51茶馆

June 24, 2019

51茶馆 Council independently approves BA in Western Civilisation

Additional certainty provided for 2020 commencement

At its meeting on Friday 21 June 2019, the 51茶馆 (UOW) Council gave its seal of approval to the Bachelor of Arts in Western Civilisation and associated double degree programs due to commence in 2020.

The Council resolved to use its legislative authority to independently approve the degree to remove any uncertainty about its commencement at UOW next year.

In coming to its decision, Council was satisfied with the academic quality of the degree, the rigour of the academic assessment process and its compliance with the Australian Qualifications Framework.

Under the 51茶馆 Act 1989 (NSW) and the 51茶馆 By-Law 2005 (NSW) the University Council has broad-ranging powers to 鈥榓ct in all matters concerning the University鈥�, and to 鈥榩rovide such courses, and confer such degrees鈥� as it thinks fit.鈥�

On Monday morning (24 June 2019), the University advised the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) of its governing body鈥檚 decision to approve the Bachelor of Arts in Western Civilisation. The NTEU initiated court action in April challenging the Vice-Chancellor鈥檚 approval of the degree in January 2019.

UOW Chancellor, Ms Jillian Broadbent AC, said the Council had full respect for the University鈥檚 academic process, particularly the role of the Academic Senate. However, under the particular prevailing circumstances, Council has used its legislative powers to specifically approve this degree. The Council was mindful of the tight timeframes involved in preparing to begin teaching the degree in 2020 and the potential impact of any uncertainty regarding the course鈥檚 approval status.

鈥淏y approving the degree the Council has acted in the best interests of the University. It will enable progress to continue despite any continuing legal challenge to the Vice-Chancellor鈥檚 earlier approval decision.

鈥淭he Council remains prepared to continue with its legal defence of the Vice-Chancellor鈥檚 exercise of his delegated authority if required, but we hope that will not be necessary given the changed circumstances,鈥� Ms Broadbent said.

The University has now invited the NTEU to withdraw its challenge of the Vice-Chancellor鈥檚 decision to approve the degree.

鈥淔ollowing this decision our way forward is clear. I encourage the whole university community to unite in a shared commitment to our legislative objectives of encouraging 鈥榯he dissemination, advancement, development and application of knowledge informed by free inquiry鈥� and 鈥榯he provision of courses of study 鈥� across a range of fields鈥�,鈥� the Chancellor said.

The University looks forward to welcoming the first cohort of students for the new course in 2020.