Higher Education - Course Closure Policy

1. Purpose

To ensure that the closure of CIT higher education courses is conducted in accordance with industry and community needs, the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 and the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021.

2. Scope

The closure of a higher education course of study at CIT.

3. Principles

3.1  As an Institute of Higher Education registered with the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), CIT offers Higher Education courses that meet the requirements of the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF), the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011, and the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021.

3.2  The closure of a higher education course of study must follow the accepted processes as endorsed by the CIT Higher Education Committee and be consistent with CIT's strategic directions, education and training profile, education philosophy and aims, and higher education policies. In particular, the process for closure will involve the development, implementation and monitoring of effective teach out or course transition plans to ensure students’ ability to complete the course or transfer to a mutually agreed course of study at no disadvantage.

3.3  CIT will follow the accepted processes for consultation with external stakeholders such as universities, licensing bodies, industry partners or third-party deliverers when ceasing to deliver a course of study.

3.4  If a higher education course of study is identified as needing to be closed without replacement, the relevant College director must present a report to the Higher Education Committee outlining the steps taken to:

• investigate any possible effects that the change may have on students currently enrolled in the course including developing individual study plans to identify if the student is able to complete the course or requires transitioning to another provider
• cease entry for new enrolments and advise any delivery partners
• confirm articulation/transition pathways to another higher education provider to ensure all students have the opportunity to complete
• ensure staff consultation occurs in line with the requirements of the relevant Enterprise Agreement
• consult with and consider the needs of industry, alternative providers, community needs and CIT resources
• consult with the International Student Operations Unit regarding requirements of offers made to international students
• provide timely advice to affected students and assistance to complete the course of study within a designated period and/or be advised of options to transfer to an alternative or equivalent course (either within CIT or by another provider)
• ensure the continuation of the necessary course resourcing, course outcomes and overall service and support to students, and continued compliance with the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 throughout the teach out process
• provide the necessary information to TEQSA and follow TEQSA's guidance in relation to teach-out arrangements.

4. Documentation

Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011

Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021

Withdrawing a course/teachout | Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (teqsa.gov.au)

Australian Qualification Framework

National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2007

5. Definitions

All terminology used in this policy is consistent with definitions in the CIT Definitions of Terms.

6. Policy Contact Officer

Director, Education Services.

Contact CIT Student Services on (02) 6207 3188 or email infoline@cit.edu.au for further information.

7. Procedures

This policy is implemented through the CIT Higher Education Committee.