Program Management Policy - Coursework

Document Number	000964
Date Approved	3 August 2011

    

This Policy is effective from 1 January 2012.

      

1.      Introduction

This Policy is made by Academic Senate in accordance with the provisions of the Rules Governing Awards and Programs 000958 and is part of the legislative framework that authorises and describes the functions and responsibilities of Academic Senate.

This Policy must be read in conjunction with the:

• Rules Governing Awards and Programs [000958];
• Schedules to the Rules Governing Awards and Programs; and
• Program Management Policy and Procedure Manual – Coursework [000967]. The Procedure Manual describes the business practices and responsibilities of University bodies, officers and students.

For information on research programs and awards created and offered by the University of Newcastle refer to the Rules Governing Research Higher Degrees 000830 and Rules Governing Higher Doctoral Degrees 000889.

In the event of an inconsistency between other lower level policy documents and a Rule(s) or Schedule to the Rule(s), the Rule(s) made by Council prevails to the extent of the inconsistency.

In the event of an inconsistency between an Academic Senate policy document and a Faculty policy, procedure or guideline, the policy document made by Academic Senate prevails to the extent of the inconsistency.

2.      Policy Scope

This policy applies to coursework programs and awards created and offered by the University of Newcastle.

3.      Policy Intent

The purpose of this policy is to describe the principles that have been approved by Academic Senate for the coursework programs offered by the University.

4.      Relevant Definitions

This document is to be read in conjunction with the Rules Governing Awards and Programs 000958.

5.      Policy Provisions and Principles

5.1.     Academic Senate is responsible for ensuring that there:

5.1.1.       is a broad range of coursework programs available to meet the needs of our students and the community;

5.1.2.       are clearly defined program structures outlined in the Schedules to the Rules Governing Awards and Programs;

5.1.3.       is equitable access to our programs and policies and procedures which encourage students to utilise learning support;

5.1.4.       are demonstrable learning outcomes associated with all coursework programs;

5.1.5.       is a commitment to the delivery of engaged learning opportunities in all coursework programs;

5.1.6.       are academic pathways that maximise the credit students can gain for learning already undertaken;

5.1.7.       is a robust system of quality assurance, to ensure the academic integrity and viability of all programs;

5.1.8.       are systems to support student progression;

5.1.9.       are transparent and accountable processes for amendment, review and disestablishment of programs; and

5.1.10.     is an alignment between coursework program offerings and the strategic goals of the University of Newcastle.

6.      Essential Supporting Procedures

Academic Senate is authorised to develop and establish procedures to support this Policy and to provide business processes to be followed by officers authorised to act by the Rules Governing Awards and Programs.

Following establishment of the supporting procedures by Academic Senate, the President of Academic Senate is authorised to amend the supporting procedures, following appropriate consultation with stakeholders. This may include the creation, amendment or rescission of a clause or clauses.

Any such amendments will be reported to the next meeting of Academic Senate.

7.      Relaxing Provision

To provide for exceptional circumstances arising in any particular case, the President of Academic Senate on the recommendation of the relevant Pro Vice-Chancellor(s) may relax any provision of this policy and its associated procedure manual, unless otherwise specified in the Rules Governing Awards and Programs.

8.      Related Documents

Rules Governing Awards and Programs 000958

Higher Doctoral Degrees Awards and Programs Schedule

Research Higher Degrees Awards and Programs Schedule

Professional Doctorate Awards and Programs Schedule

Postgraduate Coursework Awards and Programs Schedule 000961

Undergraduate Awards and Programs Schedule 000960

Enabling Programs Schedule 000959

Program Management Policy and Procedures Manual – Coursework 000967

Rules Governing Admission and Enrolment 000966

 

Approval Authority	Academic Senate
Date Approved	3 August 2011
Date for Review	3 August 2014
Policy Sponsor	President of Academic Senate
Policy Owner	Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
Policy Contact	Deputy Academic Registrar, Governance and Academic Administration
Amendment History	Added replacement policy document in Related Documents - Rules Governing Admission and Enrolment 000966. 21 May 2012. Minor amendment to Relevant Definitions clause. 21 May 2012. Added implementation date and hyperlinks to Rules 000958, 000830, 000889 and Manual 000967. 21 May 2012. Clause 4, "Relevant Definitions" amended to refer to Rule 000958. 27 April 2012. Removal of link to rescinded policy document Rules Governing Admission and Enrolment 000390. 5 January 2012. Approved Academic Senate, 3 August 2011 for implementation from 1 January 2012.