Monash University Policy Bank
Program Review Policy
Purpose |
- To ensure regular review of higher degree by research (HDR) programs through a systematic framework for assessing the objectives, structure, program delivery and support, management and outcomes of research programs leading to Monash HDR awards.
- To provide a framework for evaluating HDR Programs against the University’s quality cycle to ensure monitoring and continuous improvement of the University’s HDR programs and formal reporting of these processes.
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Scope |
- All higher degree by research programs.
- For each program: objectives, structure, program delivery and support, management and outcomes
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Policy Statement |
The guiding principles for review are based on the University’s quality cycle of Plan, Act, Evaluate (monitor and review) and Improve. HDR Program reviews ensure that the University’s research training programs are subject to regular and systematic evaluation and continual improvement.
HDR Programs are supported and managed across the University’s organisational structure, governed by university-wide regulations and policies primarily through the Research Graduate School Committee (RGSC) and the Monash Research Graduate School (MRGS). They are also delivered at a local level where faculties and academic units manage candidates and cohorts within the degree structures. MRGS and each of the academic units responsible for HDR Program delivery (HDR Entity – see Definitions) will be reviewed by an appropriate panel at least every six years. This review could be conducted specifically for HDR Programs or could form part of a broader organisational unit review whilst still addressing all of the HDR requirements detailed in this policy.
Individual reviews are expected to address the programs and responsibilities as relevant to the respective HDR entity. The MRGS Review will address the policy and legislative framework which underpins HDR Program delivery at Monash, the processes and structures which formulate, review and refine this framework and the services provided by the Monash Research Graduate School to support RGSC, academic units, staff and current and prospective students. Faculties, MUARC and PVC-led campuses are to focus more on the implementation elements of the Programs within their organisational unit with campus reviews being mindful of the split between faculty and local school/department responsibilities. Because of the intersection between local and central responsibilities for HDR Programs, each review within the cycle will be expected to inform and focus the others. It is important to ensure the connectivity between reviews and, to this end, reference should be made to the executive summaries of other relevant reviews when conducting a new review (eg faculty and Gippsland or off shore campus; faculty and RGSC). Where an HDR Program involves collaboration with a transnational partner institution or sponsorship body, most often in the form of a scholarship program, cotutelle or joint award arrangement, it should be considered both in the RGSC review and the relevant faculty review.
HDR Programs are to be reviewed against the designated role responsibilities as outlined in the Code of Practice for Supervision of Doctoral and Research Masters Candidates. Attention should also be given to university policy and criteria for obtaining HDR course approval by assessing the extent to which the course has met its strategic and academic objectives, is complying with the proposed course details and providing high quality supervision, effective candidature experience and quality outcomes.
HDR Program reviews are to comprise the following stages as detailed in the HDR Program Review Procedures:
- Self-review and preparation of self-review report;
- Call for submissions;
- Review and preparation of review report;
- Preparation of executive summary and action plan;
- Submission of MRGS review report to Academic Board and all other review reports to the relevant faculty board or executive committee;
- Report on implementation of recommendations 12 months after lodgement of the review report and action plan;
- The sharing of review reports with appropriate bodies for information and consideration in subsequent/related reviews (ie MRGS review to faculties, MUARC and campuses, faculty, MUARC and campus reviews to MRGS).
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Supporting procedures |
Program Review Procedures
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Supporting guidelines |
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Responsibility for implementation |
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Research Training)
General Manager, Monash Research Graduate School
Deans, Director of MUARC and campus Pro Vice Chancellors
Associate Deans responsible for research training – or equivalent
Faculty Manager
Faculty Research Administration Officer – or equivalent
Heads of schools/departments
HDR coordinators
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Status |
New |
Key Stakeholders |
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Research Training)
Deans, Director of MUARC and campus Pro Vice-Chancellors
Associate Deans responsible for research training – or equivalent
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Approval body |
Name: Academic Board
Meeting: 6/2010
Date: 24-November-2010
Agenda item: 14.5
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Endorsement body |
Name: Research Graduate School Committee
Meeting: 6/2010
Date: 02-July-2010
Agenda item: 3.3
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Definitions |
Higher Degree by Research Program: all aspects relating to the delivery of any relevant postgraduate degrees comprising at least 66% research component. Higher Degree by Research Program Review: the process evaluating HDR programs in relation to the Monash Quality Framework, with respect to the strategic and academic aspects of the course, including planning and quality assurance, resourcing, course demand, structure and management, research supervision and outcomes HDR Entity: Monash Research Graduate School and each of the academic units separately responsible for HDR program delivery, currently comprising 10 faculties, Monash University Accident Research Committee, and all PVC – led campuses |
Related legislation |
Research Graduate School Committee Regulations |
Related policies |
Academic Review Policy
Establishing, Disestablishing and Amending HDR Courses and Units Policy
Code of Practice for Supervision of Doctoral and Research Masters Candidates
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Related documents |
HDR Program Review: self review template
HDR Program Review: sample calendar of events
HDR Program Review: sample format for action plan
Handbook for Doctoral and MPhil Degrees
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Date Effective |
24-November-2010 |
Review Date |
01-November-2015 |
Owner |
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Research Training) |
Author |
General Manager, Monash Research Graduate School |
Content Enquiries |
Policy Mrgs
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