(Caption: Professor Norma Harrison and Professor Judith Dawes, Elected Members of Academic Senate)

Nominations are now open for academic staff to stand for election as representatives on Academic Senate.

Academic Senate is the principal academic governing body at the University providing leadership and quality assurance of academic activities such as scholarship, learning and teaching, research and research training, and safeguarding academic freedom.

Professor Judith Dawes said of her experience over the past two years “When we come to the Senate, we are asked to take off our various hats, representing our departments or faculties, and consider the University as a whole. In participating in the work of Senate, I have gained more awareness and respect for the broad scope of the University’s activities. I have greatly enjoyed working with my colleagues from across campus and I believe our collective contributions on a range of academic matters have made a positive difference to the University.”

Professor Norma Harrison, in her second term as a member of Senate, added “Yes, it is necessary to wear the “University Hat” in Academic Senate meetings.  However, this is also an opportunity to voice any concerns and implications of proposed changes of university policy on faculties and departments in award programs, student services, academic promotions and progression, and HDR matters. The devising of the new curriculum architecture is one instance of the Senate members’ involvement on a collegial basis, through project teams.”

Academic Senate provides a forum to facilitate debate and information flow between the senior executive of the University and the wider academic community. Senate consists of:

• Elected Members – representing each of the five Faculties, and non-Faculty Academic Staff
• Student Members – representing undergraduate students, postgraduate coursework students, and higher degree research students.
• Ex-Officio Members – who are members by virtue of their role. This includes the Vice-Chancellor, a number of DVCs and PVCs, the Executive Deans, Dean HDR and University Librarian.

(Caption: Members of Academic Senate at the October 2018 meeting)

Achievements of Academic Senate in the 2017 – 2018 term include:

• Establishment of the Curriculum Architecture Policy.
• Reviews of the Academic Integrity Policy, University Medal Policy and the Purpose and Composition of Academic Senate.
• Increased engagement with the University community through policy consultation sessions and visits to Department meetings.

Information on the election and nomination forms are available from the Elections website.

Nominations will close on 15 November 2018 at 3pm. Voting will open on 22 November 2018.