Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the purpose of IARC?
IARC provides a way of distinguishing reputable education from less credible education in the post secondary sector on a global basis. It has been designed to have high standards, but minimum bureaucracy.By keeping the bureaucracy of the system low, it is more affordable than many other systems; and that means:
A. It is affordable for institutions from poorer nations
B. It does not cause a significant increase to operational costs and in turn course fees (some systems result in as much as 30% extra cost in running the institution and that puts unnecessary pressure on funding the delivery and development of courses)
2. Who can join IARC?
Colleges, universities or any other institution that provides education at a post secondary level, including vocational education, adult education, workplace training, degree and post graduate education. These institutions may join as 'recognised providers of post secondary education.
Professional and industry bodies such as institutes and associations may join as an affiliate.
3. How does IARC recognition compare with other recognition systems?
Most government recognition systems are geared toward one state or one country, and are often a mystery to employers in other countries. IARC is a system designed for the world. It’s standards have been set on the basis of considering standards across a range of countries. As such, criteria for IARC recognition is different, and in some respects, more stringent than what some country based recognition systems require.
4. What advantages does IARC recognition have over other systems?
There are participating institutions across the world, including Asia, Australia, Europe and America. This alone gives your studies with an IARC institution a higher international profile than studies elsewhere.
Through the network which an IARC institution belongs to; it’s member institutions maintain communication with other educators across the globe, and as such, are in many ways more aware of global trends than other institutions. This network also provides contacts for those colleges and their students beyond their own country.
5. What does recognition mean?
It means that the institution has, on the basis of a formal submission, been judged as reputable, and of satisfying minimum criteria in the areas of administration, course content, course delivery and student assessment.
Recognition does not automatically confer status as any particular type of institution, such as a university, nor does it automatically mean that courses offered by that institution are accredited by IARC. Accreditation of a course by IARC recognises the fact that the course meets criteria which were determined an important distinguishing factor in establishing the credibility of that course.
6. What happens if I make a complaint?
Recognised institutions, or their students, are entitled to bring a complaint to the board. When an institution is found to be contravening IARC requirements for recognition, that institution will have their recognition immediately suspended until an investigation is undertaken. If necessary membership will be ceased immediately.
A new application for recognition will only be considered after a period of 12 months; and that new application must show beyond doubt, that any contravened requirement(s) has been corrected.
If you are not associated with IARC, but have a complaint, you may present it to any recognised institution, and if it's considered valid, they may bring it to the board on your behalf.
7. Who are the current Committee Board Members?
The 2011-2012 elected Committee is as follows
John Mason, President
Carmel Thompson, Treasurer
Jade Pollock, Secretary
Stephen Eddey, Officer of the Board
Richard Martin, Officer of the Board
Vahini Panda, International Relations Officer