Strategic Total Academic Review

The Strategic Total Academic Review (STAR) was a comprehensive, far-reaching, transformational review of USPs academic portfolio, policies, procedures and services to ensure the development of graduates who can take advantage of opportunities, secure meaningful and well-paid employment, appreciate multiple perspectives and live harmoniously with others; dealing effectively with the challenges of a globalised economy.

Under STAR the University sought to better prepare graduates for success in a complex and changing world, and this translated into the following aims:

1. Educate adaptable leaders who are critical thinkers and contributing global citizens;
2. Position USP for peer recognition as a high performing, internationally competitive university with a distinctive mission;
3. Ensure the employability of USP graduates;
4. Ensure relevance of USP’s curriculum to the Pacific region and similar living environments;
5. Ensure sustainability of USP programmes in terms of funding, demand, and links to research priorities;
6. Ensure the high quality and proven effectiveness of programmes by the systematic assessment of learning outcomes and the strategic investment of resources.

A key outcome of STAR, was a focus on USP Graduate Attributes and it was decided that The University of the South Pacific’s academic programmes will promote the development of the following attributes in all graduates:

Academic Excellence

1. Extensive knowledge of a particular discipline or professional area, including relevant knowledge and skills;
2. Capacity for independent critical thinking and self-directed, life-long learning;
3. Advanced information and communication technology knowledge and skills; and
4. Research literacy and skills.

Intellectual Curiosity and Integrity

1. Deep respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of scholarship;
2. Intellectual curiosity and creativity; openness to new ideas;
3. Commitment to inter-disciplinary understanding and skills; and
4. Respect for the principles, values and ethics of a chosen profession.

Capacity for Leadership and Working With Others

1. Effective interpersonal communication skills;
2. Leadership, organisational, teamwork and time management abilities; and
3. Personal maturity and self-confidence.

Appreciation of the Cultures of the Pacific Islands

1. Knowledge and appreciation of both the unity and diversity of Pacific Island cultures;
2. Understanding of the diverse economies and environments of the Pacific Islands; and
3. Commitment to the maintenance and strengthening of the societies of the Pacific.

Cross-Cultural Competencies

1. An understanding and appreciation of social, cultural and linguistic diversity;
2. Respect for human rights and dignity in a global context;
3. Commitment to accountability, ethical practice and social responsibility; and
4. Demonstrated oral and written proficiency in the English language.

The STAR Working Group 5 recommended the use of the Research Skill Development framework at The University of the South Pacific as a means to ensure the development and assessment of the above attributes.

The Working Group 5 Report from 2011 can be accessed HERE