Higher Degree by Research Examinations Subcommittee (HDRESC)

The PhD Award Sub-committee of the Graduate Studies Committee of the Academic Board was renamed the HDR Examinations Subcommittee (HDRESC) of the Graduate Studies Committee and approved by Senate at its meeting on 7 December 2016. The review of the Academic Board in 2016 brought about a review of the Committee Structure of the Board which was reviewed during 2017 and finalised at the 28 November 2017 Board meeting to be in place at 1 Janaury 2018. As a result this committee was re-constituted as a subcommittee of the Academic Quality Committee. 

The Terms of Reference for the Committee as presented below were subject to discussion at the first meeting of the Committee in 2018, with final approval anticipated at the 6 March 2018 meeting of the Academic Board.

Purpose
The HDR Examinations Subcommittee advises the Academic Quality Committee about resolutions, policy and procedures relating to the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and other higher degrees by research and takes decisions in accordance with the Thesis and Examination of Higher Degrees by Research Policy 2015, the Thesis and Examination of Higher Degrees by Research Procedures 2015, resolutions of the Senate and the Academic Board relating to the examination process for higher degrees by research.

Terms of Reference
1. To advise the Academic Quality Committee on resolutions, policy and procedures relating to the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and other higher degrees by research.
2. To take decisions in accordance with the Resolutions of the Senate and the Academic Board relating to the examination and award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and other higher degrees by research at the University of Sydney.
3. To advise on the development of processes for the effective implementation of resolutions, policy and procedures relating to the examination and award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and other higher degrees by research.
4. To provide academic oversight in relation to domains 1.4.5, 1.4.6, 1.4.7 and 4.2.1 (d) and (e), of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015.
5. To provide regular reports on its activities under its terms of reference to the Academic Quality Committee.
6. To consider and report on any matter referred to it by the Academic Board, the Vice-Chancellor or the Academic Quality Committee.