Massey University Policy Guide ACADEMIC POLICY FORMATION
© This Policy is the property of Massey University Section Academic
Contact Academic Policy Manager Last Review November 2006
Next Review November 2008 Approval Council 2003/45
Introduction:
In 2001, a review of Academic Policy Making at Massey University produced 22 recommendations for academic policy formation. In July and August 2002, those recommendations were considered by the Academic Board and referred to Council for review and implementation in 2003. Upon consideration of the advice from Academic Board, the Vice-Chancellor and other parties, Council passed a series of 12 Resolutions in response to the
recommendations.
Implementation of the recommendations within the context of the resolutions passed by the University Council is ongoing with progress tracked and recorded in the Office of the University Registrar. Copies of the Implementation Progress Report are available on request from the Registrar’s Office.
Related procedures and documents:
• Policy on Definition and Establishment of a Policy
• Terms of Reference for Academic Board and its Sub-Committees (link to be made “live” when these ToR are online)
• Abbreviated Summary of Recommendations from Academic Board to Council (July/August 2002—11 pages)
• Summary of Council Resolutions on Academic Policy Formation (extracted from the Council Minutes of April 2003)
• Implementation Report
(link to downloadable .pdf document when implementation is completed)
Academic Policy Formation: Collegial Participation in University Governance (external link to the Australian Universities Quality Agency Good Practice Guide)
Copies of the Final Report on the Review of Academic Policy-Formation at Massey University (Rumball, S., McKibbin, R., Meyer, L., Munford, R. & Malcolm, W. (2001)) (over 100 pages) are available on request from the University Registrar’s Office.
Review Background:
In 2001, an inclusive review of the University's structures and processes for academic policy-making at College, Campus and University levels was conducted by a review committee comprising a chair who was a member of the professoriate; an external member who was a retired Vice-Chancellor; two professors who were also heads of departments; and one of the heads of Massey's five colleges.
Massey University Policy Guide Academic Policy Formation – Page 2
© This Policy is the property of Massey University
The review sought to investigate staff concerns regarding collegial participation in academic decision making. Specific purposes of the review were elaborated in a Memorandum of Understanding between the Association of University Staff and the University as:
• Assess the extent of collegial participation in bodies and processes, and the effectiveness of forums for academic reflection, debate and decision making;
• Evaluate the composition of the Academic Board and related eligibility criteria as to its effectiveness in providing for balance and appropriate representation;
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Board in developing and implementing policy and responding to requests for advice from the University Council;
• Evaluate whether the Academic Board should be encouraged to reconsider and clarify its relationship with its sub-committees, and in particular the Academic Committee; and
• Make appropriate recommendations to the University Council.
Substantive content in the Rumball, McKibbin, Meyer, Munford & Malcolm (2001) Final Report of the Review of Academic Policy-Formation included a summary framework for principles for collegial
participation and responsibility in academic policy formation. Findings within the Terms of Reference for the review resulted in 22 recommendations, each accompanied by a commentary designed to provide further explanation for that particular recommendation.
Document Management Control :
Prepared by: Academic Policy Manager Owned by: University Registrar
Authorised by: Council 2003/45 Date Issued: November 2004 Last Review: November 2006 Next review: November 2008
