(1) The Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Course Approval Policy provides a framework for the approval of all HDR courses offered by the University of New England. (2) This Policy is designed to ensure quality HDR courses that are aligned with the objectives of the University's Research Strategy to deliver excellent research training. (3) This Policy applies to the development of new HDR courses, amendments to existing HDR courses and withdrawal of HDR courses at the University of New England and will be used by all (4) UNE is committed to providing HDR courses that: (5) Development, amendment and withdrawal of HDR academic courses must be informed by consultation with internal and external stakeholders. (6) When developing or renewing a HDR course, UNE: (7) Proposals for new HDR courses must be endorsed by the relevant Associate Dean, Research and Director Graduate Research. (8) Once the HDR course proposal has been endorsed, the proposer(s) must provide a full HDR course proposal to the Graduate Research Committee, which will include: (9) The completed HDR course proposal will be considered by the Graduate Research Committee. (10) Once ratified by Graduate Research Committee, the proposal must be forwarded to the Research Committee for endorsement through to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research for review. (11) The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research will review the proposal and endorse through to the Academic Board for approval. (12) The approved proposal will be sent to the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer (VC&CEO) for noting. (13) Any approved amendments will be forwarded to Academic Board for endorsement. (14) Once the amendments have been endorsed and approved, the proposal will be forwarded to the Graduate Research School for implementation. (15) Where there is a request to disestablish a HDR course, the request must be forwarded to the Graduate Research Committee for consideration. (16) The request must include the rationale for disestablishment and include any enrolment, resource, infrastructure or budgetary implications. (17) The request must include a management strategy for teaching out disestablished courses. (18) Graduate Research Committee will review the proposed amendments and if supported will forward to the Research Committee for endorsement through to Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research (DVCR) for endorsement. (19) Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research (DVCR) will review the proposal and endorse through to the Academic Board for approval. (20) Where the decision is taken by Academic Board to approve to disestablishment of a HDR course, this will be forwarded to the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer (VC&CEO) for noting. (21) Once the amendment has been fully endorsed and approved, it will be forwarded to the Graduate Research School for implementation. (22) Course amendments must be categorised as significant, minor, or editorial. (23) Significant amendments include: (24) Minor amendments include: (25) Editorial course amendments: (26) The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research will report new HDR courses and HDR course rescissions to Academic Board bi-annually, as well as reporting to Academic Board on HDR course reviews and monitoring, as required. (27) All HDR courses will undergo periodic review to ensure a framework for evaluating HDR courses as part of the University's quality assurance cycle, assessing the objectives, structure and course management to ensure that HDR courses are meeting the objectives of UNE's Strategic Plan. (28) The HDR course approval process must comply with University policy and administrative requirements, and enable the University to comply with all legislative and reporting requirements. (29) The implementation of this Policy will be supported through the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research regularly monitoring and providing an annual report to the Research Committee and Academic Board on the operation of, and compliance with, this Policy. (30) The Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 29 of the University of New England Act, makes this University policy. (31) The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research (DVCR) is authorised to make procedures and processes for the effective implementation and operation of this policy, and to publish as associated documents any tool that will assist with compliance. (32) Policy Administrator for this policy is the Director Governance and University Secretary, who is authorised to make minor administrative updates to this policy. (33) UNE Representatives must observe this policy in relation to HDR higher degree research course approval. Non-compliance may be a breach of the (34) This policy is consistent with all legislative standards and regulatory frameworks, including the Higher Education Support Act (HESA), the Higher Education Standards Framework (HESF), the Education Services for Overseas Students Act (ESOS Act) and the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students. Further information regarding compliance obligations is available via the Compliance Register. (35) This policy operates as and from the Effective Date. Previous policies relating to HDR higher degree research course approval are replaced and have no further operation from the Effective Date. (36) Notwithstanding the other provisions of this Policy the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer may approve an exception to this Rule, where the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer determines the application of the Rule would otherwise lead to an unfair, unreasonable or absurd outcome. Approvals by the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer under this clause must be documented in writing and must state the reason for the exception.HDR Course Approval Policy
Section 1 - Overview & Scope
Section 2 - Policy
Part A - Principles
Part B - HDR Course Development and Renewal
Part C - New HDR Courses
HDR Course Proposals
Approval
Disestablishment or Withdrawal of HDR Courses
Course Amendments
Part D - Roles and Responsibilities
Role
Responsibility
Graduate Research Committee
The Graduate Research Committee is responsible for monitoring, reviewing and endorsing HDR course amendments and ratifying course proposals.
Research Committee
The Research Committee is responsible for endorsing HDR course proposals and amendments through to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research (DVCR)
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research is responsible for reviewing and endorsing HDR course proposals through to Academic Board for approval.
Academic Board
Academic Board is responsible for reviewing and approving HDR course proposals and noting HDR course amendments.
Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer (VC&CEO)
Approves this policy and notes the approval of HDR course proposals.
Reporting
Quality Assurance
Section 3 - Authority and Compliance
Authority
Compliance
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