News Archive

Now that 2012 has been confirmed as the Future Framework commencement date, a major task over the months ahead is to ensure that staff members are kept well enough informed to be able to engage constructively with course development and other transition planning.

Sustaining this engagement will depend to a large extent on effective internal communication through several channels:

• Progress reports go regularly to Senate, Academic Council and Board, VC's Advisory Group, and Interim Boards of Studies; and occasionally to other bodies.
• The Future Framework website will continue to be updated from time to time, with accompanying all-staff email alerts.
• Print publications UWA News and Uniview will include relevant news items when appropriate.
• An informal virtual forum is now being established by the Web Office for online staff discussion of Future Framework matters.
• A staff version of the ipoint enquiry management facility is being developed to provide consistent and readily accessible information in response to frequently asked questions.
• Through the all-staff announcement (August 2009) calling for EOI proposals to offer majors in the new degrees, and the associated paper clarifying course requirements, a good deal of practical information has been disseminated widely.
• Reports from some working parties commissioned by the Implementation Committee are nearing approval for release into the UWA community. Other working parties are continuing their consultations.
• Numerous boards, committees and working groups are now engaged with a range of Future Framework issues, and this is helping to spread a sense of shared responsibility for the business of implementation.
• The Senior Academic Reviewer continues to meet with various academic and administrative groups when invited, giving presentations and responding to questions.
• A Future Framework Information Network of about 30 people, nominated by Deans as faculty conduits of information on implementation developments and strategy updates, has been set up and is proving useful.
• A Project Plan consultation group, comprising people with key leadership and management roles in (or relating directly to) central administrative areas, is helping to refine a comprehensive project plan designed to coordinate timelines, clarify interdependencies, and identify risks.
• Various events are taking place as part of the communications strategy - e.g. a Reference Forum (21 August 2009) provided an opportunity for any staff to exchange information and opinion on the implementation process, ask questions, and convey views to the Implementation Committee. There was an attendance of 220. While various concerns were raised and noted, the mood was generally supportive.

Any questions or comments on these communication matters should be addressed to the Senior Academic Reviewer, W/Prof Ian Reid: [email protected]