Academic Board
June 2003
by Peter Cardwell, Executive Officer, Academic Board
Indigenous content in University undergraduate programs
Academic Board resolved to approve a process for incorporating Indigenous
content into all the University’s undergraduate programs. Substantial
progress has already been made in this area and, besides programs being
offered by the Unaipon School, currently there are 17 programs across the
University containing at least one course of compulsory study in Indigenous
issues, with a further five programs offering Indigenous studies courses as
electives. The Unaipon School also offers courses from its Aboriginal
Studies major to students across any program in the University.
In 2001, the University undertook a review of its Indigenous Education Strategy objectives to ensure that the University’s curricula are inclusive of the experience of Indigenous Australians. In March this year, the Board of the Division of Education, Arts and Social Sciences endorsed a recommendation for the general inclusion of Indigenous content in University undergraduate programs and referred the matter to Senior Management Group (SMG), who subsequently supported the proposal.
Following the Board’s endorsement, a working group will now be established with overall responsibility for the development of a process for incorporating Indigenous content into our undergraduate programs.
The working group will comprise: the Pro Vice Chancellor (Education, Arts and Social Sciences) as Chair, the Pro Vice Chancellor (Access and Learning Support), the Dean (ICER), the Head of the Unaipon School and the Deans (Teaching and Learning).
The working group will develop a statement (based on the AVCC statement) on what should be the minimum content included in undergraduate degrees, how it should be delivered and what involvement Indigenous staff will have in course development and delivery.
The working group will also update information on which of the University’s programs already contain Indigenous content, ascertain what is required to bring other programs up to standard and what resources will be required to accomplish the task.
It was agreed that the working group’s final report containing the statement on minimum Indigenous content and delivery will go to Academic Board for approval. It is anticipated that the process will also result in an implementation plan from each Division to the Board to ensure that over a three year period all undergraduate programs meet the Indigenous content requirement.
Following the Board’s endorsement of Divisional plans they will then be incorporated into the University’s Indigenous Education Plan, with programs being monitored through annual reviews.
Towards an Online Strategy 2005 – 2015
The Vice Chancellor introduced a paper Towards an Online Strategy
2005-2015 designed to stimulate discussion about the decisions the
University needs to make over time in relation to its online strategy.
It seeks the views of the University community in relation to a number of complex and interrelated questions that must be addressed as the University further develops its approach to education delivery and service delivery online, as well as to new ways of organising and undertaking research, to capital and IT infrastructure development and to work practices.
Academic Board noted that the University’s future online strategy will
have implications for all of its areas of operation.
It was further noted that the strategy will need to bring together the
University’s future needs, both educational and administrative; build on
existing online systems in the University; take account of international
standards for online products available in the marketplace; and consider
both existing staff work practices and possibilities for changes in such
practices over time.
Members believed it was important that the strategy signals directions for the online environment of the entire University, and the implications for resource allocation and capital development – both IT and physical building facilities – will need to be very clear.
Consultation has already begun on the University’s online strategy 2005-2015. The discussion paper has been circulated to all staff and a website has been created to receive feedback from the University community.
Members of Academic Board attended a contextual awareness workshop on June 25 to discuss the discussion paper. There was a very positive response from participants at the workshop, and some exciting and energetic discussions took place.
It is seen as important that the consultation process engages people across the University, and Academic Board will have an important role to play in this process.