COVID-19 support: New QAA guidance for HE providers on maintaining quality and academic standards

QAA has published the first in a series of new guidance aimed at supporting all providers of UK higher education to manage quality and academic standards in these unprecedented times.

This first release of the guidance responds to the initial concerns that universities and colleges have brought to QAA's attention in recent days, including:

• transitioning to online learning
• adapting assessments for online platforms so that they remain rigorous and fair, and continuing to give timely and useful feedback
• managing credit, progression and graduation
• adapting admissions considerations as examinations for entry qualifications are postponed or cancelled
• engaging students in their education
• working with external examiners.

Later releases of the guidance, which we plan to issue weekly, will address key themes in greater detail. All versions of the guidance will be available publicly on our website.

This has been developed in consultation with governments, regulators and funders, as well as sector representative bodies. QAA will remain in close contact with sector organisations and our member institutions throughout this period.

If you have any particular issues, challenges or concerns that you would like to be considered for future guidance, please contact QAA. QAA Members can also contact their Membership Engagement Manager for further support, take part in our Headline Briefing webinar on Friday 27 March, or join our online Quality Clinics later this week. More details about the Quality Clinics will be communicated soon.