UGC QAC audit report reaffirms Lingnan’s robust academic governance and quality assurance mechanisms

The Quality Assurance Council (QAC) under the University Grant Committee (UGC) published the report on the quality audit of Lingnan University (LU) in the third audit cycle on 27 June 2025. The Audit Panel's findings on LU are overwhelmingly positive, reaffirming the University’s robust academic governance and quality assurance mechanisms.

The Audit Panel, which is comprised of local and international education experts, recognises the University’s emphasis on the student-centric educational approach, which is strongly reinforced by the commitment to a strong teacher-student relationship. The Audit Panel also points out that LU adopts a data-driven approach with ample evidence observed in the structured programme reviews, learning assessments, and the effectiveness in using data to inform academic decision-making.

The Audit Report recommends that LU continue to use proactive learning analytics to inform teaching and learning quality and conduct regular reviews of Lingnan’s academic policies in light of the rapid changes in digital technologies for education.

Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science of Lingnan University thanked the Audit Panel for their constructive feedback, which aligns fully with Lingnan’s steadfast commitment, as outlined in the Strategic Plan 2022-28, to “provide a world-class liberal arts education in the digital era.”

Below are Lingnan’s GOOD PRACTICEs recognised by the Audit Panel:

• Comprehensive programme development
  In addition to Annual Programme Reports (APRs) and five-year reviews, an additional meta-review procedure has been implemented since 2019-20. The Small Group to Scrutinise Annual Programme Reports, conducts a formative check of the APRs for TPg programmes. This group includes representatives from each faculty or school, fostering a systematic approach that promotes institutional learning across LU. The Registry conducts a similar procedure for Ug programmes.

   

• Connecting learning with real-world expectations
  LU emphasises connecting learning with real-world expectations by leveraging established relationships with key external stakeholders, including potential employers and alumni. This helps LU adapt to community needs and innovate assessment practices, aligning students’ educational experiences with real-world challenges.

   

• Strong teacher-student relationship
  The strong teacher-student relationship is highlighted by the Audit Panel as an example of quality education, supported by high satisfaction scores. Students benefit from the small class sizes with a supportive and engaged learning environment as well as the ease of communication with professors contribute significantly to their learning experience.

   

• Diverse assessment
  LU embraces diverse forms of examination and assessment, incorporating student feedback.

   

• Early alert system
  The use of multiple sources of data in the Early Alert System, enabling faculties/departments to alert staff promptly about those students experiencing difficulties with their studies, ensuring timely support.

Please click HERE to access the full report.