Meeting 8/97 of the Education Committee was held on Wednesday, 17 December 1997 between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm in the Sir George Lush Room, University Offices, Clayton Campus.
There were present:
Professor AW Lindsay (Chair)
Associate Professor R Alfredson
Mr M Cabrie
Associate Professor M Evans
Associate Professor J Hurst
Professor M King
Dr K Macrae
Ms K McGillivray
Associate Professor S McNicol
Professor J Redmond
Dr K Stewart (Alternate for Associate Professor L Roller)
Professor G Taylor
Mr G Tickell
Professor M Quartly (for Associate Professor N White)
Apologies were received from:
Mr P Hawman
Associate Professor N White
Professor L Johnson
Associate Professor L Roller
In attendance were:
Associate Professor K Langfield-Smith (for Associate Professor L Nethercott)
Professor T Threadgold
Mr R Burnet
Ms A Pilgrim
Mr P Siggens
Ms K Wilson-Reid (Acting Secretary)
1. STARRED ITEMS
The Committee noted that all items related to course approval and amendment had been starred for the attention of the Committee and that certain other items were starred as requiring discussion. In addition, item 9.2.1 was starred by a member of the Committee.
The Committee endorsed the recommendations for all items other than those starred.
*2. MINUTES
A revised version of Attachment 3 to the Minutes of Meeting 7/97 was circulated in the Agenda (p 1803).
The Minutes of Meeting 7/97 held on Wednesday, 5 November 1997, were confirmed and signed subject to the replacement of Attachment 3 to the Minutes with the version of the attachment included in the Agenda for Meeting 8/97.
Action/Information: Secretary
3. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
3.1 Discipline Statute
At its Meeting 7/97, the Education Committee considered a draft of the Discipline Statute and provided suggestions which were to be incorporated into a further draft, with accompanying procedural documentation, for consideration by the Education Committee. Item 6 from the Minutes of Meeting 7/97 also reflected that two additional points in relation to 'on the spot fines' and appeals against faculty penalties imposed would receive further consideration at the following meeting.
The Committee noted that although a draft of the Discipline Statute incorporating the changes discussed at Meeting 7/97 had been prepared, the accompanying procedural documentation was not yet complete. Consequently, the Committee noted that the draft Discipline Statute, the accompanying procedural documentation and the two points detailed above would be considered together at Meeting 1/98 of the Education Committee.
Action/Information: Secretary
*3.2 Establishment of the Award of Postgraduate Certificate
A proposal for the University to establish the award of Postgraduate Certificate, prepared by Associate Professor J Hurst and a document containing a proposal from the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, part of which was considered at Meeting 7/97, were circulated (p1805-1809).
At its Meeting 7/97, the Committee endorsed a proposal of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology to re-title the Graduate Diplomas listed in the first category of the document presented to become Postgraduate Diplomas.
The same proposal had also sought to change the titles of the Graduate Certificates in Information Systems and Decision Support Systems to become Postgraduate Certificates. As the category of Postgraduate Certificate had not previously been established for award, the Committee agreed that a proposal to establish this new award would be considered at Meeting 8/97. The Committee then approved at Meeting 7/97, subject to the creation of such a new award, the change to the title of the two Graduate Certificates of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology listed above.
The Committee noted Associate Professor J Hurst's advice that the postgraduate certificate would be differentiated in title from the graduate certificate, similar to the recent establishment of the award of postgraduate diploma and that it would comprise the equivalent of one-semester of full-time study, where the postgraduate diploma equalled two full-time semesters of study.
Professor M King highlighted to members the potential for greater flexibility through use of this award as an alternative to Masters preliminary study.
The Committee:
1. considered and endorsed, for submission to Academic Board, the recommendations contained within the proposal to establish the new award of Postgraduate Certificate as detailed in the document presented; and
2. re-affirmed its decision to endorse, for submission to Academic Board, the proposal of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology to change the title of two Graduate Certificates to become the:
Action/Information: Secretary; Mr K Hobbs
4. ITEMS OF INTEREST FROM MEETING 8/97 OF THE ACADEMIC BOARD
A document was circulated (p 1811-1813).
The Committee noted the items of interest from Meeting 8/97 of the Academic Board held on 24 September 1997.
*5. REPORT OF THE FACULTY CERTIFICATES WORKING PARTY
The final Report of the Faculty Certificates Working Party, dated 2 December 1997 and the original Report of the Faculty Certificates Working Party, (from its meeting held on 22 September 1997), were circulated (p 1815-1819).
Consideration of the original Faculty Certificates Working Party report had been deferred at Meeting 7/97 so that further consultation could take place between members of the Faculty Certificates Working Party and the Diplomas Working Party.
Professor T Threadgold advised the Committee that following further discussions between members of the two working parties about the nomenclature for certificates containing undergraduate subjects, the proposal contained within the final Report allowed for individual faculties to specify the nomenclature for the various faculty certificates.
Discussion occurred regarding the principles for granting credit toward diplomas for subjects undertaken within certificates.
The Committee noted the advice of Associate Professor M Evans that the Teaching and Learning Working Party would consider undergraduate and postgraduate certificates in the context of providing pathways for flexible learning. Associate Professor Evans highlighted that certificates may in future also be used to aid in the admission of international candidates and to provide greater opportunity for mid-year intake.
The Committee endorsed for submission to Academic Board the recommendations within the final Report of the Faculty Certificates Working Party dated 2 December 1997.
Action/Information: Secretary
*6. REPORT OF THE CREDIT POINT WORKING PARTY
A Report of the Credit Point Working Party, dated 4 December 1997 and a related extract (for information) from a report of the Academic Programs Committee of the University of Melbourne to its Academic Board were circulated (p 1821-1824).
Discussion occurred regarding courses which had credit point structures set in accordance with requirements for professional accreditation. Members noted that the recommendation to Academic Board would include recognition that such courses would fall outside a University credit point standard.
Members considered the academic and administrative implications from the University's adoption of a standard range, including whether the range would apply to all, or only new subjects and courses. It was agreed that adoption of a credit point standard should initially be applied to new courses, however that faculties would be expected to reform their offerings to comply with the uniform point range over a period of two years, unless reasonable exception could be made or a course fell into either of the two categories detailed at point three below.
Associate Professor Evans highlighted a related issue of a possible increase to the credit point limit for overload within graduate courses, so that students may have greater flexibility with the time taken for course completion and the University may increase its competitiveness with the completion times for graduate courses offered by other institutions. It was agreed that this matter would be included for consideration at a future meeting.
The Committee:
The Committee agreed that, subject to Academic Board's endorsement of the standard credit point range, each faculty should be asked to bring to the Education Committee a timetable for reform to the above standard within the period of the next two years, or to present a reasonable exception to that standard.
Action/Information: Secretary; Associate Professor M Evans
*7. REPORT OF THE MASTERS NOMENCLATURE WORKING PARTY
At Meeting 6/97, the Committee established a Master Nomenclature Working Party to investigate the possibility of introducing a new level of award titled the Master (Honours).
A Report of the Masters Nomenclature Working Party, dated 2 December 1997, was distributed (p1825-1826).
The convenor of the Working Party, Professor M King, spoke about the proposal, advising members that introduction of the Masters (Honours) was intended primarily to provide a clear pathway for prospective PhD candidates, from Bachelor (Honours), through Master (Honours) to PhD. Professor King highlighted to members the current confusion of prospective Masters students and industry about the nature of the recent proliferation of Masters degrees. The Committee noted that some members of the Working Party had indicated that it was imperative to differentiate between Masters degrees which built on a knowledge base obtained from a four year Bachelor degree (including Honours), where necessary research skills were acquired for progression to a PhD program and Masters degrees which provided a fast-track method for a graduate of another area to obtain training from a low base in the discipline.
Professor King advised that the Master (Honours) would be the equivalent of a fifth year of study which was required prior to admission into a PhD program and that the degree would be a minimum of one year's duration.
Discussion occurred regarding the completion times and year levels of the various Masters degrees offered within the University. Associate Professor K Langfield-Smith informed members that this nomenclature was meant to distinguish between those Masters degrees with a research/academic focus and those with a professional focus, however that it would not signify the duration of a Masters degree. Members agreed that further discussion about completion times for Masters programs could take place at a future meeting.
Professor King advised that the PhD and Scholarships Committee had commenced further work in relation to consequent revisions to the University's Research Policy, amendments to legislation and the possible development of a grading scale within Masters degrees.
The Committee considered the Report of the Masters Nomenclature Working Party presented and endorsed for submission to Academic Board the following recommendations that:
Action/Information: Secretary; Ms P Herman
8. SUMMARY OF LIBRARY IMPACT STATEMENTS
A summary of Library Impact Statements submitted to the University Librarian for the period January to November 1997 was circulated (p 1827-1832).
Professor Lindsay advised that the Secretary would look into the reasons for the Library's regular submission of this type of report to the Education Committee.
The Committee received and noted the summary of Library Impact Statements submitted to the University Librarian for the period January to November 1997.
Action/Information: Secretary
9. FACULTY OF ARTS
A Report of Meeting 7/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Arts was circulated (p 1833-1835).
The committee received the Report of Meeting 7/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Arts and considered each item requiring action separately for submission to the Academic Board.
Action/Information: Secretary; Ms C Jordon
*9.1 New Course Proposals
9.1.1 Graduate Certificate in Corporate Environmental Science
This course was proposed for introduction from Semester One 1998. It would be offered in on-campus mode at the Clayton and Caulfield Campuses.
Documentation was circulated (p 1837-1843).
The Committee endorsed for submission to Council the proposal of the Faculty of Arts to establish a new course to be titled Graduate Certificate in Corporate Environmental Management, as detailed in the documentation presented.
9.1.2 Diploma in Languages
This course was proposed for introduction in Semester One 1998. It would be offered on the campuses at which the relevant subjects were currently taught and in the modes currently available.
Documentation was circulated (p 1845-1850).
Associate Professor Evans highlighted to members that further discussion was required about the matter of advanced standing and credit towards diplomas (refer also to item 14.1.1).
The Committee endorsed for submission to Academic Board the proposal of the Faculty of Arts to establish a new course to be titled Diploma in Languages, as detailed in the documentation presented.
(Secretarial note: Subsequent to the meeting, Associate Professor Evans advised that this matter could be considered at a future meeting of the Education Committee.)
9.1.3 Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate in Civil Ceremonies
A memorandum from the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor M Quartly, dated 10 December 1998, was circulated (p 1851).
Professor Quartly spoke to this item, highlighting that a full written proposal would be submitted to Education Committee in the new year.
Members considered a range of issues arising from the Dean's oral report including admission standards, accreditation matters, the award for which students would qualify (VUT or Monash?) and Monash expertise in this field.
The Committee noted the advice of the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor M Quartly, about this matter and provided "in principle" endorsement, for submission to Academic Board, for the establishment of two new courses titled the Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate in Civil Ceremonies, noting that proper documentation for these proposals would be forwarded to the Education Committee for Meeting 1/98.
9.1.4 Postgraduate Diploma of Arts (Conducting)
Documentation for this proposal was tabled at the meeting and is attached to these Minutes (Attachment A).
This course was proposed for introduction in Semester One 1998, to be offered at the Clayton Campus in on-campus mode.
Professor Threadgold spoke briefly to this item, thanking the postgraduate evaluation panel for their efforts in relation to the proposal.
Discussion occurred regarding the current workload of members of the Department of Music.
The Committee endorsed for submission to Academic Board the proposal of the Faculty of Arts to establish a new course to be titled Postgraduate Diploma of Arts (Conducting), including proposals for two new subjects, as detailed in the documentation presented.
*9.2 New Subject Proposals
Documentation was available from the Acting Secretary regarding this proposal for perusal by members. The handbook entry was circulated (p 1853-1854).
9.2.1 VSA2780/VSA3780 Contemporary Art of the Asia Pacific
Professor Redmond expressed concern about the similarity of subject offerings of the Faculty of Arts and the College of Art and Design within the discipline of Visual Arts. Discussion occurred regarding the consultation process required between faculties prior to presentation of new subject and course proposals to the Education Committee.
The proposal was amended so that the introductory year for offer of the subject would read 1998.
The Committee endorsed for submission to Academic Board the subject proposal of the Faculty of Arts listed under item 9.2.1, noting that this would not preclude the College of Art and Design from submitting subject proposals of a similar nature at a future meeting.
9.3 Major Amendments to Existing Subjects
The Faculty of Arts had agreed to recommend major amendments to existing subjects as detailed under items 3 and 4 of the Report of the Faculty Board presented.
The Committee noted the major amendments to existing subjects of the Faculty of Arts under items 3 and 4 of the Faculty Board Report presented, subject to clarification to be provided to the relevant evaluation panel regarding extra assessment and subject content to support the increase in credit points set out in the proposal under item 4 of the Report.
9.4 Extending Assessment Options
Subsequent to a revision of the Education Policy in relation to Oral Assessment which was approved by Academic Board at its Meeting 8/97, the Arts Faculty submitted for information a Faculty Policy on Oral Assessment and Group Project Work which was circulated (p 1855).
The Committee received and noted the Arts Faculty Policy on Assessment - Oral Assessment and Group Project Work presented.
10. FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS
The Report of Meeting 5/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Business and Economics was circulated (p 1857-1862).
The Committee received the Report of Meeting 5/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Business and Economics (noting the proceedings) and considered each item requiring action separately for submission to the Academic Board.
Action/Information: Secretary; Ms A Pilgrim
*10.1 New Course Proposals
10.1.1 Master of Management (International Business)
This course was proposed for introduction from Semester One 1998, to be offered primarily on the Caulfield Campus with some electives offered at the Campus at 30 Collins St.
This course would replace the Master of Business (International) which was disestablished in 1997.
A document was circulated (p 1863-1867).
The Committee endorsed for submission to Academic Board the proposal of the Faculty of Business and Economics to establish a new degree to be titled Master of Management (International Business), as detailed in the document presented.
*10.2 Major Amendments to Existing Courses
10.2.1 Graduate Certificate in Retail Business
This amendment would be effective from Semester One 1998.
A document was circulated (p 1869).
The Committee endorsed for submission to Academic Board the proposal of the Faculty of Business and Economics to amend the Graduate Certificate in Retail Business to allow credit exemptions for up to 50% of the course of study, as detailed in the document presented.
10.2.2 Bachelor of Business (Retail Management)
These amendments would be effective from 1998.
Documentation was circulated (p 1871-1872).
The Committee endorsed for submission to Academic Board the proposal of the Faculty of Business and Economics to amend the Bachelor of Business (Retail Management), as detailed in the documentation presented.
10.2.3 Bachelor of Business Studies
A document was circulated (p 1873-1877).
This course was currently being offered by Monash University through Open Learning. The amendment suggested would be effective immediately.
The Committee noted that the Faculty of Business and Economics had made certain undertakings in relation to this matter which were detailed in the Report of the Faculty Board (item 3.3).
The Committee endorsed for submission to Academic Board the proposal of the Faculty of Business and Economics to amend the Bachelor of Business Studies, as detailed in the document presented.
10.2.4 Reversion to a Lower Level Award
A document was circulated (p 1879).
The Committee endorsed for submission to Academic Board the proposal of the Faculty of Business and Economics to amend the course regulations for graduate courses to permit students to exit with the nominated lower level award, where all requirements for that award have been met, as detailed in the document presented.
10.3 New Subject Proposals
Documentation was available from the Acting Secretary regarding these proposals for perusal by members. Handbook entries were circulated (p 1881-1889).
10.3.1 MKP9xxx Commodity Price Risk Management
10.3.2 AFF9xxx Family Business Issues I
10.3.3 AFF9xxx Family Business Issues II
10.3.4 MKB1220 Public Relations Writing
10.3.5 MKB2252 Crisis and Risk Management
The Committee endorsed for submission to Academic Board the subject proposals listed in items 9.3.1 to 9.3.5 inclusive.
10.4 Minor Amendment to an Existing Course and to Existing Subjects
The Faculty of Business and Economics had agreed to recommend minor amendments to an existing course and amendments to existing subjects as detailed under items 3.5, 4.1, 6 and 7 of the Report of the Faculty Board presented.
(Item 3.5 of the Report provided detail of subject changes within the public relations stream of the degree of Bachelor of Communications following the major amendments to the degree which were approved by the Education Committee at Meeting 7/97.)
The Committee noted the minor amendment to an existing course and amendments to existing subjects of the Faculty of Business and Economics, as detailed in the documentation presented.
11. FACULTY OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
The Report of Meeting 5/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology was circulated (p 1891).
The Committee received the Report of Meeting 5/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology and considered each item requiring action separately for submission to the Academic Board.
Action/Information: Secretary; Mr K Hobbs
*11.1 Amendment to an Existing Course
11.1.1 Bachelor of Information Management (Honours) - Streams
The amendments under this item would be introduced from Semester One 1998. Members noted that these streams were not intended for inclusion in the title of the honours program.
A document was circulated (p 1893-1896).
The Committee endorsed for submission to Academic Board the proposal of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology to amend the Bachelor of Information Management (Honours) to allow for five streams within the honours program as listed below and detailed in the documentation presented:
11.2 New Subject Proposal
Documentation was available from the Acting Secretary regarding the proposal for perusal by members. The handbook entry was circulated (p 1897).
11.2.1 SYS2403 Professional Practice in Information Systems
The Committee endorsed for submission to Academic Board the subject proposal listed above under item 11.2.1.
11.3 Amendment to a Subject
The Faculty of Computing and Information Technology had agreed to recommend an amendment to an existing subject as detailed under item 3 of the Report of the Faculty Board presented.
The Committee noted the amendment to an existing subject of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology as detailed in the Faculty Board Report presented.
12. FACULTY OF EDUCATION
The Report of Meeting 5/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Education was circulated (p 1899).
The Committee received the Report of Meeting of the Board of the Faculty of Education and considered each item requiring action separately for submission to the Academic Board.
Action/Information: Secretary; Mr P Yates
*12.1 New Course Proposal
12.1.1 Graduate Certificate in International Education
Documentation was circulated (p 1901-1916).
This new course would be introduced from Semester One 1998 via distance education mode, to be coordinated from the Clayton Campus.
The Committee noted that the two subjects to be offered at the first year level of this new course, GED2863 and GED2864, were submitted for approval under item 12.1.1. (It was expected that proposals for the remaining two later year subjects would be forwarded for approval at a later meeting.)
The Committee endorsed for submission to Academic Board the proposal of the Faculty of Education to establish a new course titled Graduate Certificate in International Education, as detailed in the document presented.
12.2 New Subject Proposals
Documentation was available from the Acting Secretary regarding the proposals for perusal by members. Handbook entries were circulated (p 1917-1943).
12.2.1 GED2863 Issues in International Education
12.2.2 GED2864 Cross-cultural Curriculum and Pedagogy in the Global Context
12.2.3 GEDxxxx The international context of teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL)
12.2.4 EDC3001 Assessment of Learning
12.2.5 EDC3002 Developing Pedagogy
12.2.6 EDC3003 Adolescent Development
12.2.7 EDC3004 Language and Literacy in Secondary School
12.2.8 GEC1503 Sport and Outdoor Recreation 3
12.2.9 EDP2501 Practicum Studies 1 (Early Childhood)
12.2.10 EDP2601 Practicum Studies 1
12.2.11 EDP2602 Practicum Studies 2
12.2.12 EDP2701 Practicum Studies A (Primary)
The Committee endorsed for submission to Academic Board the subject proposals listed above under items 12.2.1 to 12.2.12.
13. FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
The Report of Meeting 6/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Engineering was circulated (p 1945).
The Committee received the Report of Meeting 6/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Engineering and noted the item which required attention.
Action/Information: Secretary; Mr D Secomb
13.1 Minor Amendment to a Course
The Faculty of Engineering had agreed to recommend a minor amendment to an existing course as detailed under item 2.1 of the Faculty Board Report presented.
The Committee noted the minor amendment to an existing course of the Faculty of Engineering as detailed in the Report of the Faculty Board presented.
14. FACULTY OF SCIENCE
The Report of Meeting 6/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Science was circulated (p 1947).
The Committee received the Report of Meeting 6/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Science and considered the item requiring action for submission to the Academic Board.
Action/Information: Secretary; Dr P Rodan
*14.1 New Course Proposal
14.1.1 Diploma of Psychology
A document was circulated (p 1949-1954).
Refer also to item 9.1.2.
This proposal, for introduction in Semester One 1998, was for a three year part-time undergraduate diploma to be offered initially on the Caulfield Campus.
The Committee endorsed for submission to Academic Board the proposal of the Faculty of Science to establish the new undergraduate course titled Diploma of Psychology, as detailed in the document presented.
15. NEXT MEETING
The Committee noted that the next scheduled meeting of the Education Committee would be held at 10.00 am on Wednesday 4 February 1998, with course and subject proposal submissions for that meeting due on or before WEDNESDAY 7 JANUARY 1998 and full reports due on or before Friday 23 January 1998.
At the conclusion of the Meeting, Mr G Tickle expressed appreciation to the retiring members of the Education Committee, including Associate Professor S McNicol and Ms K McGillivray.
Professor Lindsay thanked all members of the Committee for their considerable efforts towards a successful year in 1997 and anticipated further positive efforts in relation to the streamlining of procedures during 1998.
The Meeting concluded at approximately 12 pm.
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, Clayton
Associate Professor J Hurst, Computing and Information Technology
Professor L Johnson, Monash Mt Eliza
Professor M King, PhD and Scholarships Committee
Dr K Macrae, Science
Ms K McGillivray, MUGSU, Gippsland
Associate Professor S McNicol, Law
Mr J Poussard, MUSU Inc., Peninsula
Ms B Presutto, MUBSU, Berwick
Professor J Redmond, Art and Design
Associate Professor L Roller, Pharmacy
Professor G Taylor, Medicine
Mr G Tickell, Education
Mr J Welikala, MPA, Clayton, (Masters)
Associate Professor N White, Arts
Mr M Williams, MUSU Inc., Caulfield
Professor B Young, Co-Opted
Vacant, MUPSA
In Attendance:
Professor T Threadgold, Arts
Associate Professor L Nethercott, Business and Economics
Professor PJ Stewart, Pharmacy
Professor G Webb, CHED
Mr R Burnet, Student Services Division
Faculty Registrar/Manager (in rotation) - Ms A Pilgrim, Business & Economics
Mr P Siggens, Manager, University Secretariat
Ms J Buckingham, Office of the DV-C (A&P)
Ms K Wilson-Reid, Acting Secretary
Click here to see ATTACHMENT A