Hot topics for all staff

Future views

To support the strategic directions of the University we need committees and processes with an appropriate remit. The draft Education Plan, for example, changes the focus on education within the University. So does the Research & Innovation Plan. So these changes will affect Academic Senate and its committees.

External changes also impact what we do. TEQSA requires higher education providers to have an academic board/senate and clear separation of academic governance. This is a change. Academic senates/boards were arguably in decline in many universities in Australia over the past few years or, operating with an uncertain role. Some argue the decline of this very old institution started with the rise of Councils and the development of DVC(A) roles after the Jarratt Report in the UK in the early 1980s. Maybe.

Our Academic Senate will be discussing how these changes affect us and what it means for the future.

AQF

The updated notes following the most recent meeting of the AQF Project Group are available here 

Honours policy draft

The convenors of 320 unit programs are considering the new draft Honours policy and its implications for their programs. Graduates of 320 unit programs that meet the level 8 learning outcomes will receive a Bachelor Honours degree, as will those who complete end-on Honours (80 units).

The draft Honours policy is being distributed to faculties, for comment, and will be tabled in Academic Senate this week to facilitate discussion. Timelines will be included on the coversheet. Content from the final, approved, version will be included in the new level 8 program Schedule and in the Course and Assessment policy suite.

Policies

Will remain unmentioned this time. Except to say, the Courses & Assessment suite is nearly ready to join the others to check all embody the Higher Education Standards.

Professor Val Robertson