University committees
Committee structure (PDF 62KB)
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Council
Council is the University's governing body and derives its powers from the University of the Sunshine Coast Act 1998.
For further information about Council, refer to the Council section of this website.
Academic Board
The Academic Board is the University's senior academic body.
The Board was established under the University of the Sunshine Coast Act 1998 to:
- advise the Council about teaching, scholarship and research matters concerning the University;
- formulate proposals for the academic policies of the University;
- monitor the academic activities of the University's faculties; and
- promote and encourage scholarship and research at the University.
Animal Ethics Committee
The Animal Ethics Committee reports to the Research Management Committee, the Council and the National Health and Medical Research Council.
The Committee is responsible for promoting the ethical conduct of research and teaching involving the use of animals and protecting the wellbeing and welfare of those animals.
Art Collection Advisory Committee
The Committee is an advisory committee to the Vice-Chancellor to advise him on the implementation of the Artworks Acquisition and Deaccessioning – Managerial Policy.
Audit and Risk Management Committee
Audit and Risk Management Committee’s main functions are to:
- assess and contribute to the audit process including evaluation and facilitation of the internal control and risk management functions;
- provide an independent review of the reporting functions to ensure the integrity of financial reports;
- provide strong and effective oversight of the internal audit function, including recommending to Council approval and amendment of the Internal Audit Charter;
- provide effective liaison and facilitate communication between management and external audit; and
- ensure the effective monitoring of compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements and promote a culture committed to lawful and ethical behaviour.
The Chancellor’s Committee
The Chancellor’s Committee is accountable to Council for fulfilling the following roles:
- reviewing on an annual basis and approving on delegated authority of Council, the remuneration and conditions of the Vice-Chancellor and President, and determining any changes to current practices to ensure that remuneration and conditions of the Vice-Chancellor and President are maintained at a market level and are consistent with University policy
- approving, on delegated authority of Council, any performance pay bonuses and special payments for the Vice-Chancellor and President.
The Committee comprises the Chancellor, Deputy Chancellor and one external member of Council appointed by Council.
Equity Advisory Committee
The Equity Advisory Committee is an advisory committee to the Vice-Chancellor. The Committee meets once a year to:
- receive a report on current and proposed Equity activities and projects considered at the annual Equity Think Tank; and
- make recommendations to the Vice-Chancellor on Equity activities of the University.
Foundation Board
The University of the Sunshine Coast Foundation was established as the fund raising and alumni relations arm of the University.
The Foundation Board is an advisory committee to the Vice-Chancellor and President. The Vice-Chancellor and President appoints members of the Foundation Board on the advice of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Engagement) and Director, Development Office.
Health Safety and Wellbeing Committee
The University of the Sunshine Coast Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee (UHSWC) deals with health, safety and wellbeing matters that have broad implications for the University. The UHSWC reports to the Vice-Chancellor and President and provides regular reports to the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Corporate Services) and CFO, University Executive, Audit and Risk Management Committee and University Council.
The UHSWC is the overarching University health, safety and wellbeing committee. It generates policies and procedures and provides guidance and support for management, staff, students and contractors to ensure compliance with current WHS legislation and related codes of practice and industry standards.
The UHSWC consults with HSW Work Area Committees and may establish Working Parties to assist with specific matters.
Honorary Awards Committee
The Honorary Awards Committee seeks, considers and recommends to University Council nominations for honorary awards, in accordance with the University's Honorary Awards – Governing Policy.
The Committee comprises the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and President, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and three University Council members.
Human Research Ethics Committee
The Human Research Ethics Committee reports to the Research Management Committee, Council, and the National Health and Medical Research Council.
The Committee is responsible for ensuring that research involving humans is conducted ethically and that the welfare and rights of human participants in research are protected.
Internal Research Grants Sub-committee
The Sub-committee reports to the Research Management Committee.
The Sub-committee assesses applications for Internal Seed Research Grants and University Research Grants, and recommends to the Research Management Committee on the award of those Grants.
Learning and Teaching Committee
The Learning and Teaching Committee recommends to the Academic Board on learning and teaching policy and the accreditation or approval of programs and courses other than for higher degrees by research.
The Committee advises the Academic Board and Deputy Vice-Chancellor on the University's Learning and Teaching Plan.
Planning and Resources Committee
Planning and Resources Committee recommends the strategic directions of the University to Council, in the context of development of the University’s plans and their resourcing strategies.
It also provides advice to Council on issues arising from these plans.
The key areas of concern to the Committee are Planning and Strategy, Financial Resources, Asset Management (including Information Technology), and Human Resources.
The Committee’s role is strategic rather than operational.
Quality and Standards Committee
The Quality and Standards Committee reports to the Vice-Chancellor and President and is responsible for:
- Overseeing and monitoring institutional compliance with the Higher Education Threshold Standards and alignment with other Standards in the Higher Education Standards Framework.
- Overseeing and co-ordinating preparations for re-registration of USC by TEQSA or any other assessments of the University by TEQSA.
- Making recommendations to the Vice-Chancellor concerning the issue of any Vice-Chancellor’s directives in order to ensure compliance with the Higher Education Threshold Standards or alignment with other Standards in the Higher Education Standards Framework.
- Monitoring implementation of any actions arising from TEQSA re-registration processes or other TEQSA assessments.
- Overseeing the development and implementation of an institutional Quality and Standards Framework for USC, aligned with the Higher Education Standards Framework.
Research Degrees Committee
The Research Degrees Committee is a committee of the Academic Board. Its role is to:
- admit candidates, monitor and review candidates' progress and make decisions related to candidature and examinations for higher degrees by research;
- recommend to the Academic Board the admission of candidates to the award of a higher degree by research;
- monitor, and provide advice to the Academic Board and the Research Management Committee on, the quality of higher degree by research programs;
- liaise with and provide advice to the Research Management Committee on any matter pertaining to higher degree by research programs; and
- provide advice to the Academic Board on rules for higher degrees by research.
Research Management Committee
The Research Management Committee provides advice to Academic Board on research policies and research matters.
The Committee develops and monitors the University's Research and Research Training Plan and awards grants under various internal research grant schemes.
Senior Staff Forum
The Senior Staff Forum is an advisory committee to the Vice-Chancellor. Its role is to:
- act as a forum for the discussion of any general issue affecting the University;
- discuss major sectoral issues and their impact on the University;
- advise the Vice-Chancellor on relevant policies developed for formal approval; and
- consider issues from Cost Centres relevant to University business and progress.
University Environment Advisory Committee (EAC)
The Committee provides the Vice-Chancellor with advice on:
- environmental matters related to the development of the University and its surrounds;
- the implementation and maintenance of environmental awareness and environmentally sensitive practices at the University that reflect the desire and commitment of the University and its community; and
- the integration of environmentally sustainable concepts into University course and program offerings where appropriate.