Murdoch University Information Statement

This statement is prepared in accordance with the requirements of Section 94 of the Western Australian Freedom of Information Act 1992.

CONTENTS

• Background
• Mission
• Vision
• Strategic Planning
• Structure of the University
• Functions of the University
• Effect of the University Functions on the Public
• Government and Management
• Legislation
• Arrangements for Public Participation in Policy Making
• Information held by the University
• Documents/Information available free of charge
• Documents/Information available at a cost
• Access arrangements, Procedures, and Points of contact
• Applying for Non-personal information
• Applying for Personal information (including amendment of same)
• Notice of Decision

BACKGROUND

Murdoch University is one of five universities in Western Australia and is named after Sir Walter Murdoch, a prominent Australian academic and essayist (1874-1970). It was formally constituted on 25 July 1973, the date on which the Governor appointed the first members of the University Senate under section 12(1)(9) of the Murdoch University Act. It was officially opened in 1975, the University's first year of undergraduate teaching, and was the second university to be established in Western Australia and the seventeenth in Australia.

Murdoch University is a multi-campus institution. The University's main campus is located 15 kilometres south of Perth and 8 kilometres from the port of Fremantle. The University's regional campus at Rockingham received its first students in 1996 and is located 45 kilometres south of the Perth Central Business District. A second regional campus at Peel, is located in the suburb of Greenfields, within the city of Mandurah and is 79 kilometres south of the Perth CBD. The campus is part of a joint facility with the Peel Education and TAFE Campus, co-located with Mandurah Senior College and Challenger TAFE. The Peel campus received its first intake of students in 2004.

Murdoch University is a teaching and research-intensive university and a founding member of the Innovative Research Universities Australia Group. In 2007 total enrolments were 15,514 students of which 1,957 were international students from 93 countries. The staffing consists of 626 academic staff and 854 general staff.

The University's total assets as at 31 December 2007 are $647.5 million.

MISSION

The mission statement of the University as it appears in the University's Strategic Plan 2007-2010 is:

“To extend knowledge, stimulate learning and promote understanding for the benefit of the community.”

VISION

Murdoch will be a prominent and influential research-intensive University in the local, national and global communities. It will be renowned for its teaching quality, research excellence and innovation, and promotion of social and scientific critique. Murdoch University will embrace cultural diversity and ensure an international perspective in its activities, incorporating principles of sustainability, social justice and global responsibility.

Murdoch University is a multi-campus institution. By engaging with communities in the sphere of influence of our campuses, Murdoch will be a significant contributor to cultural and community life and development in the region.

Through excellence and accessibility in the learning environment, student care and service provision, Murdoch, in partnership with the Student Guild, will engender a vibrant and positive on-campus life. The University will also foster an expanding, active community of alumni.

Murdoch University will have increased financial reserves and more diverse sources of income as a result of an entrepreneurial outlook combined with prudent management that will ensure long-term independence.

STRATEGIC PLANNING

The University's Strategic Plan 2007-2010 has four main goals. These are:

Education

To deliver high quality, contemporary education in a supportive learning environment that produces excellent teaching and learning outcomes.

There are five high level strategies for Education at Murdoch University:

• Establish a University wide approach to a future course profile and focus resources toward our intended areas of strength
• Offer high quality undergraduate courses with a high market share and that are economically sustainable
• Offer high quality postgraduate courses that are in high demand
• Provide all students with an opportunity to engage in an excellent learning experience
• Identify, develop and reward, through effective use of resources, excellence in teaching and scholarship

Research

To be an internationally acclaimed research university performing high quality research with a focus on impact for the benefit of the community and society.

There are four high level strategies for Research at Murdoch University:

• Grow and develop our areas of international excellence in research
• Resource and manage defined areas of research focus, prioritising funding to these areas
• Identify and exploit diverse sources of funding
• Maximise the commercial value of research efforts (intellectual property)

Student Profile

To be a university of first choice with a student profile that provides Murdoch University with a balance of enrolments across undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

There are four high level strategies for Student Profile at Murdoch University:

• Set an appropriate University undergraduate Commonwealth Grant Scheme (CGS) domestic annual load target and develop focused strategies for undergraduate student recruitment
• Increase the overall number of domestic postgraduate coursework and research students choosing to study at the University
• Increase the number of international students choosing to study onshore at the University in designated areas
• Develop profitable partnership arrangements both onshore and offshore

Resource Management

Exemplary organisational efficiency and effectiveness and long term financial sustainability, underpinned by a culture of accountable decision making informed by financial acumen.

There are nine high level Resource Management strategies that support advancing Murdoch University:

• Use clear decision making processes and link accountabilities to individual responsibilities
• Embracing best practice governance
• Focused brand promotion plans
• Endowment growth
• Develop greater financial acumen throughout the University
• Enhance human resource management practices which support the development and performance of staff
• Optimise the use of the University’s facilities and physical assets
• Manage property assets to maximise returns and establish and operate profitable commercial activities
• Invest in upgrading capabilities and use of information technology

STRUCTURE OF THE UNIVERSITY

The University operates in accordance with the Murdoch University Act 1973 - 1985.

The Principal Officers of the University are:

Of these positions, the Visitor, Chancellor and Deputy Chancellor hold office in an honorary capacity. The Vice Chancellor is the Chief Executive Officer and Academic Principal of the University.

FUNCTIONS OF THE UNIVERSITY

The functions of the university as stated in section 6 of the Murdoch University Act are:

• to establish and maintain such Schools of Study as are prescribed by statute;
• to participate in the development and improvement of tertiary education to meet the needs of the community;
• to encourage and undertake research; and
• to provide such facilities as are necessary or conducive to the attainment of the objects of the university and the performance of its functions.

VALUES

Murdoch University is committed to providing an educational environment that fosters an open, critical, equitable and participatory approach to teaching and learning, and thus promotes intellectual independence and the best civic attributes in its graduates. Its defining themes are:

As stated in its strategic plan 2007-2010, Murdoch University has four themes that define its “values”. These are:

• Provide equity of access to study and employment at Murdoch University for people who have the intellectual ability to succeed.
• Promote a better understanding of social justice issues wherever relevant in course offerings.
• Conduct research into equity and social justice issues of importance to our communities.

Sustainability

• Focus on sustainable long-term solutions
• Aim to meet the needs of current and future generations through an integration of environmental protection, social advancement and economic prosperity.

Global Responsibility

• Promote an understanding of the worldwide interconnections between economic, environmental and social activities.
• Interact with our community and manage our resources at a local level in a globally responsible way.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

• Approach the challenges of the future using new ways of thinking and acting, and a willingness to take informed risks.
• Ensure the management approach taken by Murdoch University is characterised by a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship

GOALS

Murdoch University’s goals, as stated in its strategic plan 20007-2010, are:

• To provide quality contemporary education which empowers the students of today to live and work in the world of tomorrow.
• To contribute to the knowledge, wellbeing and sustainability of society by conducting high quality multidisciplinary research and development.
• To engage with communities in the Rockingham-Kwinana and Peel Region and the sphere of our campuses to build productive partnerships in order to expand community participation in lifelong learning, support the sustainable development of the region through relevant social and scientific research, and enrich the cultural life of the community.
• To achieve Murdoch University’s strategic objectives by providing effective leadership and applying our human, financial and physical resources in a planned and accountable fashion.

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

For detailed information about the University’s organisational structure click on the following link: http://www.murdoch.edu.au/index/orgareas

UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION

The administrative functions of the University comprise the following Organisational Units:

Vice Chancellery - the Vice Chancellor is the Chief Executive Officer and Academic Principal of the University. The Vice Chancellor has the overall responsibility for promoting the interests and development of the University including the welfare and discipline of students. Under the Senate, The Vice Chancellor manages and supervises the academic, administrative, financial and other activities of the University. The Vice Chancellor has his/her own advisory committees, a list of which can be found in the University Handbook.

The Vice Chancellery incorporates the Office of Development, Office of Legal and Governance, and the Office of the President of Academic Council.

The General Counsel & University Secretary - has oversight of the University's legal and governance requirements and compliance. The General Counsel & University Secretary's portfolio includes the Legal Office, corporate governance, Internal Audit and Risk Management, Records Management and Archives, the secretariat, university elections, and liaison with external review agencies.

Division of Academic Affairs - the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) has responsibility for academic policy development and review, policy and planning for the University's quality assurance program, and policy development and review of the University's learning and teaching quality. The DVC (Academic) is responsible for the Murdoch and Rockingham campus libraries, student services and student administration, teaching and learning, management of the coursework profile, marketing and recruitment policies, and the pastoral care of undergraduate students.

Division of Corporate Services - the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Corporate) has responsibility for the Offices in the Division of Corporate Services. The DVC (Corporate) is involved in the development and implementation of policy in the areas of Human Resources, Facilities Management, Corporate Communications and Public Relations, Commercial Services, Financial Services, and Information Technology.

Division of Enterprise and International - The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Enterprise and International) has responsibility for the implementation of the University's Strategic Plan and coordination of operational plans and the initiation and development of specific key projects in line with the Strategic Plan. The portfolio of the DVC (Enterprise and International) also includes responsibility for higher education policy, preparation of university statistics, international business development, student recruitment, international student support, and residential services.

Division of Research & Development - the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) has responsibility for research policy and planning, research degrees and research training, scholarships, research grants administration, research ethics, commercial development of research and intellectual property, expansion of Government and non-Government research revenue, and promotion of research. The DVC (Research) is also Chair of the Board of Research & Development.

ACADEMIC ORGANISATION

FACULTIES

The University has six Faculties each headed by a Faculty Dean. These are:

• Faculty of Arts and Education
  Faculty Dean - Professor Andrew Taggart

• Faculty of Creative Technologies & Media
  Faculty Dean - Mr Jeremy Bean

• Faculty of Health Sciences
  Faculty Dean - Professor Rhonda Marriott

• Faculty of Law and Business
  Faculty Dean - Mr Christopher Doepel

• Faculty of Minerals and Energy & Engineering
  Faculty Dean - Mr Phillip Hocking

• Faculty of Sustainability, Environmental and Life Sciences
  Faculty Dean - Professor Stuart Bradley

The Faculties comprise of the following Schools:

• Faculty of Arts and Education
  
  • School of Education
  • School of Social Sciences and Humanities
    
    
• Faculty of Creative Technologies and Media
  • School of Information Technology
  • School of Media Communication & Culture
    
    
• Faculty of Health Sciences
  • School of Chiropractic
  • School of Nursing
  • School of Pharmmacy
  • School of Psychology
  • School of Veterinary & Biomedical
    
    
• Faculty of Law and Business
  • School of Law
  • Murdoch Business School
    
    
• Faculty of Minerals and Energy
• School of Chemical & Mathematical Sciences
• School of Electrical, Energy and Process Engineering
  
  
• Faculty of Sustainability, Environmental and Life Sciences
• School of Biological Sciences & Biotechnology
• School of Environmental Science
• School of Sustainability

Each Faculty may establish Schools with its own head, and the title of Schools and departments may be assigned at the discretion of the respective Divisional Board. Each School Each School shall normally have a minimum number of 10 full time or fractional (50% or more) full-time members of academic staff.

The Faculty Dean of each Faculty serves a six-year term, which may be extended by the Senate for further terms of not more than six years.

Faculty Deans are appointed by the Senate, after external advertisement and a recommendation from a selection committee chaired by the Vice Chancellor. The members of the selection committee shall be appointed by Senate, and shall include a majority who are staff or students of the Division.

Members of the academic and other staff allocated to the Faculty are responsible to the Faculty Dean, who has a wide administrative and budgetary authority. The Faculty Dean is assisted by a Faculty Board, including elected staff and student representatives.

RESEARCH CENTRES AND INSTITUTES

University Centres and Institutes have been established to promote and encourage research and teaching in specialised areas. Some of these Centres and Institutes are established jointly with other universities.

The research Centres and Institutes listed here under the six Faculties include inter-institutional organisations, such as Cooperative Research Centres, in which Murdoch staff or postgraduate students are participant researchers. These centres are overseen by the Committee for Centres and Areas of Research Excellence (CCARE).

Faculty of Arts and Education

• Asia Research Centre (ARC)
• Centre for Labour Market Research (CLMR)
• Centre for Learning, Change and Development (CLCD)
• Centre for Social and Community Research (CSCR)
• Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre (WA Node)

Faculty of Creative Technologies and Media

• Australasian CRC for Interaction Design (ACID)
• Centre for Comparative Genomics (CCG)
• Centre for Enterprise Collaboration in Innovative Systems (CECIS)
• National Academy of Screen and Sound (NASS)

Faculty of Health Sciences

• Australian Centre for Necrotrophic Fungal Pathogents (ACNFP)
• Australasian Centre for Companion Animal Research
• Australian Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases
• Australian Sheep Industry CRC
• Centre for Biomolecular Control of Disease (CBCD)
• Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease Research and Care (ADRC)
• Centre for Production Animal Research
• Centre for Social and Community Research (CSCR)
• Cooperative Research Centre for Beef Genetic Technologies
• CRC for an Internationally Competitive Pork Industry

Faculty of Law and Business

• Asia-Pacific Intellectual Property Law Institute (APIPLI)
• Centre for Human Resource Innovation (CHRI)
• Housing and Urban Research Institute of Western Australia (HURIWA)
• Western Australian Institute of Dispute Management (WAIDM)

Faculty of Minerals and Energy

• Centre for Sustainable Resource Processing
• Parker Cooperative Research Centre for Intergrated Hydrometallurgy Solutions
• Research Institute for Sustainable Energy (RISE)
• Western Australian Nanochemistry Research Institute (WANRI)
• Nanoscale Characterisation Centre (NCC)

Faculty of Sustainability, Environmental and Life Sciences

• Centre for Fish and Fisheries Research (CFFR)
• Centre for Organic Waste Management (COWM)
• Centre for Phytophthora Science and Management (CPSM)
• Centre for Rhizobium Studies (CRS)
• Cooperative Research Centre for Molecular Plant Breeding (CRCMPB)
• CRC for Forestry
• CRC for National Plant Biosecurity
• Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre
• Environmental Biotechnology Cooperative Research Centre (EBCRC)
• Environmental Technology Centre (ETC/UNEP IETC)
• Institute for Sustainability and Technology Policy (ISTP)
• National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility (NCCARF)
• Planning and Transport Research Centre (PaTReC)
• Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI)
• Western Australian State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre (SABC)

Other areas

Other research Centres and Institutes at Murdoch, that are not associated with a Faculty, include:

• Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases
• Centre for Clinical Immunology and Biomedical Statistics (CCIBS)
• Centre for Clinical Pharmacology and Infectious Diseases (CPID)
• Centre for Haemophilia and Thrombosis Research
• Interactive Television Research Institute (ITRI)
• Interactive Virtual Environments Centre (iVEC)
• Western Australian Biotechnology Centre

ASSOCIATED BODIES

Convocation and Alumni Association

In 1997 the University’s Convocation was reconstituted and renamed Convocation and Alumni Association with the intention of encouraging greater involvement in the affairs of the University by graduates and other members of the University. The Association established under the University Act is a body consisting of Murdoch University graduates, graduates from recognised universities, past and present Senate members and academic staff. The Association provides members with a current knowledge of the University's activities and administration. It provides links between the University and the wider community. It also submits proposals for the consideration by the Senate with respect to the welfare of the University.

Student Guild

The Guild is an organised association for furthering the common interests of the students and is also a recognised means of communication between students and Senate. The Guild provides a variety of services, details of which are listed in the University's prospectus.

University Company

The University Company (UNICO) is the commercial arm of the University, a transfer point for University discoveries and inventions, technical services, consultancies, research contracts and specialised training units. It is administered by a board of directors and is wholly owned by the University.

ASSOCIATED ORGANISATIONS

Organisations with which the University (or staff of the University) have a recognised association are listed here.

• Australian Consortium for 'In Country' Indonesian Studies (ACICIS)
• Club Murdoch
• Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)
• Fremantle Marine Science Facility
• Innovative Research Universities Australia (IRUA)
• Kwinana Industries Education (KIEP)
• Marine and Freshwater Research Laboratory (MAFRL)
• Murdoch College
• Murdoch University Foundation
• Murdoch University Veterinary Trust
• MurdochLINK
• North West Research Association
• Peel Centre for Water Excellence
• ResLab: Renewable Energy Systems Test Centre
• Southern Communities Advocacy and Legal Education Service (SCALES)
• Spartel Pty Ltd

EFFECT OF THE UNIVERSITY FUNCTIONS ON THE PUBLIC

In the pursuit of its mission, objectives and functions the University affects the community in the following ways:

The University serves the community by developing and promoting its strengths as a teaching and research university, focusing on high quality teaching and scholarship, flexible degree programmes, close and effective interaction between staff and students, and providing an international perspective. Through its community service plan, the University is able to monitor and evaluate community service, with the aim of providing strategic focus and improving quality.

The decisions the University makes on its educational profile, which it negotiates annually with the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST), reflect government policies and priorities, the University's planning goals, the requirements of industry and community needs.

In the Western Australia region the University serves remote communities (through the work of the Remote Areas Developments Group), and across Australia it serves the mining industry (through the AJ Parker Centre), the business community with an interest in South East Asia (through the Asia Research Centre).

As part of the University's equity program, the University provides an alternative entry path for students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds through programs like the Tertiary Options Project, UniQuest and Merit-based Equity Scholarships. The University's Aboriginal Veterinary Studies Program, the Pre-law program and Kulbardi Aboriginal Tertiary Education Course are designed to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation.

Murdoch University continues to give a high priority to community based activities. This is exemplified through its involvement in the following projects:

• the Western Australian Business Studies Summer School;
• the WA Summer Science School;
• the Science and Technology Awareness Rising (STAR) programs for high School students;
• opening of the Murdoch Student Law Society's Legal Advice Centre;
• campus facilities such as the library, grounds, veterinary clinic, conference rooms, child care centre and sporting facilities are available for public use;
• drama productions are presented on a regular basis at the university's Nexus theatre and are opened to the general public;
• through its Foundation for Continuing Veterinary education, the university provides services to the veterinary profession, the farming community, horse and greyhound racing industries and individual owners;
• the University provides community-based, extension style study programmes in regional centres such as Geraldton, Kalgoorlie and Karratha;
• there is a high level of professional voluntary activity undertaken by academics as advisers or representatives on professional boards and government committees.

The University, in its aim to attract a high market share of enrolments into undergraduate degree units, employs the following marketing and recruitment strategies:

• Murdoch University's Open Day and Careers Day are designed to provide prospective students and their families and other visitors to the campus an introduction to the university and information on the range of units and services available;
• there are organised tours of the campus for primary and secondary schools and for community groups;
• Murdoch representatives travel throughout the State, visiting schools and providing up-to-date information for prospective students. There are also overseas recruitment activities such as exhibitions and displays to promote study at the University.

GOVERNMENT AND MANAGEMENT

SENATE

The governing body of the University is the Senate and is chaired by the Chancellor. The Senate is predominantly a lay body of the University. The membership provisions of the Senate are set out in Sections 12-16 of the Murdoch University Act. The Senate derives its role and responsibilities from two sources:

• The Murdoch University Act
• Specific resolutions passed by Senate and included in the Murdoch University Senate Statement of Governance Principles (SGP)

The role of the Senate is to oversee the development of and adoption of strategic initiatives, plans and key policies, and to monitor and review the University’s overall performance. Senate's primary responsibilities are:

• The appointment and performance management of the Vice Chancellor
• Setting strategic directions for the University
• Monitoring University performance against strategic objectives
• Setting risk management policy and critically monitoring the management of risk across the university, including commercial undertakings
• Setting policy on strategic matters and on other matters reserved for Senate
• Setting and monitoring broad budget and planning frameworks, approving the annual budget and business plan, ensuring that the University finances are sound and taking major financial decisions
• Oversight of management
• Overview of any controlled entities
• Legislative role, including make, alter and repeal University by-laws, statutes and regulations, and ensuring that the University is acting ethically and in conformity with all legal requirements

The Senate is supported and advised by a number of standing committees and also by the Academic Council. The broad areas of responsibility of the Senate standing committees are:

RESOURCES COMMITTEE
The Resources Committee supervises the financial affairs of the University and advises the Senate on matters of investment, insurance, budget and loans and on matters relating to the acquisition, improvement, maintenance and services of the university land, furnishings and grounds.

LEGISLATION COMMITTEE
The Legislation Committee considers and recommends to the Senate all proposed amendments to statutes, by-laws, regulations and other related matters referred to it by the Senate or the Vice Chancellor.

AUDIT AND RISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
The Audit and Risk Management Committee oversees the Internal Audit Plan and processes.

CHANCELLOR'S COMMITTEE
The Chancellor's Committee advises on governance issues and, through a subcommittee, performance management of the VC and advice regarding remuneration.

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE
The Environmental Committee develops environmental policy and oversees implementation of the environmental management plan and promotion of environmental strategies.

GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE
The Governance and Nominations Committee identifies skills experience and knowledge that should be sought in filing any appointed vacancies on senate and recommending nominations to Senate.

SUMMER COMMITTEE
The Summer Committee exercises all power of the Senate between the last Senate meeting of the year and the first Senate meeting of the following year.

HONORARY AWARDS AND CEREMONIAL COMMITTEE
The Honorary Awards and Ceremonial Committee awards honorary degrees and Senate medals, and provides oversight on Senate policy on honorary degrees, graduation ceremonies and regalia.

THE ACADEMIC COUNCIL
Academic Council is the senior decision-making body on academic matters within the University. The Council has delegated authority to award degrees, diplomas and certificates. On matters of academic policy, it makes the final decision; on some matters, it recommends to Senate. Every meeting has substantive debate on some major educational issues, usually following reports from committees. Following the 2002 Review of Academic Council, Senate approved the following Statement of Purpose for Academic Council:

• To discharge its statutory responsibilities under the Act and any other relevant legislation
• To provide a forum for staff and student debate, acting as the collegial voice. Academic Council should be the main locus of opinion of the University community on all academic matters affecting the University
• To give effect to those aspects within the University's strategic plan, as approved by Senate, that fall within its jurisdiction
• To decide academic policy matters, including setting academic planning priorities and ensuring the quality of academic activities
• To advise the Senate and the VC on budgetary priorities in the formulation of the annual University budget.
• To advise the Senate and the VC (as appropriate) on the academic staffing policies of the University.
• To consider any matter referred to the Academic Council by the Senate or the VC.

The Academic Council is advised by a number of Academic Council standing committees, the more important being:

ACADEMIC POLICY COMMITTEE
The Academic Policy Committee advises Academic Council on educational policy issues, introduction of new programmes, the annual changes to units and programme requirements, and on changes to bachelor, coursework masters and diploma regulations; development of the University’s Teaching Management Plan; oversee issues relating to admission of students, academic progress, award of advanced standing, programme reviews and distance education and open learning.

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT BOARD
The Research & Development Board is responsible for the development of research policy, research management, and for most matters affecting research students: decisions on admission, award of postgraduate scholarships, approval of study programmes and annual progress reports, appointment of supervisors and examiners and award of degrees.

Academic Council also has a significant number of short-term working parties that report to Academic Council on a regular basis. These are established and disbanded as the need arises.

A listing of the Senate and Academic Council committees can be found in the University handbook.

FACULTY AND SCHOOL COMMITTEES
Each Academic Division has an Executive Dean who is responsible to the Vice Chancellor for the academic and managerial leadership of the Division. A Divisional Board, comprising elected representatives of the academic staff, general staff and students and the Heads of all Schools and any University Research Centres located in the Division, is responsible for formulating Divisional policy, including on issues where Academic Council has invited opinions from Divisions; for oversight of the academic and strategic planning of the Division; and for advising the Executive Dean on Divisional management issues.

School Committees are responsible for advising the School Head on resource and strategic academic issues; recommending to the Divisional Board about matters regarding structure and changes to Courses of Study and Units; variations to the programme requirements in individual cases; advice on academic policy issues; and academic oversight of units.

LEGISLATION

The management of the University is executed in accordance with the Murdoch University Act 1973-1985. The internal legislation of the University consists of:

• Statutes (eg. Academic Council Statute, Discipline Statute, Intellectual Property Statute, Fees and Charges Statute);
• By-Laws (incorporates land by-laws, traffic by-laws, Offences and penalties);
• Regulations (includes Degree of Bachelor, Degree of PhD and MPhil, Master by Coursework, Diploma, Guild of Students, Library, Divisional Regulations, Professional Doctorates, Higher Doctorates, Certificate Regulations, Student Loan Regulations);
• Rules (Academic Progress, Credit and Exemptions);
• Standing Orders

All of these are printed in the University Handbook and Calendar or may be viewed at the following URL address: http://www.murdoch.edu.au/admin/legsln/

The University also operates under State and Federal legislation. Relevant Acts include:

Commonwealth Legislation:

• Broadcasting Services Amendment (Online Services) Act 1999
• Copyright Act 1968
• Copyright Amendment (Computer Programs) Act 1999
• Disability Discrimination Act 1992
• Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000
• Fringe Benefits Tax Act 1986
• Higher Education Funding (Student Organisations) Amendment Act 1994
• Higher Education Legislation Amendment Act 1996
• Higher Education Legislation Amendment Act 2004
• Higher Education Legislation Amendment Act (No. 2) 2004
• Higher Education Legislation Amendment Act (No. 3) 2004
• Higher Education Support Act (HESA) 2003
• Higher Education Support (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Act 2003
• Migration Agents Registration Scheme 1992
• Ombudsman Act 1976
• Telecommunications Act 1997
• Trade Practices Act 1974

State Legislation:

• Animal Welfare Act 2002
• Auditor General Act 2006
• Corruption and Crime Commission Act 2003
• Criminal Code Act 1913
• Education Service Providers (Full Fee Overseas Students) Registration Act 1991
• Electronic Transactions Act 2003
• Equal Opportunity Act 1984
• Evidence Act 1906
• Fair Trading Act 1987
• Financial Legislation Amendment and Repeal Act 2006
• Financial Management Act 2006
• Freedom of Information Act 1992
• Fringe Benefits Tax Assessment Act 1986
• Limitation Act 1935
• Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984
• State Records Act 2000
• State Records (Consequential Provisions) Act 2000
• Workers Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 1981

ARRANGEMENTS FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN POLICY MAKING

Provision is made for the University's students, staff and other members of the community to be involved in the decision-making processes of the University on which there are elected representatives.

The Senate’s membership includes the Director-General of Education or appointee, academic and general staff members, student representatives elected by and from amongst the students, members elected by Convocation (graduates of the University), members appointed by the Governor and members co-opted by the Senate.

The Academic Council consists of elected and ex officio academic staff, plus student representatives. It is advised by Committees on which elected representatives of university staff and students serve.

The University's Divisional Boards and School Boards include in their membership academic staff, student representatives and in some cases general staff. They also often include off-campus members representing industry, the professions or other tertiary institutions.

Other university committees such as the Animal Ethics Committee, Foundation for the Companion of Animals and Human Research Ethics Committee include in their membership, representatives of outside agencies or off-campus persons with experience and interest in the functions of these committees.

There are discipline based employer/Industry Advisory panels whose membership comprises a Murdoch graduate in full time work, academic staff, the Executive Dean of the Division and members from the relevant external employer or industry groups. The discipline panels are intended to assist the University in maintaining the relevance of its activities for both employer and graduate thereby enhancing the employability of Murdoch graduates.

All Schools of Study are subject to review once every five years. The review process emphasises self-evaluation by the School and is conducted with full participation of the staff and students of the School under review. An external review panel is appointed by the President of the Academic Council after considering the nominees of the Executive Dean of the Division in which the School is located. Membership of the panels includes a Chair external to the University and a member drawn from the non-tertiary sector into which graduates of the School are likely to move (eg a senior professional, or a major employer of graduates from the School).

Members of the public can write to the Vice Chancellor and raise any issue or concerns about university policy or administration.

The Convocation and Alumni bodies of the University provide an avenue for graduates to maintain active links with the University, remain informed of university activities and have an input on university policy.

The student population of the University can participate in the decision-making processes of the University through the various committees that provide for student representation and via the Student Guild that has a formal link with the University.

The University also consults the local Council and community on matters concerning the physical development of the campus, transport, safety and security issues and how these impinge on the local community.

INFORMATION HELD BY THE UNIVERSITY

Documents and records of the University are held in central administration, the Academic Divisions, Schools, Offices, Units, Centres and Institutes. Only a small proportion of the University’s records are retained indefinitely - principally for their ongoing historical value to the University community. All records, hardcopy and electronic, created by the University are subject to its Retention & Disposal schedules. These schedules set out the minimum period of time that the various records series generated by the University must be kept before they can be legally destroyed.

A significant amount of information is also held on the University’s world wide web site and information can be accessed through the home page address: http://www.murdoch.edu.au/

STUDENT RECORDS
The following records are held on individual students. Except where indicated otherwise, these are located in Student Administration.

• Applications (and associated papers) for: admissions; transfer to a course or unit subject to quota; credit; special examination arrangements; deferred assessment; cross-enrolment (in units at other universities for credit towards the Murdoch degree); premature enrolment in a Part 11 unit; suspension of enrolment; deferred payment of fees; student loans; award of degree; Independent Study Contracts;
• Award of exemption forms;
• Annual enrolment forms, plus change of enrolment/address forms;
• HECS Payment Option forms;
• Computer records of details of students;
• Appeals against unit results/exclusion from the university or from a programme, and associated papers;
• Honours programme of study forms (also held in the Divisional office);
• MPhil/PhD programme of study forms (held in the Research section);
• Results in assessment components within units. (These are held by academic staff, and are lodged in Divisional offices at the end of the relevant semester);
• Examiners reports for honours/masters/ doctoral theses;
• The University does not hold information on all students, nor does it keep it forever, and usually a record is not kept of telephone conversations.

Individual student files are not kept by Student Administration; instead, papers are held collectively in files and organised according to student number. The Division of Research & Development maintain individual student files for all research and professional doctorate students, and for those coursework masters students who are on scholarships. Some Divisional offices hold files on honours students. The Academic Services Unit's external students support centre holds an individual student file for every student who is or has been enrolled in a unit externally.

Callista is the Student Administration on-line computerised system. It holds records of students' enrolment history and current enrolment; unit records; unit grades; mode of study; suspensions/withdrawals/exclusion from the University; fee liabilities and payments; academic progress warnings and exclusions.

STATISTICS
The following is a listing of the main statistical information compiled by the University:

• Affirmative action higher education yearly report to the Affirmative Action Agency;
• Annual Murdoch University statistics;
• Educational profiles data collection;
• Equal employment opportunity yearly report to the Directorate of Equal Opportunity in Public Employment;
• Finance and publications research data collection to DEST;
• Financial statements - annual (from Annual Report);
• Graduate destination surveys;
• Higher education statistical collection (staff /students) to DEST;
• In-house admission statistics;
• Institution Assessment Framework – information collection 2004 (formerly Educational Profiles)
• Key performance indicators (from Annual Report);
• Monthly and quarterly returns to the Australian Bureau of Statistics re the University's average weekly earnings, survey of employment and earnings, survey of job vacancies and overtime and industrial disputes;
• Research and development (Australian Bureau of Statistics);
• Selected university statistics - total enrolments/ student load; enrolments - attendance type; student load (EFTSU) by level; student load by level of enrolment; student load (EFTSU) by Division; academic teaching and research staff FTE by area; student EFTSU per full time equivalent staff (Academic - teaching & research); awards conferred;
• Security and traffic monthly activity report;
• Switchboard statistics of incoming and external calls;
• Reporting of assets and liabilities to the State Treasury Department (annual).

Statistical information prepared by the University’s Office of Policy & Planning can be viewed at: http://wwwplan.murdoch.edu.au/stats/

RECORDS MANAGEMENT/ARCHIVES
The Records Management & Archives section is responsible for the organisation and management of information pertaining to the administration of the University.

The central files are classified according to the following nine categories: Academic Activities (01), General Administration (02), Finance and Business (03), Legislative (04), Organisation and Structure (05), Physical Facilities (06), Services (07), Staffing Matters (08), Student Matters (09), and Legal Services (10). An index of all files can be found in the Office of Records Management & Archives Classification Manual. All correspondence received by the Records Management & Archives section is classified into one of the listed categories depending on the subject matter. Access to documents held on central files can be made by contacting the Records Officer.

TRIM is the computerised records and archives management system used by the Records Management & Archives section.

Divisions and Units create and maintain records that are relevant to their functions.

The Records Management & Archives section is responsible for the University Archives. Records falling within the scope of the Archives collection strategy will have continuing administrative, legal, financial or historical value to the University. Records held by the Records Management & Archives section either for permanent or temporary storage includes: minutes, agendas and reports of all major administrative and academic committees, correspondence, reviews, reports, legal titles to property, contracts, patents, financial records, architectural drawings, research papers, personnel files, and student administrative records.

In accordance with the University's Archives Policy and Procedures, access to the University Archives is the responsibility of the Archivist/Records Officer. Access to Archives must be made by completing and signing an Access Form which is available by contacting the Records Officer on 9360 2162.

LIBRARY
The University library is comprised of the main library and a small branch at the Division of Veterinary Medical Sciences at the South Street Campus, and a branch at the Rockingham campus. Collections in the various libraries number more than 600,000. Access to additional materials is provided by reciprocal arrangement with other Western Australian universities via the Internet. The branch library at Rockingham is owned and operated jointly by the University, the South Metropolitan College of TAFE and the City of Rockingham.

Library services at Murdoch University are provided through the following sections:

• Bibliographic Services,
• Acquisitions/Serials,
• Cataloguing,
• Lending Services,
• External/Reserve,
• Interlibrary loans,
• Information Services,
• Community Liaison & Reference Services,
• Network Services,
• Law Library (including government Publications),
• Science Library,
• Social Sciences/Humanities Library,
• Theology.

Members of the public have the right of free reading access to the library; borrowing rights are subject to the payment of an $82.50 annual fee or a concession rate of $27.50 to eligible applicants. Up to 8 items may be borrowed at any one time, for 4 weeks unless recalled. Community membership does not include remote access to the Library’s subscription databases.

The Innopac library computer system provides access from the Library to networked databases and catalogues of libraries around the world. Major databases are available on the university local area network, which include CD-Rom databases, Current Contents via AARNET and the inclusion of Dialog searching for Veterinary Science students, and LEXIS/NEXIS searching for Law students.

FINANCE RECORDS
The types of records generated by the University's Financial Services Section are:

• Accounting - creditors, debtors, chart of accounts, petty cash, requisitions/purchase orders, cashiering records, receipt books;
• Asset Register - policy & procedures, equipment, buildings, art works;
• Audit - internal audit policy and reports, State Audit correspondence and reports;
• Banking - policy, agencies, overseas banking, signing authorities, credit card agreements;
• Bequests/endowments/trusts;
• Budget - expenditure, income, Divisions and Office budgets;
• Donations/gifts/fundraising to and from the University;
• Financial statements - consolidated statements, statistics, bequests/endowments, investments;
• Government grants for research projects
• Independent operations - bookshop, cafeteria, child care centre, gymnasium/squash courts;
• Insurance - industrial special risks, motor vehicles, public liability and umbrella cover claims, workers compensation, personal accident and travel;
• Investments;
• Licences, deeds and agreements;
• Loans documentation;
• Tax - income tax, fringe benefits tax, payroll, council rates, sales, exemptions.

The three computerised systems used for holding all accounting and financial information are: Finance 1, the Assets Register System and the Cashiering system.

STAFF RECORDS
The following is a listing of staff records held by the University's Office of Human Resources. There are also some staff records held separately in the Divisions, Schools, Offices, Units and Centres and Institutes.

• Recruitment - job applications, staff exchanges, secondments, fellowships, commonwealth employment programmes, training and development, Chairs, personal Chairs, advertising records;
• Salaries and Staffing - personal files, taxation records, salaries and wages records, superannuation, time sheets, duty statements, job analysis records, academic and general staff conditions of employment, leave records, allowances, staff appraisals , medical records, establishment registers;
• Industrial Matters - appeals, re-classifications, enterprise bargaining records, industrial dispute records, log of claims, industrial affiliations;
• Occupational Health - workers compensation records, occupational health and safety correspondence, rehabilitation policies, eyesight and screen testing correspondence;
• “Talent2” (Formerly known as the Concept System) is the Human Resources Information Management System used by the Office of Human Resources. This holds the personal details of employees, salaries and wages details, and employee leave records.

DOCUMENTS/INFORMATION AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE

The following information is available free of charge. However, a charge may be imposed for photocopying when there is limited stock available.

BROCHURES/BOOKLETS/PAMPHLETS
A Resource Guide for Students with a Disability or Medical Condition
Aboriginal Education Unit
Access - The Handbook of Student Services
Accommodation Guide at Student Village
Advice to Students on Access and Equity (pamphlet)
Advice to Students on Equal Opportunity - Murdoch University (pamphlet)
Alcoa Lecture Monograph
Alternative Examination Arrangements
Audio teleconference procedures for external units
Business at Murdoch
Campus Link
Career Profiles for Software engineering and Instrumentation and Control Engineering at Murdoch University
Codes of Ethics - Murdoch University
Complete Catalogue of the Video Library (Teaching and Learning Centre)
Continuing to Educate Rita: A Resource Kit on Women and Postgraduate Study
Educational Services and Teaching Resources Unit Information Brochure
Excellence Rewarded - A Guide for Donors of Academic Prizes
External Studies Guide
External Tutors Guide
Flowsheet - newsletters from A J Parker Centre
Focus on Rockingham (Newsletters)
Graduate Careers Service
Graduation Ceremony Programmes
Guide to Expertise
Health Services Guide
Higher Education Options - Tertiary Studies Through Your Regional Colleges
Infrastructure Grants for Postgraduate research Students; A guide for postgraduate research students
Independent Study Contracts guide
Information for International Students 1996
International Prospectus 1995/1996
International Student Newsletters
In Touch (published twice per year)
It had Better be a Good One
Keith Roby Memorial Lecture Monographs
Law at Murdoch University-Advice for Prospective Students
Masters by Coursework - Guide
Murdoch 6150 Law - The College Years
Murdoch News (to 1997)
Murdoch Profile
Murdoch University - A guide for Students with Disability
Murdoch University Counselling Service Leaflet
Murdoch University Study 95
Never too Late - A step by Step Guide for adults returning to Study
Odyssey
On Campus (published 8 times per year)
Opening Doors Programme;
Personal Safety on Campus; Campus Watch Think Safe
Postgraduate Coursework Studentships - Advice to Applicants
Postgraduate Research degrees - Information for candidates and their supervisors
Postgraduate Research Degrees-Information for Candidates and their Supervisors
Programme Guides for all programmes of study at Murdoch University
Records Management / Archives - a Guide
Regional Study Groups 1993 - How to Get One Started and Make it Work
Research Degrees Prospectus
Research Policy and Grants -A Guide for Academic Staff
Science at Murdoch
Services for Students with Disabilities or Medical Conditions
Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure (pamphlet)
Special Research Grant - Guidelines for allocation
STAR - Science & Technology Awareness Rising
Student Information for re - enrolling students
Study Abroad Opportunities through Murdoch
Synergy (published 4 times per year)
Teaching at Murdoch
Tertiary Options Project (TOP) - Special University Entrance for Year 12 Students
Tertiary Teaching Study Guide
Theological and Worship Appeal Newsletter
Theological and Worship Appeal Promotional Booklet
Uni-Abroad
UniQuest - A Special Entry Programme
University Prospectus
Veterinary School Alumni Newsletters
Veterinary Studies at Murdoch
Veterinary Studies - National programme for Aboriginal and Islander Students
Walk Trails
Walter Murdoch Lecture Monographs
Western Australian Universities' Foundation Program 1994-1995
Year 10-Brochure " Keep Your Options Open"

POLICY DOCUMENTS/REPORTS
Aboriginal Employment Strategy
Academic Staff Development Policy
Academic Staff Selection Procedures
Academic Staff Promotions Policies and Procedures
Affirmative Action Higher Education Yearly Reports
Alcohol Management Policy
Annual Reports - Murdoch University
Annual Reports for each University Centre/Institute
Anti-Fraud Policy
Appeals Against Unit Results policy
Assessment at Murdoch University;
Codes of Ethics - Murdoch University
Code of Practice - Assessment
Community Service Management Plan
Conference Travel Grants Guidelines
Consulting Guidelines
Deferred Assessment policy
Description of the Operating Budget
Disability Policy
Disability Support Programme
Discrimination and Harassment Grievance Procedures
Dishonesty in Assessment policy
Educational Profiles
Equal Employment Opportunity at Murdoch University 1987
Equal Employment Opportunity Yearly Reports
Foundation for Companion Animals Annual Report
Foundation for Continuing Veterinary Education Annual Report
Graduate Destination Surveys
Guide for unit co-ordinators and other members of the full-time staff in Law at Murdoch (1991)
Guidelines for Academic Planning (1995-1997)
Guidelines for Changes in Programmes and Units (1993)
Guidelines for Deferred Assessment
Guidelines for Establishment of Research Centres
Guidelines for Examiners of PhD and MPhil Students
Guidelines for Murdoch Teaching and Learning Grants
Guidelines for Programme Reviews
Guidelines for University Teaching;
Guidelines to Assessment of Undergraduate Applications
How to Go About Evaluating Your Teaching.
Intellectual Property Policy
Learning from Each Other; Proceedings of the 7th Language and Learning Skills Conference
Learning Skills Guides 1990
Managing Your Electronic Mail - A Records Management Perspective
Murdoch 21: Vision Statement
Murdoch 21: Achieving the Vision
Murdoch University Academic Audit Report 2001
Murdoch University Emergency Procedures
Murdoch University Evacuation Procedures
Occupational Safety and Health Policies
Operation and Use of Audio - Visual Equipment in your Teaching
Outside Studies Program Policies and Procedures
Parking and Security Procedures
Programme Review Guidelines
Quality Portfolio 1995
Report on the Development of South West Campus
Report on the Future Academic Profile 2000
Report on General Staff training, policies and Objectives 1992
Report on Network User Training Needs 1993
Report of the Task Force on Research 1994
Report on WA Science Summer School
Research Reports
Research Management Plan
Retention and Disposal schedules
Review of Murdoch University’s Recruitment, Admissions, Enrolment and Student Services Areas (by Jeff Hollett)
Risk Management Policy
Safety Handbook
Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure
Space Inventory 1984
Staff Development Implementation Plan
Staff Development Policy framework (1994)
Statistics
Strategic Quality Improvement Plan (1997-2002)
Strategic Planning for Murdoch University - A Discussion Paper 1993
Strategic Plan Murdoch University (2003-2007)
Strategic Plans; Schools, Units, Offices and Library Strategic Plan for Information Technology
Student Village Residence Handbook
Style Guide - A WADEC Guide for Authors and Desktop Publishers 1991
Teaching Timetable Policy
Teaching Management Plan
Teaching University Students Chemistry: Approaches Your Colleagues have Tried.
Thesaurus of General Administrative and functional Keywords and Descriptors – Records Management & Archives
Tutors' Manual
UniQuest Tutors' File and Unit Materials Compilation
Unit and Teaching Evaluation Procedures

Policy documents can also be viewed at the following URL address: http://www.murdoch.edu.au/index/policies/.

DOCUMENTS/INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT A COST

(Details of costs will be made available upon application)

• Academic Transcripts ($15.00)
• Handbook and Calendar ($19.50 plus $10 postage)
• Audio & Video Cassettes (available from Teaching & Learning Centre)
• Library catalogue of all audio and video productions made by the University is available from the Teaching and Learning Centre
• Maps/Drawings /Photographs (ie: Architectural maps and drawings)

INTERNAL MANUALS
The University’s internal manuals may be found on the University’s Intranet at the following URL address: http://www.murdoch.edu.au/.

ACCESS ARRANGEMENTS, PROCEDURES AND POINTS OF CONTACT

Most information within the University can be obtained without needing to apply formally under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 1992 and an informal request for access is likely to be quicker for both you and the University. You should approach the part of the university responsible for the activity in which you are interested. The information you seek could possibly be held in the University library. Details of library facilities are mentioned on page 8 of this Statement. A formal application under FOI is needed only if you encounter difficulties in obtaining access to the documents you want.

APPLYING FOR NON - PERSONAL INFORMATION

If you proceed with an FOI application for non-personal information, the Act requires that a formal application be lodged.

The application must -

• be in writing, giving enough information to enable the requested documents to be identified;
• include an address and telephone number at which you can be contacted in Australia ;
• indicate the type of access being sought eg. inspection of a document or a copy of the document;
• accompanied by a $30 application fee;
• lodged with, posted or faxed to:

The Records Officer
Records Management & Archives (Chancellery Building Room 1.14)
Murdoch University 6150

It is very important that you are clear in indicating the documents to which you wish access. The staff of the university are happy to help you in clarifying your request - you may find it useful to discuss your application with the Records Officer, Mr John Farley on 9360 2162 or the FOI Co-ordinator, Mr Ben Dawkins on 9360 2316 before submitting it. They may also be able to arrange for you to obtain the information you want without needing to submit a formal FOI application.

Application forms are available from the Office of Records Management & Archives on level 1 of the Chancellery, room 1.14.

The Freedom of Information Act does not apply to documents which are already available outside this Act. Examples of this are the Annual Report, the Handbook and Calendar, the Prospectus, academic transcripts of students, agendas and minutes of university committees.

FORMS OF ACCESS
You can request access to documents by way of inspection, a copy of a document, a copy of an audio or video tape, a computer disk, a transcript of a recorded document or of words recorded in shorthand or encoded form, or a written document in the case of a document from which words can be reproduced in written form. Where the university is unable to grant access in the form requested, access may be given in a different form.

NOTICE OF DECISION
Your application will be dealt with as quickly as we can. You are assured of a written response to your request no later than 45 days after you submit the application, though normally it would be much sooner than this. The response will include reasons if access is refused to a document or to part of a document, and information regarding review and appeal procedures should you wish to exercise those rights.

REFUSAL OF ACCESS
Under section 23 of the Freedom of Information Act, the university may exempt certain documents from release on a range of grounds. In these cases, applicants have a right to appeal internally first and subsequently to the Information Commissioner. Details of the exemption categories are contained in schedule 1 to the Act.

FEES AND CHARGES
In addition to the $30 application fee, you will also be liable for additional charges (if seeking personal information) for time taken in: dealing with the application; copying any documents; providing information in the format you requested, where this differs from the format in which it is held by the university; and for the staff cost in supervising your inspection of documents. These charges are $30 per hour (reduced to $22.50 per hour for applicants holding a pensioner concession card or whom the university regards as impecunious). There is also a charge of 20c/copy for photocopies, plus actual costs of duplicating tapes, packaging and postage, etc. If the total charges might exceed $25, you will be provided with an estimate of the total cost before it is incurred, so you can decide whether or not you wish to continue with the application. A deposit may be required.

APPLYING FOR PERSONAL INFORMATION (INCLUDING AMENDMENT )

For personal information about yourself, there is no application fee nor any charges.

The same procedures as above apply for requests for personal information, except amendment of personal information should be made by completing a formal application form or by a letter. If you are applying for access to personal information, you will need to provide proof of identity at the time you see these records. This can be established by producing a driver's licence, passport, or staff or student card - so long as it contains a photograph.

Personal information can be:

• factual or routine information, eg; date of birth, address details, names, length of employment.
• opinions or evaluative material such as staff appraisals, interview records, student assessments.

Under the Western Australian Freedom of Information Act, the university is required to respond to applications for information within 45 days of receipt.

AMENDMENT OF PERSONAL INFORMATION
A person has the right to amend personal information in a document held by the university if the information is believed to be inaccurate, incomplete, out of date or misleading. The right to amend personal information exists so that the information used by the university does not prejudice or disadvantage the person referred, misrepresent facts about the person or create a misleading impression.

An FOI application to amend personal information contained in university documents should provide details and documentation to support that the information is inaccurate, incomplete, out of date, or misleading. Applicants must also indicate how they wish the amendment to be made within the options set out in the Act i.e.:

1. altering information
2. striking out or deleting information
3. inserting information
4. inserting a note in relation to information

NOTICE OF DECISION
The FOI Co-ordinator will notify the applicant of a decision within 45 days of its receipt (this period is reduced to 30 days for requests for amendment of personal information). If the request is not granted, the notice will include reasons for refusing to amend the information in the way requested and advise of appeal procedures provided under the Act.