1. The University has a single process for the review of academic areas including Research Schools, Faculties, University Centres and Academic Organisational Units (AOUs) within Research Schools, Faculties, University Centres and Administrative Divisions.
2. The process has an annual cycle nested within a five yearly major review cycle.
3. Where external reviews are required to meet needs of funding bodies and for professional accreditation purposes they will be aligned, wherever possible, with the conduct of the five yearly reviews.
4. It is expected that all major new initiatives in the University would be introduced through the annual review process.

The Annual Review Process

1. The purpose of the annual reviews is to obtain a yearly picture of the performance of the University and its programs. It will assess quality and achievement, and will record performace indicators to provide time series information for the five yearly review process.
2. The annual review will include reports from Heads of AOUs, Heads of academic and administrative units, coordinators of academic programs, leaders of research projects as appropriate and as determined by the Dean or Director, who will compile a report to the Vice-Chancellor to be submitted with the School, Faculty, Centre or Division's budget papers. Once budget outcomes are known, the annual report may be modified; it is then filed as source material for the next major (five yearly) review.
3. The annual review will form part of the PPR process for the academic or administrative Dean or Director.
4. The annual review submissions will have outcomes as their focus and will report on matters agreed with the Vice-Chancellor.
5. Staff workload in preparing for and in the conduct of reviews will be monitored.
6. The annual review process will be forward looking and will take account of the aims set out in strategic planning documents such as Preparing Ourselves.
7. Collaborative, cross-area programs will prepare a single annual report that will be recieved by relevant Deans and Directors.

The Major (Five Yearly) Reviews

1. The purpose of the major reviews is to present the University and its programs for detailed external examination. It will assess quality and achievement at the level of the University, will examine trends in performance and will assess particularly whether the structure and major programs of the University remain relevant against contemporary needs.
2. The Terms of Reference for the major reviews will be established on each occasion, based on:

• The quality of the University's research and educational programs
• Whether the University is meeting national needs and priorities
• Whether the University has effective international linkages
• The quality of the University's information and other infrastructures
• Whether the University's organisational structure remains relevant to the future
• Whether the University's student and staff support mechanisms are effective

Replaces in full the provisions of:

Institute of Advanced Studies: Reviews of Research Schools(180A\1999)
Institute of Advanced Studies: Reviews of Research Groups within Research Schools (178A\1999)
Institute of Advanced Studies: Reviews of Divisions and Departments within Research Schools (179A\1999)
The Faculties Review of Departments (2269B\1998)