Graduate Attributes at Murdoch University

Murdoch's Seven Graduate Attributes

Mapping the Graduate Attributes

University Reports and Recommendations

Graduate Attribute Development Grants

Proforma 2002

Graduate Skills Assessment

Graduate Attributes at other Universities

Teaching Development Grants Process, 2003

The University has allocated funds for Teaching Development Grants which are to be spent on high priority development activities to 'promote innovation and research in the theory and practice of teaching and learning.' In 2002, $100,000 was designated for these grants with the breakdown as follows:

The remainder of this document outlines the process by which the Teaching Development Grants will be allocated. These grants will be allocated up to a maximum of $20,000 per Division.

Focus of Graduate Attributes Development Grants

In 2001, 2002 and 2003, the focus of the grants is the development of generic attributes (Academic Council resolution, July 2000). It is intended that the grants be used to meet the university priority of integrating Graduate Attributes into core units across all programs of study, particularly:

• to map 'Part 1 and Part 2 units against a particular attribute, including for each unit, the objectives, content/learning activities and assessment relative to the attributes';
• 'to develop a plan on how a program would address the issue of multiple pathways and appropriate standards to be applied' (as specified by Academic Council);
• to develop materials and/or strategies appropriate for teaching and assessing these attributes (focus of 2003).

Overseer of the Graduate Attributes Development Grants

The grant process will be overseen by a Graduate Attributes Reference Group, which will approve the projects for funding, monitor the progress of each project and resolve any issues. This reference group consists of the four chairs of the Divisional Teaching and Learning Committees or their nominees, the convener of the Graduate Attributes Project (Lorraine Marshall) and the Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC) director or his nominee.

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Formal Process of Project Proposal

Invitations have been sent to each Executive Dean outlining the Graduate Attributes Grants. It is anticipated that each Division will use its own internal process, possibly the Divisional or School Teaching and Learning Committee, to identify projects to be submitted for funding. It is expected that project teams would be established consisting of program members and TLC staff. Divisional staff may wish to discuss the selected projects with TLC staff prior to submission for funding approval. The proposal must show evidence against the criteria given below. A proforma for project proposals is also provided.

Submissions must be signed by the Executive Dean and then emailed to Lorraine Marshall (l.marshall@murdoch.edu.au) for review by the Graduate Attributes Reference Group who will pass them to the PVC (Academic) for final approval. Once projects are approved for funding, a more detailed project plan should be developed by the project team. The following areas are eligible expenditure for these projects: design and development costs, contract staff, Divisional staff release time, small equipment or software purchases, and TLC staff time. Conference travel costs are not eligible as there are other sources of university funding for this purpose.

Criteria for Selecting Projects

Each project will be assessed on the extent to which it:

• fits the strategic directions of the University and the Division with regard to the mapping and development of Graduate Attributes;
• is likely to result in improved learning outcomes for students;
• has Divisional commitment and support (funding, or in kind) for academic staff to participate;
• is able to be used in several units in one or more programs;
• is potentially applicable to a large number of students; and
• has evidence of an evaluation strategy, which assesses the extent to which the changes made in the units or programs are likely to result in improved learning outcomes for students.

Project Management Process

Projects may be developed and managed by project teams comprising staff from the Division and the TLC. If required approved projects can be administered by the TLC. An interim report on the progress of each project and a final report should be prepared and submitted to the Reference Group (by July and November respectively).

Funding for each project will be allocated to a TLC managed account, and monthly financial reports will be provided.

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Proforma for Graduate Attributes Development Proposal, 2003