Research and Research Training Committee - Terms of Reference

Purpose

The Research and Research Training Committee advises the Academic Board about resolutions, policy and procedures relating to research and research training at the University.

Terms of Reference

1. To advise the Academic Board about resolutions, policy and procedures relating to research and research training in the University, including but not limited to:
   * the pattern of postgraduate research in the University;
   * admission of research students and the recognition of prior learning, exemption, credit, credit transfer and advanced standing;
   * fostering excellence in research;
   * 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 research and research training and good practice.
3. To monitor issues relating to quality in research, research-related activities and research training and to make recommendations to the Academic Board as appropriate.
4. To consider and report on any matter referred to it by:
   * the Academic Board;
   * the Vice Chancellor;
   * the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research);
   * the Chair of the Academic Board;
   * the Dean of Graduate Studies and/or
   * the Graduate Studies Committee.
5. To receive regular reports from, and provide advice to:
   * the Academic Board;
   * the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research);
   * the Research Office;
   and as required from:
   * Sydnovate;
   * the Faculties and
   * the Library
   on the development of resolutions, policy and procedures relating to research and research training.
6. To obtain information or reports from academic units on academic matters relating to research and research training.
7. To make recommendations to the Academic Board regarding:
   * the introduction, amendment or deletion of postgraduate research award courses and any higher degrees including higher doctorates;
   * English language requirements for postgraduate research courses; and
   * any other requirements to be satisfied by candidates for the award of a research degree.
8. To advise the Academic Board on the academic aspects of bodies established to support research and research training.
9. To make recommendations to the Academic Board regarding procedures for examination for higher degrees including higher doctorates and matters relating to the award of the degrees.
10. To make recommendations to the Academic Board regarding the establishment of effective and high quality supervisory practices for postgraduate research candidates.
11. To make recommendations to the Academic Board regarding effective management practices for postgraduate research.
12. To consider and decide appeals, where it has the appropriate authority under the relevant University legislation.
13. To develop, oversee and monitor processes for the effective implementation of policy and good practice relating to the award of specific postgraduate scholarships.
14. To refer to other committees, as appropriate, comments or recommendations about matters concerning research and research training.
15. 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 Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education)
• the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)
• the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research)
• the Chair of the Graduate Studies Committee
• the Chair of the PhD Award Sub-Committee
• the Director, Research Office, or nominee
• the Director, Sydnovate, or nominee
• the President of the Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association, or nominee

Appointed Members

• the Chairs of Faculty Research or Research Training Committees or nominees from either of those Committees, or relevant Associate Deans, appointed on the advice of the Dean for two years;
• up to five members appointed for a period of up to two years by the Chair of the Academic Board on the nomination of the Chair of the Research and Research Training Committee; and
• 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 Sub-Committee shall meet at least five (5) times a year.

Quorum

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

Approved/Revised

Academic Board, 16 October 2002
Last revised, 10 March 2009

Committee Secretary

Secretariat