The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has begun a wide-ranging review of how the seven universities are performing in relation to poorer students, women, the disabled, mature students and minority groups.
In a speech to be delivered tomorrow in Glasgow, the HEA chairman, Dr Don Thornhill, will say the review would include site visits and, following consultation with the university staff, publication of a report.
Dr Thornhill will say the review was necessary under the Universities Act, and at the end there should be a commitment to equality of opportunity throughout the system. He will deliver the speech to a conference of the European Access Network.
The reviews will take five stages:
The colleges will prepare a self-evaluation report.
The HEA will then appoint a review team.
This team will get a briefing before the visit.
After the visit the team will report back to the HEA.
In consultation with the college the HEA will prepare a report, including what follow-up actions are needed.
In relation to getting poorer students admitted to third level, Dr Thornhill believes linkages between colleges and disadvantaged secondary schools are crucial. Study and computer skills workshops for marginalised students are also vital.
In relation to disabled students, he believes knowing how many are present in a college often presents a problem.
Women are now a major presence in all third-level colleges, he said, but many issues remain, such as the number of women in postgraduate study; in permanent (as opposed to part-time) academic posts and senior management positions in the university sector.
On mature students, Dr Thornhill will say recognition of work experience and flexible study arrangements are needed. In relation to refugees he states: "Despite publicity, institutions may not have taken active steps to meet particular needs, for example, English language support, recognition of foreign qualifications and alternative entry requirements."