Momentum
Policy Central
Macquarie University is currently implementing an integrated University-wide policy framework. This project is sponsored by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Provost) and provides an integrated framework for policy development, approval, dissemination, implementation, monitoring and review.
What's happening?
Updates
22 January 2010 - News from Policy Central
Visit the MQ Announcement web site to find out about what's new, changed and under review in Policy Central.
9 December 2009 - Policy Central - what's new, changed and under review
Visit the MQ Announcement web site to find out about the new suite of Purchasing policy documents, the Faculty Research Centres Policy, changes to existing policies (Organisational Unit Reviews) and what's under review.
24 November 2009 - News from Policy Central
Find out what's new at Policy Central on MQ Announcements.
5 November 2009 - News from Policy central
One new policy, a policy conversion and a review of the PDR policy and procedure are now available from Policy Central. Find out more at MQ Announcements.
7 October 2009 - News from Policy Central
A number of policies have been approved and are now available from Policy Central. Find the latest information on these new policies on MQ Announcements.
28 August 2009 - New, approved Policies plus your chance to have your say
There are 40 policy documents currently being reviewed across the University. Not all are policies, some are procedures and others are guidelines, but all are available for input from both staff and students. Read more...
28 July 2009 - Policy progress: news and reviews
Read the latest on Policy progress on MQ Announcements.
12 May 2009 – New Policies and amended Procedures
Three new Polices have been approved and minor amendments have been made to two existing procedures. All are available now online at Policy Central. http://www.mq.edu.au/policy
New Policies
- Open Access (policy) - Outlines that equitable, world-wide access will be provided to the scholarly and research output of Macquarie University.
- Policy Framework (policy) - Provides details about the policy framework adopted by Macquarie University.
- University Clinics (Policy) - Outlines the policy for the operation of a Clinic at Macquarie University.
Amended Procedures
- Academic Promotion Procedure - to the membership of the Level E Promotion Committee.
- Unit Guide Procedure - to remove the requirement for the Unit Guide to be produced through the Unit Guide Online system.
Your Input
Your input into the policy development process is important. The Under Review section lists the current range of policies/procedures under development. Contact the staff member listed and have your say.
17 April 2009 - A-Z Listing
All current policies and procedures, including those yet to be approved through the new policy framework, are now accessible from the A-Z Listing on Policy Central.
4 March 2009 - FAQs
A comprehensive list of frequently asked questions (and answers!) is now available.
1 December, 2008 – Policy framework and templates
Macquarie has developed the following simple and consistent policy framework and supporting templates:
- Policy establishment and review
Outlines how to create, review or update policies, procedures and guidelines - Policy development flowchart (PDF 20Kb)
A simple visual representation of the steps involved in creating, reviewing or updating policies, procedures and guidelines
Click here for the text version of the Policy development flowchart
- Templates All policies, procedures and guidelines should be presented for approval on the following templates:
- Policy/Procedure checklist (DOC 140Kb)
To be downloaded, completed and submitted with each policy and procedure put forward for approval
A list of new and recently revised policies, guidelines and procedures can be viewed at the Policy Central website
The objectives of the project are to:
- Establish standardised procedures for policy development, approval, dissemination and review
- Create standard formats for policy and procedure presentation
- Establish processes to support consistent and compliant decision-making
- Provide definitions for policy, procedures and guidelines
- Create a central online and searchable database to provide staff, students and visitors with access to approved University policies, procedures and guidelines (Policy Central)
The Policy Central project will deliver
- One online source for all institution policies and procedures
- Policies and procedures that are current, relevant, unambiguous and approved
- Policies and procedures that are aligned with Macquarie@50
- A regular review cycle
- Improved compliance with approved policies and procedures, by both staff and students
- Improved ability to ensure compliance with external legislation
- Reduced inconsistencies in policy implementation
- Reduced duplication of policies
- Ability to identify, and fill, policy and procedure gaps
- Improved efficiency and performance of staff
Timeline
| Milestone | Status |
|---|---|
| University involvement in Teaching Quality Indicators (TQI) Project | Approved May 2007 |
| Project Manager appointed for TQI Project | Completed July 2007 |
| Policy Review (L&T) undertaken | Completed September 2007 |
| Funding commitment ($300,000) provided from the Office of the DVC (Provost) to the Office of the DVC (Development and External Relations) for the creation of an online policy resource, Policy Central, within the new Content Management System | Funding provided in November 2007 |
| Academic Policy Reference Group established | Completed November 2007 |
| Benchmarking visits to the University of Queensland and Griffith University | Completed December 2007 |
| University Secretary and General Counsel appointed | Completed December 2007 |
| Standard Policy, Procedure and Guideline Templates created and approved | Completed January 2008 |
| Policy Establishment and Review document written | Completed January 2008 |
| University Policy Reference Group established (subsuming members from the Academic Policy Reference Group) | Completed January 2008 |
| Endorsement by the VC and Executive for the roll out of new policy framework across the institution | Endorsed 11 February 2008 |
| Communication plan developed and implemented | Completed – MQ Announcement 1 April 2008 |
| Conversion of existing policies, procedures and guidelines into agreed templates | Ongoing |
| Drafting and approval of new policies, procedures and guidelines | Ongoing |
| Online publication of approved policies, procedures and guidelines | Undertaken as approved |
| Creation of Central Policy Unit | Proposed for consideration |
| Regular review of policies, procedures and guidelines | Ongoing |
Contacts
Bronwyn Kosman
Project Manager
Phone: 9850 4791
Email:policy@mq.edu.au