Minutes of Academic Board Meeting No. 6/94 held on Wednesday, 31 August 1994 at 2.15 pm in the Council Room of the University.
There were present: Vice-Chancellor Professor M.I. Logan - presiding, Dr F. Allen, Dr K. Amarasekara, Mr C. Anderson, Ms M. Anderson, Professor D. Angell, Mr P. Annal, Professor D.R. Arnott, Mr C. Avram, Ms K. Avram, Professors A.P. Barnett, B.A. Barry, Mr M. Belmar, Professors J. Bigelow, A.J. Bishop, J.W. Breen, R. Brown, Assoc. Professor R.A.R. Bywater, Professor L. Cairns, Dr G.K. Cambrell, Professor R.A. Cas, Assoc. Professor J.D. Cashion, Ms D. Ceddia, Professors P. C. Chapman, B.W. Cherry, J.L.C. Chipman, I.W. Chubb, M.G. Clyne, R. Coppel, Ms O. Cornelius, Professors N. Creighton, P.LeP. Darvall, D.M. de Kresta, Assoc. Professor E. Duffy, Professor A. Edwards, Mr R. Edwards, Dr M.S.J. Gani, Professor C. Gibbs, Mr J. Glover, Dr J. Grant, Dr I.P. Griffith, Professor R.H.J. Grimshaw, Ms M. Guli, Dr E. Gullone, Professor J.D. Hamill, Mr B.T. Harding, Acting Professor J. Harris, Mr R.J. Hartshorn, Professors M.T.W. Hearn, M.E. Holman, Assoc. Professor M. Hooper, Professor T. Hore, Mr P. Jones, Professors R. Jones, F.W. Kent, M.L. King, Dr K. Langfield-Smith, Professor E.M. Laurenson, Mr E. Lim, Mr D. Lowe, Professors W.H. Melbourne, J.O. Miller, P. Nagley, Assoc. Professor J.N. O'Neill, Mr A. Pappas, Professors R.J. Pargetter, C.G. Peirson, J.R. Pilbrow, R. Porter, J.M. Powell, M. Quartly, S. Ricketson, Dr A.C. Romano, Dr J. Rood, Professors R.J.W. Selleck, M. Skully, R.H. Snape, A. Sohal, P.J. Stewart, P.J. Thomson, B.J. Tonge, T.J. Triggs, G. Tucker, Assoc. Professor W. Veit, Mr P.B. Wade, Professor E.H. Walters, Assoc. Professor I.D.S. Ward, Professor R.T. White, C.R. Williams, J. Williamson.
Apologies were received from: Professors P. Chandler, D. Barkla, C.J. Bellamy, Dr J. Brien, Ms M. Drysdale, Professors A. Henry, W.R. Jackson, M.J. Kartomi, B. Knox, Assoc. Professor E.J. Mellor, Professors J.J. Monaghan, M. Neave, R. Reed, P.L. Rossiter, Mr G.G. Shanks, Dr A.R. Shorten, Professors G.W. Smith, P. Spearritt, T.R. Threadgold.
In attendance: Ms J Dunn - Secretary.
Observers: Professors Nguyen Van Dao (President, National University of Vietnam), Nguyen Duc Chinh (Vice-president, National University of Vietnam), Dr M. Clayton, Ms B Hughes, Ms P. Alexander (VTAC), Ms E. Anderson, Mr R. Burnet, Dr G. Baldwin, Ms V. Kelly
***********************
MINUTES
In his introductory remarks, the Vice-Chancellor welcomed as visitors to the Meeting Professors Nguyen Van Dao and Nguyen Duc Chinh from the National University of Vietnam, Hanoi.
Professor Logan also welcomed as observers Dr M. Clayton, Ms B. Hughes and Ms P. Alexander, participants in the new Senior Women's Advancement Scheme.
Referring to changes at senior staffing level, Professor Logan informed the Board that Professor J Rickard had taken up duty as Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Business and Economics, Professor P Chandler as Pro Vice-Chancellor and Professor J Warren on a twelve month appointment as Dean of Science. The Vice-Chancellor advised members that having resigned as Dean of Science Professor I D Rae was to become Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Victoria University of Technology.
*1. NOTICE OF MOTION : APPROVAL OF STEERING COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATIONS
The Steering Committee's recommendations were adopted for all items other than those starred.
2. MINUTES
2.1 Minutes of Academic Board Meeting No. 5/94 held on 20 July 1994 The Minutes of Academic Board Meeting No. 5/94 were approved.
3. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF ACADEMIC BOARD
3.1 Matters Arising from Meeting No. 5/94 held on 20 July 1994
3.1.1 Matters Reported to Council
A document had been circulated (p1561).
The Academic Board noted the action taken by Council on matters reported to the Board.
3.1.2 University Academic Structure
As agreed under Minute 4.4 of the previous Meeting, an amended version was attached to the Agenda.
The Academic Board noted the revised version of the University Academic Structure as at August 1994.
(File 93/0591)
*4. REPORT OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR
4.1 Quality Portfolio
The timetable for the visit of the Quality Review Team had been circulated (p 1577). Copies of the University's published Quality Portfolio had also been circulated to members.
The Vice-Chancellor said that he expected the visit scheduled for 5 September would focus on meeting with staff and students of the University, in preference to a policy emphasis.
The Board received and noted the University's Quality Portfolio and the timetable for the visit of the Quality Review Team.
(File 94/1013)
4.2 Report of the General Manager
This item was handled after item 4.4.
A document had been circulated (p 1583).
In response to a query initiated by the Steering Committee, Mr Wade gave the background to the decision reported on p 1585 in relation to the University's Retirement Policy. While confirming that neither the Commonwealth or State legislation currently required a change of policy at Monash, he said that the situation would be continually monitored.
A question was asked about the planned Sports and Recreation Centre Development at Clayton, detailed on p 1586, in view of the apparent unequal distribution of facilities across campuses. The General Manager advised the Board that the students on each campus had the major input to planning and decision making concerning campus recreation facilities, which were funded by the student amenities fees.
The Report of the General Manager dated 15 August 1994 was received and noted, along with the information provided at the Meeting by Mr Wade.
(File 93/0385)
4.3 Educational Profiles Visit
The agenda for the Profiles Visit scheduled for 30 August 1994 had been circulated (p 1588). The Vice-Chancellor advised the Board that Monash had argued for additional postgraduate places and capital funding for the development of Berwick campus.
The Board received and noted the agenda for the Educational Profiles visit held on 30 August 1994.
(File 94/1099)
4.4 HEC/DEET Report on Resource Allocation in Higher Education
The Executive Summary of the HEC/DEET Report had been circulated (p 1590). Members were advised that copies of the full Report were available for those interested.
The Vice-Chancellor referred to the issue of unequal distribution of funded places between states and the consultation planned by the Government on the various options. Acknowledging that all the themes covered in the Report would not be supported by Monash, he said that he expected that any significant changes of policy would be phased in carefully.
The Board received and noted the Executive Summary of the HEC/DEET Report on Resource Allocation in Higher Education.
(File 94/1099)
5. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF DEANS
A document had been circulated (p1593)
The Report of Meeting 10/94 of the Committee of Deans was received and noted.
5.1 Distance Education
A document had been circulated ([1595).
The Academic Board adopted the policy proposal on Distance Secretary, Education, for referral to Council, and noted the suggestion of the Professor Steering Committee that the proposal be clarified: to confirm that Pargetter responsibility for any decision to offer units or courses by distance education rests with the teaching unit concerned; and to include reference to English language entry requirements for international students.
(File 92/1293)
6. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF THE FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS
A document had been circulated (p1610).
The Report of Meeting 3/94 of the Board of the Faculty of Business and Economics was received and noted.
6.1 Membership - Faculty Board
The Academic Board endorsed for submission to Council the Secretary appointment of Dr Ian Roos to the Board of the Faculty of Business and Economics.
(File 93/0288)
7. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF THE FACULTY OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
A document had been circulated (p1615).
The Report of Meeting 2/94 of the Board of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology was received and noted.
7.1 Casual Vacancy in Professorial Representation of the Faculty on Academic Board
The Academic Board noted the appointment of Professor H Schmidt to Secretary represent the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology on the Academic Board.
(File 94/1041)
7.2 Membership of Faculty Board
7.2.1 Casual Vacancies
The Academic Board approved for submission to Council the Secretary appointment of Ms C Mingins to the Board of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology.
7.2.2 Categories of Membership
The Academic Board approved for submission to Council an University amendment to Schedule 3 of the Faculties Regulations to include a Solicitor postgraduate student on the Board of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology.
(File 94/1041)
8. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF THE FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
A document had been circulated (p1619).
The Report of Meeting 5/94 of the Board of the Faculty of Engineering was received and noted.
8.1 Quota for the Bachelor of Computer Science and Engineering in 1995
The Academic Board approved for transmission to Council a Secretary commencing student quota of 33 DEET funded places and seven international student places in the Bachelor of Computer Science and Engineering for 1995.
(File 88/0957)
8.2 Prizes
8.2.1 Unique Micro Design Prize
The Academic Board approved for transmission to Council the Secretary establishment of the Unique Micro Design Prize.
(File 89/0570)
8.2.2 The D.K.& G. Anderson Prize Fund Regulations
A document had been circulated (p1621).
The Academic Board approved for transmission to Council the draft Secretary of The D.K.& G. Anderson Prize Fund Regulations.
(File 89/0570)
8.3 Casual Vacancy on Faculty Board
The Academic Board approved for submission to Council the Secretary appointment of Dr D J Brennan to the Board of the Faculty of Engineering.
(88/1044)
8.4 Membership of the Academic Board
8.4.1 Casual vacancy for an elected non-professorial member of the Faculty
The Academic Board noted the appointment of Dr M S J Gani to its Secretary membership.
8.4.2 Casual vacancy for an elected professorial member of the Faculty
The Academic Board noted the appointment of Professor R Jones to Secretary its membership.
(File 94/1041)
8.5 Appointment of Associate Dean (Teaching)
The Academic Board approved for submission to Council the Secretary appointment of Professor R J Alfredson as Associate Dean (Teaching) in the Faculty of Engineering.
(File 90/0413)
9. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF THE FACULTY OF LAW
The Report of the meeting of the Board of the Faculty of Law held on 20 July 1994 was received and noted.
9.1 Subject Enrolment Quotas 1995
The Academic Board approved for submission to Council the subject Secretary enrolment quotas proposed by the Board of the Faculty of Law for 1995.
(File 88/0957)
*9.2 Marking Patterns
In response to matters raised by the Steering Committee, the Dean of Law gave the background to the Faculty Board's policy decision reported under item 5 of Proceedings. Professor Williams spoke of the need for the Faculty to enable Monash graduates to compete effectively in the workplace while maintaining rigorous marking standards. He advised the Board that striking this balance had become more difficult since the University of Melbourne had doubled the number of honours grades awarded in law; however, he had written to employers to suggest they look carefully at each university's marking system.
Some discussion followed on the relative merits of norm-based and Secretary, criterion-based marking systems, and the generally high standards of Exec.Officer, marking at Monash. The Vice-Chancellor agreed to invite deans to Education comment on the grading systems used in their faculties as a basis Committee for consideration by the Board through the Education Committee.
10. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF THE FACULTY OF MEDICINE
A document had been circulated (p1630).
The Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 5/94 of the Board of the Faculty of Medicine.
10.1 Review of Department of Biochemistry
The recommendations of the Review Committee and a proposal to advertise the Chair in Biochemistry had been circulated (p 1633, p 1635).
A question was asked about the implications for other disciplines of the proposed change of name of the Department of Biochemistry. The Board noted that the new name "Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology" reflected international developments in the discipline and did not preclude coverage of Molecular Biology in related courses conducted by other teaching departments.
In accordance with the recommendations of the Review of Secretary Biochemistry, the Academic Board approved for submission to Council the advertising of the Chair and Headship of the Department of Biochemistry and the renaming of the Department to the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
(File 94/04380)
10.2 Agreement with Monash Medical Centre
A document had been circulated (p1637).
The Academic Board approved for submission to Council a draft Secretary agreement between Monash University and the Monash Medical Centre for the establishment of the Centre for Graduate Studies in Clinical Nursing.
(File 94/0613)
10.3 Professor Wallace Ironside Prize in Behaviourial Sciences
A document had been circulated (p1655).
The Academic Board approved for submission to Council the Secretary Professor Wallace Ironside Prize in Behaviourial Sciences.
(File 89/0570)
11. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE
A document had been circulated (1658).
The Report of Meeting 4/94 of the Board of the Faculty of Science was received and noted.
11.1 Recommendations
11.1.1 Mathematical Statistics Prize
A document had been circulated (p1660).
The Academic Board approved for submission to Council the Secretary establishment of a new Mathematical Statistics Prize.
(File 94/0140)
11.1.2 Membership of The Psychology Advisory Board
The Academic Board approved the appointment of Associate Faculty Professor B Costar to the Psychology Advisory Board. Registrar
(File 91/0730)
11.1.3 Membership of Academic Board
The Academic Board noted the appointment made by the Board of the Secretary Faculty of Science of Associate Professor M Hooper to the Academic Board.
(File 94/1041)
11.1.4 Acting Associate Dean (Research)
The Academic Board noted the appointment of Associate Professor J Secretary Cashion as Acting Associate Dean (Research) in the Faculty of Science to 30 September 1994.
(File 92/0401)
11.1.5 Deputy Head, Department of Physics
The Academic Board noted the appointment of Associate Professor P Secretary Wells as Deputy Head of the Department of Physics to 30 September 1994.
(File 92/1519)
11.1.6 Membership of Faculty Board
The Academic Board approved for submission to Council the Secretary appointment of Professor P Nagley as ex officio member of the Board of the Faculty of Science.
(File 90/1156)
12. REPORT OF THE ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE
A document had been circulated (p1663).
The Report of the Admissions Committee was received and noted.
12.1 University Deferment Policy
The Academic Board agreed to ask faculties to note the Faculty University's deferment policy as detailed by the Admissions Administrators Committee.
(File 89/1540)
12.2 Eligibility to Sit STAT Tests
The Academic Board noted the intention of the Admissions Committee to prepare policy guidelines in relation to test procedures for special admissions.
(File 94/05360
12.3 Faculty Selection Criteria
The Academic Board agreed to ask faculties to forward formal Faculty selection criteria to the Admissions Committee. Administrators
(File 94/0536)
13. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF ASSOCIATE DEANS (RESEARCH)
A document had been circulated (p1674).
The Academic Board received and noted the Report of the Committee of Associate Deans (Research).
13.1 Research Management Policy and Practice at Monash University
A document had been circulated (p 1676).
It was suggested that the omission of reference to international areas of traditional interest to Monash be corrected in the document.
The Academic Board approved the Research Management Policy and Secretary, Practice document as an ancillary document to the Research and Research Professor Training Guidelines previously approved by the Board, subject to the Darvall deletion of the following sentence under Internationalisation on page 1681:
"Research in several fields is targeted on our future in the Asia Pacific region."
(File 93/1694)
14. REPORTS OF THE DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE
A document had been circulated (p1684).
The Academic Board received and noted the Reports of the Discipline Committee Meetings Nos 1/94 and 2/94.
(File 91/0580)
15. REPORT OF THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE
A document had been circulated (p1689).
The Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 5/94 of the Education Committee.
15.1 Faculty of Arts
A document had been circulated (p1693).
The Board was asked to note that Council had approved these courses subject to the Board's scrutiny of the proposals.
15.1.1 Graduate Diploma in Foreign Affairs and Trade
The Academic Board approved the proposal to establish a new Secretary, course, to be titled Graduate Diploma in Foreign Affairs and Trade, Faculty to be offered at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Registrar Canberra.
(File 94/0984)
15.1.2 Master of Foreign Affairs and Trade
The Academic Board approved the proposal to establish a new Secretary, course, Master of Foreign Affairs and Trade, to be offered at the Faculty Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra, subject to the Registrar provision of further detail about assessment and supervision.
(File 94/0984)
15.2 Faculty of Medicine
15.2.1 Changes to course structure and time limits for the MPH
A document had been circulated (p1698).
The Academic Board approved for submission to Council the University proposal to amend the existing Master of Public Health by increasing Solicitor the maximum time for completion from four to five years and altering the core requirements to allow for four specific streams: Clinical Epidemiology, Occupational/Environmental Health, General, and Coursework and Minor Thesis.
(File 89/2185)
15.2.2 New subject proposals for the MPH
The Academic Board approved for submission to Council the new Secretary subject proposals for the Master of Public Health: Sociological Foundations of Public Health, Health Economics, Management and Evaluation, Epidemiology and Demography, and Introductory Statistics.
(File 89/1638)
15.2.3 Amendments to existing subjects for the MPH
The Academic Board approved for submission to Council the Secretary proposal to alter existing subjects in the Master of Public Health course as detailed.
The title of MPH2013 Epidemiological Research Methods to become MPH2013 Research Methods and Computing
The title of MPH1003 Environmental and Communicable Hazards to become MPH1003 Environmental Influences on Health
The title of MPH1016 Health Promotion and Illness Prevention to become MPH1016 Health Promotion
MPH2031 Public Health Policy and Planning to become a core (compulsory) subject rather than an elective in the second year.
(File 89/1638)
15.3 Faculty of Science
15.3.1 Restructure of Master of Science Regulations
A document had been circulated (p1704).
The Academic Board approved the proposal to amend the Master of University Science degree regulations to replace the existing Master of Science Solicitor preliminary and full candidature with a Master of Science Part I and Part II.
(File 88/1267)
15.3.2 Amendments to the Schedule to the BSc Regulations
The Academic Board approved the proposal to amend the First University Schedule to the Bachelor of Science Regulations by deleting Solicitor GES2211.08, GES2392.08, and GES3392.12, and adding GES3360.12.
(File 92/0623)
16. REPORT OF THE HEALTH SERVICE COMMITTEE
A document had been circulated (p1712).
The Report of Meeting 2/94 of the Health Service Committee was received and noted.
16.1 Future of the Health Service Committee
The Academic Board approved as a continuing responsibility of the Mrs Mannays Health Service Committee the monitoring of the operation of the Health Service on behalf of both the clients of the service and the University.
(File 93/0958)
16.2 Membership of the Committee
The membership of the Health Service Committee included the Mrs Mannays Director of the Student Services Division in place of the former Registrar.
(File 93/0958)
17. REPORT OF THE PERFORMING AND CREATIVE ARTS COMMITTEE
A document had been circulated (p1714).
The Report of the Performing and Creative Arts Committee was received and noted.
(File 93/1166)
*18. REPORT OF THE PhD AND SCHOLARSHIPS COMMITTEE
A document had been circulated (1723).
The Report of the Board of the PhD and Scholarships Committee was received and noted.
18.1 1995 Allocation of APAs Without Stipend (HECS Exemptions)
The Proposed Allocation Policy 1995 had been circulated (p 1725).
The Chair of the Committee had been invited to speak to the proposal. Professor King affirmed that all APA Scholarship holders and full-time PhD candidates were to be granted automatic exemption from their HECs liability, and that a formula would be used to allocate the remaining exemptions to faculties to be distributed as they determined.
A question was asked concerning the eligibility of a PhD student Professor to receive an exemption for more than four years. Professor King King agreed to advise the Board further on this matter. Subject to the Committee's consideration of placing a limit on the Ms Herman number of years a PhD student could receive an exemption, the Academic Board approved the restriction of the central allocation of APAs without stipend to full-time PhD candidates and APA/MGS holders; that the remaining exemptions be distributed to faculties in accordance with the relative size of their research schools; and that an allowance be made for faculties in which prospective PhD students were normally required to enrol first as Masters students.
(File 94/0801)
19. LEGISLATION
19.1 Courses and Degrees Legislation: tabled items
The University Solicitor had prepared legislation in accordance with instructions from the appropriate faculties, to implement proposals previously approved by the Academic Board. A copy of the legislation was tabled for perusal by members of the Board.
The Academic Board endorsed for submission to Council the tabled Secretary Courses and Degrees legislation relating to proposals approved at this and previous meetings of the Board.
(File 90/0846)
20. ACADEMIC BOARD MEMBERSHIP
New members of the Academic Board:
Professor J Rickard, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean, Faculty of Business and Economics (ex officio)
Professor W H Melbourne, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering (ex officio)
Professor P Chandler, Pro Vice-Chancellor (ex officio)
Professor J Warren, Dean of the Faculty of Science (ex officio)
New appointments made by faculty boards to casual vacancies:
Professor R Jones, Engineering (to 30.6.95)
Professor H Schmidt, Computing and Information Technology (to 30.6.95)
Ms M Anderson, Business and Economics (to 30.6.96)
Associate Professor I Ward, Business and Economics (to 30.6.96)
Associate Professor E J Mellor, Education (to 30.6.96)
Dr J Rood, Medicine (to 30.6.96)
Associate Professor M Hooper, Science (to 30.6.96)
Dr M S J Gani, Engineering (to 30.6.96)
The Academic Board noted the new appointments to membership. Secretary
(File 94/1041)
21. COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
21.1 Intellectual Property Committee
As the University's Intellectual Property Statute had received the approval of the Governor-in-Council, the Patents Committee had been replaced by the Intellectual Property Committee.
As was the case with the Patents Committee, Academic Board representation on the Intellectual Property Committee was to comprise "three members of academic staff, of whom at least one shall be non-professorial, nominated by Academic Board".
The Academic Board nominees on the Patents Committee were:
Professor L. Bonollo 1992 - 95
Professor S Ricketson 1993 - 96
Assoc. Prof. J.N. O'Neill 1993 - 96
The Board was required to nominate new members, or reappoint those who served on the former Patents Committee.
The Academic Board reappointed Professors Bonollo and Ricketson and Associate Professor O'Neill as representatives of the Board on the Intellectual Property Committee.
(File 94/1092)
21.2 Steering Committee of Academic Board
As a result of an election for two members of the Steering Committee held recently, Professor A Edwards was elected for a term of two years commencing on 1 September 1994. The two continuing elected members were Professor J Miller and Mr B Knox.
A vacancy remained for a professorial member of the Board to be appointed to the Steering Committee for this two year term.
The Academic Board appointed Professor J R Pilbrow to the Steering Secretary Committee.
(File 91/0795)
21.3 Bookshop Board
The Board was asked to appoint Associate Professor B Costar as the Academic Board's nominee on the Bookshop Board.
The Academic Board appointed Associate Professor B Costar as the Board's nominee on the Bookshop Board.
(File 87/0822)
21.4 Dean of Engineering Selection Committee
The Board was required to appoint a replacement for Professor Monaghan on the Selection Committee for the position of Dean of Engineering.
The Board appointed Professor C Bellamy to the Selection Committee for the position of Dean of Engineering.
(File 92/1412)
22. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF THE VICTORIAN COLLEGE OF PHARMACY.
A document had been circulated (1735).
The Report of the Board of the Victorian College of Pharmacy was received and noted.
(File 94/0853)