ACADEMIC COUNCIL
MINUTES OF MEETING
Date:
Wednesday, 31 October 2016
Present:
Professor Michael Borowitzka (President)
Professor Yianni Attikiouzel
Associate Professor Parisa Bahri
Dr Robert Bennett
Professor Stuart Bradley
Ms Christine Cunningham
Professor Arnold Depickere
Ms Deborah Hamblin
Mr Reece Harley
Dr David Holloway
Mr Lloyd Johnson
Dr Marian Kemp
Dr Katrina Lyon
Dr Judy MacCallum
Associate Professor Dora Marinova
Dr Rhonda Marriott
Professor Gary Martin
Dr Brian Nook
Associate Professor John Pluske
Professor Jim Reynoldson
Ms Eden Ridgeway
Ms Pamela Struthers
Associate Professor Max Sully
Professor Jan Thomas
Professor Iain Walker
Apologies:
Mr Ian Callahan, Dr Cassandra James and Professor John Yovich
Attendees:
Dr Rick Cummings (Item 6), Associate Professor Lorraine Marshall (Item 9)
Secretary:
Mrs Tamara Martin
1.
MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 19 September 2007 were confirmed.
2.
STRATEGIC PLAN AND ACADEMIC QUALITY (SPAQ) REPORT – DEPUTY
VICE CHANCELLOR (RESEARCH)
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research), Professor Jim Reynoldson spoke to his 2006
SPAQ report. Key points raised included:
 The way research funds are distributed is being reviewed with a template
being drafted for staff to apply for strategic funds. As part of this process
successful recipients would be required to provide regular reports to ensure
accountability. Consultation with stakeholders is currently underway.
 If this process is implemented strategic funds will be distributed along the
lines of RQF performance. The quality and impact of research performance
will be important.
 Contingency funding will be available for Early Career Researchers and
developing research groups.
 Strategic funding could be applied for by research groupings.
 Templates would assist in distributing funds in a more open and transparent
process.
 Research figures have stabilised over the past 2 – 3 years and these figures
now need to increase through development of strategic funding.
Resolved:
AC/135/2007
to note the 2006 SPAQ Report from the Deputy Vice Chancellor
(Research) as attached to the 19 September, 2007 Academic Council
agenda.
Page 2
3.
Yellow
STRATEGIC PLAN AND ACADEMIC QUALITY (SPAQ) REPORT – DIVISION
OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING EXECUTIVE DEAN
Executive Dean of the Division of Science and Engineering (DSE), Professor Yianni
Attikiouzel spoke to his 2006 SPAQ report. He thanked Heads of School within DSE
and Professor Stuart Bradley for their contributions to the report. Key points included:
 In 2005 DSE changed from 3 to 4 Schools and this is reflected in the report.
The School of Engineering Science no longer exists.
 Presently DSE has a total of 26 research centres made up of; 22 University
research centres; 3 Divisional research centres and one Inter-divisional
research centre.
 The School of Environmental Science has experienced a reduction in load,
however this is expected to rise.
 The School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology has a lower graduate
employment rate than other schools. However, the number of students going
on to further study is much higher (almost double).
 No Schools in DSE were reviewed in 2006.
Key future directions:
 A Professor in Sustainable Agriculture, Professor Nick Costa has been
appointed.
 Engagement with APMI and Kaplan will be developed.
 Involvement with other Universities to offer Master degrees is occurring.
 A new initiative between bioprocess engineering and environmental
engineering is anticipated. It is expected there may be increased demand for
collaborations between engineering and other sciences.
 From 2008 all engineering will be at South Street.
 Establishment of a Chair in Fisheries Biology.
The attached PowerPoint was not able to be presented to the meeting due to technical problems however this is
provided for information.
Resolved:
AC/136/2007
4.
to note the 2006 SPAQ Report from the Division of Science and
Engineering Executive Dean as attached to the 19 September, 2007
Academic Council agenda.
ACADEMIC PLANNING SIXTH REPORT – 2007/2008
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) recommended the four recommendations in
the sixth academic planning report for approval.
All “subject to” conditions as outlined in the agenda have been addressed.
Resolved:
AC/137/2007
(i)
subject to agreement by the DVC (Corporate) and DVC
(Academic) that a business plan is not required to approve the
introduction in 2008 of the Bachelor of Education (Early
Childhood and Primary) with the structure as attached to the
agenda and located within the Division of Arts;
(ii)
to approve the introduction in 2008 of the Graduate Certificate
in Science Teaching with the structure as attached to the agenda
and located within the Division of Arts;
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(iii)
to grant the School of Education an exemption from the “Award
Nomenclature and Testamurs” policy to allow the use of the
nomenclature of “Graduate Certificate in Science Teaching”;
(iv)
to grant the School of Education an exemption from the
“Postgraduate Coursework Regulations” to allow the use of 100
and 200 level units in the course structure of the Graduate
Certificate in Science Teaching; and
(v)
subject to professional accreditation to approve the introduction
in 2008 of the Master of Counselling Psychology with the
structure as attached to the agenda and located within the
Division of Health Sciences;
(vi)
to RECOMMEND to Senate to amend the Postgraduate
Coursework Regulations Schedule 2 (Postgraduate coursework
qualifications) as indicated below [additions in bold and
deletions struckthrough]
Insert: Graduate Certificate in Science Teaching
(GradCertScTeach)
Insert: Master of Counselling Psychology
(MCounselPsych)
Nanoscience (GradDipNano)
Graduate Postgraduate Certificate in Security,
Terrorism and Counterterrorism Studies
(GradCertSecurTerr) (PgCertSecurTerr)
(vii)
(a)
to note the following amendments approved by the President of
Academic Council in accordance with the Academic Planning
Guidelines;
the amended structures of the following undergraduate courses
located within the Division indicated:
Course
Division
Bioprocess Engineering (BE)
Chiropractic (BChiro, BSc)
Engineering (BE)
DSE
Health Sciences
DSE
Engineering (BE) + Commerce
(BCom)
Engineering Technology (BTech)
DSE
Environmental Engineering (BE)
DSE
Health and Environment (BSc)
DSE
Law (Four-Year Degree) (LLB)
Metallurgical Engineering (BE) +
Chemistry (BSc)
Nursing Conversion (BNursConv)
Physics (BSc)
Arts
DSE
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DSE
Health Sciences
DSE
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Veterinary Science (BVMS, BSc)
(b)
Health Sciences
the amended structures of the following postgraduate courses
located within the Division indicated:
Course
Division
Doctor of Education
Graduate Diploma in Information
Systems
Juris Doctor
Master of Agricultural Biotechnology
Master of Applied Psychology
Master of Applied Psychology +
Doctor of Philosophy
Master of Business Administration
(MBA)
Master of Engineering
Master
of
Human
Resource
Management
Master of Science in Environmental
Architecture
Master of Veterinary Studies in
Conservation Medicine
Postgraduate Certificate in Business
Administration
Postgraduate Certificate in Chinese
Law
Postgraduate Certificate in Human
Resource Management
Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced
Mental Health Nursing
Postgraduate Diploma in Business
Administration
Postgraduate Diploma in Health,
Safety and Environment
Postgraduate Diploma in Human
Resource Management
Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism
Arts
Arts
Arts
DSE
Health Sciences
Health Sciences
Arts
DSE
Arts
DSE
Health Sciences
Arts
Arts
Arts
Health Sciences
Arts
DSE
Arts
Arts
(c)
the amended structure of the Molecular and Ecological Basis of
Infection minor located within the Division of Health Sciences;
(d)
the discontinuation of the Graduate Diploma in Nanoscience;
(e)
the Graduate Diploma in Accounting as NA in 2008; and
(f)
the amendment of the title of the Graduate Certificate in
Security, Terrorism and Counterterrorism Studies to the
Postgraduate Certificate in Security, Terrorism and
Counterterrorism Studies.
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5.
Pink
Blue
Green
2009 ACADEMIC PLANNING GUIDELINES
Professor Jan Thomas as Chair of APC provided an overview of the revised 2009
Academic Planning Guidelines. The new process has been recommended for approval
by APC.
Key points made included:
 A broad group of stakeholder representatives were consulted with discussions
identifying key issues.
 Amendments were made with the knowledge that academic staff are not
consistently involved in academic planning and are therefore not experts on the
paperwork required. The new process has been designed to reduce the impact on
these staff and reduce duplication of processes. The necessary specialist input
required from academic staff when developing an academic proposal has been
retained.
 Current state processes were mapped prior to the design of draft future state
processes.
 Proposals for new academic offerings have been redesigned as a five step process:
Step I
Step III
Initial consultation and information gathering to determine demand
and preparation of a Proposal Summary.
Consideration by New Course Advisory Group and other Faculty
Deans.
Preparation of Business Case to determine financial rigour.
Step IV
Detailed Academic Information.
Step V
Approval
Step II



The new process is designed to identify any issues early in the process, including
any proposals that have not been adequately considered and would not be viable.
A new Establishment of Courses, Majors, Minors and Units policy has been drafted.
A Course Viability Model (CVM) to support the Business Case is currently being
finalised. The CVM will capture key elements regarding load and expenditure.
This will support the business case. The CVM is being developed with funding
assistance from the Murdoch 2010 Project.
In response to a query raised Professor Thomas advised that requests for
discontinuations will continue to require a rationale and will be sent to Academic
Council for approval.
Professor Thomas thanked the Secretary to APC, Louise Dixon and the Secretary to
Academic Council, Tamara Martin for their work on the 2009 Academic Planning
Guidelines.
Resolved:
AC/138/2007
(i)
to approve the 2009 Academic Planning Guidelines as attached
to the supplementary agenda;
(ii)
to approve the “Establishment of Courses, Majors, Minors and
Units” policy as attached to these minutes;
(iii)
to approve the revised ‘Amendments to Courses, Majors, Minors
and Units’ policy as attached to these minutes;
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6.
(iv)
to rescind the ‘Amendments to Courses, Majors, Minors and
Units’ policy as approved by AC/133/2006;
(v)
to approve the revised ‘Discontinuation of Courses, Majors,
Minors and Units’ policy as attached to these minutes;
(vi)
to rescind the ‘Discontinuation of Courses, Majors, Minors and
Units’ policy as approved by AC/45/2004; and
(vii)
to rescind resolution AC/73/2001 (ii) to monitor progress
against Points 5, 6 and 8 on an annual basis.” This reporting on
Indigenous Perspectives was to be incorporated into the
Academic Planning Guidelines.
FLIC II REPORT
The Chair of FLIC II, Dr Rick Cummings joined the meeting for this item.
The second bi-annual report for 2007 from FLIC II provided an update and reported
on the progress against the aims of FLIC. Key points made regarding this report
included:
 A new Learning Management System (LMS) was introduced in Semester 2,
2007. There have been some initial problems with this, mainly associated with
the re-training of staff. However there has been a 39 per cent increase in the
number of staff using the online learning system.
 Lectopia is continuing to expand. It is very popular with students, however
staff opinions are divided on its usefulness. Issues regarding how to best use
Lectopia for different types of units are still being resolved.
 The development of a content management system is currently being
considered. This would assist in improving efficiencies by allowing all
documents used in units to be available in one database in different formats.
This would provide better management of materials. Murdoch Print, ITS and
the Library have provided support for such an initiative.
 The target for the conversion of 90 per cent of suitable units to be FLIC
converted by the end of 2007 is still likely to be met. At the end of Semester 1
approximately 70 per cent of suitable units have been converted.
 FLIC has been a successful committee especially as it has brought together
academic and general staff to resolve operational issues arising from Murdoch
offering flexible learning.
 The continuation of the FLIC committee should be reviewed as some staff find
the flexible learning approach problematic.
The following responses were provided to questions raised:
 The development of a Content Management System (CMS) would be via an
LTPF type fund. A CMS would be expensive and would require constant
maintenance. The decision to have such a system would be a major one and a
business case would need to be considered prior to this decision being made.
 The level of Lectopia use for Semester II, 2007 is unknown at present, though
it is expected to have stabilised.
 Lectopia is not used as widely as WebCT.
The second report presented by Dr Cummings on future directions for flexible
learning at Murdoch University was considered. Key points made included:

As FLIC has a somewhat negative reputation in some areas it may be best for
this committee to be finalised. Reasons for this include that some staff feel
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

imposed upon by its recommendations and that flexible learning is being
emphasised at the expense of flexible teaching at the University. Focus and
interest is now on quality learning and teaching of flexibility is one element.
The report considers how Murdoch University might approach teaching and
learning more broadly by taking a stronger stance on quality. The University
does have quality assurance mechanisms at the unit level, but these could be
improved upon and addressed more systematically.
Consideration should be given to the establishment of a central committee at a
high level (eg a sub-committee of Academic Council) to consider teaching,
learning and quality in units.
The President of Academic Council noted that this report will help to inform the
upcoming review of Academic Council. Part of the review will involve looking at how
existing sub-committees relate to Academic Council, their roles and their effectiveness.
The President congratulated FLIC I and FLIC II for the excellent job they have done in
shaping how flexible learning is done at Murdoch University. On behalf of Council he
thanked members of these committees and the Chair for their sustained excellent
work.
Resolved:
AC/139/2007
7.
Buff
Purple
(i)
to note the second bi-annual report for 2007 from the Flexible
Learning Implementation Committee II as attached to the
agenda;
(ii)
to note the report “Future Directions for Flexible Learning
and Teaching at Murdoch University” from the Flexible
Learning Implementation Committee II as attached to the
agenda; and
(iii)
to request that the first report for 2008 from FLIC II be provided for
consideration at the June, 2008 Academic Council meeting.
AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE WORKING PARTY ON ASSESSMENT
POLICY REVIEW
The Chair of the Assessment Committee, Professor Stuart Bradley spoke to this item.
Members were reminded that urgent updates to the Assessment policy were approved
at the 20 June 2007 meeting and that the recommended further amendments are in
addition to these. The aim of these amendments is to reduce the number of Assessment
policy exemption requests and student appeals. There may be more changes
recommended to the policy in Semester 1, 2008.
Key changes to the policy for consideration at this meeting include:
 Amendments to reflect the Murdoch University restructure.
 Moving more of the key information currently in the links into the body of the
policy to make the main document more useful.
 Including information currently missing or requiring substantial amendment.
Recommended amendments have been considered by the Assessment Committee and
where appropriate the Student Appeals Committee, Heads of School, Office of
Educational Partnerships and the Chair of the Professional Behaviours in Work
Placements Working Party.
There was discussion of the new section (7.9) on timing of assessment feedback.
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Professor Bradley advised that there was now great variability in the length of the
teaching period across the range of units offered by the University and this impacted
the options of unit coordinators in deciding the timing of assessment and feedback,
especially in short duration, block teaching mode units. Hence it was decided to frame
the section as a statement of principle rather than make it unduly prescriptive. The
requirement of the timing of assessment feedback to inform subsequent assessment
must be considered on a case by case basis to determine whether the assessment
added to future learning in the unit
In response to a concern raised regarding some units having the requirement for a
mandatory pass or minimum mark in an assessment component to pass a unit
Professor Bradley advised that this clause (11.8) had been amended in the urgent
changes approved at the 20 June meeting and there are no further changes to this
clause contemplated at present. However this issue will be kept under consideration
by the Assessment Policy Working Party. The Assessment Committee is keen to
encourage staff to put substantial weightings on mandatory pass assessment
components, to reflect their importance in the student learning within the unit pass,
assessment components to reflect their importance in the student learning within the
unit, but accept that exemptions from this may be required. This is likely to be an
ongoing issue.
In response to a query on terminology, it was pointed out that the term “or pro rata
for units of shorter or longer duration” is being used in an attempt to deal with the
many non-standard teaching periods Murdoch University has. It is now very difficult
to prescribe exact days for different periods in detail so the phrase “pro rata” is being
used. Some Academic Council members felt that terminology could be ambiguous
and it was agreed this would be further considered by the Working Party.
Appendix A of the links regarding penalties for dishonesty in assessment was flagged
as being unclear. This area is being fully reviewed by another Working Party.
The President thanked Professor Bradley and members of the Assessment Committee
and its Working Party for the thoughtful and detailed work they have done to date.
Resolved:
AC/140/2007
8.
(i)
to approve the attached revised ‘Assessment’ policy and its links to
take effect from 1 January, 2008;
(ii)
to rescind the “Assessment” policy as approved by AC/76/2007;
and
(iii)
to rescind the
AC/16/2005.
“Examinations”
policy
as
approved
by
ACADEMIC QUALITY AUDIT COMMITTEE (AQAC) BI-ANNUAL REPORT
The Chair of the Academic Quality Audit Committee, Professor Jan Thomas advised
Academic Council that responses to AUQA on audit action statements and
affirmations are now being drafted. The report is expected to be finalised in
March/April 2008 and will include March census data.
Professor Thomas thanked the Quality Audit Coordinator Mrs Jane Michell and the
Manager of School Reviews Dr Lucy Jarzabkowski for the excellent work they do for
the AQAC committee.
AUQA Cycle 2 is now running and Murdoch University can expect to be reviewed as
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part of that cycle in approximately three years time. Cycle 2 will be different from
Cycle 1 as there will be specific themes, more standardised benchmarking and an
examination of what the University has done since the last audit (2006).
The President of Academic Council thanked Professor Thomas, Mrs Michell and Dr
Jarzabkowski for the report and their outstanding work.
Resolved:
AC/141/2007
9.
(i)
to note the second report for 2007 from the Academic Quality
Audit Committee (AQAC) as attached to the agenda; and
(ii)
to request that the first report for 2008 from the Academic Quality
Audit Committee (AQAC) be provided for consideration at the
June, 2008 Academic Council meeting.
FOUNDATION UNIT REPORT
The Chair of the Foundation Unit Committee which prepared this report, Associate
Professor Lorraine Marshall joined the meeting for this item. The following key points
were made:
 Murdoch University’s foundation units have been identified by AUQA as an
example of good practice.
 The report is a result of the review of foundation units in 2006 and to inform
the University’s restructure.
 This report is the first of several to come to Academic Council.
 The number of foundation units available has varied as follows: 1995 reduced
from 7 to 5 units; 1999 increased to 6 and 2005 increased to 7. Current thinking
is to reduce this number.
 In 2003 Academic Council requested that a procedure for identifying new
foundation units and retiring old ones be identified.
 Key challenges for the Foundation Units committee have included:

The number of foundation units to be offered; and

The committee’s membership consists of people committed to their
own units and foundation units. Therefore it was not easy to ask them
to consider discontinuing their own units. This was resolved by
referring back to the foundation unit principles.
 The Foundation Units Committee discussed having a new round of
foundation units available. Existing units would need to reapply to continue,
whilst some areas may elect to discontinue. Clear principles on what would be
required would need to be developed.
 Every Faculty should be involved in a foundation unit and the Committee
argued strongly for six foundation units, with every faculty to be involved in
co-coordinating two foundation units, or having every faculty involved in one
foundation unit.
 Foundation units suitable for offshore are to be further explored. The next
AUQA cycle is expected to focus on offshore so it would be beneficial to
consider this early. Though choice of foundation units is important, this must
be balanced against offshore student numbers.
 A Foundation Units policy is required.
Following the presentation members agreed to deal with recommendations
individually.
The following issues were discussed:
 Recommendation 8 has funding implications and would need to be addressed
by the Senior Executive Group (SEG). It was noted that this recommendation
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


has already been incorporated into the budget model by SEG on the
recommendation of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic).
It was requested that the rationale behind the proposed reduction in the
number of foundation units be provided. It was also requested that the
process to determine how any new units will look involve further
engagement.
The Foundation Units Committee would like to be strategic about the
foundation units offered. It would be beneficial for Heads of School to be
more engaged. Foundation unit succession planning is also important.
In response to a query raised regarding whether existing data on enrolments,
completions and student satisfaction could be used to determine which units
should be retained or discontinued. It was noted that many units have mixed
success in different areas and the Foundation Units Committee would like to
encourage all Faculties to apply to offer a foundation unit.
Professor Iain Walker, Professor Gary Martin and Associate Professor John Pluske left the meeting.



There must be parity for students in terms of choice of foundation units in
each semester.
The Budget Model will impact on what can be offered and the incentives for
faculties to offer new units.
Some members expressed discomfort at supporting recommendations inprinciple without any background detail on the recommendations or how
they will fit budgets. Associate Professor Marshall advised that once finalised,
Academic Council will be provided with details which support the
recommendations.
Professor Jim Reynoldson left the meeting.
The President thanked Associate Professor Marshall and Foundation Unit Committee
members for their work.
Resolved:
AC/142/2007
(i)
to note the Foundation Unit report as attached to the agenda;
(ii)
to approve the following recommendations from the report:
(1)
The principles
reaffirmed;
(2)
Coordination of individual Foundation Units to be
shared across two Faculties;
(4)
The Teaching and Learning Centre (in particular,
Student Learning and Curriculum Development) and
the Library continue to participate in the development,
review and tutor training (including tutors’ meetings)
of all Foundation units;
(8)
The additional funding to cater for two hours of
Foundation unit tutorials per week be continued;
(9)
A future report to Academic Council clearly delineate
existing policies and procedures for all aspects of
Foundation Units and identify any gaps, and that
Faculties and Foundation Unit coordinators be expected
ACADEMIC COUNCIL
underlying
Foundation
units
be
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to adhere strictly to these policies and procedures;
(10)
Consistency and student satisfaction across Foundation
Units be monitored annually by a report given by the
Foundation Units Committee Chair from unit
coordinators and Faculty Deans to Academic Council;
(11)
The Key Performance Indicators used in the
2006 Foundation Units Review be used to
measure consistency and student satisfaction
across Foundation Units. These include:
(12)

Distribution of student grades in
each Foundation unit;

School and Divisional teaching
load distribution for each
Foundation unit;

Number and percent of students
enrolled in each Foundation unit;

Completion rates for each
Foundation unit (number of
students who completed the unit
as a percentage of the total who
commenced the unit);

Student responses to unit
surveys (including those related
to specific Foundation unit
survey questions);
Those additional mechanisms be applied to
monitor Foundation units. These include:
ACADEMIC COUNCIL

That a systematic process of peer
reviewing of Foundation unit
content, teaching methods and
assessment be instituted.

During development and review
all Foundation units be closely
mapped using the Graduate
Attribute mapping tool to ensure
that the objectives are common to
all Foundation units.

To ensure a consistent approach
to the development of generic
skills, common materials be
developed and tailored to suit the
content of each Foundation unit.

There be a tutor training
program that encourages a
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comparable approach to tutoring
in all Foundation units with
ongoing
training/support
provided in regular tutors’
meetings; and
(iii)
(iv)
to support the following recommendations from the report:
(3)
Proposals for a set of new Foundation Units be
developed for approval by APC and Academic Council.
These proposals are to indicate how the new units
would align with the key strategic areas of the
University and how they would address the learning
outcomes as specified in the Foundation unit template;
(5)
The number of Foundation units be reduced from seven
to six units;
(6)
Two of the new Foundation units be adapted for offshore
students. In the first instance one unit be developed, but
if offshore enrolments exceed 40 students then a second
unit be adapted for offering offshore;
(7)
The coordination of Foundation units remain with the
Faculties and Schools, but the tutoring of Foundation
units be centrally managed;
to hold the following recommendation from the report for
consideration at a future meeting:
(13)
(v)
10.
The title ‘Foundation Units’ be changed to ‘Discovery
units.’
to circulate the report and recommendations as attached to the
agenda to Faculties and Schools and request their feedback. The
Foundation Units Committee is to provide a report on this
feedback to the 16 April 2008 meeting of Academic Council.
MURDOCH 2010 PROJECT UPDATE
This item was held over until the next meeting. Regular updates are being provided to
all staff by email announcements and via the 2010 website.
11.
VICE CHANCELLOR’S REPORT
The report was noted.
Resolved:
AC/143/2007
12.
to note the Vice Chancellor’s report as attached to the agenda.
AWARD OF DEGREES, DIPLOMAS AND CERTIFICATES
Resolved:
AC/144/2007
(i)
to approve the award of degrees, diplomas and certificates on the
list attached to the agenda; and
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(ii)
13.
to note the award of degrees, diplomas and certificates on the list
as approved by the President of Academic Council as attached to
the agenda.
PROPOSAL FOR A POSTHUMOUS AWARD OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
(CHIROPRACTIC) AND BACHELOR OF CHIROPRACTIC TO MR ADAM
CHARLTON 30266861
Members were advised that Murdoch University has structures in place to allow for
posthumous awards. These awards are meaningful for families, colleagues and
classmates.
Academic Council strongly supported the posthumous award of the Bachelor of
Science (Chiropractic) and Bachelor of Chiropractic to Mr Charlton. His award will be
received at the April 2008 graduation ceremony when his partner receives their
award.
Resolved:
AC/145/2007
14.
(i)
to posthumously award the degree of Bachelor of Science
(Chiropractic) to Mr Adam Charlton (30266861), in accordance
with Clause 4 of Statute No. 4 Degrees, Diplomas and
Certificates; and
(ii)
to posthumously award the degree of Bachelor of Chiropractic to
Mr Adam Charlton (30266861), by providing exemption from
Clause 1 (2) of the Bachelor Degree Regulations.
PROPOSAL FOR A POSTHUMOUS AWARD OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
(CHIROPRACTIC) TO MR PAAL HONGSHAGEN 30225265
Academic Council strongly supported the posthumous award of the Bachelor of
Science (Chiropractic) to Mr Hongshagen. His award will be received at the April 2008
graduation ceremony when his colleagues from Norway graduate.
Resolved:
AC/146/2007
15.
to posthumously award the degree of Bachelor of Science (Chiropractic)
to Mr Paal Hongshagen (30225265), by providing exemption from
Clause 1 (2) of the Bachelor Degree Regulations.
STRATEGIC PLAN AND ACADEMIC QUALITY (SPAQ) REPORT – DEPUTY
VICE CHANCELLOR (ENTERPRISE AND INTERNATIONAL)
This item was noted.
16.
2008 ACADEMIC COUNCIL MEETING DATES
This item was noted.
Resolved:
AC/147/2007
to approve the following meeting dates for Academic Council for 2008:
30 January
5 March
16 April
14 May
18 June
6 August
17 September
5 November
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17.
2008 CONSOLIDATED LISTS OF OFFERINGS – ONSHORE AND OFFSHORE
Resolved:
AC/148/2007
18.
(ii)
to note the consolidated list of courses to be offered offshore in
2008 as attached to the agenda.
(i)
to approve the 2008 – 2009 semester calendars for the Global
Institute of Media, Dubai as attached to the agenda;
(ii)
to approve the 2008 trimester calendars for Kaplan Singapore as
attached to the agenda; and
(iii)
to approve the 2008 trimester calendars for SMa Singapore as
attached to the agenda.
2008 INTERMEDIATE AWARDS
Resolved:
AC/150/2007
20.
to note the consolidated list of courses, majors and minors to be
offered onshore in 2008 as attached to the agenda; and
OFFSHORE CALENDARS
Resolved:
AC/149/2007
19.
(i)
to note the intermediate awards approved for 2008 as attached to the
agenda.
ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE AND MEMBERSHIP
Resolved:
AC/151/2007
(i)
to approve the revised Assessment Committee Terms of Reference
as outlined below (additions in bold and deletions
struckthrough), superseding those approved by AC/122/2004:
1.
Prepare policy relating to assessment for Academic
Council;
Monitor effectiveness of policy;
Monitor grade ranges and appeal outcomes awarded
for coursework units;
Hear appeals on assessment results (this is subject to
the final report from the Appeals Working
Party);
Receive reports on appeals and policy issues from
the Student Appeals Committee.
Make recommendations to Academic Council on units
that seek to conduct assessment outside the policy;
Provide ongoing feedback on Assessment matters to
Academic Council; and
As the Assessment Policy needs to evolve according to
the needs of the University it requires continual
review. Areas of review may include:
 Compulsory Passing of all components;
 Equivalence of assessment; and
 Distribution of grades - if changes are made
from notional to standard then exemptions
2.
3.

4.
5.
6.

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from the committee would be required if not
standard.
Report annually to Academic Council on the
effectiveness of the Assessment policy and the
appeals procedure.
7.
(ii)
to approve the revised Assessment Committee Membership as
outlined below (additions in bold and deletions struckthrough),
superseding those approved by AC/154/2004:
Membership
Chair
Academic Staff member
from each Division
Three members appointed
from Academic Staff to
cover a wide breadth of
disciplines within the
University
Teaching and Learning
Centre member
Divisional
Executive
Officer(DEO)
A
member
of
the
University
administration
staff
familiar
with
the
operation
and
implementation of the
Assessment policy in the
area of student support.
DVC (Academic)
Guild
Education
Vice
President or nominee
Up to 2 persons co-opted by
Committee (one of whom
will be the Chair of the
Student Appeals Committee
if not already a member of
the Assessment Committee)
21.
Nominated by Deputy ViceChancellor (Academic)
OR nominee that is
nominated by DEOs
Appointed by Academic
Council
upon
nomination by President,
Academic Council
ex officio
ex officio
ex officio
ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
Resolved:
AC/152/2007
22.
Appointed by Academic
Council
Nominated by Divisional
Board
Appointed by Academic
Council
upon
nomination by President,
Academic Council
to appoint Professor Stuart Bradley as Chair of the Assessment
Committee with his term of office expiring December 31, 2010.
PROGRESS REPORT ON ACTION PLAN FOR SELF-IDENTIFIED AREAS OF
IMPROVEMENT – SCHOOL OF LAW
Resolved:
AC/153/2007
(i)
to adopt the recommendations of the School of Law review panel
as modified by the President of Academic Council as attached to
the agenda; and
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(ii)
23.
to note the Progress Report on the Action Plan for Self-Identified
Areas for Improvement for the School of Law as attached to the
agenda.
POLICY REVIEW REGISTER
This item was noted.
24.
White
WORKING PARTIES ESTABLISHED BY ACADEMIC COUNCIL AND ITS SUBCOMMITTEES POLICY
Resolved:
AC/154/2007
25.
Yellow
to approve the attached revised “Working Parties Established by
Academic Council and its Sub-Committees” policy; and
(ii)
to rescind the “Guidelines for Working Parties Established by
Academic Council and its Sub-Committees” as approved by
AC/163/2001.
RECORDING GRADES ON ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPTS FOR NON-AWARD
(INCLUDING DEST ENABLING) COURSES POLICY
Resolved:
AC/155/2007
26.
(i)
(i)
to approve the attached revised “Recording Grades on Academic
Transcripts for Non-Award (Including DEST Enabling)
Courses” policy; and
(ii)
to rescind the “Procedures for Recording Grades on Academic
Transcripts for Non-Award (Including DEST Enabling)
Courses” as approved by AC/51/2002.
WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK POLICY
This item was noted.
27.
POSTGRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION RECOMMENDATIONS
AND AMENDMENTS TO SCHEDULE 2 OF THE POSTGRADUATE
COURSEWORK REGULATIONS
Resolved:
AC/156/2007
to RECOMMEND to Senate to approve amendments to Schedule 2 of
the Postgraduate Coursework Regulations as outlined below (additions
in bold and deletions struckthrough):
Graduate Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism (GradDipJour)
(PgDipJour)
Graduate
Postgraduate
Diploma
in
Media
Production
(GradDipMedProd) (PgDipMedProd)
Postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations (PgDipPR)
Graduate
Postgraduate
Certificate
in
Journalism
(GradCertJour) (PgCertJour)
Graduate Postgraduate Certificate in Media Production
(GradCertMedProd) (PgCertMedProd)
Postgraduate Certificate in Public Relations (PgCertPR)
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28.
BOARD OF EXAMINERS PROCEDURES FOR TLC120 AND TLC277
The resolution for this item has been updated to reflect the Senate approved title
“Faculty of Arts and Education.” The agenda referred to the “Faculty of Social
Sciences, Humanities and Education.”
Resolved:
AC/157/2007
29.
OPEN UNIVERSITIES AUSTRALIA (OUA) – BACHELOR OF ARTS IN
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Resolved:
AC/158/2007
30.
to approve that the Faculty of Arts and Education Board of Examiners
act as the Board of Examiners for TLC120 and TLC277 from 2008
onwards.
to note that the Bachelor of Arts in Community Development will be
offered through Open Universities Australia from 2008 with the
structure as attached to the agenda.
RESEARCH GRANTS
This item was noted.
31.
SENATE
This item was noted.
32.
STUDENT GUILD ELECTIONS
This item was noted.
WORKING PARTY REPORTS
33.
ESTABLISHMENT OF WORKING
REGULATIONS AND RULES
PARTY
TO
REVIEW
ACADEMIC
This item was noted.
34.
MEASUREMENT OF EXCELLENCE IN LEARNING & TEACHING WORKING
PARTY
This item was noted.
35.
RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING WORKING PARTY
This item was noted.
36.
STUDENT DISCIPLINE AND STUDENT CODE OF ETHICS AND CONDUCT
WORKING PARTY
This item was noted.
37.
OFFSHORE EQUIVALENCE OF THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE WORKING
PARTY RECOMMENDATIONS
This item was noted.
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38.
FINAL MEETING
As this is their final meeting for 2007 the President thanked student representatives for
their valuable contributions to Academic Council throughout the year. He
acknowledged the great commitment committee attendance and participation requires
from students.
Executive Deans were also thanked for their participation and contribution to
Academic Council. From 1 January, 2007 Executive Deans will be replaced by Faculty
Deans.
39.
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 1.30 pm in the Senate
Room. This will be the first meeting for 2008.
Meeting concluded at 4.15pm
Signed as a true record of the meeting of the Academic Council held on 31 October 2007.
PROFESSOR MICHAEL BOROWITZKA - CHAIR
Dated:
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