Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

 

FACULTY GOVERNANCE AND STRUCTURE

1. 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 ¹ in all schools, centres and institutes funded by the faculty; and

(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 following are ex officio members of all faculties but are not counted for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present at a meeting—

the Chancellor;

the Pro-Chancellor;

the Vice-Chancellor and all other members of the Executive;

the Chair of the Academic Board; and

any other officers of the University as determined by the Academic Board.

(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.'

¹ As defined in Statute 8, 'academic staff' means those staff members holding academic appointments on a full-time or 50 per cent or greater fractional basis other than those holding emeritus, visiting, adjunct, clinical or honorary appointments.

and comprises:

(a) the Dean of the Faculty as Chair;

(b) the staff in all schools, centres and institutes funded by the Faculty and its Schools who hold appointments on a full-time or 50 per cent or greater fractional basis other than those holding emeritus, visiting, adjunct, clinical or honorary appointments;

(c) the Heads of the Schools outside the Faculty that are involved in teaching courses offered by the Faculty, or their nominees;

(d) up to four undergraduate students elected annually by and from the students enrolled in undergraduate courses offered by the Faculty;

(e) up to four postgraduate student members elected annually by and from the postgraduate students;

(f) 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;

(g) the Faculty Manager;

(h) the Manager, Student Office; and

(i) the members of staff in the Faculty Office who hold appointments on a full-time or 50 per cent or greater fractional basis.

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.

(2) A faculty may—

(a) provide advice to its dean on all policy issues relating to the faculty's resources; and

(b) make recommendations to the Academic Board, through its dean, on any matter related to research or the teaching of its courses; and

(c) provide to other University bodies or officers, through its dean, advice on any matter referred to it for consideration.'

1.3 MEETINGS

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 four times 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.'

1.4 QUORUM

The quorum is whichever is the lesser of one third of the membership of the Faculty or 25 members, provided that of this number at least 60 per cent are academic staff members.

1.5 NOTICE OF MEETINGS

Notice of Meetings is prescribed in Clause 7(2) of Statute 8 which reads as follows:

'7.(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.'

2. FACULTY BOARD

2.1 By R104/93 the Senate resolved—

"(a) that faculties have faculty boards which shall be responsible to the Faculty for the conduct of all Faculty business (except constituting the Faculty Board);

(b) that resolutions of the Faculty Board that relate to research, teaching, academic structures and academic processes be binding on the Dean and that the Faculty Board be advisory to the Dean on resource matters;

(c) that the composition of the Faculty Board be determined by Senate on the recommendation of the Faculty to Academic Council.'

2.2 In the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences the Faculty Board comprises the full faculty.

3. FACULTY OFFICERS

3.1 DEAN

The role of the Dean (formerly known as the Executive 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;

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

3.1.1 Reporting Procedures

By Senate Resolution 102(iii)/93:

'the . . . Deans be required to report biennially to the Senate through the Academic Council, on the Faculty's achievements against the Faculty plan and that these reports be presented to the Faculty whose comments will be transmitted to Academic Council at the same time as the … Dean’s report.'

3.2 DEPUTY DEAN

Clause 11 of Statute 8 states that:

'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.'

 

3.3 FACULTY MANAGER

The Faculty Manager has delegated responsibility for the overall administration of the Faculty including, in particular, responsibility to—

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

(b) ensure that there is an effective interface between the Faculty, the Central Administration and relevant committees;

(c) ensure effective compliance with statutory requirements and other legal imperatives of University governance.

3.4 MANAGER, STUDENT OFFICE

The Manager, Student Office has delegated responsibility to administer the Faculty's academic programs 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) providing advice to students and prospective students;

(c) administering admission/selection processes in accordance with University and Faculty policies and specific course rules;

(d) making decisions on particular student cases within University and/or Faculty policy;

(e) providing general advice to students on study problems, and other problems affecting their capacity to benefit from University studies;

(f) monitoring and reporting to the Associate Deans and to Faculty on various student-related matters;

(g) ensuring that there is an effective interface between the Faculty, the Central Administration and relevant committees.

3.5 ASSOCIATE DEAN TEACHING AND LEARNING

Clause 12 of Statute 8 states that:

'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.'

(1) the Associate Dean Teaching and Learning is appointed from within the Faculty by a selection process determined by the Dean in consultation with the Faculty.

(2) The Associate Dean Teaching and Learning has delegated authority to represent the Faculty on academic matters in terms of University and Faculty Rules.

(3) The Associate Dean Teaching and Learning chairs the Faculty's Teaching and Learning committee and Board of Examiners.

(4) The Dean may delegate to the Associate Dean Teaching and Learning authority to chair other Faculty committees.

3.6 ASSOCIATE DEAN RESEARCH

Clause 12 of Statute 8 states that:

'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.'

(1) the Associate Dean Research is appointed from within the Faculty by a selection process determined by the Dean in consultation with the Faculty.

(2) The Associate Dean Research—

(a) provides advice on research opportunities to the Dean, Heads of School and Centre Directors;

(b) assists with the planning and implementation of strategies for quality assurance in applications for research grants and research centres; and

(c) provides the link between the Faculty and the University's Research Committee and Associate Deans for Research Committee.

4. FACULTY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

4.1 Function

The Faculty Management Committee has the delegated powers of the Faculty, except the power to constitute the Faculty Board or the Faculty Management Committee, and is the Faculty's major decision-making committee with respect to research, teaching, academic structure and academic processes. The Faculty Management Committee provides advice to the Dean on the management of University resources and on the implementation of Faculty Plans, University policies and priorities.

4.2 Membership

(1) The Faculty Management Committee comprises:

(a) the Dean as Chair;

(b) the Deputy Dean;

(c) the Associate Deans;

(d) the Head of each School in the Faculty, or in the presence of the Head, a nominee;

(e) the Director of the Institute of Agriculture, or nominee;

(f) a representative from the research staff, elected annually by and from the research staff of the Faculty;

(g) a representative from the technical staff, elected annually by and from the technical staff of the Faculty;

(h) the Faculty Manager; and

(i) the Manager, Student Office.

4.3 Quorum

One half of the membership constitutes a quorum.

4.4 Meetings

The Faculty Management Committee meets at least once in each month from February to November inclusive and at other times as required.

4.5 Safeguards

(1) Advice regarding the availability of agendas and minutes (on the web) is sent to Faculty members (via the schools, institutes and centres), at the same time as to the Faculty Management Committee; and

(2) Faculty members may make a submission to the Faculty Management Committee, in writing or in person, on any matters listed in the agenda.

5. COMMITTEES OF THE FACULTY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

5.1 FACULTY PLANNING AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE

5.1.1 Function

The role of the Faculty Planning and Resources Committee is to provide advice to the Dean and the Faculty Management Committee on the management of the Faculty's resources and infrastructure, including but not limited to—

(a) financial planning, management and reporting;

(b) human resource management;

(c) accommodation planning and management;

(d) the management of information technology policies and facilities;

(e) the managements of field stations; and

(f) the Faculty's marketing strategies.

5.1.2 Membership

The Faculty Planning and Resources Committee comprises:

(a) the Dean of the Faculty as Chair;

(b) the School Managers of the Faculty;

(c) the Business Managers of the centres of the Faculties not located within schools;

(d) the Director of the Institute of Agriculture, or nominee;

(e) the Faculty Manager;

(f) the Manager, Information Technology; and

(g) the Prospective Students Officer;

5.1.3 Meetings

The Faculty Planning and Resources Committee meets at least once in each month from February to November inclusive and at other times as required.

5.1.4 Quorum

One half of the membership constitutes a quorum.

5.2 FACULTY RESEARCH COMMITTEE

5.2.1 Function

The role of the Faculty Research Committee is to provide advice to the Dean and the Faculty Management Committee on all matters relating to research and to enhance the Faculty's research profile, including but not limited to—

(a) the development of a Faculty research policy, including the identification of research opportunities;

(b) the enhancement of external research collaborations;

(c) planning for and implementation of strategies for quality assurance in applications for research grants and research centres;

(d) the development and implementation of a mentoring policy for Early Career Researchers;

(e) the allocation of research grants from funds which are administered by the Faculty; and

(f) the review of the Faculty's research infrastructure, including recommendations for improvements.

5.2.2 Membership

The Faculty Research Committee comprises:

(a) the Associate Dean (Research) as Chair;

(b) the Chairs of the Research Committees of the Faculty's schools;

(c) the Directors of all centres of the Faculty both within and outside schools, or nominees;

(d) the Director of the Institute of Agriculture, or nominee;

(e) one postdoctoral staff member from the Faculty elected annually by and from the postdoctoral staff; and

(f) one postgraduate student enrolled in the Faculty elected annually by and from the postdoctoral students.

5.2.3 Quorum

One half of the membership constitutes a quorum.

5.2.4 Committee of the Faculty Research Committee

5.2.4.1 Higher Degrees Committee

5.2.4.1.1 Function

The role of the Higher Degrees Committee is to oversee the examination of candidates for postgraduate degrees of the Faculty (excluding PhD) and to classify theses submitted for examination.

5.2.4.1.2 Membership

The Higher Degrees Committee comprises:

(a) the Dean as Chair;

(b) Heads of School of the Faculty or nominees;

(c) co-opted members;

(d) the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Research Training) or nominee;

(e) the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) or nominee; and

(f) advisers to provide particular expertise as required.

5.3 FACULTY TEACHING AND LEARNING COMMITTEE

5.3.1. Function

The role of the Faculty Teaching and Learning Committee is to provide advice to the Dean and the Faculty Management Committee on all matters relating to teaching and learning in the Faculty, including but not limited to—

(a) the enhancement of teaching quality and student experience in the Faculty's courses and units;

(b) the development of undergraduate and postgraduate courses/programs/majors;

(c) the encouragement and rewarding of high quality teaching by staff;

(d) the appropriate use of technology in teaching and learning;

(e) research studies on teaching and learning;

(f) the distribution of Learning and Teaching Performance Fund and similar funds directly related to teaching and learning;

(g) assuring that teaching and learning practices and procedures (including assessment) in the Faculty's units are consistent with University policies and guidelines;

(h) assuring that the views of the Students/Staff Consultative Committee are communicated to the Faculty Management Committee; and

(i) providing advice to the Manager, Student Office with respect to reviewing prospective and re-entering student applications.

5.3.2. Membership

The Faculty Teaching and Learning Committee comprises:

(a) the Associate Dean Teaching and Learning, as Chair;

(b) the Chairs of the Teaching and Learning Committees of the Faculty's schools;

(c) academic staff representatives (program co-ordinators) representing the various courses, programs and majors of the Faculty;

(d) the Faculty CATLyst.

(e) a representative of the Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences;

(f) a representative from the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics;

(g) a representative from the School of Mathematics and Statistics;

(h) the Manager, Student Office;

(i) up to two undergraduate student members enrolled in degree courses administered by the Faculty and elected annually by and from the students enrolled in undergraduate degree course administered by the Faculty;

(j) a recent graduate from the Faculty, appointed by the Teaching and Learning Committee.

5.3.3 Quorum

One half of the membership constitutes a quorum.

5.3.4 Meetings

The Faculty Teaching and Learning Committee meets at least once in each month from February to November inclusive and at other times as required.

5.3.5 Committee of the Teaching and Learning Committee

5.3.5.1 Student Staff Consultative Committee

5.3.5.1.1 Function

The role of the Student Staff Consultative Committee is to facilitate open communication between students and staff within the Faculty.

5.3.5.1.2 Membership

The Student Staff Consultative Committee comprises:

(a) up to 20 undergraduate students, elected annually by and from the students, from a variety of courses, programs and years of study within the Faculty;

(b) the Associate Dean Teaching and Learning;

(c) one representative from each school; and

(d) the Manager, Student Office.

5.4 BOARD OF STUDIES IN SCIENCE

5.4.1 Function

The role of the Board of Studies in Science is to—

(a) oversee on behalf of the Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences and the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, academic matters concerning the teaching and assessment of the Bachelor of Science course;

(b) consider changes to the structure of the Bachelor of Science course and any of its majors and programs (including changes to units), and make recommendations to the Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences and to the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences;

(c) consider changes to other courses within the two Faculties; and

(d) consider items referred to it by the Deans of the two Faculties.

5.4.2 Membership

The Board of Studies in Science comprises:

(a) the Dean of the Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences or nominee;

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

(c) the Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences;

(d) the Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences;

(e) the Academic Student Adviser of the Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences;

(f) the Heads of School in the Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences and the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences;

(g) the Associate Dean Teaching and Learning of the Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences;

(h) the Associate Dean Teaching and Learning of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences;

(i) the co-ordinators of the programs of the Bachelor of Science;

(j) up to five co-opted members to ensure that all disciplines which offer a major in the Bachelor of Science are represented;

(k) the Faculty Manager of the Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences;

(l) the Manager, Student Office of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences;

(m) two representatives of the Science Union, elected annually by and from its members.

5.4.3 Meetings

(1) Meetings of the Board of Studies are held at least four times in each academic year.

(2) Either the Dean of the Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences or the Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences acts as Chair.

(3) Responsibility for providing the chair and executive officer alternates between the two Faculties annually.

5.4.4 Quorum

Ten members constitute a quorum.

6 OTHER COMMITTEES WITH RESPONSIBILITIES RELATING TO TEACHING AND LEARNING

6.1 BOARD OF EXAMINERS

6.1.1 Function

The Board of Examiners in the Faculty makes all decisions on examination results and reports them to the Registrar. The Board also has powers delegated by the Faculty to make decisions on admission to honours, award of honours, and student progress and progress status in accordance with Faculty policy.

6.1.2 Membership

(1) The Board of Examiners comprises:

(a) the Associate Dean Teaching and Learning, as Chair;

(b) the Heads of Schools of the Faculty, or nominees;

(c) the Manager, Student Office; and

(d) any other such members as required by the Chair.

(2) The Manager, Student Administration, or nominee, is invited to all meetings of the Board.

6.2 FACULTY APPEALS COMMITTEE

In accordance with the University's regulations governing appeals against academic assessment 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 those regulations.