Monash University

Education Committee Meeting 6/97


Meeting 6/97 of the Education Committee will be held on Wednesday, 24 September 1997 at 10:00 am in the Sir George Lush Room, University Offices, Clayton Campus.

Apologies: Telephone: 9905 9001; email: Sally.Stafford@adm.monash.edu.au.

17 September 1997
Ms SC Stafford
Administrative Officer

Members having a direct commercial or financial interest in any item before this meeting must declare that interest to the Chair via the Committee Secretary prior to consideration of the item, and must not take part in a vote on any matter concerning it.

AGENDA

* 1. STARRED ITEMS

The Committee should note that certain items have been starred as requiring discussion. Additional items may be starred at the discretion of the Committee.

All items related to course approval and major amendments have been starred for the attention of the Committee.

Recommendation:

That the Committee nominate any additional items to be starred, and then endorse the recommendations for items other than those starred.

* 2. MINUTES

The Minutes of Meeting 5/97 held on Wednesday, 13 August 1997 have been circulated.

Recommendation:

That the Committee approve the Minutes of Meeting 5/97 as circulated.

3. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

3.1 Matters requiring Resolution from Meeting 5/97

The matters raised in items 14.1.2 and 14.2 of 2/97 and reiterated in 3.1 of 5/97 as requiring response from the Faculty of Education have not yet been resolved.

Recommendation:

That the Committee note that there are matters relating to course and subject proposals continuing to require resolution from Meeting 2/97.

4. ITEMS OF INTEREST FROM MEETING 6/97 OF THE ACADEMIC BOARD

A document is attached. Members are referred, in particular, to items 14.3.14, 14.3.15, and 18.1.2 with 14.4.15. P.1251

4.1 Bachelor of Sport and Outdoor Recreation

The Faculty of Education has confirmed that the title of the degree which appeared before the Board as the Bachelor of Sport and Resource Recreation (see item 4.2.1) has been amended to Bachelor of Sport and Outdoor Recreation.

* 5. DISCIPLINE STATUTE

A report from the University Solicitor is attached. The Committee is requested to resolve each of the points set out in the document (which appear in bold in the extract below) for incorporation in a forthcoming draft of the revised statute. P.1271

1. Misconduct/Discipline

Under the current statute, minor infringements are dealt with by fines and serious acts of misconduct or breaches of discipline are reported to the Vice Chancellor who may refer these matters to the University Discipline Committee.

The current powers in respect to fines will be retained in the revised statute. However, it is intended that both general and academic misconduct will be investigated by the Faculty Committees and that the Central Committee will only hear appeals from these decisions. This leaves other areas of the University such as the Union, the Library, the Computer Centre, Sports & Recreation and the Halls of Residence with no way of referring cases of serious misconduct or breaches of discipline to a committee for investigation, unless provision is made for this to be done through a faculty or by some other means.

One option would be to refer the matter to the student's faculty to be dealt with by the Faculty Committee. However, there is a need to cater for situations where students from several faculties might be involved, for example, in damage to a hall of residence. If these cases were to be reported directly to the Central Committee as they are at present, there would be no avenue of appeal as appeals to Council will be abolished in the new Statute. What provision does Education Committee wish to make for investigating misconduct/discipline cases from areas outside the faculties to a committee for investigation.

2 Penalties for assisting to cheat

The revised statute will contain the new academic offence, "assisting to cheat". Education Committee has directed that only academic penalties will apply for academic offences. The "academic penalties" will be:

A student is only suspended or excluded for cheating if the circumstances are unusually serious. Penalties most commonly imposed for cheating are disallowing the work (which normally results in failure of the subject) or annulment of the result for the subject. If a student is found guilty of "assisting to cheat", does the Education Committee consider it appropriate that the student have work disallowed or the result annulled when the student has completed the work, possibly at a high standard?

3. Membership of Faculty Committee

Education Committee is requested to decide on whether the membership of a Faculty Discipline Committee should include a student.

Recommendation:

That the Committee note the current status of the work on the Statute as outlined in the report, determine the issues set out for consideration and advise the University Solicitor accordingly.

* 6. THE 'NP' GRADE

6.1 Clarification of the 'NP' grade

A memo from Mr R Burnet, Assistant General Manager (Student Services) setting out Student Relations' response to queries regarding the significance of the 'NP' is attached for the information of the Committee. Mr Burnet also poses questions as to individual Faculty rules governing its use. P.1273

6.2 Faculty Reports on the Use of the 'NP' Grade

Reports on Faculty use of the 'NP' grade, have now been received from the Faculties of Business and Economics, Computing and Information Technology and Science, as well as from the Faculty of Arts (as reported in item 9 of the Minutes of Meeting 5/97). These documents are attached. Both the Faculties of Law and Medicine advise that the 'NP' grade has not been employed in the courses offered by their faculty. P.1275

Recommendation:

That the Committee note the current use of the 'NP' grade in light of Mr Burnet's queries, and that it request Faculties to ensure that:

* 7 SUBJECT QUOTAS

7.1. Report of the Working Party on Quotas

At its meeting 2/97 of 19 March, the Education Committee established a working party to consider the matter of Statute 6.1.1 as it relates to quotas on subjects. The report of the working party is attached together with the relevant sections of the Statute. P.1285

Recommendation:

That the Committee receive the report of the working party and consider its recommendations.

7.2 Proposed Subject Quotas for 1998

The Faculties of Science and Medicine have supplied data on their proposed subject quotas for 1998. Documents are attached. The Faculty of Engineering has provided a table setting out quotas and enrolments from 1994 through 1996, but advises that quota information for 1998 is unavailable until December, 1997. P.1289

Recommendation:

That the Committee note the proposed quotas, and request again that Faculties whose reports are outstanding provide the Committee with this information.

* 8. UNIVERSITY DIPLOMAS WORKING PARTY

A report from the Diploma Working Party exploring the question of initiating University Diplomas and framing fundamental guidelines for their implementation is attached for the Committee's consideration. Reports from the Faculty Certificates Working Party and proceedings from a planned joint meeting of the two groups will appear on the agenda for meeting 7/97. P.1293

Recommendation:

That the Committee receive the report of the working party and consider its recommendations.

* 9. MASTERS NOMENCLATURE

A proposal that the University introduce an additional award level of 'Honours Masters' degrees is attached. The proposal, framed by Associate Professor M Evans, Associate Dean (Teaching) and Associate Professor L Nethercott, Associate Dean (Graduate Studies) of the Faculty of Business and Economics, sets out the characteristics of such masters degree courses and the rationale underpinning their initiation. P.1295

Recommendation:

That the Committee receive the proposal and consider its recommendations.

* 10. EXTENDING ASSESSMENT OPTIONS - ORAL COMMUNICATION ASSESSMENT

The report of a Faculty of Arts Assessment Working Party, chaired by Associate Professor N White, Associate Dean (Teaching) is attached for the Committee's consideration. The report explores issues arising from the use of alternative assessment modes, with special emphasis on oral communication assessment, and recommends guidelines for implementation. P.1297

Recommendation:

That the Committee consider the report and recommend a review of the role of oral assessment in light of the issues raised in the document and the University's assessment policy. (Copies of the relevant sections of both the University's Education Policy and its Examinations regulations are attached for reference.)

11. FACULTY OF ARTS

The Report of Meeting 5/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Arts held on Wednesday, 27 August is attached. P.1311

Recommendation:

That the Committee receive the Report of Meeting 5/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Arts, note the proceedings, and consider each item requiring action separately for submission to the Academic Board.

11.1 New Subject Proposals

Documentation is available from the Administrative Officer regarding these proposals for perusal by members. Handbook entries are attached.

11.1.1 GSC3903 Media Law and Ethics

11.1.2 JWC3030 Hebrew Literature Research Project

Recommendation:

That the Committee endorse for submission to the Academic Board the subject proposals listed in items 11.1.1 and 11.1.2.

11.2 Major Amendments to Existing Subjects

The Faculty of Arts has agreed to recommend amendments to existing subjects as detailed in the report of the Faculty Board presented.

Recommendation:

That the Education Committee note the amendments to existing subjects of the Faculty of Arts as detailed in the report of the Faculty Board presented.

11.3 Disestablishment of Subjects

The Faculty of Arts has recommended the disestablishment of undergraduate subjects as detailed in the document presented.

Recommendation:

That the Education Committee note the information.

12. FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS

The Report of Meeting 4/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Business and Economics held on Wednesday, 20 August 1997 is attached. P.1315

Recommendation:

That the Committee receive the Report of Meeting 4/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Business and Economics, note the proceedings, and consider each item requiring action separately for submission to the Academic Board.

* 12.1 New Course Proposals

12.1.1 Master of Management (Human Resource Management)

This course is proposed for introduction from Semester 1, 1998, as an on-campus course offered on the Caulfield Campus. Documents are attached. P.1321

Recommendation:

That the Committee endorse for submission to the Academic Board the proposal of the Faculty of Business and Economics to establish a new course, to be titled Master of Management (Human Resource Management).

* 12.2 Major Amendments to Existing Courses

12.2.1 Bachelor of Business (Management) and Bachelor of Business (Business Administration) - new course progressions

The Faculty of Business and Economics has recommended the approval of new course progressions for the Master of Business (Management), Bachelor of Business (Business Administration) and associated double-degree programs. The proposed amendments are key changes flowing from the Faculty's review, and subsequent revision, of these courses. A document is attached. P.1329

Recommendation:

That the Committee endorse for submission to the Academic Board the proposed new course progressions for the Master of Business (Management), Bachelor of Business (Business Administration) and associated double-degree programs.

* 12.3 Disestablishment of a Course

The Board recommends to Education Committee that it approve the disestablishment of the Master of Business (International Business). A document is attached. P.1347

Recommendation:

That the Committee endorse for submission to the Academic Board the advice of the Faculty of Business and Economics that the course Master of Business (International Business) be disestablished.

12.4 New Subject Proposals

Documentation is available from the Administrative Officer regarding these proposals for perusal by members. Handbook entries are attached. P.1349

12.4.1 AMA4300/MKC9xxx Marketing the Arts

12.4.2 AMAxxxx Accounting and Finance for the Arts

12.4.3 MGC3xxx Managing Conflict

12.4.4 MGF3xxx Managing Conflict

12.4.5 MGX2511 Quality Management

12.4.6 MGX3381 Managing Information Systems

Recommendation:

That the Committee endorse for submission to the Academic Board the subject proposals listed in items 12.4.1 to 12.4.6 inclusive.

12.5 Minor Amendments to Existing Courses and Amendments to Existing Subjects

The Faculty of Business and Economics has agreed to recommend minor amendments to existing courses and amendments to existing subjects as detailed in the report of the Faculty Board presented. Documents regarding these amendments are available for perusal by Committee members from the administrative officer.

These include new course structures for the following:

Recommendation:

That the Committee note the minor amendments to existing courses and amendments to existing subjects of the Faculty of Business and Economics as outlined in the report presented.

13. FACULTY OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

The Report of Meeting 2/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology held on 8 August, 1997 is attached. P.1353

Recommendation:

That the Committee receive the Report of Meeting 2/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, note the proceedings, and consider each item requiring action separately for submission to the Academic Board.

13.1 New Subject Proposals

Documentation is available from the Administrative Officer regarding these proposals for perusal by members. Handbook entries are attached. P.1355

13.1.1 COT3153 Network Administration

13.1.2 BUS2700 Integrated Business Systems - SAP R/3

13.1.3 COT4700 Formal Methods in Database Systems

13.1.4 COT4702 Formal Methods in Distributed Computing Systems

13.1.4 COT4704 Formal Methods in Image Analysis and Retrieval

13.1.5 COT5701 Mobile and Distributed Computing Systems

13.1.6 BUS4700 Integrated Business Systems - SAP R/3

Recommendation:

That the Committee endorse for submission to the Academic Board the subject proposals listed in items 13.1.1 to 13.1.6 inclusive.

13.2 Minor Amendments to Existing Courses and Amendments to Existing Subjects

The Faculty of Computing and Information Technology has agreed to recommend minor amendments to existing courses and amendments to existing subjects as detailed in the report of the Faculty Board presented.

These include:

Recommendation:

That the Committee note the minor amendments to existing courses and amendments to existing subjects of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology as set out in the report of the Faculty.

14. FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

The Report of Meeting 1/97 of the Faculty Board Executive Committee of the Faculty of Engineering held on 5 September, 1997 is attached. P.1361

Recommendation:

That the Committee receive the Report of Meeting 1/97 of the Faculty Board Executive Committee of the Faculty of Engineering and consider each item requiring action separately for submission to the Academic Board.

14.1 New Subject Proposals

Documentation is available from the Administrative Officer regarding these proposals for perusal by members. Handbook entries are attached. P.1363

14.1.1 CIV5210 Industrial Project A

14.1.2 CIV5211 Industrial Project B

Recommendation:

That the Committee endorse for submission to the Academic Board the subject proposals listed in items 14.1.1 and 14.1.2.

15. FACULTY OF MEDICINE

The Report of Meeting 5/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Medicine held on 10 September, 1997 is attached. In order to permit their review by Evaluation Panels, recommendations contained in the report will be considered by the Committee at its next meeting, to be held on 5 November. P.1365

Recommendation:

That the Committee receive the Report of Meeting 5/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Medicine, deferring consideration of its recommendations until meeting 6/97 of 5 November.

16. FACULTY OF SCIENCE

The Report of Meeting 5/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Science held on 20 August, 1997 is attached. P.1367

Recommendation:

That the Committee receive the Report of Meeting 5/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Science, note the proceedings, and consider each item requiring action separately for submission to the Academic Board.

16.1 New Subject Proposals

Documentation is available from the Administrative Officer regarding these proposals for perusal by members. Handbook entries are attached. P.1369

16.1.1 CHM2212 Chemistry of Life

16.1.2 CHM2222 Chemistry of Bioactive Molecules

16.1.3 CHM2232 Understanding Biological Molecules

Recommendation:

That the Committee endorse for submission to the Academic Board the subject proposals listed in items 16.1.1 and 16.1.2.

*16.2 Major Amendments to Existing Subjects - Offerings of Psychology at the Peninsula and Gippsland Campus

The Faculty of Science has agreed to recommend amendments to existing subjects as detailed in the report of the Faculty Board presented. P.1371

These include changes to on-campus offerings of Psychology at the Peninsula and Gippsland Campus. A document is attached. The Chair will speak to this item.

Recommendation:

That the Education Committee note the amendments to existing subjects of the Faculty of Science as detailed in the report of the Faculty Board presented.

16.3 Subject Quotas

The Faculty of Science has agreed to recommend subject quotas as outlined in the attached table. (See item 7.2) P.1373

Recommendation:

That the Education Committee note the proposed subject quotas.

17. NEXT MEETING

The next scheduled Meeting of the Education Committee will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, 5 November 1997. Course and subject proposal submissions for that meeting are due on or before WEDNESDAY 8 OCTOBER; full reports are due on or before Friday 24 October.

It is very important that all final submissions include a report or draft report from the Faculty Board. Submissions must be electronically submitted. Hard copies should also be submitted for our records. Please DO NOT staple or submit double-sided hard copies.

Recommendation:

That the Committee note the information above.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Membership

Professor A Lindsay (Chair)

Associate Professor R Alfredson, Engineering

Mr M Cabrie, MSA, Clayton

Associate Professor M Evans, Business and Economics

Mr P Hawman, MPA, Graduate Diploma

Associate Professor J Hurst, Computing and Information Technology

Professor L Johnson, MME

Professor M King, PhD and Scholarships Committee

Dr K Macrae, Science

Ms K McGillivray, MUGSU, Gippsland

Mr J Poussard, MUSU Inc, Peninsula

Ms B Presutto, MUBSU, Berwick

Professor J Redmond, Art and Design

Professor L Roller, Pharmacy

Associate Professor G Taylor, Medicine

Mr G Tickell, Education

Mr J Welikala, MPA, Masters

Associate Professor N White, Arts

Mr M Williams, MUSU, Inc, Caulfield

Associate Professor S McNicol, Law

Professor B Young, Co-Opted

Vacant, MUPSA

In Attendance

Ms J Buckingham, Office of the DVC (A&P)

Mr R Burnet, Student Services

Professor L Nethercott, Business and Economics

Professor T Threadgold, Arts

Professor P Stewart, Pharmacy

Professor G Webb, CHED

Faculty Registrar/Manager (in rotation) - Ms G Ellis for Mr K Hobbs, Computing and Information Technology

Manager, Secretariat

Administrative Officer