The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) is a Government body that is responsible for maintaining the standards in universities in the UK. As part of this they carry out an Institutional Audit (IA) every 4 years, and the University of Bath will be audited in autumn 2008. It is like OFSTED, carrying out an OFSTED inspection in schools. As part of this process the QAA are presented with a Students’ Submission, which contains a critical analysis of the University from the students’ point of view.

The words 'academic standards' are used to describe the level of achievement that a student has to reach to gain an academic award (eg a degree). For similar awards, the threshold level of achievement should be the same across the UK.

Academic quality is a way of describing how well the learning opportunities available to students are managed to help them to achieve their award. It is about making sure that appropriate and effective teaching, support, assessment and learning opportunities are provided for them.

As Academic Reps and students you play a key role in shaping the Students’ Submission because you are students and in constant contact with your peers. The information in the submission must be evidence based for the auditors to investigate the issues that the students raise. Academic Council is a student forum that will provide invaluable ideas and information for the Students’ Submission; it can be used as evidence because the meetings are minuted.