Program approval and amendment
- Summary of Coursework Program Approval
- Coursework Program Approval Manual
- Program Notification Statement
- Modified Program Notification Statement: Authority to Promote
- Coursework Program Approval Templates 1- 8
- Contacts
- Implementation of program approval decisions
Summary of Coursework Program Approval (DOC 30KB)
This document summarises each of the program approval types by level of approval. It also includes the timeline and processing requirements for each amendment type. The levels of approval associated with Coursework Program Approval process were reviewed during 2008. This involved consideration by a working group chaired by the Deputy Vice Chancellor: Academic and comprising representatives of the Schools, Divisional program approval committees, Deans: Teaching and Learning, APPRC and Students and Academic Services. The review was also informed by a benchmarking of our procedures against those of other universities, including the ATN. The recommendations of the working group were then subject to a broader University-wide consultation process. The outcome of this review was approved by Academic Board at its November 2008 meeting and is reflected in the attached table and the Manual and templates below.
Coursework Program Approval Manual (PDF 666KB - download Adobe Acrobat)
The Coursework Program Approval Manual provides an overview of the approval procedures and timelines for all types of program development and amendment.
The procedures cover the following areas of program approval:
- new onshore and transnational coursework programs
- minor changes to existing programs or courses
- major amendments to existing programs
- offering an existing program in a new location or with a new partner
- program withdrawal for programs where no further intakes are to be offered
The manual includes further information on various aspects of the
curriculum development and approval process, including the framework for
developing double degrees, the role of the Graduate Qualities in curriculum
development, teaching and learning and assessment, online and flexible
delivery, and a glossary of terms.
It also includes cross references to web resources to assist staff in program and course development, amendment
and review.
All new program developments and amendments to existing programs should use the Coursework Program Approval Manual and the relevant documentation templates.
Program Notification Statement (DOC 122KB)
A Program Notification Statement is required before a School develops the documentation for any new coursework program (onshore or transnational) or proposed amendments to existing programs to be offered in another location with an existing or new partner (that is, Group 2 major amendments).
Modified Program Notification Statement: Authority to Promote (DOC 177KB)
This version of the Program Notification Statement applies to domestic programs where the Deputy Vice Chancellor: Academic has authorised the development of the new program using the modified program approval process.
Template 1: New Programs (Onshore) (DOC 431KB)
This template should be used for all new onshore program proposals including:
- coursework programs
- coursework Professional Doctorate programs
- joint program with other providers (eg joint UniSA/TAFESA programs)
- collaborative arrangements, including new programs through Open Universities Australia (OUA)
- the replacement of an existing program where there is substantial change to the existing award
The submission should be accompanied by a Business case (see Template 8).
Template 2: New Programs (Transnational) (DOC 405KB)
This template should be used for all new transnational program proposals including:
- coursework programs
- coursework Professional Doctorate programs
The submission should be accompanied by a Business case (see Template 8).
Template 3: Minor amendments to programs and courses (DOC 263KB)
Minor amendments are refinements to program and course delivery and content that do not significantly affect the objectives and outcomes or emphasis of a program, or affect the resources and profile of any School, Division or administrative unit. They will not normally affect more than one third of the total units in a program. This template should be used for all coursework programs and courses, both onshore and transnational.
Template 4: Major amendments to programs and courses, Group 1 (DOC 293KB)
Group 1 major amendments cover a range of amendments to existing programs
such as changes to the name of a program or modifications to the structure or content of a
program. They will normally result from a comprehensive review of the
program or are required for professional accreditation purposes. This template should
be used for all coursework programs and courses, both onshore and
transnational.
The type of amendment will determine whether a Business case is
required; see section 8 of the Coursework Program Approval Manual.
Template 5: Major amendments to programs and courses, Group 2 (DOC 320KB)
Group 2 major amendments are those amendments which alter the offering of an existing program. These include:
- offering an existing program in collaboration with another organisation, including OUA
- offering an existing onshore program transnationally
- modifying some aspects of the delivery of an existing transnational program
- offering an existing program in Australia in a language other than English
The submission should be accompanied by a Business case (see Template 8)
Template 6: Program withdrawal (DOC 105KB)
Programs should be formally withdrawn when no further intakes are intended.
In order to meet DEEWR reporting requirements, all programs to be withdrawn must be approved by APPRC and Academic Board.
Template 7: Course statement (DOC 126KB)
This template should be used for all new courses and amendments to existing courses.
Template 8: Business case (DOC 173KB)
The business case provides justification of a program development proposal
in terms of its alignment with the University's strategic directions,
demand, collaborative arrangements, budget, marketing and staffing.
Contact
Any feedback on the procedures and templates should be forwarded to Adrienne Nieuwenhuis.
For further information please contact:
Implementation of program approval decisions
The System Update Requirements for Programs and Plans document provides a summary of actions required for program approval decisions that impact on other databases. Division, Schools, SAS Campus Central and SAS Central Teams are advised to refer to this document to ensure that required action is taken in relation to:
- SATAC
- Program Information Management
- Apply Online
- Credit Assessor
- Fees
- Transition
System Update Requirements for Programs and Plans (PDF 377KB - download Adobe Acrobat)