South East Technological University (SETU) receives positive CINNTE review with key commendations

South East Technological University (SETU) receives positive CINNTE review with key commendations

South East Technological University (SETU) was the third technological university to complete the CINNTE review process in 2024. The review, conducted by an independent team of experts appointed by QQI, has provided a comprehensive review of the effectiveness of SETU's quality assurance processes since its establishment in May 2022. The report highlights SETU's commitment to quality assurance, governance, and its strategic vision for the future.

The review team made important commendations to further enhance SETU's development. The top five commendations are as follows:

1. Multi-Campus Ethos: The review team commended SETU on its multi-campus ethos as a new technological university and its efforts to establish that ethos across the entire university community.
2. Regional Support: The review team commended SETU on 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.
3. Quality Assurance and Governance Framework: The review team commended SETU on the significant initial progress made in establishing a unitary quality assurance and governance framework.
4. Centre for Organisational Research, Data and Analysis (CORDA): The review team commended SETU on the establishment of CORDA, which provides the university with a single source of information to inform decision-making and quality assurance activities.
5. Staff Commitment: The review team commended the enthusiasm and commitment of SETU’s staff to the success and well-being of their students. 

Key recommendations aimed at enhancing the institution's quality assurance and overall effectiveness include:

1. Academic Portfolio Integration Project and Academic Delivery Framework: The review team recommends that work on the academic portfolio integration project and the academic delivery framework progress as a matter of urgency, with appropriate support and resources.
2. Student Retention Issues: The review team recommends that SETU fast track the establishment of a dedicated group, drawing from those with knowledge and expertise from across the organisation to address student retention issues.
3. Postgraduate Student Experience: The review team recommends that SETU consider developing clearer structures for integrating postgraduate students, including formal induction programmes and a centralised role to oversee their experience.
4. Policy and Regulatory Documents: The review team recommends 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.
5. Workload and Employee Wellbeing: The review team recommends that SETU develop a mechanism for monitoring and supporting workload and employee wellbeing.

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.

Professor Maria Hinfelaar, former Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive at Wrexham University, 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.

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."

Professor Veronica Campbell, President of South East TU welcomed the publication of the report:

“I would like to thank the panel for recognising key highlights in their commendations and recognise the need to implement completely their recommendations. The university found the CINNTE review process to be objective and thorough. We welcome this balanced and comprehensive report, valuing the external expert perspectives and opinions. The recommendations from this report will help the university further develop its structure, policies, and quality assurance and reinforce the pursuit of our strategies”. 

Clíona Curley, QQI Interim Chief Executive Officer noted:

“QQI's CINNTE review cycle is essential for maintaining and monitoring the quality of higher education in Ireland. We appreciate the review team's findings, which highlight SETU's significant achievements in quality assurance, governance, and strategic planning. The report also provides valuable recommendations that will help SETU enhance its educational offerings and continue to achieve excellent outcomes for its students."

South East Technological University was established on 1 May 2022 as a technological university following a merger of two founding institutions – Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) and Institute of Technology Carlow (ITC). SETU is a multi-campus university with sites across the south-east region.