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CLASSROOMS - MAXIMUM STUDENT NUMBERS
1. POLICY
1.1 Policy Statement
The University will ensure that class sizes do not exceed classroom capacities.
1.2 Policy Objective
1.2.1 To safeguard the Safety and Health of staff, students and visitors in line with the University's policy on Occupational Health and Safety.
1.2.2 To meet the University's obligations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984, the Curtin University of Technology Academic Staff (Conditions of Employment) Award 1989, the Australian Universities Academic Staff (Contract of Employment and Other Matters) Interim Award 1988, the Australian Universities Academic Staff (Conditions of Employment) Award 1988, and the Curtin University of Technology General Staff Award Restructuring and Enterprise Agreement, and as amended from time to time.
1.3 Definition
In this policy statement
"Classroom" means any classroom, lecture theatre, laboratory or any other room specifically allocated for teaching purposes.
2. GUIDELINES
2.1 General Principles
2.1.1 Academic staff are not expected to count student numbers in classes for which they have responsibility.
2.1.2 If academic staff become aware that overcrowding exists in any class for which they are responsible they will
(i) take all responsible care including attempts to reduce the numbers forthwith by requesting students not scheduled to attend that class to leave and to attend an alternative class; and,
(ii) in any case, notify the relevant Head of School as soon as practicable.
2.1.3 Heads of School/Area/Department must ensure that the situation is promptly resolved through the appropriate management channels.
2.1.4 If the situation recurs at the next scheduled class time the class may be suspended.
2.2 Signs to Indicate Maximum Capacity of Classrooms
In accordance with the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984, classrooms in the University will indicate the maximum capacity of each classroom on prominently displayed signs.
2.3 Responsibility for Assigning Classes to Rooms of Appropriate Sizes
2.3.1 The Room Allocations Officer is responsible for assigning centrally scheduled classes to rooms of appropriate sizes on the basis of the information available.
2.3.2 The Heads of Schools/Departments/Areas are responsible for assigning maximum class size numbers for teaching laboratories.
2.4 Notification of Shortfall or Excess of Classroom Seating
Staff will notify the Room Allocations Officer or Head of School/Department/Area ( in the case of a laboratory) where there is a shortfall or excess of seating in classrooms.
2.5 Reassessment of Classroom Numbers
Classroom size numbers shall be reassessed whenever refurbishment work on the classroom has been carried out.
2.6 Indemnification of Staff
The University will indemnify staff against actions or suits where staff have discharged their obligations in a proper manner in accordance with University policy.
2.7 Related Legislation and Policies
Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984
Related policies in the Occupational Safety and Health Policy and Procedures manual.
2.8 Responsible Officer
The Director, Workplace Relations is the responsible officer for the administration of the University's policy on Classrooms - Maximum Student Numbers.
2.9 Authority for Approving Amendments to the Policy and Guidelines on Classrooms - Maximum Student Numbers
The Academic Senate is the authority for approving amendments to the University's policy and guidelines on Classrooms - Maximum Student Numbers.
2.9.1 Inclusion of Policy Statement in Policy Manual
Once approved by the Academic Senate, the policy statement on Classrooms - Maximum Student Numbers will be included in the Occupational Safety and Health Policies and Procedures manual.
2.9.2 Endorsement of Proposed Amendments by Occupational Safety and Health Policy Committee
Any proposed amendments to this policy should be endorsed by the Occupational Safety and Health Policy Committee with consultation and agreement from the Safety and Health Representatives committees prior to presentation to Council for approval.
2.10 Effective Date
The policy on Classrooms - Maximum Student Numbers came into effect immediately upon being approved by Council. (Approved by University Resources Board – 8 April 1997).
2.11 Review of Policy
The policy on Classrooms - Maximum Student Numbers will be reviewed every two years by the Safety and Risk Manager and the outcome of the review will be reported to Council.
3. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
3.1 Authority for Approving Amendments to the Administrative Procedures on Classrooms - Maximum Student Numbers
The Occupational Safety and Health Policy Committee is the authority for approving amendments to the administrative procedures of the University's policy on Classrooms - Maximum Student Numbers.
Amended - URB 33/97 (8/4/97) – Document URB 26/97
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April 1997