The Academic Handbook (1997) was indispensable to academic life at the University of Ballarat for at least eight to nine years and even though it finally became dated, staff still found it to be very useful. In recognition of its value and to update, expand and to provide information that is current and in a form that is readily modified and accessible, it is great to see the new Learning and Teaching Information and Resources Guide for Staff come to life. The Guide in this web-based format, covers topics from Advanced Standing through to Whistleblowers Protection. Every aspect of the mainstream of academic life in relation to Learning and Teaching is covered in the Guide.

This University has been long renowned for its commitment to, and its achievement in, Learning and Teaching. The University is looking to the Guide to assist academics to further enhance their achievements in Learning and Teaching and most importantly, to assist them in providing all students at the University of Ballarat with an educational experience that is second to none in the country.

While the University considers that the Guide is comprehensive and complete, if in using the Guide, staff discover errors or omissions, or indeed know of any new developments that they consider should be in the Guide, please don't hesitate to contact the Senior Policy Advisor (Learning and Teaching).

No welcome would be complete without expressing the University's deep appreciation to the members of staff who have been centrally involved in producing the Guide. Firstly, to the Chair, Curriculum Committee, Dr Bernard O'Meara, the Senior Librarian, Ms Leeanne Pitman, the Senior Policy Advisor (Learning and Teaching), Ms Annette Chappell, and the Executive Officer, Secretariat, Ms Sally Boyle. The website was constructed by staff from the Centre for Electronic Commerce and Communications, and I particularly thank Helen Thompson, Kara Hodgson, Andrew MacLeod and Craig Briody. This webpage is testimony to their dedication and abilities.

I am confident that the Guide will prove to be an indispensable companion to Learning and Teaching at the University of Ballarat and I commend it to you.

Professor Wayne Robinson

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Research)