The Academic Senate is established under the University of Tasmania Act 1992 to advise the Council on all academic matters relating to the University. Its constitution, membership and other arrangements are prescribed in Ordinance No 13 Academic Senate.

The Academic Senate is the principal academic body of the University of Tasmania and is responsible for maintaining the highest standards in teaching, scholarship and research. It is the primary collegial forum for discussion, debate and recommendations on academic and other matters and has a critical role to play in maintaining intellectual freedom, academic integrity and the general wellbeing of the University and its members.

The membership of Academic Senate is truly representative comprising members of the Vice-Chancellor’s Executive, all Deans, Associate Deans (Teaching & Learning), the Dean of Graduate Research, the Presidents of the Tasmania University Union, the University Librarian, the Director of Student and Academic Services, 20 elected professors and 20 elected non-professorial members of academic staff of whom at least ten are female. Members of Senate are encouraged to represent the interests of the University as a whole - rather than their particular discipline - in their role in the oversight and monitoring of academic policies, standards and quality assurance of teaching and learning and research in the University.

An external administrative Review of the Academic Senate was conducted in late 2003. Senate welcomed the Review and its constructive recommendations inter alia “to re-evaluate its role and function…to reassert its role in the development, implementation and review of academic policy and for the maintenance of the highest standards of teaching and learning and research, and for safeguarding academic freedom.” A working party, appointed by Academic Senate, has been providing regular progress reports and recommendations to Academic Senate throughout the year. The Review has resulted in some changes to the membership of Senate including more elected non-professorial members (from 14 to 20). Details of the Review and the progress reports may be accessed from this website.

In my role as Chair of Academic Senate, I am ably and well supported by the Deputy Chair, currently Professor Judi Walker. Judi and I share the responsibility of ex-officio membership on all major University committees. I am also ex-officio a member of Council, thus representing Senate and University colleagues on all major decision-making committees.

As Chair I am keen to work with all University colleagues (whether members or not of Senate) including student representatives to enable Senate to assume a strong University academic planning and priority-setting role. I am committed to regular whole-of-University soundings on academic standards and wellbeing issues and would welcome the input, suggestions and comments of colleagues.

I hope that you will find this website useful. It contains copies of Senate’s agendas and minutes together with links to Senate and major University plans and policies.

If you wish to contact me about any Academic Senate matters, please feel free to do so. My contact details appear on this website.

Regards
John Williamson