Information Statement

In accordance with the requirements of section 94 of the Freedom of Information Act, 1992, this Information Statement is provided by the University of Western Australia (UWA) in its commitment to uphold the spirit of the Act as an open, transparent and accountable government agency.

The purpose of this Information Statement is to provide the community in general, a reference and overview of the information maintained at the University and the options available to access this information.

In our commitment to make information accessible, this Information Statement has been incorporated into UWA’s website.

CONTENTS

• UWA Facts and Figures
• Important Statistics
• Primary Mission, Vision and Objectives
• Structure and Functions of UWA
• Legislation
• Decision Making and How it Effects the Public
• Public Participation at UWA
• Documents Held by UWA
• Documents Available Free of Charge
• Documents Available at a Cost
• How to Access Documents
• Accessing Documents under the FOI Act
• Making an Application
• FOI Charges
• Notice of Decision
• Internal Review Process
• External Review Process
• Amendment of Personal Information
• Office of the Information Commissioner

UWA FACTS AND FIGURES

UWA was established in 1911 as the State’s first University with an enrolment figure of 184 students across 3 faculties being Arts, Engineering and Science. Today, UWA is ranked among the best Australian research-led universities with enrolments exceeding 19, 500 students across the following 9 faculties:

• Architecture, Landscape and Visual Arts
• Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
• UWA Business School
• Education
• Engineering, Computing and Mathematics
• Law
• Life and Physical Sciences
• Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
• Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Sir John Winthrop Hackett was the founding Chancellor of UWA and its main benefactor, leaving more than £425, 000 (equivalent of $18 million today) to the University. He was proprietor and editor of The West Australian newspaper with an enduring enthusiasm and interest in establishing a world-class University in Perth.

UWA’s 65-hectare Crawley campus is positioned beside the Swan River and is located 5km from the Perth Central Business District. The campus is widely celebrated for its grounds and buildings, which are listed in the register of Australian National Estate. There are over 200 species of plants and trees and over 55 species of birds that enrich the serenity and beauty of the grounds.

UWA attracts high calibre students. In 2008 UWA enrolled 82.8% of the top 5% of school leavers in the State. The national average in 2007 for enrolments in higher degrees by research was 4.7% with UWA’s student ratio in this field being 9.6%. In 2007, when compared nationally, UWA had the third highest proportion (10.8%) of higher degree research enrolments.

Numerous teaching and research awards have been won by UWA staff, including the prestigious Nobel Prize. In 2005 this award was presented to Professor Barry Marshall and Emeritus Professor Robin Warren for their discovery of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori and its role in gastritis and peptic ulcer disease.

UWA promotes an international focus for all its activities and standards, in their commitment to excellence and quality.

IMPORTANT STATISTICS

UWA statistics can be found on the Statistics Office website or by contacting the following staff:

PRIMARY MISSION, VISION AND OBJECTIVES

UWA’s Mission, Vision and Objectives as presented in the 2007 Annual Report as follows:

UWA operates a fully integrated system of strategic and operational planning and systematically monitors performance against goals.

The integrated system includes the:

• Strategic Plan
• Academic Profile
• Operational Priorities Plan
• Institutional Management Plans
• Faculty Strategic and Operational Plans
• Budget
• Cycle of Planning and Accountability

The University’s mission, desired outcomes and broad objectives are described in its Strategic Directions document and associated Operational Priorities Plan in the following terms.

Mission

To advance, transmit and sustain knowledge and understanding through the conduct of teaching, research and scholarship at the highest international standards, for the benefit of the Western Australian, Australian and international communities.

Vision

UWA will be recognised internationally for its excellence in teaching and research and as a leading intellectual and creative resource to the communities it serves.

Values

The core values underpinning our activities are a commitment to:

• A high performance culture designed to achieve international excellence.
• Academic freedom to encourage staff and students to engage in the open exchange of ideas and thought.
• Continuous improvement through self-examination and external review.
• Fostering the values of openness, honesty, tolerance, fairness, trust and responsibility in social, moral and academic matters.
• Transparency in decision making and accountability.
• Equity and merit as the fundamental principles for the achievement of the full potential of all staff and students.

Defining Characteristics

UWA will be recognised by the following defining characteristics:

• High quality; as the pervading criterion for all our activities.
• Comprehensive; with a broad teaching and research profile in the arts, sciences, and professions.
• Selective; within a comprehensive base, to develop particular areas of research strength and emphasis.
• Research-intensive; with a strong teaching and research nexus across all our disciplines.
• Internationally-focused; for both the content and standards of our activities.
• Technologically innovative; to maximise our flexibility.
• Responsive; to meet the needs of the community, our students and our graduates.

Achieving international excellence as a comprehensive teaching and research University calls for fully funded growth to achieve economies of scale. UWA has set a growth target to exceed 20,000 students by 2010 and to move towards a 70 per cent and 30 per cent profile of undergraduate to postgraduate students.

Strategic Priorities

UWA has identified six priority strategic objectives of particular significance to achieving international excellence over the 2006–2008 trienniums:

• Teaching and Learning—improve the quality of the student learning experience.
• Research and Research Training—improve the quality and impact, and productivity of research and research training.
• External Relations—improve the University’s positioning, reputation and strategic relationships.
• Resourcing—increase and diversify the University’s income, with particular emphasis on general purpose income.
• Staffing—recruit, develop and retain the highest quality staff, supporting development of their full potential, within a ‘one staff, one University’ philosophy.
• Management—improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the management of the University.

STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF UWA

UWA is a leader in Academic Excellence with its achievements being recognised at a local, national and international level. It adheres to the principles to which it was founded; the University of Western Australia Act 1911 (UWA Act), for the commitment in; '…further instruction in those practical arts and liberal studies which are needed to advance the prosperity and welfare of the people…’

SENATE

The UWA Act administers the University, in which the Governing Body, often referred to as the Senate, is empowered to ‘have the entire control and management of the affairs of the University’. The 21 presiding members of Senate in 2008 are listed below. The date in brackets indicates the year a person becomes a member of Senate, followed by the year the current term of office expires.

Chancellor

Michael Alfred Chaney AO, BSc MBA Hon.LLD W.Aust., FAIM, FAICD (2005) 2009

Appointed by the Governor

Susan Jennifer Delyse Boyd, BA, DipEd, Hon.DLitt W.Aust., GAICD (2006) 2010
David Charles Griffiths, BEc W.Aust., MEc A.N.U. (1996) 2008
Anthony John Howarth, AO, Hon.LLD W.Aust., FAIBF, FAICD, FAIM, FSIA (2003) 2011
Robert John Inverarity, CitWA, MBE, BA, DipEd W.Aust., Hon.D Murd. (2006) 2010

Elected by Convocation

John William Biggs, BSC(Agric) W.Aust. (2006) 2010
Lesley Ann Cala, MD W.Aust., DMRD RCP(Lond.) & RCS(Eng.), FRCR, FRANZCR (2000) 2010
Roderick Quentin Cooper, BA BJuris LLB W.Aust., FAICD, SAFin (2007) 2011
Catherine Luise Tang, BA DipEd W.Aust., GradDipBus WACAE (1996) 2010

Elected by Academic Staff

Stuart Malcolm Bunt, MA DPhil Oxon. (2000) 2008
Allan McKinley, BSc PhD Cantab., MNZIC (2005) 2011
Vera Morgan, BA Adel., GradDipEd Melb., MSocSc S.Aust. (2005) 2010

Elected by General Staff

Gabrielle Elisabeth Gooding, BSc MBA W.Aust. (2001) 2009

Elected by Students

Nikolas Stefan Barron (2007) 2008
Daniel Bond, BSc, W.Aust (2007) 2008
Mathew Chuk (2007) 2008

Members Ex Officio

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alan David Robson AM, BAgrSc Melb., PhD W.Aust., FTSE, FACE, FACEL, FAIAS

Co-opted Members

Penelope Ruth Flett, MBBS Adel., DGM, FRACMA, AFCHSE, FAIM (2007) 2011
John Leslie Langoulant, BEc W.Aust. (2004) 2010
Lyndon Geoffrey Rowe, BEc Adel. (2000) 2012

PRINCIPAL OFFICERS OF UWA

Visitor

His Excellency the Governor of Western Australia

Chancellor (Honorary Position)

Dr Michael Alfred Chaney AO

Pro-Chancellor (Honorary Position)

Mr David Charles Griffiths

Vice-Chancellor

Professor Alan David Robson AM

The Vice-Chancellor is the Executive Officer and Academic Principal of UWA. The Executive group was appointed by the Vice-Chancellor to assist him in all matters relating to the academic, financial, administrative and other UWA business.

EXECUTIVE GROUP

Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor

Professor William (Bill) Louden 

Deputises for the Vice-Chancellor in his absence and oversees the overall management of the Deans of Faculties, including Dean of Indigenous Studies, Librarian and staffing policy and cultural activities.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation)

Professor Doug McEachern

Responsible for research, research training, industry liaison and commercialisation.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education)

Professor Don Markwell

Responsible for strategy and policy on academic programs, including international education.

Executive Director (Academic Services) and Registrar

Mr Peter Curtis

Responsible for all academic administration matters.

Executive Director (Finance And Resources)

Ms Gaye McMath

Responsible for Financial Services, Facilities Management, Human Resources, Information Technology Services and Venues Management.

ACADEMIC ORGANISATION

UWA is recognised as the states oldest University with a student population of over 19 500. It is the most comprehensive undergraduate and postgraduate University in Western Australia and provides courses across nine faculties in addition to off-shore programs offered in Singapore, Jakarta, Manila, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

UWA is a member of the prestigious Group of Eight leading Australian universities which provide students with outstanding training and is recognised as amongst the best in the world.

Each UWA faculty is represented by a Dean who is nominated by the Senate and has authority in administrative and budgetary matters and members of the academic and general staff. A faculty may also include individual schools and centres which are managed by its own head.

FACULTY ADMINISTRATION

Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Visual Arts

Dean: Dr Clarissa Ball
Faculty Manager (On Leave): Joy Gilsenan
Faculty Manager: Alan Luks

Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

• Humanities
• Music
• Social and Cultural Studies

Dean: Professor Anne Pauwels
Faculty Manager: Scott Sullivan

Faculty of Business (UWA Business School)

• Economics and Commerce
• Management

Dean: Tracey Horton
Faculty Manager: Keith Rappa

Faculty of Education

Dean: Professor Bill Louden
Faculty Manager: Marina Kailis

Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

• Civil and Resource Engineering
• Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering
• Mathematics and Statistics
• Computer Science and Software Engineering
• Environmental Systems Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Dean: Professor Mark Bush
Faculty Manager (On Leave): Mr Paul Higgs
Faculty Manager:Paula Langley

Faculty of Law

Dean: Professor William Ford
Faculty Manager: Catherine Seton

Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences

• Anatomy and Human Biology
• Biomedical, Bimolecular and Chemical Sciences
• Human Movement and Exercise Science
• Physics
• Psychology

Dean: Professor George Stewart
Faculty Manager: Jenny Gamble

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences

• Dentistry (Oral Health Centre of WA)
• Medicine and Pharmacology
• Paediatrics and Child Health
• Population Health
• Primary, Aboriginal and Rural Health Care
• Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences
• Surgery and Pathology
• Women’s and Infants’ Health

Dean: Professor Ian Puddey
Faculty Manager: Susan Henshall

Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

• Agriculture and Resource Economics
• Animal Biology
• Earth and Geographical Sciences
• Plant Biology

Dean: Professor Alistar Robertson
Faculty Manager: Christine Richardson

Academic Board

Chair: Professor Karen Simmer (2009) 2010
Associate Chair: Professor Brett Kirk (2009) 2010

Refer to the Academic Board link for a list of members for 2008.

Graduates Association

Warden of Convocation: Dr Sue Baker 

Refer to the Academic Secretariat website for specific information relating to our structure.

UWA RESEARCH AND TRAINING CENTRES

UWA has over 85 research and training centres that enhance teaching and research activities, which include collaborations with other academic institutions and private and Government organisations; these are:

• ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology
• Australian Centre for Geomechanics
• Australian International Gravitational Research Centre
• Centre for Aboriginal Medical and Dental Health
• Centre for Acoustics, Dynamics and Vibration
• Centre for Anthropological Research
• Centre for Asthma, Allergy and Respiratory Research
• Centre for Atomic, Molecular and Surface Physics (CAMSP)
• Centre for Child and Adolescent Related Disorders
• Centre for Clinical Research in Neuropsychiatry
• Centre for Ecohydrology Centre for Electro-Optic Propagation and Sensing (CEOPS)
• Centre for Entrepreneurial Management and Innovation (CEMI)
• Centre for Exploration Targeting (CET)
• Centre for Evolutionary Biology
• Centre for Forensic Science
• Centre for Health Services Research
• Centre for Indigenous History and the Arts
• Centre for Industrial Solid Mechanics (CISM)
• Centre for Intelligent Information Processing Systems (CIIPS)
• Centre for Labour Market Research
• Centre for Land Rehabilitation
• Centre for Legumes in Mediterranean Agriculture (CLIMA)
• Centre for Muslim States and Societies (CMSS)
• Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis
• Centre for Mining, Energy and Natural Resources Law
• Centre for Musculoskeletal Studies
• Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders
• Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems
• Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science
• Centre for Organisational Research
• Centre for Remote and Rural Oral Health
• Centre for Software Practise
• Centre for Sustainable Mine Lakes
• Centre for Vulnerable Children and Families
• Centre for Water Research
• Centre for Western Australian History
• Centre for Women and Business
• Centre for Women’s Studies
• Centre of Excellence in Natural Resource Management (CENRM)
• Child Study Centre
• Combined Universities Centre for Rural Health
• CRC for Asthma
• CRC for Australian Telecommunications
• CRC for Plant-Based Management of Dryland Salinity
• CRC for Pest Animal Control
• CRC for Predictive Mineral Discovery
• CRC for Weed Management Systems
• CRC for Welded Structures
• Crime Research Centre
• Clinical Training & Education Centre (CTEC)
• Data Linkage Australia
• Ear Sciences Centre
• E-Med (International Centre for Mobile Health Care Solutions)
• Energy Systems Centre
• Eureka Archaeological Research and Consulting Centre
• Institute for Regional Development
• Integral Leadership Centre
• Mechanical Engineering Consultancy Centre
• Nanoscale Characterisation Centre
• Planning and Transport Research Centre (PATREC)
• Rural Clinical School
• Statistical Consulting Group
• Survey Research Centre
• Tectonics Special Research Centre
• Timber Technology Centre
• Trade, Migration and Development Research Centre
• Urban Design Centre
• UWA Centre for Child Health Research
• UWA Centre for Medical Research
• WA Centre for Capital Markets Research
• WA Centre for EMC Technology
• WA Telecommunications Research Institute (WATRI)
• Western Australian Biogeochemistry Centre (WABC)
• Westerly Centre
• Western Australian Centre for Research for Women (WACRW)
• Western Australian Centre for Semiconductor Optoelectronics and Microsystems (WACSOM)
• Western Australian Supercomputer Program (WASP)

LEGISLATION

UWA is responsible to the State Minister for Education as State legislation forms the legal frame work in which the University conducts its business. Also, due to the partial funding received as a public University, it is accountable to Commonwealth Education in terms of the delivery of teaching and research programmes.

In addition to the UWA Act, there are over 100 items of legislation that affect the operational structure of the University which includes Acts, By-Laws, Regulations, Rules and Statutes. Specific information on these are found in UWA's Handbook or Calendar.

Whilst not an exhaustive list, the following legislation is most relevant.

State Legislation

• Anti-Corruption Commissions Act 1988
• Corruption and Crime Act 2003
• Criminal Code Act 1913
• Disability Services Act 1993
• Electronic Transactions Act
• Equal Opportunity Act 1984
• Evidence Act 1906
• Financial Administration and Audit Act 1985
• Freedom of Information Act 1992
• Gender Reassignment Act 2000
• Industrial Relations Act 1979
• Industrial Training Act 1975
• Lesbian and Gay Law Reform Act 2002
• Limitations Act 1935
• Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 1993
• Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984
• QE11 Medical Centre Act 1966 
• State Records Act 2000
• University Building Act 1930 & 1952
• University Colleges Act 1926
• University Medical School of Teaching Hospital Act 1955 
• Western Australia Post-Secondary Education Commission Act 1970
• Worker's Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 1981
• Workplace Agreements Act 1993

Commonwealth Legislation

• Age Discrimination Act 2004
• Copyright Act 1968
• Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000
• Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Act 1986
• Disability Discrimination Act 1992
• Disability Standards for Education Act 2004
• Fringe Benefits Tax Act 1986
• Fringe Benefits Tax Assessment Act 1986
• Goods and Services Tax Act 1999
• Higher Education Support Act (HESA) 2003
• Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986
• Income Tax Assessment Act 1997
• Privacy Act 1988
• Racial Discrimination Act 1985
• Sex Discrimination Act 1984
• Superannuation Act 1976
• Telecommunications Act 1997
• Workplace Relations Act 1996

DECISION MAKING AND HOW IT EFFECTS THE PUBLIC

The decision making functions of UWA rests with the Senate, which, in concurrence with State and Commonwealth Legislation ultimately affects the public. This is achieved by providing highly skilled and qualified individuals that serve the community in commerce, industry and the professions.

Further, the research conducted in the various disciplines by UWA academics and students are strategically focused to meet community needs. To find out more about the research being conducted in UWA, go to the Research and Research Training website. Research undertaken in 2007 can also be found in UWA's 2007 Annual Report.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT UWA

The UWA Act prescribes that the hierarchy ‘shall consist of a Senate, Convocation and graduate and under graduate Members’. The Senate is responsible for ‘the entire control and management of the affairs and concerns of the University’ and allows it to ‘act in all matters concerning the University in such manner as appears to it best calculated to promote the interests of the University’.

Details of the University establishment, in particular, the formation of the Senate can be found in the UWA Act.

The majority numbers of Senate Members are not UWA students or staff, but members of the community who represent industry, the professions or other tertiary institutions. This ensures that there is public participation in all UWA processes.

A current list of Senate Members is found on our website and 2007 Annual Report.

Open Senate meetings may be attended by the general public, provided that prior arrangements are made with UWA's Executive Officer (telephone: (08) 6488 2457) in order to meet seating capacity.

COMMITTEES AND ASSOCIATED BODIES

UWA promotes public participation in a vast number of research studies and forums which effectively determines the direction taken by stakeholders. These include numerous committees and associations, such as:

Convocation - The UWA Graduates Association

Graduates of UWA are permanent members of Convocation, which promotes a life-long link with the graduate community. Membership is open to academic staff as well as those community members who have an interest in the University as outlined in Statue 4 of the UWA Act.

Members are sent election and meeting papers for the first ordinary meeting of Convocation each year and can participate in Convocation and the University community by:

• Election to the Senate
• Election as Warden or Deputy Warden or to the Council of Convocation
• Voting on all Convocation Elections
• Assisting in the Visitors Information Centre

The Convocation provides a free lifetime email address to UWA graduands, graduates and alumni and notifies these members of reunions, events and also public lectures held at the University.

Members receive the Uniview magazine which features stories on graduates, research at the University and the University generally. It also provides Grad Links, which is a tool for graduates to promote small businesses.

The UWA Student Guild

Since 1913, the Guild has acted on behalf of the students of UWA to the University, government and the wider community. All Guild's functions and activities are developed for the purpose of student representation and control in student affairs.

The Guild Council comprises of 20 democratically elected students who are responsible for all strategic decisions that direct the organisation. Student representatives participate in most University boards and committees, from the University Senate to the Parking Appeals Committee. The every day running of the Guild is primarily undertaken by the Guild Executive, which consists of the Guild President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary.

The Education Officers at the Guild Student Centre provide advice on academic and financial matters and are useful as the first point of contact for students experiencing difficulties and are uncertain of where to go for help. The Guild Student Centre also provides other services such as:

• Reporting of lost or found property
• Purchasing tickets to Guild events
• Venue bookings
• Signing of petitions
• Information flyers and bus timetables

The Guild organises a number of events such as end of semester shows, O’Day, and Oktoberfest. Off-campus, the Guild has a variety of benefit partners that offer discounts and benefits to UWA Guild members.

Audit and Review Committee

The Audit and Review Committee monitors the University’s policies and performance in relation to corporate governance; risk; statutory, financial and operational accountability.

Development Committee

The Development Committee is responsible for fundraising policy and strategy.

Strategic Resources Committee

The Strategic Resources Committee monitors the University’s financial welfare, staffing resources and campus planning.

External Environment Committee

The External Environment Committee advises on emerging strategic issues that may affect the University in the external environment, particularly in industry, government and general community.

UWA Perth International Arts Festival Board

The UWA Perth International Arts Festival Board organises, promotes and managers programmes for the annual event.

Honorary Degrees Committee

The Honorary Degrees Committee makes recommendations to Senate on the award of the Honorary Degrees and Chancellors Medal.

Healy Medical Research Foundation Research Committee

The Healy Medical Research Foundation Research Committee focuses on the Healy Postgraduate Fellowship which is acknowledged as a prestigious award among University researchers and is offered biennially over a three-year term.

Raine Medical Research Foundation Research Committee

The Raine Medical Research Foundation Research Committee funds medical research including major joint ventures, establishes fellowships and scholarships and the sponsorship of international scholars.

Chancellor's Committee

The Chancellor’s Committee provides advice on governance issues relating to Senate, deals with membership matters relating to Senate and its committees, co-ordinates the programme of the Senate and its committees, and provides advice, on request, to the Chancellor on matters which are not covered by the terms of reference of any other Senate committee.

Whilst this is not an exhaustive list, further information on the above and other committee's can be found on the committee's website or by contacting the Academic Secretariat on telephone (08) 6488 1075.

Community Based Activities and Programmes

In 2008, our community participated in activities and programmes instigated, developed or supported by UWA. These were:

• Berndt Museum of Anthropology
• Edward de Courcy Clarke Earth Science Museum
• Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery  
• School of Music (Public Concerts)
• University Club of Western Australia
• University Archives  
• University Theatres
• UWA Extension
• UWA Institute for Advanced Studies (Lectures)
• UWA Perth International Arts Festival (PIAF)
• UWA Press
• UWA Sport and Recreation Association
• UWA Expo 2008

DOCUMENTS HELD BY UWA

What is a document?

The glossary section of the FOI Act defines a document as any:

Record;
Part of a record;
Copy, reproduction or duplicate of a record; or
Part of a copy, reproduction or duplicate of a record.

Documents held by UWA may be recorded in the following mediums:

UWA DOCUMENTS

UWA generates a vast collection of documents which are located in various areas, such as administration, faculties, schools, institutes, centres and individual offices. A substantial amount of useful information is also found on UWA's website.

All documents created by UWA are subject to approved Disposal Authorities and this is in accordance with the State Records Act, 2000. The retention period for documents range from a few hours to permanent retention.

Approximately 10% of document created by UWA will be identified as archival (preserved indefinitely). These documents are deemed to possess continuing administrative , evidential or research value and form part of the cultural resources of the State. UWA's disposal policy is articulated in UWA's Records Management Policy.

UWA embraces the principle of ‘openness’ and seeks to provide maximum access to its records. Therefore, a formal application under the FOI Act is only required if you encounter difficulties in obtaining access to the document(s) you seek. Reference to UWA's Access Policy may assist in determining if a document is readily available or not. 

STUDENT RECORDS

Student records contain information which is accumulative during the course of a students’ University career. It includes personal and academic details and associated correspondence.

The following are types of documents that may be found in a student’s record file.

• Academic Appeals
• Academic Encumbrances
• Academic Records
• Admission to Status
• Advanced Standing
• Appeals Against Examination or Assessment Grades or Exclusion from a Unit, Course or Faculty
• Application for Admission for Non-TISC Students
• Application for Deferred Enrolment
• Application to Transfer Programs/Degrees/Courses
• Application, Terms and Conditions, Withdrawal, Formal Correspondence, Offers and Acceptances
• Approved Leave
• Assessment of Thesis (Including Examination Material and Correspondence between Students, Supervisors and Examiners) but not the Thesis Itself
• Authority to Enrol
• Bursary Information (International Students)
• Change of Address
• Change of Enrolment Form (Where in Hardcopy – Not Online)
• Change of Enrolment Letters
• Change of Name
• Complaints Against Staff
• Course Plans
• Course Transfer
• Court Action/External Resolution of Issues Relating to a UWA Student
• Credit/Exemptions
• Cross Institutional Enrolment
• Cross Institutional Information
• Dean’s Congratulations Letters
• Equity Issues Including Reports of Racism
• Exemptions for Admission Requirements
• Exit with Lesser Degree
• Extension to Deadlines for Assessment (Final Year Projects)
• Information received that Impacts on Student's Study Path
• Fee Extensions
• Fines – Documentation Relating to Fines (Not the Fine Itself)
• Grievances
• Harassment
• Letters to Prize Winners
• Medical or Psychological Reports
• Misconduct/Complaints
• Non-Standard Enrolment Including Special Approval Forms
• Offer / Acceptance of Offer
• Payment or Non-Payment of Fees
• Plagiarism or Acts Of Possible Plagiarism
• Re-Admission to University
• Sanctions
• Scholarship Documentation Including: Offers & Acceptances, Terms & Conditions, Applications, Withdrawals, Formal Correspondence
• Special Approval Forms
• Special Consideration Forms (Parts 1 and 2)
• Special Exam Arrangements/Deferred Exams
• Statutory Declarations
• Student Loans
• Study Plans
• Suspension Of Course
• Visa and Passport Information (Including Cancellation of Visa or Visa Arrangements for Graduation)
• Welcome Letters to Postgraduate Students
• Withdrawal Forms and Associated Correspondence

The confidentiality status of these records restricts access to the student and appropriate officers, unless authorised by the student. Refer to UWA’s policy regarding the confidentiality of students’ personal information.

New student records are now created on EDRMS TRIM (Electronic Document and Records Management  - Total Records and Information Management). Access to student files is restricted and consideration is only given to those areas within Central Administration, if requirements are business related and practical.

Access to student files may be requested by Faculty Managers and their Administrative Officers, School Managers, Heads of School, Deans and Subdeans and Academic Student Advisors. This policy includes administrative staff in the Graduate School of Management (GSM) due to their involvement in the student enrolment process.

If there is a legitimate requirement to view the file of a student, Academics or administrators are required to complete a request for access to student files form. The completed form is forwarded to the Registrar or Director Student Services (as his delegate), for consideration. UWA staff wishing to access their own student file must also apply to the Registrar.

PERSONNEL (STAFF) FILES

Personnel files are considered confidential and contain matter such as personal and financial details, leaves arrangements and related correspondence.

The type of documents found on staff files are:

• Advertisements & Request to Advertise
• Academic Position Information (Immigration Purposes Only)
• Allowances e.g. Higher Duties, Discretionary, Market, High Performance
• Authorisation or Delegation of Duties
• Awards Granted to Staff – Including Complimentary Letters
• Change of Address
• Change of Name – Including Copies of Supporting Documentation
• Change of Qualifications – Including Copies of Supporting
• Documentation
• Contact with University after Cessation of Employment
• Criteria, Duty Statement and Search Plan
• Crown Relocation Survey Requests
• Employment Schemes
• Faculty Notes/Memos – Where the Subject of the Note/Memo Relates to any Issue in this list (e.g. Fellowships, Study Leave, Change of Qualifications)
• Fellowships – Including Proposals/Nominations, Application, Appointment, Renewal, Extension
• Leave Records - Where Leave Affects Service – Long Service Leave, Study Leave (Academic Staff), Leave Without Pay (LWOP), Maternity Leave – Including Cancellation/Variation of the Above, Leave Audits and Calculations
• Offer, Appointment & Employment – Including Recommendation for Appointment, Signed Offer, Commencement Advice, Contract Expiry or Extension, Change in Working Hours/Additional Hours, Home Based Work, Tenure, Transfer or other Changes to Employment Conditions, Relocation Costs, Immigration and Visas
• Per Diem Payments
• Performance Appraisal & Management – Including Assessment Reports (Not General Staff Development Review Forms), Increment/Probation Not Approved, Summary of Activities for Tenured Staff
• Personal References
• Police Clearances
• Promotions – Final Letter Only
• Redeployment of Staff to/from other Sections or Organisations
• Relief/Acting Arrangements (Long Term) – Including Approval & Payment
• Requests for Changes to Business Units and Project Grants
• Salary Packaging & Other Arrangements – Including Signed Agreements, Deferred Salary Scheme
• Secondment of Staff to/from other Sections or Organisations
• Separation from the University – Including Resignation, Retirement, Dismissal, Death, Redundancy, Retrenchment & Final/Termination Calculations & Payments
• Superannuation – Including Claim Forms, Summary of Entitlements & Calculations
• Successful Job Application & CV – Including Initial Application & Copies of Original Documents e.g. Birth Certificate, Passport, Citizenship, Formal Qualifications
• Taxation – Including Lump Sump Payments & Eligible Termination Payments

Staff may view their files by submitting a formal written request to the Director, Human Resources. Public access to staff files is not permitted and only authorised UWA staff may request access. Notwithstanding this, information that is not considered confidential may be extracted under special circumstances and a personnel file that is considered archival (over 75 years old) may be requested from the University Archivist.

ARCHIVES AND RECORDS MANAGEMENT (ARMS)

Archives and Records Management Services manage administrative information/records relating to UWA. TRIM is UWA’s official records and electronic document management system.

Appropriate mechanisms are in place to identify and name Univeristy records. ARMS use a functional thesaurus based on Keyword AAA to title its general administrative files. These files are classified according to the record's primary function. UWA's main functions have been identified as:  

• Community Relations
• Equipment and Stores
• Establishment
• External Relations
• Facilities Management
• Financial Management
• Industrial Relations
• Information Management
• Legal Services
• Occupational Safety and Health
• Personnel
• Publication
• Research
• Staff Development
• Strategic Management
• Student Administration
• Student Services
• Teaching and Learning
• Technology & Telecommunications

UWA will meet reasonable requests for access to an active, semi active and archival documents, including personal archives donated to the University which are not considered a restricted record. A restricted record is considered highly confidential, sensitive in nature or likely to suffer physical damage or destruction if official or general access is granted.

Examples of documents held by the University Archives are:

• Campus Building Records
• Central Administration Files from 1913 to Current Date
• Convocation Records
• Early UWA Financial Records
• Examination Registers, Including The Public Examinations Board
• Festival of Perth, Adult Education Board and Extension Records
• Microfilm of Student Files Pre and Post 1963
• Minutes of Major and some Minor University Committees unless deemed Restricted
• Oral History Collection Featuring Interviews with Prominent University Figures
• Papers of Both Prominent Academic and UWA Staff
• Personnel (Staff) Files
• Photograph Collection
• Records from Faculties and Individual Departments

The University Archivist can be contacted on (08) 6488 7234 for further information and an Application for Access Form can be downloaded from UWA's website.

DOCUMENTS CREATED BY FACULTIES / SCHOOLS

If you wish to access information/documents not readily found on our website, the relevant faculty or school will determine if access is freely available or not. Contact the applicable Dean/Head of School for this type of enquiry.

LIBRARY / MUSEUM FACILITIES / VISITOR'S CENTRE

BERNDT MUSEUM

The Berndt Museum of Anthropology is located at the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (Room G30). It was formally established in 1976 by UWA for the purpose of sustaining, preserving and developing a comprehensive ethnological collection of Aboriginal art and cultural for its members and for the general community. Today, our extensive collection also includes works from Melanesia, Asia and South-East Asia.

The core collections were obtained by Ronald M. and Catherine H. Berndt during almost fifty years of fieldwork in many areas of Australia, as well as New Guinea. To honour their work, in 1992, the museums’ name was changed from Anthropology Research Museum to the Berndt Museum of Anthropology.

Many of the collections can now be viewed in a virtual museum on The Berndt Museum of Anthropology website.

LAWRENCE WILSON ART GALLERY

The Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery is the first dedicated, purpose built art museum building in an Australian University. The Gallery is located on UWA grounds, alongside the Sunken Gardens which is near the corner of Stirling Highway and Fairway.

The Gallery was constructed principally from funds raised from alumni, public and corporate donations. Visitors to the gallery include the general community, students, staff and alumni of UWA.

The Gallery presents a program of innovative exhibitions, featuring the University's extensive Art Collection, as well as new, contemporary art and touring shows. All exhibitions are supported by a wide ranging public program. Information on current and previous exhibitions can be found on their website.

REID LIBRARY

The Reid Library is located on the UWA campus east of the main entrance (Administration East - Carpark 1) and provides students, staff and the general community access to a number of library services.

The library comprises of a number of separate libraries and collections that cater for different disciplines. Refer to the individual categories for further information, including affiliated schools, location and opens times.

• Biological Sciences Library
• Business Library
• Education, Fine Arts & Architecture Library
• Geology Collection
• Humanities & Social Sciences Library
• Law Library
• Map Collection
• Mathematics & Physical Sciences Library
• Medical & Dental Library
• Music Library
• Scholars' Centre
• Undergraduate Physical Sciences Library

Reciprocal arrangements with other universities also exist for current staff and students which include Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University and the University of Notre Dame. Details on Reciprocal Memberships and conditions can be found on the libraries lending services website.

Non-members are welcome to use the free library services offered, which include:

• Browse and read books, journal and audio-visual materials
• Use the study facilities
• Access the Library catalogue

If you wish to borrow material from the library, you may apply to register as a Community Member. To find out more about these memberships and/or open times, contact the Reid Library.

Telephone: 6488 1777
Fax: 6488 1012
Email: uwalibrary@library.uwa.edu.au

VISITOR'S CENTRE

In addition to reference material, staff at the Visitor’s Centre have extensive knowledge of the University and can provide guidance to campus locations and local areas.

UWA memorabilia and a comprehensive collection of UWA Press publications are also on sale at the Visitor’s Centre. UWA Press titles may also be ordered through the UWA Press website.

The Visitor’s Centre is located on the ground floor of the main administration building near the main entrance on Stirling Highway. The opens times are Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and on special occasions. To contact the Visitor’s Centre, call (08) 6488 2447, email Terry Larder on terry.larder@uwa.edu.au, or attend personally.

DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE

UWA has a large selection of brochures, newsletters and information sheets which are produced by individual faculties and range from Musical Events to Research.

These publications are free and can be downloaded from UWA’s website or found at the relevant faculties, Student Administration and in some instances, UWA’s Visitor's Information Centre.

If a hardcopy is required, a charge may be imposed for photocopying when stock is limited. If you require assistance in regards to access, contact UWA’s FOI Coordinator.

Course Leaflets

• Accounting
• Advanced Studies
• Agricultural Economics
• Agriculture
• Anatomical Sciences
• Anatomy and Human Body
• Animal Science
• Anthropology
• Archaeology
• Architecture
• Arts
• Asian Business
• Asian Studies
• Bachelor of Science
• Biochemistry
• Bioinformatics
• Biological Sciences (Life Sciences)
• Biomedical Science
• Biophysics
• Botany
• Chemical and Process Engineering
• Chemistry
• Chinese
• Civil Engineering
• Classics and Ancient History
• Commerce
• Communications Studies
• Computer and Mathematics Sciences
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Science and IT
• Conservation Biology
• Dentistry
• Diploma of Modern Languages
• Earth Science
• Earth Science Foundation Package
• Economics
• Education
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Electronic Business
• Engineering
• English
• Environmental Engineering
• Environmental Geoscience
• Environmental Management
• Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
• Environmental Science
• European Studies
• Exercise, Health and Sport Science
• Finance
• Fine Arts
• French
• Genetics
• Genetics and Breeding
• Geochemistry
• Geography
• Geology
• Geology and Resource Economics
• German
• Green Chemistry
• Health Science
• History
• Horticulture
• Human and Behavioural Science (Life Science)
• Human Resource Management
• Indonesian
• Industrial Relations Information Management
• Italian
• Japanese
• Land and Water Management
• Land Rehabilitation
• Landscape Architecture
• Landscape Management
• Law
• Linguistics
• Management
• Marine and Coastal Management
• Marine Biology
• Marine Science
• Marketing
• Master of Pharmacy
• Materials Engineering
• Maths
• Mechanical Engineering
• Mechatronics Engineering
• Medicine
• Medieval and Early Modern Studies
• Microbiology
• Mineral Geoscience
• Mining Systems
• Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
• Money and Banking
• Music
• Nanotechnology
• Natural Resource Management
• Neuroscience
• Pathology
• Petroleum Engineering
• Petroleum Geoscience
• Pharmacology
• Philosophy
• Physical Science
• Physics
• Physiology
• Podiatry
• Political Science
• Process Instrumentation and Control
• Psychology
• Restoration Ecology
• Science Communication
• Science Computation
• Science Education
• Science International
• Social Work
• Soil Science
• Software Engineering
• Urban and Regional Planning
• Wildlife Management
• Women’s and Gender Studies
• Zoology

Brochures

• Access UWA – History at UWA
• Admission to Residential Colleges Application Form
• Alumni Relations
• Campus Challenge 
• Career Choices in Science
• Centre for English Language Teaching
• Currie Hall Brochure
• CUCRH (Combined Universities Centres for Rural Health)
• Diplomas at UWA
• Frequently asked Questions
• HECS - Help, Information for Commonwealth Supported Students
• How to Apply to UWA
• Mature Age Entry to UWA
• Medicine and Dentistry Entry - Standard Applicants (School Leavers)
• Medicine and Dentistry Entry - Non Standard Applicants (Non School Leavers)
• Medicine and Dentistry - Graduate Entry Programme
• High School Programmes for Indigenous Students
• Live on Campus- Live your Degree
• McGillivray Organ Restoration Fund Appeal
• Phillips & Father Photography & Framing (Graduation Photography)
• Prospects E Newsletter Sign Up Postcard
• Restoration Ecology
• Scholarships and Awards
• Security & Personal Safety on Campus
• Start your Engineering Career at UWA
• St George’s College Brochure
• Study and Fee Options 
• Study at UWA Albany
• The Centre for Aboriginal Medical and Dental Health
• The UWA Sports Foundation
• Trinity College Brochure
• UMAT – Information Booklet
• University Admission - Admission Requirements For School Leavers
• University Admission - Admission Requirements For Mature Age Applicants
• University of Western Australia & Nedlands Community Local Travel Smart Guide
• UWA Albany Centre
• UWA Campus Map
• UWA Courses Quick Reference Guide
• UWA English Language Competence Requirement
• UWA Friends of the Grounds
• UWA-Uniswim Program Information
• UWA Useful Web Addresses
• UWA Special Entry Scheme for Disadvantaged TEE Students
• UWA Sports Scholarships 
• What Level English Do I Need To Get Into UWA?

Newsletters

• Alumnews (School of Earth and Geographical Science)
• Australian Mining History Association
• Between the Lines (Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences)
• Berndt Campaign (Berndt Museum of Aboriginal Art and Culture)
• Campus Review
• Childhood Allergy and Immunology Research
• Developments (The Hackett Foundation)
• HR Matters
• Impress - Information Management (Published Quarterly)
• Recreate Magazine (Published Quarterly)
• Science Matters
• Study at UWA
• The Centre for WA History
• The Club (Published Quarterly)
• The Engineering Essential
• Think Green
• University SustainAbility
• UNIVIEW (Published 4 Times Per Year)
• UWA Centenary Trust for Women
• UWA Extension (Courses and Seminars Program)
• UWA in Print
• UWA News (Published Fortnightly)

Guidelines / Internal Manuals / Policies / Reports

These types of documents can be found by searching UWA’s website, specifically UWA's Policies, the relevant faculty or school to which the document applies. If you require assistance in this area and/or do not have access to the internet, contact UWA’s FOI Coordinator.

• Absence on Account of Illness, Injury or Caring
• Academic Appointments
• Academic Conduct Guidelines for Faculties and other Teaching
• Supervision Sections at UWA: Ethical Scholarship, Academic Literacy and Academic Misconduct
• Accelerated Increments
• Acting Arrangements
• Additional Responsibilities Allowances (ARA) including Designated Role Allowances
• Adjunct and Clinical Titles
• Administration of Higher and Professional Doctorates
• Administrative Procedures applying to Faculties wishing to Offer Units in the Summer Session
• Administrative Procedures for Dealing with Donations to Fund Prizes and Undergraduate Scholarships
• Administrative Procedures for Offering Flexible Course Combinations to those with TER of 99 or Greater
• Administrative Procedures in the Case where an Enrolment is to be Cancelled Due to the Discovery that Documentation Offered in Support of Entry was Fraudulent
• Admission and Quota Policy
• Advertising
• Air Conditioning Policy
• Allocation to Semesters
• Alterations in and about University Buildings
• Alterations Undertaken by Schools Independently of Facilities Management
• Annual Recreation Leave (Including Annual Leave Loading)
• Annual Report (UWA)
• Appeals Process in the Case where there is Dissatisfaction with an Assessment Result and/or Progress Status
• Appointments Financed From Outside Sources
• Approval to Fill a Vacancy
• ARC and NHRMC Fellows
• Assets and Capital Expenditure
• Attraction Retention Remuneration for University Staff
• Audit
• Award of Honours (With Procedures) - Example Only
• Banking
• Block Credit
• Bonus Payments
• Calendar
• Casual Appointments
• CCTV (Closed Circuit Television Systems)
• Change in the Use of Accommodation
• Change, Redundancy & Separation
• Changing the Status of the Appointment
• Charter of Student Rights and Responsibilities
• Children in the Workplace
• Clinical Loadings
• Code of Ethics & Code of Conduct
• Code of Good Practice for Graduate Research Supervision
• Collaboration with External Agencies
• Commercialisation Protocols
• Committee Membership - Deans
• Committee Minutes
• Compassionate / Bereavement Leave - Academic Staff
• Concurrent Enrolment - for Students in Combined Courses
• Conference/Fieldwork or OSP (Other than during Study Leave) - Academic Staff
• Conferral of Academic Titles on Principal Investigators and Directors of Research Centres
• Confidentiality
• Consultancy/Contract Work
• Consumption of Liquor on Campus
• Contractor Safety and Health Policy
• Credit Continuing Education
• Credit Points for Year of Standard Courses
• Credit Transfer
• Cultural / Ceremonial Leave
• Deans
• Deferred Salary Scheme
• Delegation of Dean's Duties and Responsibilities
• Delegations Policy
• Distinction Allowances (Academic Staff)
• Domain Names Policy
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Employees Eligible for a Supported Wage
• Employment of Close Relatives
• Environmental Policy
• Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Policy Statement
• Ergonomic Policy for Use of Laptop Computers
• Ergonomics Policy
• Expenditure
• Faculty Based Teaching Awards
• Financial Responsibility
• First Aid Policy
• Funding and Budgetary Control
• Funding from the Tobacco Industry
• Gender Balance on Committees
• General Principles for Dealing with Service Units
• General Staff Appointments
• Guidance on Web Page Compliance with ESOS Act 2000
• Guide for Submission of Proposals
• Guide to Work and Family Policy
• Guidelines for Alternative Placement or Transfer of Staff: General Staff
• Guidelines for Conduct in the Workplace
• Guidelines for Developing a Search Plan for Appointments to Professor - Level E
• Guidelines for Drafting Conditions and Regulations for New Scholarships
• Guidelines for the Development of an Academic Workload Allocation System
• Guidelines for the Engagement of Contractors
• Guidelines for the Payment of Discretionary Allowances
• Guidelines Governing the Establishment of Non-University Funded Positions
• Guidelines on Assessment at UWA
• Guidelines on Establishment and Review of UWA Research and Training Centres
• Guidelines on Learning Skills
• Guidelines on Literacy
• Guidelines on PC Power Management
• Guidelines on Research Ethics and Research Conduct
• Heads of School
• Higher Duties Allowance - General Staff
• Home Based Work
• Hot Spots Air Conditioning
• Hours of Duty
• Income
• Incremental Progression
• Indigenous Employment and Career Development Policy
• Injury Management
• Intellectual Property Policy
• Internal Transfers (Fixed Term Appointment General Staff)
• Job Redesign and Classification
• Job Sharing
• Jury Service
• Keys and Locks
• Leave for Emergency Services
• Leave for International Sporting Events
• Leave for Staff Development Purposes - General Staff
• Leave for Study or Special Purposes for Executive Positions - General Staff
• Leave with Defence Force Reserves
• Leave Without Pay
• Levels for Research Grant Funded Staff
• Long Service Leave
• Managing Staff at The University of Western Australia: Guidelines for Academic and General Staff about Management Supervision
• Managing Unsatisfactory Performance Professional & General Staff
• Market Allowance
• Maximum Employment Hours (FTE)
• Merit Allowance
• Minimum Essentials for Good Practice in Assessment
• Minimum Value and Duration of Prizes
• Mobility Policy
• Naming Rights Policy of The University of Western Australia for Academic Positions, Facilities and Landscape Features
• New Staff Induction
• Nomenclature - Masters
• Nomenclature - Postgraduate Policy
• Non-standard Semester Policy
• Occupational Safety and Health Policy
• Offensive Material on UWA IT Systems
• Online Credit Card Transactions
• Open Source Software Policy & Strategy
• Paid Leave for English Language Training
• Parental Leave
• Payment of Hire for Use of an Employee's Own Vehicle
• Permit Policy
• Platform Neutrality
• Policy and Procedure for Cross-Institutional Enrolment
• Principal Dates
• Policy and Procedures for Dealing with Equity and Diversity Enquiries and Grievances
• Policy and Procedures for Establishing and Reviewing Transnational (Offshore) Programs, including Proformas
• Policy and Procedures for Establishing Articulation Agreements and Arrangements for Advanced Standing
• Policy for Non-Award Certification
• Policy for Refund of Fees (International)
• Policy Guidelines for the Marketing Recruitment and Support of International Students
• Policy on Amendment of Examination Results and other Academic Decisions found to be in Error after Formal Notification to Students
• Policy on Award Certificates
• Policy on Cancellation of Units
• Policy on Changes to Regulations - Applicability for Current Students
• Policy on Disposal/Recycling of Computers
• Policy on External Enrolments for PhD Students
• Policy on Fees for Domestic Students Enrolled in Postgraduate Courses
• Policy on Fees for Domestic Students who have a Non-Award Enrolment at UWA
• Policy on Reduction of Fees for International Postgraduate Research
• Students including application Forms
• Policy on Security Contact Responsibilities
• Policy on the Award of Honours
• Policy on the Award of the Title of Emeritus Professor
• Policy on the Use of Calculators in Exams
• Policy on Unit Points Value
• Portable Fans, Room Heaters and Air Conditioners
• Posthumous Award of Coursework Qualifications of the University
• Press Releases
• Principles and Processes for the Issuing and Use of Degree Abbreviations Priority for Award of RTS Places (Research Training Scheme)
• Privacy of Electronic Material
• Probation (General Staff)
• Professional and Consultative Work
• Professional Development Review
• Professional Relationships in the Workplace Policy
• Promotion and Tenure of Academic Staff
• Public Access to University Records
• Purchased Leave
• Racial Harassment
• Radiation Safety Policy
• Recognition of Prior Learning
• Recognition of Prior Service
• Recording of Withdrawal
• Records Management Policy
• Recovery of University Infrastructure Policy
• Recruiting for Academic Staff Positions
• Reimbursement of Student Contribution Amount
• Relocation Expenses
• Replacement of a Degree Certificate
• Replacement of a Degree Certificate for Gender Reassigned Graduates
• Requests to Increase Accommodation
• Research Publications
• Responsibility and Accountability
• Retention of Financial Records
• Review Committees for Unsatisfactory Performance / Misconduct: Academic
• Role of the Professor
• Salary Budget Data
• Salary Packaging
• Salary Progression
• Scholarships, Prizes, Endowments (SPE)
• Selected Applicant on Rehabilitation or Workers Compensation (General Staff)
• Selection and Appointment Guides
• Selection Criteria for Academic Positions
• Selection Policy Principles
• Selection Procedures and Guidelines for Appointments to Professor - Level E
• Selection Procedures for Deans
• Senior Honorary (Research) Fellows
• Sexual Harassment
• Short / Compassionate / Bereavement Leave - General Staff
• Smoking Policy
• SPAM Policy
• SPAM Reporting Policy
• Spare Computer Capacity Policy
• Special Funds
• Staff Access to University Records
• Staff Development Grants for General Staff
• Staff Development Policy
• Staff Email Address Policy
• Staff Exchanges and Placements with Other Organisations
• Staff with Disabilities
• Starting Salaries
• Status Approval
• Strike Caused Absences
• Student Email Policy
• Student Loans
• Student Transfers from Regional Centres to Crawley Campus
• Students Complaints Resolution Policy
• Study and Examination Provisions for Students with Disabilities
• Study Leave - Academic Staff
• Superannuation
• Take-Down Procedures
• Teaching with Diversity Checklist
• The Appointment of Professors
• Time Off For Formal Study (General Staff)
• Transnational Teaching Programs
• Travelling Allowance
• True Copy of a Degree Certificate
• Uniforms and Protective Clothing
• Units Additional to Requirements for Completion
• University Financial System
• University Policy on Cancellation of Units
• University Policy on Professional Doctorates
• University Policy on Unit Codes
• University Statistics (UNISTATS)
• University Taxation Policy
• University Theatres - Conditions of Hire
• University Theatres - User Pays Policy
• US Federal Aid: Course Withdrawal Policy
• US Federal Aid: Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
• Use of Email at UWA
• Use of Non-Discriminatory Language
• Use of Wireless at UWA
• UWA Guidelines for Proposed Ancillary Student Fees and Charges
• UWA Investment Policy
• UWA in Brief
• UWA Preferred Suppliers
• UWA Travel Policy
• Vehicle Washing
• Vehicles on the Inner Campus
• Veteran's Leave
• Visa Information for Visitors to UWA
• Visas and Citizenship Visiting and Honorary Appointments (Excluding Senior Honorary (Research) Fellows)
• Waiver of Rules Website Guidelines Workforce Diversity Strategy

DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE AT A COST

Costs are to be confirmed upon application as they are subject to change.

HOW TO ACCESS DOCUMENTS

Access procedures under the FOI Act do not apply to documents that are readily available by other means i.e. available for free or for purchase, available for inspection (whether for a fee or charge) or publicly available at a library.

Information found on our website; from the relevant faculty or school; your own personal file; UWA’s annual report, handbook and calendar, are examples of documents that may be accessed outside the FOI process. Therefore, please contact the FOI Coordinator prior to making an application (see 'Making an Application' below for contact details).

ACCESSING DOCUMENTS UNDER THE FOI ACT

The FOI Act gives individuals the right to apply for access to documents held by Government agencies, which includes universities. It provides the public with the means to participate more effectively in governing the State and to make the persons and bodies that are responsible for State and local Government more accountable to the public.

It is the aim of UWA to make information available promptly; at the least possible cost, and where possible, documents will be provided outside the FOI process.

Access to documents can be granted by way of inspection, a copy of a document, a copy of an audio or video tape, a computer disk and a transcript of recorded, shorthand or encoded document from which words can be reproduced.

MAKING AN APPLICATION

If you wish to make an application under the FOI Act, you are required to submit your application in writing and include the following:

• give enough information to enable the requested documents to be identified;
• give an address in Australia to which notices under this Act can be sent;
• indicate the type of access being sought i.e. inspection of a document or a copy of the document;
• be lodged at UWA with any application fee payable.

An application fee of $30.00 is payable for non-personal information (documents that include personal information relating to third parties other than the applicant). No fee is payable for personal information relating to the applicant only.

Applications and enquiries should be directed to:

FOI Coordinator
Legal Services Office M461
The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway
Crawley WA 6009

Telephone: 6488 4759
Fax: 6488 1328
Email: laurence.shepherd@uwa.edu.au

In addition to the $30.00 application fee (for non-personal information), processing charges may apply in dealing with an application. These charges are $30.00 per hour ($22.50 per hour for pensioner concession card holders or whom UWA considers impecunious) and a photocopying charge of 20c per page.

If the total charges exceed $25.00, UWA will provide an ‘Estimate of Costs’ outlining the documents and this will enable the applicant to either choose to proceed with the application as is or to exclude documents that are not required which would reduce the costs. A deposit may also be requested at this stage.

FOI CHARGES

A scale of fees and charges are set in accordance with the FOI Regulations 1993 as follows.

NOTICE OF DECISION

Following a lodgement of a valid application, the agency has a period of 45 days to deal with your access application and to make a decision whether access to the requested documents will be granted. The applicant may negotiate a new due date with the agency (shorter or longer period) or apply directly to the Officer of the Information Commissioner to have the time reduced in which the agency has to complete the application.

The agency, on completion of the process, provides the applicant with a written ‘Notice of Decision’ which will include details such as:

• The date which the decision was made;
• The name and the designation of the officer who made the decision;
• If access is refused, the reasons for claiming the document is exempt; and
• Information on the rights of review and the procedures to be followed to exercise those rights.

INTERNAL REVIEW PROCESS

Applicants who are dissatisfied with a decision of the agency are entitled to request for an internal review by the agency. Application should be made in writing within 30 days of receiving the Notice of Decision. The agency then has 15 calendar days to conduct a review. Another person in the agency, who is not subordinate to the original decision-maker, must make the decision on the internal review.

Please note that the option of an internal review is not available if the original decision was made by the Chief Executive Officer, (Vice Chancellor) but you can apply to the Office of the Information Commissioner for an external review.

EXTERNAL REVIEW PROCESS

If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of the internal review, you can apply to the Information Commissioner for an external review. An application for external review should be made to the Information Commissioner within 60 days of receiving written notice of the decision. If you are a third party affected by the decision of the agency the timeframe is reduced to 30 days.

AMENDMENT OF PERSONAL INFORMATION

An individual has the right to apply to an agency for amendment of their personal information, if the information contained in a document is deemed to be inaccurate, incomplete, out of date, or misleading. An application for amendment must be lodged with the FOI Coordinator (details above). Alternatively it can be emailed directly to laurence.shepherd@uwa.edu.au.

In support of the amendment request, your written application should include the following information:

• Sufficient details to enable the document that contains the information to be identified;
• Details of the matters in relation to which the person believes the information is inaccurate, incomplete, out of date or misleading;
• The person's reasons for holding that belief;
• Details of the amendment that the person wishes to have made;
• An address in Australia to which notices under this Act can be sent;
• Any other information or details required under the regulations; and
• Lodged with, posted or faxed to UWA’s FOI Coordinator.

Applicants must also indicate how they wish the amendment to be made with the options set out in the Act, for example:

• Altering information;
• Striking out or deleting information;
• Inserting information;
• Inserting a note in relation to information; and/or
• In 2 or more of those ways.

Further information in regards to making an application for amendment to personal information and/or accessing UWA documents, contact UWA’s FOI Coordinator on (08) 6488 4759. Alternatively, go to the Legal Services website or contact the Office of the Information Commissioner.

OFFICE OF THE INFORMATION COMMISSIONER