(1) This Policy supports the correct classification of subject disciplines under the Australian Standard Classification of Education (ASCED). Correct classification is critically important because the University’s funding is directly related to the ASCED codes of subjects. (2) Applies to: (3) All new and revised units must have expert academic input into the assignment of discipline codes (ASCED codes). (4) The appropriate ASCED code of any new subject must be agreed to by the Deputy Director, Student Administration before a subject is given final approval by a College Academic Committee. (5) All new and revised subjects must be assessed for quality assurance and compliance using the principles outlined in the ASCED Classification of Subject Disciplines Procedures and the ASCED Classification of Subject Disciplines Guidelines. It is recognised that, on rare occasions, the assigning of ASCED codes to subjects will not be supported by this framework. Any deviations from the framework must be appropriately documented and accountability trails established for audit purposes. (6) This Procedure is to explain the process for classifying units under the Australian Standard Classification of Education (ASCED). (7) The ASCED was developed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. ASCED is a statistical classification for use in the collection and analysis of data on educational activity and attainment. The classification was developed as part of a national framework for the storage, exchange and dissemination of statistical and administrative data on educational activity in Australia. ASCED has a three-tiered structure: (8) A simple list of Broad, Narrow and Detailed Discipline groups. The Government listing of Discipline groups. (9) Every subject must be assigned to as detailed a level of Discipline group as possible. This must be at least the Narrow Discipline group. (10) Colleges are responsible for: (11) The Student Services Division is responsible for: (12) The following three general scenarios require slightly different approaches (refer also to the worked examples at ASCED Classification of Subject Disciplines - Appendix 1 and 2). (13) Where the ASCED contains a Detailed Classification that corresponds to the discipline of the subject to be classified, that Detailed Classification should be used. (14) Where the ASCED does not contain a Detailed Classification that corresponds exactly to the discipline of the subject to be classified, then classification needs to be a balanced decision that takes account of all close possibilities. (15) Use the most relevant ASCED code. For example, a subject that includes elements of disciplines such as Recreation (50%), Culture (25%), and Environmental Observation (25%) should be classified as Recreation. The order of topics and the emphasis in the subject description often assists when making such an assessment. (16) For the purpose of this Policy and Procedure:ASCED Classification of Subject Disciplines Policy
Section 1 - Background and Purpose
Section 2 - Scope
Top of PageSection 3 - Policy Statement
Section 4 - Procedure
Part A - Explanation of the ASCED and its Structure
Part B - Essential References
Part C - ‘First principle’ of Classification
Part D - Responsibility of Colleges
Part E - Responsibility of Student Services Division
Part F - Process for Classifying a Subject Discipline
Part G - A Detailed Discipline Group Corresponds Exactly to the Subject to be Classified
Part H - No Detailed Discipline Group Corresponds Exactly to the Subject to be Classified
Part I - Subject to be Classified has Mixed or Multi-disciplinary Content
Section 5 - Definitions
Top of PageSection 6 - Stakeholders
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Responsibility for implementation – College General Managers.
Responsibility for Monitoring Implementation and Compliance – Deputy Director, Student Administration.