Equal Opportunity in Education Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
1. Purpose
The Equal Opportunity in Education Advisory Committee develops policy and plans that support the Melbourne Graduate School of Education’s commitment to equal opportunity in the workplace and affirmative action for women. The Equal Opportunity in Education Advisory Committee is a standing committee of the Board of the Melbourne Graduate School of Education.
2. Responsibilities of the Committee
- Provide advice to the School Board on the introduction of policies, programs and strategies for the promotion of equal opportunity in education and the implementation of the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.
- Make recommendations on the development of the School’s strategic plan and provide strategic advice for the School on the setting of targets.
- Advise the School on projects and activities designed to foster participation and equity in education, both in the School and in the wider community.
- Identify existing exemplary activities, policies, programs and research projects amongst staff and students, that contribute to the development of equal opportunity in education.
- Liaise with the Equal Employment Opportunity and Access and Equity Committees of the University, the Centre for Indigenous Education and both the School’s International Development and Disability Units, to provide the School with advice on the support needs and training of staff to work with students who have special needs (including LOTE, Koori students and students with disabilities).
- Liaise with the Equal Employment Opportunity and Access and Equity Committees of the University, the Centre for Indigenous Education and both the School’s International Development and Disability Units to make recommendations to the School Board about the appropriate preparation of teachers regarding students who have special needs (including LOTE, Koori students and students with disabilities).
- Provide advice to the School Board on the support needs of Koori students, LOTE students, students with disabilities and relevant issues related to gender, culture and ethnicity.
- Inform the School of relevant initiatives in other faculties, graduate schools and institutions.
- Provide a forum for student concerns and input on equal opportunity in education issues.
- Provide advice to the School Board on equity issues in school experience and professional practice.
3. Membership
- Chair nominated by the Dean
- Director, Learning and Teaching or Nominees
- Associate Dean, Research and Teaching Training or Nominees
- Cluster Heads or nominees
- General staff representative nominated by the School Managers Group
- Director, Centre for Indigenous Education or nominee
- Director, Equity and Learning programs or nominee
- Director, Student Access or nominee
- Professional Practice Co-ordinator nominated by the General Manager
- Undergraduate student representative
- Preservice student representative
- Postgraduate student representatives
Up to three additional co-opted members
4. Frequency of Meetings
The Equal Opportunity in Education advisory Committee will meet at least four times each year.
5. Communication
All submissions and other communications for the Equal Opportunity in Education Advisory Committee will be directed to the Chair who prepares an agenda and papers for each meeting and who prepares minutes of meetings.
6. Quorum
In order to commence a meeting of the committee, at least four of the voting members shall be present within twenty minutes of the declared starting time of the meeting.
7. Review
The terms of reference and membership of the committee will be reviewed every three years or at the request of the Dean. The review is carried out by the committee and reported to the School Board for approval. In Attendance Executive Officer