUTGOING PRESIDENT—DR JAGANNATH PATIL

The hospitality of this country is overwhelming and the host and the organizing of this

event is absolutely outstanding. And world class. Looking forward to come to Fiji.

INQAAHE ACTING PRESIDENT—DR SUSANNA KARAKANYAN

Oh my Gosh! I have never met such an incredible group of host. I don’t think its about

the palm trees and the beach, it had to do with the people.

INQAAHE PAST PRESIDENT—DR CAROL BOBBY

SOBEY SALUTES LOCAL ORGANISING TEAM

The Chairperson of the Fiji Higher Education Commission *FHEC+, Dr Milika Naqasima Sobey saluted the team from the FHEC that made up the Local Organising Committee *LOC+ for the two international conferences that were recently hosted by the FHEC.

Dr Sobey said that she was proud of this young energetic team from the FHEC who were able to handle two international conferences In the same week.

“Hosting two big international conferences In the same week is not an easy task and I was amazed at this young energetic team of eleven FHEC officers,” commented Dr Sobey.

LOC team leader,Ms Charmaine Kwan remarked that teamwork and positivity are the key factors of the success.

“ There are areas for improvement which we had identified as the LOC and this has been a great learning experience for all of us,” added Ms Kwan.

“We are glad to be receiving positive messages of our organization as the host but we are more proud that participants take with them the overall impression of Fiji,”Ms Kwan stressed.

Local Organising Team *LOC+ conducting registration at Natadola

2016 QUARTER 2 NEWSLETTER

Fiji should be promoted as one of the best

nations for international conferences.

This was voiced by the Chairperson of the

Fiji Higher Education Commission [FHEC],

Dr Milika Sobey when the FHEC continues

to receive positive messages from participat-

ing countries after successfully hosting two

international conferences back to back in

May this year.

The FHEC hosted the International

Network of Quality Assurance Agencies in

Higher Education Biennial Forum

[INQAAHE] at the Intercontinental Fiji,

Natadola on the 22-24 May 2016. Taking a

day break, the FHEC again hosted the Asia

Pacific Quality Network [APQN]

Conference and AGM from 25-27 of May.

While the FHEC hosted about 300

delegates from around the world in these two

international conferences, it is glad to be

contributing to the tourism sector especially

in painting a positive picture of resilience

after Cyclone Winston.

PROMOTE FIJI FOR INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES

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The 2016 APQN Annual Conference and AGM was held at the Intercontinental Fiji from the 25-

27 May.

The Fiji Higher Education Commission succesfuly hosted the event on the same week it hosted

the INQAAHE 2016 Forum.

REDDY OPENS APQN ANNUAL CONFRENCE

A day after

successfully hosting the INQAAHE Forum 2016, the Fiji Higher Education Commission again hosted the Asia Pacific Quality Network and Annual Conference at the Intercontinental Fiji, Natadola from the

25-27 May, 2016. The Conference was officially opened by Fiji’s Minister for Education, Heritage & Arts, Hon. Dr Mahendra Reddy. In his official address, Dr Reddy said that the privilege of hosting the APQN’s prestigious conference paves the way for

Fiji as a developing country to increase its status, firstly, within the APQN and, in turn, the international arena of higher education. The Minister further added that this year’s conference served as a platform for multifaceted sustainable development cooperation between the quality assurance agencies and high-er education institutions from all around the world.

“With these global commitments to higher education, the need for quality assurance is important to ensure that education is “fit for purpose,” commented Dr Reddy.

“Increasing access to and raising the quality and relevance of higher education will mean increasing the number of those with higher qualifications as well as effectively meeting the education and training needs of individuals and the labour market,” the Minister added.

In wishing the participants well for the two day conference, Dr Reddy remarked that quality education is one of the most powerful weapons for the sustainable and effective development of any country.

FHEC WINS APQN QUALITY AWARD

Out of the five main 2016 Asia Pacific Quality Awards, the Fiji

Higher Education Commission *FHEC+ did Fiji proud by

receiving the “APQN Cooperation in Quality Assurance Award

within the Region.” The FHEC had already made its mark with

APQN in 2015 for being the first agency to be registered on

the APQN Register.

The APQN Awards night was held at the Intercontinental Fiji,

Natadola during the 2016 APQN Conference.

“The FHEC had made its mark with the APQN and its work

being recognised by this network puts Fiji on the map,”

described FHEC Chairperson, Dr Milika Sobey.

APQN outgoing President, Dr Jagannath Patil explained that

the APQN award was an initiative to mark decennial celebra-

tions of the APQN.

“Quality deserves to be recognized and rewarded. No or little

avenues are available to recognize and reward contributions

made by QA bodies and their professionals. APQN Quality

Awards are aimed at bridging this gap,” described Dr Patil.

Dr Patil clarified that this was not a competition as agencies in

different countries may have different contexts and mandates.

Thus these would not be compared or judged absolutely but

an effort was being made to identify and distinguish extra

ordinary QA contributions and good practices that have the

potential of replications within the network.

2016 QUARTER 2 NEWSLETTER

Dr Mahendra Reddy at the 2016 APQN

Conference

The FHEC team at the 2016 APQN Awards Night.

Great world class rating host done by the

FHEC.

Dr Farukh Idrees—PAKISTAN

Its an honour to be selected on the APQN

Board. I have been dreaming to set foot in

Fiji. Dr Galina Motova—RUSSIA

FHEC as a host was fantastic. The

Fijian hospitality came out really strong.

Professor Sid Nair—AUSTRALIA

This is one of the best conferences ever.

Prof Jianxin Zhang—APQN President

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2016 QUARTER 2 NEWSLETTER

MALINI JOINS APQN BOARD

While hosting the Asia Pacific Quality Network *APQN+ 2016

Conference was a milestone reached by the Fiji Higher

Education Commission, an extra highlight is the selection of

Malini Nair as an APQN Board member.

Ms Malini Nair is the Quality Assurance Policy and Planning

Officer of the Fiji Higher Education Commission.

Malini was nominated by the Hong Kong Council for Accredi-

tation of Academic & Vocational Qualification *HKCAAVQ+

and will serve for a three year term.

The appointment made Malini the youngest serving APQN

board member.

“ To be nominated by another country reflects how they

recognise and respect the work done by the FHEC and I look

forward to serve to the best of my ability,” explained Malini.

Malini pointed out that during her term, she would try to

negotiate APQN projects that will benefit Fiji and other small

Pacific island nations.

The official announcement of the new APQN Board members was done during the APQN Annual General Meeting at the Intercontinental Natadola. The AGM was held after the main conference.

Malini Nair [second on the right] on her first APQN Board meeting.

SPATS TO WORK WITH NATIONAL AGENCIES

The South Pacific Association of Theological Schools *SPATS+

would be working closely with national accreditation

agencies in the region to find a way forward in ensuring

coordination and alignment with accreditation systems and

processes.

The above was one of the major issues SPATS deliberated

on during its Bi-Annual Council Meeting that was held in

Sia’Toutai Theological College, Nukualofa, Kingdom of Tonga

from the 22-25 June 2016. The Fiji Higher Education

Commission *FHEC+ was represented by Team Leader Quality

Assurance Section, Mr Eci Naisele who is also a SPATS

External Accreditation Commissioner.

For Fiji, discussions have been underway between the FHEC and

SPATS to ensure a collegial agreement where standards are not

compromised in terms of programme accreditation for theological

schools.

The FHEC recognizes and respects the work of SPATS and looks

forward to a documented and workable agreement.

Members of the SPATS 2016 Bi-Annual Council Meeting

Mr Eci Naisele [standing] during the 2016 SPATS Bi Annual Council Meeting

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2016 QUARTER 2 NEWSLETTER

NEW MEMBERS OF REGISTRATION COMMITTEE

New members of the FHEC Registration Committee have been appointed to replace members who had completed their

terms.

The four members have been appointed for a term of two years. Newly elected are Ms Releshni Karan, Mr Jimione Raiwalui,

Dr Neel Nitesh and Mrs Evisake Kedrayate.

The members are eligible for reappointment but may not serve for more than three consecutive terms.

The committee is responsible for assessing and determining applications for registration by higher education institutions and

make recommendations accordingly to the Higher Education Commission.

The registration Committee is established in accordance with section 8 of the Higher Education Promulgation 2008.

Mrs Evisake Kedrayate Ms Releshni Karan Mr Jimione Raiwalui Dr Neel Nitesh

HIGHER EDUCATION AMENDMENT BILL

After 5 years of its operation, the Fiji Higher Education

Commission has found it necessary to amend a number of

provisions in the Higher Education Promulgation *HEP+ 2008 to

address certain issues that it had encountered in the process of

regulating the operation of higher education institutions including

universities, and the qualifications that they offer.

The Higher Education Amendment Bill was presented and

discussed in a workshop for members of Parliament on 14 April

2016. The presentation was made by the FHEC Director,

Mrs Salote Rabuka.

The Bill was drafted to broaden the definition of ‘higher

education institution’ to enable all forms of training offered locally

and sourced either locally or overseas to be subjected to the

Commission’s regulatory requirements for quality assurance.

The Bill also addressed an editing issue, that of avoiding repetitions

but doing so with care that there would be no detrimental effect.

The HEP 2008 commenced in January 2010 and has been the legal

framework within which the Higher Education Commission has

operated since its establishment in February 2010.

Mrs Salote Rabuka presenting the bill at the MPs workshop.

Mrs Salote Rabuka

[right] with MP Matai

Akoula [standing left]

Mrs Salote Rabuka

[middle] with the

Opposition Leader

Ro Teimumu Kepa

[RIGHT] and MP

Jilila Nalibu Kumar

[left]

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2016 QUARTER 2 NEWSLETTER

STAFF CAPACITY BUILDING THROUGH CAREERS

NEW ZEALAND

Ms Charmaine Kwan *Team Leader- Executive Office Unit+ and

Kushaal Raj * Policy Analyst Data & Statistics+ attended a two week

study programme in Wellington from 11th -22nd April 2016. The

programme was organised by Careers New Zealand. The two

officers were joined by Ministry of Education Career Officer, Mr

Aminisasi Voresara.

The two week programme was designed for those working in

career counselling at all levels who have responsibility for

developing policies around post-secondary education and training

pathways into employment, as well as career counsellors and

student support officers working with young people in

universities/secondary schools/community groups to provide

information and support on different career pathways.

“We explored careers theory knowledge and its applications and

also examined how resources being used could be further

developed, “ described Ms Charmaine Kwan.

The two week professional development also highlighted the

importance of Labour Market Information and supporting young

people to better ‘match’ their qualifications and interests to the

labour market and tertiary education options in their country.

Ms Kwan explained that the programme was very enriching and

there’s a lot of work to be done for our nation in defining Career

Pathways for students.

Attendees at the workshop shared best practice with their

colleagues from around the Pacific region, as well as gain new

skills, ideas and resources to take home and use in their own

countries.

Ms Kwan further added that respective stakeholders in Fiji have to

collaborate working towards this and the inclusion of families and

communities is vital.

Two Pacific regional qualifications in sustainable energy

and resilience *including climate change+ and Disaster Risk Reduction have been technically endorsed. This endorsement occurred when 15 countries from the South Pacific met in Nadi, Fiji from 16-19 May 2016 for the European Union Pacific Technical Vocational and Education Training (EU PacTVET) Conference. This work is part of the EU PacTVET Project which is being jointly implemented by The University of the South Pacific (USP) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC).

The Fiji Higher Education Commission *FHEC+ being the national agency involved in developing these two qualifications took a lead role in the discussion forum. Discussions on the qualifications included the development of learning and support resources in order to meet the training needs for addressing climate change adaption and sustainable energy at the national and regional level, and the appropriate methods of delivery of these services, as well as assessing these mechanisms. By having a regionally-accredited programme in Climate Change Adaptation and Sustainable Energy, the standards of training will be raised for climate change adaptation and disaster risk management, while at the same time increasing the potential employment opportunities of those who wish to study abroad or migrate within the region.

The two qualifications will seek registration on the Pacific Qualifications Register. Pacific countries adopting any of these regional programmes are expected to contextualize them in order to provide relevant and suitable content. Each of the regional qualifications will be offered at levels 1-4.

REGIONAL QUALIFICATIONS IN SUSTAINABLE

ENERGY AND RESILIENCE

Programme facilitaors with Charmaine Kwan and Kushaal Raj [middle

with garland] .

Nixon Kua [SPC] clarifying a point with FHEC Officer

Epeli Lesuma at the EU Pac TVET Conference

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2016 QUARTER 2 NEWSLETTER

For more pictures visit : http://inqaahefiji.fhec.info/Contact/Galleries

For more pictures visit : http://apqnfiji.fhec.org.fj/Contact/Galleries

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2016 QUARTER 2 NEWSLETTER

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Collaboration, Not Competition

Colleges in the same region often view each other as competitors, whether on the athletics field or in the admissions office. But the nine colleges in Pierce County, Wash., see each other as the opposite: collaborators.

Pierce County is home to a diverse set of educational options. There are two public institutions (Evergreen State College and the University of Washington Tacoma), two private institu-tions (Pacific Lutheran University and the University of Puget Sound), and five community and technical colleges (Bates Technical College, Clover Park Technical College, Tacoma Com-munity College and the two campuses of Pierce College).

In 2014, amid increasing national focus on getting more Amer-

icans to attain postsecondary education or training -- the so-

called completion agenda -- these nine institutions banded

together to form the Pierce County Higher Education Team.

he goal of the team is to promote a college-going culture

among local K-12 students. Accomplishing this goal involves boosting both the county’s high school graduation rate and college graduation rate.

“Our nine colleges never collaborated historically,” said John Hickey, executive director of community engagement and associate vice president for business services at Puget Sound, who coordinates the team. “There haven’t necessarily been strong reasons for us to do so. But we certainly have hit on an important mutual objective … helping young people in Pierce County get the right match of education.”

As an example of the team's collaborative approach, Hickey

cited a community event last fall. At the event, local students

watched a video featuring the nine institutions' presidents and

chancellors. Instead of touting the benefits of any one institu-

tion, the presidents and chancellors stressed the availability of

different types of postsecondary education for different

students in Pierce County.

Read More: https://www.insidehighered.com/

news/2016/07/26/colleges-collaborate-boost-local-graduation

-rate

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