Glossary

Glossary

The Governance Document Library is a list of terms and their standard definitions for policies, procedures, manuals and guidelines. Unless separately defined or the context of the policy requires otherwise then the following definitions apply to each document. 

It is expected that the glossary will be built up over time and documents will gradually be converted to incorporate standard definitions as part of the normal review process.

Click on a letter from A to Z below to view Glossary items that begin with the selected letter, or use the scroll bar located on the right hand side of this page to browse the entire list.

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  • Academic Board

    The principal academic advisory body to University Council, established under the Charles Darwin University Act 2003. It is the primary forum in the University for the discussion and resolution of academic matters relating to and affecting the University's teaching, research and educational programs. Its membership includes wide representation from management, staff and students.

  • Academic calendar

    The official dates for the semesters/terms that comprise the teaching periods of an academic year, the dates of examination periods and vacations, and other significant events like census dates.

  • Academic freedom

    means the:

    • freedom of academic staff members to teach, discuss, research and to disseminate and publish the results of their research;
    • freedom of academic staff members and students to engage in intellectual inquiry, to express their opinions and beliefs, and to contribute to public debate, in relation to their subjects of study and research;
    • freedom of academic staff members and students to express their opinions in relation to the University;
    • freedom of academic staff members to participate in professional or representative academic bodies;
    • freedom of students to participate in student societies and associations; and
    • autonomy of the University in relation to the choice of academic courses and offerings, the ways in which they are taught and the choices of research activities and the ways in which they are conducted.
  • Academic governance

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency as a subset of the overall governance of a higher education provider. Academic governance deals with the framework that regulates providers’ academic decisions and quality assurance. Academic governance includes the policies, processes, definitions of roles, relationships, systems, strategies and resources that ensure academic standards and continuous improvement in academic activities. It is concerned with the integrity and quality of the core higher education activities of teaching, research and scholarship.

  • Academic integrity

    Is the demonstration of the values of honesty, trust, fairness, respect and responsibility in achieving academic outcomes, resulting in a growing sense of ethical and professional behaviour.

  • Academic misconduct

    When a student seeks to gain, for themselves or any other person, an academic advantage to which they are not entitled or seeks to disadvantage any other student. This includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, tampering with exam scripts or class records, impersonating another student in an exam, falsifying clinical or laboratory reports, and any unauthorised distribution of exam material.

  • Academic progress

    The expectation to maintain satisfactory academic results.

  • Academic staff

    A member of staff of a higher education provider who is appointed wholly or principally to undertake a teaching and/or research function.

  • Academic staff

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency as a member of staff of a higher education provider who is appointed wholly or principally to undertake a teaching and/or research function.

  • Academic standards

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency as an agreed specification (such as a defined benchmark or indicator) that is used as a definition of a level of performance or achievement, rule or guideline. Standards may apply to academic outcomes, such as student or graduate achievement of core discipline knowledge and core discipline skills (known as learning outcomes), or to academic processes such as student selection, teaching, research supervision, and assessment.

  • Academic standing

    A student's academic progress in a qualification and the outcomes of the formal review of progress undertaken as part of the University's academic review process.

  • Academic transcript

    The record of results of a student's academic studies at a tertiary institution, which is issued once it has been determined that the student is eligible to graduate with an award.

  • Access and equity

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as the  policies and approaches aimed at ensuring that VET is responsive to the individual needs of clients whose age, gender, cultural or ethnic background, disability, sexuality, language skills, literacy or numeracy level, unemployment, imprisonment or remote location may present a barrier to access, participation and the achievement of suitable outcomes.

  • Accession

    Accession means the formal inclusion of a work of art into the Art Collection including its transfer of legal ownership, its documentation and provenance and the attribution of a unique accession collection identification number.

  • Accredited short course

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as a a course accredited by the VET Regulator in accordance with the Standards for VET Accredited Courses that leads to an AQF statement of attainment.

  • Action(s)

    An action that is underway or planned to mitigate the risk. When actions are implemented (in place and operating effectively) they may modify existing controls or become controls.

  • Admission

    The act of admitting an applicant into a course of the University, following submission and assessment of an application.

  • Advanced standing

    A form of credit for any previous learning, for example credit transfer based upon previous formal study, articulation arrangements or recognition of other prior learning.

  • Advertising

    Any promotion of the University appearing in print, television, cinema, radio, digital, outdoor, social, or other approved channels.

  • Agent

    A person within or outside Australia who represents or acts on behalf of a provider, or purports to do so, in dealing with international students or prospective international students.

  • Animal

    A live, non-human organism in a category defined as an animal by the Animal Protection Act 2018 (NT) or the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes 8th Edition 2013.

  • Annual hours curriculum (AHC)

    A measure of the time (in hours) required for a student with no previous exposure to the topic of the unit to become competent. Across different disciplines AHC has a loose relationship with volume of learning, study hours and contact hours. AHC's primary purpose is for determining funding.

  • Anti

    Opposed to; against.

  • Appeal

    A request by a student for a decision or determination made by the University to be overturned in accordance with the relevant policy.

  • Appointee

    A person who has signed a contract of employment with the University but has not yet commenced employment.

  • Apprentice

    A person who enters into a training contract with an employer and a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and the employer provides competency based vocational education and training in conjunction with the RTO and the apprentice or trainee learns the occupation or trade.  Also known as a trainee.

  • AQF certification documentation

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as the set of official documents that confirms that an AQF qualification or statement of attainment has been issued to an individual.

  • AQF qualification

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as a qualification type endorsed in a training package or accredited in a VET accredited course.

  • Articulation

    The arrangements that facilitate and maximise opportunities for credit transfer and/or for students to proceed from one qualification to another, or from one education and training sector to another (eg specifically designed pathway from an offshore diploma qualification to a CDU degree qualification).

  • Articulation arrangements

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as creating a defined pathway that enables a student to progress from a completed course of study to another course of study with admission and/or credit. 

  • Artistic works

    Refers to paintings, sculptures, graphics, cartoons, etchings, lithographs, photos, images, drawings, plans, maps, diagrams, charts, models of buildings and illustrations.

  • Assessment (HE)

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as a process to determine a student’s achievement of identified learning outcomes and may include a range of written and oral methods and practice or demonstration.

  • Assessment (VET)

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as means the process of collecting evidence and making judgments on whether competency has been achieved, to confirm that an individual can perform to the standard required in the workplace, as specified in a training package or VET accredited course.

  • Assessment system

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as a coordinated set of documented policies and procedures (including assessment materials and tools) that ensure assessments are consistent and are based on the Principles of Assessment.

  • Asset

    An item of property owned or controlled by the University, including capital assets and portable and attractive items.

    Capital asset: a transaction or group of transactions controlled by the University that:
    - Does not meet the definition of expense (ie. replacement of component parts of an asset.  These are regarded as recurrent expenditure and not capital);
    - An individual unit valued over $ 5,000 (excluding GST); and/or
    - Individual units may cost less than $ 5,000 (excluding GST) but may combine to form an operating unit or network or have the same or similar nature with a combined cost of more than $ 5,000 (excluding GST)

    Portable and attractive item: a tangible item controlled by the University that is either:
    - Desired by consumers;
    - Generally able to be easily sold; or
    -Easy to physically remove from the University.

  • Asset custodian

    An officer nominated by their Executive to ensure compliance with this policy and procedure at the functional level. An asset custodian’s responsibilities are described in this document.

  • Assurance

    A positive declaration intended to give confidence designed to improve the quality of information to aid informed decision-making.

  • Attestation

    Official verification of something as true or authentic.

  • Audit

    A systematic and independent process for obtaining evidence and evaluating it objectively to determine the extent to which the audit criteria are fulfilled.

  • Audit fieldwork

    The process of completing the audit engagement to achieve audit objectives through testing, data analysis and other techniques pursuant to an approved internal audit plan.

  • Audit follow-up

    A process by which auditors evaluate the adequacy, effectiveness and timeliness of actions taken by management on reported observations and recommendations, including those by external auditors and others.

  • Audit planning memorandum

    Also known as an audit ‘terms of reference’. Consolidated single document that reflects the planning efforts for an internal audit engagement. It includes background and risk information; defines the audit objectives, scope and audit approach; highlights known problems; articulates the budget and schedule; contains the requisite approvals; documents conflicts of interests and how they will be managed.

  • Audit report

    The primary means of communicating the outcomes of an audit, reflecting the auditor’s observations, opinions and recommendations arising from the audit.

  • Audit Sponsor

    The University’s Senior Executive Team member subject to the audit.

  • Audition

    A structured test for the purpose of admission to performing or creative arts qualification.

  • Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS)

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as a supplementary statement to a testamur and record of results that provides additional information to enhance understanding of the qualification by students, employers, industry and professional associations both locally and internationally.

  • Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as Australia‘s national policy for regulated qualifications. The AQF encompasses higher education, vocational education and training and school education. It provides for national recognition and a consistent understanding of what defines each qualification type.

  • Australian Research Council (ARC)

    The independent body funded by the Commonwealth Government to distribute research funding.

  • Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)

    The national regulator for Australia’s vocational education and training sector. ASQA regulates courses and training providers to ensure nationally approved quality standards are met.

  • Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR)

    An indicator of how well a student has performed relative to other students who have qualified for a university aggregate.

  • Authenticated VET transcript

    Defined by the Student Identifier Act 2014 as a document prepared by the Registrar that sets out information:

    1. That relates to the VET undertaken by the individual; and
    2. That is prescribed by the regulations.
  • Authorised contract person

    The University staff member responsible for implementing and managing a Contract. 

  • Authorised officer

    A staff member of the University (or member of a law enforcement agency) who has responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of others in their care for example, lecturers, supervisors, managers, executives, security personnel, campus administrators, residences managers, coordinators of fieldwork or off-campus learning activities or staff responsible for a relevant area.

  • Authorised visitor

    Bona fide visitors that the University may, from time to time, provide with access to facilities to enhance their ability to complete tasks for the University or to liaise with the University. Such visitors may include, but are not limited to: emeritus, adjunct or honorary academic staff; alumni; external auditors or consultants; potential clients or business partners; contractors or vendors; conference delegates; and students and staff of other universities with reciprocal arrangements.

  • Award

    The title of a qualification conferred upon a student following the successful completion of a course of study.

  • Award course

    A formally approved/accredited program of study and which leads to an academic award granted by the higher education provider or which qualifies a student to enter a qualification at a level higher than a bachelor's degree. It includes qualifications of an equivalent nature undertaken overseas.

  • Award requirements

    Academic attainments which, when fulfilled by a student, qualify that student to receive the award for which the student has been enrolled.

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  • Balance of probabilities

    Relates to the standard of proof required to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to substantiate allegations and is reached when a fact is more probable than not.

  • Benchmarking

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as a means by which an entity can:

    1. demonstrate accountability to stakeholders
    2. improve networking and collaborative relationships
    3. generate management information
    4. develop an increased understanding of practice, process or performance
    5. garner insights into how improvements might be made.

     

  • Block credit

    Credit granted towards whole stages or components of a qualification or course of study.

  • Bullying

    Bullying is when people repeatedly and intentionally use words or actions against someone or a group of people to cause distress and risk to their wellbeing. These actions are usually done by people who have more influence or power over someone else, or who want to make someone else feel less powerful or helpless. Bullying is not the same as conflict between people (like having a fight) or disliking someone, even though people might bully each other because of conflict or dislike.

  • Business continuity

    A documented plan to build reliance and give assurance the whole-of-business operational environment could recover from an unforeseen disruption or disaster with minimal business interruption.

  • Business impact assessment

    The time criticality for business processes, showing the length of time before the University is severely damaged by loss of the process. This is in provision of minimum acceptable level of service or operations.

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  • Campus

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as the physical location from where a course of study is being delivered. This location may or may not be owned by the higher education provider which enrols the student. For e-learning (online) or other distance education courses this would be the location at where the electronic course material is maintained.

  • Candidature

    The period of time a higher degree by research student is enrolled and undertaking their research project, including examination.

  • Capital Asset

    A transaction or group of transactions controlled by the University that:
    - Does not meet the definition of expense (ie. replacement of component parts of an asset.  These are regarded as recurrent expenditure and not capital);
    - An individual unit valued over $ 5,000 (excluding GST); and/or
    - Individual units may cost less than $ 5,000 (excluding GST) but may combine to form an operating unit or network or have the same or similar nature with a combined cost of more than $ 5,000 (excluding GST)

  • Capstone

    A unit that provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate that they can integrate the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout the major or qualification.  The learning outcomes of the capstone will normally map into the learning outcomes for the major or qualification.

  • Career Development Plan

    The Career Development Plan is the annual staff development and career planning process at the University

  • Career Development Plan

    The Career Development Plan (CDP) is the annual staff development and career planning process at the University.

  • Census Date

    The last date for students to withdraw from enrolled units without academic or financial penalty, apply for a leave of absence, or change their citizenship status or contribution payment option.

  • Certification Document

    These documents include Testamur, Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement, Certificate of Completion, Statement of Attainment and Academic Transcript.

    Defined in the AQF as the set of official documents that confirms that a qualification has been completed and awarded to an individual.

  • Chancellor

    The person who presides at meetings of the Council and at graduation ceremonies. The role of the Chancellor is similar to that of the chair of a board of company directors with responsibilities outlined in the  Charles Darwin University Act 2003.

  • Child

    A person less than eighteen (18) years of age or a person apparently less than eighteen (18) years of age if the person’s age cannot be proved.

  • Client

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as a learner, enterprise or organisation that uses or purchases the services provided by an RTO.

  • Co-requisite

    A unit which a student must study concurrently with one or more other specified units.

  • Code

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as the unique identifier for units of competency, skill sets, VET accredited courses, modules, AQF qualifications or training packages as required by the Standards for Training Packages and Standards for VET Accredited Courses.

  • College

    An organisational and academic unit in the University that delivers courses and conducts research.

  • Commencing student HE

    The Department of Education, Skills and Employment states that a student is classified as a commencing student in relation to a particular course of study. A student is a commencing student for a year if they  have started studying in a course of study for the first time at the higher education provider or an antecedent higher education provider in that year. An antecedent higher education provider means a higher education provider which has merged with the higher education provider at which the student's enrolment continues.

  • Commencing student VET

    The Department of Education, Skills and Employment states that a student who is classified as a commencing student in relation to a particular course of study. A student is a commencing student if she/he has enrolled in the course for the first time at the VSL provider or antecedent VSL provider between 1 January of the Reporting Year and 31 December of the Reporting Year. An antecedent VSL provider means a VSL provider which has merged with the VSL provider at which the student's enrolment continues.

  • Commonwealth Assistance Notice (CAN)

    The notice students receive containing information about their enrolment and usage of Commonwealth assistance.

  • Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS)

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as a searchable database, run by the Australian Government, which lists all Australian education providers (and their courses) for people studying in Australia on student visas. The CRICOS database operates under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) legislative framework.

  • Commonwealth Scholarships

    A Commonwealth program that aims to facilitate choice in higher education and to increase participation by students from low socio-economic backgrounds, particularly indigenous students and students from rural and regional areas.

  • Communication

    In copyright context refers to making third-party copyright content online for CDU educational purposes.

  • Competency

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as the consistent application of knowledge and skill to the standard of performance required in the workplace. It embodies the ability to transfer and apply skills and knowledge to new situations and environments.

  • Competent person

    Competent person means a:

    1. licensed or registered electrician;
    2. licensed electrical inspector; or
    3. person who has completed a structured training course and been assessed as competent in the use of appliance testers and the visual inspection of electrical equipment.
       
  • Complaint

    Expression of dissatisfaction with any part of the education provider or its operations. Lodging of a complaint may be either written or verbal to initiate a process, whether formal or informal, to address the grievance.

  • Completed

    A student who has met all the requirements of their enrolled course.

  • Compliance

    An outcome of the University meeting its legislative, regulatory and policy obligations and registration conditions.

  • Compliance audit

    An audit of conformity and adherence of area, process, or system to policies, procedures, law, regulations, contracts, licence conditions, or other requirements. Includes audits of controls, financial transactions, financial statement reviews, adherence to stated program rules and objectives, and regularity, probity, and propriety of decisions.

  • Compliance management program

    A formal, structured approach to assuring obligations are met.

  • Compliance obligation

    A compliance requirement (compliance with external legislation, standards or rules imposed on the University) and a compliance commitment (compliance with the University’s voluntary or self-imposed rules, e.g., policies).

  • Compliance risk

    The likelihood of occurrence and the consequences of non-compliance with the University’s compliance obligations.

  • Conditional residency

    In the context of the University Resident Conduct Policy, conditional residency means a resident can continue to reside at a university residence under particular provisions.

  • Conferral

    The act of granting your award; it means that you have been recognised as a graduate of the University for this award.

  • Confidentiality

    The principle of protecting information and preventing its disclosure to anybody other than those who have a right to access it and need to know.

  • Confirmation of Candidature

    The approval process for all higher degree by research students when moving from provisional to confirmed candidature and proceeding with their research project.

  • Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

    Defined by the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 as a document, provided electronically, which is issued by the registered provider to intending overseas students and which must accompany their application for a student visa. It confirms the overseas student’s eligibility to enrol in the particular course of the registered provider.

  • Conflict of interest

    A conflict where the private interests of a member of the University community may influence, compromise or conflict with the performance of their official duties and responsibilities. Conflicts of interest may be real, potential or reasonably perceived and can involve the financial or non-financial interests of a member of the University community; as well as the financial and non-financial interests of a person in a close personal relationship with a member of the University community.

  • Conscientious objection

    An enduring, genuinely held belief that something is morally or ethically wrong. A conscientious objection is not influenced by considerations of personal advantage or disadvantage.

  • Consequence

    A consequence is the outcome of an event and has an effect on objectives. A single event can generate a range of consequences, which can have both positive and negative effects on strategic goals or objectives. Initial consequences can also escalate through cascading and cumulative effects.

  • Conservation treatment

    Conservation treatment means any activity, including cleaning, repair of hanging systems and/or restoration that serves to maintain the optimum condition of a work of art and that ensures its long-term preservation and care. 

  • Consultant

    A person or organisation engaged by the University to provide goods or services.

  • Contact hours

    The hours a student spends in guided learning sessions, usually facilitated by an academic staff member but sometimes facilitated by student peers or external supervisors. Contact hours may include lectures, workshops, and tutorials.

  • Continuing employment

    All employment other than fixed-term or casual, as outlined in the Charles Darwin University and Union Enterprise Agreement.

  • Contract

    Any written agreement or other instrument between the University and another party, whether executed as a contract or as a deed, that creates obligations for performance by the University, whether at law or in a broader reputational context, and rights exercisable by the University against that other party. Examples of contracts are:

    1. any written or oral agreements to which the University is a party;
    2. heads of agreement and memoranda of understanding;
    3. tenders;
    4. deeds
    5. strategic partnerships and affiliations; and
    6. any variation, extension or renewal of any of the above.
  • Control

    Any measure or action that are in place and operating to modify or manage risk - they may manage either the impact if the risk is realised, or the likelihood of the realisation of the risk. Controls include any policy, procedure, practice, process, technology, technique, method or device that modifies or manages risk.

  • Control Owner

    The person who is responsible for undertaking implementation of the internal controls identified to manage risk and within agreed timescales. 

  • Copyright

    Refers to the exclusive rights of reproduction, communication and performance granted by the Copyright Act, 1968 to the copyright holders of literary, dramatic works, musical, artistic works and other subject matter such as films, videos, sound recordings and broadcasts.

  • Copyright Holder

    The person, group or organization that holds the copyright for the material.

  • Core unit

    A unit that is compulsory for a course. 
    Higher education core units collectively directly address the field of study and all associated learning outcomes of an award course. Core units should address the University’s graduate attributes. 
    Vocational education and training core units are compulsory for attaining the qualification as specified in the Training Package or Accredited Course documentation. 

  • Course

    A formally approved and accredited program of learning that leads to an award qualification or non-award study.

  • Course completion

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as the successful completion of all the academic requirements of a course of study. This includes any required attendance, assignments, examinations, assessments, dissertations, practical experience and work experience in industry. Where a combined course automatically leads to two separate awards, a course completion will only occur when the requirements of both awards have been satisfied.

  • Course Coordinator

    An academic staff member who is responsible for the academic management of a course.

  • Course nest

    A set of courses formed by an integrated course and its nested course/s.

  • Course of study

    A coherent sequence of units of study leading to an award of a qualification(s).

  • Course with a major research component

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as a course of study where the student load is comprised of two-thirds or more research leading to a thesis/dissertation.

  • Coursework unit

    A unit in which a student undertakes a structured program of study facilitated by a unit coordinator.

  • Creative Commons

    Refers to a world-wide scheme that provides copyright owners with a free mechanism to licence their materials so others can share, reuse and remix their material legally.

  • Credit arrangements

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as formal negotiated agreements within and between issuing organisations or accrediting authorities regarding student entitlement to credit. They may also be formal arrangements made between issuing organisations and students. Credit can be given in the form of block, specified or unspecified credit (as provided by Qualification Standard 3.3).

  • Credit for prior learning

    Credit that is interpreted broadly to include specified and unspecified credit, exemptions, advanced standing, credit transfers and other similar outcomes, in which exemptions are granted for components of a course on the basis of having achieved equivalent learning outcomes in a course previously.

  • Credit pathway microcredential

    Microcredentials that provide admission or unit credit towards a specified award course/s. They reflect the academic standards of the specified unit/s; are aligned to an AQF level; and the volume of learning is consistent with the amount of credit earned in the intended course.

  • Credit points (CP)

    An indication of the estimated student study load to meet learning outcomes. CP are used in calculating a student's Grade Point Average. Unit study loads and course study loads are both measured by CP.

  • Credit transfer HE

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as a process that provides students with agreed and consistent credit outcomes for completed components of a course of study based on identified equivalence in content and learning outcomes between matched courses of study. 

  • Critical incident

    A traumatic event, or the threat of such (within or outside Australia) which causes extreme stress, fear or injury.

  • Cross-institutional enrolment

    Where a student is enrolled in an award qualification at one higher education provider and is permitted by that provider to enrol into courses with another, recognised provider for credit towards the substantive award.

  • cultural authority

    A cultural authority may include representative organisations such as Traditional Owners and native title corporations and/or those who exercise cultural authority on behalf of a nation or people, such as Elders and other knowledge holders

  • Curator

    Means the Curator of the CDU Art Collection and Art Gallery.

  • Current industry skills

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as the knowledge, skills and experience required by VET trainers and assessors and those who provide training and assessment under supervision to ensure that their training and assessment is based on current industry practices and meets the needs of industry.

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  • Data Provision Requirements

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as the requirements for data provision as agreed by the Industry and Skills Council and implemented by the VET Regulator as required by its governing legislation.

  • De-accession

    De-accession means the formal removal of a work of art from the Art Collection that includes an identified procedure for its disposal.

  • Deferment

    The postponement of the commencement of a higher education qualification, usually for no more than one year.

  • Delegate

    A person invested with the authority to carry out functions, powers and duties

  • Department of Education, Skills and Employment

    The Australian Government department with responsibility for developing and administering higher education policy and programs and administering funding under the Higher Education Support Act 2003.

  • Dependent

    For the purposes of relocation:

    1. A spouse or partner of the appointee, or
    2. A child (including adopted child, step child or foster child), residing and relocating with the staff member
    3. Any other person who is substantially dependent and resides with you (i.e. elderly parent)
  • Digital badge

    A verified certification signifying completion of learning providing a mechanism for sharing these accomplishments online. Digital badges may be used to recognise both informal (non-accredited learning) or formal (Microcredential accredited learning).

  • Disability support person

    A person that a student can nominate to provide them with emotional support and advocacy. This may include a parent, spouse, relative, carer or assistant.

  • Disciplinary action

    In accordance with the Enterprise Agreement (as replaced or varied), this is an action that includes, but is not limited to:

    • Formal censure or counselling;
    • Demotion by one or more classification levels or increments;
    • Withholding of an increment;
    • Suspension with or without pay; and
    • Termination of employment (in the case of serious misconduct or unsatisfactory performance)
  • Discontinued course

    A course previously offered by the University but no longer offered.

  • Discrimination

    Where a person or group of people are treated unfairly on the grounds of an attribute. This includes but is not limited to:

    1. race;
    2. language, including signed language;
    3. sex;
    4. gender identity;
    5. sexual orientation;
    6. sex characteristics;
    7. age;
    8. relationship status;
    9. accommodation status;
    10. employment status;
    11. employment in sex work or engaging in sex work including past employment in sex work or engagement in sex work;
    12. pregnancy;
    13. carer responsibilities;
    14. breastfeeding;
    15. disability;
    16. HIV/Hepatitis status;
    17. subjected to domestic violence;
    18. trade union or employer association activity;
    19. religious or spiritual belief or activity;
    20. political opinion, affiliation or activity;
    21. irrelevant medical record;
    22. irrelevant criminal record;
    23. physical appearance, health or medical status or ability;
    24. the person’s details being published under section 66M of the Fines and Penalties (Recovery) Act 2001 (NT); and
    25. Association with a person who has, or is believed to have, any of these attributes.
  • Disposal

    Disposal means the physical removal and in some cases, the destruction, of an art work, which has been recorded as de-accessioned from the CDU Art Collection’s holdings.

  • Domestic student

    A student who is an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident of Australia or holder of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa.

  • Donation

    A financial payment or a non-financial payment (such as property or other goods) made to the University that has the following characteristics: it is made voluntarily; it does not provide any material benefit to the donor, and it essentially arises from benefaction and proceeds from detached and disinterested generosity.

  • Donor

    A benefactor or one who bequeaths an award or gift, or their executor.

  • Dual Degree (also known as joint awards)

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as courses offered through collaborative or cooperative arrangements between two or more higher education providers.

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  • Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act

    The legal framework which governs the delivery of education to overseas students studying in Australia on a student visa. The framework sets out clear roles and responsibilities for providers of education and training to international students and complements Australia’s student visa laws. For more information visit the Department of Education, Skills and Employment’s website

  • Educational and support services

    may include, but are not limited to:

    1. pre-enrolment materials;
    2. study support and study skills programs;
    3. language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) programs or referrals to these programs;
    4. equipment, resources and/or programs to increase access for learners with disabilities and other learners in accordance with access and equity;
    5. learning resource centres;
    6. mediation services or referrals to these services;
    7. flexible scheduling and delivery of training and assessment;
    8. counselling services or referrals to these services;
    9. information and communications technology (ICT) support;
    10. learning materials in alternative formats, for example, in large print;
    11. learning and assessment programs contextualised to the workplace; and
    12.  any other services that the RTO considers necessary to support learners to achieve competency.
  • eLearning

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as the use of any digital technology or resources to deliver and support specific teaching and learning aims/outcomes. Also referred to as ‘online learning’ or 'technology enhanced learning'.

  • Electronic cigarettes

    Devices used for the inhalation of vapour and include e-cigarettes, e-cigars, vapour pens, and personal vaporisers.

  • Emerging risk

    Any change in the environment, or in the understanding of the environment, which could positively or negatively impact the University to meet its short- and long-term business objectives. Relates to risks that do not currently exist or are not currently recognised that have arisen from a change in the University’s internal or external environment.

  • English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS)

    Courses offered to students studying in Australia on student visas. ‘Intensive’ denotes full-time study load (20 scheduled course contact hours per week).

  • English language proficiency

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as the ability of students to use the English language to make and communicate meaning in spoken and written contexts while completing their course of study.

  • Enterprise risk management (ERM)

    The process of identifying and addressing the potential events that represent risks to the achievement of strategic goals, or to opportunities to gain competitive advantage. ERM is an integral and inseparable part of good governance, management practice, performance culture and processes that are the core of University business.

  • Entertainment

    The University participating in events or entering into arrangements which provide the opportunity to host and extend entertainment (which may or may not involve the provision of hospitality) to invited guests.
    Examples of such entertainment include:

    1. hosting in corporate boxes at sporting or cultural events; or
    2. hosting at functions such as special dinners, receptions, performances or other major events being conducted either on or off campus.
  • Equivalent Full-Time Student Load (EFTSL)

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA)  this is a measure of the study load, for a year, of a single student undertaking a course of study on a full time basis.

  • Equivalent unit

    A unit that is deemed to lead to equivalent learning outcomes to another unit.

  • Eviction

    In the context of the University Resident Conduct Policy, eviction means an immediate and permanent termination of a person’s entitlement to reside at or visit or use the University’s residential services or facilities on disciplinary grounds where, because of the serious or repeated nature of the offence, a penalty greater than suspension or exclusion is called for. Eviction is the strongest penalty that can be applied by the Residence Manager and may be applied in the case of a breach of disciplinary probation.

  • Exceptional circumstance

    A situation which is beyond the student's control, is not reasonably foreseeable and which prevents the student from engaging in a University activity. Examples may include sudden illness or disability; loss of employment; an inability to obtain a student visa; death of the student or a close family member (parent, sibling, spouse or child); natural catastrophe; or a political or civil uprising.

  • Exclusion

    In the context of the University Resident Conduct Policy, exclusion means a person is denied access to or use of the University’s residential services or facilities for a specified period of time, and/or participation in a specified residential activity or event.

  • Executive officer

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as:

    1. a person, by whatever name called and whether or not a director of the organisation, who is concerned in or takes part in the management of the RTO; or
    2. an administrator, receiver and manager, or liquidator of the organisation (other than a receiver and manager, or liquidator, appointed by a court); or
    3. if the RTO is a body corporate:
      1.  a person who, at any time during a period for which the organisation is registered, owns 15% or more of the organisation; or
      2. a person who, at any time during a period for which the organisation is registered, is entitled to receive 15% or more of dividends paid by the organisation; or
      3. the administrator of a deed of company arrangement executed by an organisation; or
      4. a trustee or other person administering a compromise or arrangement made between the organisation and another person or other persons.
  • Exit award

    A lower-level qualification a student may graduate from, prior to completing the full requirements of the course they were admitted to. See also the glossary definitions for "course nest", "integrated course", and "nested course".

  • Extended unit

    A set of coherent units of study that has been accredited to be delivered over more than one unit offering. The credit points for each unit offering count towards the course and, once all the unit offerings have been completed, towards the student's GPA.

  • External Audit

    An audit of financial statements undertaken in accordance with laws and external auditing standards by an external auditor who is independent of the University.

  • External Digital Platform and services

    Refers to digital services not managed by the University e.g. YouTube, Vimeo, social media sites

  • External employment

    Refers to a staff member engaging in any employment or business in addition to their paid employment with the University.

    Employment includes both work in which an individual is financially remunerated and voluntary work in which an individual receives no financial remuneration.

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  • Faculty

    An organisational and academic unit in the University that delivers courses and conducts research.

  • Fair dealing

    The provisions in the Copyright Act, which cover copying for (personal) research or study, criticism or review, reporting the news, parody and satire, and purposes related to judicial proceedings.

  • Fee Off-Set

    A circumstance in which the university partially or fully pay the fee of a student

  • Fee waiver

    A circumstance in which the university charges no fee or a discounted fee to a student, to complete a degree

  • Feed infants and young children

    Feeding infants and young children means providing nutrition to an infant or young child. This includes, but is not limited to:

    1. breastfeeding,
    2. expressing and/or pumping,
    3. chest feeding,
    4. bottle feeding, and
    5. tube feeding.
  • Field of education / study

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as the classification system (split in to three levels) used by higher education providers to classify courses of study, specialisations and units of study. Field of education groupings of courses and specialisations are on the basis of similarity of potential professions, rather than similarity of content, while units of study are coded on the basis of a likeness in terms of their subject matter.

  • Financial viability

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as financial resources and financial management capacity to sustain higher education provision consistent with the requirements of the Provider Registration Standards outlined in the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021.

  • Financial Viability Risk Assessment Requirements

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as the requirements made under section 158 of the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 or equivalent requirements made or adopted by the VET Regulator of a non-referring State as the case requires.

  • First Nations people

    Means a person who is an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, who identifies as an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, and who is accepted as an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person in the community where they live or have lived.

  • Fixed-term contract

    Employment for a specified term, for which the contract will specify the starting and finishing dates of employment.

  • Foreign Entity

    Foreign entities include:

    a. Foreign countries or their national governments (including departments and agencies) or political subdivisions or their governments (including departments or agencies) of a foreign country; and

    b. Universities that are located in a foreign country and do not have institutional autonomy.

    Corporations that operate on a commercial basis are not classified as foreign entities. A full definition of ‘foreign entity’ can be found in the Australia’s Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) Act 2020.

  • Formal complaint

    The term used to distinguish complaints that use a formal complaints-resolution process from complaints about matters that are resolved readily without entering into a formal process.

  • Formal learning

    Learning that takes place through a structured program of learning that leads to the full or partial achievement of an officially accredited qualification

  • Formative assessment

    A frequent, interactive form of assessment of student academic progress that aims to identify learning needs in an ongoing and dialogic cycle, and fine-tune teaching in line with identified learning and teaching needs.

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  • Gender

    Gender is part of a person’s personal and social identity. It refers to the way a person feels, presents and is recognised within the community. A person’s gender may be reflected in outward social markers, including their name, outward appearance, mannerisms and dress.

  • Gender affirmation

    Affirmation may involve social, medical and/or legal processes to affirm a person’s gender identity.

  • General elective unit

    A unit that is not compulsory for an award but contributes to the credit point requirement for that award. General elective units are designed to provide an opportunity for breadth of learning.

  • Generic learning outcomes

    The transferable, non-discipline specific skills that a graduate may achieve through learning that can be applied in study, work and life contexts. The four broad categories in the AQF are: fundamental skills; people skills; thinking skills and personal skills.

  • Governance Documents

    Formally approved documents that outline non-discretionary governing principles and intentions, in order to guide University practice. Governance documents are a formal statement of intent that mandate principles or standards that apply to the University’s governance or operations or to the practice and conduct of its staff and students. They include the CDU Act, by-laws, policies, procedures, rules, codes and the Enterprise Agreement.

  • Governing body

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as the body with ultimate decision-making authority over the higher education provider and its operations.

  • Government entity
    1. a Department of State of the Commonwealth; or
    2. a Department of the Parliament established under the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 of the Commonwealth;
    3. an Executive Agency, or Statutory Agency, within the meaning of the Public Service Act 1999 of the Commonwealth;
    4. a Department of State of a State or Territory; or
    5. an organisation that:
      1. is not an entity; and
      2. is either established by the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory (whether under a law or not) to carry on an enterprise or established for a public purpose by an Australian law; and
      3. can be separately identified by reference to the nature of the activities carried on through the organisation or the location of the organisation whether or not the organisation is part of a department or branch described in paragraph (a), (b), (c) or (d) or of another organisation of the kind described in this paragraph.
  • Grade distributions

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as standards set by each higher education provider, they involve analysing the aggregation of final grades using data by subject, course of study, student cohort or other grouping. Grade distributions may be determined using norm-referencing methods, criterion-referencing methods, or a combination of both. Criterion-referencing requires a focus on identified learning outcomes and provides transparency for students.

  • Grade point average

    The average of the grades a student has achieved, weighed by the credit points or hour value of the units.

  • Graduand

    A student who is deemed to have completed requirements for an award of the University but has not yet had the award conferred.

  • Graduate

    A student who has had an award conferred.

  • Graduate attributes

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as generic learning outcomes that refer to transferable, non-discipline specific skills that a graduate may achieve through learning that have application in study, work and life contexts.

  • Grievance

    An issue or concern that is raised for resolution through a complaint. Grievance is used generically, whether the grievance is considered minor or more serious in nature.

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  • Harassment

    Behaviour that is unwelcome, for example, making a person feel intimidated, insulted or humiliated. Harassment is often unsolicited and repeated, and usually unreciprocated. Sexual harassment is included in this definition and is a particularly serious form of harassment. It involves conduct, including the use of work and remarks, of a sexual nature.

  • Health Professional

    Refers to a person who is registered as a health professional with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Agency.

  • High managerial agent

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as an employee or agent of the organisation with duties of such responsibility that his or her conduct may fairly be assumed to represent the organisation in relation to the business of providing courses.

  • Higher Education Award

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as:

    • a diploma, advanced diploma, associate degree, bachelor degree, graduate certificate graduate diploma, masters degree or doctoral degree
    • a qualification covered by level 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 of the Australian Qualifications Framework
    • an award of a similar kind, or represented as being of a similar kind, to any of the above awards 
    • other than an award offered or conferred for the completion of a vocational education and training course.
  • Higher education provider (HEP)

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as:

    • a constitutional corporation that offers or confers a regulated higher education award
    • a corporation that:
      • offers or confers a regulated higher education award
      • is established by or under a law of the Commonwealth or a Territory

    a person who offers or confers a regulated higher education award for the completion of a course of study provided wholly or partly in a Territory.

  • Higher education services

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as functions such as: 

    1. delivery of teaching and learning services (including student assessment)
    2.  student learning support (such as access to library materials, academic learning support, and English language support)
    3. personal student support services (such as career services, advocacy, counselling, accommodation services, health and welfare services)
    4. marketing, advertising and promotion of course(s) of study
    5. student recruitment
    6. maintenance of and/or access to electronic resources and/or websites to support higher education operations
    7. maintaining student records and data
    8. student admission services
    9. provision of teaching and learning or research facilities
    10. student complaint management; and research supervision.
  • Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 (HES Framework)

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as set by the Minister for Education and Training on the advice of a panel with expertise in the delivery of higher education, the HES Framework is the minimum level of achievement that a provider must meet and maintain to registered to deliver higher education courses of study.

  • Higher Education Standards Panel (HESP)

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as a legislative advisory body, established under the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), with responsibility related to the standards for delivery of higher education in Australia.

    More information is available on the Department of Education and Training’s HESP page.

  • Higher Education Support Act 2003 (HESA Act)

    The HESA Act provides for the Commonwealth to give financial support for higher education and certain vocational education and training through:

    1. grants and other payments made largely to higher education providers
    2. financial assistance to students (usually in the form of loans).
  • Home Faculty

    The Faculty in which a Higher Degree by Research candidate is enrolled

  • Hospitality

    The University providing meals or refreshments to visitors of the University or other off-campus locations for business reasons, organising other functions which further the objectives of the University, or entertaining individuals at special events conducted on University grounds or other locations.

    OR

    The friendly reception and entertainment of guests. Examples include, luncheons, dinners, invitations to sporting, musical or theatrical events or other similar corporate hospitality, planned or impromptu light refreshments at a business meeting, expensive restaurant meals and sponsored travel and accommodation. The value of hospitality is calculated on a per head amount.

  • Household member

    Non-related persons living in the same household.

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  • Immediate family
    1. A spouse (including former spouse), domestic partner (including former domestic partner), child, parent (including foster parent), grandparent, grandchild or sibling of the employee.
    2. A spouse’s child, parent (including foster parent), grandparent, grandchild or sibling of a spouse (including former spouse), or de facto partner (including de facto partner) of the Employee. 
    3. An equivalent kinship relationship to 1. or 2. 
  • Impact

    Outcome or consequence of the risk (or event) if it were to occur.

  • Improper conduct

    Improper conduct is defined in the ICAC Act 2017.

    Improper conduct includes corrupt conduct, misconduct, unsatisfactory conduct and anti-democratic conduct.

    Corrupt conduct

    Corrupt conduct is conduct engaged in by a public officer that is an offence in the NT or elsewhere, for which the maximum penalty is imprisonment for a term of at least 2 years, with or without a fine, and where the conduct is connected to public affairs.

    Corrupt conduct is also the behaviour or actions of a public officer that might result in the public officer being dismissed or terminated from their role, is connected to public affairs, and involves:

    • dishonesty
    • failing to adequately manage an actual or perceived conflict of interest
    • a serious breach of public trust by a public body, minister, Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) or councillor
    • the illegal, unauthorised or inappropriate performance of official functions
    • an adverse effect on the honest, impartial or effective performance of official functions by a public officer or public body
    • using official information inappropriately.

    Corrupt conduct includes the behaviour or actions of anyone that could harm public confidence in public administration and that involves:

    • collusive tendering
    • intentionally or recklessly providing false or misleading information for an application for a licence, permit or other authority under legislation
    • misappropriating or misusing public resources
    • assisting in, or dishonestly benefitting from, the misappropriation or misuse of public resources
    • dishonestly obtaining or retaining employment or appointment as a public officer.

    Corrupt conduct is also conduct that constitutes an offence against the administration of law and justice or an offence prescribed by regulation, the doing of which would adversely affect directly or indirectly the honest, impartial or effective performance of official functions.

    Misconduct

    Misconduct involves the behaviour or actions of a public officer or public body that that are connected to public affairs and constitute an offence, whether in the Territory or elsewhere, for which the maximum penalty is a fine or imprisonment for a term of less than 2 years, with or without a fine.

    Misconduct also includes certain behaviours or actions that would lead to disciplinary action, other than dismissal or termination.

    Misconduct also includes a breach or public trust by a judicial officer, the Director of Public Prosecutions, a public body, minister, MLA or local councillor.

    Unsatisfactory conduct

    Unsatisfactory conduct occurs when a public officer’s or public body’s behaviour or actions are connected to public affairs and involve:

    • illegality or impropriety
    • negligence
    • incompetence.

    To be unsatisfactory conduct, it must result in:

    • substantial mismanagement of public resources
    • inappropriate or significantly ineffective use of public resources
    • substantial mismanagement in performing an official function
    • substantial detriment to the public interest.

    Anti-democratic conduct

    Anti-democratic conduct is behaviour or actions by any person or organisation that constitute an offence under the Electoral Act 2004 or Chapter 8 Local Government Act 2019, or Chapter 8 Local Government Act 2008 (before its repeal) that affect, or are intended to affect:

    • the behaviour of the community, or people in the community, about how they vote in elections
    • the reputation, power or influence, or resources of a political party or candidate
    • the ability of the public to understand the resources and associated entities of a political party or candidate
    • the Electoral Commissioner’s ability to detect and investigate breaches of the Electoral Act 2004 or Chapter 8 of theLocal Government Act 2019 or to ensure compliance with those Acts.
  • In absentia

    In the absence of and is used to refer to a conferral that happens without a student attending a graduation ceremony or council meeting.

  • Incoming loan

    An incoming loan means any work of art or object borrowed by the University for a specific period of time, as specified in an Incoming Loan Agreement or similar Outgoing Loan Agreement provided by another cultural institution and signed by the University and the lender.

  • Independent study unit

    A unit in which a student negotiates an independent learning plan with a supervisor.

  • Independent validation

    Defined in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015 as the validation that is carried out by a validator or validators who:

    1. are not employed or subcontracted by the RTO to provide training and assessment; and
    2. have no other involvement or interest in the operations of the RTO.
  • Industry

    Defined in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015 as the bodies that have a stake in the services provided by RTOs. These can include, but are not limited to:

    1. enterprise/industry clients, e.g. employers;
    2. group training organisations;
    3. industry organisations;
    4. industry regulators;
    5. industry skills councils or similar bodies;
    6. industry training advisory bodies; and
    7. unions.
  • Industry and Skills Council

    Defined in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015 as the Commonwealth, State and Territory ministerial council established by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG), or its successor.

  • Industry engagement

    Defined in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015 to include, but is not limited to, strategies such as:

    1. partnering with local employers, regional/national businesses, relevant industry bodies and/or enterprise RTOs;
    2. involving employer nominees in industry advisory committees and/or reference groups;
    3. embedding staff within enterprises;
    4. networking in an ongoing way with industry networks, peak bodies and/or employers;
    5. developing networks of relevant employers and industry representatives to participate in assessment validation; and

    exchanging knowledge, staff, and/or resources with employers, networks and industry bodies.

  • Industry Reference Committees (IRCs)

    Defined in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015 as Committees made up of people with experience, skills and knowledge of particular industry sectors which will ensure that training packages meet the needs of employers.

  • Industry regulator

    Defined in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015 as a body or organisation responsible for the regulation and/or licensing arrangements within a specific industry or occupation.

  • Informal learning

    Learning gained through work, social, family, hobby or leisure activities and experiences. Unlike Formal or Non-Formal Learning, Informal Learning is not organised or externally structured in terms of objectives, time or learning support.

  • Inherent Requirements

    The abilities, knowledge, and standards of conduct and performance that are essential for a student to achieve the learning outcomes of a course or unit. These may include compulsory standards set by professional registration, or accreditation bodies. 

  • Inherent risk

    The exposure arising from a specific risk before controls have been put in place, e.g., before any action has been taken to manage the risk

  • Integrated course

    A course that has one or more lower AQF level courses entirely contained within it. The lower-level course is called a nested course.

  • Intellectual property

    The various rights which the law gives for the protection of creative effort of a person or group of people. Intellectual property is customarily divided into copyright and rights related to copyright subject to the Copyright Act 1968, and technical or industrial intellectual property that may be protected as registered intellectual property or by common law.

  • Internal Audit Charter

    A formal document that defines the internal audit purpose, authority and responsibility. It establishes internal audit’s position within the University; authorises access to records, personnel, and physical properties relevant to the performance of engagements; and defines the scope of internal audit activities.

  • Internal audit plan

    A high-level risk-based internal audit plan that identifies the areas of the University to be independently reviewed, together with the related business strategies, objectives and risks, with indicative objectives, scope, timing, and resourcing budget.

  • Internal auditing

    An independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve the University’s operations. It helps the University accomplish its strategic goals by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes.

  • International student

    A student studying in Australia who is not an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen, and is required to hold a visa to study in Australia and liable for international student fees (ISF) payable to the University either by the student or a sponsor.

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  • Joint awards or Dual awards

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as courses offered through collaborative or cooperative arrangements between two or more higher education providers.

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  • Key Personnel

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as senior executive officers such as:

    1. the Principal/Chief Executive Officer
    2. Academic Director (or other senior executive officer with primary responsibility for academic operations)
    3. and others who will:
      1. make decisions about the governance, management or direction of the academic and corporate operations of a higher education provider; or
      2. exercise a notable degree of control or influence over the decision making about the governance, management or direction of the academic and corporate operations of a higher education provider.
  • Kinship

    A group of people who are genetically closely related by ties of blood and marriage or its equivalent, i.e. parents and children, siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles.

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  • Learner

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as a person being trained and/or assessed by the provider for the purpose of issuing AQF certification documentation.

  • Learning management system

    A software application which provides tools that assist with the administration and delivery of online education.

  • Learning outcomes

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as the expression of the set of knowledge, skills and the application of the knowledge and skills a person has acquired and is able to demonstrate as a result of learning.

  • Leave of absence

    A period of absence from studies at the University.

  • Licensed or regulated outcome

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as compliance with an eligibility requirement for an occupational licence or a legislative requirement to hold a particular training product in order to carry out an activity

  • Likelihood

    A general description of probability or frequency of the risk occurring.

  • Lines of Defence Model

    The lines of defence model is a visual representation of the different mechanisms (defences) that all work together to manage risks and ensure that controls are implemented and effective. It helps to provide a coordinated approach for managing the University’s risks.

  • Live Streaming

    Sending video and audio signals in real time over the internet.

  • Loss

    Any negative consequence or adverse effect, financial or otherwise.

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  • Major

    An approved series of units, culminating in advanced level units, that develops an advanced understanding in a distinct academic field within a Bachelor degree course.

  • Manifestly unjust

    In the context of the Complaints Policy – Students, refers to an outcome based on false, misleading or irrelevant information, or influenced by alleged bias or discrimination, or a decision that is not supported by the evidence, but does not include cases where the complainant simply disagrees with a decision.

  • Material Change

    Under section 29(1) of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011, a registered higher education provider is required to notify TEQSA if any of the following events occur or are likely to occur:

    1. an event that will significantly affect the provider’s ability to meet the Threshold Standards
    2. an event that will require the National Register to be updated in respect to the provider.

    Material changes to an accredited course of study or to the operations of a higher education provider may lead TEQSA to take regulatory action. Any action we take will be mindful of not discouraging change, innovation and continuous improvement.

  • Microcredential

    A certification of assessed learning in a given subject area or capability, which may be additional, alternative or complementary, or a component of, a unit or course.

  • Minor

    An approved series of units, that develops a foundational understanding in a distinct field within a Bachelor degree course.

  • Mode of delivery / study

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as the range of options for study available to students. Examples include: 

    1. attendance face-to-face in a classroom
    2. supervised study on a higher education provider’s campus
    3. eLearning (online learning)
    4. distance or independent learning
    5. work-integrated learning
    6. fast track
    7. intensive delivery
    8. block release and
    9. mixed (or blended) delivery.
  • Moderation of assessment

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as quality assurance, control processes and activities such as peer review that aim to assure:

    1. consistency or comparability, appropriateness, and fairness of assessment judgments
    2. the validity and reliability of assessment tasks, criteria and standards.

    Moderation of assessment processes establish comparability of standards of student performance across, for example, different markers, locations, subjects, providers and/or courses of study.

  • Module

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as a group of learning outcomes in a VET accredited course where it can be established that it is not possible to develop an appropriate unit of competency.

  • My eQuals

    Australia and New Zealand’s official tertiary credentials digital platform for universities, TAFE and tertiary education providers. It provides students and graduates with secure access to certified, official qualification records and enables them to share their records with third parties (i.e. employers) online.   

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  • Named elective unit

    A unit that is specified in a Training Package or Accredited Course. Students select a certain number to complete the course or obtain a specific set of skills.

  • National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 (National Code)

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as the Code provides nationally consistent standards for the conduct of registered providers and the registration of their courses. These standards set out specifications and procedures to ensure that registered providers of education and training courses can clearly understand and comply with their obligations.

     

  • National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)

    The statutory body of the Australian Government responsible for research funding directed towards the maintenance and promotion of public and individual health.

  • National Protocols for higher Education Approval Processes

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as the process was developed in 2000 and revised in 2007, these protocols were a key element of the national quality assurance framework for Australian higher education. The National Protocols were drafted as guidelines rather than standards and did not contain measures of performance. Aspects of the National Protocols were incorporated into the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021.

  • National Register

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as the register maintained by the Commonwealth Department responsible for VET and referred to in section 216 of the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011.

  • National Register of Higher Education Providers (National Register)

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as the authoritative source of information on the status of registered higher education providers in Australia. The National Register was established and maintained under section 198 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011.

  • National VET Regulator

    The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), the national body responsible for registering training providers and accrediting courses in Australia.

  • Nationally Recognised Training (NRT) Logo

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as the logo used nationally to signify training packages and VET accredited courses.

  • Natural justice

    Rules and procedures to ensure fairness which must generally be followed by a person or body which has power to resolve disputes.

  • Nested course

    A higher education course that is contained within a higher AQF level course. The higher-level course is called an integrated course.

  • No Known Copyright Restrictions

    may indicate that:

    1. the copyright of the content has expired;
    2. the content has been placed in the public domain;
    3. the Copyright holder is not interested in exercising control over the content; or
    4. the Copyright holder has authorised others to use the work without restrictions.
  • Non-AQF award

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as a course leading to a qualification or an award not covered by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Registered higher education providers can apply to TEQSA for accreditation of a non-AQF course where the award or qualification is similar to a qualification covered by level 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 of the AQF (other than an award offered or conferred for the completion of a vocational education and training course).  

    In line with this, non-award short courses, for example, do not fall within our regulatory functions under the TEQSA Act as they would not be regarded as similar. Non-AQF qualifications or awards must not use AQF terminology.

  • Non-compliance

    The occurrence when the requirements of the University’s legislative, regulatory and policy obligations and accreditation / registration conditions are not fulfilled.

  • Non-formal learning

    Learning that takes place through a structured program of learning but does not lead to an officially accredited qualification.

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  • Occasional Lecture

    A single event/engagement or irregular, intermittent and/or unpredictable events, rather than an ongoing or standing activity.

  • Operations

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), Operations of an RTO include training, assessment and administration and support services related to its registration, including those delivered across jurisdictions and offshore.

  • Organisational unit

    A faculty, centre or other academic unit; a department, or other administrative unit within the University.

  • OS-HELP

    A loan available to eligible undergraduate domestic students who undertake some of their program overseas.

  • Other jurisdictions

    Refers to the copyright laws of other countries where the University delivers educational programs.

  • Outgoing loan

    An outgoing loan means any work of art or object lent by the University for a specific period of time, as specified in an Outgoing Loan Agreement or similar Incoming Loan Agreement provided by another cultural institution and signed by the University and the borrower.

  • Over-assessment

    Being represented by an oversized number or hours of assessments, the repeated assessment of the same learning outcomes, an excessive use of the same type of assessment or an exclusive focus on summative assessments.

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  • Partner Organisations

     An organisation, in conjunction with whom the University offers a program of study or a component of a program of study.

  • Pathways

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as allowing students to move through Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualification levels with full or partial recognition for the completed course of study and/or learning outcomes they already have.

  • Peer-assessment

    A form of assessment in which students use assessment criteria and a sound academic judgement to assess each other’s performance or academic work, without reference to other professionals or teaching staff.

  • Performance assessment (audit)

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as a performance assessment (audit) or compliance audit undertaken by the VET Regulator.

  • Performance criteria

    Refers to being represented by a number of benchmarks that are used to assess the achievement of standards. As capabilities, attributes and specific information of a standard for student performance, criteria indicate the degree in which students meet expectations related to what they should know and be able to do, as expressed by intended learning outcomes and the varying gradients of grades.

  • Person

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as includeing a body politic or corporate as well as an individual.

  • Plagiarism

    The presentation of the thoughts or works of another as one's own. This includes: Copying or paraphrasing material from any source without due acknowledgment Using another's ideas without due acknowledgment Working with others without permission and presenting the resulting work as though it was completed independently. Self-plagiarism (reusing your own work that has been submitted previously as an assessed item for another course).

  • Portable and attractive item

    A tangible item controlled by the University that is either:
    - desired by consumers;
    - generally able to be easily sold; or
    - easy to physically remove from the University.

  • Pre-requisite

    A unit that a student must successfully complete in order to enrol in another specified unit.

  • Precluded unit

    A unit that a student may not undertake towards a particular course by virtue of having passed a specified related unit.

  • Prize

    In the context of the Scholarships and Prizes Policy, a prize means an amount of money and/or other benefit donated to or given by the University to reward a specified student achievement. A Prize can also encapsulate an Award or Bursary.

  • Professional development

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as activities that develop and/or maintain an individual’s skills, knowledge, expertise and other characteristics as a trainer or assessor. This includes both formal and informal activities that encompass vocational competencies, currency of industry skills and knowledge and practice of vocational training, learning and assessment, including competency based training and assessment. Examples of professional development activities include:

    1. participation in courses, workshops, seminars, conferences, or formal learning programs;
    2. participation in mentoring, professional associations or other learning networks;
    3. personal development through individual research or reading of publications or other relevant information;
    4. participation in moderation or validation activities; and
    5. participation in industry release schemes.
  • Provider
    1. a registered training organisation (RTO), or
    2. an RTO that is also registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) to deliver to overseas students, or
    3. an organisation that is registered on CRICOS and delivers English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS).

     

  • Provider Case Manager

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as managers employed in the provider assessment and evaluation area of TEQSA who manage activities relating to a higher education provider.

  • Provider Category

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as relateing to a category of provider outlined in the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021.

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  • Qualification

    An accredited complete course comprising structured units of learning leading to the certification of an AQF award.

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  • Race

    A social construct used to group people. Race was constructed as a hierarchal human grouping system, generating racial classifications to identify, distinguish and marginalise some groups across nations, regions and the world. Race divides human population into groups often based on physical appearance, social factors and cultural backgrounds.

  • Racism
    1. The belief that human races have distinctive characteristics which determine their respective cultures, usually involving the idea that one’s own race is superior and has the right to rule or dominate others.
    2. Offensive or aggressive behaviour to members of another race stemming from such a belief.
    3. A policy or system of government based on it.
  • Reasonable Adjustments

    Adjustments that can be made to enable a student with disability to participate in education on the same basis as students without a disability. An adjustment is reasonable if it successfully balances the interests of all parties affected and does not compromise the academic standards or inherent requirements of a subject or course.

  • Reasonable management action

    In the context of the Bullying, Harassment and  Discrimination Policy, reasonable management action is performance management or a disciplinary process that is carried out fairly, transparently and justly.

  • Reasonable portion

    refers to the Copyright Act 1968 and allows the University, staff, and students to communicate a reasonable portion of a literary or dramatic work for educational purposes. The amount of a work that is deemed reasonable is generally not more than 10% or one chapter, but the exact amount depends on the format of the work in question. See the CDU Library website or contact askthelibrary@cdu.edu.au for more information.

  • Record

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as a written, printed, or electronic document providing evidence that activities have been performed.

  • Record of results

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as a record of all learning leading to an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualification or an accredited unit in which a student is enrolled. This may be called a

    1. transcript of results
    2. academic transcript
    3. record of achievement
    4.  or statement of results.
  • Recruitment agent or education agent

    A person or agency authorised and managed by the University to recruit students on its behalf in accordance with Standard 4 of the National Code.

  • Registered training organisation (RTO)

    A training organisation that is listed as a Registered Training Organisation on the National Register referred to in section 216 of the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011.

  • Registrar

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has the meaning given in the Student Identifiers Act 2014.

  • Registration

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as an RTO by the VET Regulator, where that registration is then entered on the National Register.

  • Regulated higher education award

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as

    1. A regulated higher education award is:
      1. an Australian higher education award offered or conferred for the completion of an Australian course of study; or
      2. an overseas higher education award offered or conferred for the completion of an overseas course of study provided wholly or mainly from Australian premises related to the award.
    2. The course of study does not need to be provided by the person that offers or confers the award.
    3. Paragraph 1a does not apply to an Australian higher education award to the extent that it is offered or conferred by:
      1. a foreign corporation; or
      2. a person (other than an individual) established outside of Australia who conducts activities in a Territory; or
      3. an individual, who is not an Australian resident, who conducts activities in a Territory.
  • Regulatory risk

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as risk events (regarding the University’s operations and performance) that result in the University not complying with its regulatory obligations or result in having conditions applied (retrospectively or prospectively) that adversely impact the University.

  • Relocation

    Moving to a different location and changing one’s place of residence. Normally this means moving to a new city or town where a campus is located.

  • Reproduction

    refers to making copies of third-party copyright content.

  • Research

    The creation of new knowledge and/or the use of existing knowledge in a new and creative way to generate new concepts, methodologies, inventions or understandings. This can include the combination and analysis of previous research to the extent that it is new and creative.

    This definition of research is consistent with a broad notion of research and development ('R and D') as comprising ‘creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of human-kind, culture and society, and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications’.

  • Research contract

    Any contract relating to research, research consultancy, and research funding in which the University is involved.

  • Research Training Scheme (RTS)

    The scheme which provides block grants, on a calendar year basis, to eligible higher education providers to support research training for domestic students undertaking degrees by research.

  • Research unit

    A unit in which a student is supervised to undertake independent learning and research, typically in Honours, Master and Doctoral courses

  • Residence Manager

    In the context of the University Resident Conduct Policy, Residence Manager means a person appointed by the Vice-Chancellor as being primarily responsible for the operation and management of a University Residence, and includes a person acting in or carrying out the duties of that office from time to time.

  • Resident

    In the context of the University Resident Conduct Policy, a resident means a student of the University or other person who is residing in a University residence from time to time.

  • Resident leader

    In the context of the University Resident Conduct Policy, Resident Leader means a person who is a current resident and also employed by the university residence in a leadership capacity.

  • Residual risk

    The remaining level of risk after effective controls have been put in place/implemented – the risk remaining after you’ve reduced the risk, removed the source of the risk, modified the consequences, changed the probabilities, transferred the risk, or retained the risk.

  • Rest period

    Rest period means a period of time when an artwork is taken off display in order to ensure its long-term preservation and to avoid overexposure to light and fluctuating climactic conditions.

  • Reviewable decision

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA) as a decision covered by section 183 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011.

  • Risk

    The uncertainty associated with the delivery of the strategic goals of the University, which could result in either a positive or negative outcome.

  • Risk analysis

    A systematic process to understand the nature, sources and causes of risk that have been identified, study the consequence of risk, deduce the level (severity) of risk (inherent or residual risk score) examine the controls that exist. Risk analysis is a sub component of risk assessment.

  • Risk appetite

    The amount and type of risk that the University is willing to pursue or retain, as endorsed by senior management and approved by the University Council. Risk appetite reflects CDU’s willingness to take on risk as derived from its capacity to bear risk and the philosophy, or attitude, towards risk taking.

  • Risk assessment

    A systematic process of evaluating potential risks that may be involved in an activity. It is made up of three separate parts: risk identification, risk analysis, and risk evaluation.

  • Risk assessment criteria

    Terms of reference by which risk is assessed and which is used to evaluate the significance or importance of risks and determine whether a specified level of risk is acceptable or tolerable.

  • Risk assessment framework (HE)

    A consistent, structured and systematic approach to assessing a provider’s risk by using a standard format and set of risk indicators across areas of institutional practice and outcomes that are central to all providers, and which allows for expert judgement and consideration of a providers’ history, context and own risk management within the risk assessment process and forms part of TEQSA’s approach to quality assurance.

  • Risk context

    To establish the context means to define the external and internal parameters that give rise to risk and which the University must consider when it manages its risks:

    • External - relates to the crucial external elements that support or impair the University’s ability to manage the risk it faces.
       
    • Internal – relates to the University and its capabilities and capacity; as well as its strategic goals and operational objectives and the strategies that are in place to achieve them, and any change program occurring within the University.
  • Risk evaluation

    Process of comparing the risk analysis results with the risk assessment criteria to determine the severity of a risk and whether a specified level of risk is acceptable or tolerable.

  • Risk identification

    A process that is used to find, recognise, and describe the risks that could affect the achievement of the University’s strategic goals. Risk identification is a sub component of risk assessment.

  • Risk management

    A coordinated set of components (processes, activities and methods) that are used to support and sustain risk management throughout the University. It includes all the processes involved in identifying, assessing and evaluating risks, assigning ownership, taking actions to mitigate or anticipate them, and monitoring and reviewing progress. 

  • Risk management process

    The systematic application of management policies, procedures and practices to a set of activities intended to establish the context, communicate and consult with stakeholders, and identify, analyse, evaluate, treat, monitor, record, report, and review risk.

  • Risk mitigation

    To reduce the likelihood or impact of the risk, or both.

  • Risk monitoring

    The ongoing process of managing risk by tracking and evaluating the level of risk and the effectiveness of the mitigating actions implemented by the University.

  • Risk Owner

    Risk Owner is the person or entity that has been given the authority to manage a particular risk(s) and is accountable for doing so.

  • Risk profile

    A written description of a set of risks. A risk profile can include the risks that the entire University must manage, or only those that a particular function or part of the University must address.

  • Risk reduction

    Actions taken to lessen the likelihood, negative consequence, or both, associated with a risk. 

  • Risk register

    Record of risks identified through a risk assessment process - documents the risk, its causes and consequences, the assessment of risk in terms of likelihood and impact, relevant mitigation/control activities and actions, risk and action owners, and performance against risk appetite.

  • Risk retention

    Acceptance of the burden of loss, or benefit of gain from a particular risk.

  • Risk severity

    The level of risk by multiplying the likelihood of the risk occurring X the impact of the risk if it were realised.

  • Risk transfer

    Shifting the responsibility for the management of risk to a second party through legislation, contract, insurance or other means. Accountability for the risk remains with the first party.

  • Risk treatment

    Process of selection and implementation of measures to modify or manage the risk – reduce the risk, accept the risk, transfer the risk, or terminate the activity or circumstance giving rise to the risk.

  • RTO Code

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as the registration identifier given to the RTO on the National Register.

  • RTP stipend

     A scholarship, provided by the Commonwealth Government, as part of the Research Training Program, to support the living expenses of Higher Degree by Research candidates.

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  • Safeguards to mitigate disadvantage to students

    Financial and tuition safeguards including sufficiently resourced contingency plans for teaching out a course of study, or transitioning affected students to an equivalent course of study. Also included in this definition is the refunding of tuition fees and other charges paid in advance for services not delivered - whether directly by a provider or through a tuition protection scheme.

  • scholarship

    In the context of the Scholarships and Prizes Policy, a scholarship means an award to support students, usually financially, on the basis of specified criteria and conditions, for a minimum of one (1) semester, up to a maximum duration of a full course of study.

  • Scholarship

    Those activities concerned with gaining new or improved understanding, appreciation and insights into a field of knowledge, and engaging with and keeping up to date with advances in the field. This includes advances in ways of teaching and learning in the field and advances in professional practice, as well as advances in disciplinary knowledge through original research.

  • Scholarship Selection Panel

    In the context of the Scholarships and Prizes Policy, means a panel created to assess scholarship applicants, generally comprising at least three (3) members. The scholarship selection panel members may individually assess the applicants, and/or meet to discuss the selection and ranking.

  • Scope of registration

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as the training products for which an RTO is registered to issue AQF certification documentation. It allows the RTO to:

    1. both provide training delivery and assessment resulting in the issuance of AQF certification documentation by the RTO; or
    2. provide assessment resulting in the issuance of AQF certification documentation by the RTO.
  • Self-assessment

    The process where students are using criteria, methods, techniques and tools to measure their own learning performance and evaluate the outcomes of their work.

  • Senior Executive

    A staff member of the University holding the position of Vice-Chancellor and President, Vice-President, Assistant Vice- Chancellor, University Secretary, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Chief Financial Officer or equivalent.

  • Senior Manager

    A staff member of the University holding the position of Director, College Dean or equivalent.

  • Services

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as training, assessment, related educational and support services and/or any activities related to the recruitment of prospective learners. It does not include services such as student counselling, mediation or ICT support.

  • Shell unit

    A unit offered by another higher education provider or registered training organisation but, through a credit transfer, counted towards the student's total credit points requirement.

  • Skill set

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as a single unit of competency or a combination of units of competency from a training package which link to a licensing or regulatory requirement, or a defined industry need.

  • Skills Service Organisations

    Organisations that support IRCs to develop the training packages that industry needs.

  • Smoking

    The inhalation and exhalation of the smoke of burning tobacco, herbs or drugs. Smoking includes the use of cigarettes and other tobacco related products or other devices used for similar purpose.

  • Specialisation

    An approved series of units within a higher education course. A specialisation arises where there are different academic foci within a course that warrant separate recognition, but where the differences are still within the field of study on which the course learning outcomes are based.

  • Specialist elective unit

    A unit that is compulsory for a major, minor, or specialisation within an award course. Specialist elective units directly address the course learning outcomes and should address the University’s graduate attributes.

  • Speech

    means all forms of expressive conduct including oral speech and written, artistic, musical and performing works and activity and communication using social media; the word ‘speak’ has a corresponding meaning.

  • Staff member

    Anyone employed by the University and includes all continuing, fixed-term, casual, adjunct or honorary staff or those holding University offices or who are a member of a University committee.

  • Standard Contract

    Any agreement made using the University approved standard contract template or University standard purchase orders or previously reviewed by Governance, including fast track agreements and schedules to umbrella agreements.

  • Standards for VET Accredited Courses

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as the standards made under subsection 188(1) of the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 or the equivalent requirements adopted by a non-referring State.

  • Statement of attainment

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as a statement issued to a person confirming that the person has satisfied the requirements of the unit/s of competency or accredited short course specified in the statement.

  • Statistically valid

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) the purposes of these Standards, a random sample of appropriate size is selected to enable confidence that the result is sufficiently accurate to be accepted as representative of the total population of assessments being validated.

  • Statutory licence

    Section 113P in the Copyright Act allows the copying and communication of copyright material by educational institutions. This section replaces the previous Part VA and VB provisions and came into effect 1st January 2019.

  • Student

    A person prescribed as a student of the University under the Charles Darwin University (Student of the University) By-laws .

  • Student attrition rates

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency  as the proportion of students commencing a course of study in a given year who neither complete nor return in the following year. It does not identify those students who defer their study or transfer to another institution. The ‘drop out’ rate from providers represents one dimension of the effectiveness of the delivery of educational services.

    NOTE: The Risk Assessment Framework is a key reference explaining measures such as attrition rates. Appendices 1 and 2 provide detailed descriptions of key measures and elements used and their calculations.

  • Student cohort

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency as all students commencing a course of study in a particular year. Student cohorts may be classified by:

    1. entry pathway
    2. mode of study
    3. place of study
    4. other groupings.
  • Student completion rates

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency as the rate of completion for a cohort of students completing in minimum time.

  • Student Identifier

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as having the meaning given in the Student Identifiers Act 2014.

  • Student progress rates

    A measure of educational achievement and the effectiveness of educational delivery. The student progress rate measures successful student subject load.

    NOTE: The Risk Assessment Framework is a key reference explaining measures such as student progress rates. Appendices 1 and 2 provide detailed descriptions of key measures and elements used and their calculations.

  • Student Services and Amenities Fee

    The fee that higher education providers can charge for student services and amenities on a non-academic nature such as; sporting and recreational activities, employment and career advice, child care, financial advice, and food services.

  • Student-centred audit approach

    An approach to audit that focuses on the practices and behaviours of providers, as well as checking on the compliance of providers’ systems and processes.

  • Study hours

    The hours of effort expected of a student to achieve the required learning outcomes. Study hours include independent study time and contact hours.

  • Subject

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency as a separate unit of study and a combination of subjects make up a course of study.

  • Summative assessment

    A measure of students’ knowledge, skills and abilities through testing and examinations that lead to a mark, which is a summarised form that indicates the level of student performance, achievements and capabilities. Summative assessments are determining student readiness for promotion from one level to the next.

  • Support person

    In the context of the Complaints Policy – Students, a support person refers to a person that a student can nominate to provide them with emotional support and reassurance. This person is not an advocate and therefore cannot act for the student.

  • Support staff

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency as a member of staff of a higher education provider without an academic staff classification who provides support functions for teaching and/ or research activities. Examples of support functions include:

    1. management
    2. academic learning support
    3. English language support
    4. student counselling
    5. librarian
    6. IT support
    7. laboratory assistance
    8. technical assistance
    9. general administrative functions
    10. student administration functions such as provision of student advice, student admissions, student enrolments and student graduations.
  • Suspension

    In the context of the University Resident Conduct Policy, suspension refers to the temporary removal from a university residence.

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  • Target risk

    The anticipated level of risk following the application of controls (in place, underway or planned) and which the Risk Owner is willing to tolerate in line with risk appetite.

  • Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)

    The Australian Government agency that regulates and assures the quality of Australia’s higher education sector.

  • Testamur

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency as an official certification document that confirms a qualification has been awarded to an individual. In Australia this may be called an award, parchment, laureate or certificate.

  • Text works

    Includes textbooks, eBooks, worksheets, newspapers, magazines, novels, journals and material from online/websites.

  • Thesis

    Body of work submitted as part of a research unit that presents the research and findings of the student.

  • Third party

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as any party that provides services on behalf of the RTO but does not include a contract of employment between an RTO and its employee.

  • Third party, agent or partner arrangements

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency as where a higher education provider has, or intends to have, aspect of its course(s) of study carried out by a partner, agent or third-party arrangement. These arrangements may include:

    1. partnerships with other institutions, higher education providers, or entities
    2. the formation of joint ventures or special purpose companies
    3. sub-contracting of services
    4. franchising arrangements.

     

  • Third-party copyright content

    Refers to copyright content not owned by the University.

  • Threshold Standards

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)  Threshold Standards are:

    (a) the Provider Standards, which are:

    1. the Provider Registration Standards; and
    2. the Provider Category Standards; and
    3. the Provider Course Accreditation Standards;

    and

    (b) the Qualification Standards.

     

  • Trainers

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as persons who provide training.

  • Training

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as the process used by an RTO or a third party delivering services on its behalf, to facilitate learning and the acquisition of competencies in relation to the training product on the RTO’s scope of registration.

  • Training and assessment Credential

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as those qualifications, skill sets and units of competency, or relevant combination of those qualifications, skill sets and units of competency, specified in the table at Schedule 1.

  • Training and assessment strategies and practices

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as the approach of, and method adopted by, an RTO with respect to training and assessment designed to enable learners to meet the requirements of the training package or accredited course.

  • Training package

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as the components of a training package endorsed by the Industry and Skills Council or its delegate in accordance with the Standards for Training Packages. The endorsed components of a Training Package are: units of competency; assessment requirements (associated with each unit of competency); qualifications; and credit arrangements. The endorsed components form part of the requirements that an RTO must meet under these Standards. A training package also consists of a non-endorsed, quality assured companion volume/s which contains industry advice to RTOs on different aspects of implementation.

  • Training Product

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as an AQF qualification, skill set, unit of competency, accredited short course and module.

  • Types of assessment

    An inclusion of a large variety of summative and formative solutions that can measure students’ achievement of intended learning outcomes.

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  • Un-named elective unit

    A unit that is not listed in a Training Package. Un-named elective units can be from any currently endorsed Training Package, qualification, or accredited course, but must be relevant to the work environment and the qualification, maintain the integrity of the AQF alignment and contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome.

  • Undergraduate

    A student enrolled in and not yet completed or graduated from a bachelor degree, diploma or associate degree.

  • Unique Student Identifier

    The Unique Student Identifier or USI is a reference number made up of a combination of ten numbers and letters. A USI connects student loan information to a student’s personal details. USIs are mandatory for higher education and vocational education and training students in Australia

  • Unit

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency as a separate unit of study and a combination of subjects make up a course of study. Same definition as subject.

  • Unit of competency

    The specification of the standards of performance required in the workplace as defined in a training package.

  • Universal design

    Tthe design of products and environments to be usable by all people to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or of specialised design. In education, this means developing course content, teaching materials and delivery methods to be accessible to and usable by students across the broadest diversity ranges.

    Unjustifiable hardship is an exception outlined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 that allows an organisation to refuse to make an adjustment. In determining what constitutes unjustifiable hardship, all relevant circumstances of the particular case are to be taken into account, including:

      1. the benefits and disadvantages that would be caused by making the reasonable adjustment; and
      2. the effect of the disability of the student concerned; and
      3. the financial cost of making the reasonable adjustment in the context of the organisation’s financial circumstances.
  • University

    Charles Darwin University, a body corporate established under section 4 of the Charles Darwin University Act 2003. The University is comprised of the various faculties, CDU TAFE, organisational units, and formal committees, including the governing University Council and Academic Board.

  • University activity

    In the context of the University Resident Conduct Policy, university activity means resident involvement, engagement, or representation of a University residence in any physical or virtual activity, game, competition, event, including a club or entity affiliated or associated with the University or residence.

  • University community

    Officials and individuals carrying out University business. This includes, but is not limited to, all staff members, researchers, peer reviewers, students, volunteers, consultants, agents and contractors.

  • University facilities

    Any premises, physical, online or virtual environment, for the time being used for the purposes, or under the auspices of the University.

  • University residence

    University residence means any hall, residence, or accommodation facility established or managed by the University from time to time.

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  • Validation

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as the quality review of the assessment process. Validation involves checking that the assessment tool/s produce/s valid, reliable, sufficient, current and authentic evidence to enable reasonable judgements to be made as to whether the requirements of the training package or VET accredited courses are met. It includes reviewing a statistically valid sample of the assessments and making recommendations for future improvements to the assessment tool, process and/or outcomes and acting upon such recommendations.

  • Vaping

    The inhalation and exhalation of a vapourised liquid which usually contains nicotine.

  • VET

    Means Vocational Education and Training. VET includes all students of CDU TAFE and all TAFE courses.

  • VET accredited course

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as a course accredited by the VET regulator in accordance with the Standards for VET Accredited Courses .

  • VET qualification

    A testamur given to a person confirming that the person has achieved learning outcomes and competencies that satisfy the requirements of a qualification recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework.

  • VET Quality Framework

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as a framework comprising:

    1. the Standards for Registered Training Organisations
    2. the Australian Qualifications Framework
    3. the Fit and Proper Person Requirements
    4. the Financial Viability Risk Assessment Requirements
    5. the Data Provision Requirements

     

  • VET Regulator

    Defined by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as:

    1. the National VET Regulator; and
    2. a body of a non-referring State that is responsible for the kinds of matters dealt with under the VET legislation for that State
  • Vocational competencies

    Broad industry knowledge and experience usually combined with a relevant industry qualification. Vocational competency is determined on an industry-by-industry basis and with reference to the relevant training package or VET accredited course.

  • Voltage

    Voltage means differences of potential, normally existing between conductors and between conductors and earth as follows:

    1. Extra-low voltage (ELV) - not exceeding 50 volts alternating current (50 V a.c.) or 120 volts ripple-free direct current (120V ripple-free d.c.);
    2. Low voltage (LV) - exceeding extra-low voltage, but not exceeding 1000 volts alternating current (1000 V a.c.) or 1500 volts direct current (1500 V d.c.); or
    3. High voltage (HV) - exceeding low voltage.
  • Volume of Learning

    The notional duration of all activities required for achieving learning outcomes. Volume of learning includes nominal (supervised) hours and unsupervised hours.

  • Volunteer

    A person not receiving remuneration as a staff or Council member, who is engaged in a professional capacity to perform an activity for, or on behalf of the University.

  • Volunteer community service activity

    Includes:

    1. a voluntary emergency management activity (e.g., State Emergency Service);
    2. Defence Force training;
    3. jury service that is required by or under relevant legislation;
    4. a witness in a civil, criminal or industrial matter;
    5. a significant cultural or ceremonial event; or
    6. a national or international sporting event where the student is a participant or appointed as a recognised national or international official.

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  • Work integrated learning

    Defined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency where structured and purposefully designed learning and assessment activities integrate theory with the practice of work.

    Work-integrated learning includes service learning, and activities normally involve students interacting with industry and community within a work context or similar situation. This may be simulated and generally allows students to learn, and apply/demonstrate skills and knowledge applicable to the course of study being undertaken (Adapted from ALTC, The WIL (Work Integrated Learning) Report, Patrick, et al, 2009).

  • Work integrated learning (WIL) unit

    A unit that provides work experience set within a framework with specified learning outcomes and assessable activities. Work integrated learning (WIL) units are also known as placements, work experience, internships or practicums.

  • Works

    Work/s means a work of art accessioned into the CDU Art Collection, or on loan to the University.