Academic senate projects

Post-Implementation Review of Shared Academic Governance
Shared Academic Governance is a model of academic governance that shares decision-making between central academic governance bodies, Academic Senate and its committees, and faculty boards and their subcommittees.

The shared model has been implemented in a pilot phase with faculty boards authorised as agents of Academic Senate until such time as Academic Senate conducts a post-implementation review and recommends more permanent delegations.

This project will conduct the post-implementation review.

Continues in 2021

Post-Implementation Review of Support and Recognition for Students involved in Academic Governance
The project is reviewing the support and recognition initiatives for students introduced by the Support and Recognition for Students involved in Academic Governance project, that ran in 2017.

The 2018–2020 cohort of student senators was the first cohort to have access to this suite of initiatives for the duration of their term.

Continues in 2021

Review of Indigenous Connected Curriculum
This project will review the implementation of the Indigenous Connected Curriculum in alignment with the Curriculum Architecture Undergraduate Principles. It will also consider inclusion of a comparable principle within the Curriculum Architecture Postgraduate Principles to enable delivery of an indigenous connected curriculum across the full coursework suite at Macquarie University.

Commence in 2021

Review of Diversity and Inclusion on Academic Senate
This project will develop a process to assess the range of expertise, diversity and inclusiveness of the membership of Academic Senate and to develop a process to identify and co-opt in the case that a gap in the membership is identified.

Commence in early 2021

Operating Plan 2020–2024 — Academic Senate engagement with academic and other related matters
To contribute to academic matters arising from the Operating Plan 2020–2024 program boards and work streams in a timely fashion.

This includes:

• facilitating consultation with Academic Senate
• establishing and leading working groups of Academic Senate if required
• providing feedback to Program Boards and workstreams.

Commence in early 2021

Review of University Medal Policy
This project will review the eligibility criteria for the prize of University Medal as described in the Policy, including through benchmarking both domestically and internationally to ensure the prize remains externally competitive and relevant.

It will also review the recent nominations and recipients of the award to highlight disciplines where the opportunity to put students forward for this award is underutilised, in particular under the category of the postgraduate course/program (AQF level 9) — which can be shown to include a substantial piece of independent work.

Commence in early 2021

Preparations for the TEQSA re-registration, including self-assessment and planning for standards relating to academic governance.

Work underway led by Executive Manager, DVC(A)

Quality Assurance Framework (Academic Domain)

Work underway led by Executive Manager, DVC(A)

Curriculum Architecture 2.0

Work underway led by DVC(A)

Policy review schedule

Completed. Policies review/development table available on Policy Central.

Recommendations from the post-implementation review of the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF)

On hold until release of TEQSA response to Noonan Review of the AQF.

Review of General Coursework Rules for Practical, Clinical and Professional Courses

Completed. Presented at Council meeting in December 2020.

Post-Implementation Review of Support and Recognition for Students involved in Academic Governance

Continues into 2021.

External Review of Academic Senate

Completed. Also see response project, below.

Composition of Academic Senate

Completed. Amendments to Senate Rules available on Calendar of governance, legislation and rules.

Post-Implementation Review of Shared Academic Governance

Continues into 2021.

Response to Recommendations from External Review of Academic Senate

Complete. Implementation plan approved by Academic Senate.

Preparations for the TEQSA re-registration, including self-assessment and planning for standards relating to Academic Governance.

Work continues in 2021, led by Executive Manager, DVC(A)

Quality Assurance Framework (Academic Domain)

Work continues in 2021 led by Executive Manager, DVC(A)

Curriculum Architecture 2.0

Work continues in 2021, led by DVC(A)

Implementation of Shared Academic Governance

This project of Academic Senate recognises the role of faculty boards and empowers them to have a greater level of autonomy over coursework curricula.

The project will deliver a greater activation of faculty boards and senate committees through devolved decision-making, supported by threshold standards, robust frameworks and annual reporting cycles to be established by Academic Senate and the Academic Standards and Quality Committee.

Phase 2B has:

• Established a best practice approach to meaningful cross-faculty collaboration and communication, in collaboration with the chairs of faculty boards and faculty board committees (eg FSQC, FLTC or FEC).
• Reviewed rules to ensure alignment with the new approach.
• Collaborated with executive deans for consideration of resourcing.
• Collaborated with the Office of the DVC(A) to ensure appropriate system functionality and required business process design is embedded within the CMS.

A post-implementation review will review the project in quarter 1, 2020.

See the Shared Academic Governance page for more information.

Leads:
Professor Mariella Herberstein, Chair of Senate; Professor Kevin Jameson, DVC(A)

Contact:
Zoë Williams, Head of Governance Services and Assistant Registrar
E: zoe.williams@mq.edu.au

Status:
Complete. Post-implementation review in 2020.

Review of General Coursework Rules

This project is reviewing the practical, clinical and professional program requirements outlined in the General Coursework Rules and recommend necessary amendments to reflect University policy.

Leads:
Faculty-elected member of Academic Senate

Contact:
Zoë Williams, Head of Governance Services and Assistant Registrar
E: zoe.williams@mq.edu.au

Status:
Continued into 2020

Macquarie University and Freedom of Speech

This project will:

• Review existing policies and documents to assess their effectiveness in protecting and promoting freedom of speech and inquiry.
• Consider how and to what extent should freedom of speech, inquiry and assembly be protected at Macquarie and whether the current policy approach is adequate.
• Conduct national and international sector analysis to determine how freedom of speech is protected at other institutions.
• Review and discuss recommendations of the French Review, when available, making appropriate recommendations to Academic Senate.

Leads:
Chair of Senate and Vice-Chancellor’s nominee

Contact:
Zoë Williams, Head of Governance Services and Assistant Registrar
E: zoe.williams@mq.edu.au

Status:
Complete

External Review of Academic Senate

The Higher Education Framework Standard 6.1.3(d) requires the governing body to undertake ‘periodic’ (at least every seven years) independent reviews of the effectiveness of the governing body and academic governance processes.

This project will facilitate an external review.

See more information on the External Review of Academic Senate.

Leads:
Professor Mariella Herberstein, Chair of Senate; External Chair. Emeritus Professor Richard Henry AM

Contact:
Zoë Williams, Head of Governance Services and Assistant Registrar
E: zoe.williams@mq.edu.au

Status:
Continued into 2020

Post-Implementation Review of Support and Recognition for Students involved in Academic Governance

This is a post-implementation review of the 2017 Support and Recognition for Students involved in Academic Governance project.

It will be led by the Student Senators. The project will review the support and recognition initiatives for effectiveness, and check for alignment with the themes and targets contained within Student Success Strategic Framework.

Leads:
Student Representatives

Contact:
Antonia Dykes, Project Officer
E: antonia.dykes@mq.edu.au

Status:
Continued into 2020

Recommendations from the Post-implementation review of the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF)

The AQF Second Edition was released in January 2013, and an Addendum for Masters Degrees was released in June 2014. From 1 January 2015 all new enrolments were required to be in qualifications that meet the requirements of the AQF Second Edition.

In 2018, a desk audit was conducted to document, assess and report on the University’s response to the implementation of the new AQF.

A project was scheduled for 2019 to respond to the recommendations from the desk audit. Following the announcement of a review by the Department of Education, this project was put on hold. The report was released in late October 2019. This project will commence when the report from the review has been endorsed by TEQSA.

Contact:
Paul Fairweather
Quality Assurance and Compliance Manager
E: paul.fairweather@mq.edu.au

Status:Continued into 2020

Supporting DVC (A) work in a review of the University approach to quality

In 2018 an audit was conducted of quality assurance across the University. This included a benchmarking analysis of peer institutions to determine different approaches to academic quality assurance, and furthermore, to detail how higher education institutions address regulatory requirements.

A report identified appropriate business owners for different review categories, allowing for the appropriate referral of both academic governance and management recommendations.

This project will respond to the academic governance recommendations.

Leads:
Member of Academic Senate

Contact:
Zoë Williams, Head of Governance Services and Assistant Registrar
E: zoe.williams@mq.edu.au

Status:
Continued into 2020

Project

Leads

Contact

Status

Purpose and Composition of Academic Senate

Working group chair: Professor Mariella Herberstein

Zoe Williams, Head of Governance Services
E: zoe.williams@mq.edu.au

Complete

Developing the Model for Shared Responsibility of Academic Governance

Steering group co-chairs: Professor Mariella Herberstein, Chair of Senate;
Professor Kevin Jameson, DVC(A)

Working group co-chairs:
Professor Mariella Herberstein, Chair of Senate; Associate Professor Catriona Lavermicocca, Chair of ASQC

Zoe Williams, Head of Governance Services
E: zoe.williams@mq.edu.au

Phase 1: Complete. Principles for Delegated Authority approved by Academic Senate in November

Phase 2A: Resources. This phase is a project of ASQC.

Phase 2B: Cultural Change.
Continuing in 2019

Post-implementation review of the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF)

Working group chair: Professor Jim Denier

Paul Fairweather. Quality Assurance and Compliance Manager
E: paul.fairweather@mq.edu.au

Continuing in 2019

Post-implementation review of the Higher Education Standards Framework (HESF)

Working group chair: Professor Jacqueline Phillips, Deputy Chair of Academic Senate

Paul Fairweather. Quality Assurance and Compliance Manager
E: paul.fairweather@mq.edu.au

Continuing in 2019

External Review of Academic Senate

TBC

Zoe Williams, Head of Governance Services
E: zoe.williams@mq.edu.au

Postponed to 2019

Curriculum Architecture

Professor Mariella Herberstein, Chair of Senate; Professor Kevin Jameson, DVC(A)

Zoe Williams, Head of Governance Services
E: zoe.williams@mq.edu.au

Complete

Policy Review

Working group chair: Professor Peter Radan

Ellen Carlson, Policy Manager. E: ellen.carlson@mq.edu.au

Ongoing

Developing the Model for Shared Responsibility of Academic Governance

Deliver a greater activation of Faculty Board and Senate Committees through devolved decision-making, supported by threshold standards, robust frameworks and annual reporting cycles to be established by Academic Senate and the Academic Standards and Quality Committee.

Position Academic Standards and Quality Committee as a higher-level body with oversight of quality and standards and oversight over non-award programs and University owned degrees.

Clearly define the role of Academic Senate as the approval authority for policy on academic matters, vis-à-vis a consultative body for policy approval.

Sponsors:
Chair of Academic Senate and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) & Registrar

Co-chairs of working group:
Professor Mariella Herberstein and Professor Catriona Lavermicocca

Contact:
Zoë Williams
E: zoe.williams@mq.edu.au

Status:
In progress — carried over to 2018 Projects

Purpose and Composition of Academic Senate

Alignment between Academic Senates purpose with a more mature shared responsibility model of academic governance.

Create transparency regarding the role and function of the University’s Academic Senate.

Provide clarity to all members of Academic Senate (elected, appointed or ex-officio) regarding their role on the University’s principal academic body.

Improve communication pathways to and from Academic Senate and its members, and to increase engagement from within and out Academic Senate.

Sponsors:
Chair of Academic Senate

Chair of working group:
Professor Mariella Herberstein

Contact:
Zoë Williams
E: zoe.williams@mq.edu.au

Status:
Carried over to 2018 Projects

Partnership with and Recognition of Student Members

Increase and support student partnership in decision making.

Increase student engagement with the University’s academic governance structures.

Provide support and incentives to students members.

Identify training and development opportunities for student members; clarifying the roles and responsibilities of student members and that assist with communication with the student electorates and student participation programs within the Faculties during tenure.

Sponsors:
Chair of Academic Senate & Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching)

Co-chairs of working group:
Brayden Jones and Thomas Hedl

Contact:
Sarah Rosen
E: sarah.rosen@mq.edu.au

Status:
Completed and under implementation

Establishing Principles for Program Review

Establish a consistent institutional approach to Program Reviews.

Sponsors:
Chair of Academic Senate and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) & Registrar

Chair of working group:
Neil Durrant

Contact:
Ainslee Harvey
E: ainslee.harvey@mq.edu.au

Status:
Completed and under implementation

Review of Quality Assurance and Quality Enhancement Policy and Process

Renew and refresh the approach to quality assurance to deliver a streamlined and consistent framework for managing academic and quality assurance matters.

Identification of appropriate business owners for different review categories, allowing for the appropriate referral of both academic governance and management recommendations.

Sponsors:
Chair of Academic Senate and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) & Registrar

Chair of working group:
Dr Panos Vlachopolous

Contact:
Ainslee Harvey
E: ainslee.harvey@mq.edu.au

Status:
In progress — carried over to 2018 Projects

Academic Integrity

In July Academic Senate established a Working Group to review the Academic Honesty Policy (now the Academic Integrity Policy) to ensure alignment with the Academic Integrity Values Statement and the Student Discipline Rule and Procedure. A draft Academic Integrity Policy and supporting Schedules
have been developed and following consultation and approval, will replace the existing Academic Honesty Policy.

The draft documents are available for comment:

• Academic Integrity Policy
• Academic Integrity Schedule 1 Responsibilities
• Academic Integrity Schedule 2 Definitions

Sponsors:
Chair of Academic Senate & Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) & Registrar

Chair of steering committee:
Dr Mitch Parsell

Contact:
Ainslee Harvey
E: ainslee.harvey@mq.edu.au

Status:
Completed and under implementation — see further information here.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria for the University Medal

Confirm the specifications of those programs that qualify students for the University Medal.

Produce clear and consistent eligibility and selection criteria for the prize of the University Medal.

Establish a student-facing communication strategy informing the Macquarie community about the prize and its recipients

Sponsors:
Chair of Academic Senate

Chair of working group:
Professor Jacqueline Phillips

Contact:
Ainslee Harvey
E: ainslee.harvey@mq.edu.au

Status:
Completed and under implementation

Policy Review

Streamline and/or consolidate existing Academic, Learning and Teaching and Higher Degree Research Policy and Procedure.

Identify the required realignment of the approval authority for policy documents following the review of the Delegations of Authority and the changes to the Executive organisational structure.

Ensure that the need to review, identify risks or necessary rescindment of academic policy is triggered in an agile manner.

Increase engagement with the documented standards for the development, approval, communication, implementation and review of policy documents (Policy Framework Policy and Procedure).

Sponsors:
Chairs of Academic Senate and its committees

Chair of working group:
Professor Peter Radan

Contact:
Ainslee Harvey
E: ainslee.harvey@mq.edu.au

Status:
In progress — carried over to 2018 Projects