Education Committee Meeting 6/2005

Meeting No. 6/2005 of the Education Committee will be held on Wednesday, 26 October 2005, in the Sir George Lush Room, Building 3a, Clayton campus, commencing at 2.15pm.

Apologies: Please telephone: 9905 5049, or e-mail to: shana.chong@adm.monash.edu.au

Shana Chong, Secretary

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

PART A PROCEDURAL, POLICY & COMMITTEE MATTERS

*1. MEMBERSHIP, ATTENDANCE AND APOLOGIES

Invited to attend:

Dr Pam O’Connor, Faculty of Law, for item 8

Mr Vern Garth, Manager Examinations, for item 8

Mr Ian Hall, Project and Planning Consultant, ITS, for item 10

Ms Amy Bohren, Postgraduate Careers and Employment Consultant.

Apologies:

Mr Leslie Whiteley.

2. 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.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Committee nominates any additional items to be starred, and endorses the recommendations for all items other than those starred.

*3. MINUTES

The unconfirmed minutes of Meeting 5/2005, held on 7 September 2005, were circulated on 16 September 2005.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Committee approves the Minutes of Meeting 5/2005 held on 7 September 2005.

*4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

*4.1 Exam Timetabling Working Party / Academic Year Working Party p 1 - 2

RMO2005/1005

The revised recommendations and updated policy document are attached. As noted in the Minutes of Meeting 5/2005, the first recommendation of the briefing paper has been revised and, with the executive approval of the Chair, the paper was transmitted to Academic Board 6/2005 and the recommendations approved.

As foreshadowed by the Chair at Meeting 5/2005, an Academic Year Working Party has since been established to consider the issues of swot vac and semester length.

The Chair will speak to this item.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Education Committee:

• notes the revised recommendations of the Examination Timetabling Working Party, as approved by the Academic Board 6/2005;
• notes the revised policy; and
• notes the advice of the Chair with regard to the progress of the Academic Year Working Party on swot vac and semester length.

*4.2 Biannual Faculty Reports on Approved Course and Unit Developments p 179 – 286

RMO2000/0611

The biannual reports on approved course and unit developments for 2004 and 2005, as presented by the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, are attached.

As requested by the Education Committee at Meeting 5/2005, Mr Peter Yates, Director Services and Systems, will provide a verbal update regarding the possibility of the CUPID database to provide statistical analysis of the biannual reports.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Education Committee:

• receives and notes the biannual reports of approved course and unit developments for 2004 and 2005, as presented by the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences; and
• notes the advice provided by Mr P Yates regarding progress of a working group established under the Academic Programs Steering Committee to investigate user systems and strategies to support compliance regarding the course approval process.

*4.3 Education Plan 2006-10 RMO2002/1564

Documentation will be tabled at the meeting. Following input and consultation by members at the Education Plan Workshop on 22 September to the exposure draft of the Plan (circulated to members on 29 September), this final draft incorporates comments provided from members and refinement of the specific tasks/KPIs and responsibilities.

The Education Plan 2006-10 will be submitted to the Academic Board at its 8 November meeting, for transmission to Council in December. The Chair and Dr David Murphy, CeLTS, will speak to this item.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Education Committee

• receives the revised Education Plan 2006-10; and
• notes the advice of the Chair and Dr Murphy; and
• endorses the Education Plan 2006-10, for transmission to the Academic Board Meeting 7/2005 (8 November 2005).

*4.4 Findings – Review of Academic Policy and Compliance with Academic Policies p 3 – 34

As noted at Meeting 5/2005, faculties have submitted information regarding compliance and consistency with the University’s academic policies and procedures. In addition faculties have also submitted feedback regarding the academic policies that were due for review by the Academic Board. Documentation is attached. Professor M Evans, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Planning), will speak to this item.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Education Committee:

• receives and notes the compliance summary findings, as provided by the Faculties of Art & Design, Arts, Business & Economics, Education, Engineering, Information Technology, Law, Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Pharmacy and Science;
• receives and notes the feedback provided by faculties regarding academic policies that were due for review by the Academic Board by the end of 2005; and
• considers the comments made by the Chair and the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Planning) with regard to the findings arising from this exercise.

4.5 Status Report on the update of Faculty Awards Regulations

As Ms Ann Shelton, Solicitor’s Office, is on leave, an update of this item will be postponed to Meeting 1/2006.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Committee notes that the progress on the updating of Faculty Awards regulations will be provided to Meeting 1/2006 of the Education Committee.

5. ITEMS OF INTEREST FROM ACADEMIC BOARD MEETING 5/2005

The Academic Board noted all matters that were reported for information from Meeting 5/2005 of the Education Committee.

*6. EDUCATION COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE

Following a review of the Education Committee Terms of Reference in 2002, it appears timely to review the Terms of Reference for the Education Committee, within the context of the Education Plan 2006-10 and Monash Directions 2025. The current Terms of Reference are provided below.

Terms of Reference

• Contribute to the development, review and monitoring of the university's Learning and Teaching Plan.
• Develop and articulate academic policies and guidelines for endorsement by Academic Board and monitor their implementation where appropriate.
• Provide advice to Academic Board and faculties on policy matters that have academic components or ramifications.
• Provide input into the university's strategic academic planning process and to related documents including overviews of the university course portfolio and relevant university-level plans.
• Ensure that academic standards for awards are appropriate across disciplines, monitor academic quality assurance processes, monitor student performance, progress and academic experience and utilise these analyses to effect improvements in course curricula and requirements.
• Liaise with the Monash Research Graduate School Committee and with other bodies to provide advice on teaching and learning related issues, as appropriate.
• Monitor undergraduate and postgraduate teaching arrangements on campuses and within and between faculties, and promote rationalisation and opportunities for inter-faculty teaching where appropriate.
• Comment on external reports and initiatives and Monash draft responses where these concern undergraduate and postgraduate coursework matters, from Government and other sources.
• Where appropriate, consider and make recommendations to the Academic Board on legislation required to be submitted to the Board for consideration and report to Council.
• Consider and approve procedures relating to academic matters and monitor implementation, where appropriate.
• Consider and report on any matter referred to it by the Council, the Academic Board, the Vice-Chancellor or the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Planning).

RECOMMENDATION:

That Education Committee notes the advice of the Chair regarding the Terms of Reference for the Committee.

*7. COURSE APPROVAL PROCESS p 35 - 50

Documentation regarding the Course Approval Process at Monash is attached. The Chair and Professor Merran Evans, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Planning), will speak to this item.

RECOMMENDATION:

That Education Committee notes the advice of the Chair and the Pro Vice-Chancellor Planning regarding the Course Approval Process at Monash.

*8. DEFERRED AND SUPPLEMENTARY EXAMINATION TIMING p 51 - 58

RMO1998/048

Documents are attached. The Faculty of Law has submitted a proposal to review the timing of deferred and supplementary examinations, with respect to impact on staff workloads. Dr Pam O’Connor, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Law, will speak to this item. Mr Vern Garth, Manager Examinations, has been invited to attend for this item.

The Examinations Procedures is located on the Policy Bank at:

http://www.adm.monash.edu/unisec/academicpolicies/procedures/examinations.html

RECOMMENDATION:

That Education Committee considers the issues identified by the Faculty of Law with regard to the timing of deferred and supplementary examinations.

*9. VET PROVISION AT MONASH p 59 - 62

Documentation regarding Vocational Education and Training programs being offered by parts of Monash University or associated entities is attached. Professor Merran Evans, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Planning), will speak to this item.

RECOMMENDATION:

That Education Committee notes the information regarding VET programs at Monash and the associated Registered Training Organisation providers.

*10. UNIT EVALUATION SYSTEM ISSUES p 63 - 64

A paper prepared by Mr Ian Hall, Project and Planning Consultant, ITS, is attached regarding unit evaluation reporting and Callista-related items.

Professor Graham Webb, Pro Vice-Chancellor Quality, will introduce this item. Mr Hall will speak to this item.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Education Committee considers the recommendations with regard to enrolment counts in unit evaluation reports and unit level field in Callista.

*11. 2005 UNIVERSITY-WIDE KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS REPORT p 65 - 80

The draft 2005 University-wide Key Performance Indicators report is attached. The Chair will speak to this item.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Education Committee receives and notes the 2005 University-wide Key Performance Indicator Report.

12. MEQ SYMPOSIA 2005 REPORT p 81 - 82

A report from the Centre for Higher Education Quality is attached. The MEQ symposia were held to provide a forum for discussion on the topic of providing timely and appropriate feedback to students.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Education Committee notes the outcomes of the symposia regarding the MEQ 2005.

*13. GRADING AND ASSESSMENT p 83 - 124

Documentation is attached. At meeting 4/2005 of the Vice-Chancellor's Group (Quality) held in September 2005 and in the "Still Learning" mid-term report (August 2005), the issues of moderation of results, monitoring grade distributions over time by course and campus, and external input into assessment standards were identified as priority areas to be addressed in preparation for the AUQA audit.

Professor Merran Evans, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Planning), will speak to this item.

The above grading data, including course data by faculty and campus is available at the following URL: http://www.uaps.monash.edu/committees/education/Grading_Data/

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Education Committee receives and notes the report regarding the issues of moderation of results, grade distributions and assessment standards.

14. GOOD UNIVERSITY GUIDE RANKINGS 2004-2006 p 125 - 128

Documentation is attached. The Good Universities Guide ranks institutions across a number of dimensions to assist students in assessing the strengths and weaknesses of institutions. Rankings are provided in four broad areas: status and standing, the educational experience, graduate outcomes and access and equity.

RECOMMENDATION:

That Education Committee notes the information regarding Good University Guide Rankings 2004-2006.

*15. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE QUALITY SUBCOMMITTEE p 129 - 140

RMO2003/1394

The 2005 report of the Quality Subcommittee is attached. The Subcommittee has developed a set of exemplars of high-quality learning, teaching and assessment at Monash to encourage the use of appropriate best practice in learning and teaching across all faculties. This revised set of exemplars incorporates additional discussions and consultation following its submission to Education Committee Meeting 6/2004.

Associate Professor Tony Luff and Dr Heinz Kreutz, co-chairs, Quality Subcommittee, will speak to this item.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Education Committee:

• receives and notes the report of the Quality Subcommittee;
• approves the exemplars for high-quality learning, teaching and assessment at Monash and confirms the areas of responsibilities, as identified by the Quality Subcommittee; and
• identifies nominations for membership from the following faculties:
  • Faculty of Business and Economics or Faculty of Education; and
  • Faculty of Engineering or Faculty of Information Technology.

16. 2006 DAYS OF STRICT RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE

The Equity and Diversity has published a cultural calendar for staff and students on the web. Included in the calendar is a list of days of strict religious observance where students and staff may be unavailable for study or work. The website for the 2006 Days of Strict Religious Observance is:

http://adm.monash.edu/sss/equity-diversity/calendar/strict-observance-06.html

RECOMMENDATION:

That Education Committee notes the 2006 Days of Strict Religious Observance calendar.

*17. EXCLUSION FOR UNSATISFACTORY PROGRESS RMO1999/101

*17.1 Annual Report of the Exclusion Procedures Subcommittee p 141- 144

The 2005 report of the Exclusion Procedures Subcommittee is attached. The Subcommittee has proposed to hold a Community Services program for Academic Progress Committee members and secretaries, to receive training and support regarding the conduct of faculty academic progress committee hearings and pastoral care issues, in preparation for the annual Faculty Academic Progress Committee hearings.

Associate Professor Marg Lindorff, Chair, Exclusion Procedures Subcommittee, will speak to the report.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Education Committee:

• receives and notes the 2005 report of the Exclusion Procedures Subcommittee; and
• discusses the topics considered by the Subcommittee.

*17.2 2006 Functions and Procedures for Faculty Academic Progress Committees and the Exclusion Appeals Committee p 145 - 162

In anticipation of the annual end-of-year unsatisfactory progress review, the proposed 2006 Functions and Procedures for Faculty Academic Progress Committees and the Exclusion Appeals Committee are attached.

In fulfilment of its terms of reference, the updated material is to provide advice to faculty and central areas of the university in relation to the functions and procedures of unsatisfactory progress, in consultation with the student associations and the wider university community.

Associate Professor Marg Lindorff, chair, Exclusion Procedures Subcommittee, will speak to this item.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Education Committee approves the 2006 Functions and Procedures for Faculty Academic Progress Committees and the 2006 Functions and Procedures for the Exclusion Appeals Committee.

*17.3 Annual Report of the Exclusion Appeals Committee of Academic Board p 163 - 170

The 2005 report of the Exclusion Appeals Committee is attached. This provides data in relation to faculty Academic Progress Committee procedures, applications to the dean and the notices of appeal to the Exclusion Appeals Committee.

Associate Professor Marg Lindorff, chair, Exclusion Procedures Subcommittee, will speak to this item.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Education Committee receives and notes the 2005 report of the Exclusion Appeals Committee, prior to its transmission to the Academic Board.

18. REPORT FROM THE COURSEWORK ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE AND CHANGES TO ADMISSION AND ENROLMENT POLICIES p 171 - 178

A memorandum from the University Admissions Committee, outlining changes to the Deferment and Internal Transfer policies, as approved at Academic Board 5/2005, are attached. The policies are located on the Policy Bank at:

http://www.adm.monash.edu/unisec/academicpolicies/policy/deferment.html; and

http://www.adm.monash.edu.au/unisec/academicpolicies/policy/internaltransfer.html.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Education Committee notes the report of the Coursework Admissions Committee.

19. OTHER BUSINESS

PART B: NEXT MEETING

The following schedule has been approved by the Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor on behalf of the Committee.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Committee notes the 2006 schedule for Education Committee:

Meetings will normally commence at 2.15pm.

At Clayton the meetings will commence at in the Sir George Lush Room, ground floor, Building 3a.

Final submissions for the agenda for Meeting 1/2006 are due by Wednesday, 22 February 2006.

Membership:

Professor Stephen Parker (Chair)

Ms Jenny Allen

Dr Heinz Kreutz

Professor Tony Dingle

Associate Professor Sally Joy

Dr Debbie Corrigan

Associate Professor Brenton Doecke

Professor Robin Alfredson

Professor William Young

Professor David Arnott

Professor Jeffrey Waincymer

Associate Professor Tony Luff

Dr Louise McCall

Associate Professor Louis Roller

Dr David Taylor

Dr Cristina Varsavsky

Dr Tony Patti

Professor Max King

Professor Chris Browne

Professor Merran Evans

Professor Graham Webb

Dr David Murphy

Ms Glenda Key

Mr Leo Ostroburski, MONSU - Caulfield

Mr Arthur Wasiak, MONSU Peninsula

Mr David Taft, MSA – Clayton

Mr Max Ribitzky, MUBS – Berwick

Mr Kirk Slywa, MUGSU - Gippsland

Pharmacy Students Association – position vacant

Mr Leslie Whiteley, MPA – masters by coursework

MPA – graduate/postgraduate diploma – position vacant

In Attendance:

Mr Clive Vernon

Mr Peter Yates (alternate for Mr P Marshall)

Ms Christine Cooze (alternate for Ms Cathrine Harboe-Ree)

Associate Professor Valerie Clifford

Associate Professor Marg Lindorff

Ms Shana Chong (Secretary)

Further Distribution:

Faculty Managers/Registrars (*9)

Mr T Calder

Ms P Williams

Ms P Herman

Ms B Le Grand