ACADEMIC SENATE COMMITTEE
17 FEBRUARY 2016
MINUTES
Minutes of the 327th meeting of the Academic Senate held at 9:30am on Wednesday,
17 February 2016 in lecture theatre 20.5 in the Communications Building.
PRESENT:
Prof Wilma Vialle (Chair)
Prof Greg Rose (Deputy
Chair)
Dr Shahriar Akter
Dr Amir Arjomandi
A/Prof Angela Brown
A/Prof Peter Caputi
Prof Paul Chandler
A/Prof Karen Charlton
Prof Joe Chicharo
A/Prof Phillip Ciufo
Prof Chris Cook
Ms Kailee Cross
Ms Melva Crouch
A/Prof Anthony Dosseto
Dr Debra Dudek
Dr Luis Gomez Romero
UNABLE TO ATTEND:
Prof Jenny Beck
Prof Ian Brown
A/Prof Brogan Bunt
A/Prof Jun Chen
Prof Louise D’Arcens
Prof Marc in het Panhuis
Prof Roger Lewis
Prof Tim Marchant
Mr Thomas Griffiths
A/Prof Markus Hagenbuchner
Ms Megan Huisman
Prof Zenobia Jacobs
Ms Margie Jantti
Prof Karl Kautz
Dr Julie Kiggins
Dr Natascha Klocker
Dr Tracey Kuit
Prof Eeva Leinonen
A/Prof Pauline Lysaght
Prof Elena Marchetti
A/Prof Grace McCarthy
Prof Tim McCarthy
Mr Cameron McLeod
A/Prof Dominique Parrish
Dr Germanas Peleckis
Mr Paul Mazzola
Prof Katina Michael
Prof Sarah Miller
A/Prof Gary Noble
A/Prof Stephen Ralph
Dr Ciorstan Smark
Ms Alexis St George
Dr Gerard Stoyles
Dr Prashan Premaratne
Dr Ian Piper
Dr Ann Rogerson
Dr Montse Ros
Prof Glenn Salkeld
Prof Nan Seuffert
Ms Katherine Teague
Dr Sharon Tindall-Ford
Prof Susan Turnbull
Dr Lisa Thomas
A/Prof Rodney Vickers
Dr Ruth Walker
A/Prof James Wallman
Prof Graham Williams
Prof Ian Wilson
A/Prof Khin Win
DON’T TOUCH LAST NAME
Prof Simon Ville
Prof Heather Yeatman
DON’T TOUCH LAST NAME
IN ATTENDANCE:
Mr Keith Brophy, Research Computing Analyst, Research Services Office (RSO)
Mr Ben Cornwell, Program Manager, Research Systems and Analytics, RSO
Mr Jim Davies, Academic Quality & Policy Specialist, Academic Quality and Standards (AQS)
Ms Kerry Duff, Administrative Assistant, Education, Faculty of Law, Humanities and the Arts
Ms Tori Funnell, Senior Manager, Governance Unit
Dr Nancy Huggett, Director, Governance and Legal Division
Mr Nicholas Orr, Management Cadet, Governance Unit
Mr David Reynolds, Manager HR Strategic Projects, Human Resources Division
Mr Dominic Riordan, Director, AQS
Ms Amelia Robinson, Policy & Governance Coordinator, Governance Unit (Executive Officer)
Ms Jan Sullivan, Manager, Academic Quality & Policy, AQS
PART A – PRELIMINARY BUSINESS
Professor Paul Chandler, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Inclusion & Outreach) opened the first
meeting of the year by delivering a Welcome to Country.
The Chair welcomed members to the 327th meeting of Academic Senate.
*A1
Apologies
Dr Tillmann Böhme, Prof Noel Castree, A/Prof Honglin Chen, Ms Kate Cillekens,
A/Prof Robbie Collins, A/Prof Chao Deng, Dr Julie Francis, Prof Alison Jones,
Prof Amanda Lawson, A/Prof Romy Lawson, Dr Marcus O’Donnell, Prof Will Price,
Prof Judy Raper, Ms Julie Renwick, A/Prof Jun Shen, Dr Lynnaire Sheridan,
Dr Marcelo Svirsky, Mr Shaun van Leeuwen, Dr Reetu Verma, Prof Paul Wellings and
A/Prof Ping Yu.
Leave of Absence:
Dr Sarah Sorial to 17 August 2016.
*A2
Arrangement of Agenda
A.2.1 Confidential Items
There were no confidential items of business.
A.2.2 Starring of Items
The following items were starred for discussion:
A1 – A9
B1
B2
B3
C1
C2
C3
E2
Preliminary Business
Amendments to the Research Data Management Policy
Collaborative Delivery Policy Suite
Report on TEQSA Re-registration Preparations
Business from Academic Senate Committees
University Education Committee Chair’s Report
Academic Staff Development Committee – 2014/15 Chair’s Report
Other Business
A motion was passed to adopt the draft resolutions for the unstarred items.
*A3
Business Arising from the Minutes
The Chair advised members that the revised Academic Integrity Policy and the new
Joint and Dual Awards Policy, which were considered by Academic Senate at its
18 November 2015 meeting, were approved by University Council on
4 December 2015.
The Co-curricular Recognition Policy (UOWx), also considered by Academic Senate
at the 18 November 2015 meeting, was approved by University Council on
5 February 2016.
*A4
Confirmation of Minutes
Resolved (2016/01):
that the minutes of the previous meeting of Academic Senate held on
18 November 2015 be confirmed and signed as a true record.
*A5
Reports from Senior Executive, Business from Faculties and UOW College
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) (DVCA)
The DVCA reported as follows:
• In2Uni, one of the University’s flagship outreach programs, is launching its
Annual Report on the afternoon of 17 February 2016. The Annual Report
states that there were 136 UOW student mentors involved in delivering
93,081 hours of support and engagement to 10,183 young people involved in
the program (spanning 66 primary schools and 36 high schools). The initiative
is rewarding for both the UOW student mentors, who will be recognised
through UOW’s co-curricular recognition framework (UOWx), and the
participants. The UOW student mentors are thanked for their efforts.
•
•
•
•
Summer Master Classes have seen 557 students participating in six different
programs, with 84% subsequently receiving an offer for a place at UOW.
Initially commencing in 2013, the classes provide six credit points towards
their studies. Faculties are thanked for their support for this initiative.
The Code of Practice - Teaching & Assessment (COPTA) is currently under
review, with the first round of consultation recently completed and a second
round coming up. Members are encouraged to review the draft policy
documents that will replace COPTA, which are on the University’s Policy
Directory, and provide feedback.
Members would have received an email on 2 February 2016 in relation to
streamlining the reasonable adjustments processes. Approximately 700
student adjustments have been completed. Credit is given to
Dr Jennifer Heath and her team for excellent work in this area.
Forty subjects have now been confirmed to be involved in the learning
analytics process from autumn 2016, with those involved thanked for their
work.
On behalf of Academic Senate, the Chair thanked Professor Eeva Leinonen, who will
be departing to Murdoch University to serve as Vice-Chancellor, and acknowledged
her contribution to the University.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Strategy) (DVCGS)
The DVCGS reported as follows:
• Professor Chicharo will commence as DVCA from 29 February 2016.
Professor Alex Frino will commence as DVCGS in May 2016.
• International enrolment figures are up approximately 24%, based on
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) figures. Credit is given to
Ms Megan Huisman, Director, Student Services Division and the faculties for
their efforts in this area.
• Offshore enrolments are tracking well. At the end of 2015, three degrees were
successfully submitted to the Hong Kong Education Bureau for accreditation,
for delivery through Community College of City University.
• UOW’s involvement as the fourth partner in the University Global Partnership
Network (UGPN) is coming to fruition, with about 30 network member
delegates converging on UOW on 29 February 2016 for the annual UGPN
meeting. Network members include the University of Surrey, North Carolina
State University and the University of São Paulo. About 62 UOW academic
staff will be involved in the meeting. Academic Senate members are welcome
to attend the first day of the meeting. The annual meeting will focus on
research collaborations, student and staff mobility and curriculum
transformation. There will be three workshops (spanning materials research,
biosciences and global challenges), in addition to ad hoc meetings. The
network partners have put in $60,000 to support the delivery of the joint
research programs. University Internationalisation Committee (UIC) grants are
also being directed towards the partnerships.
• The University’s brand refresh was considered by University Council in
February 2016. Should Academic Senate members be interested, a
presentation on the brand refresh can be delivered at a later date by
Ms Emily Osborne,
Senior
Manager,
Strategic
Marketing
and
Communications.
A member asked why the three partner universities in the UGPN were chosen and
the rationale behind the selection of the three workshop areas for the annual meeting.
The DVGGS advised that the UGPN was an existing network that UOW joined, due
to the innovative approaches held by the network member universities, mapping on
research areas of strength and their emphasis on building and maintaining industry
links. No Australian network was suitable so an international network was sought.
A commitment has been made to grow the network, with a focus on expansion into
Asia.
In relation to the rationale behind the selection of the workshop areas for the annual
meeting, the DVCGS advised that these were largely the first to be suggested. These
discipline areas will be expanded and will not be purely Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) focussed. The ad hoc meetings will also cover
discussions on other areas.
A member expressed confusion over the recent branding and the timing to move to
the new brand. The member asked for the rationale behind the branding refresh and
what the associated costs were.
The DVCGS responded by advising that the University had last rebranded five years
ago and, given the recent Strategic Plan refresh, it is appropriate that the brand be
revitalised. The University of Wollongong is moving to reposition its offering, given
recent competitor rebranding. There have also been issues with the current branding
(too many colours and issues with the font). The brand refresh delivery will be staged,
with members encouraged not to throw away any materials (such as business cards
or stationery) with the old branding, rather, to use them up, first.
Furthermore, the DVCGS advised that the brand refresh has been done on a modest
budget and, for comparative purposes, spending less than five per cent of what
Western Sydney University have spent on their recent brand refresh.
The Chair confirmed that she would initiate a discussion with the Senior Manager,
Strategic Marketing and Communications to bring a presentation to the next meeting
of Academic Senate on the brand refresh.
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)
The CAO reported as follows:
• At this point, domestic student numbers appear healthy. Thanks are in order
to all faculties and divisions for their efforts in attracting students to UOW and
facilitating their enrolment.
• Regional campus student numbers appear to be down and analysis is being
undertaken by Mr Aden Steinke, Director, Institutional Research and
Government Reporting and his team to investigate why. This analysis will
seek to clarify whether this is due to changes to course offerings, the
beginning of (an expected) ageing trend in the regional campus catchment
demographics or some other anomaly. The Vice-Chancellor has also
requested analysis into shifting of Universities Admissions Centre (UAC)
database preferences by prospective students.
• The postgraduate student accommodation on Northfields Avenue is taking
shape and is expected to be ready on schedule. Work on the undergraduate
(UG) student accommodation will commence shortly. Student residence
numbers for 2016 appear promising.
• As part of the Wollongong City Council conditions in relation to the UG student
accommodation, construction of a new multi-storey car park (270 spaces) is
necessary. Construction will take place in the western car park (P4) and
temporary replacement car parking will be arranged with TAFE for the
construction phase, so that there is no net loss during the 6-8 month
construction period.
• The first University Council meeting of the year took place on
5 February 2016, preceded by the 2015 Stocktake Report and a planning
session during the morning. New staff members on University Council include
Professor Nan
Seuffert
and
Mrs Julie
Gray,
with
Associate
Professor Rodney Vickers re-elected to University Council. Council
considered at the meeting the Core Strategies supporting the 2016 Strategic
Plan and expressed confidence in the University’s strategic approach and
major projects.
•
As members would have seen in media reports, the McKinnon Walker Trust
was recently established, following a generous donation of $1.3 million to the
University
from
former
UOW
Vice-Chancellor
Emeritus
Professor Ken McKinnon AO and his wife, Ms Suzanne Walker. As an
investment fund, it is anticipated that the earnings each year (approximately
$70,000) will be spent on innovative ideas that may not conventionally attract
grant funding. The opportunity to put forward ideas as to how the funding
should be spent is open to staff and students. Emeritus Professor McKinnon
has indicated that it should not be an arduous process and minimal vetting
should take place. Whilst there is no formal submission process, those with
ideas should raise them with their Directors or Executive Dean, who will then
forward these to the Director, Advancement Division for shortlisting. The
Vice-Chancellor will then direct the distribution of the funding.
A member commented that, in relation to recruitment, the centralised UOW system
that allows faculties to easily target offers to students using UAC as an admission
pathway (the “UAC Conversion system”) was very helpful. The CAO advised that
work will continue in this area to ensure that the system is robust and continually
improved.
A member advised that regional campus nursing recruitment figures, rather than
being down, were on par with previous levels.
Reports from the Executive Deans
Professor Chris Cook, Executive Dean of Faculty of Engineering and Information
Sciences (EIS), acknowledged the extensive contribution of the DVCA, particularly in
relation to the Curriculum Transformation Project. Professor Cook reported as
follows:
• Of a reported 6,000 students attending Discovery Days, 2,200 students
attended 12 EIS sessions. Sessions spanned the reasons behind steel
building collapses, gaming and helicopter construction.
• Eighty-one young women from across NSW were on campus (Sunday 10 to
Friday 15 January) learning about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering
and Maths) disciplines. All staff and students involved in the camp (and
Discovery Days) are thanked for their efforts.
• There has been an increase in international recruitment numbers.
• Whilst January is conventionally a holiday period, over $5 million in grant
proposals were written. Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Project
grant deadlines are drawing closer and the Faculty is busy preparing to meet
deadlines.
Professor Glenn Salkeld, Executive Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences,
acknowledged the extensive work of former Executive Dean, Mr John Steele.
Professor Salkeld reported as follows:
• Work will be underway over the next six months to strategise approaches to
the faculty academic agenda, particularly in relation to Early Start, the Centre
for Health Initiatives (CHI), international partnerships and online learning.
• Whilst South Coast student numbers appear lean, there is demand for social
sciences courses and focus is required on linking students to employment
opportunities after their studies, as well as postgraduate options.
• Entry requirements for the Bachelor of Primary Education have been changed,
now requiring three Band 5 results in the Higher School Certificate (HSC).
Enrolments for this course appear on target (about 300). Those that did not
meet the Bachelor of Primary Education requirements in their HSC, but did
meet the Bachelor of Social Science requirements, will be encouraged to
transfer to the Bachelor of Primary Education study at the end of the year,
pending suitable results.
•
Higher Degree Research (HDR) student numbers appear fine and
international student numbers are performing well.
Associate Professor Grace McCarthy, Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of
Business, thanked the DVCA for her contribution to the University.
Associate Professor McCarthy reported as follows:
• Postgraduate coursework students started last week and numbers are sound.
Greater classroom diversity is also evident and provides for an enriched
learning experience.
• The faculty has been busy with planning, reviewing research proposals for
prospective HDR students, Discovery Days and other events important for
student attraction. Staff have been generous in committing time and energy to
these activities. Collaboration is strengthening between the faculty and central
units. Such collaboration has existed for a long time with the Library, and is
important with all units.
• In the recently announced GradConnection ‘Top 100 Future Leaders Awards’,
which recognise academic and extracurricular achievement, four UOW
students (of which three were business students) were listed as award
recipients:
o Daniel Zanatta, Bachelor of Engineering with Honours majoring in Civil
Engineering and Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accounting;
o Daniel Granger, Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Finance and
Accounting;
o Kathryn Esler, Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Supply Chain
Management and Logistics and Bachelor of International Studies
majoring in Mandarin; and
o Campbell Morris, Bachelor of Engineering majoring in Mining and
Bachelor of Commerce majoring in International Economics.
Associate Professor Dominique Parrish, Associate Dean (Education) of the Faculty of
Science, Medicine and Health, reported for Professor Alison Jones as follows:
• The business case for the new molecular sciences building has been
developed.
• The new purpose-built $2.5 million MIND the GaP facility, located at UOW’s
Shoalhaven Campus, was officially launched in December 2015. Construction
of a new purpose built facility will commence in late-2016.
• The new nursing simulation laboratory facility in Bega has been completed
and will be officially opened by the Vice-Chancellor on 18 March 2016.
There was no business from other University Committees or the UOW College.
*A6
Chair’s Report
The Chair advised members that her two-year term as Chair of Academic Senate
ends on 30 June 2016. As per the Academic Senate Electoral Rules:
Elections for the Chair of Academic Senate and the Deputy Chair of Academic
Senate are to be held biennially at the last meeting of Academic Senate
occurring prior to 30 June for a term commencing 1 July of that year and
concluding 24 months later on 30 June.
Given that the last meeting before 30 June is the next one, on 4 May 2016, an
election will take place at the next meeting.
Nominations will be invited from eligible academic staff members (Professors and
Associate Professors) for election as Chair in the coming weeks and, should any
member of Academic Senate require further information, they should contact the
Senior Manager, Governance Unit.
The Chair also reminded members that the ending of terms of Chair and Deputy
Chair are staggered, in order to provide stability for Academic Senate (rather than a
new Chair and Deputy Chair commencing at the same time).
The Chair also advised members that there is currently a call for expressions of
interest (EOI) from academic staff members for one position on the Quality
Assurance Review Group (QARG).
QARG is responsible for quality assurance of courses and reports to the Strategic
Course Development Committee (SCDC) and Academic Senate. The primary role of
QARG is to assess course proposals prior to submission to Academic Senate, with a
focus on compliance with the various course related policies and procedures.
If academic staff members are interested in the QARG EOI, they are to contact the
Executive Officer to Academic Senate after the meeting, who can provide members
with more information.
*A7
Student Members’ Business
The Chair thanked Academic Senate members Professor Greg Rose,
Dr Ann Rogerson and Professor Nan Seuffert for being mentors for the new student
members.
A student member advised that they, and the broader student cohort they
represented, were concerned that the University was failing to utilise technology to its
fullest potential in course delivery and that lectures were being scheduled late into the
evening. In particular, the student member was concerned that the recording of
lectures and the uploading of lecture slides and other materials to learning platforms
were not being routinely undertaken. The student member indicated that moves
should be taken to compulsorily require that all lectures are recorded and readily
available to students.
A member encouraged a fostering of dialogue around the issue, given that there are
sound reasons and evidence to not always make lecture materials available. The
member stated that course delivery is designed with pedagogical objectives in mind
and suggested that the matter could be referred to a student forum for discussion.
Another student member advised that, given their perspective as both a student and
a teacher, it is important to note that student engagement and interaction is
significantly lower when lectures are recorded, compared to ‘live’ attendance.
A member indicated that there are a large number of rooms on campus with no
recording facilities, which can make it difficult for academic staff to record lectures,
despite best intentions.
Another member stated that it was a timetabling issue and that lecturers were also
frustrated about the issue, particularly with classes late in the day and the perception
of rooms being filled rather than a pedagogical approach taken.
The DVCA advised that in February 2014, Academic Senate approved the Digital
Learning Thresholds, which set out minimum requirements for digital learning at
UOW. It was recognised that there are challenges that go with this and in 2015, the
Information Management and Technology Services Division (IMTS) audited teaching
rooms in relation to recording facilities and have plans in place to upgrade rooms. A
blanket approach to digitising lectures is unsuitable, given nuances and requirements
between disciplines.
In addition, the DVCA advised that in April 2015 the Technology Enriched Learning
(TEL) Strategy 2015-2019 was endorsed by Academic Senate. Students expressed
these same concerns at this time and it appears appropriate to revisit the issue and
look at learning analytics data. The DVCA suggested reporting back to Academic
Senate on the issue at the end of 2016 or early 2017.
The CAO advised that timetabling is very complex, with a significant number of
variables required to be taken into account. It was acknowledged that while this
complexity shouldn’t drive pedagogy, it is difficult to achieve a balance between all
variables at all times.
The Director, Student Services Division advised that a more holistic approach to
timetabling was taking place, involving discussion with the Facilities Management
Division and the DVCA portfolio.
Another student member advised that the first meeting of the Wollongong University
Student Association (WUSA) had taken place the week prior. Previously, WUSA
charged students a $20 fee for WUSA membership, for services such as the book
bank. WUSA’s governing body has agreed to cancel the fee, given concerns that they
were not delivering value for service. WUSA members also discussed trying to
increase attendance at the WUSA-hosted free breakfasts and the need to improve
the book bank service by increasing turnover, lowering prices and reducing the
WUSA commission to 12.5%.
*A8
Members’ Business
The Chair advised members that, as flagged at the 18 November 2015 meeting of
Academic Senate and in accordance with the Academic Senate Electoral Rules, an
election has been held at today’s meeting to determine the Academic Senate
representative vacancy on the University Education Committee (UEC). The Chair
thanked the three candidates for their interest in the role.
As per the Declaration of Results, members congratulated Dr Lisa Thomas on her
election to UEC.
The Chair also advised members that, as per the agenda paper,
Professor Noel Castree replaces Professor Lesley Head as an academic Faculty of
Social Sciences member of Academic Senate.
Resolved (2016/02):
that Academic Senate:
(i)
note the outcome and congratulate Dr Lisa Thomas on being elected an
Academic Senate representative on the University Education Committee for
the term 17 February 2016 to 30 June 2017; and
(ii)
declare Professor Noel Castree elected as an academic Faculty of Social
Sciences member of Academic Senate for the term 17 February 2016 to
30 June 2017.
*A9
Questions on Notice
The Chair advised, for the benefit of new members, that ‘Questions on Notice’ is an
initiative of the Vice-Chancellor. Questions on Notice provides an opportunity for
members of the UOW community, who may not be representatives of the Academic
Senate, to raise queries with the Academic Senate.
The Chair advised members that a Question on Notice has been received from a
member of the UOW community. The question asks:
Could the Senate please advise alumni on the best response they can give to
those who question the value of their higher research degrees in light of the
University's acceptance of a thesis titled ‘A critical analysis of the Australian
government’s rationale for its vaccination policy’, which occurred in spite of
obvious failures to give accurate accounts of both the epidemiology and
historical events relevant to the work?
Will the Senate reassure alumni that in future, where a program of
postgraduate research spans several academic disciplines, HDR students will
be supervised and examined by academics with established track records in
each of the relevant disciplines?
In accordance with the Questions on Notice provisions, the Chair invited
Professor Chicharo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Strategy) (DVCGS), to respond
to the question, in the absence of the Vice-Chancellor.
The DVCGS advised members that it is acknowledged that it was a question on an
important and controversial issue that had been considered by members of the
University’s Senior Executive seriously and extensively. The University has looked at,
for this particular case, the processes followed and has not found that these have
altered from normal practice. A supervisor was appointed from within the discipline of
sociology into what is a legitimate and longstanding research area. The thesis went
through the standard process whereby proper examiners were selected, who had
appropriate expertise in their field. Extensive feedback was provided throughout that
process, resulting in a number of corrections. The University’s Thesis Examination
Committee also considered this feedback.
The DVCGS indicated that UOW alumni should be reassured that the value of a
UOW Higher Degree Research (HDR) has not been harmed, as controversial as the
topic may be. He emphasised that, from an academic view point, each thesis stands
on its own merits. Academic freedom is vital and the test of the particular thesis will
be the test of time. It is also acknowledged that there are many Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) areas that span the social sciences and
theology.
The DVCGS stated that the matter has also been carefully considered by the
University Council, the University’s governing body, who is satisfied with the course of
action taken. The criteria to require degree rescission (such as gross administrative
error or misconduct) have not been met. The University has also initiated a broader
review of policies and procedures around the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and the
HDR student lifecycle. The University has carefully considered the matter and is
aware that other Australian universities are watching the outcome, given that their
HDR policies and processes are nigh on identical.
The DVCGS closed by reminding members that the ideals of a good university should
include respecting individuals exploring questions and ideas while being supervised
by a qualified supervisor.
There were no questions for the DVCGS in relation to his response to the Question
on Notice.
PART B – GENERAL BUSINESS
*B1
Amendments to the Research Data Management Policy
The Chair invited Mr Ben Cornwell, Program Manager, Research Systems and
Analytics, Research Services Office (RSO) to speak to the item.
Mr Cornwell advised that the review of, and proposed amendments to, the
University’s Research Data Management Policy (the Policy), which was originally
introduced in 2011, were necessary due to:
• significant changes in the sector;
• increasing awareness of requirements set out in the National Health and
Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) Code for the Responsible Conduct of
Research;
• NHMRC and Australian Research Council (ARC) grant criteria mandating the
existence of organisational data management plans for key strategic grant
funding programs;
• an increasing reliance on research data; and
• an increasing scale and volume of research data.
Mr Cornwell advised that the key changes in the proposed amended policy are:
• specific reference to data management planning;
• clearer responsibilities for staff and organisational units within the University;
• clarifications around data ownership and contractual arrangements; and
• revised wording around data retention requirements.
As detailed in the agenda paper, consultation has included a research data Working
Group, representatives from all of the faculties, Library Services and the Legal
Services Unit, amongst others.
A member asked for details on the timing of the roll-out of the data storage facilities
provided by the University and whether they would be capped. The member noted
that clause 5.2 in the proposed amended policy states that ‘research data … should
be placed into an institutional repository within six months of publication of the
research findings’, querying whether published research data be uncapped and
unpublished data subject to caps. The member also asked what consultation would
take place to establish the heavy data users from light users, and any subsequent
storage allocation.
Mr Cornwell advised that it is evident that more solutions are required for users with
large research datasets. A Research Data Working Group has been canvassing
researchers, seeking ideas to improve data support. This is balanced by the
significant costs to support data management infrastructure. In terms of timing, it is
anticipated that the recommendations from the Research Data Working Group will be
in place by the end of 2016, depending on a number of factors, such as budget
constraints.
Mr Cornwell advised that, pending Academic Senate endorsement, the amended
Policy will be put to University Council for approval. There will also be Research Data
Management Guidelines (currently under development) to accompany the Policy.
A member asked whether the University’s High Performance Computing (HPC)
Working Group had been consulted. Mr Cornwell advised that it had not been, rather,
there was crossover in membership between the HPC Working Group and the
Research Data Working Group.
A member queried the rationale behind Academic Senate being asked to endorse a
policy that could not be implemented, once approved. In particular, the Policy is
placing an onus on researchers to fulfil certain requirements, but the infrastructure is
not yet in place to provide for compliance with the requirements. The member queried
whether the infrastructure to support the delivery of the Policy should first be
established.
Mr Cornwell advised that there are a range of services currently in place for
researchers, but recognise that these are not meeting all needs. The proposed
amended Policy is not prescriptive in relation to where research data must be stored,
although the preference is that it is stored on centrally managed services
(acknowledging that there is room for improvement in the centrally managed
services). Pragmatically, it is clear that a high number of researchers are using
services such as Google Dropbox. However, the Policy requires researchers to
understand the limitations of the services that they are storing their data on.
A member stated that the previous query remains unanswered, reiterating that the
currently available data solutions have limitations, particularly in relation to capacity.
Google Dropbox also requires the user to pay for the service.
Mr Cornwell advised that comparable solutions exist, such as the Australian
Academic and Research Network (AARNet), which offers a Dropbox-like service. At
UOW, the limit is 100 gigabytes, which appears to cover most users (including
researchers) but may limit data-intensive users and applications. AARNet advises
that these limits are open to negotiation.
The concern is that there is no contractual clarity with the AARNet service at and
when requirements are exceeded. It is a problem that is not just affecting UOW and
data capacity is an endemic issue in the sector. In June 2016, further advice on the
national collaborative research infrastructure funding is expected to be provided to
Universities, and this will affect the way in which data management services are
provided.
A member asked why the proposed Policy mandated that the Information
Management and Technology Services Division (IMTS) provide an organisation-wide
solution, if it was not able to be delivered. Mr Cornwell affirmed he was unable to
speak on behalf of IMTS, but that support for the implementation of the Policy from
the University’s central administrative units existed. It is appreciated that demand can
often outstrip supply, in light of broader University budget constraints.
The Chair advised that, following the meeting, she would contact the Director, IMTS
to arrange a meeting to discuss the concerns of Academic Senate members. The
Chair encouraged members to email her directly with any specific concerns, so that
she may raise them on their behalf.
A member stated that a stronger focus on forward planning for data storage is
required, given initiatives such as the new Sciences Teaching Facility.
The DVCGS reiterated that the Research Data Management Guideline may also
provide clarity in this area.
Resolved (2016/03):
that Academic Senate:
(i)
send back the proposed amendments to the Research Data Management
Policy (the Policy) to the University Research Committee (URC);
(ii)
request that URC give consideration to the feasibility of the implementation of
the proposed amendments to the Policy; and
(iii)
request that the URC resubmit the amended Policy to Academic Senate for
endorsement at a later meeting.
*B2
Collaborative Delivery Policy Suite
The Chair invited Mr Dominic Riordan, Director, Academic Quality and Standards
(AQS) to speak to the item.
As set out in the agenda paper, Mr Riordan advised that the Collaborative Delivery
policy suite was designed to ensure that UOW has a rigorous, standards-based
approach to quality assurance of all collaborative delivery (onshore and offshore) of
courses. Mr Riordan acknowledged that whilst there are already some established
procedures in this area, they provided a framework for offshore partnerships but not
such a framework for onshore partnerships. The language of the policy suite has
placed an emphasis on ‘collaboration’, rather than ‘directives’, to recognise the
relationships with the partner institutions.
Mr Riordan also stressed that the policy suite is an important part of managing risk,
given the University retains the requirement to meet the Australian Government’s
Higher Education Threshold Standards (when entering into a partnership).
Development of the policy suite has involved extensive consultation across the
University and benchmarking.
Mr Riordan advised that one recommendation of the Australian Universities Quality
Agency (AUQA) (the predecessor to the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards
Agency (TEQSA)) Audit Report 2011 was that UOW conduct a review of the
arrangements for offshore teaching partnerships. It is anticipated that TEQSA will look
to whether this review was undertaken during the University’s re-registration as a
Higher Education provider and when TEQSA representatives next visit UOW.
The policy suite consists of the Collaborative Delivery of a UOW Course Policy,
supported by three new procedures: Assessment of New Collaborative Delivery
Procedures, Collaborative Delivery - Subject Quality Assurance Procedures and
Collaborative Delivery Review Procedures. Templates will also be provided and the
policy suite consolidates five policy documents into four.
A member advised that, having been involved in ‘closing the loop’ in offshore Quality
Assurance (QA) arrangements, they had experienced difficulties in timing in receiving
materials from partner institutions to be able to complete the QA process. The
member was concerned that, whilst the principles appear sound, this is not so for the
execution of collaborative arrangements. Mr Riordan affirmed that these issues need
attention and acknowledged the need to set out processes to identify these issues
and resolve them. The proposed processes have been piloted at UOW Dubai and the
UOW College and, whilst results are not yet final, early feedback has been positive.
A member sought clarity in relation to staff responsibilities for teaching development
with partner institutions and access to a UOW induction. Mr Riordan advised that,
with the move to a more online based Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
framework, a greater capacity will exist for establishing these sorts of relationships
and the funding of needs-based support for collaborative staff. Standardised contracts
will be an issue in the future. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Strategy) also
advised that there is a staff induction process for new partner staff and dedicated
materials developed, such as a student handbook.
A member asked whether the CPD modules are open to anyone with a UOW login
and Mr Riordan confirmed this. A member reiterated that flexibility is important in
collaborative arrangements and to recognise that the ‘local’ partners know their
cohorts best.
A member indicated that they had concerns that it would be a ‘compliance only’
two-yearly rolling mechanism and hat this would be difficult given high staff turnover
in partner institutions. Mr Riordan advised that it is important to emphasise that QA
does not only happen through the collaborative delivery process and that partners will
continue to carry on their own quality enhancement processes in between the
offshore subject based QA processes. The move towards a two-year model is that it
is less time consuming and based on the maturing of relationships with collaborative
partners, and the sense that QA had become rigid. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor
(Academic) emphasised that the principle of QA is a quality enhancement culture,
rather than a ‘tick-box’ review process.
A member raised whether the proposed Collaborative Delivery policy suite
contravenes the University’s Intellectual Policy (IP) and academic staff members’
rights to their own IP, given that twinning involves the delivery of academic teaching
materials to students at other institutions. The DVCGS indicated that, whilst the IP in
subject outlines are owned by the University, the University also held a licence with
respect to the IP in teaching materials.
Mr Riordan confirmed that twinning fell outside the scope of the Collaborative Delivery
policy suite and instead fell under the Credit for Prior Learning Policy arrangements.
The DVCA also advised that providing clarity in this area is important and that this
should be factored into the pending comprehensive review of the University’s
Intellectual Policy (IP) suite , emphasising that that the Collaborative Delivery policy
suite would need to be fed into that review.
A member asked what was the timing and process for the IP Policy suite review.
Dr Nancy Huggett, Director, Governance and Legal Division advised that it would not
be a quick review and would require extensive input from academics, Learning,
Teaching and Curriculum (LTC) and the Legal Services Unit. Benchmarking would
also take place and it would be anticipated that the reviewed policy suite would be
submitted to Academic Senate for consideration before being submitted to University
Council for approval.
Resolved (2016/04):
that Academic Senate:
(i)
endorse the Collaborative Delivery of a UOW Course Policy and related
procedures and forward them to University Council for approval; and
(ii)
endorse the rescission of the five procedures relating to quality assurance of
offshore delivery, as listed in the agenda papers, and forward to University
Council for approval.
*B3
Report on TEQSA Re-registration Preparations
The Chair advised that, unfortunately, due to timing constraints, a presentation on the
TEQSA re-registration preparations would not be delivered.
Resolved (2016/05):
that Academic Senate note the Report on TEQSA Re-Registration Preparations, as
set out in the agenda paper.
B4
Academic Policy Reviews – Annual Report
Resolved (2016/06):
that Academic Senate note the Annual Report on Academic Policy Reviews for 2015
and the Academic Policy Review Schedule for 2016, as attached to the agenda
paper.
PART C – ACADEMIC SENATE COMMITTEE BUSINESS
*C1
Business from Academic Senate Committees
Nil.
*C2
University Education Committee Chair’s Report
This Chair invited Professor Eeva Leinonen, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and
Chair of the University Education Committee (UEC) to speak to the item.
The DVCA advised that substantive priorities for 2016 included the finalisation and
implementation of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy, the
implementation of phase two of the Digital Learning Thresholds and the moves
towards online assessment submission.
Resolved (2016/07):
that Academic Senate note the University Education Committee Chair’s Report, as
set out in the agenda paper and as reported at the meeting.
*C3
Academic Staff Development Committee – 2014/15 Chair’s Report
This Chair invited Professor Eeva Leinonen, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and
Chair of the Academic Staff Development Committee (ASDC) to speak to the item.
Given meeting timing constraints, the DVCA was unable to deliver a supporting oral
report. However, the DVCA indicated that the ASDC’s Terms of Reference should be
reviewed and its position in the University assessed.
Resolved (2016/08):
that Academic Senate note the Academic Staff Development Committee 2014/15
Chair’s Report, as set out in the agenda paper and reported at the meeting