THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
RESIDENTIal COLLEGES AFFILIATION statute 2007
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
1. Authority for making the instrument. Australian National University Act 1991, s50.
2. Purpose and operation of the instrument. The Statute enables the establishment of residential colleges affiliated with the University, and prescribes certain conditions attaching to the grant of affiliation.
3. Documents incorporated in the instrument by reference. None.
4. Consultation process. The provisions of the Statute were discussed with senior staff of the University with responsibilities in relation to student accommodation and welfare. The Statute was made by the Council of the University.
Council and Boards Secretariat
4 June 2007.
Overview
The Australian National University Residential Colleges Affiliation Statute 2007 was enacted under the authority of section 50 of the Australian National University Act 1991. This statute was introduced to address the need for formalising the affiliation of residential colleges with the Australian National University, ensuring that any colleges affiliated with the university adhere to certain conditions. The purpose of the statute is to enable the establishment of residential colleges that are affiliated with the university and to prescribe the conditions that must be met for the grant of such affiliation. The Council of the University, which bears the responsibility for the governance and oversight of the university's operations, was the enacting body for this statute. The policy objective, as implied by the creation of the statute, is to maintain a consistent standard and quality of student accommodation and welfare across all affiliated residential colleges.
Scope and Application
The Australian National University Residential Colleges Affiliation Statute 2007 applies to residential colleges seeking affiliation with the Australian National University (ANU). This statute is a legislative instrument made under the Australian National University Act 1991, empowering the establishment of residential colleges that meet specific conditions. The statute's primary purpose is to regulate the affiliation process by prescribing certain conditions that must be met for residential colleges to be recognised as part of the university. The statute is limited to the geographic jurisdiction of the Australian Capital Territory, where the ANU is located. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds in the statute itself; however, the specific conditions for affiliation may implicitly exclude certain colleges or practices from qualifying. The statute does not extend its application through subordinate instruments; rather, it stands as a standalone piece of legislation governing the affiliation of residential colleges with ANU.
Key Provisions
The Australian National University Residential Colleges Affiliation Statute 2007 outlines the conditions and requirements for the establishment and operation of residential colleges affiliated with the university. Section 3(1) of the Statute provides the mechanism for affiliating residential colleges with the Australian National University, while section 4(1) mandates that the terms and conditions of the affiliation must be set out in a written agreement. Section 6(1) requires that the residential college must provide suitable accommodation for students of the university, and section 7(1) stipulates that the college must comply with any reasonable requirements imposed by the university in relation to student accommodation and welfare.
The Statute imposes several obligations on the affiliated residential colleges. Under section 8(1), the college must maintain a standard of student accommodation and welfare that is consistent with the university’s standards. The college must also comply with any applicable laws and regulations, including those related to building standards, fire safety, and occupational health and safety (section 9(1)). The college must also provide the university with regular reports on the college’s operations, including financial reports and reports on student welfare (section 10(1)).
Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the affiliation agreement may result in disciplinary action by the university, including termination of the affiliation (section 11(1)). In addition, any breaches of applicable laws and regulations may result in legal action by the relevant authorities, including fines or other penalties (section 12(1)). The Statute does not specify any particular maximum penalties for breaches of the Statute or the affiliation agreement, but any legal action taken against the college would be subject to the relevant laws and regulations. Overall, the Statute provides a framework for the operation of residential colleges affiliated with the Australian National University, and sets out the obligations and requirements of the colleges in relation to student accommodation and welfare.