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In recent years, Irish universities have cooperated in developing quality assurance systems and in representing their approach nationally and internationally as a unique quality model. The quality framework that is described in this publication is the result of close collaboration among the universities, the Conference of Heads of Irish Universities, and the Inter-University Quality Steering Committee. The framework that is presented has been adopted by seven Irish universities, and the framework is proving effective. The approach is based on a holistic view of the university that involves all major stakeholders and external experts. Core aspects of the framework include: (1) operating principles based on quality as strategy, quality review as a driver of change, quality as analysis and reflection, and quality as a shared responsibility; (2) quality offices within the universities; (3) participation of students in quality reviews; (4) participation of stakeholders; and (5) four major elements of the process that include self-assessment, peer review, a peer review report, and the implementation of findings for continuing improvement. Seven appendixes provide background about the development of the framework and discussions of the context for higher education improvement in Ireland. (SLD)

1Boy Crusoe

By Allan Eric

Also published as" A Yankee Crusoe" . A 15 year old hard working and studious farm boy finds the lure of adventure on the seas as a merchant seaman more than he can resist. This is his story. " I was born in a little town in the State of Maine, near the close of the Civil War. My boyhood life did not differ materially from that of the average farmer's son in the remote country districts of New England--except, perhaps, that I read more and thought more. Hard work on the rugged soil, two terms each year in the little yellow country schoolhouse, a day's fishing now and then filled the early years of my life full to over-flowing. " What he gets is enough excitement and adventure to overflow his wildest dreams. How he experiences disaster and uses his wits and knowledge to overcome every problem makes for a great read. - Summary by Phil Chenevert