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Transformation ofAcademic Governance for an Open UniversityWORKSHOPPROFESSOR ALAN TAIT

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Aim of workshop

To produce plan for transformation of academic governance for an open university

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Governance: what is it?

all processes of governing

whether undertaken by a government, market or network

whether over a family, tribe, formal or informal organization or territory

whether through laws, norms, power or language

Wikipaedia

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Academic governance: scope of term

can be interpreted in a number of ways, from the narrow concept of a focus on key academic issues such as the curriculum and ensuring standards, to a broader notion of all aspects of governance which involve the academic life of the institution.University of Gloucestershire

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Academic governance: what is it?

Governance developed specifically for post–secondary educational institutions Separation of academic from Council business Dedicated to teaching, research, and community or external mission ‘Community of scholars’ Experts in teaching research and service govern policy and practice Self-governance Professional status Student affairs

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Academic governanceAcademic governance typically includes:

student admissions

subject curriculum

assessment of learners

academic standards and awards

academic quality

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Academic governance for an Open University

What might be specific to academic governance for an Open University?

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Structures and areas of responsibility

Academic Board or Senate Plus focuses on Academics standards and awards, and assessment Learning and teaching Research Student affairs Relationship with Faculty committees Reporting to Council and vice versa

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Council Council: ‘corporate issues’ But includes determining educational character and mission of institution Finance and sustainability Buildings Staff Quality and review Council-Academic Board relationship?

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Academic governance: what is it for?

1 Purpose

* that institution has recognised excellence in teaching and research

* that policies and decision-making draw on academic expertise

* academic and professional community have sense of ownership and inclusion

2 Means

* government structure of committees

* people

* process and culture

3 Outcomes

* decisions made and implemented

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Challenges for academic governance?

Relationship of academic governance and management Academic Board and Senior Management Team? Professionalism and accountability? Collegial, democratic practice and hierarchy? Representative positions through election? How to ensure special expertise on committees? Ex officio positions by virtue of organisational position? Student voice?

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Effective governance should have

Appropriate membership Clear and effective terms of reference Full or near full attendance Relevant and appropriate agendas Focus on relevant academic business Wide engagement of members in business Effective chair and leadership Well-written committee papers Open and collegial atmosphere Good participation by students University of Gloucestershire

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Less effective academic governance may show

Not enough time to discuss business

Agendas too full

Too many members

Too much open-ended debate that lacks focus

Failure to follow through minutes

Poor implementation of decisions

Lack of communication of decisions to staff

Lack of focus on strategy and university aims

Lack of understanding of governance business cycle University of Gloucestershire

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Supporting staff: the questions? All staff

academic

and other professionals?

Tutors?

Students?

Motivation of staff and students to participate

Committee behaviours

Role of chair person

Committee secretary

Writing of committee papers and minutes

Responsibility for follow-up and implementation

Communications of decisions to staff

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Terms of reference Need to be clear about * Purpose * Scope * Authority within which committee should work

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Issues for transformation What is best structure and substructure?

How to support staff, academic and professional, HQ and regional, into new academic governance?

How to motivate staff to participate?

Including regional centre staff, tutors and students

How to ensure follow-up and implementation of decisions?

How to communicate discussion and decisions to staff and students?

How to ensure implementation of decisions?

How to review effectiveness?

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Planning for transformation of academic governance for an open university

1 Structure for academic governance 2 People: who?

3 Process and culture4 Outcomes,

implementation, and communication