University committees

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University committees

Committee structure (PDF 59KB)

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.

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 is managed by the Vice-Chancellor in consultation with and on the advice of a Board appointed by Council.

The Foundation Board comprises the Vice-Chancellor (ex officio) and at least eight but not more than twelve other eminent persons selected from the community, at least two of whom are also members of Council.

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 Reserch 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.

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 Advisory Committee

The Senior Staff Advisory Committee 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.

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