Graduate Certificate in University Management (GCUM)
The Graduate Certificate in University Management (GCUM) is an award program designed to prepare University of Melbourne staff for senior administrative and management roles. The course is designed to develop transferable leadership and management skills, and develop knowledge in the complexities of higher education policy and frameworks. The course has a practical emphasis which is directly applicable to the everyday work environment. Teamwork, group learning and self-directed learning are utilised.
The course is primarily designed for practising administrators who are in or seek promotion to roles at the department or program manager level or higher. It is also highly relevant to staff seeking to prepare for academic leadership roles. The GCUM targets staff who have tertiary qualifications and are seeking specialist postgraduate skills in university management. The course articulates with the Masters in Tertiary Education Management offered by the LH Martin Institute of Higher Education Leadership and Management.
The GCUM will provide participants with the knowledge and skill required for career paths involving leadership and management in higher education. Completion of the course will be taken into consideration in performance development and promotion procedures. The GCUM provides a valuable cohort experience over 2 years in which participants benefit from the experiences of staff from across a wide range of university areas.
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for entry into the GCUM it is highly desirable for applicants to have:
• Completed a bachelors degree (in any discipline)
• At least two year’s work experience in a university or other post-secondary education institution or equivalent
• Current employment at the University of Melbourne (full-time or part-time)
Faculties and Departments are encouraged to support staff who wish to enrol in the GCUM. Applicants must have approval from the Head of Department and Faculty Dean to be eligible. (Details are available on the Application Form.)
UNIVERSITY FUNDING
This is a fee-paying course. However, provision has been made by the University’s Planning and Budget Committee for funds to cover the cost of providing the program for 20 participants annually, as part of the University’s commitment to professional development. (This fee-waive will not be subject to Fringe Benefits Tax. For details about Fringe Benefits Tax and HECS fees see the University’s Financial Policy and Procedures Manual).
COURSE STRUCTURE
The GCUM is available in part-time mode as it is designed to be integrated with the work commitments of participants holding full-time positions. Classes in 2010 will be held on Thursdays. The program consists of 4 subjects taken over 4 semesters, with a usual duration of 2 years. Participants must complete the following subjects, taken sequentially:
An elective subject may be undertaken for Subject 4, by negotiation. In special circumstances, permission may be given for candidates to take some units simultaneously.
SELECTION
Twenty participants will be sponsored by the University to complete the program. Once sponsored places have been selected, additional places will be open to other staff on a fee–paying basis. For sponsored places, priority will be given to:
• Full-time university administrators with a high level of responsibility;
• Staff who have strong support from their Dean or Head of Department;
• Staff who demonstrate a strong personal desire and commitment to enhance their management skills.
Admission to the GCUM will be determined by the Melbourne Graduate School of Education.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications for the 2010 intake are now open. Closing date is: 1 December 2009.
Applicants will be advised of the outcome by 20 January 2010.
Download an application form for a sponsored place
Please contact GCUM Course Coordinator Professor Richard James r.james@unimelb.edu.au/ 8344 7627 if you have further questions about the course or application process.