November 21 marked an important occasion for the Academic Board of The University of Queensland.
Invited guests from Secretariat Services joined members of the board for a traditional “tea ceremony”.
As per tradition, the retiring Board President Professor Susan Hamilton handed over a 150-year-old, four-piece Georgian tea set to incoming President Professor Kaye Basford.
Professor Hamilton said her primary focus as President was to ensure the Academic Board performed well for the University.
“Encouraging participation in the board, guiding the valuable work of the major committees, facilitating understanding and implementation of academic policies across the university were the areas of focus,” she said.
Professor Hamilton said she considered her major achievements as President to be the creation of new academic categories of teaching focussed and clinical academics, and developing a framework for a new policy on assessment.
“Both were achieved with the valued contributions of colleagues,” she said.
Incoming President Professor Kaye Basford said she would work to enhance the board's role as a forum for information and debate to develop, implement and review academic policy at UQ.
“My aim is to continue to strengthen reviews of academic units and programs; ensure a fair and equitable academic staff confirmation and promotion system; and advance learning and discovery, thereby maintaining and promoting excellence,” she said.
Professor Basford said there would be challenges too.
“Whilst being nimble and responsive to change, we must maintain and improve the quality and reputation of our academic programs and the graduates,” she said.
The Academic Board advises Senate about teaching, scholarship and research matters concerning the University.
A key role of the Academic Board is to oversee the University's review process for institutes, centres and schools.
Media: Professor Kaye Basford (07 3365 1320, k.e.basford@uq.edu.au) or Kate Sullivan (07 3346 6041, k.sullivan4@uq.edu.au)
