1. Purpose and Objectives

The purpose of this policy is to articulate the role and responsibilities of Associate Deans (Academic) at The University of Queensland.

2. Definitions, Terms, Acronyms

No entries in this document.

3. Policy Scope/Coverage

This policy applies to incumbents in the position of Associate Dean (Academic) within the University.

4. Policy Statement

The Associate Dean (Academic) reports to the Executive Dean of the Faculty, maintaining regular and ongoing communication with the Faculty Heads of School and the relevant centres and institutes in relation to teaching and learning and student administration issues.

5. Key Responsibilities

Associate Deans (Academic) are responsible to their respective Executive Deans for:

• Strategic oversight of all matters relating to teaching and learning;
• Academic administration; and
• Coordination of student administration in the faculty.

Associate Deans (Academic) are also required to:

• agree with their Executive Dean’s appropriate strategic priorities for the near and medium term; and
• review these priorities at the annual performance appraisal discussions.

Specific responsibilities within each broad area of the role of Associate Dean (Academic) are listed below.

5.1 Policy and leadership

• Advise the Executive Dean on all faculty matters related to teaching and learning;
• Chair the Faculty Board of Studies and take a leadership role in the development and review of the faculty’s degree programs;
• Chair the Faculty Teaching and Learning Committees;
• Represent the faculty on appropriate University committees;
• Manage the faculty’s interactions with other faculties and institutes in relation to teaching and learning issues;
• Develop the teaching and learning component of the Faculty Operational Plan; and
• Develop and implement the Faculty Teaching and Learning Enhancement Plan and monitor progress towards stated performance targets.

5.2 Teaching and learning enhancement

• Contribute to the ongoing review and management of the faculty’s educational programs;
• Oversee development, enhancement and evaluation of new and existing degree programs;
• Develop strategies to promote the internationalisation of the faculty’s degree programs;
• Develop and implement strategies to deal with academic integrity issues across the faculty’s teaching and learning activities;
• Develop, implement and oversee strategies to enhance the student experience;
• Develop risk management policies and procedures in relation to teaching and learning;
• Advise the Executive Dean on mechanisms for the distribution of the faculty’s teaching budget; and
• In association with the Associate Dean (Research), identify opportunities to enhance teaching and research nexus.

5.3 Teaching scholarship and staff development

• Develop and support strategies to attract both internal discretionary funding and external funding for teaching innovation and scholarship;
• Develop mechanisms to promote staff development in the area of teaching and learning, and identify and support prospective candidates for teaching excellence awards; and
• Coordinate faculty events during the UQ’s Teaching and Learning Week.

5.4 Academic management of student administration

• Exercise delegated authority in relation to student related issues such as admissions, withdrawal, credit arrangements, approval of overseas study, special and supplementary examinations, exclusions, appeals and graduations;
• Oversee student administration and academic advising arrangements in the faculty; and
• In consultation with the faculty’s Executive Officer and Manager of Academic Administration, establish appropriate procedures to ensure the efficient and professional management of student matters.

5.5 Human resources management

• Assist the Executive Dean and Heads of School as required in the management of human resource issues, including the recruitment and selection of staff, staff performance appraisal, performance management issues and staff grievances; and
• Assist the Executive Dean and Heads of School as required to ensure the development of staff within the faculty.

5.6 External relations

Assist the Executive Dean and the Heads of School to:

• Maintain effective links with government departments, authorities, business, commerce and industry organisations relevant to the school's teaching and learning activities;
• Maintain links with employers of graduates; and
• Set up and maintain productive links with offshore sources of international students.