the policy oscars: in search of best practice australasian policy websites
DESCRIPTION
This presentation was given at the National University Administrators Policy Development Intensive 2010, in April, 2010 (Melbourne, Australia).TRANSCRIPT
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice Australasian University Policy Websites
Brigid FreemanManager, Policy and DelegationsUniversity of Tasmania
The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice
Brigid Freeman, The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
Objectives
Examine the state of policy and policy development in Australasian universities as reflected through university websites
Identify good practice exemplars and features Identify quality resources supporting the
university policy development cycle Establish models for university policy
management.
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice
Brigid Freeman, The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
Sample 13 universities spanning all Australian States and
Territories (except Tasmania) 3 universities from New Zealand (north & south island) ‘Sandstone’ and ‘red-brick’ universities Research-intensive universities (including five Go8
universities) Single (HE) and dual-sector universities (HE / VET) Metropolitan and regional universities One private university (Bond University).
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice
Brigid Freeman, The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
University of Queensland Charles Darwin University Bond University University of New South Wales University of Technology, Sydney Charles Sturt University University of Wollongong Australian National University Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University Swinburne University of Technology University of Adelaide University of Western Australia Edith Cowan University Auckland University of Technology Otago University Victoria University of Wellington
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice
Brigid Freeman, The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
Research Approach University Policy Frameworks University Policy on Policy University Policy Websites University Policy Repositories University Policy Toolkits Core sample of four policies: Credit Policy,
Plagiarism Policy, Environmental Sustainability Policy and Leave Without Pay Policy
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice
Brigid Freeman, The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
Towards a definition of University Policy Framework
The University of Wollongong’s Standard on UOW Policy aims to: “establish a defined, clear, identifiable, consistent and enforceable system for the development, approval, implementation and review of policies … (and) provide a mechanism to ensure that policies are compliant with the strategic direction of the University and with relevant legislation”.
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice
Brigid Freeman, The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
University Policy Framework defines University ‘policy’ Range of policy instruments (e.g. Policy,
Procedure, Guideline) Approval Authorities for all policy instruments
(e.g. Council, Vice-Chancellor, Senior Executive) Policy development cycle stages Application of policy instruments
(i.e. university-wide and/or section-specific or local)
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice
Brigid Freeman, The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
Without an effective University Policy Framework “Policy can be accessed through multiple websites … There is no standard policy development process … Compliance is more difficult to achieve … Approval paths are unclear and difficult to ascertain … Implementation is usually not considered during
development … Obsolete and out of date policy (is) not managed
through a policy review cycle.”
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice
Brigid Freeman, The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
What is Policy?
Mandatory or non-discretionary … Statements of intent or principle … Guiding or establishing … Conduct, practice, strategic direction, action,
operations, obligations and/or decision-making
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice
Brigid Freeman, The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
Governance Documents
University legislation University By-Laws Statutes Rules Regulations and Orders
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice
Brigid Freeman, The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
Policy NomenclaturePolicy Policy, Council Policy, Governance Policy,
Operational Policy, Academic Policy, Management Policy
Procedure Procedures, Operating Procedures, Protocols, Processes
Guideline Guidelines, Standards, ManualsLocal policy and associated documents
Policy, Local Policy, Faculty Governance Documents, Unit Rules, Directions, Instructions and Procedures, Operational Directives, Standard Operating Principles and Procedures, Resolutions, Work Instructions
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice
Brigid Freeman, The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
Policy Approval Authorities
Council Council and/or Vice-Chancellor Council and/or Vice-Chancellor and/or Senior
Executive (member or committee) In a small number of instances Academic
Board/Senate
INSTRUMENTS APPROVAL AUTHORITY
AUTHORITY THROUGH
APPLICATION
University legislation
Government Australian Constitution
University-wide
University By-Laws
Government or Council
Australian Constitution or University legislation
University-wide
Statutes Government or Council
University legislation University-wide
Rules Council or Academic Senate
University legislation or Delegations of
Authority
University-wide
Policy Council and/or Vice-Chancellor
and/orSenior Executive
University legislation or Policy on Policy or
Delegations of Authority
University-wide
Procedures Various Policy on Policy University-wide or Local
Guidelines Various Policy on Policy University-wide or Local
Local Policy Various Policy on Policy and practice
Local
Uni
vers
ity P
olic
y F
ram
ewor
k
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice
Brigid Freeman, The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
University Policy Development Cycle Stages Model 1 Most Most of these: drafting, consultation,
approval, promulgation and review
Model 2 Some Most stages from Model 1, and one or more of these: identification of policy requirements, nomination of responsible officers, endorsement, implementation and records management
Model 3 Few Most stages from Models 1 and 2, and one or more of these: benchmarking, revision, quality control, monitoring and evaluation
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice
Brigid Freeman, The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
he National University Administration Policy
UNIVERSITY POLICY DEVELOPMENT CYCLE
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice
Brigid Freeman, The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
he National University Administration Policy
OSCAR Winner … Policy Framework / Policy on PolicyUniversity of WollongongStandard on UOW Policy and Procedure for the Development and Management of UOW Policy
(http://www.uow.edu.au/about/policy/UOW058645.html)
SPECIAL MENTIONS Victoria University of Wellington
Policy Documentation Development Information (http://www.victoria.ac.nz/home/about/policy/default.aspx)
Swinburne University of Technology Policy Framework, Policy and Procedure Development and Management (http://www.swinburne.edu.au/corporate/registrar/ppd/framework.htm)
University of AdelaideUniversity Policy Framework (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/604/)
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice
Brigid Freeman, The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
Policy Websites Different functions - University Policy Repository,
University Policy Framework, University Policy Cycle
University Policy Repository = ‘authoritative source’ Policy on other University webpages Introduction of new University Policy Frameworks
impacts on navigability of Policy Websites
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice
Brigid Freeman, The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
Skeleton Policy Website
Policy Framework Policy on Policy Policy Repository Policy Toolkit Policy News Records Management Legislation & Governance Delegations of Authority Codes of Conduct and Charters University Plans and University Committees Agreements
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice
Brigid Freeman, The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
he National University Administration Policy
OSCAR Winner … Policy Website
Australian National University (http://policies.anu.edu.au/)
SPECIAL MENTION University of Adelaide (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/)
University of Wollongong (http://www.uow.edu.au/about/policy/)
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice
Brigid Freeman, The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
he National University Administration Policy
Plagiarism Policy Mature policy area Statements of principle widely dispersed across
governance and policy instruments Policy provisions close to high level governance
instruments dealing with student misconduct Most use legalistic language of discipline like …..
‘Justice’, ‘Allegation ‘, ‘Offence’, ‘Plea’, ‘Hearing’, ‘Witnesses’, ‘Evidence’, ‘Transcript’, ‘Proceedings’, ‘Proof’, ‘Guilty’, ‘Offence’, ‘Discipline’, ‘Reprimand’, ‘Penalties’, ‘Fine’, ‘Enforcement’, ‘Suspension’, ‘Expulsion’
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice
Brigid Freeman, The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
he National University Administration Policy
Punitive or Educative?
“University rules, policies and guidelines tend to focus on the punitive aspects of procedures rather than the educative and often fail to articulate to students why the conventions of citing and referencing are an integral part of developing scholarly writing skills, and why plagiarism is considered a serious offence in the academic environment”. University of Adelaide, Plagiarism Policy, p7
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice
Brigid Freeman, The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
Skeleton Plagiarism Policy Educative, non-legalistic terms Define plagiarism Outline staff and student responsibilities Procedures for educating students about good academic practice Fair, consistent, transparent procedures for investigating and
assessing suspected cases of plagiarism Differential treatments (naïve/intentional; formative/summative)
and differential consequent approaches Central Register Position on software (Turnitin, MOSS) NZ universities – Resolution processes in keeping with Treaty
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice
Brigid Freeman, The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
he National University Administration Policy
OSCAR Winner … Plagiarism Policy University of Queensland Academic Integrity and Plagiarism Policy and Procedures for Dealing with Student Discipline and Misconduct Mattershttp://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/?page=25128
SPECIAL MENTION
University of Adelaide Plagiarism Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/230) and
University of Western Australia Guidelines for Faculties and Other Teaching and Supervision Sections at UWA: Ethical Scholarship, Academic Literacy and Academic Misconduct (http://www.teachingandlearning.uwa.edu.au/staffnet/policies/conduct)
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice
Brigid Freeman, The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
he National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
Environment Policy – Minimalist Approach
Comply with legislative and regulatory requirements
Comply with ethical environmental obligations (locally and globally)
Implement ‘best practice’ (generally non-specified) environmental sustainability-related management approaches and initiatives
Undertake environmental sustainability focussed teaching and research
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice
Brigid Freeman, The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
he National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
Environment Policy – Emerging Policy Provisions
Introduce Environmental Management System Develop an Environmental Management Plan
(detailing principles, targets and initiatives) Establish an Environment Committee Promote environmental awareness and community
outreach Minimise environmental risk(s)
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice
Brigid Freeman, The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
he National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
Skeleton Environment Policy
Sustainable management of the University’s natural environment
Sustainable management of the University’s developed environment
Sustainable management of natural resources Relevant Teaching and Research Environmental emergency provision (i.e. pollution) Interdependence of physical / cultural environment (NZ) Application of Treaty provisions
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice
Brigid Freeman, The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
he National University Administration Policy
OSCAR Winner … Environment Policy
Victorian University of Wellington Environmental Policy and Environmentally Sustainable Procurement Guidelines
http://www.victoria.ac.nz/home/about/policy/facilities.aspx#environment
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice
Brigid Freeman, The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
Leave Without Pay Policy
Leave Without Pay Policy or Leave Policy Presentation: Manual or Policy Language shaping culture:
“The University recognises that the abilities of its … staff should be made available for the benefit of the community ... “ (UNSW)
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice
Brigid Freeman, The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
he National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
Skeleton Leave Without Pay Policy Compliance Purposes for LWOP Eligibility and assessment criteria Time limits Approval authorities Implications for other entitlements Superannuation arrangements Responsibilities Application procedure
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice
Brigid Freeman, The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
he National University Administration Policy
OSCAR Winner … Leave Without Pay Policy
University of Technology Sydney Leave Without Pay Guidelines
http://www.hru.uts.edu.au/manual/4cond/conditions.html#4.6
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice
Brigid Freeman, The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
Credit Policy Credit, Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior
Learning Policy Mature ‘gatekeeper’ policy Conservative progressive Linked to Admissions, Enrolment and
Assessment Policy Framed by legislation Supported by Faculty/local policy
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice
Brigid Freeman, The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
he National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
Credit Policy Development Influences Universities Australia / AVCC credit transfer
documentation Codes of Practice VET developments - RTOs, AQF and AQTF National and international qualification
recognition services
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice
Brigid Freeman, The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
he National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
Credit Policies Themes Portability and articulation (VET HE) Inter-sectoral linkages and collaboration
(between unis; across sectors RTO TAFE HE; within dual-sector institutions)
Increasing recognition of various modes of learning (informal and formal)
Efficiencies in education and training system Qualification and institutional integrity Equity mechanism.
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice
Brigid Freeman, The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
he National University Administration Policy
Joint OSCAR Winners … Credit / RPL Policy
Swinburne University of Technologyhttp://policies.swinburne.edu.au/ppdonline/Default.aspx
Edith Cowan Universityhttp://www.ecu.edu.au/GPPS/policies_db/policies_view.php?rec_id=0000000268
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice
Brigid Freeman, The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
he National University Administration Policy
University Policy Management University Policy Framework (in the Policy on Policy) Clarity regarding policy approval pathways Policy approval authorities = provisions of university legislation,
delegations and Policy on Policy Clarification regarding policy cycle Incorporation of quality assurance stages Tools and resources (e.g. Policy Toolkit) Searchable, central Policy Repository Meaningful consultation and communication Change management Policy implementation monitoring and evaluation Transparent policy review mechanisms
The Policy Oscars: In Search of Best Practice
Brigid Freeman, The National University Administration Policy Development Intensive 2010
he National University Administration Policy
The Policy Oscars: Best Practice Identified
Best Policy Framework University of Wollongong
Best Policy Website ANU
Best Plagiarism Policy University of Queensland
Best Environment Policy Victorian University of Wellington
Best LWOP Policy University of Technology Sydney
Best Credit Policy Swinburne University & Edith Cowan University