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Graduate Studies Committee - Terms of Reference

Purpose

The Graduate Studies Committee advises the Academic Board about resolutions, policy and procedures relating to postgraduate coursework at the University.

Terms of Reference

1. To advise the Academic Board on resolutions, policy and procedures relating to all postgraduate coursework courses in the University, including but not limited to:
the pattern of postgraduate courses in the University;
admission of postgraduate coursework students and the recognition of prior learning, exemption, credit, credit transfer and advanced standing;
attraction and recruitment of students to postgraduate coursework courses;
equity and access initiatives; and
provision of facilities and services.
2. To develop, oversee and monitor processes for the effective implementation of resolutions, policy, procedures that support the University’s strategic objectives in relation to postgraduate studies and good practice.
3. To monitor issues relating to quality in relation to postgraduate coursework courses, and to make recommendations to the Academic Board as appropriate.
4. To make recommendations to the Academic Board regarding:
the introduction; amendment or deletion of postgraduate coursework courses;
English language requirements for postgraduate coursework courses;
requirements to be satisfied by candidates for the award of a postgraduate coursework degree, diploma or certificate.
5. To consider and report on any matter referred to it by:
the Academic Board or its committees;
the Vice Chancellor;
the Chair of the Academic Board; and/or
the Dean of Graduate Studies.
6. To receive regular reports from, and provide advice to:
the Academic Board or its committees;
the Dean of Graduate Studies;
the Faculties and
the Library
on the development of resolutions, policy and procedures relating to postgraduate coursework courses.
7. To obtain information or reports from any academic unit on academic matters relating to postgraduate coursework courses.
8. To act for the Academic Board in recognising institutions, programs and courses for the purposes of admission to postgraduate coursework courses.
9. To promote and foster initiatives relating to postgraduate coursework courses for Indigenous students in accordance with the objectives of the University of Indigenous Education Strategic Plan.
10. To make recommendations to the Academic Board regarding effective management practices for postgraduate coursework courses.
11. To refer to other committees, as appropriate, comments or recommendations about matters concerning postgraduate coursework students.
12. To provide regular reports on its activities under its terms of reference to the Academic Board.

Constitution

Ex Officio Members

  • the Chair of the Committee, appointed bienially by the Academic Board
  • the Chair of the Academic Board, or nominee
  • the Chair of the Research and Research Training Committee, or nominee
  • the Dean of Graduate Studies
  • the President of the Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association, or nominee

Appointed Members

  • the Chairs of Faculty Graduate Studies Committees or nominees from those Committees, or relevant Associate Deans, appointed on the advice of the Dean for two years
  • one postgraduate coursework student member of the Academic Board appointed annually by and from the postgraduate coursework student members of the Academic Board
  • one postgraduate research student member of the Academic Board appointed annually by and from the postgraduate research 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.

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
Revised, 15 November 2006

Committee secretary

Secretariat

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