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Definitions and acronyms

University of Tasmania acceptable language and acronyms are defined here and governance instruments refer to this library. Requests for definition or acronym inclusion should be submitted via email to: Uni.Policy@utas.edu.au. If it is not of institutional-wide relevance please do not abbreviate or short form but use in its entirety for one-off documents.

Acronyms at the University of Tasmania

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A

Academic adjunct title

Definition owner: Academic Division

A special academic title conferred on academic staff of other institutions, recent University of Tasmania academic staff or individuals with equivalent standing in their field or industry, who make a continuing and active contribution to enriching the academic work of the University.

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Academic delegations: effective date

Definition owner:

The date from which a new or amended academic delegation, or the revocation of whole or part of an academic delegation, takes effect being:

  1. afore a new or amended academic delegation, the date the new or amended academic delegation is published in the Schedule of Academic Delegations; and
  2. for the revocation of whole or part of an academic delegation, the date that the revoked academic delegation or the revoked part of the academic delegation is removed from the Schedule of Academic Delegations.

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Academic delegations: major amendment

Definition owner:

An amendment to an existing academic delegation that impacts the intent or limits of the delegation. It may include, but is not limited to, changing the limits of the delegation or changing the position or positions to which the delegation is made.

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Academic delegations: minor amendment

Definition owner:

An amendment to an existing delegation that does not impact the intent or limit of the delegation or the position or positions to which the delegation is made. It may include, but is not limited to, editorial or administrative changes or renaming of positions that does not result in a material change to a delegation.

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Academic documents

Definition owner: Academic Division

The testamur, academic transcript, or Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS) issued by the University of Tasmania, in digital or hardcopy format.

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Academic dress

Definition owner: Academic Division

Traditional formal regalia which may be worn by those who have obtained a university degree or are graduating with one

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Academic freedom

Definition owner:

Academic Freedom is defined by the Australian Government as:

  • the freedom of academic staff to teach, discuss, and research and to disseminate and publish the results of their research;
  • the freedom of academic staff and students to engage in intellectual inquiry, to express their opinions and beliefs, and to contribute to public debate, in relation to their subjects of study and research;
  • the freedom of academic staff and students to express their opinions in relation to the higher education provider in which they work or are enrolled;
  • the freedom of academic staff to participate in professional or representative academic bodies;
  • the freedom of students to participate in student societies and associations;
  • the autonomy of the higher education provider in relation to the choice of academic courses and offerings, the ways in which they are taught and the choices of research activities and the ways in which they are conducted.

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Academic integrity

Definition owner:

academic integrity is defined as: ‘a commitment, even in the face of adversity, to six fundamental values: honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility, and courage. From these values flow principles of behaviour that enable academic communities to translate ideals to action’ (International Centre for Academic Integrity, 2014).

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Academic progress

Definition owner:

A student’s progress towards successful completion of the academic requirements of the course/s in which they are enrolled and, where relevant, of any compulsory placements.

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Academic Progress Review

Definition owner: Academic Division

The University's process for monitoring academic performance of students undertaking studies in undergraduate and postgraduate coursework courses.

This process is used to identify students who are experiencing difficulties in their studies as early as possible to provide advice or support

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Academic Senate

Definition owner: University Secretary - Academic Senate

Responsible for advising the University Council on all academic matters relating to the University: Academic Senate

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Academic staff member

Definition owner: People and Wellbeing

A person employed as an academic employee of the University.

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Academic standing

Definition owner:

The status of a student’s progress towards meeting the requirements for their course of study and is assigned at the end of each standard study period.

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Academic transcript

Definition owner: Academic Division

A record of all studies leading to an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualification in which a student is enrolled at the University, whether complete or incomplete. It can be issued at any time during progress towards the qualification and will be issued on graduation

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Academic unit

Definition owner: Academic Division
The secondary organisational unit in the academic structure of the University, reporting directly to the College Executive Deans.

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Academic unit of enrolment

Definition owner: Academic Division

The academic unit in which an undergraduate or Higher Degree by Research applicant will be enrolled

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Account (ITS)

Definition owner: Information Technology Services

Information Technology Services:
A combination of a username (identifier) and password allocated by ITS to access University information and communication technology services, facilities and infrastructure.

Also see Account (Finance).

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Active research phase

Definition owner: Research Division

Period in which research is undertaken

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Aegrotat award

Definition owner: Academic Division

An award of a Higher Degree by Research conferred upon a candidate who has sustained an incapacitating injury or illness that precludes completion of the research program

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Affiliated organisation

Definition owner: General Counsel

An organisation with which the University has a formal connection for a mutually agreed purpose which is recorded in writing

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Agreement

Definition owner: General Counsel

A signed document between the University and another party, outlining agreed conditions for an activity or activities

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Animal

Definition owner: General Counsel

Any live non-human vertebrate and cephalopods. Any other creature in line with any or all provisions under the relevant state legislation.

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Animal facility

Definition owner: General Counsel

Any University operated place where animals are kept, held or housed

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Applicant

Definition owner:

A person applying for enrolment at the University.

Research Division: as a candidate for a higher degree by research.

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Appropriate person

Definition owner: Safe and Fair Community Unit (SAFCU)

As per SAFCU Student Complaints Procedure

For or investigation of a complaint, the appropriate person is a person identified by SaFCU who is best placed to consider and resolve the complaint, based on the matter of concern. For example, academic complaints may be referred to a Unit Coordinator or Head of Discipline, as appropriate.  Administrative complaints may be referred to the Manager or Director of that service or area.

For complaints that are accepted for appeal, the appropriate person will be a person not involved in the complaint previously, and generally based on the “one up principle”. For example, an academic complaint on appeal may be referred to a Head of School or Executive Dean.

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Articulation

Definition owner: Academic Division

The process of linking two or more qualifications together by creating/identifying the content relationships between them

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Assessment criteria

Definition owner:

Specific outcomes that are expected to be demonstrated in any specific assessment task.

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Assessor/s

Definition owner:

The assessors for a unit are:

  • Head of academic unit responsible for the teaching of that unit or an alternative senior member of academic staff nominated by the Head of academic unit or
  • any other persons appointed by the Head of academic unit

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Associate Dean Research

Definition owner: Research Division

Senior academic staff member appointed to assist the Executive Dean with the planning, development and management of research and research training in the college

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Audit & Risk Committee

Definition owner: University Governance

A committee of the University Council: Audit & Risk Committee

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Australian Autonomous Sanctions Laws

Definition owner:

Australian laws developed to implement United Nations Security Council sanctions regimes and Australian autonomous sanctions regimes

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Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS)

Definition owner: Academic Division

A supplementary statement to qualification certification documentation that provides information to enhance understanding of the qualification by students, employers, industry, professional associations and internationally. A graduation statement is issued only on award of a qualification

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Authorised assessor

Definition owner: Research Division

A University employee responsible for reviewing autonomous sanctions compliance and risk assessments and making a recommendation to the Dean of Graduate Research on the level of risk of the University being in breach of Australian autonomous sanctions laws.

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Award

Definition owner: Academic Division

A degree or diploma

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Award title

Definition owner:

Name of the award which appears on the testamur and the AHEGS. A given award can have many award titles, for example: Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering, Diploma in Engineering Practice or Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering Diploma in Engineering Practice.

The award title is also referred to as testamur title or testamur award title.

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B

Bachelor's gown

Definition owner:

A gown that features wrist-length bell shape sleeves and traditional pencil pleating gathered across the back and shoulders of the robe.

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Benefit (gifts and benefits)

Definition owner: Compliance

A non-tangible item of value (eg preferential treatment, access to corporate boxes at sporting events, club membership, discounts in shops).

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Bonnet

Definition owner:

Headwear usually made of velvet lined with satin. Features a broad rim surrounding the soft body of the crown, sometimes called a Tudor bonnet.

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Breach of academic integrity

Definition owner:

A breach of academic integrity occurs when a student:

  1. fails to understand and meet academic integrity expectations; or
  2. seeks to gain, for themselves or for any other person, any academic advantage or advancement to which they or that other person is not entitled; or
  3. improperly disadvantages any other member of the University community.

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Breach of the code

Definition owner: Research Division

A failure to meet the principles and responsibilities of a code, and may refer to a single breach or multiple breaches.

Research Division specifically: the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (the Code).

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Bribe

Definition owner: Audit and Risk

A gift or benefit offered to, or solicited by, a member of staff to influence a person to act in a particular way.

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Budget centre

Definition owner: Financial Services

Any organisational unit within the University’s financial management structure that is functionally and financially distinctive.

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By-Laws

Definition owner: Governance Instrument Framework

By-laws are the only instrument available to University Council to prescribe matters in relation to the management of vehicles and traffic on University land. They are also used in relation to the management and control of University land. By-laws can be used to impose penalties for non-compliance.

By-laws are made by Council under section 20 of the Act and are grouped together in the University By-laws.

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C

Candidate

Definition owner: Research Division

A person enrolled at the University as a candidate for a higher degree by research.

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Candidate Management Advisor

Definition owner: Research Division

An administrative staff member who supports the graduate research portfolio.

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Candidature

Definition owner:

The status conferred on a person who is enrolled as a candidate under:

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Casual employee

Definition owner: People and Wellbeing

An employee employed in accordance with the relevant clause as defined in the Staff Agreement.

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Census date

Definition owner: Academic Division

The last day a student can make an upfront payment, apply for a HELP loan, accept an offer in a Commonwealth supported places (CSP) or formally withdraw. Each university or higher education provider sets their own census date, so the date will be different for different courses and providers.

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Ceremonial and Honorary Degrees (CHD)

Definition owner: University Governance

A committee of the University Council: Ceremonial and Honorary Degrees

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Ceremonial dress

Definition owner: Academic Division

The regalia worn by members of University Council and senior University officers at official and ceremonial functions

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Child abuse

Definition owner:

Any act committed against a child involving physical violence or threats of physical violence, sexual abuse, serious emotional or psychological abuse or serious neglect

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Child safety

Definition owner:

Measures to protect children from child abuse

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Child-related occupations

Definition owner:

Professions that are likely to involve direct contact - physical or online - with children or young people, for example medicine, nursing, pharmacy, paramedicine, psychology, education, and social work

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Child-safe environment

Definition owner:

Respectful and protective physical and online environments where children and young people can participate in the University's activities safe from harm .

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Child/children/young people

Definition owner:

Individuals under the age of 18 years old

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Co-supervisor

Definition owner:

An academic employee of the University, or adjunct or clinical title holder who works closely with the primary supervisor to support, guide, and advise the candidate in the conduct of their research project drawing on their specific research expertise

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Code

Definition owner: Compliance

A statement of recommended practice, whether mandatory or voluntary, developed internally by an organisation or by an international, national or industry body or other organisation ie:

The Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research

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Code of conduct

Definition owner: Academic Division

A statement of rules and expectations approved in some formal way but without the legal force of legislation or regulations. Focusing on duties and responsibilities for relevant circumstances, they often outline required standard of behaviour eg Code of Conduct in Teaching and Learning, Code of Conduct in Research.

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College

Definition owner: People and Wellbeing

The largest academic organisational unit within the University and normally comprises several academic schools.

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Combined degree

Definition owner:

A type of Bachelor degree. A combined degree consists of components of two degrees.  The time to graduate with both degrees is shorter than that required to complete both degrees independently.

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Commercially exploit

Definition owner: Research Division

To exploit, publish, assign, license (including sub- license) or otherwise use intellectual property (IP) for the purpose of economic return or commercial gain.

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Committee of Review

Definition owner: Research Division

An internal committee convened by the Chair of Examiners, as per relevant procedures to review the corrections to a thesis where the outcome of examination is a grade of C.

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Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

Definition owner: Academic Division

A place at a university or higher education provider where the government subsidises part of the student’s tuition fee

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Competitive neutrality

Definition owner: Research Division

Means that the University competes fairly in the market by making certain that overall cash and other benefits from consultancy services provided on behalf of the University meet or exceed costs to the University

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Compliance

Definition owner: Compliance

Adhering to the requirements of laws, industry and organisation standards and codes, principles of good governance and accepted community and ethical standards.

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Compliance culture

Definition owner: Compliance

The values, ethical standards and beliefs that exist throughout an organisation and interact with the organisation's structures and control systems to produce behavioural norms which are conducive to compliance outcomes.

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Compliance failure

Definition owner: Compliance

An act or omission whereby and organisation has not met its compliance obligations, processes or behavioural expectations.

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Compliance program

Definition owner: Compliance

A series of activities that when combined are intended to achieve compliance.

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Conditions on enrolment

Definition owner:

Means conditions placed on a student’s enrolment such as:

  • requiring the student to pass certain units
  • limiting the number of units the student can take in the next study period to increase their likelihood of success
  • specifying which units the student can take
  • requiring the student to transfer into another course.

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Conferral

Definition owner: Academic Division

The legal act of graduation.  Awards are conferred by the University at a graduation ceremony or 'in absentia'

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Confirmation of candidature

Definition owner:

Following a review after a period of probation in accordance with the Research Training Ordinance, that candidature may continue.

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Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

Definition owner:

A document issued by the education provider to verify the applicant’s enrolment in a specified course

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Consent

Definition owner: Safe and Fair Community Unit (SAFCU)

In reference to sexual assault, consent means to give freely. A person cannot give free agreement where they are:

  • bullied, threatened, manipulated or tricked;
  • asleep, unconscious or so affected by drugs or alcohol as to be unable to form a rational opinion;
  • overborne by the nature or position of another; or
  • if they are silent (ie do not say or do anything to communicate consent)

Consent can be revoked at any time.

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Consultation

Definition owner:

Conferring and taking into account views expressed before final decisions are made and includes a bona fide opportunity to influence the decision maker.

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Continuing employee

Definition owner:

An employee who is employed on an ongoing basis without a contract expiry date.

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Continuous shiftworker

Definition owner:

A Shiftworker who undertakes work pursuant to a seven day per week / 24 hours per day shift roster and which requires Shiftworkers to rotate or alternate in the working of such shifts.

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Contract funding/agreement

Definition owner: General Counsel

A document or series of documents that include a written offer, acceptance, consideration (what each party gives to the other at the agreed price for the other’s promise) and the intent that it is a legally binding arrangement.

A contract can take the form of an exchange of letters or a formalised contract (legal contract).

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Controlled entity

Definition owner: General Counsel

The entity is subject to the control of the University for example if it:

ais the sole member of a company; 
bdirectly or indirectly owns majority of the shares in a company;
ccontrols more than 50% of shareholder or member voting rights in the entity, including by use of a casting vote;
dcontrols more than 50% of votes of the entity's board, including by use of a casting vote;
ehas power to appoint or remove more than 50% of the entity's board;
fhas power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity; or
ghas power to cast or control the casting of majority of votes likely to be cast at a general meeting of the entity.

The above is not an exhaustive list and ultimately depends on the circumstances.

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Controlled or uncontrolled entity Director

Definition owner: General Counsel

A person appointed by the University to the board of a controlled or an uncontrolled entity and includes the following categories:

aCouncil Director means a member of Council or Council sub-committee who is a Director of an entity;
bExecutive Director means a University employee who is a Director of an entity; and
cExternal Director means an independent person who is a Director of an entity.

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Copyright Act

Definition owner: Academic Division

in the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth).

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Copyright material

Definition owner:

Anything in which copyright subsists as defined in the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth).

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Corruption

Definition owner: Audit and Risk
Australian Standard AS 8001:

Dishonest activity in which a director, executive, manager, employee or contractor of an entity acts contrary to the interests of the entity and abuses his/her position of trust in order to achieve some personal gain for him or herself or for another person or entity.

For the purposes of this policy this definition has been broadened to include students and other members of the University community.

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Course

Definition owner: Academic Division

A program of study offered by the University leading to an AQF qualification, or a non-award course.

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Course structure

Definition owner: Academic Division

The specific program of units a student undertakes to meet the requirements of a course

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Coursework

Definition owner:

Defined by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as a program where the assessable content by research represents less than two-thirds of the total assessable content for the program.

University of Tasmania coursework programs:

  • Enabling Program
  • Diploma
  • Advanced Diploma
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Honours
  • Graduate Certificate
  • Graduate Diploma
  • Masters by coursework

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Creator

Definition owner:

Any person who creates, conceives, reduces to practice, authors or otherwise makes a substantive intellectual contribution to the creation of intellectual property (IP).

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Credit

Definition owner: Academic Division

The value assigned for the recognition of equivalence in content and learning outcomes between different types of learning and/or qualifications.

Credit reduces the amount of learning required to achieve a qualification and may be through credit transfer, articulation, recognition of prior learning or advanced standing.

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Crisis

Definition owner: Audit and Risk

A sudden event or series of events that seriously threatens the University’s people, operations, assets, environment, or long term prospects and reputation.

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Cultural gift

Definition owner: Compliance

A gift or benefit of cultural significance can be artworks, rare books, artefacts, antiquities, scientific specimens and instruments.

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Cultural safety

Definition owner:

A product of working and learning environments that acknowledge, respect and empower the unique cultural identity and wellbeing of an individual, enable safe services and care, and which is determined by the individual

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D

Dean of Graduate Research

Definition owner: Research Division

The Dean of Graduate Research is the person who has responsibility for:

  • establishing the academic framework for research training at the University; and
  • working with colleges and institutes to ensure the University maintains appropriate standards for research training at the University (including admission, appropriate infrastructure, supervision and examination).

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Defence export controls

Definition owner: Research Division
  • Anyone involved in the conduct of research associated with the University of Tasmania must be aware of and comply with Australian export controls legislation.
  • The University provides appropriate resources to assist staff, students and associates to: be aware of their obligations as individuals to comply with Australia’s export control laws; monitor compliance with Australia’s export control laws; and review and improve the University’s control and compliance policies and procedures.

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Degree

Definition owner: Academic Division

The grade or level at which an eligible candidate is admitted by the Chancellor to the academy/college (Associate, Bachelor, Master, Doctor)

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Degree periods

Definition owner:

The period within which outstanding academic study or thesis must be submitted as per relevant ordinances.

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Delegations

Definition owner: Governance Instrument Framework

Ordinance 22: General Delegations, provides a framework for delegations of authority at the University, prescribed under the University of Tasmania Act 1992, and as determined by University Council in relation to the University’s administrative functions of finance, human resources, contracts and risk.

Ordinance 23: Academic Delegations and Schedule 1 – Academic Delegations has been approved and will formally come into effect on Tuesday 1 July 2020.

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Diploma

Definition owner: Academic Division

A named and prescribed course of study (not leading to a degree) (Certificate, Graduate Certificate, Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Graduate Diploma) which is awarded in recognition of academic attainment as a matter of right and not at the judgement of the Chancellor

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Donation

Definition owner: Compliance

A donation is a gift of any grant or transfer of money or property to the University where:

  • the transfer is made voluntarily
  • the transfer arises by way of benefaction

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E

Educational partnership

Definition owner: Research Division

A mutually beneficial collaboration between the University and an external provider.

These include: articulation and pathway arrangements; transnational education programs; student mobility arrangements (study abroad and student exchange); professional experience placement and internship arrangements; joint awards; dual awards; third party teaching and research training arrangements; and courseware licensing arrangements

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Elapsed candidature

Definition owner:

A candidate who has passed their maximum degree period, and who has not applied for and/or been granted an extension, and who has not submitted their thesis for examination.

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Elite athlete

Definition owner:

An athlete or coach deemed to be elite under the guiding principles of the Australian Sports Commission’s Elite Athlete Friendly University (EAFU) Program.

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Elite performer

Definition owner:

A student who is operating at the highest level in their field in either scholastic achievement, leadership or as a contracted artist on a state, national or international level.

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Emergency

Definition owner: Audit and Risk

Any event on or near University premises that requires an immediate response and that could:

  1. jeopardise the safety of persons in or near a University site
  2. result in significant damage to University property or equipment contained on-site; and/or
  3. significantly disrupt normal University operations.

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Emergency services worker

Definition owner:

A member of one of the following organisations: The State Emergency Service (SES); Tasmanian Fire Service or relevant state equivalent; Country Fire Authority; or Tasmanian Ambulance Service or relevant state equivalent.

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Employee

Definition owner: People and Wellbeing

A person employed by the University, and therefore covered by the Staff Agreement.

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Excluded expenditure

Definition owner: Financial Services
  • scholarships and grants to students
  • wages, salaries, allowances and all payments made through payroll donations
  • payments to research collaborators where the University is responsible for administering funds for a research consultancy project
  • real-estate purchases
  • statutory payments (eg government and non-competitive utility type payments levies)
  • special, rare and cultural collections (eg museum items)

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Exclusion

Definition owner:

Termination by the University of a student's enrolment in a course with no right to apply for re-admission for a specified period of up to one year, beginning on the first day of the study period in which the decision to exclude is taken.

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Executive Dean

Definition owner: Academic Division

The Executive Dean of the relevant college or in relation to the University College, the Principal of the University College

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Exegesis

Definition owner:

A critical interpretation or explication of text, a project or creative work. The exegesis has a critical part to play in contextualising the research project in the field of inquiry. The exegesis outlines the reasoning behind the research and the underpinning methodology thus explicating the nature and conduct of the research that has underpinned the creation of the performances.

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Exemption

Definition owner:

formal standing in lieu of a course on the basis of previous study or relevant professional qualifications and/or experience

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Export control laws

Definition owner: Research Division

Include:

  • Customs Act 1901 (Cth)
  • Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958 (Cth)
  • Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 (Cth)
  • Defence and Strategic Goods List - November 1996 (Cth)
  • Defence and Strategic Goods List Amendment Instrument 2015 (Cth)
  • Defence Trade Controls Act 2012 (Cth)
  • Weapons of Mass Destruction (Prevention of Proliferation) Act 1995 (Cth)

and any subsequent versions.

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External agency

Definition owner: Safe and Fair Community Unit (SAFCU)

An independent organisation who can consider University complaints, such as the Ombudsman Tasmania.

Other relevant agencies include:

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External candidature

Definition owner: Research Division

An arrangement whereby a candidate undertakes part of their candidature off-campus

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External interests

Definition owner: Compliance

Refers to any interests that involve potential gain or loss for an individual or any other person or organisation that individual may wish to benefit or disadvantage.

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F

Fair market value (gifts and benefits)

Definition owner: Compliance

The reasonable retail value of the gift or benefit.

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FEE-HELP

Definition owner:

A loan scheme that assists eligible students to pay their tuition fees. FEE-HELP can cover all or part of a student’s tuition fees. More information on FEE-HELP can be found at Study Assist

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Festal gown

Definition owner:

A gown used at graduation ceremonies and special occasions which is coloured or has coloured facing, rather than the usual black for Bachelor and Master's gowns.

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Foreign influence

Definition owner: Compliance

Activities, that when conducted in a transparent manner are a normal aspect of international relations and diplomacy and positively contribute to public debate.  Such activities are required to be registered under the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Act 2018 (Cth).

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Formal learning

Definition owner:

The learning that takes place through a structured program of learning that leads to the full or partial achievement of an officially accredited qualification.

Examples of formal learning include study undertaken with other Australian Higher Education Providers and study at recognised overseas institutions. It also includes credentialed programs provided by recognised professional bodies, employers and other authorities.

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Formative assessment

Definition owner:

Assessment tasks that are designed primarily to provide feedback to students on their progress against learning outcomes. Formative feedback can also inform staff on student progress which can inform their teaching.

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Fraud

Definition owner: Audit and Risk
Australian Standard AS 8001:

Dishonest activity causing actual or potential financial loss to any person or entity including theft of moneys or other property by employees or persons external to the entity and where deception is used at the time, immediately before or immediately following the activity. This also includes the deliberate falsification, concealment, destruction or use of falsified documentation used or intended for use for a normal business purpose or the improper use of information or position for personal financial benefit.

For the purposes of this policy, the definition has been broadened to include: an intentional or deliberate act to deprive the University or a person of something of value or to gain an unfair benefit using deception, false suggestions, suppression of truth or other unfair means which are believed or relied upon.

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Fringe Benefit Tax

Definition owner: Financial Services

A fringe benefit is a benefit that is provided to an employee or an associate of the employee (such as a family member) in respect of the employee's employment. Benefits can be provided by an employer, an associate of the employer or by a third party under an arrangement with the employer. A taxable fringe benefit will arise where any one or all of the following circumstances exist:

  • a benefit is provided to the employee
  • the benefit is provided and/or paid for by the University
  • the benefit is provided and/or paid for in relation to the employment of the employee.

Gifts with a known or deemed value of greater than $300 will be subject to FBT. (as at 190624)

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Fundraising

Definition owner: Advancement

Seeking and receiving charitable gifts or sponsorship for the University in a range of ways, including, but not limited to:

  • donations or grants from corporations, non-government organisations, discretionary public funds, trusts, foundations or individuals including but not limited to University of Tasmania alumni
  • bequests and appeals
  • special events and sponsorships
  • volunteer work

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G

General Counsel, Executive Director Legal and Audit

Definition owner: People and Wellbeing

The General Counsel, Executive Director Legal and Audit has overall custodianship of University policies, ensuring:

  • clarity, currency, equity and consistency of the Policy Framework
  • best practice management of the Policy Framework
  • adherence of regular maintenance and review cycles of policies and associated documentation
  • review and guidance of policy development applications, amendments and rescission
  • endorsement of policy communication plans and implementation timelines
  • effective management of the Policy Repository

Contact: Uni.Policy@utas.edu.au

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Gift

Definition owner: Compliance

A gift or benefit may include, but is not limited to, movie tickets/vouchers, hampers, flowers or chocolates (excludes alcohol or entertainment as these are subject to FBT if purchased with University funds).

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Gifts of appreciation

Definition owner: Compliance

Gifts generally given to express gratitude or thanks, such as flowers, chocolates and the like, in appreciation of performing a specific task or for performing duties in an exemplary manner.

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Graduate Research Coordinator

Definition owner: Research Division

An academic staff member who oversees candidature management within an academic unit of enrolment in consultation with the Head of academic unit.

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Graduate Research Office

Definition owner:

The University organisational unit responsible for supporting the central administration of Higher Degrees by Research

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H

Head of academic unit

Definition owner:

Head of an academic unit or a director of a centre or head of an institute of enrolment (or delegate/nominee).

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HECS-HELP

Definition owner:

A loan scheme that assists eligible students to pay their tuition fees. HECS-HELP can cover all or part of a student’s tuition fees. More information on HECS-HELP can be found at Study Assist

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Higher Degree by Research

Definition owner:

A Doctor of Philosophy, Professional Doctorate, PhD by Prior Publication, or Master of Research Degree as listed in the relevant ordinance.

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Historic gift

Definition owner: Compliance

A gift or benefit of historic significance are records that are a source of information compiled, recorded or stored in written form or on film, or by electronic process, but not state records.

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Human research

Definition owner: Research Division

Human research that is conducted with or about people, or their data or tissue

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Hurdle requirement

Definition owner:

A task that is mandatory to complete in order to meet the requirements of a course.

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I

Improper conduct

Definition owner:

Improper conduct is conduct described as such in section 3 of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2002 (Tas).

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In absentia

Definition owner: Academic Division

When a candidate is admitted to a degree or awarded a diploma ‘in absentia’ the degree is conferred, or diploma awarded in his or her absence

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Inappropriate behaviour

Definition owner: Safe and Fair Community Unit (SAFCU)

Behaviour and conduct that is not accepted by the University, including behaviour which is unlawful, unethical or would be considered improper conduct. Examples of inappropriate behaviour are published in the Behaviour Procedure (PDF 362.5 KB).

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Indigenous cultural and intellectual property

Definition owner:

Refers to all aspects (both tangible and intangible) of Indigenous peoples’ cultural heritage, the nature and use of which has been transmitted or continues to be transmitted from generation to generation of indigenous people with a region. ICIP may be individually or collectively owned. The scope of ICIP is constantly evolving, may be created in the future based on indigenous culture, and belongs to a living heritage that includes:

a) literary, performing and artistic works (including songs, music, dances, stories, ceremonies, design, symbols, languages and designs)

b) cultural objects (including, but not limited to, arts, crafts, ceramics, jewellery, weapons, tools, visual arts, photographs, textiles and contemporary art practices)

c) traditional and cultural knowledge (including ritual knowledge, literature and language)

d) scientific, agricultural, technical and ecological knowledge (including cultigens, medicines and the phenotypes of flora and fauna)

e) all items of movable cultural property

f) human remains and tissues

g) immovable cultural property (including the secret and sacred, cultural and historically significant sites and burial places)

h) architectural form; and documentation of indigenous peoples’ heritage in literature, archives, film, photographs, videotape or audiotape and all forms of media.

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Informal learning

Definition owner: Academic Division

Learning gained through work, social, family, hobby or leisure activities and experience. Unlike formal or non-formal learning, informal learning is not organised or externally structured in terms of objectives, time or learning support.

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Information

Definition owner: Information Technology Services (Records Management)

A collection of data in any form that is maintained by the University, or person and which may be transmitted, manipulated, and stored. Records are the subset of information that constitutes evidence of activities.

Ref: OSA Glossary: Office of the State Archivist - Glossary - I

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Inherent risk

Definition owner: Audit and Risk

An assessment of the risk exposure without reference to specific mitigation strategies or actions.

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Institutes

Definition owner: Research Division

University of Tasmania institutes will focus on their areas of expertise, driven by a Board that is accountable to the Vice-Chancellor of the University. Institutes will undertake significant research and training for undergraduate and postgraduate student cohorts.

  • Australian Maritime College: the Principal of that college (or their authorised delegate).
  • Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies: the Executive Director of that institute (or their authorised delegate)
  • Menzies Institute for Medical Research: the Director of that institute (or their authorised delegate).

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Intangible gift or benefit

Definition owner: Compliance

An intangible gift or benefit is one which has no lasting value and which cannot be dealt with as property of the University. Examples include but are not limited to:

  • tickets to theatre, cultural or sporting events
  • corporate offers or transportation, accommodation, meals and functions
  • conference transportation, accommodation and fees.

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Intellectual property (IP)

Definition owner: Academic Division

Any existing or future rights in relation to:

  1. copyright
  1. patents or patentable inventions
  1. designs
  1. trade marks
  1. new plant varieties
  1. circuit layouts
  1. trade secrets and know-how
  1. commercially sensitive information

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J

Joint awards

Definition owner: Academic Division

A joint award by two or more institutions for a course recognised by a single testamur

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Joint Research Training Program

Definition owner: Research Division

An arrangement whereby a doctoral candidate is jointly supervised by the University of Tasmania and a partner institution, is enrolled at both institutions and receives one award, made jointly by the University of Tasmania and the partner institution

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K

Key risk

Definition owner: Audit and Risk

Any extreme or high inherent risk.

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L

Learning outcomes

Definition owner:

Clear statements to indicate what students are expected to know or be able to do at the completion of a unit (unit level) or course (course level or graduate learning outcomes).

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Legal obligations

Definition owner: General Counsel

International, commonwealth and state legislation, regulations, codes, guidelines, protocols, frameworks and Australian Standards that govern University operations.

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Legislation

Definition owner: Governance Instrument Framework

A law or set of laws made by a government.

Within the University of Tasmania refers to the University of Tasmania Act 1992 (Tasmania), which established the University of Tasmania. This Act was approved by the Tasmanian Government.

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M

Master's gown

Definition owner:

A gown that features full-length sleeves, with an opening in the sleeve through which to put the arms, and traditional pencil pleating gathered across the back and shoulders of the robe.

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Maximum degree period

Definition owner: Academic Division

The maximum period within which a degree must be completed or a thesis submitted.

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Micro-credential

Definition owner:

The certification of attainment of clearly articulated learning outcomes, also representing a partial completion of a broader credential

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Mitigation strategies

Definition owner: Audit and Risk

Activities or controls taken by management to reduce the likelihood or consequence of risks to the University.

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Moral rights

Definition owner:

The same meaning as in the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) and includes an author’s right of attribution of authorship, a right not to have authorship falsely attributed, and a right to integrity of authorship being maintained.

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N

Nominal value (gifts and benefits)

Definition owner:

The amount set by the University in terms of what is considered a minor amount, currently $100 (as at 190624)

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Non-employee

Definition owner: People and Wellbeing

A person, other than an employee, who (whether for payment or not) provides academic or professional services to the University and includes:

a) a person on whom an honorary or voluntary position title is conferred by the University (including visiting, adjunct, clinical and associate titles)

b) a secondee

c) an independent contractor.

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Non-formal learning

Definition owner:

Refers to learning that takes place through a structured program of learning but does not lead to an officially accredited qualification.

Examples of non-formal learning are: learning and training activities undertaken in the workplace, voluntary sector or in community-based settings.

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Non-reportable gifts and benefits

Definition owner: Compliance

Gifts and benefits that do not have to be reported and included in a gift register as they are under the nominal value.

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O

OADRI cycle

Definition owner:

The underlying approach to achieving continuous improvement is to deploy the five-stage OADRI Cycle:

1) set the objectives

2) plan the approach to achieving the objectives

3) deploy the approach

4) systematically monitor and evaluate the results

5) undertake improvements based on the evaluation.

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Official gift

Definition owner: Compliance

A gift that is offered in circumstances where staff members are University representatives at business, social, cultural or community events. Gifts that would generally be considered official might include dedicated plaques, plates, vases, trophies and the like, along with any gift of greater than nominal value including information technology items such as iPads.

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Official representative

Definition owner: Corporate Affairs

Refers to an employee attending an event in their capacity as an employee of the University.

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Open access

Definition owner: Academic Division

Free availability on the public internet, permitting any users to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of these articles.

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Operational risk

Definition owner: Audit and Risk

Risk which may impede operational function of Whole of University, College or a Division's strategic objectives.

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Ordinance

Definition owner: Governance Instrument Framework

University ordinances prescribe matters to give effect to the Act. They:

  • are a sub-legislative, enforceable instrument for Council to prescribe or regulate matters required by the Act or to effect the Act
  • are the only instrument through which Council may sub-delegate its powers and functions
  • can be used to impose penalties for non-compliance
  • where possible should incorporate principles to guide decision making as well as any prescriptive provisions
  • should not include procedural information but may require a procedure to be established.

University ordinances are made by Council under section 18 of the Act.

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Organisational and industry standards

Definition owner: Compliance

Documented codes of ethics, codes of conduct, good practices and charters that an organisation has adopted for its operations.

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Organisational unit

Definition owner: University Secretary - Council

University of Tasmania college, faculty, school, institute, centre, division, section, entity or business enterprise.

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Overseas Study-Higher Education Loan Program (OS-HELP)

Definition owner: Academic Division

A loan available to eligible students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) who want to do some of their study overseas

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Overtime

Definition owner: Academic Division

A candidate who has exceeded the maximum degree period in accordance with the Research Training Ordinance

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P

Packaged offer

Definition owner:

An offer for more than one course with progression to the second and/or subsequent courses conditional on the successful completion of the earlier course/s and the meeting of other requirements as specified in the written agreement/offer letter. This may include studies undertaken at another provider, which form part of the offer agreement.

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Partnership

Definition owner: Research Division

A relationship between the University and another party supported by one or more agreements

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Pathways

Definition owner: Academic Division

Allow students to move through qualification levels with full or partial recognition for the qualifications and/or learning outcomes they can demonstrate

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Performance

Definition owner:

A performance as part of an examination includes both musical and theatrical performances

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Performance standard

Definition owner:

A clearly articulated description of the level of attainment that acts as a stable reference point or recognised measure for the purposes of reaching a decision on the quality of a student’s work.

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Personal relationships

Definition owner: Audit and Risk

Family relationships (sibling, parent, child, spouse including de facto spouse, same-sex partner, partner,relations by marriage, grandchild or grandparent), and emotional relationships (including sexual relationships and close friendships).

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Philanthropic gift

Definition owner: Advancement

A gift is a grant or transfer of money, property, and services including volunteer work to the University where:

  • the transfer is made voluntarily
  • the transfer arises by way of benefaction
  • no material benefit or advantage is received by the donor.

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Placement (applied research project)

Definition owner: Academic Division

Students are engaged in research that occurs primarily in workplaces - includes: consulting projects, design projects, community-based research projects

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Placement (field placement)

Definition owner: Academic Division

Provides students with an intensive part-time/short term intensive hands-on practical experience in a setting relevant to their subject of study.

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Placement (internship)

Definition owner: Academic Division

Typically offers one discipline specific (typically full-time), supervised, structured, paid or unpaid, for academic credit or practice placement

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Placement (mandatory professional practicum/clinical placement)

Definition owner: Academic Division

Involves work experience under the supervision of an experienced registered or licensed professional (e.g. preceptor) in any discipline that requires practice-based work experience for professional licensure or certification. Practica are generally unpaid and, as the work is done in a supervised setting, typically students do not have their own workload/caseload

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Placement (service learning)

Definition owner: Academic Division

Community service learning integrates meaningful community service with classroom instruction and critical reflection to enrich the learning experience and strengthen communities. In practice, students work in partnership with a community-based organisation to apply their disciplinary knowledge to a challenge identified by the community

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Policies

Definition owner: Governance Instrument Framework

A policy is a statement of principles that guide behaviour and decision making at the University to achieve outcomes, with each principle guiding a choice.

The University has chosen to organise its policies in accordance with the seven Higher Education Standards Framework Domains:

  1. Student Participation and Attainment
  2. Learning Environment
  3. Teaching
  4. Research and Research Training
  5. Institutional Quality Assurance
  6. Governance and Accountability
  7. Representation, Information and Information Management

Policies are approved by University Council (governance-level policies) or the Vice-Chancellor (operational policies)

  •  

Policy Principles

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Policy principles

Definition owner: Governance Instrument Framework

Policy principles must be consistent with but not duplicate University ordinances, the University By-Laws, legislation, regulatory and other compliance requirements.

A policy principle is required where there is a need to direct decision making, beyond existing compliance requirements.

Policy principles must:

  • be in plain English and succinct such that they are clear and understandable
  • be clear about who they apply to
  • use active language
  • describe the what and the who, not the how
  • not be duplicated
  • be grouped into policies in a way that is meaningful, logical and maximises discoverability.

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Posthumous award

Definition owner: Academic Division

An award conferred after the death of the student

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Primary materials

Definition owner: Research Division

Physical objects acquired through a process of scholarly investigation from which research data may be derived.

Includes, but is not limited to, ore, biological material, questionnaires or recordings, artwork and photographs.

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Primary supervisor

Definition owner: Research Division

A supervisor appointed in accordance with the Research Training Ordinance who is responsible for ensuring that a Higher Degree by Research candidate is aware of and understands all academic, administrative, and regulatory requirements they must meet.

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Principal course of study

Definition owner:

The main course of study leading to the highest qualification on the student’s current visa. If the student is on a packaged course, the course leading to the highest qualification will be the student’s principal course and the restriction will apply to the first six months of that course and any packaged courses before it.

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Prior learning

Definition owner:

Learning that has taken place prior to admission to a course of the University or prior to undertaking a relevant component of a course.

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Private consultancy

Definition owner: Research Division

A private consultancy is when fee-for-service arrangement in which a University employee elects to perform a consultancy service or expert advice activity in their private capacity and in their own time. The University employee is the proper party to a private consultancy; that is, they are legally responsible for the consultancy.

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Prize

Definition owner: Academic Division

A monetary or non monetary payment made in recognition of an achievement in academic studies.

The majority of prizes are nomination-based with a small number of prizes requiring students to submit an application.

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Procedure

Definition owner:

A procedure is an explanation of how something is achieved or executed consistent with policy and other compliance requirements.

A procedure will support the implementation of policy by providing clear instructions underpinning policy principles, will clearly specify who maintains responsibility to act, and may specify when regulatory requirements mandate that a policy principle be implemented in a particular manner.

They may be web based resources referred to within policy.

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Protected attribute

Definition owner:

Protected attribute includes:

  • race;
  • age;
  • sexual orientation or lawful sexual activity;
  • gender, gender identity, intersex;
  • marital or relationship status;
  • pregnancy or breastfeeding;
  • parental status or family responsibilities;
  • disability;
  • industrial activity;
  • political belief, affiliation or activity;
  • religious belief, affiliation or activity;
  • irrelevant criminal or medical record;
  • and association with a person who has, or is believed to have, any of these attributes.

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Q

Quality

Definition owner: Governance Instrument Framework

Fit for purpose

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Quality assurance activities

Definition owner:

Activities undertaken to ensure the quality of a thing or process.

Examples include – monitoring outcomes against performance indicators and standards; acting on stakeholder feedback; periodic review; peer review, moderation and benchmarking.

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R

Reasonable adjustment

Definition owner: Research Division

Alterations or modifications that are to be provided to alleviate the implications of a disability/health condition, after due consideration is given to inherent requirements and academic integrity

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Reasonably practicable (conflict of interest reporting timeframe)

Definition owner: Compliance

Formal written disclosure should be made within 5 business days of conflict of interest being identified.

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Recognition of prior learning

Definition owner:

A process that involves assessment of an individual’s relevant prior learning (including formal, informal and non-formal learning) to determine the credit outcomes of an individual application for credit.

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Remuneration & Nominations Committee (Rems & Noms)

Definition owner: University Governance

A committee of the University Council: Remuneration & Nominations Committee

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Reportable gifts and benefits

Definition owner: Compliance

Gifts and benefits that must be registered in gift giving or gift accepting registers as they are equal or greater than the nominal value.

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Research

Definition owner: Research Division

The creation of new knowledge and/or the use of existing knowledge in a new and creative way to generate new concepts, methodologies, inventions and understandings. This could include synthesis and analysis of previous research to the extent that it is new and creative.

This definition should be interpreted broadly and irrespective of:

  • The (sub)discipline or methodology of the work
  • Whether the work requires ethics approval
  • The funding source of the work (if any)
  • The level of experience of the researcher/s
  • The sources of data for the work
  • The potential participant pool (if any), or
  • The nature of any research outputs.

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Research data

Definition owner: Research Division

Facts, observations, measurements or experiences on which an argument, theory or test is based.

Research data may be numerical, descriptive or visual. Research data may be raw or analysed, experimental or observational. Includes laboratory notebooks, field notebooks, primary research data, questionnaires, audiotapes, videotapes, models, photographs, films, test responses, and any other records that are necessary for the reconstruction and evaluation of the reported results of research.

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Research funds

Definition owner: Research Division

Any financial contribution provided for the purpose of conducting or supporting research

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Research output

Definition owner: Research Division

Any scholarly work published as a result of conducting research and experimental development.

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Research partner

Definition owner: General Counsel

Individuals, groups, or organisations engaged in collaborative research activity with the University

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Research project

Definition owner:

The research undertaken towards HDR as articulated in the research plan.

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Research proposal

Definition owner: Research Division

Draft aims, objectives and significance for a research project submitted as part of an application for admission to a Higher Degree by Research

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Research trainee

Definition owner: Research Division

Includes early career researchers, Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates, and undergraduate students

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Residual risk

Definition owner: Audit and Risk

The risk that remains after implementation of mitigation strategies and controls as a result of either;

  • removing the risk source
  • modifying the consequences
  • changing probabilities
  • transfer or acceptance of the risk

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Risk

Definition owner: Audit and Risk

The effect of uncertainty on objectives. In the University’s context, risk is the effect of uncertainty on the University achieving its objectives.

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Risk Controllability

Definition owner: Audit and Risk

The extent to which the University is able to influence the risk rating.

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Risk rating matrix

Definition owner: Audit and Risk

A tool for evaluating and ranking risks by defining ranges for consequence and likelihood.

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S

SaFCU Officer

Definition owner: Safe and Fair Community Unit (SAFCU)

A person in SaFCU who is delegated under to manage and deal with student complaints as per the Student Complaints Procedure

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Sanctioned goods

Definition owner: Research Division

Goods listed on the DFAT Sanctions Regimes website which Australian law prohibits the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer to sanctioned countries.

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Sanctioned service

Definition owner:

A sanctioned service, for a country listed on the DFAT Sanctions Regimes website, is the provision to a person of:

a) technical advice, assistance or training;

b) financial assistance;

c) a financial service; or

d) another service; if it assists with, or is provided in relation to, an activity mentioned in the item.

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Scholarly work

Definition owner: Research Division

Any copyright work that is produced predominately for the purpose of communicating to the public one or more academic outputs of University research, or other copyright material inclusive of literary works, dramatic works, artistic works, and musical works, but excludes works which are a deliverable of, or created pursuant to the terms of a contract between the University and a third party, and excludes course material

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Scholars

Definition owner:

Staff employed by the University to teach and/or undertake research, whether full-time, fractional or casual, on an honorary basis or otherwise, as well as postgraduate students undertaking research.

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Scholarship

Definition owner: Academic Division

A grant or payment made to support a student's education and awarded on the basis of merit or evidence of need.

May also encompass a small number of legacy bursary programs administered by the University.

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Scholarship: Research

Definition owner: Research Division

The University recognises three types of merit-based and competitive arrangements to support higher degree by research candidates that are included within the definition of ‘scholarship’:

  1. in keeping with the Commonwealth Scholarship Guidelines (Research) 2017, a base stipend provided for a fixed period during a candidate’s enrolment in an HDR that is equal to or greater than the minimum RTP stipend rate (indexed annually) and less than the maximum RTP stipend rate as set by the Australian Government,
  1. RTP Fees Offset or International Tuition Fee Scholarship, and
  1. a specific allocation to ‘top up’ a base stipend.

Two other allowances related to the ancillary costs of an HDR may be awarded at the University’s discretion:

  1. relocation allowance and/or
  1. other research project-related expenses.

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Short course

Definition owner: Academic Division

A practical training course for the purpose of employment accreditation, community need, bridging knowledge, or skills and capability development which may have an attached micro-credential and/or Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) alignment

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Sponsorship

Definition owner: Advancement

The exchange of funds, property, or in-kind support for material benefits including promotional opportunities precipitating the application of GST.

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Staff member

Definition owner: People and Wellbeing

Employee of the University.

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Stole/hood

Definition owner:

Signifies the University and type of award/level of study. The lining or facing colour indicates the area or discipline of study

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Strategic risk

Definition owner: Audit and Risk

Risks that affect or are created by the University's strategic objectives.

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Student

Definition owner: Safe and Fair Community Unit (SAFCU)

As per the definition in the University of Tasmania Act 1992. Includes a candidate undertaking a higher degree by research.

Definition for SAFCU Student Complaints Procedure:

A person who was a student at the time the issue or matter subject to a complaint first arose, including a person who:

  1. has been admitted as a student of the University but who has not yet enrolled in any program or unit of study or research;
  2. is enrolled in a unit of study or research provided by the University;
  3. is enrolled in a course of study but is not actively enrolled in a unit of study or research and has not sought a leave of absence nor has withdrawn;
  4. is enrolled in a program or unit of study or research at or offered by an educational institution affiliated with the University which is   approved as an award program or a unit of study or research by the University;
  5. has completed a program or unit of study or research at the University but has not yet been awarded the applicable academic award; or
  6. is on leave of absence from or who has deferred enrolment in a program or unit of study or research offered by the University or by an affiliated educational institution which is approved as an award program or unit of study or research by the University.

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Student reservist

Definition owner:

A member of the Australian Defence Force Reserves.

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Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF)

Definition owner: Academic Division

A compulsory fee for student services and amenities of a non-academic nature such as employment and career advice, financial advice, childcare, food services and sporting and recreational activities

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Study load

Definition owner:

means either on-campus or off-campus enrolment

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Study mode

Definition owner: Academic Division

the status of a candidate’s enrolment as either full-time (100%) or part-time (full-time equivalent of 0.5)

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Study period

Definition owner:

A defined teaching and study period for the completion of units for a particular course.

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Supervisor

Definition owner: People and Wellbeing

A staff member responsible for the performance management of another staff member or members.

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Supervisory team

Definition owner: Academic Division

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Sustainability

Definition owner:

The concept of sustainability is composed of three nested and interdependent elements: environmental, social-cultural, and economic/financial.  The University of Tasmania also uses the 'Our Common Future' definition of sustainable development which is the kind of development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

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T

Tangible gift or benefit

Definition owner: Compliance

A tangible gift or benefit is one having a significant or lasting real value. Examples include but are not limited to ornaments, furniture, works of art or jewellery and computers.

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Target risk

Definition owner: Audit and Risk

The level of residual risk exposure desired to achieve objectives by applying (or removing) mitigation strategies, guided by established risk tolerance levels. This includes consideration of capacity to influence risk exposure as well as the cost-benefit of implementing risk mitigation strategies.

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Testamur

Definition owner: Academic Division

An official University-certified legal document provided on the conferral of an award by the University Council at a scheduled University graduation ceremony

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Thesis

Definition owner: Research Division

Using one or more media, a substantial and intellectually coherent product or product(s) such as a thesis, dissertation and artefacts, or exegesis and portfolio of creative works and/or performance, for submission to external examination against international standards

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Token gift

Definition owner: Compliance

A gift that is offered in business situations to the University or to a staff member representing the University. Such gifts are often small office or business accessories (eg pens, folders, calendars) that contain a logo. They are usually products that are mass produced and usually given to all meeting participants or customers rather than as a personal gift.

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Trencher cap

Definition owner:

Headwear consisting of a horizontal square board fixed upon a skullcap with a tassel attached to the centre, sometimes called a mortarboard

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Tuition fee

Definition owner: Academic Division

The fee set by the University for tuition in a particular course

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U

Uncontrolled entity

Definition owner: General Counsel

An entity of which the University is a member and has some influence but not control.  Includes membership with or without a shareholding (non-majority).  It excludes shares purchased for investment purposes.

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Unit

Definition owner: Academic Division

A component of a course, which in the case of Higher Education courses has been assigned a unit code and a credit point value. In the case of a Vocational Education course the component unit of competency has been endorsed by a national or state authority

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United Nations Security Council Sanctions

Definition owner: Research Division

A Council of the United Nations with primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security

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University

Definition owner: University Secretary - Council

The University of Tasmania.

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University activities

Definition owner:

Including, but not limited to:

  • scholarships
  • prizes
  • academic posts
  • lectures
  • events
  • programs
  • projects

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University communications

Definition owner: Corporate Affairs

Communication that has been released on authority of a University executive member for the area of the institution for which they are responsible, excluding academics commenting on something within their own discipline or expertise area.

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University community

Definition owner: People and Wellbeing

The University community is considered to be all inclusive of:

  • students
  • employees
  • committee members
  • consultants
  • volunteers
  • visiting fellows
  • adjunct & clinical title holders
  • visitors
  • contractors (undertaking non-core business)
  • student clubs and unions
  • affiliated residential colleges
  • affiliated or controlled entity members
  • individuals provided with access to University ICT services and facilities
  • all other individuals engaged in activities reasonably connected with the University

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University consultancy

Definition owner: Research Division

A University consultancy is a fee-for-service arrangement for the provision by University employees for consultancy services or expert advice in return for a benefit (financial return) to the University. It is distinguished from research services, where the University employee carries out research for or in collaboration with the funding provider. The University is the proper party to a private consultancy; that is, they are legally responsible for the consultancy.

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University Council

Definition owner: University Secretary - Council

Governing body of the University.

See: University Council

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University Ethics Committee

Definition owner:

University of Tasmania Social Sciences Human Research Ethics Committee, Health and Medical Human Research Ethics Committee or Animal Ethics Committee

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University Executive Team (UET)

Definition owner: University Governance

University Executive Team (UET) The University’s management decision-making and performance monitoring body. Responsibilities and membership is available from: University Executive Team (secure page).

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University Foundation Committee (UFC)

Definition owner: University Governance

A committee of the University Council: University Foundation Committee

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University governing bodies

Definition owner: University Secretary - Council

Refers to the University Council and its committees, the University executive, and other governance committees identified by the Vice-Chancellor.

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University representatives

Definition owner: Corporate Affairs

Representatives of the University who have been especially nominated (as perhaps a spokesperson), and may include persons who are not employees or students.

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University researcher

Definition owner: Research Division

Any person who is involved in the conduct of research under the auspices of the University, including:

  • all employees of the University
  • all students at the University
  • adjunct, clinical and associate title holders
  • visiting fellows and scholars
  • its controlled entities and partnerships

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University resource/s

Definition owner: Infrastructure Services & Development

This may include:

a) University infrastructure, facilities, equipment and services

b) Information and tools designed to assist staff, students and the community

c) Intellectual property developed by, at, or through the University.

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University Strategic Forum

Definition owner: University Governance

University Strategic Forum was established to facilitate regular strategic discussions and gain input and insight from across the institution in relation to important strategic issues for the University, including the development of key University strategies and the subsequent monitoring of performance against objectives. The forum is not a decision making body. Membership is available from: University Strategic Forum (USF)

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University veterinarian

Definition owner:

A registered veterinarian surgeon employed by the University to, on behalf of the University:

  • support the AEC and other University stakeholders through advising, monitoring, supervising and training the academic and animal services community in the care and use of animals in research and teaching
  • assess the competency of animal users at the University of Tasmania, in accordance with the requirements of the Veterinary Surgeons Act (Regulations, 2012), and
  • acquire, distribute and ensure proper usage of all scheduled (ie restricted) drugs for animal use in accordance with the Poisons Act (Regulations, 2008)

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University-related activity/activities

Definition owner:

Activities reasonably connected with or authorised by the University, and/or taking place online, in University premises, or off campus.

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V

Value for money

Definition owner: Financial Services

Value-for-money represents the optimum combination of quality, quantity, risk, timeliness and cost, and should be determined on a whole-of-contract and whole-of-asset-life basis.

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Viva voce

Definition owner:

An oral defence of the thesis/exegesis before the thesis examiners. A viva voce is used to clarify aspects of the written thesis and to explore the candidate’s knowledge of their field.

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W

Whistle-blower

Definition owner: Audit and Risk

A person who makes a disclosure about another person or an organisation with respect to suspected or actual misconduct or unlawful activity.

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