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Undergraduate Studies Committee - Terms of Reference

Purpose

The Undergraduate Studies Committee advises the Academic Board about resolutions, policy and procedures relating to undergraduate study at the University and acts as the Academic Board's agent in determining undergraduate matters in accordance with the resolutions of the Senate: Delegations of Authority: Academic Functions.

Terms of Reference

  1. To advise the Academic Board on resolutions, policy and procedures relating to all undergraduate studies in the University, including:
    (1) the pattern of undergraduate courses in the University;
    (2) admission of undergraduate students and the recognition of prior learning, exemption, credit, credit transfer and advanced standing;
    (3) equity and access initiatives;
    (4) approval of new undergraduate award courses amendments to existing undergraduate award courses.
  2. To make recommendations to the Academic Board in relation to proposals to introduce new undergraduate award courses and amendments to existing undergraduate award courses.
  3. To make recommendations to the Academic Board regarding English language requirements and requirements to be satisfied by candidates for the award of a degree, diploma or certificate.
  4. To act for the Academic Board in:
    (1) recognising institutions, programs and courses for the purposes of admission;
    (2) approving additional procedures relating to the Universities Admissions Index (UAI) as set by the Deans, and as used as a basis for admissions;
    (3) approving preparatory programs of study in prior learning;
    (4) approving special admission schemes;
    (5) confirming academic selection criteria for international students set by Deans;
    (6) determining procedures for the consideration, and deadline for submission of proposals for new and amended award programs and courses.
  5. To develop, recommend to the Academic Board, and regularly review resolutions, policy and procedures supporting the University’s strategic objectives in relation to undergraduate studies.
  6. To develop, oversee and monitor processes for the effective implementation of undergraduate resolutions, policy, procedures and good practice.
  7. To promote and foster initiatives relating to undergraduate studies for indigenous students in accordance with the objectives of the University of Sydney Indigenous Education Strategic Plan.
  8. To monitor issues relating to quality in relation to undergraduate award courses, and to make recommendations to the Academic Board as appropriate.
  9. To obtain information or reports from any faculty, school or department, the Library or other academic unit on academic matters relating to undergraduate studies.
  10. To refer to other committees, as appropriate, comments or recommendations about matters concerning undergraduate students.
  11. To provide regular reports on its activities under its terms of reference to the Academic Board.
  12. To consider and report on any matter referred to it by the Academic Board or its committees or the Vice Chancellor.

Constitution

Ex Officio Members

  • the Chair of the Committee, appointed bienially by the Academic Board
  • the Chair of the Academic Board, or nominee
  • the Deputy Provost and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching)
  • the University Librarian, or nominee
  • the Director, International Office, or nominee
  • the Registrar, or nominee
  • an Associate Dean (Undergraduate), or equivalent, of each faculty
  • the President of the Students’ Representative Council, or nominee

Appointed Members

  • one undergraduate student member of the Academic Board appointed annually by and from the undergraduate student members of the Academic Board

Co-opted Members

  • the Committee may co-opt additional members. Co-opted members may be selected from the members of the Academic Board or the wider University community or may express interest directly to the Chair of the Committee, but must have an interest and/or experience in issues considered by the Committee. The term of office of members co-opted by the Committee shall be specified at the time of co option and such members shall have all rights and privileges of other members.

Observers

Members of the Academic Board may attend meetings as observers, and are allowed, with the permission of the Chair of the committee, to address the meeting on issues being considered by the committee.

Deputy Chair

The Committee may appoint one member, on the nomination of the Chair of the Committee, to act as Deputy Chair.

Sub-Committees

Admissions Sub-Committee

Frequency of Meetings

The Committee shall meet at least five (5) time a year.

Quorum

A quorum for a meeting of the Committee shall be six (6) members.

Approved/Revised

Academic Board, 16 October 2002
Last revised, 15 November 2006

Committee secretary

Ms Louise Young, Executive Governance Office.

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