Service Teaching

This policy is designed to assist Schools and Divisions in determining whether to offer service teaching or a new unit in a major. It also provides guidelines on the responsibilities of the parties involved in service teaching.

A service teaching unit is a required unit in a major located in one or more Schools other than the one offering the major.

1.

Divisional Boards are responsible to the University to avoid inappropriate duplication of units where this could be avoided by service teaching.

2.

When proposing a new unit the Head of the School and School Committee are responsible for determining whether any existing unit has equivalence of content. If it does, consultation must occur with the appropriate Head of School to determine whether students would be better served with the new unit or by service teaching arrangements.

3.

Examples where the use of a new unit rather than service teaching would be inappropriate include:

Where the new unit would be likely to lead to less up-to-date materials being presented to students (over the probable life of the unit), because staff involved are not keeping constantly aware of developments in the field.

Where the important link between research and teaching regarding the topics covered is likely to be weakened by the proposed new unit.

Where the new unit is likely to significantly inhibit the development (or maintenance) of a critical mass of staff at Murdoch University in the field of education covered by the proposed unit.

4.

In the case of duplication of existing units, Executive Deans must consult with the other concerned School(s)/Division(s) to resolve any duplication as part of their next academic planning round. Where a resolution can not be reached the following steps must be followed:

4.1

The matter be referred to the President of Academic Council (PAC) who must convene a meeting of Executive Deans and Heads of School’s.

4.2

If agreement can not be reached the matter is to be referred to Academic Policy Committee (APC) for advice and recommendation to PAC.

4.3

If APC finds there is inappropriate duplication PAC is to request Divisions to resolve the matter.

4.4

If no resolution is reached PAC will request Academic Council to appoint an external panel to advise Council on the appropriate solution. The panel is to consist of PAC (or nominee) and two experts in the area appointed by Council. Academic Council will make the final decision based on the panels report.

5.

Responsibilities of Schools providing service teaching units:

5.1

To provide a high quality service and to take account of the needs of the serviced groups.

5.2

To involve the serviced groups in teaching, as required, to ensure the unit’s relevance.

5.3

To provide unit evaluations and be responsive to feedback from the serviced groups.

5.4

To advise the serviced groups when changes are proposed and include them in discussions.

5.5

To ensure relevant students are represented within any processes that might recommend changes to the unit in question.

6.

Responsibilities of Schools using service teaching units are:

6.1

To contribute to the development of the unit in question.

6.2

To be involved in teaching the unit, as required, to ensure the unit's relevance.

6.3

To provide constructive feedback on the service provided.

6.4

To invite those responsible for delivering the service teaching unit to participate in any decision-making with respect to the relevant major(s).