Adding HOPs for good campus brew
Published on 16 February, 2009
CQUniversity is hoping that a new Heads of Programs Network* (HOPNET) will enhance communication flows and teaching and learning outcomes.
The network was launched recently with the help of visiting University of Western Sydney Professor Stuart Campbell, who is Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Learning and Teaching.
Leone Hinton, Professor Kevin Tickle and visitor Professor Stuart Campbell
Participants were told that HOPNET will allow the University to supplement the flow of information from executive management, Academic Board and other sources on academic development and governance.
It is also a major forum to discuss learning and teaching and its support from a cross-disciplinary perspective. The HOPNET is a forum that formally recognises the role of Heads of Program and seeks to empower and engage individuals working in this role.
Professor Campbell said that, while restructures swept across campuses on a regular basis, HOPs tended to be a constant factor, yet they could be invisible and ignored.
"We should use them, appreciate them and make them part of the scene," he said.
"It is in the 'HOP zone' where policy meets reality and they are well-placed to spot holes in the system.
"HOPs tend to be accountable to a lot of different people - up to Heads of Schools and down to teaching staff and students - yet they are vulnerable without vast resources at their disposal."
Professor Campbell said the UWS experience showed the HOP Forum could be a good leadership incubator as it allowed senior HOPs to act as mentors, which helped with succession plans.
"We've noticed some change already as the HOPs have taken charge of their own professional development," he said.
* Head of Program Network is a cross-divisional initiative between the Centre for Workforce Planning, Professional Development and Organisational Learning and the Division of Strategy, Quality and Review.
