INTRODUCTION
Flinders offers almost 50 undergraduate bachelor degrees and diplomas, as well as specialised programs in other areas which can be taken as major sequences. Postgraduate programs are offered by all four Faculties and include graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, masters degrees by coursework or research, and doctorates. The University aims to provide its students with effective teaching at undergraduate, honours and postgraduate levels.
The University'sEducation at Flinderspolicy outlines a set of principles that underpins the University's approach to student learning in order to develop an effective learning environment. These principles govern the planning, implementation and monitoring of the University's educational programs. The particular approaches and techniques that produce effective learning quite properly vary. This policy, therefore, permits individual perspectives and approaches within the overall framework that it establishes. The structures that support teaching at Flinders vary from Faculty to Faculty. Some of them are listed below.
STRUCTURES
Education Matters Advisory Group (EMAG)
EMAG is a University-wide group that provides advice to the Vice-Chancellor on issues relating to education.
Committees on Teaching and Learning
Each Faculty has a Committee on Teaching and Learning which provides a forum for discussing matters relating to education, teaching and learning.
Committees Dealing with Courses and Curricula
Each Faculty will have some committees that deal with issues relating to courses and the curriculum. The titles of these committees vary from Faculty to Faculty.
Director of Studies
The Director of Studies may be a designated staff member who is responsible through the chair of the Course Management Committee to his/her Head of AOU for:
- undertaking the day-to-day academic administration of the course in collaboration with appropriate Faculty officers
- providing academic advice to students taking the course
- managing individual student cases in accordance with course rules and Faculty guidelines
- providing advice to the appropriate Faculty officers and committees on matters such as credit transfer, degree completions and recommendations to vary course rules or Faculty guidelines with respect to individual student cases
Course Coordinators
Most courses have an academic staff member who is responsible for course delivery and management.
Topic Coordinators
In most degree programs, each topic will have an academic staff member in your Faculty, who is responsible for ensuring that the topic is delivered in such a way as to achieve aims and outcomes espoused in the curriculum document, and that it complies with University policies and guidelines. For information about these structures, you should consult your supervisor or colleagues in your AOU.
Evaluation of Teaching and Topics
Flinders has a system of review and evaluation of teaching topics that staff members must engage with each year. Results are referred to the staff member, the Head of the relevant academic unit and the Executive Dean. Your supervisor should inform you of this system. Evaluation forms and details are available on the Student Evaluation of Teaching website.
Assessment of Student Learning
Flinders has a detailed Assessment Policy, as set out in the Education at Flinders policy, that outlines general procedures such as grading notations, addressing students' special needs and workload.
Supervising Student Research
Supervisory policy, practices, procedures and processes for higher degree students are outlined in the Education at Flinders policy. Flinders has a unique system of Higher Degree Contact Officers in each Faculty to assist in resolving problems between students and supervisors before the problems interfere with the student's progress. If further facilitation is required, there is also a system of conciliation. Contact your supervisor for further details.
Student Learning Centre
The Student Learning Centre (SLC) is an integral component of the University's commitment to provide all students with a learning environment that will enable them to realise their academic potential. The SLC has programs tailored to meet the needs of a diverse range of students from across the University regardless of their level of study and their language backgrounds. The SLC is an interdisciplinary unit. It has lecturers with expertise in a range of disciplines including education, adult literacy, English literature, TESOL, philosophy, mathematics, IT and biology. In addition to running the University's main transition programs for commencing students, it provides a range of services, including a Writing Centre, a Maths Centre, individual consultations, drop-in sessions and academic, language and Research skills programs. Students are welcome to attend any or all of these services without appointment. Phone extension 12518 or email slc@flinders.edu.au.
SUPPORT
Teaching and Learning Webpage
As part our commitment to fostering excellence, innovation, flexibility and scholarship in teaching to enrich the learning experiences of students at Flinders University, the Teaching and Learning webpage provides a range of links to information, support and strategies that promote quality teaching and learning.
Academic Integrity Management Strategy (AIMS)
The aim of the Academic Integrity Management Strategy (AIMS) is to embed a culture of academic integrity into all aspects of Flinders University operations, from teaching and learning, through to research and administration. The strategy is a coherent system of education and management of academic integrity and provides a systematic and consistent process for setting and managing the consequences of academic dishonesty.
Cultural Diversity and Inclusive Practice (CDIP)
Universities have a key role to play in promoting cultural diversity among their staff and students and in the wider community. Flinders aims to provide an environment where people from different language backgrounds, nationalities, races and cultures participate in all aspects of the life of the university.
Embracing diversity brings new knowledge, skills, information and unique perspectives to the University and enhances our capacity to provide a creative and innovative environment. Flinders University's fundamental commitment to embracing diversity is embedded in our Strategic Plan entitled Flinders Strategic Priorities and Future Directions Mark III.
The Cultural Diversity and Inclusive Practice Toolkit has been developed to facilitate discussions about cultural diversity amongst members of the University community. Through discussions and debate our understanding of, and therefore practices in embracing diversity, will be enhanced.
STAFF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
The Flinders Foundations of University Teaching (FFOUT) Program
The FFOUT Program is a comprehensive professional development course that is specifically designed for recently appointed academics, especially those who are new to university teaching, to have better insight of the various requirements of Flinders University in relation to teaching and learning. It is open to all academic staff members who wish to develop their teaching skills. However, all new academics, that is, appointed as continuing or convertible academic positions (Level A - E) are required to undertake the Program. Academic staff members appointed to fixed-term positions for a period in excess of 12 months are also expected to participate in FFOUT.
The Program endeavours to promote an interactive learning environment with a variety of collaborative learning projects, workshops and reflective writing processes that will assist participants to develop networks within the university and a theoretical and practical understanding of contemporary developments in teaching and learning. The main objectives of this Program are to cater to the immediate needs of the newly appointed academic staff and to provide them with an opportunity to develop a pragmatic approach to teaching and learning as well as to build a support network of academics and other key staff throughout the University.
The Program comprises a three-day intensive workshop followed by a fourth day about two months later, and also developing an ongoing learning portfolio.
Postgraduate Supervision
To support our commitment to a high quality higher degree experience, the University requires that all new supervisors attend the Postgraduate Research Supervision Program . This Program consists of two core workshops and 2 electives and participation is recorded as part of the University quality assurance process.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL)
All staff involved in leading and organising WIL activities such as placements, practicum and work experience are required to complete a specially designed training program.
Educational Technology
Advances in technology have opened up opportunities supporting academics in providing newer and more innovative teaching methods and strategies. Please access this website which contains information and resources related to Educational Technology.
A variety of workshops are offered to support staff in using appropriate technologies to provide students with learning opportunities.
POLICY AND PRINCIPLES
Education at Flinders
The Education at Flinders policy is a key reference document for staff, providing clear statements about the University's expectations in respect to the conduct of its teaching and research activities. It outlines the characteristics, philosophies and principles that underpin education and research at Flinders. The policy defines the rights and responsibilities of staff and students and formalises the commitment to student representation and consultation.
This manual is a comprehensive listing of all student-related policies and procedures and is an essential document for all academic staff. It is also available from AOU offices.
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