Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Visual Arts

FACULTY GOVERNANCE AND STRUCTURE

1.0 FACULTY

1.1 MEMBERSHIP

The membership of the Faculty is as prescribed in Clause 4 of Statute 8 which reads as follows:

'4.(1) Each faculty comprises:

(a) the academic staff in all schools, centres and institutes funded by the faculty;

(b) as many academic staff from other schools, centres, and institutes which teach in the faculty's courses as the Academic Board determines;

(c) members in any other categories which the Academic Board approves; and

(d) any other persons which the members in paragraphs (a) to (c) appoint for specified periods.

(2) The Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Pro Vice-Chancellors, Chair of the Academic Board, Registrar and any other officers of the University which the Academic Board declares, are ex-officio members of all faculties but are not counted for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present at a meeting.

(3) A faculty is properly constituted even if any of the members required by its constitution to be elected or nominated have not as yet been elected or nominated.'

and comprises:

(a) the Dean of the Faculty;

(b) the Associate Dean of the Faculty;

(c) the Deputy Dean of the Faculty;

(d) the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences or nominee;

(e) the Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences or nominee;

(f) all academic staff, including postgraduate research staff, as defined in Clause 1 of Statute 8 in the Faculty and in centres funded by it, who hold full time or 50 per cent or greater fractional appointments;

(g) three student members of the Architecture, Landscape and Visual Arts (ALVA) Student Society, one of whom must be enrolled in a postgraduate course of study in the Faculty, nominated by the President and Vice-President of the ALVA Students Society, to serve for periods of no less than one year and no more than two years;

(h) one person nominated by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, West Australian Chapter who serves for a period of two years and may serve for no more than two consecutive terms;

(i) one person nominated by Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, West Australian Chapter who shall serve for a period of two years and may serve for no more than two consecutive terms;

(j) one person invited by the Faculty from the professional community representing the visual arts in Western Australia who serves for a period of two years and may serve for no more than two consecutive terms;

(k) such other persons as may be co-opted by the foregoing members from time to time, provided that each is co-opted for a period not exceeding two years and may be co-opted again at the end of a period of office;

(l) the Faculty Manager; and

(m) the Faculty Administrative Officer (Student Manager).

1.2 POWERS

The powers of the Faculty are set out in Clause 6 of Statute 8 which reads as follows:

'6.(1) A faculty, subject to the Statutes and regulations and to resolutions of the Senate, and within the constraints of University policies, has power to determine the administration of courses under its governance.'

1.3 MEETINGS

(1) Meetings are held in accordance with Clause 7 of Statute 8 which reads as follows:

'7.(1) Meetings of a faculty are held—

        (a) at least once in each academic year; and

        (b) within ten working days of the service on its dean, of a requisition signed by at least six members of the faculty and containing a statement of the matters to be discussed; and

        (c) whenever its dean sees fit.

(2) The dean must ensure that, as far as is practicable, all members receive the agenda for a meeting of the faculty at least three working days before the meeting.

(3) Meetings of a faculty are chaired by the dean but, in the absence of the dean, the members present determine which one of them will take the chair.

(4) All questions which are before a faculty are decided by a majority of the members present and voting unless the faculty determines otherwise in its governance document.

(5) The chair of the meeting has an ordinary vote and a casting vote.

(6) Subject to the Statutes and regulations and to resolutions of the Senate, a faculty has the power to regulate its own procedures, but if a dispute arises, the standing orders of the Senate apply.'

(2) The Faculty normally meets four times during the year: one meeting must take place during the two weeks before the start of semester one classes, and one must take place after the end of semester two classes.

1.4 QUORUM

One third of the membership of the Faculty or 20 members, whichever is the lesser, constitutes a quorum.

1.5 NOTICE OF MEETINGS

Notice of meetings is prescribed in Clause 7(2) of Statute 8. (See 1.3)

2.0 FACULTY OFFICERS

2.1 DEAN

The role of the Dean is as prescribed by Senate Resolution 102(ii)/93 which states:

'that the . . . Deans have:

(a) a Faculty executive role such that they will be bound by Faculty resolutions that cover research, teaching, academic structures and academic processes ¹;

(b) delegated authority from the Vice-Chancellor to manage University resources and to implement Faculty plans, University policies and priorities.'

¹ The sense in which the Faculty's resolutions are binding on the Dean is explored in the minutes of the Academic Board meeting of 17 March 1993.

2.1.1 Reporting Procedures

By Senate Resolution 102(iii)/93:

(a) the Dean is '. . . required to report biennially to the Senate through the Academic Council, on the Faculty's achievements against the Faculty plan;'

(b) the Dean's report is '. . . presented to the Faculty whose comments will be transmitted to Academic Council at the same time as the . . . Dean's report.'

2.2 DEPUTY DEAN

The Deputy Dean is appointed in accordance with Clause 11 of Statute 8 which states that:

'(11) the Vice-Chancellor, after taking appropriate advice, appoints for a specified period a deputy for each dean who performs the duties of the dean during the dean's absence.'

2.2.1 Responsibilities

(1) The Deputy Dean normally acts as the Faculty's postgraduate co-ordinator.

(2) The Deputy Dean has delegated Head of School responsibilities in relation to the following processes:

(a) academic conduct;

(b) appeals and grievances;

(c) study leave applications and reports and long service leave applications; and

(d) overseeing and managing academic staff workloads and the appointment of casual teaching staff

(3) The Deputy Dean assists the Dean in the execution of his/her duties as required.

2.2.2 Method of Appointment

(1) The Deputy Dean is appointed by Academic Board, through its Chair, on the recommendation of the Dean.

(2) The Deputy Dean is normally appointed for a period of three years. 

2.3 ASSOCIATE DEAN

Clause 12 of Statute 8 states that:

'(12) With the approval of the Academic Board, through its chair, the Dean may delegate any of the duties and responsibilities of the office to other officers or members of the Faculty for a specified period.'

2.3.1 Responsibilities

Specifically, the Associate Dean is responsible for:

(a) providing advice to students and prospective students on a wide range of matters relating to admission, enrolment and examination;

(b) providing general advice to students on study problems, and other problems affecting their capacity to benefit from their University studies and/or refer them for appropriate professional help; and

(c) making decisions on particular student cases, within University and/or Faculty policy, on all matters relating to student progress, enrolment and assessment.

(d) administering Faculty policy relating to the application and admission procedures for entry into Honours;

(e) providing general advice to students on study problems, and other problems affecting their capacity to benefit from their University studies and/or referring them for appropriate professional help;

(f) assisting with the development of Faculty policy;

(g) assisting the Dean and the Faculty in developing, co-ordinating and implementing faculty-wide teaching and learning initiatives;

(h) under delegated authority from the Dean acting on his/her behalf in relation to faculty-wide and university-wide matters relating to teaching and learning; and

(i) other matters as delegated by the Dean from time to time.

2.3.2 Method of Appointment

(1) The Associate Dean is appointed by Academic Board, through its Chair, on the recommendation of the Dean.

(2) The Associate Dean is normally appointed for a period of three years.

2.4 FACULTY MANAGER

2.4.1 Responsibilities

The Faculty Manager has delegated responsibility for administrative matters and procedures in the Faculty including responsibility to:

(a) assist the Dean in the execution of his/her duties;

(b) ensure that there is an effective interface between the Faculty and the Central Administration and committee system;

(c) provide supervision of all administrative staff employed in the Faculty and provide and administer training for new and ongoing staff; and

(d) ensure effective compliance with statutory requirements and other legal imperatives of University governance;

(e) analyse and advise on matters associated with Faculty strategic and operational goals and objectives;

(f) contribute to strategic planning and policy development in the Faculty;

(g) provide advice to academic staff about financial compliance with requirements of the University and granting bodies;

(h) co-ordinate the delivery of financial information to relevant groups and individuals; and

(i) oversee budget management for the Faculty including preparation of short and long term budgets.

2.5 FACULTY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER (STUDENT MANAGER)

2.5.1 Responsibilities

The Faculty Administrative Officer has delegated responsibility to administer the Faculty's academic programmes including:

(a) ensuring Faculty compliance with, and providing advice as necessary on, external legislation, University legislation, policy and procedures and Faculty legislation, policies and procedures in academic administration;

(b) administering admission/selection and enrolment processes in accordance with University and Faculty policies and specific course rules and ensuring that student enrolments comply with course rules;

(c) administration of undergraduate results and prizes for the Board of Examiners in conjunction with the Associate Dean;

(d) preparing detailed agendas and minutes for Faculty committees and forwarding minutes and other documentation to Academic Council/Legislative Committee in accordance with the written requirements of those bodies;

(e) assisting the Associate Dean in the execution of his/her duties; and

(f) assisting the Deputy Dean in the execution of his/her duties.

3. COMMITTEES OF THE FACULTY

3.1 COUNCIL OF DISCIPLINES

3.1.1 Function

(1) The Council of Disciplines is an advisory committee to the Dean. It may consider issues raised by the Dean or by members of the Faculty. The council carries out a broad range of delegated tasks on behalf of the Faculty and advises the Dean on matters that may be submitted to the Faculty for consideration.

(2) The council is responsible for advising the Dean on the appointment of committee members where the Faculty is required to.

(3) The council is responsible for developing Faculty policy and advising the Dean in relation to—

(a) development of the academic programme of the Faculty;

(b) the implementation and monitoring of the Faculty Strategic Plan and the Operational Priorities Plan;

(c) community relations;

(d) internationalisation;

(e) alumni relations;

(f) marketing and promotional strategies;

(g) issues of equity and diversity; and

(h) other issues as delegated to it from time to time.

3.1.2 Membership

(1) The Council of Disciplines comprises:

(a) the Dean (as Chair);

(b) the Associate Dean;

(c) the Deputy Dean;

(d) the Faculty Manager;

(e) the Chair of the Discipline Group of Architecture;

(f) the Chair of the Discipline Group of Landscape Architecture;

(g) the Chair of the Discipline Group of Visual Arts; and

(h) up to three co-opted members nominated by the Council, who may serve for periods of up to one year.

(2) The Chairs of the Discipline Groups of Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Visual Arts must be full-time academic members of the Faculty who are elected by the relevant Discipline Group for ratification by the staff who are in the School of ALVA at the first meeting of all staff each year, and who are normally appointed for three years.

3.1.3 Meetings

(1) The Council of Disciplines normally meets monthly and as otherwise required.

(2) The Council normally meets at least 14 working days before the Faculty meeting.

(3) The Faculty Manager provides administrative support to the council.

3.2 BOARD OF EXAMINERS

3.2.1 Function

The Board of Examiners in the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Visual Arts makes all decisions on examination results and reports them to the Registrar. The Board also has powers delegated by the Faculty to make decisions in accordance with University and Faculty policy on the award of Honours, student progress and sanctions, and prizes.

3.2.2 Membership

The Board of Examiners comprises:

(a) The Dean;

(b) the Associate Dean or nominee (as Chair);

(c) the Faculty Administrative Officer; and

(d) other members co-opted by the Chair as necessary.

3.3 ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE

3.3.1. Functions

The Admissions Committee is responsible for—

(a) the selection and ranking of applicants for the Faculty's undergraduate degrees courses for non-standard enrolments; and

(b) reporting to the Faculty on the results of the selection process.

3.3.2 Membership

(1) The committee comprises:

(a) the Dean (as Chair);

(b) the Associate Dean;

(c) the Vice-Chancellor's nominee (from the Admissions Office); and

(d) other members co-opted by the Chair as necessary.

(2) The Faculty Administrative Officer (Student Manager) prepares materials and assists the committee in its deliberations.

3.4 TEACHING AND LEARNING COMMITTEE

3.4.1 Functions

(1) The Teaching and Learning Committee reports directly to the Dean and to the staff of the Faculty at staff meetings.

(2) The committee provides advice to the Faculty on matters relating to teaching and learning and curriculum matters in the Faculty.

(3) The committee—

(a) provides an assessment of all new course and unit proposals;

(b) provides an assessment of any course change proposals;

(c) monitors assessment practices and procedures in units taught within the Faculty;

(d) allocates teaching assignments year by year;

(e) reviews and reports on levels of academic teaching support annually;

(f) develops new initiatives in teaching and learning;

(g) monitors and reviews the use of information technology in the Faculty and assist in the planning and budget process as required by the Dean; and

(h) conducts other business as required by the Dean or the Associate Dean.

3.4.2 Membership

(1) The committee comprises:

(a) the Associate Dean or nominee (as Chair);

(b) up to three members of academic staff in the Faculty nominated by the Dean for ratification by the staff who are in the School of ALVA at the first meeting of all staff each year.

(2) The term of office of each nominated member is normally three years.

(3) The Faculty Administrative Officer/Student Manager provides administrative support to the Teaching and Learning Committee.

3.4.3 Meetings

Meetings are normally held monthly, or as otherwise required by the Chair.

3.5 POSTGRADUATE AND RESEARCH COMMITTEE

3.5.1 Functions

(1) The Postgraduate and Research Committee reports directly to the Dean and to the staff of the Faculty at regular staff meetings.

(2) The function of the Postgraduate and Research Committee is to:

(a) review and report to the Dean on all postgraduate applications to the Faculty;

(b) review all postgraduate research proposals and report to the Dean with recommendations;

(c) monitor the Faculty postgraduate student database and ensure that it is kept up to date;

(d) make recommendations to the staff of the Faculty on policy matters relating to the Faculty's higher degrees;

(e) make recommendations to the staff of the Faculty to enhance the research culture and research outputs of all kinds in the Faculty;

(f) actively lobby for the broad acceptance of studio-based practice in all disciplines represented in the Faculty as a normal and appropriate form of research activity;

(g) promote and assist staff with the preparation of research grant applications to national competitive bodies and other granting agencies and industry bodies;

(h) maintain a cumulative database of research interests and research projects carried out in the Faculty;

(i) oversee the annual collection of research publications;

(j) assist in the formulation and implementation of operational priorities for research; and

(k) undertake other tasks as required by the Dean or the Associate Dean.

3.5.2 Membership

(1) The committee comprises:

(a) the Chair, who will normally be the Deputy Dean of the Faculty, and who is nominated by the Dean for ratification by the ALVA staff at the first meeting of all staff each year; and

(b) up to three other members of academic staff nominated by the Dean for ratification by the staff who are in the School of ALVA at the first meeting of all staff each year.

(2) The term of office for each member is normally three years.

(3) The Administrative Officer provides administrative support to the Postgraduate and Research Committee.

3.5.3 Meetings

Meetings are normally held monthly, or as otherwise required by the Chair.

3.6 FACULTY ADVISORY BOARD

3.6.1 Function

The role of the Advisory Board is to provide an external perspective on the Faculty's strategic direction, including providing advice on the following:

(a) assisting the Faculty in identifying opportunities for research;

(b) assisting the Faculty in identifying opportunities for recruitment of students and for the marketing of its courses;

(c) assisting the Faculty in identifying opportunities for consultancy through groups or individual members of the Faculty;

(d) assisting the Faculty in identifying opportunities for development of community relations locally and nationally;

(e) providing feedback on the local, national and international standing of the Faculty;

(f) the development and maintenance of relationships with the key stakeholder groups of the Faculty including the alumni;

(g) sponsorship and fundraising;

(h) the Faculty's performance in meeting the objectives of its strategic plan; and

(i) any other issues that the Faculty may identify from time to time.

3.6.2 Membership

(1) The Faculty of Architecture Advisory Board comprises:

(a) the Dean (as Chair);

(b) the Associate Dean;

(c) the Chairs of the Discipline Groups in Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Visual Arts; and

(d) up to seven members drawn from industry, business, government and the professions represented in the Faculty, appointed by the Dean after consulting the Council of Disciplines.

(2) Appointed members normally serve for three years and may be appointed for consecutive terms.

3.6.3 Meetings

The Advisory Board normally meets at least twice each year.

3.7 FACULTY APPEALS COMMITTEE—ACADEMIC ASSESSMENT

In accordance with the University's appeal process in the case where there is dissatisfaction with an assessment result and/or progress status, available at http://www.secretariat.uwa.edu.au/home/policies/appeals/, the Faculty will constitute a Faculty Appeals Committee as necessary with membership as set out in that process.