Academic Senate
2011 Annual Report to Council
The Charles Sturt University By Law 2005 outlines the general functions of the Academic Senate as follows;
(1)
The principal functions of the Academic Senate as the principal academic body of the University are as follows:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
to advise the Council and the Vice-Chancellor on all matters relating to teaching, scholarship and research conducted at or in connection
with the University,
to ensure the high quality of teaching and learning within the University by developing and implementing appropriate policies,
to determine lists of graduands of the University specifying the award and the level of award that each of the graduands is to receive,
to advise the Vice-Chancellor on the teaching and research activities of the University and on the allocation of teaching and research
responsibilities within the University’s faculties,
to consider and report on all matters referred to it by the Council or the Vice-Chancellor,
to make recommendations to the Council or the Vice-Chancellor about academic standards or facilities at the University.
(2)
The Council may make rules under clause 108 that confer additional functions on the Academic Senate.
(3)
The Academic Senate has such other functions as may be necessary to enable it to exercise the functions specified in subclause (1) or added by
virtue of subclause (2).
These functions are further articulated in the Governance (Academic Senate) Rule 2006 No.6 (hereafter referred to as the Rule).
The following table details the functions of the Academic Senate contained in the Rule and identifies how each function has been addressed by Academic
Senate during 2011.
Submitted to University Council
By Professor B Bradley
Presiding Officer, Academic Senate
8 February 2012
Functions assigned in Governance (Academic Senate) Rule 2006 No.6
(a)
provide advice to the Council and Vice-Chancellor on:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
all matters relating to teaching, scholarship and
research conducted at or in connection with the
University, including general advice on the academic
priorities and policies of the University; and
teaching and research activities of the University and
on the allocation of teaching and research
responsibilities within the University’s facilities; and
academic aspects of the formulation and review of
the University’s strategic plan; and
(iv) any academic matters that it considers to be of
importance; and
(v)
(b)
2011
In 2011 the Academic Senate provided advice to the Council and ViceChancellor on:
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•
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•
the 2011-2015 University Strategy
annual report templates for Research Centres
the restructure of committees supporting research and research
training
TEQSA provider standards (ie: exit standards, learning & teaching
standards, qualification standards etc)
amendments to the Schedule of Academic Delegations
academic freedom and the Policy on Free Intellectual Inquiry
the report of the review of Research Centres.
the maintenance of academic standards;
accredit and review new and existing academic courses,
with particular responsibility for ensuring that:
(i)
the structure and requirements of each course are
consistent with the award to which it leads; and
(ii)
the depth of content and standard of assessment of
each course is appropriate to the award to which it
leads; and
NOTE: The Faculty Courses Committees have delegated authority from Academic Senate with
respect to the approval of all course documentation except master by research programs and
research doctoral programs. They approve additions and deletions to the course profile for the
Faculty, approve all proposals for new or revised courses submitted for accreditation, ensure that
documentation for new or revised courses, specialisations, majors and minors (and the subjects
that comprise them) include all certifications or attestations required to demonstrate conformity
with Academic Senate and Faculty policies and procedures designed to ensure the quality of such
courses, specialisations, majors and minors including their relevance to the professions and
industries they serve and they ensure that details of courses and subjects approved in
documentation before it are consistent with the official, advertised content of these courses and
subjects published in the University Handbooks, CASIMS and other official publications and
systems.
(iii)
the methods of course delivery are appropriate in
achieving the purpose of the course; and
(iv)
the course and the award to which it leads are
consistent with the Australian Qualifications
Framework;
The Research Advisory Committee has delegated authority from the Academic Senate for
overseeing, and advising the Academic Senate on the accreditation of research higher degree
courses and research professional doctorates. In particular, the Research Advisory Committee is
responsible for the final approval of all higher degree research program proposals and research
professional doctorate proposals emanating from the Faculties and recommends changes to the
Academic Senate's policy on course accreditation.’
In 2011 the Academic Senate considered the following issues;
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the process for the introduction of the Annual Course Performance
Report (ACPR)
the implementation of the new Australian Qualifications
Framework (AQF)
established a review of the modes of delivery of teaching and
learning at CSU
the CSU Degree Pilot Reports
the adoption of blended and flexible learning standards at CSU
and the integration of the standards into CSU learning and
teaching processes
the implementation of course advisory processes into the ACPR
the development of policy in response to the TEQSA requirements
for the external validation of degree exit standards
amendments to the Subject Outline Policy.
(c)
approve the list of awards to be offered by the University;
See schedule at ATTACHMENT 1
(d)
formulate, approve and review regulations in relation to
academic matters including, but is not limited to,
regulations applying to admission, enrolment, credit,
assessment, examination, exclusion and graduation;
In 2011, the Academic Senate approved and reviewed the following
academic regulation matters;
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established a review of the assessment policy and regulations
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•
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•
•
•
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•
•
amended and updated clauses in the credit regulations pertaining
to secondary school studies
approved a process for the amendment of the AHEGS
approved that a pilot trial be conducted in relation to the CSU
moderation policy and guidelines
amended and updated clauses in the admission regulations
pertaining to English language proficiency tests and applicants for
admission who are found to have provided false or misleading
information in their application
amended course policy as a consequence of the introduction of the
revised Australian Qualifications (AQF) framework
established a review of the policy for communication with
students
approved that a higher credit limit be granted to eligible students
in the University Certificate in Policing Investigations and the
Master of Information and Communication Technology in
Education
amended clauses in the graduation regulations pertaining to
eligibility and nominations for university medals and the
application to graduate form
amended and updated clauses in the enrolment regulations
pertaining to the maximum leave of absence permitted for fee
paying overseas students
amended and updated clauses in the academic progress regulations
pertaining to the maximum time permitted for enrolment in a
course
approved amendments to policy and procedures for the online
evaluation of subjects.
(e)
determine the lists of graduands of the University
specifying the award and the level of award that each of
the graduands is to receive;
Academic Senate has approved that the Dean on the recommendation of the
Course Director Course Coordinator will satisfy himself/herself that students
in a particular undergraduate or postgraduate coursework course have
satisfactorily completed all course requirements and will recommend to the
University Council that the award be conferred. In the case of research higher
degrees, the Research Advisory Committee will satisfy itself that students
have satisfactorily completed all course requirements and recommend to the
University Council that the award be conferred (refer to Graduation regulation
clause 2.4).
(f)
approve the regulations applying to prizes that are to be
available on a university-wide basis; and
Academic Senate has approved the prize regulations applying to prizes that
are awarded to eligible students and graduands on a university-wide basis
(refer to the Prize Regulations at Part M1 of the Academic Manual).
(g)
require the production and submission of reports in relation to
academic issues from, or refer academic matters to,
Faculties, other organisational units and committees for
consideration and action as required;
In 2011, the Academic Senate received and considered reports on the
following academic issues;
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•
the online evaluation of subjects
the 2010 academic calendar –report card
the implementation of the CSU Degree initiative
the implementation of the transition initiatives
the implementation of the Australian Higher Education
Graduate Statement (AHEGS)
the progress report on affirmations and recommendations from
the 2009 Cycle 2 AUQA Audit
the implementation of the Annual Course Performance Report
(ACPR)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
progress reports from the Academic Senate Working Party that
is reviewing the modes of delivery of teaching and learning at
CSU
the report of the Academic Senate CSU Moderation Policy
Working Party
the annual report from the Board of Graduate Studies (now
known as the Research Advisory Committee) which contained
2010 data on the following: research higher degree (RHD)
student attrition, retention, completion; RHD scholarships;
postgraduate research experience questionnaire, RHD student
progress and RHD examination outcomes
Research Centre annual report templates
progress reports from the Academic Senate Working Party that
is reviewing the communication with students policy
reports at each meeting from the faculties, Deputy ViceChancellors and the student members of Academic Senate (on
behalf of the Student Senate)
the cohort tracking (attrition) report for 2010
the 2010 course experience questionnaire report
annual report on academic misconduct
a report on the educative use of Turnitin
the 2011-2013 CSU Educational Technology Plan
the 2010 progress rates report
the CSU Discipline report
a report that explored student perceptions of plagiarism
progress reports from the Academic Senate Working Party that
is reviewing assessment at CSU
briefing notes for international agreements.
(h)
assure the quality of teaching, scholarship and research in
the University;
In 2011 the Academic Senate;
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•
•
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•
•
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•
a working party to review assessment policy and regulations
received a report of the working party that reviewed the online
evaluation of subjects and approved changes to arrangements for
the online evaluation of them
approved recommendations arising from the 2010 Academic
Calendar – Report Card
implemented the CSU AHEGS
established a working party to review the modes of delivery of
teaching and learning at CSU
conducted a pilot of the moderation policy and guidelines in 3
schools
approved revised templates for the Research Centre annual reports
received a report on blended and flexible learning standards at
CSU
considered the 2010 course experience questionnaire report
considered and provided comments on TEQSA discussion papers
on standards (eg: exit standards and teaching and learning)
reviewed the operation of the committees of Academic Senate and
approved the terms of reference for the Research Advisory
Committee, Curriculum Learning and Teaching Committee,
Academic Regulations Committee, Curriculum renewal
Committee, Workplace Learning Excellence Committee and
Board of Islamic Studies
approved the 2011-2013 CSU Educational Technology Plan
established a working party to develop minimum standards and
expectations for the use of Interact 2
approved the implementation of the ACPR
•
•
•
(i)
initiate and oversee a formal and regular program of
review of academic and research activities of the
University; and
In 2011 Academic Senate initiated and/or completed reviews of the
following academic regulations and policies;
•
•
•
•
•
•
(j)
provide a forum to facilitate information flow and debate in
relation to academic issues within the University and
between the senior executive officers of the University and
the wider academic community;
established a working party to review the policy for minimum
standards for communicating with students
approved the se of Turnitin for all thesis drafts submitted by
research higher degree students
reviewed and amended academic regulations and policies.
assessment policy and regulations
modes of delivery of learning and teaching
communication with students policy
online evaluation of subjects
Academic Senate committees
review of research centres.
In 2011 the Academic Senate;
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•
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reviewed, and approved amendments to the terms of reference of,
its committees (specifically the Research Advisory Committee,
Curriculum Learning and Teaching Committee, Academic
Regulations Committee, Curriculum renewal Committee,
Workplace Learning Excellence Committee and Board of Islamic
Studies)
considered a discussion paper on governance, management,
separation of powers and collegiality
received reports and provided comments and advice to the ViceChancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellors on various academic
issues including the university strategy, AQF and proposed
•
(k)
review and report on all matters referred to it by the
Council or the Vice-Chancellor;
In 2011 the Academic Senate;
•
(l)
make recommendations to the Council or the ViceChancellor about academic standards or facilities at the
University.
received from the Vice-Chancellor the University’s mission
statement from the University’s Compact Agreement.
In 2011 the Academic Senate recommended to the University Council or the
Vice-Chancellor;
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•
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•
DeputyVcAcad$:Academic Secretariat:wwdoc:Academic Senate:general:Annual Report to Council 2011.docx
TEQSA standards
discussed various ‘hot topics’ that were identified by the DVCs
and Faculties. These included the social media revolution and
academic staff working from home.
the approval of the recommendations contained in the report of the
review of the CSU Research Centres
the Policy on Free Intellectual Inquiry
amendments to the schedule of academic delegations
amendments to the Governance (Academic Senate) Rule 2006 No.6
( to add the Dean of Studies to the membership of the Academic
Senate).
ATTACHMENT 1
CASIMS_NAME
Associate Degree in Information Technology Associate Degree in Islamic Studies Articulated Set
Associate Degree in Islamic Studies Articulated Set
Bachelor of Accounting Bachelor of Islamic Studies Articulated Set
Bachelor of Islamic Studies Articulated Set
Bachelor of Islamic Studies Articulated Set
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Articulated Set
Diploma of Indigenous and General Studies Diploma of Information Technology Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Services Graduate Certificate in International Studies Graduate Certificate in Small Business Management Graduate Diploma of Water Policy and Governance Articulated Set
Graduate Diploma of Water Policy and Governance Articulated Set
Master of Agricultural Business Management Articulated Set
Master of Agricultural Business Management Articulated Set
Master of Agricultural Business Management Articulated Set
Master of Computing Research Articulated Set
Master of Computing Research Articulated Set
Master of Dietetics Master of Exercise Science (Honours) Master of Information and Communication Technology in Education Articulated Set
Master of Information and Communication Technology in Education Articulated Set
Master of Islamic Studies Articulated Set
Master of Islamic Studies Articulated Set
Master of Islamic Studies Articulated Set
University Certificate in Policing Investigations Bachelor of Exercise Science/Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) Bachelor of Health Science (Community and Public Health) Bachelor of Midwifery Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning Graduate Certificate in Network Publishing Graduate Diploma of TESOL Master of Inclusive Education (DET) Master of Information Systems AWARD_NAME(S)
Associate Degree in Information Technology
University Certificate in Islamic Studies
Associate Degree in Islamic Studies
Bachelor of Accounting
Bachelor of Islamic Studies
University Certificate in Islamic Studies
Associate Degree in Islamic Studies
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Diploma of Indigenous and General Studies
Diploma of Information Technology
Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Services
Graduate Certificate in International Studies
Graduate Certificate in Small Business Management
Graduate Diploma of Water Policy and Governance
Graduate Certificate in Water Policy and Governance
Graduate Certificate in Agricultural Business Management
Graduate Diploma of Agricultural Business Management
Master of Agricultural Business Management
Master of Computing Research
Graduate Certificate in Computing Research
Master of Dietetics
Master of Exercise Science (Honours)
Graduate Certificate in Information and Communication Technology in Education
Master of Information and Communication Technology in Education
Graduate Diploma of Islamic Studies
Master of Islamic Studies
Graduate Certificate in Islamic Studies
University Certificate in Policing Investigations
Bachelor of Health Science (Community and Public Health)
Bachelor of Midwifery
Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning
Graduate Certificate in Network Publishing
Graduate Diploma of TESOL
Master of Inclusive Education
Master of Information Systems
STATUS
Session first offered/Phased out Note
201260
201230
Replaces Accounting specialisation in Bbus(specs)
201230
201230
201230
201230
Ontario offering
201230
201230
201230
201190
201230
201230
201230
201230
201230
201230
201230
201230
201260
201230
Research
201230
201230
Added Master award to existing GradCert
201260
201260
201260
201230
200930
200960
201160
Old shell course previsouly only available via double degree to be replaced in 2013 with new BMidwifery offering
200719
200940
201030
Replaced in 2010 by MTESOL
201160
201040
New course 201230
New course 201260
New course
New
New
New
New
course
course
course
course
New course
New
New
New
New
course
course
course
course
New course
New
New
New
New
course
course
course
course
New course
New
New
New
New
course
course
course
course
New course
New course
New course
New course
New course
New course
Phase out
Phase out
Phase out
Phase out
Phase out
Phase out
Phase out
Phase out
ATTACHMENT 1
CASIMS_NAME
Associate Degree in Information Technology Associate Degree in Islamic Studies Articulated Set
Associate Degree in Islamic Studies Articulated Set
Bachelor of Accounting Bachelor of Islamic Studies Articulated Set
Bachelor of Islamic Studies Articulated Set
Bachelor of Islamic Studies Articulated Set
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Articulated Set
Diploma of Indigenous and General Studies Diploma of Information Technology Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Services Graduate Certificate in International Studies Graduate Certificate in Small Business Management Graduate Diploma of Water Policy and Governance Articulated Set
Graduate Diploma of Water Policy and Governance Articulated Set
Master of Agricultural Business Management Articulated Set
Master of Agricultural Business Management Articulated Set
Master of Agricultural Business Management Articulated Set
Master of Computing Research Articulated Set
Master of Computing Research Articulated Set
Master of Dietetics Master of Exercise Science (Honours) Master of Information and Communication Technology in Education Articulated Set
Master of Information and Communication Technology in Education Articulated Set
Master of Islamic Studies Articulated Set
Master of Islamic Studies Articulated Set
Master of Islamic Studies Articulated Set
University Certificate in Policing Investigations Bachelor of Exercise Science/Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) Bachelor of Health Science (Community and Public Health) Bachelor of Midwifery Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning Graduate Certificate in Network Publishing Graduate Diploma of TESOL Master of Inclusive Education (DET) Master of Information Systems AWARD_NAME(S)
Associate Degree in Information Technology
University Certificate in Islamic Studies
Associate Degree in Islamic Studies
Bachelor of Accounting
Bachelor of Islamic Studies
University Certificate in Islamic Studies
Associate Degree in Islamic Studies
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Diploma of Indigenous and General Studies
Diploma of Information Technology
Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Services
Graduate Certificate in International Studies
Graduate Certificate in Small Business Management
Graduate Diploma of Water Policy and Governance
Graduate Certificate in Water Policy and Governance
Graduate Certificate in Agricultural Business Management
Graduate Diploma of Agricultural Business Management
Master of Agricultural Business Management
Master of Computing Research
Graduate Certificate in Computing Research
Master of Dietetics
Master of Exercise Science (Honours)
Graduate Certificate in Information and Communication Technology in Education
Master of Information and Communication Technology in Education
Graduate Diploma of Islamic Studies
Master of Islamic Studies
Graduate Certificate in Islamic Studies
University Certificate in Policing Investigations
Bachelor of Health Science (Community and Public Health)
Bachelor of Midwifery
Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning
Graduate Certificate in Network Publishing
Graduate Diploma of TESOL
Master of Inclusive Education
Master of Information Systems
STATUS
Session first offered/Phased out Note
201260
201230
Replaces Accounting specialisation in Bbus(specs)
201230
201230
201230
201230
Ontario offering
201230
201230
201230
201190
201230
201230
201230
201230
201230
201230
201230
201230
201260
201230
Research
201230
201230
Added Master award to existing GradCert
201260
201260
201260
201230
200930
200960
201160
Old shell course previsouly only available via double degree to be replaced in 2013 with new BMidwifery offering
200719
200940
201030
Replaced in 2010 by MTESOL
201160
201040
New course 201230
New course 201260
New course
New
New
New
New
course
course
course
course
New course
New
New
New
New
course
course
course
course
New course
New
New
New
New
course
course
course
course
New course
New
New
New
New
course
course
course
course
New course
New course
New course
New course
New course
New course
Phase out
Phase out
Phase out
Phase out
Phase out
Phase out
Phase out
Phase out