The Academic Board has been established as the peak academic governance body within the University and which reports to the Council as a delegate on academic matters.

It is tasked with ensuring the University maintains quality learning, teaching, scholarship and research. As well as reviewing academic policy recommendations and approving and accrediting degrees and other awards, it provides a forum for debate within the University and between the academic community and senior executive officers. 

Academic Board's Terms of Reference should be read in conjunction with the Academic Board Regulations 2021.

 

Related

Academic Board Membership

The Academic Board is composed of ex-officio members and internal members including teaching and research staff, professional staff and students.

Chairperson: Professor Tom Clark
Phone: +61 3 9919 2196
Email: [email protected]

Deputy Chairperson: Associate Professor Randall Robinson 
Phone: +61 3 9919 2885
Email: [email protected]

a. Two members elected by and from teaching and research staff from each College:

  1. Associate Professor Jeannie Rea (A&E)
  2. Vacant (A&E)
  3. Dr David Moore (VUBS)
  4. Vacant (VUBS)
  5. Associate Professor Alasdair McAndrew (E&S)
  6. Dr Roan Plotz (E&S)
  7. Vacant (H&B)
  8. Breanna Wright (H&B)
  9. Vacant (L&J)
  10. Dr Christopher Brien (L&J)
  11. Associate Professor Brent McDonald (SES)
  12. Vacant (SES)
  13. Silvana Di Sisto (VUC)
  14. Vacant (VUC)
  15. Dr Vivienne Decleva (VUP)
  16. Maria Juj (VUP)
  17. Vacant (Partnerships & Innovation)
  18. Raquel Licciardi (Partnerships & Innovation)
  19. Associate Professor Tom Clark (VU First Year College®) (Chair)
  20. Jesse Singh (VU First Year College®)
  21. Associate Professor Deborah Zion (VUR)
  22. Associate Professor Randall Robinson (VUR) (Deputy Chair)

b. Two members elected by and from teaching and research staff who work in organisational units other than a College:

  1. Deb Tyler
  2. Dr Paola Balla

c. Four members elected by and from professional staff:

  1. Alex Skevofylakas
  2. Shane Cameron
  3. Sandra Griffin
  4. Vacant

d. One member elected by and from Indigenous staff:

  1. Karen Jackson 

e. Four student members, comprising—

  1. one student elected by and from students enrolled in a higher education degree by coursework course of study: Hassan Nur Hussein Abdi
  2. one student elected by and from students enrolled in a higher degree by research course of study: Majid Hassanzadeganroudsari
  3. one student elected by and from students enrolled in a Vocational and/or Further Education course of study: Vacant
  4. one student elected by and from onshore international students: Vacant.

f. There will be seven ex officio members, comprising—

  1. the Vice-Chancellor:  Professor Adam Shoemaker
  2. six members of staff who hold positions determined by the Vice-Chancellor after consultation with the Academic Board:
  1. Professor John Germov
  2. Wayne Butson
  3. Professor Andy Hill
  4. Professor Rob Strathdee
  5. Professor Karen Dodd
  6. Professor Andrew Smallridge.

g. There will be a maximum of four co-opted members:

  1. Professor Chris Walsh
  2. Professor Peter Radoll
  3. Vacant
  4. Vacant.

Academic Board Functions

  1. Set institutional standards for academic quality and outcomes; monitor the effectiveness of initiatives to improve the quality of teaching and learning, programs and courses and the student experience, domestically, internationally and through third-party arrangements. 
  2. Receive reports from delegates and management that assess the University’s capacity to demonstrate it meets the academic-related standard of the Higher Education Standards Framework and the Standards for VET Accredited Courses and report to Council.
  3. Make determinations on proposals for the accreditation and reaccreditation of all academic programs of study offered by the University.
  4. Maintain oversight of academic and research integrity, including monitoring breaches, and mechanisms to mitigate potential and emerging academic risks including reporting to the Compliance, Audit and Risk Committee.
  5. Review and provide advice on the development and effectiveness of policies and procedures that guide all academic and educational activities, including approval of policies relating to academic quality.
  6. Monitor and provide advice on policies and procedures that are intended to support participation by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and ensure sensitivity to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and cultures.
  7. Monitor the quality of scholarship, research, research training and research-related matters and associated policies and foster the development and maintenance of high standards and support for research and scholarship.
  8. Monitor and review the effectiveness of delegations made under policies and procedures relevant to the role and functions of the Academic Board and its standing committees, ensuring delegations are appropriately implemented.
  9. Advise Council and/or the Vice-Chancellor on the academic aspects of the University's strategic plans, priorities and risk management, including evaluating the quality and effectiveness of educational innovations or proposals for innovations.
  10. Monitor and report on the annual and strategic reviews of third-party arrangements, course delivery and agreements involving education programs delivery.
  11. Evaluate annual self-reviews of Academic Board’s standing committees to ensure that their referred responsibilities are effectively discharged.
  12. Provide a forum to facilitate communication on issues within the education sector and encourage discussion and dissemination of information within the University regarding good practices in scholarship and research.
  13. Monitor and report on the occurrence of formal complaints about academic matters and allegations of academic misconduct, and actions taken to address underlying causes.
  14. Advise on matters referred to the Academic Board, within the remit of its delegated authorities, by Council, the Vice-Chancellor or other University officers.
  15. Provide a report to Council following each meeting of Academic Board.
  16. Review and report annually to Council on its own performance.

Academic Board meetings

The Academic Board meetings commence at 9am and are held at the Footscray Park Campus.

  • Wednesday 1 February
  • Wednesday 1 March
  • Wednesday 5 April
  • Wednesday 3 May
  • Wednesday 7 June
  • Wednesday 2 August
  • Wednesday 6 September
  • Wednesday 4 October
  • Wednesday 1 November
  • Wednesday 6 December

Committees of Academic Board

Supporting the Academic Board, and established under delegations, are the following committees of the Academic Board:

Academic Board legislation & important documents

Academic Board legislation and important documents provide additional information: