Governance
Who is answerable for what
Distance provision is not run off to one side. It sits inside the same governance as everything else the University teaches — and the policies name exactly who carries which part of it.
The Senate
In placeEnsures sound and acceptable practice in deciding how much credit is awarded, and at what level. It approves the programmes the University offers.
DLP §6.4(i)The Faculties
In placeCarry primary responsibility for distance learning and oversee it through their committees — the rigour of the courses, the quality of instruction, and whether enough qualified members are there to develop, design, teach and oversee the programmes.
DLP §6.4(ii)Department and Faculty Committees
In placeEnsure, with Senate approval, that programmes are coherent, compatible with the University's mission, and appropriate to offer in higher education.
DLP §6.4(iii)Office of Distance Learning (ODL)
Established by policyRuns the distance programmes and gives students access to them; works with the Academic Registrar's Office on a mandatory online orientation; gives academic departments the guidance and technical help to develop, deliver, assess and improve distance provision; and maintains the data and reporting on retention, enrolments and trends.
DLP §7.0Centre for Flexible and Distance Learning
Established by policyCoordinates all flexible learning developments, and produces the outline modules, the toolkits for learners, lecturers and employers, and the Curriculum Design Guide. The Flexible Learning Policy establishes this Centre rather than describing one already at work.
FLP §7.0(iv)DL Assessment and Testing Unit
Established by policySits within the Academic Registrar's Office. Provides secure testing environments, runs mentor, instructor and course evaluations for both distance and face-to-face courses, and supports instructors in designing secure assessment.
DLP §8.2Read the labels on this page carefully. The Senate, the Faculties and their committees are standing bodies of the University and govern ODEL as they govern everything else. The Office of Distance Learning, the Centre for Flexible and Distance Learning and the Assessment and Testing Unit are named and mandated by the two policies — the Centre is established by the Flexible Learning Policy rather than described as already at work. If your decision depends on one of them being staffed today, ask us rather than assuming.