Academic Board News – Meeting: 2/2023 – 9 May 2023
Academic Board News
Meeting 2/2023
9 May 2023
Academic Board held its second meeting of the year on 9 May 2023.
Report from the Vice-Chancellor
The Vice-Chancellor discussed key items contained in his report with members, including; that Executive Search Firm Korn Ferry will support the search for the next ANU Vice-Chancellor, an update on AUKUS engagement with Government, details on a recent meeting between Home Affairs and the Dean CAP, appointment of the new Public Service Commissioner Dr Gordon de Brouwer, outcomes and response rate from the ANYOU Survey and international student trends.
Report from the Chair
Since the last Academic Board meeting there has been one out of session approval; Item 3 The Voice to Parliament. The Chair also updated members on the Academic Board contribution to the Universities Accord Panel and the VC Executive Search process.
Report from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Professor Grady Venville, spoke to key items in the Report including: The Celebrating Teaching Excellence event held on the 27th March 2023, the development of the ANU Strategic Learning and Teaching Grants and Fellowships, the recent activation of Turnitin's AI detection tool, ANU's first Gender Equity Strategy, the development of the Anti-Racism Action Plan and provided an update on the English and Mathematics Working Group (approved at AB1/2023).
Report from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International and Corporate)
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International and Corporate) Professor Sally Wheeler, delivered a presentation on international student trends and international mobility and spoke to key items, including: the conversion rates of international student applications to acceptances with data on pre- and post-covid trends, trends in the China, Vietnam, Singapore and Indonesia, the need to diversify and targeted initiatives in selected markets, post-graduate recruitment initiatives, that international mobility is high and ANU successes under the New Colombo Plan.
Examinations Working Group Report
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) updated the Board on the Exams Working Group and provided details on the five recommendations prepared in line with the SMG decision to cease dual delivery from Semester 2 2023 and in collaboration with ADE's. Consultations indicated that differing views exist in relation to Recommendation (4) which mandates Colleges move away from administering any form of mid-semester examinations. Support will be provided to Colleges to transition away from the practice of administering mid-semester examinations practice - short term logistical and practical issues have been identified and are being managed. Board approved all recommendations subject to a minor amendment to Recommendation 4 which would allow conveners to consult with their ADE to seek approval to continue with their mid-semester arrangements for Semester 2 2023 only.
Strategic Discussion - The Future of Grand Challenges
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Keith Nugent provided members with details on future of the Grand Challenges Scheme. Members were advised that the Research Initiatives and Infrastructure team took steps to standardise the Grand Challenges Scheme in conjunction with the development of the Strategic Research Initiatives Framework (approved at AB6/2023). The Research Portfolio and the Research Initiatives and Infrastructure Team are preparing a paper for submission to the University Research Committee and Academic Board to shape and ignite the discussion on future cross-disciplinary research projects, a consultation process is underway.
Other matters
Academic Board also considered other significant matters, including: the review and refresh of the Academic Risk Monitoring Report, the National Access Scheme (Adjustment Factors) Report 2021 - Updated, CRS and CRN Grades Analysis Report Semester 1 & 2 2021 - Updated, Report on the Working Party on Recommendation 6.2f of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, the GOS and GOS Longitudinal 2022 Report, Student First Program Restructure, CECC HDR Program Reviews and FIAC matters.
