The University Executive Group has now approved the release of a White Paper on Academic Structures and Leadership at Macquarie University which has incorporated feedback from staff on the previously released Green Paper. This work sits under the University Operating Plan’s ‘Our People’ area of focus.

During February, more than 120 staff members provided feedback on the Green Paper, either directly or through an online survey.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this process. In response to specific questions within the survey:

• 73% were supportive or neutral on the proposed structural framework
• 64% were supportive or neutral about the creation of two deputy dean roles
• 61% were supportive or neutral about creating up to 5 associate dean roles
• 75% were supportive or neutral on creating discipline chair roles.

In open-ended comments and other consultations, the following key themes emerged:

• Support for more consistency in leadership roles between Faculties
• General support for the Course Director role
• Varied views about the use of the term ‘School’
• Support for the Discipline Chair role balanced with caution that the creation of disciplines can block academic integration and cross-disciplinary activities
• The title of the core Associate Dean Coursework and Pathways role was suggested to be changed to Associate Dean Curriculum and Learning.
• A request for inclusion of academic leadership roles or responsibilities within Faculties that address indigenous education and research
• Recognition that a small number of externally facing Department Director roles (e.g. in the School of Education) are valuable and should be continued.

The White Paper will be used to guide several strategic decisions that will occur over the life of the University Operating Plan, starting with the recruitment of Deputy Dean roles in Faculties. Each Faculty will make decisions on the timing of these appointments and the transition from existing positions to the frameworks outlined in the White Paper.

The University Executive has also resolved its position on the use of the term ‘School’ to apply to an academic unit within the University (see page two of the White Paper) and this will inform workplace change proposals that are currently active in three Faculties.

Our thanks in advance for your engagement and support with this important work happening within the Our People area of focus.

Patrick McNeil and Nicole Gower
Executive Sponsors, Our People