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NOTE: THIS COMMITTEE IS NOT CURRENTLY FUNCTIONING.
For further information please contact A/Professor Sue Stanton, Aboriginal Education Centre: sue_stanton@uow.edu.au
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preamble
It is University policy that all Units establish Visiting Committees to draw upon external expertise and to aid in expanding their networks of professional and community relationships. The Committees operate in an advisory capacity and are expected to meet between two and four times each year. Some members may be asked to assist individually at other times in relation to particular tasks.
The AEC Visiting Committee will aim to ensure that the faculties will continue to offer courses and undertake research which meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and are at the forefront of those offered by Australian Universities. The Committee should seek the maximum possible consultation, understanding and integration of that work in the community.
Terms of Reference
The fundamental function of the Visiting Committee, amplified in the following more detailed statements, is to strengthen the reputation and quality of the AEC, faculties and the administration in meeting Aboriginal peoples' educational needs. The Visiting Committee is expected to;
- regularly review the services offered by the University and advise faculties on desirable developments and improvements in meeting the education needs of Aboriginal students;
- promote the enrolment and support of appropriately qualified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander undergraduate and postgraduate students, and their subsequent employment after graduation;
- enhance recruitment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through the establishment of pipelines for students from the community to the University, and the establishment of articulated para-professional, bridging and preparation courses via links with TAFE, community trainers, schools and Aboriginal community and professional service organisations;
- advise on opportunities for the development of appropriate research relevant to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and the University;
- assist in locating and recruiting the best possible staff for the AEC;
- develop closer relationships between the AEC, faculties, specialist support units, business, industry, and employers and Aboriginal Communities-of-Special-Interest (COSI) by all possible means including University-industry-community research arrangements, courses sponsored by industry, and/or other arrangements;
- secure financial assistance for the development of Aboriginal education initiatives benefactions, grants and research funding;
- further the development of learning assistance, counselling, and student academic support functions to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are provided with appropriate support services;
- enhance the reputation of the AEC, faculties, and the University in Aboriginal education in every way possible;
- advise, through the Vice Chancellor, Senate and Council, on future plans for Aboriginal education and research for the University, on the University's success in meeting appropriate objectives, and on desirable future objectives.
The above functions are the minimum requirements for the AEC Visiting Committee. The AEC propose additions to these.
Membership and Proposed Procedures for Establishment
The Committee should be between twelve and fifteen people. The intention is to achieve a broad representative membership of persons who will work with and for the good of Aboriginal education and, hence, the University.
The membership of the Committee should comprise a majority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Nominations should be made to those with relevant expertise in the professions, government and industry, including relevant professional bodies and Aboriginal community organisations. Other nominations might include persons with related skills or those simply interested and willing to contribute to the work of the Committee. Relevant AEC and departmental personnel should, of course, act as advisers and resource persons as requested.
The members should be prominent persons held in the highest esteem in their field or in the community. A balance should be sought between members from the local area who fit such criteria and persons from outside the area. Expense minimisation will always be a factor in the latter case.
Committees are free to co-opt additional members to sub-committees or specialist working groups to the extent consistent with the general considerations of extending the network of community involvement and limiting expense.
The Head of the AEC & Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) will initially provide to the Vice-Chancellor a draft list of nominees for membership of the AEC Visiting Committee, providing as much detail as is known about each nominee; up to this point, no person will be approached (formally or informally) about membership of the Committee.
After consultation between the Vice-Chancellor, the Head of the AEC, and the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) a more formal list will be drawn up which will include details of qualifications, membership of professional associations and community organisations and work experience, as appropriate.
The Vice-Chancellor will determine the final list of members and inform Council.
The Chair of the Committee will be held by the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) or nominee.
General
The Head of the AEC, in conjunction with the Chair of the Committee will be responsible for;
- calling the Committee together for at least three scheduled meetings in each academic year, and at other times in accordance with emerging needs; and
- providing secretarial assistance and relevant information.
The Committee may convene sub-committees or working groups as needed (within available funds). The AEC, through the Head, may also seek the involvement and assistance of individual members for particular purposes. Members should be made welcome on campus and in the AEC and be involved in AEC activities and discussions.
The AEC Head shall be responsible for all correspondence emerging from the Committee, including that relating to the convening of meetings and the submission of reports and related documentation.
The Committee should submit a brief report on its activities during the year to the Vice-Chancellor by December of that year.
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