Monash University

Academic Board Meeting 3/97

Meeting No 3/97 of the Academic Board was held on Wednesday, 16 April 1997 in the Council Room of the University, from 2:15pm to 5.25pm.

There were present:

Professor P Le P Darvall (Chair), Vice-Chancellor and President Professor DA Robinson, Mr P Annal, Mr C Avram, Professors A J Bishop and A Bond, Miss M L Brien, Ms I Breuer, Professors M L Brisk and R L Brown, Dr C Browne, Professors B Caine and R Cas, Assoc Professor J D Cashion, Professors C Chapman and M N Clayton, Ms V Clulow, Professor R L Coppel, Ms O Cornelius, Professor G Davison, Dr G Davies, Professors R W Davies, D M de Kretser and R Doherty, Assoc Professors M Evans and A Farley, Professor C L Gibbs, Assoc Professor M Gill, Mr H Greenham, Professors G Griffin, P Grundy, R F Gunstone and J D Hamill, Mr B Harding, Dr B Hatley, Professor M T W Hearn, Mr D Imber, Dr M Iskander, Professors W R Jackson, J B Jacobs, M J Kartomi, E Lim and P Nagley, Assoc Professors P Nestor and F Ng, Professors B Parmenter, J R Pilbrow, R Porter, C Probyn, U Proske and J Ratnatunga, Dr J Redman, Professors J Redmond, J A Rickard, A Rizvi, A Russell and D Schauder, Assoc Professors T Seddon and J Sheridan, Professor M T Skully, Ms J Southcott, Professor P Spearritt, Dr K Stewart, Professor P J Stewart, Assoc Professors P Swatman and G V Taylor, Professors P Tharenou, P Thomson and T Threadgold, Ms S Varney, Mr M Vitlin, Mr P B Wade, Professors R T White, C J Williams, C R Williams and R J Willis, and Mr D Wong.

Apologies were received from:

Professors J E Maloney and W Anderson, Ms A Bardoel, Professor D H Barkla, Dr J Brien, Professors J N Crossley, G K Egan, H Emy, R Fox, R H J Grimshaw and M L King, Mr B A Knox, Dr M Lindorff, Professors I Nicholls and M Quartly, Assoc Professor M Pittard, Ms C Spencer, Professors N Thomson and R L Waller, Assoc Professor N White, and Mr J White.

In attendance were:

Ms JH Newham, Secretary to Academic Board and Ms K Wilson-Reid, Executive Officer to Academic Board.

Present by invitation:

Professor J Anderson, Ms J Chandler, Mr I Dobson, Ms H Dunne, Professor B Dunstan, Dr M Eley, Professor J Harris, Ms C Mingins, Professor R J Pargetter, Mr D Phillips, Mr P Summers and Mr C T Vernon.

Observers:

Ms E R Brooks, Mr R Burnet, Mr M Cabrie, Mr S Christensen, Mr D Lawson, Ms N Rodger, Mr L Simpson and Ms D R Ujvari.

The Steering Committee had met on Tuesday 8 April 1997 in the James McNeill Room.

Present were: Professor P LeP Darvall (Chair), Dr C Browne, Professors B Caine, J R Pilbrow and P Tharenou.

Present by invitation was: Ms O Cornelius.

In attendance were: Ms JH Newham and Ms K Wilson-Reid.

M I N U T E S

*1. ARRANGEMENT OF AGENDA AND PROCEDURAL MATTERS

1.1 Starring of Items

Items 4.2.1, 6.1, 7.1, 13.1 and 15.2 were starred by members of the Board.

1.2 Approval of Non-Starred Items

The recommendations of the Steering Committee were adopted without discussion for all items other than those starred.

2. MINUTES

2.1 Minutes of Academic Board Meeting No 2/97 held on 26 February 1997

Previously circulated.

The Minutes of Academic Board Meeting 2/97 held on 26 February 1997 were confirmed and signed.

3. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

Nil.

4. MATTERS REFERRED TO ACADEMIC BOARD BY COUNCIL

4.1 Offshore Quality Assurance Committee

An extract from the Minutes of Council Meeting 1/97; an extract from Monash University Act 1958; and a copy of Statute 2.2 - The Academic Board were circulated (p 1-6).

At its Meeting 1/97 (Minute 22), the Academic Board had agreed to recommend to Council that the Offshore Quality Assurance Committee of Council be re-constituted as a standing committee of the Academic Board.

At Meeting 1/97 of Council, it was resolved to ask the Academic Board to develop a proposal as outlined below. The Board noted that membership and terms of reference for the re-constituted committee would be presented to a later meeting of the Board.

The Academic Board re-constituted the Offshore Quality Assurance Committee of Council as a committee of the Academic Board, under the Board's authority as provided in section 9.1.3 of Statute 2.2.

Action/Information: Secretary; Mr M Simmonds

4.2 Review of Council

An extract from the Minutes of Council Meeting 2/97; the Review of the Council of Monash University: Final Report on Outcomes of a Council Retreat; a covering memorandum from the Academic Registrar dated 24 March 1997; and the Terms of Reference for the Council Working Party on Review of Committees were circulated (p 7-40).

1. The Academic Board noted:

• that the document presented titled "Review of the Council of Monash University: Final Report on Outcomes of a Council Retreat" had been finalised and approved at Council Meeting 2/97; and
• the resolutions of Council in relation to responses which were received prior to its Meeting 2/97 regarding the document "Review of the Council of Monash University: Final Report on Outcomes of a Council Retreat":
  1. the Chair of Academic Board and the President, MUFSO, should each be ex officio members of a re-constituted Council;
  2. Academic Board be routinely responsible for approving proposals relating to new and amended courses and subjects.....; and
  3. Council referred to the Academic Board relevant provisions of the Monash University Act and Statute 2.2, for consideration and advice to Council of an appropriate role for the Board which would ensure that the Board was free to accept appropriate delegations of authority from Council (relevant documents circulated).

2. The Academic Board established a small working party of the following members to consider the Board's role and to receive submissions from members of the Board and the academic community with the ultimate aim of providing advice to the Review of Committees Working Party of Council:

• Associate Professor M Gill (Interim Convenor)
• Professor AW Lindsay (Upon arrival at the University in June 1997)
• Professor E Campbell
• Professor C Gibbs
• Ms O Cornelius (Academic Registrar)

Action/Information: Secretary; Ms ER Brooks

*4.2.1 Pecuniary Interests of Committee Members

Steering Committee had drawn the Board's attention to the following clause which, as stated in the document Review of the Council of Monash University: Final Report on Outcomes of a Council Retreat, was to be added to University committee agendas (refer to p 9 of the agenda):

"Members are required to refrain from voting and absent themselves from the discussion of an item of business in which they have a personal interest."

Steering Committee had considered that the words "personal interest" did not reflect Council's focus on pecuniary interests of committee members.

When asked for clarification of the need to amend this statement, Professor PLeP Darvall indicated that the word "personal" was too general. He also suggested that the word "pecuniary" might be inappropriate, and that the matter would require further consideration by Council.

The Academic Board recommended to Council that use of the word "personal" in the above statement be given further consideration.

Action/Information: Secretary; Ms O Cornelius

*5. VICE-CHANCELLOR'S BUSINESS

5.1 Fees, Charges and Scholarships

A document titled "Monash University - Australian Undergraduate Fees and Scholarships in 1998" dated 16 April 1997, presented by the Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor DA Robinson, was tabled at the meeting. Two relevant extracts from newspapers were also copied and tabled by student members of the Academic Board.

Discussion of this item was postponed until 3:30 pm, when certain people would be available to attend the meeting to answer relevant questions.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Robinson, spoke to this item, highlighting the benefits of increased access to education through the introduction of Australian fee-paying undergraduate places from 1998. The Vice-Chancellor welcomed ideas for improvement to the tabled document prior to its presentation to Council.

Student and some other members of the Board expressed various concerns about the introduction of Australian undergraduate fee-paying places, which were addressed by Professors Robinson, Darvall and Pargetter, and Mr Wade. The main points discussed were:

• long-term maintenance of quality standards for selection and admission;
• potential for cumulative Government reductions of HECS funded places, and the likelihood of continuing increase in the percentage of students admitted into fee-paying places;
• the University's continuous exploration of other avenues of revenue generation to combat cuts to Government funding;
• possibility of a University assisted loans scheme as a further equity measure;
• possibility of cross-subsidisation for those faculties which experience less demand for fee-paying places;
• compatibility of this scheme with the University's corporate plan which was currently under development;
• equity of the scholarships presented within the document; and
• monitoring of the proposed Australian undergraduate full-fee structure.

The Academic Board:

• received a tabled document titled "Monash University - Australian Undergraduate Fees and Scholarships in 1998", dated 16 April 1997;
• noted the advice of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor DA Robinson, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development), Professor PLeP Darvall, the Special Advisor to the Vice-Chancellor on Admission Matters, Professor RJ Pargetter and the General Manager, Mr PB Wade, regarding fees, charges and scholarships;
• considered in detail various aspects of the proposal; and
• made the following suggestions, on invitation from the Vice-Chancellor, for amendment to the document (changes in bold):
  1. second paragraph of Part 1 to read: "Universities may take up to 25% of the total number of Australian undergraduates above load in any course as fee-paying Australian undergraduate students.";
  2. fifth paragraph of Part 1 to read: "The Australian undergraduate fee level for each course will be set for 1998 at $950 below the annual comparable fee for international students."; and
  3. clarification of the final sentence relating to the Sir John Monash Achievement Bursaries, to state that anticipated performance requirements to obtain an award would be set and published prior to students enrolling in fee-paying places for any given year.

Action/Information: Professor Robinson; Executive Officer (Corporate Planning and Review)

5.2 Monash Mt Eliza Business School Offshore MBA - Procedure for English Language Standards

Documentation was circulated (p 41-56).

The Board noted the advice of the Chair, Professor PLeP Darvall, regarding the document presented.

Members discussed:

• the University's requirements for English language proficiency of students at the levels of entry to and exit from courses taught offshore; and
• the desirability of offering Monash University courses of study delivered in a language other than English, while at the same time maintaining quality.

Members noted the advice of the Vice-Chancellor that the potential for Monash University to teach disciplines in languages other than English would be further considered by the Education Committee.

A member suggested that even if disciplines were taught in languages other than English, students should be instructed equally in English and the other language.

Following detailed discussion about this matter:

• the item was withdrawn by the Chair of the Academic Board; and
• the matter of the University teaching disciplines in languages other than English was referred to the Education Committee for further consideration.

Action/Information: Ms ER Brooks; Professor RB McKern

6. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF DEANS

(Circulated p 57-60)

The Academic Board received and noted the report of Meetings 2/97 and 3/97 of the Committee of Deans held on 27 February and 20 March 1997.

*6.1 Policy on Admission of Observers to Academic Board Meetings

A draft policy prepared by the Secretary to Academic Board and dated 17 March 1997, which was endorsed by the Committee of Deans at Meeting 3/97; and a covering memorandum dated 7 April 1997 were received (p 61-64).

The Board discussed and voted on proposed amendments to the draft policy. A motion for an amendment to increase the maximum number of observers (ten) permitted at any meeting was defeated.

The Academic Board approved the policy titled "Admission of observers to Academic Board meetings" dated 17 March 1997, subject to the amendment of Condition 3, to replace the two dot points with the following:

"...provided that:

• at or before the commencement of the meeting, the observer/s make a request to the Chair for speaking rights; and
  • Academic Board grants the observer/s the right to speak."

Action/Information: Secretary

*6.2 CASMAC

Steering Committee had invited the General Manager to give a brief report on the current status of CASMAC.

The General Manager, Mr PB Wade, informed the Board that although legal action had recently been taken against the software company, development of the new finance system originally commissioned by Unipower was continuing and was due for delivery by October 1997. He informed members that Monash's financial outlay for Unipower's development of the finance system was substantially less than the amount which would have been committed had the University decided to commission an entire University system package.

Members noted the General Manager's advice that the existing Monash University student systems MUSIS and MEMFIS were under continuous development, and that those systems had proven to be adequate for the needs of the University with respect to student database systems.

The Academic Board noted the advice of the General Manager, Mr PB Wade, regarding CASMAC and the position of the University with respect to the Unipower systems development.

Proceedings

7. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF THE FACULTY OF ARTS

Report of Faculty Board Meeting 1/97

(Circulated p 65-66)

The Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 1/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Arts held on Wednesday 19 February 1997.

Action/Information: Ms C Jordan; Secretary

*7.1 Honorary Appointments

Ms I Breuer advised the Board that certain members of the academic staff listed in the agenda were not expected to retire from the University in the near future, and that those honorary appointments were to be made by departments / campuses other than those in which the staff were currently employed.

The Chair advised that this matter would be resolved between the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and the University Secretariat. Subsequent to the meeting, clarification was sought from Personnel Services and the Registrar of the Faculty of Arts, Ms C Jordan. The Chair of the Board also clarified the matter with the Dean, Professor M Quartly, after the meeting, and was advised that the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMASS) staff would receive invitations for active research participation in Faculty of Arts departments on other campuses from the relevant head of department.

The Academic Board noted that the following staff had retired from the University and had been granted the titles Honorary Associate, Honorary Research Associate or Honorary Research Fellow:

Department of Geography & Environmental Science

• Mr Eric Bottomley as Honorary Research Fellow for the period 1 January 1997 to 31 December 1997.
• Mr John Jack as Honorary Research Fellow for the period 1 January 1997 to 31 December 1997.

Department of Japanese Studies

• Dr Pam Oliver as Honorary Research Associate for a period of 1 year commencing 29 January 1997.

Department of Politics

• Dr John Dalton as Honorary Associate for a two year period commencing 1 January 1997.

Department of Romance Languages

• Dr Jacques Birnberg as Honorary Associate for a period of two years commencing 1 January 1997.

7.2 Monash University College of Art and Design - Reporting Lines

(Circulated p 67-72)

On the recommendation of the Board of the Faculty of Arts, the Academic Board noted for transmission to Council the change to management arrangements for the Monash University College of Art and Design as detailed in the document presented.

Action/Information: Ms M Hah; Ms C Jordan; Secretary

Proceedings

8. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF THE FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS

(circulated p 73-74)

The Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 1/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Business and Economics held on Wednesday 12 February 1997.

Action/Information: Ms A Pilgrim; Secretary

8.1 Faculty Board Membership 1997

(Circulated p 75-78)

Academic Board noted the revised proposal concerning membership of the Board of the Faculty of Business and Economics that addresses issues raised by Council at meeting 1/97, namely, Council's policy on Student Representation on Senior University Committees and the correct titling of the new Department of Taxation and Business Regulation, and referred the proposal to the University Solicitor for drafting of appropriate legislation.

8.2 Membership of Academic Board

The Board was asked to note that this item would be considered under item 26.1.1.

Proceedings

9. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION

(Circulated p 79-80)

The Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 1/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Education held on Wednesday 5 March 1997.

Action/Information: Mr P Yates; Secretary

9.1 Faculty Restructure

(Circulated p 81-88)

Subject to the drafting of appropriate legislation, the Academic Board approved for transmission to Council the changes to structure of the Faculty of Education as detailed in the document presented.

9.2 Minute of Appreciation (Proceedings No 1)

The Academic Board noted the Minute of Appreciation in respect of Professor RJW Selleck, who had recently retired from the Faculty of Education, and would continue his association with the Faculty as Emeritus Professor.

Proceedings

10. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF THE FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

(Circulated p 89-92)

The Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 1/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Engineering held on Monday 24 February 1997.

Action/Information: Mr D Secomb; Secretary

10.1 Establishment of Prizes and Awards

10.1.1 Esso Engineering Prizes

The Academic Board approved for transmission to Council the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Engineering to establish six prizes each to the value of $500, to be awarded annually to two students in the Departments of Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Materials Engineering under the following criteria:

Chemical Engineering

1. the third year chemical engineering student who submits the best project work in CHE3108 Process Design and Operation I;
2. the third year chemical engineering student who submits the best project work in CHE3109 Process Design and Operation II;

Civil Engineering

1. the third year civil engineering student who submits the best project work in the subject CIV3202 Civil Engineering Practice 3;
2. the third year civil engineering student who submits the best project work in the subjects ENC3411 Industrial Project 1C and ENC3412 Industrial Project 2C;

Materials Engineering

1. the third year materials engineering student who submits the best project work in MTE3505 Fracture and Fracture Mechanics;
2. the third year materials engineering student who obtains the best results in MTE3503 Engineering Practice;

said prizes each to be named the "Esso Engineering Prize".

10.1.2 RS Components Award for Engineering Excellence

The Academic Board approved for transmission to Council the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Engineering to establish an award which includes an instrument or combination of instruments to the value of $500, a Radio Spares "Plaque of Excellence" and a commemorative certificate, to be awarded annually, on the recommendation of the Head of the Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering, to the final year student in the Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering who has achieved at the highest level of academic excellence or who has conducted the best final year project; said prize to be named the "RS Components Award for Engineering Excellence".

10.1.3 Turnbull Fenner Traffic Engineering Prize

The Academic Board approved for transmission to Council the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Engineering to establish a prize to the value of $250, to be awarded annually on the recommendation of the Head of the Department of Civil Engineering to the student who has shown the greatest proficiency in a level four Transport Engineering elective subject; said prize to be named the "Turnbull Fenner Traffic Engineering Prize".

Proceedings (Proceeding 4 - was considered under item 26.1.2)

11. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE

(Circulated p 93-94)

The Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 1/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Science held on Wednesday 5 March 1997.

Action/Information: Dr P Rodan; Secretary

11.1 Award of Doctor of Science

The Academic Board approved for submission to Council the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Science to award the degree of Doctor of Science to Professor J Findlay for his thesis entitled "Peripheral and Local Regulators of Folliculogenesis in the Ovary".

11.2 School of Applied Science - Change of Name

On the recommendation of the Board of the Faculty of Science, the Academic Board approved for transmission to Council the change in name of the "School of Applied Science" at the Gippsland Campus, to become the "School of Applied Sciences".

11.3 Director of the Centre of Applied and Professional Psychology

As the establishment of the Centre of Applied and Professional Psychology had not yet been approved by the Academic Board and Council (refer to Minute 9.1 of Board Meeting 2/95), consideration of this item was deferred until the next meeting of the Academic Board, when a revised proposal to establish the Centre would be submitted under the guidelines approved by Council at Meeting 5/96.

11.4 Minutes of Appreciation

(Circulated p 95-96)

The Academic Board noted the Minutes of Appreciation presented in respect of Mr K Anker and Dr AR Padmanabhan who recently retired from the University.

Proceedings (Proceeding 1 - refer also to item 13.2.)

12. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF THE VICTORIAN COLLEGE OF PHARMACY

(Circulated p 97-98)

The Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 1/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Science held on Wednesday 5 March 1997.

Action/Information: Mr MD Watson; Secretary

12.1 Appointment of Associate Dean (Graduate Studies)

The Academic Board approved for submission to Council the proposal of the Board of the Victorian College of Pharmacy to appoint Professor PJ Stewart as Associate Dean (Graduate Studies) for 1997.

12.2 Minute of Appreciation

(Circulated p 99-100)

The Academic Board noted the Minute of Appreciation in respect of Professor Colin Raper, who recently retired from the Victorian College of Pharmacy, and would continue his association with the College as Emeritus Professor.

Proceedings

13. REPORT OF THE ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE

(Circulated p 101-102)

The Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 1/97 of the Admissions Committee held on 13 March 1997.

Action/Information: Ms E Knowles; Secretary; University Solicitor

*13.1 Policy on the Recognition of Prior Learning

A document prepared by Professor RJ Pargetter in April 1994 and recently amended by the Admissions Committee, setting out guidelines for credit transfer and the recognition of prior learning, was received (p 103-110). The document included statements regarding credit transfer and the recognition of prior learning.

Members requested clarification about the parts of the document which were to be approved by the Academic Board. Mr CT Vernon, Manager Admissions and Records, advised that the Academic Board was asked to approve AVCC Guidelines 1-7 of the section of the document relating to the Recognition of Prior Learning, and the corresponding three points for implementation of those guidelines.

The Academic Board approved for submission to Council the recommendation of the Admissions Committee to adopt Recognition of Prior Learning guidelines 1-7, and the recommendations for implementation of those guidelines, as the University's policy on the recognition of prior learning.

*13.2 1996/97 Selection Reports

Reports prepared by Mr CT Vernon, Manager Student Admissions and Records, relating to the 1996/97 selection period were received (p 111-144).

The Steering Committee had invited Mr Vernon to attend the meeting to speak to these reports and particularly about the Monash ranking in the total school leaver preferences.

Mr Vernon advised that there had been a marked decline in the Monash course preferences expressed by both school leavers and other applicants for the 1997 academic year compared to 1996. He said that although much of this could be explained by course prerequisite changes in the Faculty of Business and Economics, longer trend data was also problematic. It appeared that, despite still being well positioned in the tertiary education sector as a whole, Monash had not advanced its market share to the degree expected.

The Academic Board noted the 1996/97 selection reports and the advice of Mr CT Vernon, Manager Admissions and Records.

13.3 Age of Entry (Proceedings No 3)

The University's Age of Entry Policy (as approved by Academic Board at meeting 4/96 (item 13.1)) was received (p 145-146).

Subject to the drafting of appropriate legislation, the Academic Board approved the proposal of the Admissions Committee to amend the University's Age of Entry Policy (due for introduction in 1998) to include the statement that:

"Students who are up to one year younger than the minimum age for entry and are in the top 10% of school leavers for that year would be admitted and have a mentor provided by the faculty who would monitor their transition during the first year of study. Those more than one year younger than the minimum age or not in the top 10% of students would require faculty approval before being admitted."

13.4 Deferment and Special Entry Arrangements (Proceedings Nos 4 and 5)

The Academic Board noted that revised policies on deferment and special entry would come to a later meeting of the Board.

Proceedings

14. REPORT OF THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE

(Circulated p 147-156)

The Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 2/97 of the Education Committee held on 19 March 1997.

Action/Information: Ms ER Brooks; Registrars

14.1 Quality Assurance in Distance Education and Open Learning Program

(Circulated p 157-210)

The Academic Board endorsed the document "Policy and Procedures for Quality Assurance in Distance Education and Open Learning Programs" as presented.

14.2 Amendment to Membership and Terms of Reference of Education

Committee

(Circulated p 211-212)

The membership of the Committee had been amended to take into account the disestablishment of the Subfaculty of Nursing.

The terms of reference of the Education Committee had been amended as a result of the formalising of the interrelationship between the Education Committee and the PhD and Scholarships Committee with regard to course and subject approval for Masters by Research programs.

The Academic Board endorsed the revised terms of reference and membership of the Education Committee as detailed in the document presented.

14.3 New Course Proposals

14.3.1 Bachelor of Arts (Administrative Studies)

(Circulated p 213-216)

The Academic Board approved the proposal of the Faculty of Arts to establish a new degree, to be titled Bachelor of Arts (Administrative Studies).

14.3.2 Graduate Certificate in Regional Economic Development

(Circulated p 217-218)

The Academic Board approved the proposal of the Faculty of Business and Economics to establish a new course, to be titled Graduate Certificate in Regional Economic Development.

14.3.3 Bachelor of Music / Bachelor of Education

(Circulated p 219-220)

The Academic Board approved the proposal of the Faculties of Arts and Education to establish a new double degree program, to be titled Bachelor of Music / Bachelor of Education.

14.3.4 Graduate Certificate in Gifted Education

(Circulated p 221-222)

The Academic Board approved the proposal of the Faculty of Education to establish a new course, to be titled Graduate Certificate in Gifted Education.

14.4 Amendments to Existing Courses

14.4.1 Master of Arts - Museum Studies and Cultural Policy stream -

change to core subject

The Academic Board approved the proposal of the Faculty of Arts to amend the Museum Studies and Cultural Policy stream of the existing Master of Arts by replacing the core subject VAM4021 Beyond the Museum: institutions and insurrections with MCM4000/MCM5000 Museums as exhibiting institutions.

14.4.2 Bachelor of Arts (Humanities and Social Sciences) - amendment to title

The Academic Board approved the proposal of the Faculty of Arts that the existing Bachelor of Arts (Humanities and Social Sciences) be retitled to become Bachelor of Arts from Semester One 1998.

14.4.3 Amendment of double degree titles associated with Bachelor

of Arts (Humanities and Social Sciences)

The Academic Board approved the retitling of existing double degree courses as follows:

• Bachelor of Arts (Humanities and Social Sciences) / Bachelor of Business - to become Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Business
• Bachelor of Arts (Humanities and Social Sciences) / Bachelor of Social Welfare - to become Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Social Welfare

14.4.4 Graduate Certificate in Public Policy and Management - additional mode of offer

(Circulated p 223-226)

The Academic Board approved the proposal of the Faculty of Business and Economics to amend the existing Graduate Certificate in Public Policy and Management by making it available in distance education mode in addition to the current on-campus mode of offer.

14.4.5 Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and Management - additional mode of offer

(Circulated p 227-230)

The Academic Board approved the proposal of the Faculty of Business and Economics, which was endorsed by the Education Committee, to amend the existing Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and Management by making it available in distance education mode in addition to the current on-campus mode of offer.

14.4.6 Master of Public Policy and Management - additional mode of offer

(Circulated p 231-234)

The Academic Board approved the proposal of the Faculty of Business and Economics to amend the existing Master of Public Policy and Management by making it available in distance education mode in addition to the current on-campus mode of offer.

14.4.7 Graduate Certificate in Electronic Commerce - additional mode of offer and amendment to admission requirements

(Circulated p 235-236)

The Academic Board approved the proposal of the Faculty of Business and Economics to amend the existing Graduate Certificate in Electronic Commerce by making it available on the Berwick and city campuses in addition to the current distance education mode of offer, and by adding a component of industry experience to the entry requirements.

14.4.8 Graduate Diploma in Electronic Commerce - additional mode of offer and amendment to admission requirements

(Circulated p 237-238)

The Academic Board approved the proposal of the Faculty of Business and Economics to amend the existing Graduate Diploma in Electronic Commerce by making it available on the Berwick and city campuses in addition to the current distance education mode of offer, and by adding a component of industry experience to the entry requirements.

14.4.9 Master of Business (Accounting) - amendment to course structure

(Circulated p 239-240)

The Academic Board approved the proposal of the Faculty of Business and Economics to amend the course structure of the existing Master of Business (Accounting) as detailed in the document presented.

14.4.10 Master of Practising Accounting - amendment to course structure

(Circulated p 241-242)

The Academic Board approved the proposal of the Faculty of Business and Economics to amend the course structure of the existing Master of Practising Accounting as detailed in the document presented.

14.4.11 Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Computing - amendment to structure

(Circulated p 243-248)

The Academic Board approved the proposal of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology to amend the existing Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Computing as detailed in the document presented.

14.4.12 The honours degree of Bachelor of Computing - additional mode of offer

(Circulated p 249-256)

The Academic Board approved the proposal of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology to amend the existing honours degree of Bachelor of Computing by making it available in distance education mode in addition to the current on-campus mode of offer.

14.4.13 The honours degree of Bachelor of Computing - Software Development stream - amendment to structure

The Academic Board approved the proposal of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology to amend the Software Development stream of the existing honours degree of Bachelor of Computing by allowing students to complete the program by attempting either a 50% research thesis or a 25% applied research project.

14.4.14 Bachelor of Technology (Computer Studies) - to be discontinued on the Peninsula campus

The Academic Board approved the proposal of the Faculty of Engineering to cease offering subjects for the Bachelor of Technology (Computer Studies) on the Peninsula campus as follows: first year subjects from Semester One 1997, second year subjects from Semester One 1998 and third year subjects from Semester One 1999.

14.4.15 Amendment of double degree titles associated with Bachelor of Applied Science

As a result of the amendment to the title of the Bachelor of Applied Science approved at Academic Board Meeting 2/97 (Minutes 12.4.3 and 12.4.4), the Faculty was required to make the following amendments to the titles of double degrees associated with the Bachelor of Applied Science from Semester One 1998.

The Academic Board approved the retitling of existing double degree courses as follows:

• Bachelor of Applied Science / Bachelor of Arts (Communication) - to become Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Arts (Communication)
• Bachelor of Applied Science / Bachelor of Arts (Journalism) - to become Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Arts (Journalism)
• Bachelor of Applied Science / Bachelor of Arts (Social Science) - to become Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Arts (Social Science)
• Bachelor of Applied Science / Bachelor of Business - to become Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Business
• Bachelor of Applied Science / Bachelor of Computing - to become Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Computing
• Bachelor of Applied Science / Diploma of Applied Science (Materials Engineering) [with Casey TAFE] - to become Bachelor of Science / Diploma of Applied Science (Materials Engineering)
• Bachelor of Applied Science / Diploma of Environmental Management [with Casey TAFE] - to become Bachelor of Science / Diploma of Environmental Management
• the honours degree of Bachelor of Applied Science - to become the honours degree of Bachelor of Science

14.5 New Subject Proposals

The Education Committee had endorsed for transmission to the Academic Board the proposals for subjects detailed below. Full documentation was available for perusal by members of the Board.

The Academic Board was advised that seven new subjects had been proposed for approval: four from the Faculty of Business and Economics, two from the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology and one from the Faculty of Education.

The Academic Board approved the subject proposals from the Faculty of Business and Economics, Computing and Information Technology and Education as detailed below:

• GBU9121 Introduction to Macroeconomic Theory and Policy
• GBU9122 Introduction to Microeconomic Theory and Policy
• GBU9123 Regional Economic Development and Policy
• GBU9124 Natural Resources and Environment
• LAR5001 Managing Virtual Libraries
• LAR5007 Electronic Publishing
• GEDxxxx Gifted Education: Identification and Programming

14.6 Disestablishment of Existing Subjects

The Academic Board was advised that 68 subjects and/or alternative codes for subjects of the Faculty of Business and Economics had been disestablished.

The Academic Board noted the disestablishment of the following existing subjects and/or alternative codes for subjects of the Faculty of Business and Economics (full titles were not made available and typographical idiosyncracies were intentional):

• ECM1080 Quan Mth Bus
• AAF311M Malaysian Co Law
• AAF315M Malaysian I.T. Law
• ECO3723 Income Distrib
• ECO3740 Agric Policy
• ECO5670 Trade & Devel
• ECO5820 Hedging & Uncert
• ACC0071 Elective
• ACC2321 Manufac Fin Control
• ACC3300 Bus & Acc Practices
• ACC3681 Behav Aspect of Acc
• ACC4120 Adv Acc & Finance
• ACC4900 Research Project
• ACC6370 Financial Mgt
• ACC6420 Theo Prac Int Audit 1
• ACC6430 Theo Prac Int Audit 2
• ACC6440 Mgt Sci & Info Sys
• ACC6450 Managerial Acc
• ACC7011 Elective
• ACC7021 Elective
• ACC7031 Elective
• ACC7041 Elective
• ACC7051 Elective
• ACC7061 Elective
• ACC7160 Contemp Tax Issues
• ACC7170 Issues in Corp Law
• ACC7210 Adv Treasury Mgt
• FCE9011 Software Devel Elec
• FCE9021 Temp Comp Tech Elec
• FCE9031 Temp Code Info Sys Elec
• FCE9041 Temp Code Comp Elec
• FCE9051 Temp Code Comp Elec
• FCE9061 Temp Code Comp Elec
• FIN5211 Economic Policy
• FIN5410 Advanced Tax (Bus)
• FIN6420 Company & Comm Law
• FIN2130 French 3
• FIN2140 French 4
• FIN6841 Law & Hum Res Man
• MGM5900 Thesis
• MGM6031 Elective
• MGM6530 Innov In Mfg Mgt
• MGM8000 PhD Res Meth
• MKT3000 Spec Studies Subj
• MKT3011 Spec Studies Subj
• MKT7000 Mkt Theory & Practise
• MKT7010 Buyer Behaviour
• MKT7020 Mkt Res & Forecast
• MKT7031 Mkt Decision Sys
• MKT7041 Mkt Comm Strategies
• MKT7051 Marketing Strategy
• MKT7061 Product Management
• MKT7071 Sales Management
• MKT7081 Industial Marketing
• MKT7091 Adv Mkt Research
• MKT7100 Mkt in Foreign Env
• MKT7150 Comp & Consumer Law
• MKT7301 Services Marketing
• MKT3601 Retail Internship
• MKT6400 Logistic Elements
• MKT6410 Logistic Mgt 11
• MKT6420 Logistic Mgt 11
• MKT6430 Decision Techniques
• MKT6440 Logistics Cont Sys
• MKT6450 Distrib Environment
• MKT6460 Special Project
• MKT6470 Strat Log Planning
• MKT6700 Agribus Micro Eco

14.7 Disestablishment of Courses

The Academic Board was advised that 17 courses of the Faculties of Arts, Business and Economics, Computing and Information Technology and Science were to be disestablished.

The Academic Board noted the disestablishment of the following courses (no intake after Semester Two 1997) by the Faculties of Arts, Business and Economics, Computing and Information Technology and Science:

• Bachelor of Arts (Humanities and Social Sciences)
• Bachelor of Arts (Humanities and Social Sciences) / Bachelor of Business
• Bachelor of Arts (Humanities and Social Sciences) / Bachelor of Social Welfare
• Bachelor of Applied Science
• Bachelor of Applied Science (Biological and Medical Sciences)
• Bachelor of Applied Science (Biotechnology)
• Bachelor of Applied Science (Chemical and Analytical Sciences)
• Bachelor of Applied Science (Mathematical Sciences)
• Bachelor of Applied Science (Physics and Analytical Science)
• Bachelor of Applied Science / Bachelor of Arts (Communication)
• Bachelor of Applied Science / Bachelor of Arts (Journalism)
• Bachelor of Applied Science / Bachelor of Arts (Social Science)
• Bachelor of Applied Science / Bachelor of Business
• Bachelor of Applied Science / Bachelor of Computing
• Bachelor of Applied Science / Diploma of Applied Science (Materials Engineering) [with Casey TAFE]
• Bachelor of Applied Science / Diploma of Environmental Management [with Casey TAFE]
• the honours degree of Bachelor of Applied Science

Proceedings

15. REPORT OF THE GENERAL LIBRARY COMMITTEE

(Circulated p 257-260)

The Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 3/96 of the General Library Committee held on Wednesday 11 September 1996.

Action/Information: Secretary to the General Library Committee; Professor E Lim

15.1 Proposed Distribution of the 1997 Book Budget

The Academic Board:

• noted the General Library Committee's proposed distribution of the Monash University Library book budget for 1997 as detailed in the report presented; and
• noted the statement of the General Library Committee that:

"Each GLC member should raise awareness through their Faculty Board meetings of the need to protect the Library's budget and to support the request to have the Library funding based on EFTSUs, or a reasonable percentage of the University's total income."

*15.2 Quota Based Library Fees

Refer also to Proceeding 4c of the General Library Committee Report.

A document submitted by the Monash Postgraduate Association (MPA) which related to the recently established quota based library fees; and a written response from Professor E Lim, University Librarian, were received (p 261-264).

Mr M Vitlin, a post graduate student member of the Board, indicated that the written response of the University Librarian dated 26 March 1997, regarding quota based library fees, had not adequately addressed the concerns expressed by the MPA in its submission to the Board dated March 1997.

Mr Vitlin suggested that the effects of introducing quota based library fees would be to:

• produce inequity between the amount payable for document delivery services by postgraduate students on the various Monash campuses; and
• indirectly stifle the quantity and consequently the quality of research conducted throughout the University.

The view was expressed that efforts could still be made to find alternative funding sources for the increasing demand on the libraries' document delivery services.

Professor Lim informed the Board that part of the increased demand during the past two years resulted from irresponsible usage of the University's document delivery service, and indicated that it was inappropriate for the University to provide funding for unbridled usage. He said research would be conducted to discover further reasons for the rapid increase in demand for this service, and that supplementary funding sources were currently being sought in order to alleviate or eliminate the need for students to incur costs for document delivery. With respect to the faculty quota allocations, Professor Lim corrected the assumption that individual academic staff were restricted to making only a few requests per year.

The Chair requested the University Librarian, when information was available, to update his report regarding the implementation of quota based library fees, including possibilities for alternative funding sources for the document delivery service; costing of quotas allocated to different faculties; and the alleviation of concerns of the University's postgraduate student associations.

The Academic Board:

• noted the correspondence received from the Monash Postgraduate Association dated March 1997 and the response of the University Librarian, Professor E Lim, dated 26 March 1997 regarding quota based library fees; and
• requested the University Librarian, when information was available, to update his report to the Board responding to various issues raised about the introduction of quotas for the document delivery service, and providing advice on alternative / additional funding sources for the service.

Proceedings

16. REPORT OF THE MONASH ORIENTATION SCHEME FOR ABORIGINES (MOSA) COMMITTEE

(Circulated p 265-266)

The Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 1/97 of the Monash Orientation Scheme for Aborigines (MOSA) Committee held on Thursday 6 March 1997.

Action/Information: Secretary to the MOSA Committee

16.1 1996 Annual Report (Members Only)

(Circulated p 267-274)

The Academic Board received and noted the 1996 Annual Report of the Monash Orientation Scheme for Aborigines (MOSA) presented.

Proceedings

17. REPORT OF THE PhD AND SCHOLARSHIPS COMMITTEE

(Circulated p 275-278)

The Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 2/97 of the PhD and Scholarships Committee held on Friday 7 March 1997.

Action/Information: Ms P Herman

Proceedings

18. REPORT OF THE MONASH UNIVERSITY PUBLICATIONS GRANTS COMMITTEE

(Circulated p 279-280)

The Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 1/97 of the Monash University Publication Grants Committee held on 5 March 1997.

Action/Information: Secretary to the University Publication Grants Committee

18.1 Financial Statement as at 31 December 1996 (Proceedings No 3)

(Circulated p 281-284)

The Academic Board noted the financial statement of the Publication Grants Committee as at 31 December 1996 as presented.

Proceedings

19. REPORT OF THE UNIVERSITY PUBLICATIONS OVERVIEW COMMITTEE

(Circulated p 285-288)

The Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 1/97 of the University Publications Overview Committee held on 4 March 1997.

Action/Information: Mr T Calder

Proceedings

20. REPORT OF THE WORKING PARTY ON REVIEW OF GRADUATION CEREMONIES

(Circulated p 289-292)

The Academic Board received and noted the Report of a Meeting of the Working Party on Review of Graduation Ceremonies held on Tuesday 8 October 1996.

Action/Information: Mr B Corless

20.1 Time, Date and Format of Graduation Ceremonies

20.1.1 Satisfaction Survey of Graduates

The Academic Board approved the following recommendations of the Working Party on Review of Graduation Ceremonies that:

• the present weekday / week night times for graduation ceremonies be retained; and
• the Robert Blackwood Hall continue as the venue for metropolitan graduation ceremonies other than those of the Victorian College of Pharmacy.

20.1.2 Gippsland Campus Graduations

The Academic Board approved the recommendation of the Working Party on Review of Graduation Ceremonies that in 1998 the pattern of graduation ceremonies at the Gippsland Campus continue as in 1997.

20.2 Acknowledgment of Prizes and Awards at Graduation Ceremonies

The Academic Board approved the recommendations of the Working Party on Review of Graduation Ceremonies that:

• the number of prizes acknowledged by a faculty at graduation ceremonies be limited to five per cent of the total number of students graduating from that faculty; and
• a faculty wishing to exceed the prescribed quota of acknowledged prizes seek leave to do so from the Graduations Officer.

Proceedings

21. UNIVERSITY CLINICAL ASSOCIATE PROFESSORSHIP COMMITTEE

The Academic Board noted for transmission to Council the recommendations made by the University Clinical Associate Professorship Committee to:

appoint the following as Honorary Clinical Associate Professors until 31 December 1997:

• Dr Denis Spelman, Department of Microbiology, Alfred Hospital
• Dr Bruce Braham Davis, Department of Surgery, Alfred Hospital
• Dr Denys Woodeson Fortune, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Alfred Hospital

and reappoint the following until 31 December 1997:

• Mr Ian McInnes, Department of Surgery, Alfred Hospital
• Mr Adrian Polglase, Department of Surgery, Alfred Hospital
• Mr Frank Rosenfeldt, Department of Surgery, Alfred Hospital
• Ms Nina Sacharias, Department of Surgery, Alfred Hospital

Action/Information: Ms B Hateley; Secretary

22. UNIVERSITY READERSHIP / ASSOCIATE PROFESSORSHIP COMMITTEE

The Academic Board noted for transmission to Council the recommendations approved by the University Readership / Associate Professorship Committee to appoint the following Honorary Associate Professors until 31 December 1997:

• Dr Christopher Norman Gray, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine
• Dr John William Barlow, Department of Medicine, Alfred Hospital
• Dr Peter James Fuller, Department of Medicine, Alfred Hospital

Action/Information: Ms B Hateley; Secretary

23. 1996 ANNUAL REPORTS

Under Section 2.9 of Statute 3.3 - Deans, Associate Deans and Subdeans of Faculties - a Dean "shall submit to the Registrar for transmission through the Academic Board to Council at its first meeting in each year a concise report of the work done in the faculty during the preceding year".

A schedule for 1996 Annual Reports to be submitted to Council through Academic Board was approved at Meeting 7/96 of Council.

Action/Information: Secretary

*23.1 Annual Report of the Dean of the Faculty of Law

(Circulated p 293-312)

The Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor CR Williams, spoke to his report mentioning in particular the impressive recent activities of the Law Student Society, and the active and thoughtful participation of student members of the Board of the Faculty of Law in the developing issue of full-fees for undergraduate Australian students.

The Board noted that a document "Future Directions and Actions" regarding fees would be put to the Board of the Faculty of Law at its meeting in the forthcoming week; if approved, it would be brought to the Academic Board for information.

The Academic Board received and noted for transmission to Council the 1996 Annual Report of the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor CR Williams, and noted the Dean's comments about the report.

*23.2 Annual Report of the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine

(Circulated p 313-324)

This report was submitted in place of the Annual Report of the Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, which the Board noted would be submitted to meeting 5/97.

The Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Professor R Porter, spoke briefly to his report.

The Academic Board received and noted for transmission to Council the 1996 Annual Report of the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Professor R Porter, and noted the Dean's comments about the report.

*23.3 Annual Report of the Dean of the Faculty of Science

(Circulated p 325-330)

The Dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor RW Davies, spoke to his report mentioning in particular:

• planning and restructure within the Faculty of Science; and
• the positive move to amalgamate the Departments of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and Genetics and Developmental Biology.

The Academic Board received and noted for transmission to Council the 1996 Annual Report of the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor RW Davies, and noted the Dean's comments about the report.

*23.4 Annual Report of the University Librarian

(Circulated p 331-364)

Steering Committee had asked that the University Librarian be invited to speak to his report, in particular about the difficult situation described on p 333 and referred to under the Report of the General Library Committee (p 258), and how these difficulties may be addressed.

The University Librarian, Professor E Lim, spoke to his report mentioning in particular:

• the exploration of methods of cost reduction for delivery;
• the examination of the feasibility of re-introducing the Distance Education levy;
• the principles used for management of printed and electronic material; and
• the "predatory" nature of scholarly publishers in relation to licensing of electronic library materials, and the need of the University to gain national support to apply pressure on these publishers to alleviate the financial and legally restrictive burdens associated with use of the materials.

The Board noted a member's support for the statement made by the General Library Committee under item 15.1, and his suggestion that the preservation of University funding for the Library be given further consideration. It was agreed that this matter be referred to the Central Budgets Committee for further consideration.

The Academic Board received and noted the 1996 Annual Report of the University Librarian, Professor E Lim, and noted the University Librarian's comments about his report.

Action/Information: Professor E Lim; General Manager; Secretary

24. LEGISLATION

The University Solicitor had prepared legislation in accordance with instructions from the appropriate faculties and other offices, to implement proposals which had been approved by the Academic Board for submission to Council. Copies of the legislation below were available at the meeting for perusal by members of the Board, and copies of the explanatory memoranda prepared for the legislation were attached to the agenda.

24.1 Faculty of Engineering (Diploma of Engineering (Industrial Management)) (Amendment No 1 1997) Regulations

(Circulated p 365-366)

24.2 Statute 6.1.2 - Courses and Degrees (Amendment No 2 1997) Statute

(Circulated p 367-368)

24.3 Doctorate Regulations (Doctor of Philosophy and Professional Doctorate Programs (All Faculties)) (Amendment No 1 1997) Regulations

(Circulated p 369-370)

The Academic Board approved for submission to Council the above draft legislation.

Action/Information: Secretary; University Solicitor

25. COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

25.1 Chair Selection Committee - Department of Taxation and Business Regulation

The Academic Board approved the nomination of Professor CR Williams as the Academic Board representative on the Selection Committee for a Chair in the Department of Taxation and Business Regulation, and will advise Council of this nomination.

Action/Information: Secretary; Ms B Meredith

25.2 Monash University Animal Welfare Committee Membership

(Circulated p 371-372)

The Academic Board approved the membership for 1997 of the Monash University Animal Welfare Committee as detailed in the document presented.

Action/Information: Ms AG Penney

25.3 Personal Chairs Committee

(Circulated p 373-374)

The Academic Board approved the nominations of:

• Professor R Jackson as the Academic Board representative on the Personal Chairs Committee, to fill a vacancy that had existed since Professor PLeP Darvall was nominated by the Vice-Chancellor to fill the Committee's vacancy for a deputy vice-chancellor, and will advise Council of this nomination; and
• Professor D De Kretser to replace Professor R Jackson as an alternate representative of the Academic Board on the Personal Chairs Committee.

Action/Information: Secretary; Ms B Meredith

25.4 Standing Committee on Ethics in Research on Humans (SCERH)

(Circulated p 375-376)

The Academic Board approved the membership for the Standing Committee on Ethics in Research on Humans (SCERH) as detailed in the document presented.

Action/Information: Ms L Gash

26. ACADEMIC BOARD MEMBERSHIP

Action/Information: Ms M Gec

26.1 Casual Vacancies

26.1.1 Faculty of Business and Economics

Refer also to item 8.2.

The Academic Board noted the appointment of Professor A Russell, made by the Board of the Faculty of Business and Economics, to fill a casual professorial vacancy on the Academic Board arising from the resignation from the Board of Professor G Tucker, for a term expiring on 30 June 1998.

Action/Information: Ms A Pilgrim

26.1.2 Faculty of Engineering

Refer also to item 10, Proceeding 4.

The Academic Board noted the appointment of Associate Professor J Sheridan, made by the Board of the Faculty of Engineering, to fill a casual non-professorial vacancy on the Academic Board arising from the resignation of Associate Professor MSJ Gani, for a term expiring on 30 June 1997.

Action/Information: Mr D Secomb

26.1.3 Faculty of Law

The Academic Board noted the appointment of Associate Professor M Pittard, made by the Board of the Faculty of Law, to fill a casual non-professorial vacancy on the Academic Board arising from the resignation of Mr R Garnett, for a term expiring 30 June 1997.

Action/Information: Ms E Wilson

26.1.4 Campus-Based Non-Professorial Member

The Academic Board noted the appointment of Ms I Breuer, made by the Vice-Chancellor on the recommendation of (Peninsula) Campus Director's Advisory Committee, to fill a campus-based non-professorial casual vacancy on the Academic Board arising from the resignation of Dr R Curnow, for a term expiring 30 June 1997.

Action/Information: Professor J Northfield

26.2 Notice of Election of Members of Academic Board

A document indicating the procedures for election and the number of vacancies to be filled from each faculty at this forthcoming election of members of the Board was circulated (p 377-378).

The Academic Board noted:

• the document presented regarding the election of members to the Academic Board for terms of office from 1 July 1997 to 30 June 1999; and
• that the deadline for nominations for election to be received by the Returning Officer was 12:00 noon on Wednesday, 16 April 1997.

26.3 Special Leave

The Academic Board granted Professor DR Arnott, Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, special leave from Academic Board meetings held from April 1997 until September 1997 as he would be overseas on study leave.

Action/Information: Professor DR Arnott

27. ITEMS OF INTEREST FROM MINUTES OF COUNCIL

(Circulated p 379-380)

The Academic Board noted the items of interest from the unconfirmed Minutes of Council Meetings 1/97 and 2/97 as detailed in the document presented.