Terms of Reference
Within the context of distance education, which includes formally approved Distance Learning papers and programmes as well as the systems, processes and practices integral to all 'virtual' models of teaching and learning, the Terms of Reference of the Distance Learning Advisory Committee are:
- To advise the Committee for the Advancement of Learning and Teaching (CALT) on policy and strategy relating to Distance Learning
- To assist the Principal Advisor, Distance Learning to ensure that Distance Learning operates in accordance with policy and to provide guidance for the ongoing development of Distance Learning
- To promote the University of Otago as a centre for excellence in Distance Learning
- To promote Distance Learning in Divisions and Departments, in accordance with the Strategic Direction for the University approved by Council
- To promote Distance Learning as a means to further the University's commitment to internationalisation
- To recommend guidelines and provide advice to those responsible for the administration and technological support of Distance Learning, particularly on the academic dimensions of these facets of Distance Teaching
- To promote and coordinate engagement with external stakeholders on improved alignment and synergy of Distance Learning programmes with professional development needs
- To consider any other matters relating to Distance Learning and Teaching referred to it
Membership
| Composition of the Committee | Member | Expiry date (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|
| Dean of Learning and Teaching (Convener) | Professor Tim Cooper | Ex-officio |
| Pro-Vice-Chancellor (or nominee) of the Division of Commerce | Dr Sarah Carr | Ex-officio (appointed by the PVC) |
| Pro-Vice-Chancellor (or nominee) of the Division of Health Sciences (Dunedin) | Dr Steve Gallagher | Ex-officio (appointed by the PVC) |
| Pro-Vice-Chancellor (or nominee) of the Division of Health Sciences (Wellington Campus) | Associate Professor Rob Griffiths | Ex-officio (appointed by the PVC) |
| Pro-Vice-Chancellor (or nominee) of the Division of Health Sciences (Christchurch Campus) | Dr Bronwyn Lennox Thompson | Ex-officio (appointed by the PVC) |
| Pro-Vice-Chancellor (or nominee) of the Division of Humanities | Associate Professor James Harding | Ex-officio (appointed by the PVC) |
| Pro-Vice-Chancellor (or nominee) of the Division of Sciences | Associate Professor Andrew Trotman | Ex-officio (appointed by the PVC) |
| Director (or nominee), International | Megan Smith | Ex-officio (appointed by the Director) |
| Director (or nominee), Student Experience | Daniel Macshane | Ex-officio (appointed by the Director) |
| Senior Operations Services Representative | Dr Cherie McConville (Head of Divisional Services and Administration) | Ex-officio |
| Principal Advisor, Distance Learning | Dr Sarah Stein | Ex-officio |
| Director (or nominee), Information Technology Services | Jeffrey Ormandy | Ex-officio (appointed by the Director) |
| University Librarian (or nominee) | Jacinda Boivin | Ex-officio (appointed by the University Librarian) |
| Nominee of OUSA | Ibuki Nishida | December 2025 |
| Te Rōpū Māori Students’ Association Representative | ||
| University of Otago Pacific Islands Students' Association Representative | Misrica Agnes Talia'uli | December 2025 |
| Māori Staff Representative | Marama Pohatu | |
| Pacific Staff Representative | Associate Professor Katharina Blattner | |
| Co-opted Members | Member | |
| Previous Chair, Distance Learning Reference Group | Professor Paul Trebilco | |
| College of Education Representative | Dr Keryn Pratt |
The Committee has the power to co-opt as required.
Serviced by: Academic Committees and Services, Michelle Bennie
Email michelle.bennie@otago.ac.nz