MIT Academic Board Newsletter

Academic Board Update

The Academic Board met on 7 May 2026 to consider a range of matters relating to academic quality, research, learning and teaching, and governance across MIT. This newsletter provides a summary of key discussions and decisions.

Strengthening Academic Governance

The Board reviewed its own performance during 2025 and identified several priorities for improvement. These include:

• More timely distribution of meeting papers.
• Increased focus in AB meetings on strategic academic issues.
• Better communication of Academic Board decisions and outcomes.
• Continued review of committee effectiveness.
• Improved administrative support for academic governance activities.
  
  
  
  
   

A recurring theme was the importance of ensuring that staff understand how Academic Board decisions influence teaching, learning, research, and student outcomes across MIT.

Artificial Intelligence and Academic Practice

The Board discussed the growing role of generative AI in higher education and the need for a coordinated institutional approach.

Members highlighted the importance of:

• Supporting staff through access to appropriate AI tools.
• Providing training and professional development.
• Ensuring that AI enhances, rather than diminishes, educational quality.
• Developing clear frameworks for the ethical and effective use of AI in learning and teaching.

Further proposals will be considered at future meetings.

Research Growth Continues

The Executive Dean reported continued growth in MIT's Higher Degree by Research (HDR) programs. Research supervision clusters now support almost 200 HDR students across Business and Information Technology.

The Board noted:

• Strong thesis examination outcomes.
• Continued growth in research culture and seminar activity.
• Increasing publication activity by both staff and students.
• Success in attracting external research funding.

Maintaining high-quality supervision and strong student outcomes remains a priority as these programs continue to expand.

Learning and Teaching: Building Student Engagement

The Board considered the findings of the 2025 Course Health Checks and held an extensive discussion on the future of learning and teaching at MIT.

Topics included:

• Teaching quality and consistency.
• Student engagement and sense of belonging.
• Contemporary approaches to learning.
• The design of classroom experiences.
• Resources needed to support high-quality educational delivery.

Members agreed that academic success depends not only on curriculum quality, but also on creating an environment in which students genuinely want to participate and succeed. Further work on an overarching educational philosophy will continue during 2026. Read more…

Industry Collaboration: HackersJack and MIT

 

The collaboration between HackersJack and the Melbourne Institute of Technology (MIT) represents a funded research partnership aimed at advancing cyber safety education for young learners. Through this industry-supported initiative, the School of SITE at MIT, led by A/Prof Raza Nowrozy and Prof Savitri Bevinakoppa, is conducting an independent study to evaluate how students develop cyber security knowledge, confidence, and safe online behaviours when using the HackersJack cyber security platform. 

MIT is pleased to support research that directly benefits students and schools, generating meaningful, evidence-based insights for educators and the broader community, while maintaining full academic independence and integrity throughout the study.

MDA and MBAnalytics courses accredited by ACS

 

We’re proud to announce that our Master of Data Analytics (MDA) and Master of Business Analytics (MBAnalytics) courses have officially been accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) — valid through 2027!

 

This prestigious endorsement recognises the academic excellence, industry alignment, and ICT relevance of both courses, confirming they meet the high standards expected of ICT professionals in Australia.

MDA equips students with in-demand skills in data science, machine learning, statistical modelling, and data visualisation — preparing them for roles like data analysts, engineers, and AI specialists. MBAnalytics focuses on business intelligence, data-driven strategy, and decision-making, leading to roles such as business analysts, consultants, and insight managers.

A huge thank you to all academic and professional staff involved in achieving this milestone. Your hard work made this possible!

We remain committed to delivering future-ready, industry-relevant education in the rapidly evolving world of analytics. Read more…

MIT Reaffirms Zero Tolerance for Gendered Violence

 

At MIT, we are committed to maintaining a safe, respectful and inclusive community for all members of our institution. As part of this commitment, MIT partners with White Ribbon Australia, a national organisation dedicated to preventing men’s violence against women and families and promoting gender equality. For more information about White Ribbon, please visit www.whiteribbon.org.au.

Our institution has a zero-tolerance approach to gendered violence. Gendered violence, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, coercion, intimidation, and any behaviour that diminishes the dignity or safety of others, has no place in our community. This means that any form of gendered violence is taken seriously, responded to promptly, and addressed through fair and robust processes. Every student, staff member, contractor, and visitor has the right to learn, work and participate in our community free from harassment, discrimination and violence.

Creating a safe environment is a shared responsibility. We expect all members of our community to uphold the highest standards of respect and professionalism. This includes challenging inappropriate behaviour, supporting those who may experience harm, and contributing to a culture where everyone feels safe to speak up.

We recognise that responding effectively to gendered violence requires clear policies, strong support systems, and a culture of trust. Our institution provides confidential support services, reporting pathways, and trauma-informed responses for anyone affected by gendered violence. We encourage individuals who experience or witness concerning behaviour to seek support and report it so that we can take appropriate action.

Please contact our counsellors for any students and staff experiencing gendered violence. Read more…