Key discussion points and outcomes: 9 June 2009
Academic Standards - 'Hot topic' discussion
The hot topic for the meeting was 'Academic standards'. The guest speaker, Dr David Woodhouse, Executive Director, Australian Universities Quality Agency spoke on academic standards with a particular focus in regard to the AUQA Cycle 2 audit. A second presentation by Professor Christopher Gray, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology outlined some particular facets of the processes that currently exist in relation to standards at Deakin and how these could be further explored in the future. A working group is currently undertaking work in relation to the clear identification and documentation of academic standards and further activities are also being undertaken within Faculties.
2009 Australian Government Budget
The Vice-Chancellor provided the Board with an overview of the initiatives affecting higher education announced in the recent Federal Budget. The Board noted the close alignment of the University's current Strategic Plan with many of the initiatives announced by the Government. Further information will be discussed at the next meeting of the Board.
The University's response to recent issues associated with the safety of Indian students
The Vice-Chancellor's provided information regarding the work being done by various areas of the University to ensure the safety of all students with particular regard to recent attacks on Indian students in some parts of the Australian community.
New higher education courses
The following new courses approved for introduction on academic grounds and recommended to Council for offer from Trimester 1, 2010:
- Bachelor of Information Technology (Professional Practice)
- Bachelor of Information Technology (Honours).
The Board noted that the following new courses had been approved for introduction on academic grounds by the Chair, Academic Board (under delegated authority) and recommended to Council for offer from Trimester 1, 2010:
- Associate Degree of Arts, Business and Sciences, including associated appellated degrees
- Master of Social Work.
Professor Philomena Leung
Chair, Academic Board
June 2009
