Macquarie University’s Academic Senate held its third meeting of the year on 21 May, and here are the top five takeaways that you need to know:
1. Course reaccreditations after comprehensive review
The Academic Senate has approved the reaccreditation of several courses after a thorough review process. This process included external referencing and evaluations by an External Review Panel, with recommendations considered by Faculty Boards and the Academic Standards and Quality Committee. The courses reaccredited for the next seven years are:
- Undergraduate and postgraduate Law degrees from the Faculty of Arts;
- Undergraduate and postgraduate Economics and Finance degrees from the Macquarie Business School;
- Master of Clinical Audiology and Graduate Certificate of Hearing Sciences from the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences; and
- Bachelor of Science and its Open Universities Australia equivalent from the Faculty of Science and Engineering.
2. Oversight of Academic Risk in the Learning Environment
In adherence with the University’s Quality and Standards Monitoring and Reporting Procedure, which functions to provide oversight on Academic Risk, the Academic Senate reviewed reports aligned with the Higher Education Standards Framework (HESF) Domain 2 (Learning environment). The reports covered:
- facilities and infrastructure,
- equity and diversity,
- wellbeing and safety and,
- student grievances and complaints.
These reports outline the Universities policies, procedures, and actions taken to reduce risk since the last report in August 2022. The risk ratings have remained stable, and the Senate’s feedback will be forwarded to the University Council.
3. Update on National Research Assessments
The Australian Research Council Amendment (ARC Review Response) Bill 2023 has paused the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) process. The higher education sector is expecting a new approach as part of the Australian Universities Accord. The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Performance and Development), shared insights on potential changes and how the university is continuing to maintain high-quality research assessments and preparing to meet future requirements.
4. Review of the Rules
The General Coursework Rules, which govern all aspects of preparatory, undergraduate, and postgraduate coursework degrees, have been reviewed. This includes admissions, recognition of prior learning, enrolment, progression, assessment, awards, graduation, and procedures for review and appeal. The review aimed to update outdated content and ensure the rules reflect current best practices. These revisions will now be submitted to the University Council for approval.
5. Learning and Teaching Awards and Grants information transition from Policy Central to Staff Intranet.
With the expiration of the Learning and Teaching Awards and Grants Policy, following a review by the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education), the information has been moved from Policy Central to the staff intranet page for Teaching Development and Recognition. This change aligns with existing practices for research and professional services awards, allowing for a more agile response in the provision of awards and grants. The Senate Learning and Teaching Committee (SLTC) and the Academic Senate discussed this change, emphasising the importance of clearly recognising the value of educational excellence within the university community.
Policies in Progress: Your Guide to What’s Under Review
Consultation has closed on the following key policies which are due to come to the next meeting of Academic Senate:
- Graduate Research Supervision Policy and Graduate Research Supervision Procedure (consolidation of Higher Degree Research Doctoral Equivalency Policy; Higher Degree Research Supervision Policy and Higher Degree Research Supervision Procedure
Staff can view policies open for consultation at any time on the Policy Central Bulletin Board.
The next Senate meeting of 2024 will be held on 23 July. Keep an eye out for our notice on the Staff Intranet in early July giving staff an opportunity to observe or contact the Governance Secretariat by email at senate@mq.edu.au.
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