How ACS ensures quality in IT education through volunteer expertise

Did you know? ACS is Australia’s official accreditor for IT higher education programs—and it’s powered by incredible volunteers! As tomorrow marks International Volunteer Day, discover how contributors like Associate Professor Nicole Herbert are shaping the future of tech education.

ACS member Associate Professor Nicole Herbert from the University of Tasmania is one of many volunteers helping ACS to ensure that tech graduates around Australia have the skills and capabilities employers need.

Nicole is passionate about connecting UTas students with employers and preparing graduates for industry and has won many teaching awards. When the opportunity arose to help ACS maintain graduate standards nationally, Nicole was quick to volunteer. 

ACS is the official accrediting body for IT higher education programs in Australia. ACS accredited qualifications are benchmarked and recognised in 12 other countries through the Seoul Accord. ACS-accredited tertiary courses provide quality assured education for students aligned with specific tech job roles.

When a university or higher education institution asks ACS to accredit courses, an ACS Case Manager is assigned, and a small voluntary panel is formed. Panellists are often volunteers from other accredited institutions who make themselves available once or twice a year for a two- or three-day campus visit plus some pre- and post-visit reading and panel meetings. 

In 2024 Nicole was a panel member an impressive four times, including twice as the Panel Chair, travelling to campus visits in Rockhampton. Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne. Nicole says “By helping with ACS Accreditation, I can influence graduate standards on a broader scale, meet academic colleagues from across Australia, and gain valuable insights from best practices. I highly recommend it!”

For more information on ACS Accreditation click here.