HEADS OF SCHOOL HEADS OF SCHOOL WORKSHOPWORKSHOP

April 2010

Student/Staff Matters – The Challenges for the Head of Schools

Presenters:

Diana Chegwidden, Director Human Resources

Alexander Toltz, Employment Relations Officer Professor Anne Cummins, PVC, Students, Learning and Teaching

Professor Michelle Campbell, Head of School, School of Nursing & Midwifery (Vic) and Head, School of Nursing (NSW & ACT)

Today’s Session:

• Student/Staff Matter – the Challenges

• Case Study with an activity – Group Feedback

• Summary and Learnings

• Student Appeals Policy

• Student Complaint Management Policy

• Academic Regulations

• Staff Code of Conduct

• Relevant HR Policy

Relevant University policies:

Questions for discussion:

• Based on this information – what do you identify as the issues?

• What expectations do you have of your staff in reporting this matter?

• What actions do you take as soon as the matter comes to your

attention?

• What factors might you consider in identifying which of the University

processes should be followed?

• What do you do when you make your decision on the most relevant process?

Case Study -

What happened next?

Some awareness considerations in making the decision on process

• What is the outcome being sought by the student?;

• Seriousness of the incident?

• Is it a critical incident – how might this be managed in the short

term, long term?

• University obligations – to the student / to the staff member?

• Duties – Duty of care?

Some awareness considerations in making the decision on process (cont’d)

• Has there been a change in student behaviour?

• What is the impact of the decision on which process?

• Risk framework – is this an identified risk, how is the University

managing this risk?

• What is the exposure to the University?

What should you do in any circumstance of an allegation by a student against a staff member?

• Treat it seriously and on its own merit – the process will uncover

the facts and lead to an outcome;

• Don’t let your judgement be clouded by past experiences with the

student or the staff member;

• Undertake all necessary processes and fully in line with policy

and procedure?

What should you do in any circumstance of an allegation by a student against a staff member (cont’d)?

• Respond to the student in writing.

• Identify and collect the evidence – start a chronology of events;

• Treat the matter confidentially;

• Document, Document, Document!

• Consult the Dean and as necessary the PVC Students, Learning

and Teaching and/or Human Resources

Organisational Learnings:

• Management of issues at the closest point;

• Need for complaints to be heard – timely, equitably and

appropriately;

• Case management is crucial;

• Identification skills is crucial;

• Using organisational expertise;

Organisational Learnings (cont’d):

• Responsibilities in case management;

• Decision on the process to be undertaken – crucial;

• Transparency.

Personal Learnings : a reflection from each of the areas