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CFP
HEQAF2025: Higher Education Quality Assurance Forum
UNISA Graduate School of Business Leadership
Pretoria, South Africa, September 30-October 1, 2025
Submission linkhttps://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=heqaf2025
Posterdownload
Abstract registration deadlineJune 8, 2025
Submission deadlineAugust 20, 2025
Topics: rethinking quality assurance technology enhanced learning student engagement and inclusion institutional readiness for change

ABOUT THE FORUM

The Higher Education Quality Assurance Forum (HEQAF) was established in 2024 to enhance the quality of higher education by bringing together key stakeholders, such as university administrators, quality assurance professionals, policymakers, and students, to discuss and share best practices in quality assurance. The inaugural forum served as a platform for presenting current practices, testing new ideas, and eliciting feedback from colleagues and stakeholders on topics of interest. The 2025 forum continues the engagement that began last year, building upon the discussions and initiatives from the inaugural event further to strengthen the quality assurance processes in higher education. This aims to engage participants to reflect on the value of students’ voices in QA, practitioners' approach to QA, scholarship and multidisciplinary collaborative research on quality, support services, and engagement from an international, multidisciplinary, and interdisciplinary perspective.

The Forum will reflect on philosophical, procedural, and methodological developments in student engagement as applicable at all levels and elevate conversations on creating adaptive, quality learning environments. It will bring together international, interprofessional, and interdisciplinary scholarship, research, leadership, policy, and educational innovations in QA and respond to Sustainable Development Goal 4 - Quality Education. The programme will provide insights into the wide range of approaches, and we hope everyone will find a topic of interest in which to send an abstract and join the forum. We welcome teachers, researchers, stakeholders, QA practitioners, QA managers, QA champions, QA administrators, and students from around the globe to contribute to and participate in the Higher Education Quality Assurance Forum hosted by the University of South Africa and Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

The forum encourages panel discussions and roundtable discussions. It is designed to ensure maximum active participation from all attendees. It is developmental in its orientation, creating a platform for junior QA practitioners to participate in smaller, less intimidating environments.HEQAF provides an opportunity to network and share insights, research findings, and innovative practices in the field of QA and Enhancement within Higher Education in the Global South.

Submission Guidelines

All papers must be original and not simultaneously submitted to another journal or conference.

Guidelines for Abstract Submission

  • All abstracts must be submitted via the abstract submission system in this portal.
  • All abstract submissions and presentations must be written in English.
  • Abstracts should be no longer than 350 words and reflect the presentation's content. They can be used for oral presentations, posters, and other formats. Abstracts can highlight innovative programs, research, and other scholarly work.
  • Do not include pictures, diagrams or references.
  • The deadline for abstract submission is 30 May 2025
  • Scientific committee members will review and select submitted abstracts.
  • Selection will be based on originality, relevance to conference theme and evidence of scholarly practice.
  • The primary author (must also be the contact author) will receive an email within one month of the submission deadline confirming the acceptance or non-acceptance of the abstract. (30 June 2025)
  • All accepted abstracts will be published in the digital abstract book.
  • For an abstract to be presented, the presenting author must register and pay the registration fee by 30 August 2025

 Abstract Structure

  • First name (primary author and presenter)
  • Last name
  • Email
  • Affiliation
  • Title
  • Address (street, city, country, postal code)
  • Title of Abstract
  • All authors (including all authors with their degrees and affiliations)
  • Body of Abstract (include background, aim/objectives, methods, results/findings, conclusions)
  • Conference themes (select)
  • Type of presentation

  Abstract Submission

  • Word Limit: 350–500 words
  • Format: Microsoft Word document (.docx)
  • Contents:
    • Title of the paper
    • Author(s) name(s) and institutional affiliation(s)
    • Corresponding author’s email
    • Sub-theme alignment
    • 3–5 keywords

Full Paper Submission

  • Word Limit: 5,000–7,000 words, including references
  • Formatting Requirements:
    • Font: Arial, size 12
    • Line spacing: 1.5
    • Margins: 1 inch (2.54 cm) on all sides
    • Referencing style: APA 7th edition

List of Sub-Themes

  • SUB-THEME 1: RETHINKING QUALITY ASSURANCE FOR FLEXIBILITY AND INNOVATION
    • The rapid evolution of higher education learning modalities—driven by globalisation, digital transformation, and changing student expectations—necessitates a fundamental reconfiguration of traditional quality assurance (QA) frameworks. Historically designed to assess face-to-face, time-bound, and program-based instruction, conventional QA systems are increasingly insufficient for evaluating the emerging paradigms of hybrid, online, flexible, and modular learning.
    • This sub-theme critically explores how QA frameworks can be reimagined to accommodate adaptive learning models that support personalisation, mobility, and lifelong learning. The rise of micro-credentials, short courses, and stackable learning pathways presents opportunities and challenges for QA agencies and higher education institutions. Key concerns include validating learning outcomes, credit recognition, coherence across delivery formats, and ensuring parity of esteem with traditional qualifications.
  • SUB-THEME 2: TECHNOLOGY-ENHANCED LEARNING AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
    • The accelerated integration of digital technologies into higher education—particularly following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic—has reshaped the landscape of teaching, learning, and quality assurance. Emerging tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), learning analytics, virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), and adaptive learning systems are transforming pedagogical approaches and prompting a re-evaluation of quality standards and educational outcomes.
    • This sub-theme critically engages with the opportunities and challenges posed by technology-enhanced learning (TEL) in the context of quality assurance. It invites contributions that explore how digital transformation enables personalised, flexible, and data-driven learning experiences while raising complex questions about the ethical use of technology, data governance, and digital equity.
  • SUB-THEME 3: STUDENT ENGAGEMENT, INCLUSION, AND HOLISTIC SUPPORT
    • Promoting meaningful student engagement and equitable academic participation is both a pedagogical imperative and a core quality assurance component in increasingly diverse and complex higher education systems. This sub-theme critically examines how higher education institutions (HEIs) can create inclusive and adaptive learning environments that recognise students’ varied socio-economic, cultural, and academic backgrounds.
    • Central to this discussion is adopting inclusive pedagogical frameworks, such as Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which advocate for flexible curricula, varied assessment methods, and learner-centred teaching strategies (CAST, 2018; Moriña, 2017). These approaches are essential to addressing systemic barriers that hinder full participation and promoting differentiated instruction that supports all students, particularly those from historically marginalised groups.
  • SUB-THEME 4: LEADERSHIP, POLICY, AND INSTITUTIONAL READINESS FOR CHANGE
    • Creating adaptive learning environments requires pedagogical and technological transformation, strategic leadership, responsive policy frameworks, and institutional agility. This sub-theme critically examines the governance structures and systemic conditions necessary for higher education institutions (HEIs) to adapt to evolving educational demands effectively.
    • At the heart of this sub-theme is the recognition that leadership is pivotal in driving innovation, fostering a quality culture, and sustaining change. Adaptive leadership approaches—characterised by collaboration, inclusivity, and responsiveness—are increasingly essential as institutions navigate complex shifts in teaching modalities, learner expectations, and global benchmarks for quality (Fullan, 2001; Blackmore, 2009). Key areas of exploration include institutional leadership models that support transformational change, strategic planning for innovation in learning environments, and integrating quality assurance mechanisms into governance structures.

 

Committees

Scientific Committee

  • Dr Meiya G. Nthoesane (Chair), University of South Africa
  • Prof I Setlhodi, University of South Africa
  • Ms R Tsephe, University of South Africa

Organizing committee

      CAPE PENINSULA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (CPUT)

  • Prof Siyanda Makaula
  • Ms Ernestina Ansen
  • Ms Gugu Mhlauli
  • Ms Elisha Van Der Westhuizen

    UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA (UNISA)

  • Prof Lumkile Lalendle
  • Prof Itumeleng Setlhodi
  • Ms Refiloe Tsephe
  • Ms Mathato Makuka
  • Ms Helen Matshoba
  • Ms Nomi Mnotoza
  • Ms Zone Mdledle
  • Dr M Nthoesane
  • Mr Patrick Ngobeni
  • Ms Phetlhu Vasty
  • Ms Millicent Mokoena
  • Mr Peter Malatji
  • Ms Nonzwakazi Myende

Invited Speakers

  • Prof Lumkile Luvuyo Lalendle
  • Prof Siyanda Makaula
  • Prof Itumeleng Setlhodi
  • Prof Javed Muhammad
  • Prof Peter Abooki
  • Dr Whitfield Green
  • Prof Sandile Songca

Venue

The conference will be held in Midrand, Johannesburg, at the Unisa Graduate School of Business Leadership.

Contact

  • For inquiries, don't hesitate to get in touch with us using the Forum email: HEQAF2025@unisa.ac.za 
  • Chair and Convenor, Higher Education Quality Assurance Forum 2025, Prof. Itumeleng Setlhodi Email: setlhii@unisa.ac.za

Forum Format

Keynote Sessions: Featuring global thought leaders in higher education and quality assurance.

Paper Presentations: Thematic sessions for selected papers.

Workshops: Hands-on sessions addressing practical tools and strategies.

Panel Discussions: Interactive sessions with policymakers, researchers, and practitioners.

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