Annual Report - Swinburne University of Technology

Swinburne University of Technology
■ Objectives, functions, powers and duties
of the University
Objects and Functions
The objects of the University as stated in Section 6 of the
Swinburne University of Technology Act include:
(a) the development of an institution with excellence in
teaching, training, scholarship, research, consultancy,
community service and other educational services and
products, with emphasis on technology and its
development, impact and application;
(b) the provision of a multi-level system of postsecondary
education programs relevant to the needs
of the community covering a range of fields and levels
from basic trade to post-doctoral studies with
provision for recognition of prior learning and flexibility
of transition between programs;
(c) the provision of high quality educational, research,
residential, commercial, cultural, social, recreational,
sporting and other facilities;
(d) the advancement of knowledge and its practical
application by research and other means, the
dissemination by various means of the outcomes of
research and the commercial exploitation of the
results of such research;
(e) the participation in commercial ventures and activities;
(f) the fostering of the general welfare and development
of all enrolled students;
(g) the conferring of prescribed degrees and the granting
of prescribed diplomas, certificates and other awards;
(h) the provision of opportunities for development and
further training for staff of the University;
(i) the development and provision of educational, cultural,
professional, technical and vocational services to the
community and in particular the fostering of
participation in a university of technology of persons
living or working in the outer eastern region of
Melbourne;
(j) the provision of programs, products and services in
ways that reflect the principles of equity and social
justice;
(k) the maintenance of close interaction with industry and
the community and the development of associations or
agreements with any educational, commercial,
governmental or other institution;
(l) the enhancement through the development of
knowledge and skills of the ability to shape
technology, social and economic processes and to
recognise, understand and take account of the ethical,
environmental and other implications of such
processes;
(m) the conduct of teaching, research, consultancy and
development activities within and outside Australia; and
(n) generally, the development and operation of a
university providing appropriate and accessible
academic and other programs, courses of study,
educational products and research activity such as the
Council considers necessary for the attainment of the
foregoing in Victoria and elsewhere.
Powers and Duties
The main decision making bodies are:
■ Council
■ Academic Board
■ Board of Technical Studies
■ Chancellery.
Council
Deriving its powers from the Swinburne University of
Technology Act (1992), the Council is the governing
authority of the University and has responsibility for the
direction and superintendence of the University. The Act
also makes provision for the Council to make Statutes with
regard to “all matters relating to the organisation,
management and good government of the University…”
In a general sense, Council acts on behalf of the
community in overseeing the affairs of the University and,
as such, is accountable to the community. As the
governing authority, the University Council accepts
particular responsibilities such as:
■ ensuring that long term and short term planning are
undertaken, endorsed and implemented
■ establishing proper authority and accounting for
expenditure, and assessing the effectiveness with which
resources are used
■ making such delegations as will enhance Swinburne’s
efficiency without diminishing the responsibility of
Council
12
Annual Report 2002