Responsible Academic Officers (RAOs) are appointed by the Vice-Chancellor or Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor on advice from the Dean. Responsible Academic Officers usually include Associate Deans, Heads of School and Heads of Department.

The term Responsible Academic Officer is used extensively in the Rules of the University Relating to Students (see Rules of the University).

RAOs are responsible for:

(a) nominating Subject Coordinators and Assessors for each subject offered within their administration. Nominations are submitted to the faculty board for approval;

(b) recommending to the Registrar that external staff be appointed Subject Coordinators and Assessors in cases where non-casual academic staff are unavailable;

(c) resolving cases where Subject Coordinators or Assessors declare a relationship with a candidate that might affect their role;

(d) resolving significant differences of opinion between Subject Coordinators and Assessors about the form and content of examination papers;

(e) resolving significant differences of opinion between original markers and second markers of assessment items (usually Subject Coordinators and Assessors) in cases where assessment items have been submitted for re-marking;

(f) determining requests from Subject Coordinators to change assessment criteria for a subject after Week 3 of the semester. Note: such requests should be made only in the most exceptional circumstances. Any changes might constitute grounds for an appeal by students who have been disadvantaged by the changes;

(g) determining requests from Subject Coordinators to conduct formal examinations for subjects with fewer than ten students or where the examination is of less than 1.5 hours duration (not including reading time). Student Administration will not normally conduct a formal examination in these circumstances;

(h) appointing a nominee for any Subject Coordinator who is not available to answer questions from supervisors or students during formal examinations;

(i) resolving appeals from academic staff against decisions by Academic Liaison Officers on alternative assessments/arrangements for students with disabilities;

(j) providing recommendations to the Registrar on grades for all students, including those required to complete a supplementary formal examination;

(k) approving Withheld (W) results;

(l) considering recommendations from Student Assessment Appeal Committees about students who have appealed against their final assessment grade;

(m) requesting extensions of time from the Registrar for all T and W results not resolved within the prescribed period;

(n) considering reports from Subject Coordinators about students' academic misconduct and determining whether allegations should be referred to the Dean;

(o) determining requests from students to re-enrol in a subject which they have failed at least twice;

(p) appointing academic advisers for students who are on probation;

(q) appointing Academic Liaison Officers;

(r) ensuring that staff within their administration comply with University policy regarding students who request alternative assessments;

(s) determining cases where students, who do not satisfy the prescribed attendance requirements for a subject, may be refused permission to be considered for assessment, to attempt an assessment task, or to sit for examination in a subject.