Academic Board (Election of Members) Order 2017

Overview

The Australian National University Academic Board (Election of Members) Order 2017 was enacted in 2017 to address the need for clear definitions and specifications regarding the members of the Academic Board, particularly those holding specific offices within the university's structure. This Order was made under the authority of the Australian National University (Academic Board Statute) 2017, specifically section 6, and serves to clarify the roles of certain officeholders as members of ANU College Executive Committees. The primary objective of this legislative instrument is to ensure the proper functioning and governance of the Academic Board by explicitly identifying which officeholders are considered members of the College Executive Committees, thereby enhancing the clarity and effectiveness of the Academic Board's operations as outlined in the Academic Board Rule 2017, section 5. The Order was formulated following recommendations from the Academic Board and subsequent approval by the Vice-Chancellor. This process ensures that the provisions align with the governance framework and operational needs of the Australian National University, thereby maintaining a robust and transparent academic governance structure.

Scope and Application

The Australian National University Academic Board (Election of Members) Order 2017 applies to the holders of certain offices within the Australian National University (ANU) who are to be considered as members of ANU College Executive Committees. This Order is essential for the proper functioning of the Academic Board, as delineated in the Academic Board Rule 2017, section 5. Its purpose is to clarify and define which officeholders are eligible for membership within these committees, thereby ensuring a well-structured governance framework. This Order operates within the jurisdiction of the Australian Capital Territory and is applicable to the operations and administration of ANU, a federally-supported institution. The legislation does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds for its application. The scope of this Order is confined to the internal governance of the university, and there are no subordinate instruments extending or restricting its application. The Order was formulated by the Vice-Chancellor on the advice of the Academic Board, following a consultation process that ensures its provisions align with the university's governance needs.

Key Provisions

The Australian National University Academic Board (Election of Members) Order 2017 sets out the rules for the election of members to the Academic Board and College Executive Committees. Section 2 of the Order identifies the specific offices that are considered members of the Academic Board, while Section 3 outlines the composition and functions of the College Executive Committees. These provisions ensure that the Academic Board and the College Executive Committees are structured in a manner consistent with the ANU Academic Board Statute 2017. Under the Order, the Academic Board and the College Executive Committees are required to adhere to the rules and procedures specified for the election of their members. Section 4 mandates that the Academic Board must be composed of the Vice-Chancellor, the Pro-Vice-Chancellors, the Deans of the Colleges, and other members elected in accordance with the Order. Similarly, Section 5 stipulates the composition of the College Executive Committees, which must include the Dean of the College, the Deputy Deans, and other members as specified. The Order imposes specific obligations on the parties involved. The Academic Board and the College Executive Committees must ensure that elections are conducted in a fair and transparent manner, in accordance with the provisions of the Order. Furthermore, the Academic Board must maintain records of the elections and ensure that the composition of the Board and the Committees reflects the provisions of the Order. Breach of the provisions of the Order may result in consequences as outlined in the ANU Academic Board Statute 2017. While the Order itself does not specify penalties, any failure to comply with the requirements of the Order may result in disciplinary action against the relevant parties, including potential termination of their positions. Additionally, any member of the Academic Board or College Executive Committees who engages in misconduct or breaches their fiduciary duties may be subject to disciplinary action or legal proceedings.