Monash University

Education Committee Meeting 3/96


Meeting 3/96 of the Education Committee was held on Wednesday 15 May 1996 at 9:00 am in the Sir George Lush Room, University Offices, Clayton campus.

There were present:

Professor RJ Pargetter, Chair

Associate Professor R Alfredson, Engineering

Ms H Anderson, MUGSU

Professor E Barry, Arts

Mr J Beggs, MUSU, Inc (Caulfield)

Professor J Bowers, Nursing

Associate Professor N Cameron, Science

Ms B L Chew, MPA (Masters)

Associate Professor M Evans, Business and Economics

Mr M Hamilton, MUBS, Berwick

Mr D Imber, MSA, Clayton

Professor M King, PhD and Scholarships Committee

Mrs A McMillan, Computing and Information Technology

Associate Professor S McNicol, Law

Professor J Redmond, Art and Design

Associate Professor L Roller, Pharmacy

Associate Professor G Taylor, Medicine

Mr G Tickell, Education

Mr J Welikala, MPA (Graduate Diploma)

Professor W Young, Co-Opted

In attendance were:

Ms ER Brooks, Secretariat

Ms O Cornelius, Academic Registrar

Professor T Hore, PDC

Mr D Mernaugh, Business and Economics

Ms J Newham, Secretariat

Professor C Raper, Pharmacy

Dr M Sim, Medicine

Mr N Thorburn, Student Services (for Mr R Burnet)

Apologies were received from:

Professor L Chipman, Distance Education

Ms S Langford-Jones, MUSU Inc, Peninsula

Professor A Sohal, Business and Economics

Professor J Whitelaw, Arts

Faculty Registrar/Manager (in rotation)

MINUTES

* 1. STARRED ITEMS
The Committee noted that items relating to course proposals and amendments and certain other items were starred as requiring discussion. Additional items were starred at the discretion of the Committee as follows: 3.5, 12, 21.3.1 and 23.
The Committee endorsed the recommendations for items other than those starred.
* 2. MINUTES
The Committee approved the Minutes of Meeting 2/96 as circulated.
3. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
3.1 Marking and Selection Practices
Regarding Minute 3.4 Meeting 3/95, 4.3 Meeting 4/95, 4.2 Meeting 5/95, 4.2 Meeting 6/95, 3.2 Meeting 7/95, 3.1 Meeting 8/95, 3.1 Meeting 1/96 and 3.1 Meeting 2/96: the Committee noted that the information would be submitted to the Committee at a later date. Ms Brooks
3.2 Focus of Degrees
Regarding Minute 7 Meeting 5/95, 4.4 Meeting 6/95, 3.3 Meeting 7/95, 3.2 Meeting 8/95, 3.2 Meeting 1/96 and 3.2 Meeting 2/96: the Committee noted that information regarding the status of elective subjects within undergraduate degrees would be brought to the Committee at a later date. Ms Brooks
3.3 Grievance Policy
Regarding Minute 7 Meeting 6/95, 3.4 Meeting 7/95, 3.3 Meeting 8/95, 3.3 Meeting 1/96 and 3.3 Meeting 2/96: the Committee noted that a paper was being drafted for circulation to faculties regarding this matter. Ms Brooks
3.4 Third Year Level Studies
Regarding Minute 10.3 Meeting 5/95, 3.6 Meeting 7/95, 3.5 Meeting 8/95, 3.4 Meeting 1/96 and 3.4 Meeting 2/96: the Committee noted that the information would be brought to a later meeting of the Committee. Ms Brooks
* 3.5 Fourth Year Honours Programs: Guidelines for Good Practice
The Committee noted that the working party had met and would continue to work on a report to the Education Committee. Ms Brooks
The Committee confirmed that the working party was to alter the approved guidelines only in presentation in order that they might be included in the policy handbooks. The Committee noted that the Working Party did not need to substantially alter the content of the original guidelines except as necessary to include other types of honours programs than those taught in a separate fourth year.
In response to a question from a member of the Committee, Semester One 1997 was confirmed as the implementation date for the introduction of the recommended revised grading scale for honours programs. Faculty Registrars
3.6 Master of Business Administration - course amendment
Regarding Minute 12 Meeting 1/96 and 3.8 Meeting 2/96: the Committee noted that the Academic Board had made a number of additional recommendations regarding this matter, and received an extract from the Minutes of Council Meeting 2/96.
The Committee also noted that subsequent to Meeting 2/96 of Council, information was received which indicated that the Monash Mt Eliza School of Business and Government Ltd had been teaching a course titled Graduate Diploma in Management for a number of years and continued to do so. Further, the Committee was informed, this award articulated into the Executive MBA and had a very different structure from the structure of the current Graduate Diploma in Business Administration. The Committee was advised that advice had been given to staff at Monash Mt Eliza that the University discouraged the use of the same title for two different course programs, and noted that the staff at Mt Eliza had agreed that this was a sound policy. Prof G Griffin
3.7 Subject Proposal: GSC2603 - Content Analysis and Quantitative Research
At Meeting 2/96, the Committee endorsed this subject for transmission to the Academic Board, but requested that further information regarding the level and content of this subject be developed and the outcomes reported to this Meeting of the Committee.
The Committee noted the further information provided regarding the level and content of the subject GSC2603 Content Analysis and Quantitative Research.
3.8 Language and Learning Policy
At Meeting 7/95, Minute 5, the Education Committee referred the report of the Language Policy Working Party to the Committee of Deans for a determination regarding whether the University might develop a Language Policy.
The Committee noted the extract from the unconfirmed Minutes of the Committee of Deans Meeting 5/96 regarding that Committee's endorsement of the amended document "University Language Policy" as a set of guidelines to be referred to faculties for consideration and action.
* 4. MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
4.1 Student Members
The Committee welcomed Ms Heather Anderson (MUGSU, Gippsland), Mr Joshua Beggs (MUSU Inc, Caulfield), Mr Matthew Hamilton (MUBS, Berwick), Mr David Imber (MSA, Clayton), Ms Shae Langford-Jones (MUSU Inc, Peninsula) and Mr Janaka Welikala (MPA, Graduate Diploma representative) as student representatives on the Committee until 31 December 1996. The Committee also noted that there was not yet a representative from the Parkville campus appointed to the Committee.
The Committee noted the advice of the Chair that the increased undergraduate student membership on this Committee was contingent upon the finalisation of an overall package relating to undergraduate student membership on the Education Committee, the Academic Board and Council, and noted also that this matter should be resolved in the near future. Ms Cornelius, Ms Newham,
Mr Summers
4.2 Other Members
The Committee noted that this was the final meeting to be attended by Associate Professor E Barry as Associate Dean (Teaching) from the Faculty of Arts, and thanked her for her conscientious service. A/Prof Barry
5. MATTERS REFERRED TO THE ACADEMIC BOARD
The Committee received an extract from the unconfirmed Minutes of Academic Board Meeting 3/96. The Committee noted the differences between the decisions of the Academic Board and the recommendations made by the Education Committee at Meeting 2/96, in particular Minutes 14.2, 14.4.5, 14.4.6 and 14.4.9.
* 5.1 Assessment in the Faculty of Arts
The Steering Committee of the Academic Board had requested that the Education Committee reconsider the proposals made by the Faculty of Arts regarding procedures to be used for double marking in performance based subjects and the establishment of a new grading structure for group assessed subjects. (Minute 14.2 of the unconfirmed Minutes of Academic Board Meeting 3/96).
These items were re-titled to more properly reflect the subject matter.
5.1.1 Double Marking in Performance Based Subjects
The Committee endorsed without further discussion the original recommendation made by the Faculty of Arts on this matter. Ms Jordon
The Committee endorsed for transmission to the Academic Board the recommendation of the Faculty of Arts that assessment for students in performance based subjects should, where appropriate, include a written component as well as a performance component. In the case of a disputed result, the written component must be marked by another qualified member of the department; and the performance component should be assessed by more than one examiner at the time of the performance. The respective "weighting" of each examiner's assessment should be determined by the head of the department and advertised in the subject handbook.
5.1.2 Group Assessment Criteria and Grading Scales
The Steering Committee of the Academic Board had commented that even in group assessed subjects there should be a method for assessing and reporting each individual's contribution to a group assessment.
Advice from the Examinations and Certifications Branch regarding this proposal was also submitted for the information of the Committee.
After brief discussion, the Committee agreed with the revised recommendation of the representative of the Faculty of Arts, that that there be no new grading scale for group assessed subjects, but that the titles of the subjects in question be amended to include the information that group activity comprised part of the subject. Ms Jordon
5.2 Bachelor of Computing / Bachelor of Education
The Committee received and noted advice provided by the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology and the Faculty of Education regarding the quota for the new course and the intention of the faculties not to offer the course at the Gippsland campus in 1997.
* 6. QUANTITATIVE SUMMARY OF SUBJECTS
The Committee received a number of documents relating to the request to provide this Committee and the Academic Board with a summary report of the subjects offered by the University at the first submission date for DEET reporting (now DEETYA reporting) in 1995 (31 May). Although originally it was intended to present first the undergraduate and then the higher degree subjects, it proved easier to present a single report of all subjects. The memorandum prepared by the Working Party presented an explanation of the reports themselves, of the methods used to prepare the reports and of the difficulties inherent in attempting to establish an exact count of the subjects available in a given year.
Each faculty also provided memoranda incorporating additional information and faculty-specific comments which were intended to assist in interpreting the data presented. The Faculty of Law did not submit interpretive data as the faculty felt it was unnecessary to do so.
The reports of zero enrolment subjects were referred to faculties for their information and subsequent report to the Committee. The Education Committee agreed to consider, when these reports are received, the matter of whether a procedure should be established for the deletion of a subject from active record on the database. Faculty Registrars
The Committee requested that reports equivalent to Reports 1 and 2 be referred to faculties as soon as they are available for 1996. The Committee recommended that faculties focus their attention on subjects with low numbers of enrolments. Each faculty would be requested to make a report to the Education Committee linking the 1995 and 1996 data and providing both further interpretive data and the methods used in choosing subject codes before the 25 September meeting. This advice and request for further information was given to faculties with a view to the potential implications of a reduced budget. The Committee particularly noted its concern that subjects with low enrolment numbers should not be subsidised by high enrolment subjects to the detriment of the more heavily enrolled subject. Ms Fairservice, Faculty Registrars
The Committee agreed to refer these reports to the Academic Board with the advice that these reports provide the best listing to date of the enormous range of subjects offered by the University, but to point out to the Board that one subject may be listed in a number of places on the reports because it is part of a number of courses. The Committee noted a particular example of this practice found on page 1 of Report 2, where the subject DRAMA INTO FILM appears under the various codes DTS2830, DTS3830, ENH2830 and ENH3830, with a total enrolment of 43. When considering the distribution of teaching in the faculties the Committee considered it important to remember the practice of offering the same subject under multiple codes. The Committee noted that discussion would continue regarding the development of reporting arrangements which would take account of this practice.
Finally, the Committee agreed to advise the Academic Board that the information regarding available subjects may vary widely from year to year, as some subjects which are elective in one year may become compulsory in another, and some subjects are available only in alternate years.
Members of the Committee agreed with the comment of the Working Party that while faculties should be encouraged to store additional data regarding cross-listed subjects and the links between subjects on their databases, developing new databases would be both time- consuming and unnecessary.
The Committee expressed its appreciation to the Working Party for the effort and thought taken to produce the reports presented.
* 7. COURSE INFORMATION DATABASE
The Working Party, Quantitative Summaries of Subjects also considered the matter of establishing a database for course details and made a specific recommendation regarding this matter. After some discussion regarding whether other avenues of information collection (eg faculty handbooks) might not provide the same information about the University's courses, the Committee agreed to request that the Information Systems Centre prepare a complete functional analysis of the requirements of the proposed course database system and the potential users of the system. From this information, the Committee also requested that the ISC make a recommendation as to whether amending the existing MUSIS database or developing a new system, possibly linked to MUSIS, would be the most practicable solution and subsequently to advise on a time frame for implementing either option. The Committee noted that if the final decision was that more functionality should be added to MUSIS, this recommendation would need to be prioritised against the other MUSIS development priorities for a suitable delivery date. Mr Irvine
The Academic Registrar also advised the Committee regarding the potential establishment of a new database, and the Committee noted her comment that the university had federal and local reporting and other responsibilities which were difficult to fulfil without the additional tracking mechanism a new or extended database would provide. The Chair provided examples of information currently unavailable except after conducting extensive research (eg which courses offered by the University had current legislation, and which courses had been reviewed during the past two years), which the Committee also noted.
The Committee agreed to discuss the matter further once a report had been received from the Information Systems Centre.
* 8. SUBJECTS LISTED AT MORE THAN ONE YEAR LEVEL
The Committee discussed the various different statements made in the past year regarding the credit point values of subjects, and whether such values should be permitted to vary. The Committee agreed that it would be useful to prepare a policy statement to be incorporated into the appropriate University publications. The statement is as follows: Mr Calder, Faculty Registrars
Where a subject is offered for the same number of credit points at two different levels, the assessment required of that subject must be qualitatively different.
If a subject, offered at two levels, is intended to have differing credit points there must be an obvious difference in the workload for the two levels of the subject in addition to the qualitative distinction expected of students at different academic levels. This could include different objective statements, additional preparatory requirements (eg reading or laboratory work) and increased and/or different assessment expectations.
Where a subject is attempted, unchanged, at different levels it is not permitted to 'de-value' the subject for one level by reducing or increasing the credit points obtained. If, for example, a Masters candidate is permitted to attempt a third year subject which is worth six points, the Masters candidate must also be awarded six points for the subject, although at the discretion of the Faculty Board the student may be permitted to count only two points towards the degree (or may be required to extend the required number of points for the degree by an additional four points). If this practice is used, the credit points should differ from the EFTSU loading given the subject for that student, in order that the student's HECS or fee requirements remain the same as other students in the same course.
In all cases, the amount of work expected of a student should be reflected in the number of credit points which the student may earn for the subject. If the work expected is the same the credit points may not be different, regardless of the quality of the work expected from the student.
Further, the Committee noted the recommendation made by a staff member of the Faculty of Arts, that slightly different essay and/or examination topics might be set for students at different year levels in the same subject (for example requiring greater breadth of knowledge from later year students).
* 9. PROPOSED ADDENDUM TO GRADUATE STUDIES POLICY
The Committee referred the proposed addendum to the Graduate Studies Policy, which related to equity places in fee-paying courses, to the Committee of Deans for advice on the matter. Ms Newham
* 10. PSYCHOLOGY SUBJECTS WITHIN THE BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE STRUCTURE
The Committee received a number of documents relating to this matter.
The Committee discussed the issue of Psychology subjects within the Bachelor of Arts degree structure, and agreed to accept the recommendations made in the paper prepared by Professor Pargetter, as follows: A/Prof Barry,
Ms Jordon, A/Prof Cameron, Dr Rodan
Psychology shall remain a fully creditable major sequence for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts program and not subject to special requirements that students must take a second major sequence;
The situation as specified in the 1996 official handbooks regarding the availability of Psychology subjects within the Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Humanities) and the Bachelor of Arts (Humanities and Social Sciences) will remain in place for any currently enrolled students, and for any students who enrol prior to the end of 1997;
The proposed review of the courses at Gippsland should clarify the future of the two degrees indicated in recommendation 2 above, and clarify in particular the availability of psychology in each degree program;
The report of the review indicated in recommendation 3 should be received by the Education Committee before the end of 1996, with any revised arrangements to take effect for the 1998 intake;
Legislation pertaining to all degree programs of the Faculty of Arts, including those under review [BA(Psych&Hum) and BA(Hum&SocSc)] must be finalised by the end of 1996;
The Faculty of Arts must take steps to ensure that all students enrolled in or enrolling in the awards affected by these discussions are made fully aware of the current availability of psychology within the Arts degrees, and are kept informed of all developments related to this matter.
The Committee noted that the proposal of the Faculty of Arts regarding the names of courses at the Gippsland campus had been withdrawn by the Faculty.
The Committee also noted the advice of the Academic Registrar regarding the Psychology Advisory Board, which had been disestablished at Council Meeting 3/96 (resolution CL 3/96/125) and replaced by the Psychology Advisory Committee. It was expected that this new committee would also need to be involved in the discussions indicated above. Dr Rodan
10.1 New Course Proposals
10.1.1 Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Humanities) / Bachelor of Education
The Committee received as a tabled paper the proposal of the Faculties of Education and Arts to offer this combined degree program on the Gippsland campus from 1997.
The Committee agreed to endorse the proposal, based on the information that the proposal was virtually the same in structure as the Bachelor of Arts (Journalism) / Bachelor of Education approved by this Committee earlier this year, the requirement that the proposal be approved before the end of the working day in order to allow its inclusion in the VTAC Guide to Courses for 1997, and the explanation that the proposal had not earlier been presented due to the questions raised regarding the future of psychology programs in the Faculty of Arts.
However, the Committee agreed that the proposal contained a number of flaws, and asked that the documentation be revised prior to its submission to the Academic Board.
The revised documentation is attached to these Minutes (Attachment 1) and will be considered at the next Meeting of the Education Committee.
Subject to the re-submission of the course proposal documentation to the next meeting of the Education Committee, the Committee approved the proposal to establish a new double degree program, to be titled Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Humanities) / Bachelor of Education. Mr Yates,
Ms Jordon
10.1.1 Bachelor of Arts (Humanities and Social Science) / Bachelor of Education
The Committee received as a tabled paper the proposal of the Faculties of Education and Arts to offer this combined degree program on the Gippsland campus from 1997.
The Committee agreed to endorse the proposal, based on the information that the proposal was virtually the same in structure as the Bachelor of Arts (Journalism) / Bachelor of Education approved by this Committee earlier this year, the requirement that the proposal be approved before the end of the working day in order to allow its inclusion in the VTAC Guide to Courses for 1997, and the explanation that the proposal had not earlier been presented due to the difficulties regarding the future of psychology programs in the Faculty of Arts.
However, the Committee agreed that the proposal contained a number of flaws, and asked that the documentation be revised prior to its submission to the Academic Board.
The revised documentation is attached to these Minutes (Attachment 2) and will be considered at the next Meeting of the Education Committee.
Subject to the revision and re-submission of the course proposal documentation to the next meeting of the Education Committee the Committee approved the proposal to establish a new double degree program, to be titled Bachelor of Arts (Humanities and Social Science) / Bachelor of Education. Mr Yates,
Ms Jordon
* 11. REVIEW OF DISCIPLINE STATUTE
The Committee received a draft of the proposed revisions to Statute 4.1 - Discipline Statute and explanatory remarks prepared by the University's Policy and Legal Counsel, Ms S Bath. The Committee approved the proposed process for considering faculty comments and the timeline for submitting the revised version of the Statute to Academic Board and Council. A Working Party was established from the membership of the Education Committee, comprising Associate Professor S McNicol (Chair),Ms H Anderson (student), Professor J Bowers, Ms O Cornelius, Associate Professor N Cameron and Professor A Sohal. This Working Party may consult with other interested parties as necessary. A/Prof McNicol, Ms Anderson, Prof Bowers,
Ms Cornelius, A/Prof Cameron, Prof Sohal,
Ms Brooks
The Committee noted that faculties, committees, student organisations and interested individuals had been invited to make submissions to the Working Party.
*12. REPORT OF THE DISTANCE EDUCATION AND OPEN LEARNING COMMITTEE
In response to a question from a member of the Committee, the Chair confirmed that the resolution of the matter of funding open learning subjects, after discussion with the Central Budgets Committee, would be reported to the Education Committee. Ms Brooks
The Committee received the Report of Meeting 1/96 of the Distance Education and Open Learning Committee and noted the proceedings of the Committee.
13. REPORT OF THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIAN
The Committee received and noted the summary of the Library Impact Statements submitted to the University Librarian for the period January 1996 to April 1996.
14. COMBINED CASEY TAFE COURSES - DISESTABLISHMENT
The Committee noted that the following double award programs of the University proposed to be offered on the Berwick campus and approved by Council would not proceed and were therefore to be disestablished: Ms McLachlan
Bachelor of Tourism / Associate Diploma of Business (Travel and Tourism) Bachelor of Business / Associate Diploma of Business (Travel and Tourism)
* 15. MATTERS RELATED TO THE UNIVERSITY SOLICITOR'S OFFICE
15.1 Proposed Proforma for Preparing Instructions
The University Solicitor, Mr R Wortley, attended the meeting to discuss the proposed proforma for the preparation of instructions for writing legislation. He informed the Committee that the draft proforma and procedural statement prepared by the Executive Officer had been received in the Solicitor's Office the day before the Meeting, and that a revised version of this draft would be made available to be distributed with the Minutes of the Meeting (Attachment 3).
The Committee agreed to examine the document circulated with the Minutes and to consider the matter at its next Meeting. Members
15.2 Formal Liaison for Legislative Matters
The Committee requested that each Faculty formally nominate a person located in the Faculty Office to be the liaison for all matters regarding legislation for that Faculty. Members
15.3 Legislation for Undergraduate Courses
The Academic Registrar reported that the process of finalisation of legislation for undergraduate degrees to be taught in 1997 was well under way, and that she had been assured that the Solicitor's Office would meet the deadline imposed on them for the preparation of undergraduate degree regulations.
16. FACULTY OF MEDICINE
The Committee received the Report of Meeting 2/96 of the Board of the Faculty of Medicine held on 20 March 1996 and considered each item requiring action separately for transmission to the Academic Board.
* 16.1 Amendments to Existing Courses
Dr Sim, who was present at the Meeting, introduced the following proposals for amendments to courses offered by the Faculty of Medicine.
The Committee noted the additional information provided by Dr Sim in response to Professor King's query regarding the course proposal documentation.
16.1.1 Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health
The Committee noted that the structure of the existing Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health would be modified as documented in the papers presented, and the title of the course amended to Graduate Diploma in Occupational and Environmental Health.
This revised course would be offered through the Monash Medical School, Alfred Hospital commencing in Semester 2 1996.
The Committee endorsed for transmission to the Academic Board the proposal to revise the structure of the existing Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health and to change the tile of this course to Graduate Diploma in Occupational and Environmental Health. Mr Ruck
16.1.2 Graduate Diploma in Epidemiology and Biostatistics
The Committee noted that the structure of the existing Graduate Diploma in Epidemiology and Biostatistics would be modified as documented in the papers presented, and the title of the course amended to Graduate Diploma in Clinical Epidemiology.
This revised course would be offered through the Monash Medical School, Alfred Hospital commencing in Semester 2 1996.
The Committee endorsed for transmission to the Academic Board the proposal to revise the structure of the existing Graduate Diploma in Epidemiology and Biostatistics and to change the tile of this course to Graduate Diploma in Clinical Epidemiology. Mr Ruck
16.2 New Subject Proposals
16.2.1MPHxxxx Risk, Management and Law
16.2.2 MPHxxxx Rehabilitation and Health Promotion
16.2.3 MPHxxxx Chemical Environment I
16.2.4MPHxxxx Physical Environment
16.2.5MPHxxxx Chemical Environment II
16.2.6MPHxxxx Biological Environment
16.2.7MPHxxxx Controlled Clinical Trials
16.2.8MPHxxxx Measurement in Clinical Research
16.2.9MPHxxxx Clinical Decision Analysis
16.2.10 MPHxxxx Meta Analysis
16.2.11 MPHxxxx Research Internship
The Committee endorsed for transmission to the Academic Board the subject proposals listed in items 16.2.1 to 16.2.11 inclusive. Mr Ruck
16.3 Amendment to Existing Subject
The Committee endorsed for transmission to the Academic Board the proposal to retitle MPH2000 Advanced Biostatistics as Advanced Epidemiology. Mr Ruck
17. VICTORIAN COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
The Committee received and noted the memorandum from the Registrar of the Victorian College of Pharmacy dated 11 April 1996.
* 17.1 Amendments to Existing Courses
17.1.1 the honours degree of Bachelor of Pharmacy - amendment to title
The Committee considered the proposal of the Board of the Victorian College of Pharmacy to amend the title of the honours degree of Bachelor of Pharmacy to the honours degree of Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science.
Concerns were raised regarding the proposal, since it would be the first example at the University of an honours program which was not named directly after a pass degree. The representative of the Victorian College of Pharmacy, Professor C Raper, pointed out that the proposal had been made to accommodate students who had not completed the Bachelor of Pharmacy degree program but who wished to attempt a research program at the College. Enrolling those students into an honours degree of Bachelor of Pharmacy and awarding such a degree to those students could be seen as implying that they were qualified to register as pharmacists, which was not the case.
Professor Raper agreed to revise and expand the proposal for re- submission to the next Meeting of this Committee. The Committee deferred further consideration of the proposal until that time. Prof Raper,
Mr Watson
17.1.2 Master of Pharmacy - amendment to title
Since this proposal was described by the representative of the College of Pharmacy as a progression from the proposal in item 17.1.1, it was withdrawn from consideration until the next Meeting of the Education Committee. Prof Raper,
Mr Watson
17.2 Disestablishment of Course
Since this proposal was described by the representative of the College of Pharmacy as a progression from the proposal in item 17.1.1, it was withdrawn from consideration until the next Meeting of the Education Committee. Prof Raper,
Mr Watson
18. FACULTY OF SCIENCE
The Committee received the Report of Meeting 1/96 of the Board of the Faculty of Science held on 27 March 1996, noted the proceedings and considered each item requiring action separately for transmission to the Academic Board.
18.1 New Course Proposal
18.1.1 Bachelor of Applied Science / Bachelor of Arts (Social Science)
See also Item 19.1.1.
The Committee noted that the Board of the Faculty of Science had ratified the action of the Dean in recommending the introduction of a new course, Bachelor of Applied Science/Bachelor of Arts (Social Science), which was approved for introduction in 1997 at Education Committee Meeting 2/96. Dr Rodan
18.2 Disestablishment of Course
18.2.1 Bachelor of Science (Behavioural)
The Committee noted the decision of the Board of the Faculty of Science that there be no further intake to the Bachelor of Science (Behavioural). Dr Rodan
19. FACULTY OF ARTS
The Committee received the Report of Meeting 2/96 of the Board of the Faculty of Arts held on 3 April 1996, noted the proceedings and considered each item requiring action separately for transmission to the Academic Board.
19.1 New Course Proposal
19.1.1 Bachelor of Applied Science / Bachelor of Arts (Social Science)
See also Item 18.1.1.
The Committee noted that the Board of the Faculty of Arts have had ratified the action of the Dean in recommending the introduction of a new course, Bachelor of Applied Science/Bachelor of Arts (Social Science), which was approved for introduction in 1997 at Education Committee Meeting 2/96. Ms Jordon
19.2 Disestablishment of Course
19.2.1 Bachelor of Arts (Australian Studies)
The Committee noted the decision of the Board of the Faculty of Arts that there be no further intake to the Bachelor of Arts (Australian Studies). Ms Jordon
20. FACULTY OF ARTS
The Committee received the Report of Meeting 3/96 of the Board of the Faculty of Arts held on 1 May 1996, noted the proceedings and considered each item requiring action separately for transmission to the Academic Board.
20.1 New Subject Proposals
20.1.1 ENHxxxx Worlds in Conflict: Literary Readings
20.1.2SCY3000 - 3006 Options - Morals, Magic, Markets and Money
20.1.3CLS2080/CLS3080 Science Fiction: From Monsters to Cyborgs
The Committee endorsed for transmission to the Academic Board the subject proposals listed in items 20.1.1 to 20.1.3 inclusive. Ms Jordon
* 20.2 Subject Quota
The Board of the Faculty of Arts had forwarded a request for the introduction of a quota on the subject VSA1040/VSA1050 Introduction to the Visual Arts 4: Australian Film and Television for Semester 1 1996.
The Associate Dean (Teaching) of the Faculty of Arts addressed this item, explaining that the proposal had contained a typographical error, and was intended for introduction from Semester 1 1997. However, as the proposal was incomplete, she agreed that the matter should be referred to the Faculty for further detail to be provided regarding the rationale for selection of students to be permitted to undertake the subject and the number of places to be made available. Ms Jordon
She also advised the Committee that no students would be permitted to transfer into the subject VSA1050 Introduction to the Visual Arts 4: Australian Film and Television for Semester 2 1996, in order to ease the overcrowding currently experienced in the Semester 1 version of the subject. Ms Jordon
21. FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS
The Committee received the Report of Meeting 2/96 of the Board of the Faculty of Business and Economics held on 3 April 1996, noted the proceedings and considered each item requiring action separately for transmission to the Academic Board.
* 21.1 New Course Proposals
21.1.1 Graduate Certificate in Electronic Commerce
This course would be offered through the Gippsland campus by Distance Education.
The Committee endorsed for transmission to the Academic Board the proposal to establish a new course, to be titled Graduate Certificate in Electronic Commerce. Ms Pilgrim
21.1.2 Graduate Certificate in Public Policy and Management
This course would be offered through 30 Collins Street.
The Committee endorsed for transmission to the Academic Board the proposal to establish a new course, to be titled Graduate Certificate in Public Policy and Management. Ms Pilgrim
21.1.3 Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and Management
This course would be offered through 30 Collins Street.
The Committee endorsed for transmission to the Academic Board the proposal to establish a new course, to be titled Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and Management. Ms Pilgrim
* 21.2 Amendments to Existing Courses
21.2.1 Master of Marketing - amendment to structure and admission requirements
The proposal to amend the Master of Marketing was withdrawn from consideration by the Faculty of Business and Economics prior to the meeting. Ms Pilgrim
21.2.2 Bachelor of Commerce (Strategic Management) - amendment to title
The Committee endorsed for transmission to the Academic Board the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Business and Economics to amend the title of the Bachelor of Commerce (Strategic Management) to Bachelor of Commerce (Management). Ms Pilgrim
21.2.3 Bachelor of Business (Banking and Finance) / Bachelor of Laws - amendment to structure
The Committee endorsed for transmission to the Academic Board the proposal to amend the structure of the Bachelor of Business (Banking and Finance) / Bachelor of Laws as detailed in the documents presented. Ms Pilgrim
21.2.4 Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Laws - amendment to structure
The Board of the Faculty of Business and Economics had noted some concerns with the amendments to the structure and referred the matter to the Faculty Undergraduate Studies Committee for further investigation. The Associate Dean (Teaching) of the Faculty of Business and Economics advised the Committee that the Faculty of Business and Economics was now satisfied that, as these were extremely talented students, the proposed amendment to the structure of the course was no longer a matter of concern for the Faculty.
The Committee endorsed for transmission to the Academic Board the proposal to amend the structure of the Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Laws as detailed in the document presented. Ms Pilgrim
21.2.5 Bachelor of Economics / Bachelor of Laws - amendment to structure
The Board of the Faculty of Business and Economics had noted some concerns with the amendments to the structure and referred the matter to the Faculty Undergraduate Studies Committee for further investigation. The Associate Dean (Teaching) of the Faculty of Business and Economics advised the Committee that the Faculty of Business and Economics was now satisfied that, as these were extremely talented students, the proposed amendment to the structure of the course was no longer a matter of concern for the Faculty.
The Committee endorsed for transmission to the Academic Board the proposal to amend the structure of the Bachelor of Economics / Bachelor of Laws as detailed in the document presented. Ms Pilgrim
21.3 New Subject Proposals
* 21.3.1 AAF4xxx Research Papers in Accounting and Finance
21.3.2GBU8058 Introduction to Electronic Commerce
21.3.3GBU8059 Change Management in Electronic Commerce
21.3.4GBU8060 Information Exchange Technologies and Processes
21.3.5GBU8061 Applications in Electronic Commerce
* 21.3.6 MKT5xxxx Special Topic in Marketing
21.3.7PPM5000 Reading Subject 1
A member of the Committee queried the proposed EFTSU for the subject AAF4xxx Research Papers in Accounting and Finance, but was assured that 1 EFTSU was appropriate for an honours research subject, and that the Faculty expected to enrol approximately eight students annually in the subject.
Item 21.3.6 was withdrawn by the Faculty of Business and Economics prior to the commencement of this Meeting. Ms Pilgrim
The Committee endorsed for transmission to the Academic Board the subject proposals listed in items 21.3.1 to 21.3.5 inclusive and item 21.3.7, and noted that the subject proposals listed in the Report of the Board of the Faculty of Business and Economics as items 4.7 to 4.11 inclusive had been withheld until such time as the course for which they were intended was brought forward to the Education Committee. Ms Pilgrim
21.4 Amendments to Existing Subjects
21.4.1 MKT6110 Buyer Behaviour - to be retitled Theory and Process of Buyer Behaviour
21.4.2ACC2391 Cost Accounting - Amendment to assessment, viz Mid-term test of one hour, 45 mins: 25% (previously 20%); Final exam - two hours: 50% (previously 55%)
21.4.3All Econometrics subjects taught on the Caulfield and Peninsula campuses - change of subject code from ECMxxxx to ECNxxxx
The Committee endorsed for transmission to the Academic Board the amendments to subjects detailed in items 21.4.1 to 21.4.3 inclusive. Ms Pilgrim
* 21.5 Review of Graduate Course Regulations
The Committee received and noted the document prepared by the Faculty of Business and Economics in response to the Graduate Studies Policy, and agreed to recommend that this paper be circulated to all faculties for their information and possible use in the required reconsideration of graduate course regulations in all faculties. Faculty Registrars
22. FACULTY OF EDUCATION
The Committee received the draft Report of Meeting 2/96 of the Board of the Faculty of Education held on 1 May 1996, noted the advice of the Associate Dean (Teaching) of the Faculty of Education regarding the accuracy of the Report and considered each item requiring action separately for transmission to the Academic Board.
22.1 New Subject Proposals
22.1.1 GEC5501 LOTE Teaching Method
22.1.2GEC5502 LOTE Teaching Method
22.1.3EDN8039 School Effectiveness and School Improvement: A Comparative Review
The Committee endorsed for transmission to the Academic Board the subject proposals listed in items 22.1.1 to 22.1.3 inclusive. Mr Yates
22.2 Amendments to Existing Subjects
22.2.1 EDN7085 The Teacher and the Administrator - to be retitled The Role of the Teacher
22.2.2GED0523 Method and Practice of Teaching Modern Languages A - to be retitled Languages Other Than English A
22.2.3 GED0525 Method and Practice of Teaching Modern Languages B - to be retitled Languages Other Than English B
The Committee endorsed for transmission to the Academic Board the amendments to existing subjects listed in items 22.2.1 to 22.2.3 inclusive. Mr Yates
* 22.3 Policy Statement Concerning Overseas and Other Extraordinary Practicum Placement Guidelines
The Associate Dean (Teaching) of the Faculty of Education advised the Committee that this document had been included in the draft report of the Board of the Faculty of Education in error, and was not to be considered.
*23. ITEMS WITHHELD AND/OR SUBMITTED AFTER DEADLINES FOR THIS AGENDA
The Committee noted that the Report of the Board of the Faculty of Engineering and a subject proposal from the Subfaculty of Nursing had been withheld from this Agenda on the advice of the Academic Registrar as having been received too late for inclusion.
The Committee also noted that a number of comments regarding the reports of subject summaries were received after the extended deadline for receipt of these comments (Education, Engineering and Pharmacy), but were included with the agenda papers with the approval of the Academic Registrar.
The Academic Registrar provided further information regarding the basis for these decisions to the Committee, and the Executive Officer confirmed that the information to be included in Faculty Handbooks could be submitted in advance of the approval of the Education Committee and Academic Board, so long as the changes were approved at or before Meeting 6/96 of the Academic Board. Faculty Registrars
*24. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
24.1 Teaching Within An Environment Of Significant Budget Cuts
The Education Committee discussed the matter of the possibility of significant budget cuts being made for 1997 by the Federal Government. Within that context and the context of the steady decline in teaching funding over the past few years, the Committee agreed to make a statement to be submitted to the Academic Board expressing concern that a significant decline in teaching resources would have a serious impact on the quality of teaching at the University.
The statement is as follows:
"The Education Committee registers its concern regarding the impact that reductions in funding for the teaching and learning activities of the University would have on the quality and standards of teaching and on the quality of the graduates of the University. In particular, the Committee agreed that the University should make commitments to its students and staff on the following points.
The University should:
Acknowledge its obligation to ensure that a range of subjects of appropriate diversity continues to be made available to students in all courses, while recognising that subjects with low enrolments may well now not be considered viable, and the current range of options, electives and alternative programs may not be able to be retained in an environment of continued funding cuts;
Ensure that the maximum size of classes is not greatly increased but that changes where required focus on very small classes;
Manage teacher workloads to ensure that any increases are appropriate for the individual academic;
Maintain its commitment to transition issues;
Recognise the importance of retaining top teaching staff, and the importance of retaining younger (often contract) staff;
Recognise the constraints, both physical (facilities) and human, placed on the size and number of subjects which may be made available;
Recognise that current requirements are stretching current resources to their limits;
Acknowledge that changes to the research funding available also impacts on the quality and standard of teaching;
Agree that no further increases in cross subsidising of small classes or other activities should be permitted;
Acknowledge that degradation of library and computer services would disadvantage students in an unacceptable manner;
Acknowledge that reductions in the overall quality of the teaching programs available reduces the prospect of attracting international and other fee-paying students to the academic programs of the university; and
Reinforce its commitment to quality teaching and learning by ensuring that this commitment to teaching issues and objectives is not lost in the face of budget cuts."
25. NEXT MEETING
The next Meeting of the Education Committee will be held on Wednesday 3 July 1996. Course and subject proposal submissions for that meeting are due on or before Tuesday 4 June; full reports are due on or before Friday 21 June. Members
Submissions should be electronically delivered where possible, or hand delivered (single sided copies only).
The Committee noted this information.

 

Membership
Professor R J Pargetter (Chairman)
Associate Professor R Alfredson, Engineering
Ms H Anderson, MUGSU, Gippsland
Associate Professor E Barry, Arts
Mr J Beggs, MUSU Inc, Caulfield
Professor J Bowers, Nursing
Associate Professor N Cameron, Science
Ms B L Chew, MPA, Masters
Professor L Chipman, Distance Ed (Alternate Chair)
Associate Professor M Evans, Business and Economics
Mr M Hamilton, MUBS, Berwick
Mr D Imber, MSA, Clayton
Professor M King, PhD and Scholarships Committee
Ms S Langford-Jones, MUSU Inc, Peninsula
Mrs A McMillan, Computing and Information Technology
Associate Professor S McNicol, Law
Professor J Redmond, Art and Design
Associate Professor K Stewart, Pharmacy (alternate)
Associate Professor G Taylor, Medicine
Mr G Tickell, Education
Mr J Welikala, MPA, Graduate Diploma
Professor B Young, Co-Opted
Vacant, MUPSA

In Attendance

Mr R Burnet, Student Services
Professor T Hore, PDC
Professor C Raper, Pharmacy
Professor A Sohal, Business and Economics
Professor J Whitelaw, Arts
Faculty Registrar/Manager (in rotation) - Mr B Ruck

Executive Officer

Ms E R Brooks, Secretariat


Distribution
Mr P Annal, Computer Centre
Ms S Bolton, Art & Design
Mr R Cochrane, M I Pty
Ms O Cornelius, Secretariat
Prof P LeP Darvall, Deputy Vice-Chancellor
Ms B Dianiska, Student Admissions and Records
Mr B Eddy, Solicitor's Office
Ms M Grant, Business and Economics
Ms S Hegarty, FCIT
Ms H Hind, Nursing
Ms C Holland, Arts
Ms M Kirk, Graduate Studies
Ms E Knowles, Student Services
Professor E Lim, Librarian
Ms D MacMillan, Nursing
Professor Stewart Marshall, Humanities and Social Sciences
Ms Jill McLachlan, Campus Administration, Berwick
Mr David Mernagh, Business and Economics
Ms M Morgan, MPA
Ms J Newham, Secretariat
Ms E Nolan, Arts
Ms S Parker, Business and Economics
Ms M Rambert, FCIT
Mr Ken Reed, Business and Economics
Ms K Stevenson, MUSU Inc
Mr P Summers, Policy and Planning
Research Officer, MAS
All Faculty Deans
All Faculty Registrars/Administrators