ACADEMIC SENATE WORK PLAN Updated 16 October 2015 Drafting Note The details of this Work Plan will be strongly influenced by the implementation and action plans for Securing Success, which are currently being developed. Not all objectives can be addressed in the first year, and this will be reflected in the Work Plans for 2015 and subsequent years. This document will continue to develop in response to the Securing Success implementation plans and their areas of focus for 2015. Academic Senate Priorities for 2015 (Note: where they have been identified in this draft, priorities are highlighted in red in the Table below) The student experience coursework and higher-degree research. (actions include 1.5, 2.9, 2.10, 3.5, 3.9, 3.10, 5.5, 5.7) Student academic honesty and integrity. (action 5.4) External referencing of academic standards and assessment. (action 3.2) Further development of Western Sydney University Online and broader aspects of digitally supported learning. (actions 2.6, 2.9) Supporting the delivery of the academic components of Securing Success. (actions include 2.4 and following) Implementation of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduate attribute, following appointment of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Engagement and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership). (action 3.8) Further development of academic courses and pathways. (action 2.9) Additional Notes See 5.1a, 2.6, 4.2, 5.4 and 5.6 for new references to the University s Strategic Risk Register. See 1.7, 2.6, 2.9, 3.5, 3.8, 3.9 and 5.7 for Securing Success 2015-2020 Dashboard Indicators. For information and further development in consultation with Academic Senate, University Executive Committee members and Senate Standing Committees.
Accountability Actions Time Frame Achievements, Milestones and KPIs 1. Monitor and review academic governance arrangements and communication Chair and Deputy Chair of Senate; Chairs of Standing Committees; supported by the Secretariat 1.1 Ensure that Senate and all Standing Committees address their terms of reference and work within them. Note: Relevant questions will be included in the self-review of Academic Senate (see 1.6. below). Senate; Chair of Senate 1.2 Ensure that Senate satisfies its legislated role as the peak forum of the University for academic debate and discourse. Bi-monthly Annual Bi-monthly All agenda items including late items lie within the Committee s terms of reference. The Chair of Senate reports regularly to Senate and the Board of Trustees. Senate and Committee minutes are maintained in a central repository (TRIM, and the University s website for Senate and peak Standing Committees). All Senate Standing Committees submit annual reports to Senate (see 1.4 below). Appropriate topics for discussion are included on all Senate agendas, with input from Senate members and Standing Committees. Senate; Chair and Deputy Chair of Senate 1.3 Raise Academic Senate s profile within the University, and promote two-way communication about Senate s role and activities. September 2015 Recommended actions from these discussions are forwarded to Senate Standing Committees, the Board of Trustees, or the Vice-Chancellor and University Executive Committee, as appropriate. Develop appropriate strategies after debate at Academic Senate, taking account of responses from the reconvened academic governance working party., in consultation with relevant Units including Student Representation and Participation. Ensure that Senate s activities and perspectives are reflected in university-wide programs such as MyVoice and Securing Success implementation, through the Student Academic Forum, and at University-wide gatherings. Co-sponsor university-wide forums with the Vice-Chancellor on prominent academic issues. At least four per year - five scheduled for 2015. Forums take place and provide input to University Executive Committee and Senate agendas. Senate; Chairs of Senate and Senate Standing Committees; The College Enhance the role of Academic Senate and its Standing Committees in promoting communication. 1.4 Develop and monitor reporting lines and quality-assurance processes to ensure effective communication between School/Institute and peak Senate Committees, and between Academic Senate and The College. Consultation with OMC in progress for peak committees; August 2015 for School/ Institute Clear roles for Senate and its Standing Committees in communication within the University, with investigation of the role of social media including yammer. Standard reporting requirements and timelines for all Senate Standing Committees, including School/Institute Committees. Follow up process for School/Institute reports.
Committees Regular exchange of minutes between Academic Senate and The College s Academic Committee. Senate and peak Standing Committees routinely seek advice and feedback from School/Institute Committees. Annual start preparing for 2015 report cycle Annual reports by the Chairs of all Standing Committees to the first Senate meeting of the following year. Senate; Chairs of Senate and Standing Committees; Secretariat Enhance the role of elected Senate members in communicating between School committees and Senate. 1.5 Conduct Induction and Orientation programs for new members of Senate and Standing Committees, with ongoing advice and support. Revised induction arrangements in place from 2014 Reports and feedback from Standing Committees lead to actions such as changes to academic policies and procedures. Elected Senate members are well-supported in their communication role, taking account of responses from the academic governance working party. Revised Orientation kit and resources available for all incoming members; face to face briefings available for incoming student members. August 2015 Review effectiveness of these arrangements. June 2015 Support for student representatives available through Student Academic Forums, or equivalent. Follow up arrangements with Student Representation and Participation. Quarterly In Progress Forums for Research and Higher Degree Directors, including academic governance requirements. September October 2015 Briefings of School/Institute Committee Chairs and/or Committees on issues such as academic governance, academic standards and integrity. Chair of Senate is attending a cycle of SAC meetings. Senate; Chair of Senate; supported by the Secretariat 1.6 Self-review of Senate members using a survey based on the Board of Trustees Committee survey to track performance and identify areas for improvement. Annual Survey in October 2015. Training sessions for Secretaries of School/Institute Committees. Self-review completed and improvement actions put in place for 2016.
Chair of Academic Senate, Committee Chairs, Secretariat 1.7 Review Academic Senate committees and working parties to ensure that they include student representatives where practicable. October 2015 2. Align Academic Senate activities with University strategies and projects and the Higher Education Standards Framework Senate; Chair of Senate; in consultation with DVCs, PVCs and the Office of Strategy and Performance 2.1 Ensure that Senate activities and accountabilities are included in the University s mapping of Higher Education Standards, and any gaps are listed as improvement activities in the Senate Work Plan. Awaiting Ministerial decision about the Standards Framework committees in which students participate. Activities and accountabilities listed in mapping. Relevant evidence of compliance is available. Chairs of Senate, Education Committee and Research Committee, in consultation with the Office of Strategy and Performance Senate; APCAC; Chair of Senate, Academic Registrar; School Academic Committees Senate; Chair and Deputy Chair of Senate; Chairs of peak Senate Standing Committees in consultation with PVCs Progressive implementation of the Higher Education Standards Framework, including the replacement of the UWS Academic and Assessment Standards Framework for Learning and Teaching. 2.2 Monitor any further developments in the Higher Education Standards Framework and alert Senate and relevant Standing Committees of any actions that may be needed. 2.3 Ensure that all new and revised courses meet AQF requirements, and outstanding issues are resolved. 2.4 Ensure alignment of Senate work plan with Securing Success and associated plans, including the Research and Development Plan 2015-2017. Note The Learning and Teaching Plan is currently under development. May 2015 In progress Evidence will be available for reaccreditation in 2018, and any TEQSA Quality Audits. Improvement activities are added to the Work Plan. Timely advice provided to Senate and Committees. course proposals are assessed for AQF compliance. All outstanding issues resolved. Follow up Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics. Awaiting advice about the Graduate Diploma in Urban Management and Planning. Senate Work Plan contains relevant actions and indicators. Senate; Chair and Deputy Chair of Senate; Chairs of peak Senate Standing Committees in consultation with PVCs 2.5 Contribute to the development of University strategic and operational plans. In progress Senate and standing committees contribute to development of implementation plans. Our Future priorities (Learning and Teaching Flexibility activity stream), to be revised in the context of Securing Success. Senate; Education Committee; APCAC 2.6 Develop, amend and approve academic policies in relation to blended and online learning, including attendance, electronic delivery, and curriculum approvals involving inclusion of online material from external providers and/or units from TAFE or other HE providers, assessment, and proper acknowledgement of intellectual property. Changes approved by April 2015 Senate meeting Policies amended to address needs of blended and online learning.
Senate; APCAC; School Academic Committees; in collaboration with CDM and University Executive Committee. Schedule, manage and approve course and unit changes, including online offerings. See University Strategic Risk 14: Academic Programs Inability to respond to changing market demands Timely approval of courses and units. Senate; APCAC; Curriculum Approvals Working Party Complete the conversion of all coursework units to blended learning [Seek report in May 2015 follow up] All units converted to blended learning. units that are equal to or above blended learning quality mark. Streamline course and unit approval policies, while ensuring accessibility and the academic integrity and quality of units and courses. In progress, with input from Red Tape project proposals to October Education Committee Policies and processes amended to address project needs. Ensure alignment of course and unit developments with AQF and continuing work on the Indigenous Graduate Attribute, Summer Session, Blended Learning, engaged and workintegrated learning, sustainability, international perspectives, and links with the University s research. [These will be covered under Securing Success.] liaison with Schools Schools align the various factors that influence curriculum review for each course this highlights the need to establish a regular course review cycle. Our Future priority (Academic Year Optimisation and Infrastructure activity stream), to be revised in the context of Securing Success. Senate; APCAC; School Academic Committees 2.7 Amend course structures and unit offerings to ensure good alignment with Summer Session. Our Future priority (Red Tape Taskforce), to be revised in the context of Securing Success. Following review of Summer 2014/5. Changes to recommended unit sequences as required for further implementation of Summer Session. Chair of Academic Senate; Senate members; Senate and relevant Standing Committees. 2.8 Chair and other Senate members serve on the Red Tape Taskforce. Project is transitioning to Office of the Vice- President (Finance & Resources). Regular reports to the Vice-Chancellor and Academic Senate. Senate considers proposed changes to academic policies and procedures that arise from the Red Tape Project. In Progress Policies and procedures revised to ensure efficient processes without compromising academic standards and integrity. Continuing programs of work on course and unit approvals, and student academic misconduct (report to April 2015 Senate meeting).
Our Future priority (Academic Program and Pathways activity stream), to be revised in the context of Securing Success. Senate; APCAC; School Academic Committees; in collaboration with Associate PVCs (Education) and the University Executive Committee School Academic Committees; APCAC; Senate 2.9 Promote an all-of-institution perspective to academic planning. Give advice on strategies for developing the University s academic program profile, including more comprehensive use of double degrees and innovative new course and unit combinations within and across Schools. Develop and approve curricula for new courses and unit sets, including Western Sydney University Online courses., with major activity in 2014 and 2015. Effective input into academic planning and development of university-wide course development. As above; and development of academic criteria that would allow expert advice from Senate about proposed changes to the University s course and unit profile and discipline mix. Approval and offer of new courses, including double degrees, and improved availability of unit sets across the University. new course approvals that align with Deloitte (2013), Detailed employment forecasts. Senate; Education Committee; APCAC; School Academic Committees; in collaboration with The College, the International College, PVC (Students) and Associate PVCs (Education) Review and revise academic policies and procedures, and expand the range of academic pathways to the University in collaboration with The College, the International College, TAFE Institutes, private providers, and other institutions to enhance pathways, to widen student access to the University and to ensure the robustness and quality of our articulation and partnership arrangements. In progress some changes made in 2014 June 2015 Streamlined processes for approving articulation pathways. Continued development of VET articulation pathways, and pathways through the College. Proposed establishment of an Admissions Committee. Our Future priority (Brand Identity and Marketing), to be revised in the context of Securing Success and the Research and Development Plan. Research Committee; Research Studies Committee; DVC (Research and Development); PVC (Research and Innovation); Dean, Graduate Studies 2.10 Develop strategies for improved awareness of the University s research achievements inside and outside the University. Encourage and promote staff involvement in public discourse on matters related to Greater Western Sydney see Securing Success. In Progress Research Committee discussion too place in June 2015 See Research and Development Plan 2015 2017. Enhanced public discourse on matters related to Greater Western Sydney. Senate, APCAC; PVC (Students) Dean, Graduate Studies, Head of The Academy Contribute to the establishment and development of The Academy, with a particular focus on promoting academic excellence. priority (PhD Pathways), to be revised in the context of Securing Success and the Research and Development Plan. Completed for 2014 with introduction of BALCT, and ongoing for 2015. Close engagement of Senate and relevant Standing Committees with the development of the Academy, including in curriculum aspects.
Dean, Graduate Studies; Research Studies Committee; Bachelor (Honours) Committee; School and Institute Research and Higher Degree Committees; APCAC. 2.11 Implementation and monitoring of the Master of Research. Finish developing and approving curricula for the Master of Research. In progress Completed, but under review as course is implemented All units approved and on offer. 3. Monitor and enhance academic standards and assessment Chair of Senate; Senate; Education Committee; Assessment Committee; School Academic Committees Senate; Senate Executive Committee; Chair of Senate; Chairs of Standing Committees; in collaboration with the DVC (Academic) and Office of Strategy and Performance. Education Committee; Assessment Committee Assessment Committee; APCAC; School Academic Committees Amend academic policies to reflect the new course. 3.0 Contribute to a comprehensive university wide review of assessment and implement relevant recommendations. 3.1 Continue benchmarking with identified partner institutions in Australia and overseas to develop good practice, improve quality, and develop a benchmarking culture within the University. 3.2 Continue participating in external referencing of assessment standards, including engagement with the national Peer Review of Assessment Project. 3.3 Complete the mapping and validation of existing course learning outcomes, and ensure that the same approach is used for all new courses. In progress RSC reviewing Timeline to be determined., with a particular focus on academic standards in 2015, with link to proposed cyclical review of courses All relevant policies updated. Academic Senate implements relevant recommendations from the review. Benchmarking of academic policies, monitoring processes, and academic courses and units. Range of external referencing to meet the Higher Education Standards Framework and assure the quality of assessment at the University. Full rollout of the University s Curriculum Mapping Tool/ Deans; School Academic Committees; APCAC; Senate Assessment Committee; Student Experience and Engagement Committee; School Academic Committees; in collaboration with the Office of Strategy and Performance 3.4 Ensure that all courses have a functioning External Advisory Committee (EAC), or equivalent arrangements (e.g. professional accreditation) to ensure expert, critical feedback about the relevance and quality of the course. 3.5 Monitor course and unit quality through Annual Course Reports and other surveys, ensuring that student engagement, retention and success data particularly in relation to demographic sub-groups including international students, high achievers, students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathways students inform course and School improvement plans. [Proposed Date?] December 2015 Annual Mapping completed for all courses. All courses have a functioning External Advisory Committee or equivalent arrangements. Not all courses have EACs or equivalent. Further work required in the context of establishing a regular course review cycle. Identification and promulgation of good practice; identification and follow-up of areas that need improvement. Performance measures to be reviewed in the context of Securing Success. Securing Success indicators for: Course Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) Overall Satisfaction; University Experience Survey Learner
Senate; Senate Education Committee; Assessment Committee; Bachelor (Honours) Committee; Research Studies Committee; School Academic Committees; School and Institute Research and Higher Degree Committees Student Experience and Engagement Committee; APCAC; in collaboration with the DVC (Academic) and PVC (Students) APCAC; School Academic Committees; Senate; in collaboration with the PVC (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership) APCAC; School Academic Committees 3.6 Consider and approve student results in accordance with the Assessment Policy Criteria and Standards-Based Assessment, and relevant Higher Degree Research policies, with monitoring by the relevant expert Senate Committee (Assessment, Bachelor (Honours), Research Studies); approve graduation lists in accordance with the delegations in the Academic Governance Policy. 3.7 Support the University s strategies for addressing academic literacy and numeracy requirements, with appropriate embedding in the University s curricula see Securing Success objective 3.1. 3.8 Incorporate the University s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Graduate Attribute in all courses Securing Success objective 3.8. 3.9 Incorporate engaged learning experiences (including workintegrated learning) in the University s courses Securing Success objective 5.3. Each teaching session, and ongoing for HDR programs In progress Following appointment of PVC (Engagement and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership) First phase completed, but further work ongoing Engagement; Retention of Priority groups; Graduate Destination Survey percentage of undergraduate Australian residents who are employed (full-time and part-time); Progression rates of pathway students (undergraduate). Timely approval of results each semester. Submission of reports to expert Committees, and completion of improvement activities where required. Graduation lists approved in accordance with policy. Further work required, although significant work has been done in many courses. Note: Senate has commented on draft paper for the University Executive Committee. Full implementation of Graduate Attribute in all courses. courses in which the graduate attribute is effectively embedded. At least one engaged learning experience in each course. Progressive incorporation of additional engaged learning experiences in courses. School Academic Committees; APCAC; Senate; in collaboration with the PVC (International) School Academic Committees; APCAC; Senate 3.10 Incorporate international perspectives and learning experiences in courses to reflect Securing Success objectives 3.3 and 4.11. 3.11 Development of unit sets to reflect the university s commitment to Sustainability. ; some unit sets now available students who undertook a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) unit. Progressive incorporation in courses. School-based and university-wide unit sets are available for students to take. Senate; Chair and Deputy Chair of Senate; relevant Senate Standing Committees; in collaboration with Review the extent to which the Sustainability-related Graduate Attribute has been mapped in courses. 3.12 Contribute to formal University responses to Universities Australia, NSWVCC, Commonwealth Departments, TEQSA, AQF Council etc. to influence the policy environment and Pilot commenced in 2014. Provision of responses as required, with reporting to Senate.
OVC, DVCs, PVC, Academic Registrar and other Officers government regulations under which the university operates. 4. Develop and review academic policy [see also the policy changes associated with the Our Future Program activities above] Academic Policy Advisory Group (APAG); Associate Director (Secretariat); Academic Registrar; Office of Research Services; Chair of Senate; in consultation with the Manager, Policy Senate; Senate Education Committee; APCAC 4.1 Monitor policy expiry dates and ensure timely review and reapproval of academic policies. 4.2 Review Course Structure and Approvals policies and associated delegations.. Priorities identified in February 2015 and updated in August. First round of changes Complete Schedule of detailed work plans and timely review of policies. Progress reports to each meeting of Academic Senate. Streamlined arrangements for course and unit approvals. See University Strategic Risk 14: Academic Programs Inability to respond to changing market demands Second round of changes In Progress, with further proposals to October Education Committee Complete review of Award Courses and Units Approvals Policy, Structure and Nomenclature of Bachelor Awards Policy and Postgraduate Coursework Policy. Review Structure and Nomenclature of Bachelor Awards Policy and Postgraduate Coursework Policy. Postgraduate Coursework Policy Review In Progress Complete review to ensure alignment with AQF requirements. 5. Manage academic risk noting the development of the University s Strategic Risk Register Senate; Chair of Senate; in consultation with the Office of Audit and Risk Management, DVCs and PVCs Chair of Senate 5.1 Ensure that Senate activities and accountabilities are included in the University s mapping of TEQSA Regulatory Risks, and any gaps are listed as improvement activities in the Senate Work Plan. 5.1a Ensure that the Senate Work Plan addresses relevant risks in the University s Strategic Risk Register. In Progress, in collaboration with Manager, Quality Systems Proposed actions at 2.6, 4.2, 5.4, 5.6 Activities and accountabilities listed in risk mapping. Improvement activities are added to the Work Plan Risks are addressed in this Work Plan, and reviewed whenever risks are added to or removed from the Register. Chairs of Senate and Standing Committees, supported by the Secretariat Chair of Senate 5.3 Maintain regular contact with the Office of Audit and Risk Management about management of academic risk. Academic Senate and Schools, in collaboration with the Academic Integrity Working Party, DVC (Academic), University General Counsel, Academic Registrar, Librarian. 5.2 Ensure that conflicts of interest are declared and addressed. Standing item on all agenda papers. 5.4 Promote student academic honesty and integrity by: Recommending a revised Student Misconduct Rule for approval by the Board of Trustees. Approved Developing and implementing a student academic honesty January 2016 January 2016 Submission of reports as requested; response to feedback and directives from the Board, Vice-Chancellor and University Executive Committee. Rule implemented. Framework implemented.
and integrity framework, including detailed procedures and guides for implementing the Student Misconduct Rule. (see also 5.6 below) See University Strategic Risk 7: Staff or Student Misconduct Plagiarism, Fake Qualifications, Theft and Fraud School Academic Committees; Bachelor (Honours) Committee Senate Assessment Committee; Bachelor (Honours) Committee; Research Studies Committee; Graduate Research School. 5.5 Monitor Reviews of Grade, Student Academic Misconduct outcomes, academic integration plans, admission of honours students, Honours topics and supervision, decisions relating to special consideration, strategies for students at risk. 5.6 Provide University-level quality assurance for assessment processes and outcomes. Contribute to a university wide review of assessment, including terms of reference related to student academic honesty and integrity. Timeline to be determined Identification and promulgation of good practice; identification and remediation of areas that need improvement Area for further work, in the context of the review of SAC terms of reference. Effective scrutiny of assessment results, including trends. Academic Senate implements relevant recommendations from the review. Graduate Research School, Research Studies Committee 5.7 Monitor admission, supervision and completion of HDR students. See Research and Development Plan 2015 2017. timely HDR completions.