Freedom of Information

In the year from 1st July 2006 to 30th June 2007, 24 new requests for documents were received. These comprised fourteen requests for personal documents and ten requests for non-personal documents. Access in full was given to nine requests and access in part was given to seven.

The Principal Officer of the University is the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Glyn Davis AC. The Senior Vice Principal is the formally designated Freedom of Information Manager of the University.

All formal requests for access to documents of the University, under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, are to be made in writing to:

The Senior Vice-Principal
The University of Melbourne
VIC 3010

Where access is granted to inspect, obtain or purchase material, arrangements will be made during normal office hours, Monday - Friday, 8.45 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Enquiries on any aspect of the Freedom of Information legislation, or assistance that may be required to identify documents of the University available under Freedom of Information should be directed to:

Ms Janet White
University Secretary
The University of Melbourne
VIC 3010

Telephone: (03) 8344 7117

A request for access to a document of the University should include sufficient information about that document to enable it to be identified. Assistance will be provided by an officer of the University in cases where details supplied about a document are not sufficiently clear to identify that document.

Charges for access to documents of the University under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act will be in accordance with the standard provisions of the Freedom of Information (Access Charges) Regulation 1993.

CATEGORIES OF DOCUMENTS
DOCUMENTS CONTAINING POLICIES, PROCEDURES & GUIDELINES
PUBLICITY SERVICES AND REPORT LITERATURE

A: CATEGORIES OF DOCUMENTS

Documents of the University exist at central administration, faculty and academic department locations. In general, documents created within the faculties and academic departments of the University are, as far as their relationship to academic policy is concerned, internal working documents and remain so until final recommendations are submitted for approval by Council or, where authority has been given, the Academic Board.

Major Information Systems - Central Administration

The major information systems of the University are maintained within Central Administration [CA], Human Resources [HR], and Student Administration [SA].

They are:

1. University Council Minutes 1853-

Available for reference on 35mm microfilm (1853-1976); 16mm microfilm (1976-) and microfiche (1983-). Council minutes from 1992 - May 2008 are available on the WWW. [CA]

The minutes record discussion on such matters as research funding, budgets, selection and quotas, establishment of new departments and courses, honorary degrees, bequests, student services, superannuation, associated institutions and University administration. The minutes are supported by an annual subject-related index, which is available for reference.

Available for reference on 35 mm microfilm (1853-1975) and 16 mm microfilm (1976 -). [CA].

The minutes record discussion on matters such as academic assessment, unsatisfactory progress, research policy, continuing education courses, alterations to courses, approval of new courses, quotas, selection procedures etc. The minutes are supported by an annual subject-related index, which is available for reference.

Annual single number series, 1853-1966. From 1966-1993 the files are arranged in a three-part number system. From 1994 the files are arranged in an annual single number series.

The files contain administrative material relating to committees, staffing policy, student policy, finance, buildings, donations and endowments etc, correspondence with other bodies, submissions to state and federal governments. Supported by a subject-related index to file titles, which is available for reference. 

Individual staff files are maintained, containing general correspondence and administrative material created since the appointment of the staff member concerned.

The University's records management program has resulted in the establishment of official sub-registries in faculty locations. Within this structure records fall into two categories:

1. General correspondence and faculty committee documents, for which a file classification system has been developed.
2. Student files involving correspondence between the faculty, central administration and the student and related administrative material. 

6. Academic Department Records

Assessment records are maintained within academic departments and relevant information is duly considered by examination boards of the University under the University's resolutions. It is University policy that any student may freely discuss any aspect of assessment with the examiners in a subject, in reference to work submitted for assessment.

Other records maintained by academic departments will include the normal range of administrative and committee/subcommittee/working group material.

Computer based systems have been developed to assist the University's administrative processes in the following major areas of activity:

• Student Administration
• Human Resources
• Financial Accounting
• Budgeting
• Research Administration

A wide range of smaller systems have been developed. Within this overall structure, a vast range of individual computer reports are produced to meet the needs of Central Administration, faculties, academic departments and students.

Documents listed within this section cover University publications that include details of policies, operating procedures and/or guidelines that may have an effect or impact on members of the public in their dealings with the University. All documents listed may be inspected on application to the University Secretary, where not otherwise available in the Melbourne University Bookshop or other public venues. Many documents are available on the web.

The University Act, Statutes and Regulations are detailed in the Calendar

1. General Provisions;
2. The Council, Chancellor & Deputy Chancellors, Vice-Chancellor and Senior Executive Staff;
3. The Graduates;
4. The Academic Board;
5. The Faculties;
6. Academic Departments and Schools;
7. Academic and General Staff;
8. Non-Academic Departments, Services and Organisations;
9. Affiliated Colleges and Other Establishments and Institutions;
10. Fees, Charges, Funds for Prizes and Other Purposes, Foundations;
11. Admission and Enrolment of Students;
12. Assessment and Admission to Degrees;
13. Student Discipline; 
14. Intellectual Property;
15. Student Organisations;
16. Staff Superannuation;
17. Management and Good Governance.

Regulations are linked to the Statutes they relate to. They include many of the instruments previously known as Standing Resolutions of Council, except for those matters related to the operation of Council itself and its committees which are still to be found as Standing Resolutions.

Regulations dealing with courses, scholarships and endowments are available in a separate volume from the Calendar.

Standing Resolutions of Council codify the terms of reference, membership and functions of committees of Council and collect together all Council resolutions on meeting procedures etc. and are available on the web.

Rules and practices affecting members of the public in their dealings with the University will be found, in the first instance, in the following online or paper publications

• Calendar(A register of academic staff and list of key University activities)
• Campus Filming Guidelines
• Compliance Manual
• Copyright
• Cultural Diversity
• Environmental Health and Safety Manual
• Finance Policy and Procedures
• Freedom of Information
• Intellectual Property Policy
• IT Policy Strategies and Procedures Guide
• Personnel Policy and Procedures
• Privacy Policy
• PhD Handbook – Guide to Rules and Regulations
• Records Management Policy and Procedures Manual
• Research Management and Policy
• Security Policy
• Student Discipline
• Student Expectations and Responsibilities
• Undergraduate Studies Handbook
• Whistleblowers Protection Policy

C: PUBLICITY SERVICES AND REPORT LITERATURE

The University issues a large number and range of publications. A list of official publications is available on the web. The list includes:

1. Advanced Leadership and Professional Skills (ALPS) Program Brochure. Produced by the School of Graduate Studies.  An information brochure on a series of professional development modules for postgraduate students run by the School of Graduate Studies. No charge
   
2. A Guide to Enrolment Produced by the Student Administration Office. Contains information for ex-Year 12 students who have received a VTAC Offer for a University of Melbourne course.
   
3. A Guide to Re-Enrolment: Undergraduate and Postgraduate series of leaflets. Produced by the Student Administration Office. Contains information on how re-enrolling students can complete their enrolment.
   
4. ARTiculation - Newsletter of the Faculty of Arts , (annual publication, published three times per annum). Distributed to alumni. No charge.
   
5. Annual Report Review [Brochure produced annually]. No charge.
   
6. Arrangements Relating to the Payment of Student Fees . Produced by the Admissions Office. Distributed to all students enrolling in fee-based places. No charge.
   
7. Arts at Melbourne. Opportunities for International Students. Distributed to students and prospective students. No charge
   
8. Chiron The journal of the University of Melbourne Medical Society. Free to members. 
   
9. Community Access Program [annual publication]. Produced by the National Recruitment Office. Distributed to prospective students. No charge.
   
10. Degrees of Freedom - Making the Transition from Year 12 to University. Produced by the Transition Program, Student Support Services. No charge. A video and teaching kit for schools answering student questions about the transition to university.
    
11. EdEvents A twice yearly newsletter which is distributed to local, interstate and overseas Education alumni and assorted targeted audiences. No charge.
    
12. Eleven Practices of Effective Postgraduate Supervisors Produced by the School of Graduate Studies and the Centre for the Study of Higher Education.An information booklet for supervisors of postgraduate students. No charge for University of Melbourne staff.
    
13. Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning
    
14. Faculty of Arts
    
15. Faculty of Economics and Commerce
    
16. Melbourne Graduate School of Education
    
17. Melbourne School of Engineering
    
18. Faculty of Land and Food Resources
    
19. Melbourne Law School
    
20. Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
    
21. Faculty of Music
    
22. Faculty of Science
    
23. Faculty of Veterinary Science
    
24. Faculty of the Victorian College of the Arts
    
25. Melbourne School of Graduate Research - Publications
    
26. Graduate News News and features from the Melbourne School of Graduate Research on postgraduate education, student achievements and postgraduate issues.
    
27. Growing Esteem: The University of Melbourne Plan
    
28. Guide for International Visitors Produced by the International Office.
    
29. Information for International Students Produced by the International Office. A comprehensive information guide directed to newly arrived students to assist in their academic and social orientation to the University of Melbourne.
    
30. International Baccalaureate
    
31. International Offer Acceptance  Produced by the Admissions Office
    
32. International Student Enrolment and Orientation. Produced by International Student Services, Student Support Services. A guide to enrolment and orientation week processes for international students.
    
33. Investment Report
    
34. Learning and Teaching Management Plan
    
35. Life After Graduation Statistical information on destinations of University of Melbourne graduates. Distributed to each academic department, other institutions and externally to graduate employers, government agencies and the media.
    
36. Media Contact Directory Produced by the communications Office. Expertise profiles and contact details for more than 1000 academic staff willing to contribute to public debate, comment and advice to the media. No charge.
    
37. Melbourne Abroad Brochure.  Produced by Melbourne Scholarships Office Information on study abroad and exchange opportunities for current students
    
38. Melbourne International Scholarships ; Melbourne Postgraduate Scholarships; Melbourne Undergraduate Scholarships; Melbourne Research Scholarships and Australian Postgraduate Awards.  Produced by Student Management Services
    
39. The Money Maze - a guide to student finances. Produced by the Financial Aid Unit, Student Support Services. No charge. A booklet which provides advice and information on money management for students
    
40. Orientation Brochure Overview of orientation activities. No charge.
    
41. PhD Handbook - Guide to Rules and Regulations For newly enrolled PhD students and their supervisors; outlines the rules and regulations of the degree.
    
42. Research Review is a biannual magazine which reports on the University's research achievements and the latest in research news
    
43. Research and Research Training Plan
    
44. Schedule of Courses and Fees for Australian Students Undertaking Fee-based Programs A comprehensive listing of all courses and approved fees.
    
45. Schedule of Courses and Fees for International Students A comprehensive listing of courses and approved fees. No charge.
    
46. School Experience Handbook Published by Melbourne Graduate School of Education
    
47. Services for Employers.  Produced by Careers and Employment. A guide outlining the services provided to prospective employers through the Careers and Employment Unit.
    
48. Starting University.  Produced by the Transition Program, Academic Enrichment Services
    
49. Student Housing and Arrival Services. Produced by the Housing Unit, Department of Wellbeing Services. A guide to housing options and arrival services for students relocating to Melbourne to study.
    
50. Student Housing Guides. Produced by the Housing Unit, Department of Wellbeing Services. A series of guide booklets on housing-related topics such as renting and temporary accommodation.
    
51. Student Support Services.  Produced by Student Support Services. A guide describing the services offered by Housing, Careers Service, Health Services, counselling and language and learning skills.
    
52. Study Abroad and Exchange Accommodation Guide A guide to accommodation options for study abroad and exchange students.
    
53. Study Abroad Brochure Produced by the National Markets and Global Scholars. A brochure which gives a profile of Melbourne, the University of Melbourne and describes Study Abroad programs.
    
54. Towards Environmental Sustainability
    
55. The Wandering Scholar.   Produced by the communications Office. An introduction to the University, and the City of Melbourne and its environs.
    
56. Women in Engineering Profiles of women working in engineering who are members of The Faculty of Engineering Women In Engineering Mentor Scheme.
    
57. Undergraduate Course Guide, A guide to the undergraduate courses of all faculties including entry requirements, pre-requisites for Victorian and interstate students and general information for prospective students.
    
58. Undergraduate Prospectus for International Students Produced by National Markets and Global Scholars. A guide to the undergraduate courses of all faculties including entry requirements, prerequisites and general information for international undergraduate students.
    
59. Undergraduate Scholarships Brochure  Produced by the Melbourne Scholarships Office. Information brochures on undergraduate scholarships and application form. No charge.
    
60. UniNews Produced by the Media and Publications Services . News and information of interest to the University community. No charge.
    
61. University Handbook 
    
62. Wise Up For Interviews. Produced by Careers and Employment [Annual publication] No charge. A guide to successful interview preparation and performance.