Academic Board

Role of the Academic Board in relation to Senate

General Functions:

Subject to the governing authority and powers of the Senate and the powers of the Vice-Chancellor, the Academic Board has principal responsibility:

1.1 To maintain the highest standards in teaching, scholarship and research and, in that process, to safeguard the academic freedom of the University;

1.2 To oversee and monitor the development of all academic activities of the University; and

1.3 To communicate with the academic community through the Faculties, colleges and boards of studies and similar organisational units.

Advisory functions:

The Academic Board will provide advice to the Senate and the Vice-Chancellor on:

1.4 Academic matters relating to and affecting the University’s teaching and research activities and its educational programs, including general advice on the academic priorities and policies of the University;

1.5 Academic aspects of the formulation and review of the University’s strategic plan;

1.6 Policies concerning the academic aspects of the conditions of appointment and employment of academic staff;

1.7 Any academic matters it considers to be of strategic importance, including any Faculty plans; and

1.8 The maintenance of academic standards.

Specific functions:

Subject to the governing authority and powers of the Senate and to the powers of the Vice-Chancellor, the functions of the Academic Board are to:

1.9 Exercise authority as delegated to the Academic Board to approve new academic courses and changes to existing courses, the delegation being subject to:
1.9.1 The Academic Board's reporting to the Senate on important implications of the proposals; and
1.9.2 The final endorsement of proposals by Senate, it being intended that Senate would:
1.9.2.1 Normally endorse the Academic Board's decisions;
1.9.2.2 Ordinarily give its endorsement promptly;
1.9.2.3 Refer decisions back to the Academic Board only in exceptional circumstances; and
1.9.2.4 Exercise its capacity for independent decision again only in exceptional circumstances.

1.10 Determine policy concerning the programs of study or examinations in any Faculty, college or Board of Studies and within such policy, determine requirements to be satisfied by candidates for the award of degrees, diplomas or certificates;

1.11 Determine the terms and conditions of awards, scholarships and prizes established within the University and make awards;

1.12 Formulate and review policies, guidelines and procedures in relation to academic matters;

1.13 Request reports from, or refer matters to Faculties, colleges and boards of studies and similar organisational units for consideration and action as required;

1.14 Consider and take action as required on reports or academic submissions from Faculties, colleges or boards of studies or similar organisational units;

1.15 Play an active role in assuring the quality of teaching, scholarship and research in the University and co-ordinate and maintain an overview of the academic activities of Faculties, colleges and boards of studies and similar organisational units;

1.16 Initiate and oversee a formal and regular program of review of academic activities of Faculties, colleges and boards of studies, and similar organisational units;

1.17 Provide a forum to facilitate information flow and debate within the University and between the senior executive officers of the University and the wider academic community;

1.18 Make regular reports on the range of its activities to the Senate after each meeting of the Academic Board and make a formal, annual report on its activities and its assessment of its performance to the Senate;

1.19 Consider and report on all matters referred to it by the Senate or the Vice-Chancellor; and

1.20 Exercise any powers and perform any other duties delegated to it by the Senate.