Quality Cycle & Quality Cycle Report (QTB): Cycle, Preparation, Submission, Supporting Documentation

The quality cycle (QT) of a study program is the period between two internal accreditations of that study program. It is typically concluded with a Quality Cycle Report (QTB), which forms the basis for the quality review as part of the internal accreditation procedure.

Eight years under normal circumstances. Newly introduced study programs are subject to a shortened cycle corresponding to the first standard study duration. Further deviations may apply to other study programs, such as joint degrees, or if a study program has undergone a significant change. During the cycle, all quality instruments must be applied and the quality criteria evaluated.

The QTB is a document prepared by the faculty that documents the continuous quality development and quality assurance of a study program. In addition to an overview of accreditation-relevant information, such as the degree awarded, standard study duration, and type and format of the study program, it includes fulfillment of the quality criteria, monitoring of measures, and the accreditation decision. For information on preparing the QTB, see also “How do I create the quality cycle report?”. Please also refer to the completion guide.

Before the report is considered by the university committees, a quality improvement/feedback loop is conducted with K33. Please also refer to the completion guideand the Teaching and Learning Process Manualfor more detailed information.

The QTB is prepared in the central documentation and workflow software Qurricula using a standardized template. During the quality cycle, the FQB is responsible for recording the minutes and results of study program meetings and conferences in Qurricula. In particular, the fulfillment of the quality criteria and the measures derived from the quality exchanges are documented in writing in Qurricula. Together with free-text fields for a review and outlook and information on external experts, these elements form the basic structure of the QTB. Please also refer to the completion guide and the Teaching and Learning Process Manual for more detailed information.

By email to K33 no later than nine months before the end of the quality cycle, or four months before the end in the case of a newly introduced program. Please also refer to the completion guide and the Teaching and Learning Process Manua lfor more detailed information.

The Senate of OVGU makes the accreditation decision on the basis of the accreditation report, which documents compliance with the criteria of the Catalog of Quality Criteria.

First, the ZQB and the Student Quality Officer (SQB) review the QTB for compliance with the criteria and legal requirements. They prepare statements, which, together with the QTB, are submitted to the Senate Committee for Academic Affairs (KSL). The KSL evaluates compliance with the criteria and, based on its assessment of the QTB and the statements, issues a recommendation that is forwarded to the Senate. If all criteria have been positively evaluated and all legal requirements have been met, the Senate accredits the study program.

If the evaluation determines that the quality criteria were not addressed or were not positively evaluated during the quality cycle, the Senate decides, individually or cumulatively, on the following measures:

a) Request for additional documents

b) Recommendation with a request for a statement

c) Requirement to fulfill specified conditions by a set deadline

d) Exclusion of the study program from the OVGU Quality Development System

If the Senate imposes conditions as part of the accreditation decision, the faculty is responsible for implementing them within the specified deadline. The faculty submits a written report documenting fulfillment to the ZQB, who conducts an initial review and reports to the KSL. The KSL then makes a recommendation to the Senate, which makes the final decision on fulfillment. Once the conditions have been fulfilled, the ZQB updates the Accreditation Council's database. The type and form of implementation, and therefore of the evidence, depend on the specific condition. K33 will be happy to assist with any questions.