Quality Review Process Flowchart
As part of its commitment to ongoing Quality Assurance & Enhancement, Maynooth University manages a schedule of quality reviews of all academic departments & administrative units.
The aim of the quality review process is to promote and develop a culture of quality & continuous improvement throughout the university. There are several stages within quality reviews:
- Departments/units first prepare a Self-Assessment Report reflecting on the quality & effectiveness of all of their activities & procedures. A Peer Review Group is selected to analyse the report before visiting the university to verify, test & evaluate the reflections made in the Self-Assessment.
- During the 2 and a half day site visit, the Peer Review Group meet with the relevant stakeholders of the department/unit under review including staff, students, members of the university leadership & external collaborators. The Peer Review Group use these meetings to gather more information about the department or unit and to investigate further reflections made in the Self-Assessment Report.The Peer Review Group drafts a report of its findings identifying commendations & recommendations for improvement.
- This report, known as the Peer Review Report, is sent to the department/unit under review who are then required to address these findings by drafting a Quality Improvement Plan which sets out the actions it will take to implement the recommendations made.
As a full & equal member of the Peer Review Group, the responsibilities of a Student Reviewer include:
- Completing in-person Student Reviewer training arranged by the Quality Assurance & Enhancement Office. (2 hours)
- Attending a number of short online pre-review preparation sessions. (Approx. 2 hours)
- Reading and evaluating the Self-Assessment Report prepared by the department /unit under review (approximately 20-30 pages) and any other documentation sent in advance of the site visit. (Approx. 8 Hours)
- Preparing/identifying initial points of focus on the report for circulation to Review Group members prior to the review site visit. (Approx. 2 Hours)
- Participating in a site visit to the university and area under review to gather, share, test and verify information, drawing conclusions, making recommendations and judgements on the academic standards achieved and the quality of the learning opportunities and services provided. (2.5 days*)
- Post-visit preparation and completion of the allocated draft sections of the Review Group Report and commenting on the overall draft of the report, as agreed with the Chair of the Peer Review Group. (1 day)
- Participating in an End of Review feedback session with the Quality Assurance & Enhancement Office. (1 hour)
*In a small number of cases, for larger or more complex units a visit may comprise of a 3.5-day visit.
As well as providing a valuable contribution to the continuous improvement of Maynooth University, participation in quality reviews as Student Reviewers offers a number of benefits to students including:
Enhancment of the Maynooth University Student Experience
Student Reviewers represent the student voice by identifying ways to enhance the student experience. Becoming a Student Reviewer provides the unique opportunity to directly contribute to evaluating the impact of university activities & procedures on students and to make recommendations to improve them.
MUSE Awards
Student Reviewers are required to commit considerable time to the role during the entire review process and this contribution can be recognised in the form of applying it towards a Maynooth University Student Experience (MUSE) Award*. For more information about the MUSE Awards please visit:https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/careers/students/upskill#MUSE *Subject to MUSE award application criteria.
Maynooth University Behind the Scenes
Student Reviewers have the unique oppurtunity to gain an insight into how different areas of Maynooth University & higher education in general operate behind the scenes. Becoming a Student Reviewer gives students the opportunity to observe & learn about how academic departments or administrative units within the university function and the responsibilities they hold.
Paid Participation
Student Reviewers are paid a gratuity for their participation after they have completed all stages of the role. Student Reviewers receive equal payment to the other external members of the Peer Review Group.
Certificate of Participation
All Student Reviewers receive a certificate to acknowledge their contribution on completion of the role.
Gain Transferrable Skills
Becoming a Student Reviewer gives students the opportunity to learn valuable transferrable skills to grow their self-confidence and boost their CV. More information & support in relation to transferable skills can be provided by the Careers & Employability Service: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/careers/students.
Who can apply?
- Undergraduate Students (Year 2 and above)
- Postgraduate Students (with experience of the university within the previous year)
- Graduates (no more than 2 years since completion of their programme of study)
Applicants should display a strong interest in representing their fellow students and for the continued enhancement of their university experience.
We are now accepting applications (closing date 12 January 2025), please complete the below application form:
Successful applicants will be invited to attend Student Reviewer training based on the information they provide in their written application. The number of training places each academic year will be determined by the number of quality reviews scheduled to take place that year. A number of trainings sessions will be held in Semester 2 (Dates TBC).
Once a student has completed Student Reviewer training, they will be included on a panel for the forthcoming academic year and may be invited to participate in scheduled quality reviews subject to availability.
Student Reviewers will be invited to participate in quality reviews based on their experience and availability (Student Reviewers must be available to participate in all stages of the quality review). Student Reviewers will also be required to sign a conflict-of-interest waiver to avoid being assigned to review an area where they are associated or currently studying with. They will also be required to sign confidentiality waivers.
The Quality Assurance & Enhancement Office provides guidance & support to Student Reviewers before, during and after participation in quality reviews.
Please note: Quality reviews take place between October - June of an Academic Year.
