1.0 Purpose and Scope
1.1 Purpose
English proficiency plays a critical part in the academic success of students and in the development of discipline appropriate discourse. Proficiency in effective communication has been established by the University as an attribute that is part of the overall qualities, skills, knowledge and abilities that should be achieved by graduates of all academic programs. The completion of a degree at the University will, in many employment and educational contexts, be regarded as signifying competence in the English language.
The policy addresses the development of language proficiency during students’ enrolment in the University, the post-admission needs and the opportunities for concurrent development of English language competence.
1.2 Scope
This policy applies to all current students undertaking award and non-award programs delivered by the University, at undergraduate, postgraduate and research levels.
The policy does not apply to secondary school enrichment studies, professional and continuing education programs or other short courses delivered on-shore and offshore. The policy addresses the development of language proficiency during students’ enrolment in the University.
2.0 Principles and Key Requirements
To ensure student proficiency in English continues to develop throughout the course or program of study, the University will:
- Provide its students with opportunities to access both formal and informal English language learning experiences, including Concurrent English Language Support programs.
- Consider formal and informal curriculum experiences to develop linguistic proficiency in English.
- Include effective communication as an essential graduate attribute (see Section 5.2 of PPL 3.10.05 [4]) and a core competency to be developed through the core and extra curricula activities within the University. Language development is integral to the development of discipline-based knowledge.
Students are also accountable for their own language and learning development and are encouraged to meet these responsibilities as set out in the Student Charter (see PPL 3.60.01 [5]).
3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Accountabilities
3.1 Vice-Chancellor
The Vice-Chancellor exercises delegated authority from Senate, on advice from the University’s Academic Board, to approve the English language proficiency requirements of new academic programs, and changes to the English language proficiency requirements of existing programs.
3.2 Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) provides assurance to the Vice-Chancellor on the University’s academic program approval process and the maintenance and development of high standards of teaching and learning.
3.3 Faculties
Faculties are responsible for the determining the English language proficiency requirements for admission into the programs they administer, and subsequent monitoring of student performance in engaging with academic content of their programs.
4.0 Monitoring, Review and Assurance
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), is required to monitor the academic program approval process, and review of the policy and procedures through the Academic Board and its committees.
The Academic Registrar is required to monitor the University’s compliance of the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act, and when required, provide reports to members of the University Senior Management Group and Senate.
5.0 Recording and Reporting
The records of all proposals initiated and maintained through this policy shall be managed in accordance with PPL 6.40 Information Management. [6]
6.0 Appendix
Academic Program – the sequence of study leading to the award of a qualification such as an undergraduate degree or diploma, postgraduate coursework qualification or Higher Degree by Research (HDR).
ELP – English Language Proficiency, the ability of an individual to communicate competently in English. ELP at the University is further categorised into general proficiency (general communicative competence), academic proficiency (skills in the specialised vocabularies, concepts, and knowledge associated with particular disciplines) and professional proficiency (intercultural competence and interpersonal skills in the discourses and behaviours associated with particular professional domains).
Non-Award enrolment – enrolment in a course or courses offered by the University but not enrolment in a program that leads to an award of the University. Examples include students enrolled in the Enhanced Studies Program, cross-institutional students, exchange students and Study Abroad students.