Self-review and trial audit or dress rehearsal: Preparations for AUQA audit undertaken by Australian universities in 2002

Most of the nine universities audited in 2002 undertook some form of self-review which incorporated a trial audit prior to the Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA) visit. The trial audits predominantly took the form of a self-review and audit process, mainly using internal auditors, in order to develop or refine the Performance Portfolio. One university used a ‘dress rehearsal’ approach, less than a month before the AUQA visit. All the universities considered this to be a valuable process, although there were significant differences in approach and scope. The value of the trial audit process was principally in refining the portfolio and identifying improvement needs as well as raising awareness amongst university staff. The terminology utilised is confusing and AUQA should consider clarifying this in subsequent versions of the Audit Manual.