Academic Senate

The Academic Board was established in 2005 as the primary academic body of Sunway University College. Upon being conferred university status, the Board of Directors on 28 January 2011 approved the establishment of the “Academic Senate” as the new academic governing body of Sunway University.

The Academic Senate of Sunway University is responsible for academic governance of the University, which includes oversight of academic quality and the integrity of Sunway University academic awards. Its role thus entails the approval of programmes of study and academic policies covering matters such as the requirements for admission to diplomas and degrees, examination procedures and modes of assessment. The Academic Senate is also responsible for overseeing academic discipline, approving research policy and direction, and advising on the resources needed to deliver high-quality programmes that serve to enhance Sunway University’s academic reputation.

The Academic Senate, hereafter referred to as “the Senate” is chaired by the Vice-Chancellor and has a broad-based representation from the university community. Membership is drawn from the following categories:

• Ex-officio members, comprising all full professors of the university, heads of school and academic departments, deputy vice-chancellors, the Registrar, the Chief Librarian and senior administrative staff who deal with academic matters
• Elected members, comprising two academic staff and two students (one undergraduate and one postgraduate)
• External and invited members

The Secretary of the Senate shall be chosen from its membership. The Head of Academic Quality is currently is the Secretary. The membership of the Senate will be reviewed from time to time. Membership as at Meeting 2011/2 (pdf)

Terms of Reference

The functions and responsibilities of the Senate are to:

• Discuss any matter related to the academic programmes of the University and advise the Board of Directors or other appropriate person or body within Sunway University on such matters. In particular, the Senate may make such recommendations and propose such policy as it thinks fit with respect to academic organisation, programmes of study, methods of instruction, examinations and assessments, academic discipline, student and staff grievances, degrees and diplomas, research, and the resources needed to fulfill Sunway University’s academic mission.
• Receive, evaluate and approve programmes of study leading to diplomas and degrees of the University.
• Review existing programmes and propose changes to the curriculum and assessment modes, consulting as necessary with representatives of existing university partners and School or Faculty Boards of Studies.
• Discuss and advise the Board of Directors on new programmes that may be developed by the University, having regard to national requirements, viability, resources and available expertise.
• Oversee the development of Sunway University’s research profile and approve on behalf of the Board of Directors policies to be adopted with respect to research in the University.
• Approve the admission of students to diplomas and degrees, including admission with advanced standing.
• Approve credit transfer and advise on and approve credit transfer agreements with other universities and higher education institutions.
• Approve, on behalf of the Board of Directors, the award of diplomas and degrees.
• Establish such committees of the Senate as it sees fit, with membership that may include external advisers, in order to provide expert advice on matters within the Senate’s areas of responsibility.
• Where appropriate, approve the appointment of external examiners.
• Make recommendations to the Board of Directors on the establishment of Professorial Chairs and the award of professorial titles, including the title of Emeritus Professor.
• Make recommendations to the Board of Directors on the award of honorary degrees and titles.