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1.4 Qualifications and Certification Policy

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Qualifications and Certification Policy

Purpose:

The University Council, under Section 11 of the University of Tasmania Act 1992, has the power to confer, and in certain circumstances rescind, degrees, diplomas and certificates. The University issues authorised certification documents as evidence of a student’s academic record at the University and/or subsequent graduation. This policy outlines the principles that underpin this activity and the ceremonial and academic dress worn at graduation and on other ceremonial occasions.

This policy also outlines our commitment to recognising exceptional and outstanding contributions and service to the Commonwealth, the State or the University.

1ConferralResponsible
1.1 University Council will confer awards upon students by admitting them to degrees and awarding diplomas at graduation ceremonies, in absentia, at a meeting of the University Council or, in extraordinary circumstances, at other times. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education)
1.2

Students will be admitted to degrees or awarded diplomas when they:

  • have completed and met the requirements for their course within the stipulated timeframes; or, in the case of posthumous or aegrotat awards, have sufficiently met course requirements to indicate likely success; and
  • are not indebted to the University; and
  • have no outstanding student conduct matters.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education)
1.3 Admission to a degree or award of a diploma will be accompanied by the issuing of a testamur, the Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS) and an academic transcript. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education)
2Certification 
2.1 Official academic documents issued by the University will be accurate, authorised, readily distinguishable from other documents issued by the University, and designed to prevent unauthorised reproduction or fraudulent issue. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education)
2.2 All students, including those who complete only some of the requirements for a qualification, are entitled to receive an academic transcript, record of results or statement of attainment. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education)
2.3 The University may require the return of a testamur in exceptional circumstances and in accordance with approved University procedure. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education)
3 Joint awards 
3.1

University Council will establish joint awards with other institutions where:

  • there is strategic benefit to the University;
  • the partner institution is recognised internationally as an institution of high quality and reputation; and
  • the arrangement is of such standing that it is commensurate with the University's reputation.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education)
3.2 Where the Cooperative Education Agreement specifies, University Council will issue a single jointly badged testamur. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education)
4 Short courses and micro-credentials 
4.1 Short courses will provide a competitive, distinctive and profitable programs of new learning opportunities and pathways. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education)
4.2 Short courses will be distinctly Tasmanian, globally relevant, designed to be scalable and will contribute to broader institutional articulation opportunities. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education)
4.3

Short courses will, depending on type, be aligned with:

  • Higher Education Standards Framework (HESF)
  • Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)
  • Industry standards and/or accreditation
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education)
4.4 Certificates and micro-credentials may be awarded to a student upon completion of a short course. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education)
5 Honorary degrees and Fellows of the University 
5.1 The University Council may confer an Honorary Degree on a person who, in the opinion of the Council, is a distinguished visitor or outstanding scholar or who has given outstanding service to the Commonwealth, the State or the University. Vice-Chancellor
5.2 The University Council may confer the title of Fellow of the University of Tasmania on a person who has rendered noteworthy service to the University, supported its mission and demonstrably upheld its values. Vice-Chancellor
5.3 Testamurs issued to recipients of Honorary Degrees and certificates that are issued to Fellows of the University will unambiguously identify that the awards or titles are honorary.Vice-Chancellor
5.4The University Council reserves the right to revoke any conferred title or honorary degree such as when the receipient behaves in a manner that is inconsistent with the University's values or expectations of behaviour.Vice -Chancellor
6 Ceremonial and academic dress 
6.1 The University will prescribe the ceremonial dress to be worn by members of University Council and senior officers, and the academic dress to be worn by graduands and graduates. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)

Definitions and acronyms: academic documents | academic dress | academic transcript | aegrotat award | articulation | Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS) | award | ceremonial dress | conferral | degree | diploma | in absentia | joint awards | micro-credential | posthumous award | short course | testamur

30 August 2023 Once printed this is an uncontrolled document: Version history

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