Graduate Attributes Policy

Document Number	000836
Date Approved	8 August 2007

1.      Introduction

The University identifies three broad domains of attributes for its graduates. These attributes reflect the University’s scholarly values in relation to teaching and research, the employability of its graduates and its partnerships with the community.  They support the intent of the University:  “to make a difference in people and society by preparing graduates who are lifelong learners…(and)  who contribute to society by being adaptable, critical and global citizens” (Building Distinction: Strategic Plan 2007-2011).

2.      Policy Intent

To articulate the attributes that will distinguish graduates of the University of Newcastle.

3.      Definitions

In the context of this policy:

domains of attributes mean the graduate abilities that transcend disciplinary outcomes;

program specific attributes mean those graduate characteristics within the domains that are developed in the various disciplinary and interdisciplinary contexts.

4.      Policy

4.1.     The University identifies three broad domains of attributes of graduates as important outcomes of a university undergraduate degree: professionalism, community responsiveness, and scholarship.

4.2.     The domains of attributes are generic to all undergraduate programs.

4.3.     The domains are defined as follows:

i.                   Professionalism: an attitude or stance towards work and activity.

Graduates of the university, through well-founded knowledge and skills within their fields of study will be enabled to act professionally with honesty and integrity. They will have the capacity to act effectively and ethically in decision-making and problem-solving and to work both autonomously and collaboratively. They will have the ability to respond effectively to change, and to seek continuous improvement in practice.

ii.                 Community responsiveness: an attitude or stance towards society.

            Graduates will be enabled to play effective and responsible roles as members of local, national and global communities. They will have a capacity for perspective forming and an appreciation of the philosophical and social contexts of their disciplines.  They will have the ability to engage in constructive public discourse to sustain communities. 

iii.               Scholarship: an attitude or stance towards knowledge and learning.

            Graduates of the university will have a scholarly attitude towards knowledge and learning, demonstrated in a commitment to the expansion of knowledge and a respect for intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship. As scholars, they will be enabled to apply logical, critical and creative thinking to the advancement of knowledge and understanding through a capacity for rational enquiry and self-directed learning. They will be able to communicate their knowledge effectively. 

4.4.     The domains of graduate attributes will be mapped and integrated into the teaching and assessment of all undergraduate curricula. Their gradual development will be monitored, and documented by the Program Convenor in the Annual Program Report.

5.      Essential Supporting Documents

            Code of Ethical Academic Conduct 000607

6.      Related Documents

            Building Distinction: The University of Newcastle Strategic Plan 2007-2011

Approval Authority	Academic Senate
Date Approved	8 August 2007
Date for Review	8 August 2010
Policy Contact Position	President, Academic Senate