Meeting No 4/97 of the Academic Board will be held on Wednesday 4 June 1997 in the Council Room of the University, commencing at 2.15 pm.
The Agenda papers have been circulated. The Index of Recommendations is set out below, and supplementary papers are attached. New items, or items with new / revised attachments, are indicated in the Index of Recommendations by a vertical line on the left hand side of the page.
Meetings of the Academic Board are attended by ex officio and elected members. A current list of members may be obtained from the Secretary. A non-member may request permission to attend a meeting of the Board as an observer, by telephoning extension 52061. Observers have no speaking or voting rights.
Members are reminded that apologies should be telephoned to extension 52061.
Tea and coffee will be served in the foyer prior to the meeting.
28 May 1997 JH Newham
r:/unisec/academic/agenda/agrec497.doc Secretary
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.
A G E N D A
INDEX OF RECOMMENDATIONS
AND
SUPPLEMENTARY PAPERS
*1. ARRANGEMENT OF AGENDA AND PROCEDURAL MATTERS
1.1 Starring of Items
Members who wish a non-starred item to be discussed may so request at this point.
1.2 Approval of Non-Starred Items
The Chair will move:
That the recommendations of the Steering Committee be adopted without discussion for all items other than those starred.
2. MINUTES
2.1 Minutes of Academic Board Meeting No 3/97 held on 16 April 1997
Previously circulated.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Minutes of Academic Board Meeting 3/97 held on 16 April 1997 be confirmed and signed.
3. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
3.1 Admission of MOSA Candidates Into Undergraduate Degrees in the
Faculty of Arts
Minute 15.1 of Academic Board Meeting 1/97 requested that relevant Deans report to the Academic Board regarding the admission of MOSA candidates into the first year of various undergraduate degrees.
RECOMMENDATION:
That Academic Board note:
4. MATTERS REFERRED TO ACADEMIC BOARD BY COUNCIL
No matters were referred to Academic Board by Council for this meeting.
*5. VICE-CHANCELLOR'S BUSINESS
5.1 Contents and Portions of the University Corporate Plan for 1998 - 2002
The contents and portions of a draft Corporate Plan for Monash University for the five year period 1998 - 2002, together with a covering memorandum from Mr P Summers, Executive Officer Corporate Planning and Review dated 20 May 1997, are attached to the "Agenda Index of Items and Agenda Papers" (p 1-18).
A revised version of the contents for above the draft (containing minor amendments), and a completed version of Table 3, will be tabled at Academic Board.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor DA Robinson, will speak to this item.
RECOMMENDATION:
That Academic Board receive the contents and portions of the draft Monash University Corporate Plan for 1998 - 2002, and note the advice of the Vice-Chancellor concerning the document.
5.2 Information Technology Policy - Exposure Draft
Attached is an exposure draft of the Information Technology Policy for Monash University, dated May 1997.
The exposure draft has been considered by Deans, and is now submitted to the Academic Board for preliminary discussion and input into further improvement of the document.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development), Professor PLeP Darvall, will speak to this item.
RECOMMENDATION:
That Academic Board hold preliminary discussions regarding the exposure draft of the Information Technology Policy presented, and direct suggestions for improvement of the document to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development).
6. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF DEANS
Attached.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board receive and note the report of Meetings 4/97 and 5/97 of the Committee of Deans held on 5 April and 6 May 1997.
*6.1 Monash University College of Art and Design - Faculty Status
A memorandum from the Vice-Chancellor to the Deans dated 10 April, 1997, a submission from the Director of the Monash University College of Art and Design, Professor J Redmond, and a memorandum from the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor M Quartly, are attached.
The proposal for faculty status for the College was unanimously supported by the Committee of Deans.
The Vice-Chancellor will speak to this item.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board approve for submission to Council the proposal that the Monash University College of Art and Design be granted faculty status.
Proceedings
7. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF THE FACULTY OF ARTS
Attached. This item is not available electronically.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board receive and note the Report of Meeting 2/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Arts held on Wednesday 19 April 1997.
7.1 Honorary Appointments
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board note the following honorary appointments approved by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts (none of the people below are currently employed within the University):
Department of Classics and Archaeology
Department of History
Department of Music
Department of Romance Languages
Centre for Women's Studies
7.2 Faculty Board Membership
Attached. This item is not available electronically.
The list of membership attached does not involve changes to the constitution of the Board of the Faculty of Arts.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board note for transmission to Council the current membership of the Board of the Faculty of Arts as detailed in the document presented.
7.3 Faculty of Arts Exclusion Progress Report
Refer also to item 16.
Registrars provided details to the Exclusion Appeals Committee of Academic Board regarding the number of students excluded within each faculty for the 1996 academic year. The figures for all faculties are incorporated in the Exclusion Appeals Committee Report under item 16 of this agenda.
Attached is the more detailed report of exclusions from the Faculty of Arts which was submitted to both Faculty Board and the Exclusion Appeals Committee.
RECOMMENDATION:
That Academic Board note the report of exclusions within the Faculty of Arts for the 1996 academic year.
8. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF THE FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND
ECONOMICS
Attached.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board receive and note the Report of Meeting 2/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Business and Economics held on Wednesday 2 April 1997.
8.1 Appointment of Associate Deans 1997-1998
At Meeting 7/96 Council approved, subject to the drafting of appropriate legislation, the proposal that the term of appointment for associate deans run for a calendar year instead of the first day of July to the thirtieth day of June (RESOLUTION CL7/96/462).
RECOMMENDATION:
That Academic Board approve, for submission to Council, the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Business and Economics to appoint the following Associate Deans for 18 months from 1 July 1997 until 31 December 1998, to bring their appointments into line with the period of appointments recently approved by Council:
8.2 Appointment of Associate of the School of Business and Electronic Commerce
RECOMMENDATION:
That Academic Board note, for transmission to Council, the approval of the Board of the Faculty of Business and Economics of the appointment of Mr Michael Crowley as Associate of the School of Business and Electronic Commerce for a three year period commencing 2 April 1997.
Proceedings
9. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF THE FACULTY OF COMPUTING AND
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Attached.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board receive and note the Report of Meeting 2/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology held on Wednesday 7 May 1997.
9.1 Appointment of Associate Dean (Teaching)
Refer also to item 8.1.
The Board is asked to note that with the agreement of the Registrar of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, the dates for the term of the following appointment have been altered from the Faculty Board Report. The dates of appointment now reflect the decision made by Council that the term of appointment for associate deans run for a calendar year instead of the first day of July to the thirtieth day of June.
RECOMMENDATION:
That Academic Board approve, for submission to Council, the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology to appoint Associate Professor J Hurst as Associate Dean (Teaching) until 30 June 1997, and renew his appointment from 1 July 1997 to 31 December 1997.
9.2 Casual Vacancy on Academic Board
The Board is asked to note that this item will be considered under item 22.1.
9.3 Casual Vacancy in Membership of Faculty Board
RECOMMENDATION:
That Academic Board approve for submission to Council the nomination of Mr G Shanks, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Information Systems, to fill a casual vacancy on the Board of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology.
9.4 Discipline Committee Membership
The Board is asked to note that this item will be considered under item 21.1.
9.5 Minute of Appreciation for Mrs Anne Mc Millan
Attached.
RECOMMENDATION:
That Academic Board endorse the Minute of Appreciation for Mrs Anne McMillan, who was Associate Dean (Teaching) of the Faculty until her untimely death in March 1997.
Proceedings
10. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF THE FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
Attached.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board receive and note the Report of Meeting 2/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Engineering held on Wednesday 23 April 1997.
*10.1 Annual Reports of Centres
Attached are annual reports for the centres listed below.
RECOMMENDATION:
That Academic Board:
1. receive and note for transmission to Council the annual reports of the following centres:
2. Invite the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Professor ML Brisk, to speak to the Board about the progress and status of the above centres.
10.2 Establishment of Prizes - Kemcor Australia Scholarship
RECOMMENDATION:
That Academic Board approve the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Engineering to establish a scholarship for 1997 of $1250, to be awarded to a mechanical engineering student under the conditions detailed in the Faculty Board Report attached; said prize to be named the "Kemcor Australia Scholarship".
Proceedings
11. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF THE FACULTY OF MEDICINE
Attached.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board receive and note the Report of Meeting 2/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Medicine held on Wednesday 26 March 1997.
11.1 Personnel Matters (Proceeding No 6)
*11.1.1 Honour and Appointments
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor DA Robinson, will speak to this item.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That Academic Board note the following honour and appointments:
11.1.2 Obituary for Associate Professor Edmundo Guli
Attached. This item is not available electronically.
RECOMMENDATION:
That Academic Board endorse the obituary in respect of Associate Professor Edmond Guli, who died on 14 February 1997.
Proceedings
12. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE
Attached.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board receive and note the Report of Meeting 2/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Science held on Wednesday 23 April 1997.
12.1 Associate of the Faculty
RECOMMENDATION:
That Academic Board note, for transmission to Council, the approval of the Board of the Faculty of Science of the re-appointment of Professor JR Anderson as Associate of the Faculty for a further three year term from 1 June 1997.
12.2 Establishment of the Meteorology CRC Prize
Attached. This item is not available electronically.
The Cooperative Research Centre for Southern Hemisphere Meteorology, the Department of Mathematics and the Department of Geography and Environmental Science are sponsors of a new undergraduate discipline in Atmospheric Science.
RECOMMENDATION:
That Academic Board approve the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Science to establish a prize from 1998 of $200, to be awarded annually by the Director of the Meteorology CRC (with advice from the Education Committee of the Meteorology CRC) to the student with the highest overall mark in the 24 point discipline of Atmospheric Science at third year; said prize to be named the "Meteorology CRC Prize".
12.3 Student Representation on Faculty Board
Attached.
At Meeting 7/96 Council approved the proposal "Student Representation on Senior University Committees", with the exception of the section relating to Council which was at that stage under review. This proposal was developed in consultation with student organisations, the Committee of Deans, Academic Board and Council.
The section relating to Faculty Boards requires that student membership comprises at least one undergraduate student per campus on which the faculty operates with a minimum of four, and at least one research and one non-research postgraduate student.
RECOMMENDATION:
That Academic Board note the comments and suggestions made by the Board of the Faculty of Science in relation to the requirements for student representation on faculty Boards (as detailed in the Faculty Board Report presented).
*12.4 Annual Reports from Centres of the Faculty
Attached is a two page executive summary of the annual reports of Centres received by
the Board of the Faculty of Science.
This item is not available electronically.
The full version of each annual report is available for perusal by members upon request to the Secretary of Academic Board.
RECOMMENDATION:
That Academic Board:
Proceedings
13. REPORT OF THE ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE
Attached.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board receive and note the Report of Meeting 2/97 of the Admissions Committee held on Thursday 8 May 1997.
*13.1 Entry Requirements
The proposal of the Admissions Committee below seeks to amend the University's minimum entry requirements to provide a more relevant means by which unqualified applicants can demonstrate academic potential.
The Chair of the Admissions Committee, Professor RJ Pargetter, will speak to this item.
RECOMMENDATION:
That Academic Board:
13.2 Revenue and Scholarships Executive Officer
Attached.
RECOMMENDATION:
That Academic Board:
13.3 Deferment Policy
The proposal of the Admissions Committee below seeks to amend the University's deferment policy so as not to allow for deferment for the purpose of study elsewhere except with prior faculty approval.
RECOMMENDATION:
That Academic Board approve for submission to Council an amendment to the deferment policy as follows:
"The University will allow a one year deferment of study for all new undergraduate students who apply to their faculty of intended enrolment, except where the student intends to study elsewhere in Australia. In this case the faculty will determine whether the deferment is appropriate. Any approved study completed in Australia in the year of deferral cannot be used to gain credit unless specified in the conditions of the deferment."
Proceedings
14. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF ASSOCIATE DEANS (RESEARCH)
Attached.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board receive and note the Report of Meeting 2/97 of the Committee of Associate Deans (Research) held on Thursday 27 March 1997.
*14.1 Re-collection of 1995 Research Publications Data - Proceedings No 4
Professor PLeP Darvall will speak to this item.
RECOMMENDATION:
That Academic Board note the advice of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development) regarding this item.
*14.2 Minute of Appreciation for Professor Brian Cherry - Proceedings No 8
Professor PLeP Darvall will speak to this item.
RECOMMENDATION:
That Academic Board note the advice of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development) regarding this item.
Proceedings
15. REPORT OF THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Attached.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board receive and note the Report of Meeting 3/97 of the Education Committee held on 7 May 1997.
15.1 Amendment to Membership of the Education Committee
This amendment is proposed in response to the need to include Monash Mt Eliza Graduate School of Business and Government Ltd more fully in the formal course and subject approval and amendment processes of the University.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Monash Mt Eliza Graduate School of Business and Government be invited to nominate an academic staff member to become a member with full voting rights of the Education Committee.
15.2 Amendment to Regulations for the Faculty of Arts p 133-136
Documents are attached.
At Meeting 8/96 of Council (Minute 9.6), regulations were approved for the undergraduate degrees of the Faculty of Arts. These regulations (and the amendment to Statute 6.1.2 which accompanied them) contained reference to Bachelor of Arts (Arts Scholars Program), which will not now be presented by the Faculty of Arts.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board approve for submission to Council the amendment deleting reference to a Bachelor of Arts (Arts Scholars Program) in the Faculty of Arts (Undergraduate Degree) Regulations and Statute 6.1.2 - Courses and Degrees.
15.3 Student Academic Grievance Policy
.Attached
Council referred the Student Academic Grievance Policy to the Education Committee for reconsideration after questions were raised at Council Meeting 8/96 regarding the timeframe for the process and the order of hearings in cases when grievance and other (eg exclusion) hearings were both scheduled.
Further submissions have also been received from the University Solicitor's Office and from student representatives and Student Rights Officers.
The drafting process was overseen by a small working party, comprising Ms K McGillivray, Associate Professor R Alfredson, and Associate Professor J Hurst. This version of the document was debated extensively at the Education Committee, and matters such as a central grievance appeals panel and the timeline for any action were considered at some length.
The draft policy was further revised by the inclusion of a statement that the policy would be reviewed at the end of 1998.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board approve for submission to Council the attached policy document entitled "Student Academic Grievance Policy", dated 9 May 1997.
15.4 Recommendations Regarding PII Grade
Attached.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board approve:
15.5 New Course Proposals
15.5.1 the honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Advanced Mathematics and Computing)
Attached.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board approve the proposal of the Faculty of Science to establish a new degree, to be titled the honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Advanced Mathematics and Computing).
15.5.2 the honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Behavioural)
Attached.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board approve the proposal of the Faculty of Science to establish a new degree, to be titled the honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Behavioural).
15.5.3 the honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Biomedical)
Attached.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board approve the proposal of the Faculty of Science to establish a new degree, to be titled the honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Biomedical).
15.5.4 the honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Environmental)
Attached.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board approve the proposal of the Faculty of Science to establish a new degree, to be titled the honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Environmental).
15.6 Amendments to Existing Courses
15.6.1 Graduate Certificate in Management - Change to Admission Criteria
Attached.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board approve the proposal of the Faculty of Business and Economics to amend the admission requirements for the existing Graduate Certificate in Management by requiring a minimum of two years relevant experience prior to admission to the course.
15.6.2 Diploma of Business - Amendment to Compulsory Subject and
Changes to Subject Prerequisites
Attached.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board approve the proposal of the Faculty of Business and Economics to amend the existing Diploma of Business by making GBU7015 Business Applications a compulsory subject and amending the subject prerequisites for a number of subjects in the course as detailed in the document presented.
15.6.3 Bachelor of Business - Addition of Professional Accounting Major
(Berwick Campus)
Attached.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board approve the proposal of the Faculty of Business and Economics that the Bachelor of Business available at the Berwick campus be amended by the establishment of a new major sequence in Professional Accounting.
15.6.4 Bachelor of Science - Amendment to Structure and Schedules of Subjects
Attached.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board approve the proposal of the Faculty of Science to amend the Schedule of Approved Science Subjects as detailed in the document presented.
15.7 New Subject Proposal
The Education Committee endorsed for transmission to the Academic Board the subject proposal from the Faculty of Engineering detailed below. Full documentation is available for perusal by members of the Board.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board approve the subject proposal from the Faculty of Engineering as detailed below:
15.8 Disestablishment of an Existing Subject
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board note the disestablishment of the existing subject and/or alternative code for a subject of the Faculty of Arts:
15.9 Disestablishment of a Course
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board note the disestablishment of the existing subject and/or alternative code for a subject of the Faculty of Arts:
Proceedings
16. REPORT OF THE EXCLUSION APPEALS COMMITTEE
Attached.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board receive and note the Report of the Exclusion Appeals Committee of Academic Board, for meetings held between 20 February and 10 April 1997, for the purpose of hearing appeals against exclusion for unsatisfactory progress in the 1996 academic year.
Proceedings
17. REPORT OF THE HONORARY DEGREES COMMITTEE
Attached.
RECOMMENDATION:
That Academic Board receive and note the Report of meeting 1/97 of the Honorary Degrees Committee held on Thursday 17 April 1997.
17.1 Award of an Honorary Degree
Attached are the terms of reference and membership of the Honorary Degrees Committee, and a biographical note about the most recent recipient of an honorary degree.
Under the terms of reference of the Committee, the Committee may in exceptional circumstances approve the award of an honorary degree where a recommendation has been received from the Chancellor and the Vice-Chancellor. The Committee noted that exceptional circumstances existed in the case below, and approved the nomination of the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor. The award was conferred at the graduation ceremony held on 14 May 1997.
RECOMMENDATION:
That Academic Board note that the Honorary Degrees Committee, having received a nomination from the Chancellor and the Vice-Chancellor, and in accordance with the authority devolving from its terms of reference, resolved unanimously to approve the award of the degree of Doctor of Laws honoris causa to Mr Rahardi Ramelan.
18. REPORTS OF THE PhD AND SCHOLARSHIPS COMMITTEE
18.1 Report of Meeting 3/97
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board receive and note the Report of Meeting 3/97 of the PhD and Scholarships Committee held on Friday 11 April 1997.
18.1.1 Doctoral Candidates by External Mode
Attached are two documents prepared by the PhD and Scholarships Committee Working Group on External Candidature. The document contained in pages 175 to 178 of the Agenda Papers is an executive summary of the extended version of the document which follows.
A final review by the Committee's Working Group on Doctoral Candidature by External Mode considered comments made by the faculties on the draft policy paper. In particular, the Working group agreed to a more flexible approach to the 20 days of annual attendance and residency in the fourth and subsequent years of candidature.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the Academic Board approve the recommendations made in the document Doctoral Candidature by External Mode: Executive Summary and Recommendations of PhD and Scholarships Committee Working Group on External Candidature (presented on pages 175 to 178 of the Agenda Papers).
Proceedings
18.2 Report of Meeting 4/97
Attached.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board receive and note the Report of Meeting 4/97 of the PhD and Scholarships Committee held on Friday 2 May 1997.
Proceedings
19. REPORT OF SUBJECT QUOTAS FOR 1997
Attached is the Report of Subject Quotas for 1997.
The Board is reminded that as a result of a decision taken late in 1994 by the Education Committee (Minute 8, Meeting 6/94) and confirmed by the Academic Board, the Education Committee has the responsibility to investigate subject quota proposals and report on these annually to the Academic Board. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor is authorised to approve the recommended quotas after investigation by the Education Committee.
RECOMMENDATION:
That Academic Board receive and note for transmission to Council the Report of Subject Quotas for 1997.
20. 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.
20.1 Annual Report of the Dean of the Faculty of Education
Attached.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board receive and note for transmission to Council the 1996 Annual Report of the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor RT White, and invite the Dean to speak to his report.
20.2 Annual Report of the Dean of the Victorian College of Pharmacy
Attached.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board receive and note for transmission to Council the 1996 Annual Report of the Dean of the Victorian College of Pharmacy, Professor CB Chapman, and invite the Dean to speak to his report.
20.3 Annual Report of the Director of the Computer Centre
Attached.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board receive and note for transmission to Council the 1996 Annual Report of the Director of the Computer Centre, Mr PR Annal, and invite the Director to speak to his report.
20.4 Annual Report of the Director of the Professional Development Centre
Attached.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board receive and note for transmission to Council the 1996 Annual Report of the Director of the former Professional Development Centre, Professor T Hore, and invite the Director to speak to his report.
21. COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
21.1 Discipline Committee Panel Membership
Revised version
Attached to the "Agenda Index of Recommendations and Supplementary Papers" is a revised list of new members to be appointed to the Discipline Committee.
RECOMMENDATION:
That Academic Board approve for submission to Council appointment of new members of the Discipline Committee as detailed in the (revised) document presented.
22. ACADEMIC BOARD MEMBERSHIP
22.1 Casual Vacancy
Refer also to items 9.2 and 22.2.
RECOMMENDATION:
That Academic Board note the appointment of Associate Professor J Breen, made by the Board of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, to fill a casual vacancy on the Academic Board existing as the vacancy was not filled by the normal process of election recently conducted.
22.2 Report of the Returning Officer - Academic Board Election Results
Attached is the Report of the Returning Officer following the recent elections held to fill professorial and non-professorial vacancies on the Academic Board.
RECOMMENDED:
That the Board receive and note the Report of the Returning Officer including results of an election to fill vacancies on the Academic Board.
23. ITEMS OF INTEREST FROM MINUTES OF COUNCIL
Attached.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board note the items of interest from the unconfirmed Minutes of Council Meeting 3/97 as detailed in the document presented.
*********************************************************
________________________________
Item 5.2 - Academic Board 4/97
________________________________
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY POLICY
Exposure Draft, May 1997
1 Introduction
The Review of Telecommunications and Computing Infrastructure (September 1996) had as one of its roles "to comment on the adequacy and effectiveness of the [physical] infrastructure for telecommunications and computing". The absence of a corporate IT strategy and the fact that there was no related funding process were seen as major deficiencies. As noted in Directions for the Future, "The past few years have seen sweeping changes to the way in which technology is used in both administration and teaching in universities" (p15). Monash's continued commitment to world's best practice in teaching, research and management requires it to have an information technology infrastructure to match, and a systematic approach to the issue of obsolescence.
Information technology has a direct connection to the University's mission for excellence in teaching and learning, research and community service, as well as with those services and functions which are instrumental to the attainment of its mission, such as libraries, teaching services and administration.
2. Information Technology Policy
2.1 Definition, and the scope of this policy
"Information technology" is a term which can cover a range of chattels and activities. However, in the context of this policy, it has been assumed that information technology has two main arms, defined according to the manner in which it is to be funded in the future. Information technology has an infrastructure component, which is best administered and funded centrally, and a devolved component which needs to be administered and funded through faculties, academic departments, academic support areas, and the central administration.
In an institution such as Monash, with a devolved arrangement for budgetary matters, it is important to define where the centrally funded "infrastructure" of information technology ends, in order to cast a budget which is appropriate to the funding required for that infrastructure. It is unlikely that there will be agreement as to the appropriate level for funding the information technology infrastructure, except that it will be seen simultaneously as being too little to meet ideal infrastructure needs, and too large because it draws too much funding away from the University's core activities of teaching, research and community service.
This policy relates specifically to the information technology "infrastructure" component, but it must be recognised that the policy has direct implications for the activities of the University's faculties, departments, academic support areas and administration.
Furthermore, as information technology is such a rapidly developing area, having direct impact on all aspects of university activities, it should be taken as "given" that the University's policies in this area must be ensured by a process which permits regular University-wide scrutiny and comment, and a formal review of policy and its implementation should occur at least every two years. Regular review is critical to ensure that changes in the internal and external environment are met, and to enable the university to meet its business objectives.
In a devolved environment, it is important that faculties and departments continue to be the final arbiters of the hardware and software needs to meet their specific objectives. Within this overall context, however, it is also important that a core standard be ensured. For example, the University's Desktop Information Technology Strategy (DITS) has been important in ensuring that different sections of the university continue to be able to communicate with each other, by the adoption of common standards. It would not be efficient for central infrastructure support to be provided beyond the point of remote connection if a faculty, department or other area has not observed the university standard.
2.2 Information Technology Infrastructure
The "infrastructure" which is the province of this policy includes the following items. It is acknowledged that there is overlap between some of the items:
2.3 Information Technology Devolution
Implicit in what is written above, and in comments on management and funding (below) is the fact that much of what constitutes "information technology" remains the responsibility of the faculties, departments, academic support areas and the administration. Most aspects of end-user delivery remain the responsibility of these areas, but they can expect the central provision of all the functions relating to infrastructure.
3 Strategy for Policy Implementation
3.1 Responsibility for and Management of Information Technology
The responsibility for, and management of information technology is 4-tiered:
3.2 University Information Technology Advisory Committee (UNITAC)
3.2.1 Membership of UNITAC
UNITAC is not intended to directly represent units of the University. Rather it is intended to be composed of knowledgeable people willing to contribute significant insights and to actively participate in high-level policy formulation. The Committee will comprise 8 to 10 members with a wide understanding of the business of the university, and of information technology issues. It will include at least the following:
UNITAC will be supported by the advice received from a number of user and specific area advisory groups. Some of this advice can be provided from the University's existing entities.
3.2.2 Functions of UNITAC
3.3 The IT Services Division (ITSDiv)
3.3.1 Mission of the ITSDiv
The Mission of the ITSDiv is to provide quality information technology services for all activities within its purview, and to provide innovative support and leadership to assist all parts of the University in the achievement of their goals and objectives.
ITSDiv will address its Mission via:
3.3.2 Goals & Objectives of the Information Technology Services Division
The focus of the Information Technology Services Division will be to
3.3.3 Coverage
ITSDiv will cover activities previously undertaken by several other groups within the University. Some of these are discretely identifiable existing units of the University; others are portions of existing units:
The ITSDiv will liaise closely and ensure consistency of operations, with the General Manager's Information Systems Centre and with system support staff in service divisions of the university.
3.3.4 Funding
The funding of the information technology infrastructure will be centralised, and conducted through the ITSDiv. The actual level of funding will become a line item in the University's annual budget.
Information technology-related expenditure by faculties will be built into the formula for the devolution of funds to faculties, in a manner agreed through the budget process. Information technology-related expenditure by central administration will also continue to be part of the allocation it already receives as part of the University's formula for the distribution of funding.
In addition to the infrastructure budget mentioned above, there will be an "Information Technology" research and development sum, which will be administered by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Development). This sum will be available as seed funding for matters relating directly to information technology.
________________________________
Item 6 - Academic Board 4/97
________________________________
Monash University
COMMITTEE OF DEANS
Report to the Academic Board
The Committee of Deans met on 5 April 1997 (Meeting 4/97) and 6 May 1997 (Meeting 5/97).
R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S
1. Receipt of Report
RECOMMENDATION
That the Report of the Committee of Deans for Meeting 4/97 held on 5 April 1997 and Meeting 5/97 held on 6 May 1997 be received and noted.
2. Monash University College of Art & Design - Faculty status
A memorandum from the Vice-Chancellor and President to the Deans dated 10 April 1997, along with a submission from the Director of the Monash University College of Art and Design, Professor J Redmond and a memorandum from the Dean of Arts, Professor M Quartly. (Attachment A)
The proposal for faculty status for the College was unanimously supported by the Committee of Deans for submission to the Academic Board.
RECOMMENDATION
That the Academic Board approve for submission to Council the proposal that the Monash University College of Art and Design be granted faculty status.
P R O C E E D I N G S
3. Development of the Corporate Plan
Two special meetings of the Committee of Deans were held to consider preliminary drafts of documents and student load projections which, in revised form, will comprise the University's Corporate Plan. The principles upon which student load will be allocated were discussed, and Deans put forward proposed new programs for additional HECS load allocation.
The draft Plan will be discussed at meeting 4/97 of the Academic Board on 4 June 1997.
4. Reports and briefings
The Committee received additional reports and / or oral advice on the following subjects:
4. Matters Under Consideration by the Committee
The following matters are under consideration / awaiting advice to the Committee:
Membership:
Vice-Chancellor
Deputy Vice-Chancellors
General Manager
Deans
15 May 1997 Janice H Newham
96/0636 Secretary to the Committee of Deans
c:word/CofDeans/reports97/reptmay.doc
________________________________
Item 8 - Academic Board 4/97
________________________________
MONASH UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS
Meeting 2/97 of the Faculty Board of the Faculty of Business and Economics held on
Wednesday 2 April 1997 at the Peninsula campus.
REPORT TO ACADEMIC BOARD
A. RECOMMENDATIONS
1. RECEIPT OF REPORT
Recommendation
That Academic Board receive and note the Report of the Faculty Board Meeting
2/97 of the Faculty of Business and Economics held on 2 April 1997.
2. APPOINTMENT OF ASSOCIATE DEANS 1997-1998
The Board recommends to Academic Board and Council, in accordance with
Statute 3.3 - Deans, associate dean and subdean of faculties (section 4.3),
the appointment of Professor Brian Parmenter as Associate Dean (Research)
and Associate Professor Merran Evans as Associate Dean (Undergraduate
Teaching) for 18 months from 1 July 1997 until 31 December 1998, to bring
their appointments into line with the period of appointments recently
approved by Council.
3. APPOINTMENT OF ASSOCIATE OF THE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND ELECTRONIC
COMMERCE
The Board recommends to Academic Board and Council, in accordance with
Section 1.4.7 of the Monash University Staff Handbook, that Mr Michael
Crowley be appointed as Associate of the School of Business and Electronic
Commerce for a three year period commencing
2 April, 1997.
B. PROCEEDINGS
4. RECEIPT OF PROCEEDINGS
Recommendation
That Academic Board note the proceedings of the Faculty Board meeting 2/97
as detailed below.
5. MATTERS FOR EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Faculty Board has forwarded several recommendations to Education Committee
covering the following matters:
5.1 Major Amendments to Existing Courses
5.1.1 Graduate Certificate in Management
5.1.2 Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Computing
5.1.3 Diploma of Business
5.1.4 Bachelor of Business - Berwick Campus
5.2 Minor Amendments to Existing Courses
5.2.1 Graduate Diploma in Business Management and Masters
Preliminary Year for the Master of Management
5.2.2 Master of Public Policy and Management
5.3 New Subject Proposals
5.3.1 MKT4631 Advanced Buyer Behaviour
5.3.2 GBU2310 Recruitment and Selection: Context and Process
5.3.3 GBU3311 Recruitment and Selection: Issues and Strategy
5.4 Major Amendments to Existing Subjects
5.4.1 Amendments to the GBU subject codes reflect the academic
level of subjects.
6. OTHER MATTERS DISCUSSED BY THE BOARD
1998: New Policy Environment - Local Fee Paying Places and Over-enrolment
Proposals
Malaysian Campus
Monash Mount Eliza Business School
Vice-Chancellor's Strategic Plan
Peninsula Campus
Review of VCE
Aca2.97.Rpt
3-Jun-97
________________________________
Item 9 - Academic Board 4/97
________________________________
MONASH UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF COMPUTING & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
REPORT TO ACADEMIC BOARD
Meeting No: 2/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology was held on Wednesday 7 May, 1997
A RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Associate Dean (Teaching)
The Board of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology recommends that the Academic Board approve for submission to Council the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology to appoint Associate Professor J Hurst as Associate Dean (Teaching) of the Faculty until 30 June, 1997 and renew his appointment from 1 July, 1997 to 30 June, 1998
2. Casual Vacancy on Academic Board
The Board of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology recommends that the Academic Board note the appointment of Associate Professor J Breen, as nominated by the Faculty Board to fill the casual vacancy on Academic Board for the teaching staff (other than professors) of the Faculty.
3. Casual Vacancy in Membership of Faculty Board
The Board of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology recommends that the Academic Board approve for submission to Council the nomination of Mr G Shanks, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Information Systems, to fill a casual vacancy of the Board of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology.
4. Discipline Committee Membership
The Board of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology recommends that the Academic Board note for submission to Council the appointment of Mr R Simpson, Lecturer in the Department of Computer Technology, as the representative of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology on the Discipline Committee.
5. Minute of Appreciation for Mrs A McMillan
The Board of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology recommends that Academic Board endorse the Minute of Appreciation for Mrs A McMillan who was Associate Dean(Teaching) of the Faculty until her untimely death in March, 1997
B PROCEEDINGS
1. Acting Dean's Report
The Acting Dean reported to the Faculty Board on the following matters; the draft corporate plan, benchmarking of the subjects of the Faculty, fees for Australian undergraduate students, the establishment by the Faculty of a WWW discipline group.
2. Reports form Standing Committees
The Faculty Board received and approved for transmission to University Education Committee a number of course and subject proposals and amendments.
3. Chief Examiners
The Faculty Board approved the appointment of chief and assistant examiners in the Departments of Digital Systems, Computer Technology and Business Systems.
rab2-97.rep.97.19.5
________________________________
Item 9.5 - Academic Board 4/97
________________________________
MONASH UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
MINUTE OF APPRECIATION FOR MRS ANNE McMILLAN - ASSOCIATE DEAN (TEACHING)
It was with great sadness that the Faculty learned of the passing of Anne McMillan. Anne had been Associate Dean (Teaching) of the Faculty since 1993.
In her role as Associate Dean(Teaching) Anne had contributed greatly to the Faculty's course and subject development. As well, Anne had overall responsibility for the International affairs of the Faculty and was a major contributor to the development of the Faculty's international student profile and, in particular, its twinning programme with the Asian Pacific Institute of Technology in Kulua Lumpur, Malaysia. At a University level Anne was a major contributor to the work of the University Education Committee and in her role as a member of its Undergraduate Evaluation Committee provided advice and guidance to the University Education Committee on courses and subjects coming before it for approval.
Anne was extremely diligent and competent in her role as Associate Dean(Teaching).
She brought to the position a real concern for the welfare of students, staff and the Faculty. She was a tireless worker and was particularly enthusiastic about future possibilities.
Anne had a long and distinguished involvement in the academic affairs of both Monash University and the former Chisholm Institute of Technology and Caulfield Institute of Technology, where she commenced in 1971. Anne was one of the first female academics in Higher Education in Australia teaching computing and information technology. During her time in academia, Anne taught a wide range of subjects to a vast array of students and was particularly recognised for her teaching of programming. Anne served in a number of different academic administrative roles and for many years was the Course Leader for the Bachelor of Computing at Caulfield .
Anne was instrumental in the development of the Faculty's student information system FACINFO and in advising on other administrative information systems used by the University.
A committed caring member of academic staff, Anne was aware of the fact that students were important. She could be difficult to argue against but always prepared to listen. As a friend to many staff of the University she was always willing to provide advice and guidance where she felt she had something to contribute.
Anne's vitality, education and commitment to the University will be sorely missed.
________________________________
Item 10 - Academic Board 4/97
________________________________
MONASH UNIVERSITY
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF THE FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
The Engineering Faculty Board held meeting no. 2/97 on Wednesday 23 April 1997.
R E P O R T
1. Annual Reports of Centres
The Faculty Board commends the attached annual reports to the Academic Board.
1.1 Annual Report of the UNESCO Supported International Centre for Engineering Education
Appendix A
1.2 Annual Report of the Australian Maritime Engineering Cooperative Research Centre
Appendix B
1.3 Annual Report of the National Key Centre for Advanced Materials Technology
Appendix C
1.4 Annual Report of the Centre for Telecommunications and Information Engineering
Appendix D
1.5 Annual Report of the Centre for Electrical Power Engineering
Appendix E
1.6 Annual Report of the Cooperative Research Centre for Catchment Hydrology
Appendix F
2. Establishment of Prizes
2.1 1997 Kemcor Australia Scholarship
Kemcor Australia hasconfirmed sponsorship for the 1997 Kemcor Australia Scholarship, for which the Handbook entry will be as follows:
Kemcor Australia Scholarship
Kemcor Australia have provided a scholarship for 1997 to the value of $1250, to be awarded to a Mechanical Engineering student about to enter the third year of the Bachelor of Engineering degree. Eligibility also extends to students who are enrolled in a combined degree provided that they have completed two years of the degree in Mechanical Engineering and will be available for full-time employment in two years.
Students who are permanent residents of Australia, or of whom at least one parent is a resident of Australia are eligible. The recipient of the scholarship must not be the holder of any other commercially bestowed award or scholarship that would inhibit the recipient from taking up vacation employment with the donor, Kemcor Australia. The recipient will be selected by Kemcor from a pool of four or five candidates nominated by a panel comprising Mechanical Engineering academic staff.
The scholarship is tenable in the student's third year of the degree. A condition of the scholarship is that the student undertake 10 to 12 weeks summer vacation work with Kemcor.
The Faculty Board recommends that the Academic Board approve the establishment of the scholarship for transmission to Council.
P R O C E E D I N G S
1. Appointment of Honorary Research Associate
The Faculty Board noted that the Dean had approved the appointment of Dr K Ajay (Electrical & Computer Systems Engineering) as a Research Associate in the Faculty for a period of one year from 1 January 1997.
2. Appointment of Honorary Senior Research Fellow
The Board noted that the Dean had approved the appointment of Dr P H T Uhlherr as Honorary Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Chemical Engineering, for a period of three years from 1 January 1997. The Board also noted that the appointment had since been approved by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor.
3. Appointment of Associate of the Department of Civil Engineering
The Board approved the appointment of Professor Geoff Smith as an Associate of the Department of Civil Engineering for a period of two years from 1 April 1997.
RAS
FB\FB2-97.REP
12.02.07
16 May 1997
________________________________
Item 10.1 - Academic Board 4/97
________________________________
UNESCO Supported International Centre for Engineering Education
USICEE
1996 Annual Report to Council
1. Introduction and objectives for 1996
In 1996, the third year of its operation, the USICEE continued to enthusiastically and successfully pursue its commission of human resources development within engineering through engineering education. The year was characterised by both a strengthening of previous initiatives and the emergence of new and exciting developments, particularly in the international arena. This is most apparent in the consolidation and extension of the Centre's network to less developed countries and to countries developing a market economy. To date, fifteen cooperative agreements have been signed between the USICEE and other academic organisations worldwide; contacts have been established between the USICEE and academic institutions and individual academics in over 60 countries; the Asia-Pacific Higher Education Network, Engineering Education sub-network (APHEN-EE), established by the AVCC and operated by the USICEE, already involves more than 200 local and overseas contacts.
The Centre's objective for 1996 was to continue the active realisation of its founding brief, which can be summarised briefly as:
2. Research and Research Development
In its commitment to cultivating the knowledge and skills essential for high quality engineering education worldwide, 1996 saw the USICEE continue to expand its research and research development base. Projects included:
The Survey's main purpose is to ascertain industry views on skills required of graduate engineers; industry's needs in engineering education courses; and what form collaboration with USICEE could take.
A number of research tenders have been submitted, including:
The Centre is presently awaiting responses for these research tenders.
3. Public Relations, Promotional and Marketing Activities
In late 1996, work began on the production of a promotional brochure for the Centre. It will be available in early 1997 and will be distributed nationally and internationally to institutions and individuals in industry and academia with an involvement in, and an interest in the outcomes of, engineering education.
4. External Income, Resources, Facilities
The USICEE was able to generate external earnings to the approximate value of $170,000 in 1996, in terms of grants and revenue from its activities. The most notable were:
5. Factors which affected Operational Objectives
The USICEE is well-endowed, through its staff, members and associates, with the essential qualities of drive, initiative and imagination; the only significant impedance to the expansion of the Centre and its global operation is the availability of funds in an extremely competitive environment. Considering the competitive nature of this environment, the Centre has been, nevertheless, quite successful in attracting funding and earning income from its many activities.
6. Strategic Directions for the Future
In the lead up to the Global Congress, the USICEE is instigating a number of regional Conferences on engineering education with the objective of raising the profile of engineering education in such regions as Europe, Africa, South America, Asia and the countries of the former Soviet Union.
7. Professional Activities
The USICEE's professional activities throughout 1996 were diverse and extensive. They included:
In its recognition that international cooperative networks are effectively developed through direct contact between individuals - in this instance from academia and industry - the USICEE has undertaken to coordinate, promote and support various national and international conferences and meetings. In 1996 these included:
One of the great strengths of the USICEE is its wide-ranging international network of contacts. In 1996, three more Memoranda of Understanding were signed between the USICEE and international academic organisations, taking the total number of such agreements to fifteen. These cooperative agreements provide a basis for long-standing and fruitful collaboration in a broad range of engineering education research and development activities. The new formal collaborative agreements are with:
The other countries of collaborating organisations are: Egypt, Hungary, India, Italy, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Turkey, Vietnam, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. Many other agreements are forthcoming.
Collaboration involves, but is not limited to:
Work was undertaken in 1996 for the establishment of open universities in Poland and Ukraine, with the Australian input coming from the USICEE, Open Learning Australia and other associated educational institutions, under the overall leadership of Monash University. Such activities constitute an extension of the USICEE's productive involvement in the educational culture of Central and Eastern Europe. An application for financial support has been submitted to the Australian Embassy in Warsaw.
Publications in 1996 are:
The USICEE was instrumental in setting up an Australian branch of the International Trustee Fund of the Tsyolkovsky Moscow State Aviation Technology University, with four Australian academics becoming trustees of the Fund:
The objective of the Fund is to foster international collaboration in aviation technologies, with special emphasis placed on engineering education in this particular field of engineering.
Prof. Mark Liberzon, Vice-President of the Moscow State Aviation Technology University and Vice-Chairman of the Trustee Board, visited Australia, and the USICEE, between 24 November and 2 December 1996 to finalise registration of the Fund.
8. Summary of Loads and Funding
In 1996, additional applications were submitted to the following agencies, in order to receive funding:
Fund Status
The USICEE wishes to acknowledge, and is sincerely grateful for, the support and assistance of the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter LeP. Darvall. Special thanks to the Dean of Engineering, Professor Michael L. Brisk, and other members of the Faculty of Engineering for support received.
1.0 CENTRE STRUCTURE
Established in 1989 under the ARC Key Centre Program, the Centre for Advanced Materials Technology provides a platform for coordinating materials - related teaching and research activities in the Faculties of Engineering and Science, and a focus for industrial collaboration in materials technology.
The Centre operates through four main program areas:
• Industrial Extension Service (general consulting).
• Industrial R&D in which R&D is conducted jointly with Industry.
• Strategic R&D in which CAMT funds are being invested in technologies that have potential to be taken up by industry.
• Education, with major activities involving: Ph.D Students; Vacation and Final Year Project Students working on projects of industrial interest.
2.0 OVERVIEW
The Centre has continued to pursue its mission of providing an interface between the University and industry in the area of Advanced Materials Technology. The potential of CAMT as a vehicle for interdisciplinary research activity both within the Faculty of Engineering and between the Faculties of Science and Engineering has also been pursued with renewed vigour since the later part of 1996.
TABLE 1 1995 1996
SUMMARY OF CAMT’S ANNUAL TURNOVER & $ $
EXPENDITURE
GROSS ANNUAL INCOME 705,478 690,086
GROSS ANNUAL EXPENDITURE (685,223) (632,480)
NET COMBINED CENTRE FUNDS 20,255 57,606
As shown in Table 1, gross annual turnover was down by a small margin on 1995, the change reflecting largely the significant reduction in the ARC Key Centre Grant for 1996 ($169K against $220K for 1995). The Centre faces a substantial challenge to sustain its core activity as the Key Centre Grant reduces to $68K in 1997 and expires at the end of 1997.
Founding Director of CAMT, Professor Paul Rossiter resigned from the University in October, 1996 to become Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) at Curtin University of Technology. He was replaced as Director by Professor Barry Muddle from 15 October, 1996. Professor Doug MacFarlane (Department of Chemistry) was formally appointed Associate Director. Continued turnover in senior management positions within CAMT undermined attempts to consolidate the Centre’s financial position at a critical stage in its existence. Mr. Robin Owen resigned in January, 1996, followed by Dr. Richard Jago in March, 1996. Mr. Alfred W. Hohmann was appointed as Manager, Industrial Extension Service and Mr. Warren F. Gillian as Manager, Research and Development in April, 1996.
The Advisory Board met three times during the year (23 April, 27 August & 12 November 1996), with Mr. Andrew Jones (formerly of Smorgan ARC and now with Crema-Camillo) continuing as Chairman. Retiring members of the Board, Dr. Bruno Coniglio and Dr. John Parrott accepted nomination for a further three year term at the final meeting of the year in November.
3.0 STAFFING PATTERNS
TABLE 2
STAFFING PATERNS
Mr. Robin Owen resigned late 1995 and terminated with CAMT January 1996.
Dr. Richard Jago resigned February 1996 and terminated with CAMT March
1996.
Professor Paul L. Rossiter resigned July 1996 and terminated as CAMT
Director October 1996.
Professor Barry C. Muddle appointed as CAMT Director October 1996.
Appointment of Mr. A.W. Hohmann as Manager, Industrial Extension Service,
April 1996.
Appointment of Mr. W.F. Gillian as Manager, Research & Development, April
1996.
Mr. I. McKenzie’s contract terminated 31 January ‘97 & the option to
renew was not taken up.
Ms. A.M. Dawson’s appointment as Admin. Assistant, was reviewed and a
fractional appointment of 0.54 was offered and accepted from 1.1.97 to
30.6.97
4.0 DETAILS OF RESEARCH GRANTS & OTHER INCOME
TABLE 3
RESEARCH GRANTS & OTHER INCOME
Type Activity Description 1996 1997 1997
C/F Transfers Amount
$ $
$
ARC Wear of Elastomers Program [20 80,000
Collabora 402 003]
-tive Linatex Australia, Deks Industries, 1,747
UTI Chemicals
1995 Carried Forward Grant Income
Ind. R&D Industrial Collaborative - Wear of
Earnings Elastomers 78,182
[18 402 009]
Linatex Australia, Deks Industries,
Elastomers, QAL, Reading, Tubemakers, 7,650
Ludowici & Sons, DRA
1995 Carried Forward Income
Ind. Ind. Consulting - Wear of Elastomers
Consultin Halley & Mellowes 4,000
g [03 402 009]
Earnings
ARC Condition Monitoring of Transformer
Large Oils
Shared with (CEPE) - Total Grant 25,670
Income = $51,340 4,397
CAMT Share [20 402 004]
1995 Carried Forward Grant Income
ARC 1996 PCB’s Project
Small [20 402 005] 17,634
ARC - Key Centre Funding [02 402 100] 169,000
DEET 1995 Carried Forward Grant Income 6,034
1996 Transfer into 02-402-120 - (9,118)
Education Program (15,000)
1996 Transfer into 02-402-150 - FOS
Program
ARC - Education Program [02 402 120]
DEET 1995 Carried Forward Grant Income 22,646
1996 Transfer from DEET Key Centre 9,118
Income
ARC - R&D Development Program [02 402 75,000
DEET 130] 7,539
1995 Carried Forward Grant Income
Host Monash Development Fund [24 402 75,000
Instituti 001] (75,000)
on Transferred into 02-402-130
ARC - Fibre Optics Program [02 402 150]
DEET Transfer from [21 32,350
402 095] 15,000
1996 Transfer from DEET Key Centre 12,550
Income1995 1995 Carried Forward Key
Centre Funds
Host Faculty Research Grant [21 32,350
Instituti 402 095] (32,350)
on Transferred into FOS Program
[02-402-150]
Eng. Maintenance [01 402 901]
Faculty Received funding late ‘95, c/f $20K 20,000
to ‘96
Outside Maintenance Program [03 402
Earnings 250] 47,000
Business Victoria, SIRF, MESA, VECCI
Outside Ind. Extension Service (consulting) 84,570
Earnings [03 402 010] (5,883)
1995 Carried Forward Balance
Total 1996 Transfers out of Key (131,468)
Centre Funds
Total 1996 Transfers into Key Centre 131,468
Programs
Total 1995 Carried Forward Funds 56,680
Total 1996 Combined CAMT Income 633,406
Plus 1995 Carried Forward Funds 56,680
TOTAL INCOME 1996 690,086
5.0 MAJOR PROGRAMS
5.1 Consulting - Industrial Extension Service (IES)
Objectives
The principal objective of this program is to provide services and advice to industrial enterprises in order to improve their competitiveness in national and international markets. The projects may involve both conventional materials and the use of new and advanced materials. The service provides a useful vehicle through which small to medium manufacturing enterprises may be introduced to new materials opportunities.
The Centre seeks to use the IES as a Monash interface with industry that will also identify research opportunities for the materials community at Monash. A further objective of the IES is thus to foster larger-scale projects that become part of the Centre’s research and development program.
1996 Performance
Operated on a fee-for-service basis and with projects typically in the range of $1-20K, this service generated a turnover of ~ $85K in 1996, down significantly compared to the $140K in 1995 and $250K in 1994. This downturn can be attributed directly to a rapid turnover in management staff and a loss of continuity in service operation in an area where personal contact and timely responses are of paramount importance. The service was in deficit at the end of 1996, but this deficit and that projected for the first quarter of 1997 is effectively covered by the value of work in progress as at 31 December, 1996. Projected income for 1997 is of the order of $150K.
Future Prospects
The indications are for the consulting activities to enjoy sustained growth provided that there is continuity of a quality service and that University resources are properly marshalled to service such activity. A major objective for 1997 is to seek the affiliation with the Centre of academic staff from across the Faculties of Engineering and Science, to permit a more cohesive marketing of the capabilities of the University in Materials Science and Engineering.
Some of the activities carried out in 1996 have resulted in the planning of major projects:
• Borosilicate/Soda-Lime Glass Separation (Glass Recyclers of $100,000
Australia)
• Replacement of Metal Truck Rollers with Polymer Substitutes $20,000
(Rexport)
• Mouthguards & Oro-facial Injuries Investigation (BHP $30,000
Community Grant)
• Dissemination of Maintenance Survey Data (DIST Awareness $120,000
Grant)
• Insulation Pipe Lagging Development (Feasibility Study) $20,000
A further objective for 1997 is to bring these projects successfully into the Research and Development program of the Centre.
5.2 Strategic Research and Development
Fibre Optic Sensors (FOS)
The FOS Program was built upon an earlier GIRD program aimed at development of fluoride glass fibres. Since 1992, a quantity of equipment has been purchased, a Research Fellow appointed, and a program of research established leading to four provisional patents and a number of publications. The work has been collaborative in nature, being carried out in CAMT laboratories and in the laboratories of the Amorphous Materials Group in the Department of Chemistry (with Professor Doug MacFarlane), the Centre for Bioprocess Technology (Prof. Milton Hearn) and the Applied Physics Group at VUT (Prof. David Booth).
Despite the successful research outcomes of this Centre initiative, it has thus far not proven possible to attract significant external funding. At the end of 1996 there were also inadequate Centre funds to maintain a viable program.
New funding initiatives are in place, focusing on the development of a range of fibre optic environmental sensors for applications in the areas of waste management and pollution control. The Centre is also pursuing potential applications of chemical sensors in early-onset corrosion detection in the aircraft maintenance and maritime industries.
5.3 Industrial Research and Development
Wear of Elastomers
In 1994, CAMT recognised that it occupied a special position in Australia in the area of elastomer wear and sought to capitalise on this advantage. This led to the establishment of a major facility for the study and evaluation of wear in elastomers with the aid of an ARC Collaborative research grant and contributions from four industrial partners. The facility comprises a suite of equipment to aid the study of abrasive, erosive, impact and gouging wear in elastomeric products, particularly for the mining industry. The facility is unique in Australia and CAMT is directing its efforts to becoming world competitive in this area.
In 1996 the level of industrial consultation increased significantly. A $110,000 research project was initiated with a large alumina refinery for the development of accelerated testing regimes for relating the chemical stability and slurry wear performance of materials in aggressive environments. A further $35,000 project has been initiated where the chemical stability, adhesive bond strength and wear resistance of a range of synthetic rubbers for use in hot, acidic environments in Cu/Ag beneficiation systems is being examined and a recommendation of the most suitable material option is to be made. These research projects where CAMT assesses a range of materials options for mining companies, have potential for increased funding from industry.
The Wear Facility has been expanded in 1996 with the in-house manufacture of a slurry wear testing rig and development of a sliding wear test to complement the existing equipment. The new wear tests are being used to examine fundamental relationships between the chemically-induced degradation mechanisms (caused by mineral beneficiation environments) and wear performance of elastomers, and the effect of novel polymer-inorganic hybrid materials (produced via a sol-gel process) which show potential for use as fillers in elastomers. These fillers may lead to the production of polyurethane elastomers with an increased maximum service temperature that would be of significant interest to industry.
Future Prospects
Building on its strength in the area of wear properties and current strengths in the Department of Materials Engineering, CAMT is seeking to expand activities by the creation of a research stream in Materials Conservation that will include:
• research on wear and wear resistance across the broad range of engineering materials, with a focus on the mining and minerals processing industries,
• research on corrosion and corrosion mitigation,
• research on fatigue and fracture, and environmentally assisted failure mechanisms,
• predictive methodology for residual life assessment.
There remains a need to identify further viable activity streams which capitalise on existing research strengths within the Faculties of Engineering and Science.
6.0 STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS FOR THE FUTURE
Key Objectives for CAMT in 1997 include:
• a review and adjustment of staffing levels in the face of termination of the ARC operating grant
• sustained growth of the IES to provide:
(i) partial funding for Centre infrastructure in 1998, and
(ii) an expanded industry interface from which larger industry - funded projects will emerge
• identification of 1-2 new research streams for the Centre and assembly of the research capabilities central to resourcing these activities
• established strategies for these research programs, which are to be based on existing strengths within the Monash Materials community
• an extension of the existing research program on the wear of polymers and an expansion of this program into a broader research stream related to materials conservation
• promotion of CAMT as a vehicle for coordinating the materials - related teaching and research activities at Monash and promoting interdisciplinary research programs
• enhancement of the CAMT role as a Key Centre through the investigation of educational initiatives such as the Engineering Doctorate at graduate level and sandwich course programs in materials engineering at the undergraduate level.
Professor Barry C. Muddle
Director, CAMT
18 March, 1997
Appendix F
COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR
CATCHMENT HYDROLOGY
ANNUAL REPORT TO FACULTY BOARD, FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
1996
INTRODUCTION
This report gives a brief outline of the activities of the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Catchment Hydrology for 1996, with emphasis given to aspects of special interest to Monash University. For those wanting further details, a copy of the last annual report (1995/6, prepared to meet the requirements of the Commonwealth Government, is available at the CRC Office (Room 156/60)
The sections which follow give details of the purpose, structure, research and education programs, and activities of the CRC.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the CRC for Catchment Hydrology is to bring together the resources needed for researching and managing the water-driven aspects of land management. The close linking of research groupswith industry users is part of the CRC policy to concentrate on issues of current concern, and to accelerate the transfer of research results into practice. A further aim of the CRC is to produce skilled personnel in catchment hydrology via postgraduate training and staff interchange programs.
STRUCTURE
The Centre is structured as an unincorporated joint venture between ten Parties. These include three research organisations:
• Monash University, The University of Melbourne and CSIRO Division of Water Resources (now CSIRO Land and Water)
and five industrial bodies:
• Bureau of Meteorology, Goulburn-Murray Water, Melbourne Water, Murray-Darling Basin Commission, Southern Rural Water, Victorian Department of Natural Resources and Environment, and Wimmera-Mallee Water. (Note: The three rural water authorities have succeeded the Rural Water Corporation.)
The Board of Management of the Centre is composed of a senior representative of each of the seven Parties (Professor Darvall represents Monash) and the Director.
Professor Russell Mein (Monash) is the current Director of the CRC. Deputy Directors are Professor Tom McMahon (University of Melbourne) and Dr Rob Vertessy, (CSIRO). This Executive, which includes John Molloy (Business Manager), meet at least monthly. The Centre Office is located at Monash (Clayton), with major research nodes at CSIRO, and the University of Melbourne.
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
The research programs (and projects) are the outcomes of joint exercises with CRC Parties. The current structure was adopted by the Board in mid-1996.
Salinity, dealing with both dry land and irrigated land salinisation, and design of salt evaporation basins. (Program Leader is Dr Glen Walker, CSIRO.)
Forest Hydrology, dealing with impacts of forest practices on water yield, and sediment reduction from forestry operations. (Program Leader is Dr Rob Vertessy, CSIRO.)
Waterway Management, dealing with sediment and nutrient contributions to streams, and channel stability. (Program Leader is Dr Peter Hairsine, CSIRO.)
Urban Hydrology, dealing with various issues relating to water quality, including design of water structures. (Program Leader is Prof Tom McMahon, University of Melbourne.)
Flood Hydrology, dealing with methods to reduce the uncertainty of flood estimates, including the forecasting of flood levels in real time. (Program Leader is Prof Russell Mein, Monash.)
Major Activities in 1996
Research on each of the core projects is conducted collaboratively, with at least two Parties involved. The collaborative research involves additional overheads in the form of team meetings and communication, but has had very positive benefits in terms of project focus and enhancement. The ready access to the considerable resources of the industrial Parties (data, equipment, research personnel) is a key advantage of the CRC framework.
A number of Associated Projects (i.e. non-core) is also included in the CRC research activities. These projects are mostly funded from sources additional to the CRC grant.
Technology transfer of research findings to users is a major emphasis in 1996/7. An extensive series of workshops and seminars is underway, to supplement the more academic technical reports and research papers. A highlight in December was the publication of "hydrologic Recipes", a manual of new techniques aimed at consultants and water managers.
EDUCATION PROGRAM (Program Leader Prof Tom McMahon)
The CRC Education Program comprises
• Postgraduate research scholars
The CRC has 43 postgraduate research scholars, most of whom receive scholarships, part-financial assistance, or project support from the CRC grant. Of this group, 24 are enrolled at Monash.
• Vacation scholarships
These have proved to an effective way of including talented undergraduates in the CRC Program. Twelve summer studentships were awarded in December 1996, including four at Monash.
• Postgraduate coursework
Coursework programs at Monash (Water Resources/Environmental Engineering) and University of Melbourne (Hydrogeology and Environmental Engineering) are counted as part of the in-kind contribution to the CRC. Numbers enrolled at Monash are now below levels which are viable, and the future of the course is being examined.
CRC USER LINKAGES
• Seminars
Seminars have run on a more than one a month basis, sometimes in conjunction with other bodies (e.g. AWWA, IE Aust Water Panel). These are held in turn at the Centre parties' locations. Five additional seminars were given by visiting scientists in 1996, including three at Monash.
• Monthly newsletter
A monthly newsletter "Catchword" is mailed to over 900 recipients, comprising CRC participants, research organisations, and water industry agencies. It is our major communication vehicle, and a very successful one at that.
• Research involvement/supervision
The involvement of qualified agency personnel in the supervision of postgraduate students considerably enhances the scope of the postgraduate research program. Most postgraduates in the CRC have industry co-supervisors.
• Management
Research management is by Project and Program Leaders who report to the Board via the Director. Each project has a reference panel who review the research. The Board meets quarterly to consider progress, budgets and research directions.
• Albury Workshop
A 3-day workshop was held in December 1996 to bring CRC participants from the various nodes together. The structured program concentrated on technology transfer and the forthcoming Fifth Year Review, but included presentations on media, presentations, and job-hunting skills for CRC postgraduates and staff.
MONASH UNIVERSITY CONTRIBUTION TO THE CENTRE
• Project leadership
In addition to the activities noted above, Monash University's Department of Civil Engineering provided leadership with five projects/programs in 1996:
Project A1: Runoff and solute processes in high water table areas: measurement, modelling, and management. (Luke Connell)
Project A5: Sustainable hardwood production in shallow watertable areas. (Luke Connell)
Project B2: Factors controlling river channel and gully stability. (Ian Rutherfurd)
Project D1: Improved loss modelling for design flood estimation and flood forecasting. (Peter Hill)
Project D3: Probability and risk of extreme floods . (Erwin Weinmann)
• In-kind and cash contributions
Nine Monash staff (including one from each of the Gippsland and Caulfield Campuses) are active in the Centre as part of the Monash in-kind contribution, valued at $627,700 for 1996/97. Monash is also making an annual cash contribution of $100,000. These amounts each represent, about 20% of the total respective in-kind and cash contributions by Centre Parties.
• Equipment and infrastructure expenditure
On the expenditure side, the CRC in 1996 was funding salaries for nine staff (including seven research fellows/assistants), a number of postgraduate stipends, and $42,020 (in 1995/96) on equipment, including the upgrading of a soil physics laboratory at Monash. An infrastructure charge (approx $220,000 in 1995/6) is being levied by the University/Faculty/Department to provide basic support for the extra staff at Monash. The total expenditure at Monash on CRC funded activities was $1.6 million in 1995/6.
CONCLUSION
At the end of 1996, the Centre 4.5 years into its initial seven year funding period. It faces a major external review at the end of its fifth year (i.e June 1997). The general perception is that this CRC is "travelling well", and in a good position for this review, and for an application for a second round of funding when re-bids are called in 1998.
R G Mein
Director
March 1997
400/180
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Item 11 - Academic Board 4/97
________________________________
MONASH UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF MEDICINE MEETING 2/97
Report to Academic Board
Report to the Academic Board of Meeting No. 2/97 of the Board of the Faculty of Medicine held on 26 March 1997.
P R O C E E D I N G S
1. JOHN FLYNN SCHOLARSHIPS LAUNCH
The Federal Minister for Health and Family Services has offered to all Australian Medical Schools a number of John Flynn Scholarships to engage in activities in the areas of rural and aboriginal health, with a commitment to annual visits in each of four years. The Honourable Michael Wooldridge will launch this endeavour at Monash University on 14 April.
2. RESEARCH PRECINCT AT ALFRED HOSPITAL
The Board of the Inner and Eastern Hospital Network has agreed to develop a 'research precinct' on the Alfred Hospital site with funding contributions from Alfred Hospital, Baker Medical Research Institute, Monash University, and MacFarlane Burnett Centre for Medical Research. It is hoped that a quality building would eventuate for shared library and other facilities, and especially for improved laboratory space for the Department of Pathology and Immunology.
3. STRATEGIC PLAN FOR 1998
The Faculty's Strategic Plan has been submitted after consideration at a meeting of Heads of budgetary units. Arising from this, various groups within the Faculty are developing proposals within those frameworks, for report in September, and extensive consultation is being conducted with departments outside of the Faculty as necessary. New course proposals will be cross-disciplinary, flexible and oriented to the career aspirations of students.
4. POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN FORENSIC MEDICINE
The Head of the Department of Forensic Medicine which has responsibility for forensic work in Victoria, gave notice of an intention to establish a joint course with Sydney University to mount initially a diploma and later a Master's course in forensic medicine. This is to provide formal academic training to members of the various disciplines involved in forensic work, and in a way which would maximize the use of resources in this area. The new course would be implemented in 1999, and detailed proposals will follow.
5. DOCUMENT DELIVERY SERVICES QUOTA
Faculty Board was concerned with the proposal from the University Library to impose a quota on document delivery services. Since many Departments of the Faculty are off-campus, the work of these Departments could be compromised, particularly if they had already cancelled duplicated journals. A smaller body of the Faculty would continue discussion with Mrs. Marta Chiba.
6. PERSONNEL MATTERS
Faculty Board was pleased to note the following honour and appointments:
Faculty Board also noted with regret the death of Associate Professor Edmundo Guli on 14 February 1997. An obituary is attached (Attachment 1).
3 June, 1997
U:\facbd\abrpt297.doc
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Item 12 - Academic Board 4/97
________________________________
MONASH UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
FACULTY BOARD 97/02
REPORT TO ACADEMIC BOARD
Meeting 97/02 of the Faculty Board of the Faculty of Science was held at 2.00 p.m. on Wednesday
23 April 1997 in the Council Room, University Offices, Clayton Campus.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Associate of the Faculty
The Board approved the recommendation, for transmission to Academic Board and Council, that Professor J.R. Anderson be reappointed as an Associate of the Faculty for a further three-year term from 1 June 1997.
2. Establishment of Prize for Meteorology
The Board approved the establishment of a prize in Meteorology to be awarded by the Co-operative Research Centre for Southern Hemisphere Meteorology from 1998 to promote the study of Atmospheric Science as part of a BSc degree. (Appendix A)
Academic Board is requested to approve the establishment of this prize.
3. Student Representation on Faculty Board
It was noted that at Academic Board 2/97, attention was drawn to a requirement that Faculty Boards include amongst their student membership at least one non-research graduate student. The Board acknowledged the concern of the Faculty of Science at this requirement in the light of :
(a) the very small enrolment in this category in the Faculty (41EFTSU as opposed to 290 in research higher degrees*), many of whom are part time and could not easily attend Board meetings even if nominated;
*load figures as at 15 April 1997.
(b) the difficulty already experienced in securing nominations for existing student positions, noting that of ten positions, only two have been filled as at meeting 97/02 and
(c) the apparent difficulty student members experience in attending, due to academic commitments, even when nominated, based on attendance patterns of recent years.
The Board resolved to suggest to Academic Board, that when new categories of membership of Faculty Boards are contemplated, these should be referred to faculties for comment, and that categories should only be mandated for inclusion when a certain agreed threshold proportion of EFTSU is enrolled in that category within a faculty.
4. Annual Reports from Centres in the Faculty
Reports from Centres in the Faculty were received and noted by the Board.
An executive summary of these reports is attached for noting by Academic Board and transmission to Council. (Appendix B)
PROCEEDINGS
1. Student Selection Reports - Clayton and Gippsland Campuses
Selection reports for Science courses offered by the Clayton and Gippsland campuses were received by the Board.
The Board was advised that enrolment levels at the Gippsland campus had been, on the whole, satisfactory. It was recognised, however, that the number of enrolments had not been as high as had been planned, nor were there as many of a higher calibre as might have been expected. It was also noted that some of the Gippsland quota had been shifted to the Peninsula and Berwick campuses.
AF: FBREP2.DOC
14 May 1997.
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Item 13 - Academic Board 4/97
________________________________
MONASH UNIVERSITY
Report of the Admissions Committee to Academic Board
Meeting No 2/97 of the University Admissions Committee was held on Thursday 8 May 1997.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. RECEIPT OF REPORT
Recommendation
That Academic Board receive and note the report of the Admissions Committee Meeting No. 2/97 held on 8 May 1997.
2. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
The Committee has approved for Academic Board's consideration a proposal to amend the university's minimum entry requirements. The proposal reflects the need to provide a more relevant means by which unqualified applicants can demonstrate academic potential. The use of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) has not resulted in sufficient admissions to justify its continued use as a means of meeting minimum entry requirements. In its place unqualified applicants will be encouraged to undertake non-award single subject enrolments which will provide a more direct evidence of academic potential.
Recommendation
That Academic Board, on behalf of the University, approve the following two changes to the university's minimum entry requirements.
3. REVENUE AND SCHOLARSHIPS EXECUTIVE OFFICER
The Committee considered the position of Revenue and Scholarships Executive Officer located in the Budget and Statistical Services Branch which would be filled soon and agreed that the position should have reference to an appropriate committee of the university (with a reporting line to Academic Board) and that there should be formal liaison between the position and the Admissions and Records Branch.
Recommendation
That Academic Board recommend to Budget and Statistical Services Branch that the position of Revenue and Scholarships Executive Officer have reference to an appropriate committee of the university (with a reporting line to Academic Board) and that there be formal liaison between the position and the Admissions and Records Branch of the University.
4. DEFERMENT POLICY
The Committee considered the current deferment policy and agreed that it be amended so as not to allow for deferment for the purpose of study elsewhere, except with prior faculty approval.
Recommendation
That Academic Board approve the amended deferment policy which would be as follows:
'The university will allow a one-year deferment of study for all new undergraduate students who apply to their faculty of intended enrolment, except where the student intends to study elsewhere in Australia. In this case the faculty will determine whether the deferment is appropriate. Any approved study completed in Australia, in the year of deferral cannot be used to gain credit unless specified in the conditions of the deferment.'
PROCEEDINGS
1 SPECIAL ADMISSIONS SCHEME
The Committee noted that the Special Admissions Scheme for school leavers would now be known as the Schools Access Scheme and the criteria for eligibility under this scheme had altered in line with new guidelines received from the Directorate of School Education. Schools in the new Country Area Program and the Schools with Special Learning Needs categories would now be eligible for the Schools Access Scheme. A third category containing schools that were traditionally under represented in university education was currently under consideration.
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Item 14 - Academic Board 4/97
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MONASH UNIVERSITY
COMMITTEE OF ASSOCIATE DEANS (RESEARCH)
REPORT TO ACADEMIC BOARD
Report to the Academic Board of meeting No.2/97 of the Committee of Associate Deans (Research) held on Thursday 27 March 1997, in the Sir George Lush meeting room, Clayton Campus.
PROCEEDINGS
1. Receipt of Proceedings
Recommendation
That the Academic Board note the proceedings of the Committee of Associate Deans (Research) meeting No.2/97 as detailed below.
2. Report from ADRs on institutional research targets and distribution of Research Quantum
The Committee discussed the reports provided by Associate Deans (Research) and noted that there was a degree of similarity in the distribution of research quantum funds within Faculties, that there were a wide range of ideas for incentives and little agreement on institutional targets. The Committee found that the provision of these reports was valuable and felt that more time was needed to reflect upon and discuss the reports.
The Committee concluded that the best mechanism for using the reports effectively would be to establish a working party to review the reports and provided CADRES with a position paper on the three points noted.
3. Management of the Research Grants and Ethics Branch in 1997
Mr Burnet reported on a number of staff changes in the Division and Branch as detailed below:
4. Re-collection of 1995 Research Publications Data
CADRES noted correspondence from Mr Michael Gallagher, First Assistant Secretary, Higher Education Division, DEETYA.
Ms Watson reported on further advice received from DEETYA that only four categories of publication will now be collected as part of the composite index data collection. That is, A1 - research books, B - book chapters, C1 - articles in scholarly refereed journals and E1 - full written papers, refereed proceedings. This new arrangement will affect both the 1995 re-collection and the 1996 collection of publications data.
CADRES discussed the implications of the change in categories and noted that although the four categories are suitable for distributing funds between institutions, they are not suitable for distributing funds within institutions. It was agreed that the DEETYA changes should not change the categories for collection and auditing of 1995 and 1996 publications data within Monash.
CADRES decided to suggest to the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Peter Darvall, that a sub-committee of CADRES be established to consider possible changes in the categories, definitions, evidence requirements for the internal distribution of the publications component of the Research Quantum funds in future years. It was noted that the University Budgets Committee determined the distribution of RQ funds within Monash and that CADRES could only make recommendations to this Committee.
5. Annual Report for Associate Deans (Research)
CADRES supported the notion of ADRs providing the Deputy Vice Chancellor with an annual report and would welcome advice and guidance from the DVC regarding the issues and ideas to be covered in such a report. In considering the timing of an annual report, CADRES felt that it would be beneficial to provide annual reports before a CADRES retreat, if another was to be held.
6. The Best of Monash - Monash Breakfast Briefings
CADRES noted that the list of possible topics for Monash Breakfast Briefings did not include topics of a medical, engineering or scientific nature. CADRES suggested that the DVC request a longer list of possible topics from the Office of University Development.
CADRES supported the idea of the Monash Breakfast Briefings and would await the DVC's advice regarding the level of involvement required from ADRs.
7. Research Infrastructure Block Grant
Professor Nicholls reported that the 1997 RIBG for Monash is $6,242,349. This is an increase of 22% on last year's allocation of $5,126,701. The RGEB is currently compiling the list of 1996 research income from the new NCGI so that the distribution to faculties can be calculated. The new NCGI includes ACIAR which had previously been omitted from the 1995 NCGI.
It was noted that the RIBG allocation to faculties will be based on a proportion of research income in 1995 and 1996 from grantors listed in the NCGI relevant for that year (ie. ACIAR is only included in the 1996 NCGI not the 1995 NCGI).
Following discussion CADRES agreed to recommend to the DVC that $20,000 of the 1997 RIBG be set aside to supplement the Collier grant to Monash. Collier funds small pieces of equipment (generally <$2,000) and in previous years this allocation has been added to by MRF funds. As equipment comes under research infrastructure, CADRES agreed that supplementary funds should come from the RIBG rather than MRF.
CADRES noted that the annual report from the Library to Faculty Research Committees, and the consultation between these two groups regarding the distribution of the RIBG library allocation worked well. It was agreed that the practice of allocating 15% of the RIBG to the Library should continue.
CADRES discussed the amount of RIBG funds to be taken off the top for the Targeted Needs Program. It was decided that the Guidelines Sub-committee would meet to review the guidelines for the Target Needs Scheme and also consider the amount to be taken off the top for the scheme.
8. Minute of Appreciation for Professor Brian Cherry
Professor Nicholls expressed on behalf of all Committee members, their appreciation and respect for Professor Cherry, particularly during his time as a member of the Committee of Associate Deans (Research).
Professor Cherry has been unwell and has decided to take early retirement from the end of March 1997. Professor Cherry's contribution and enthusiasm for the work of CADRES will be greatly missed, as will his experience and knowledge. Professor Cherry was the first full-time Associate Dean (Research) at Monash and was one of the inaugural CADRES members. He has an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of the management of research and policy decisions. Professor Cherry's willingness to share his knowledge and experience is invaluable. Professor Cherry's work as a part of the Victorian PVC/DVC committee in relation to RIEF rounds has also been exceptional.
Ms Gleeson added that the Branch supported the sentiments of the Committee and Professor Nicholls. In particular Professor Cherry, and his assistant Helen Clarke, have always been helpful and supportive of the Branch.
________________________________
Item 15 - Academic Board 4/97
________________________________
Monash University
EDUCATION COMMITTEE MEETING NO 3/97
Report to Academic Board
The Education Committee met on 7 May 1997.
R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S
1. RECEIPT OF REPORT
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board receive the Report of Education Committee Meeting 3/97 held on 7 May 1997.
2. AMENDMENT TO MEMBERSHIP OF EDUCATION COMMITTEE
This amendment is proposed in response to the need to include Monash Mt Eliza Graduate School of Business and Government Ltd more fully in the formal course and subject approval and amendment processes of the University.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Monash Mt Eliza Graduate School of Business and Government be invited to nominate an academic staff member to become a member with full voting rights of the Education Committee.
3. AMENDMENT TO REGULATIONS FOR THE FACULTY OF ARTS
At Meeting 8/96 of the Academic Board (Minute 25.5) and Meeting 8/96 of Council (Minute 9.6), regulations were approved for the undergraduate degrees of the Faculty of Arts. These regulations (and the amendment to Statute 6.1.2 which accompanied them) contained reference to Bachelor of Arts (Arts Scholars Program), which will not now be presented by the Faculty of Arts.
Therefore, the attached amendments to the Faculty's regulations and to Statute 6.1.2 to delete reference to this course are recommended for approval.
Documents are attached (Attachments 1 and 2).
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board approve for submission to Council the amendment deleting reference to a Bachelor of Arts (Arts Scholars Program) in the Faculty of Arts (Undergraduate Degree) Regulations and Statute 6.1.2 - Courses and Degrees.
4. STUDENT ACADEMIC GRIEVANCE POLICY
Council referred the Student Academic Grievance Policy to the Education Committee for reconsideration after questions were raised at Council Meeting 8/96 regarding the timeframe for the process and the order of hearings in cases when grievance and other (eg exclusion) hearings were both scheduled.
Further submissions have also been received from the University Solicitor's Office and from student representatives and Student Rights Officers.
The drafting process was overseen by a small working party, comprising Ms K McGillivray, Associate Professor R Alfredson, and Associate Professor J Hurst. This version of the document was debated extensively at the Education Committee, and matters such as a central grievance appeals panel and the timeline for any action were considered at some length.
The draft policy was further revised by the inclusion of a statement that the policy would be reviewed at the end of 1998.
A document is attached (Attachment 3).
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board approve for submission to Council the attached policy document entitled "Student Academic Grievance Policy", dated 9 May 1997.
5. RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING PII GRADE
A document is attached (Attachment 4).
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board approve:
6. NEW COURSE PROPOSALS
6.1 The honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Advanced Mathematics and Computing)
This course is proposed for introduction from Semester One 1998 on the Clayton campus.
A document is attached (Attachment 5).
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board approve the proposal of the Faculty of Science to establish a new degree, to be titled the honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Advanced Mathematics and Computing).
6.2 The honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Behavioural)
This course is proposed for introduction from Semester One 1998 on the Clayton campus.
A document is attached (Attachment 5)
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board approve the proposal of the Faculty of Science to establish a new degree, to be titled the honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Behavioural).
6.3 The honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Biomedical)
This course is proposed for introduction from Semester One 1998 on the Clayton campus.
A document is attached (Attachment 5).
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board approve the proposal of the Faculty of Science to establish a new degree, to be titled the honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Biomedical).
6.4 The honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Environmental)
This course is proposed for introduction from Semester One 1998 on the Clayton campus.
A document is attached (Attachment 5).
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board approve the proposal of the Faculty of Science to establish a new degree, to be titled the honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Environmental).
7. AMENDMENTS TO EXISTING COURSES
7.1 Graduate Certificate in Management - change to admission criteria
This amendment is proposed for introduction from Semester Two 1997 to allow for a minimum period of experience in a relevant industry prior to admission to the course.
A document is attached (Attachment 6).
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board approve the proposal of the Faculty of Business and Economics to amend the admission requirements for the existing Graduate Certificate in Management by requiring a minimum of two years relevant experience prior to admission to the course.
7.2 Diploma of Business - amendment to compulsory subject and changes to subject prerequisites
These amendments are proposed for introduction from Semester One 1998.
A document is attached (Attachments 7 and 8).
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board approve the proposal of the Faculty of Business and Economics to amend the existing Diploma of Business by making GBU7015 Business Applications a compulsory subject and amending the subject prerequisites for a number of subjects in the course as detailed in the document presented.
7.3 Bachelor of Business - addition of Professional Accounting major (Berwick campus)
This amendment is proposed for introduction from Semester One 1998, and would affect all Bachelor of Business combined courses available at the Berwick campus.
This major would be in addition to the sequence in Accounting made available at the Berwick campus from Semester One 1997 (Education Committee 8/96, item 11.2.5).
A document is attached (Attachment 9).
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board approve the proposal of the Faculty of Business and Economics that the Bachelor of Business available at the Berwick campus be amended by the establishment of a newmajor sequence in Professional Accounting.
7.4 Bachelor of Science - amendment to structure and schedules of subjects
This amendment is proposed for introduction from Semester One 1998.
A document is attached (Attachment 10).
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board approve the proposal of the Faculty of Science to amend the Schedule of Approved Science Subjects as detailed in the document presented.
8. NEW SUBJECT PROPOSALS
The Education Committee endorsed for transmission to the Academic Board the subject proposal detailed below. Full documentation is available for perusal by members of the Board.
The Academic Board is advised that one new subject has been proposed for approval by the Faculty of Engineering.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board approve the subject proposal from the Faculty of Engineering as detailed below:
9. DISESTABLISHMENT OF EXISTING SUBJECT
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board note the disestablishment of the existing subject and/or alternative code for a subject of the Faculty of Arts:
10. DISESTABLISHMENT OF COURSES
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board note the disestablishment of the following courses (no intake after Semester One 1997) by the Faculty of Science:
11. RECEIPT OF PROCEEDINGS
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Academic Board receive and note the proceedings of Meeting 2/97 of the Education Committee held on 19 March 1997.
***************************************************
P R O C E E D I N G S
12. MINOR AMENDMENTS TO EXISTING COURSES AND AMENDMENTS TO EXISTING SUBJECTS
The Committee noted minor amendments to existing courses and amendments to existing subjects of the Faculties of Arts, Business and Economics and Engineering. Information regarding these amendments may be obtained from the Executive Officer of the Education Committee.
13. MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (EXTERNAL)
The Committee had invited two members of the academic staff of Monash Mt Eliza Graduate School of Business and Government Ltd (MME), Dr J Wallace and Professor L Johnson, to attend the meeting.
The Committee noted the decision of the Vice-Chancellor's Group regarding the resolution of the problem which had arisen in relation to the 1996 cohort of students enrolled in the MBA(Ext) in Shanghai, which was comprehensively detailed in the document presented to the Committee. Further to this decision, the Committee resolved that the qualifying wording should be added to the student's academic transcript in addition to the degree testamur, and an additional qualifying statement should be included.
It was further noted that this solution would not be used again. At the conclusion of the debate requested by the Academic Board, regarding the teaching and assessment of students in languages other than English, Monash Mt Eliza would propose, if necessary, amendments to their courses through the usual processes.
A working party was established to develop a paper which might be used to begin discussion on the topic, comprising Associate Professor M Evans (B&E), Professor L Johnson (MME), Professor B Jacobs (Arts), and other members to be co-opted by the Chair. The Faculty of Education was also asked to nominate a staff member to join the working party.
14. DIPLOMA COURSES
The Committee agreed to consider the policy of the University regarding the offering of Diploma courses at its next meeting.
15. NEW MEMBER
The Committee welcomed Mr Peter Hawman to the Committee as the representative of Graduate Diploma students.
16. STATUTE 4.1 - DISCIPLINE
The Committee received a further document from the University Solicitor and considered a number of questions in relation to this document. It is anticipated that a set of draft revisions will be made available to the meeting of the Committee to be held on 2 July.
17. WORDING ON TRANSCRIPTS FOR DEAN'S SCHOLARS PROGRAM
The Committee agreed to include the statement "as a participant in the Dean's Scholars Program" on the transcripts of all students who have been enrolled in a Dean's Scholars Program (with the exception of those enrolled in the Faculty of Science).
It was agreed to defer consideration of whether the student's degree testamur should be similarly amended until members had taken more time to consider the matter.
18. GRADUATE PROGRAM OF THE FACULTY OF LAW
The Committee noted the recommendations approved by the Board of the Faculty of Law regarding the future directions for the graduate program in that Faculty.
Professor P LeP Darvall (Interim Chair)
Associate Professor R Alfredson, Engineering
Mr M Cabrie, MSA, Clayton
Associate Professor N Cameron, Science
Associate Professor M Evans, Business and Economics
Mr P Hawman, MPA, Graduate Diploma
Associate Professor J Hurst, Computing and Information Technology
Professor M King, PhD and Scholarships Committee
Ms K McGillivray, MUGSU, Gippsland
Mr J Poussard, MUSU Inc, Peninsula
Ms B Presutto, MUBSU, Berwick
Professor J Redmond, Art and Design
Professor L Roller, Pharmacy
Associate Professor G Taylor, Medicine
Mr G Tickell, Education
Mr J Welikala, MPA, Masters
Associate Professor N White, Arts
Mr M Williams, MUSU, Inc, Caulfield
Professor R Williams, Law
Professor B Young, Co-Opted
Vacant, MUPSA
Mr R Burnet, Student Services
Professor A Sohal, Business and Economics
Professor T Threadgold, Arts
Professor PJ Stewart, Pharmacy
Faculty Registrar/Manager (in rotation)
Ms ER Brooks, Secretariat
________________________________
Item 15.2 - Academic Board 4/97
________________________________
Education Committee
Report to Academic Board
Attachment 1
MONASH UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF ARTS (UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE)
(AMENDMENT NO. 1 1997) REGULATIONS
Pursuant to Statute 6.1.2 - Courses and Degrees, the Council hereby makes the following regulations entitled Faculty of Arts (Undergraduate Degree) (Amendment No. 1 1997) Regulations.
The Faculty of Arts (Undergraduate Degree) Regulations are amended as follows -
1. For subsection 8 substitute -
"8. A candidate must accumulate a minimum of -
8.1.1 144 credit points towards the relevant degree; or
8.1.2 in the case of the degree of Bachelor of Letters, 96 credit points."
2. For subsection 11 substitute -
"11. Except as otherwise determined by the faculty board in any particular case, the course of study for a degree must be completed -
11.1.1 in not less than three and not more than eight years of candidature; or
11.1.2 in the case of the degree of Bachelor of Letters, in not less than two and not more than six years of candidature."
3. In the Schedule, in Part 1 - Pass degrees delete "Bachelor of Arts (Arts Scholar Program)".
(as)art-a1.doc/as:vh
Education Committee
Report to Academic Board
Attachment 2
MONASH UNIVERSITY
STATUTE 6.1.2 COURSES AND DEGREES
(AMENDMENT NO. 1 1997) STATUTE
In exercise of the powers conferred by the Monash University Act 1958, the Council of Monash University hereby makes the following statute entitled Statute 6.1.2 - Courses and Degrees (Amendment No. 1 1997) Statute.
1. In Statute 6.1.2 - Courses and Degrees in subsection 1.1 Faculty of Arts delete "Bachelor of Arts (Arts Scholar Program) (BA(ArtsSchProg)),".
THE COMMON SEAL of MONASH UNIVERSITY )
was hereto affixed on the )
day of ) 1997 by direction of the Council )
in the presence of:
.......................................
.....................................
Vice-Chancellor and President
.......................................
.....................................
Secretary to Council
(as)6-1.2a1.doc/as:vh
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Item 15.3 - Academic Board 4/97
________________________________
Education Committee
Report to Academic Board
Attachment 3
STUDENT ACADEMIC GRIEVANCE POLICY
9 MAY 1997
The Monash University Student Academic Grievance Policy has been under development since late in 1995, when all faculty academic grievance policy statements were collected and examined. It was immediately obvious that the policy statements and processes in use for considering academic grievances were virtually identical.
Grievances relating to administrative matters have always been considered by either the Faculty Registrar/Manager or the Manager for Student Relations and Enquiries (located in the Student Services Division).
It is recognised that academic grievance matters are best considered within a Faculty and must be initially resolved at that point. An appeals process could involve either the establishment of a second faculty based panel, with external membership, or reference to a University Committee, much like the Discipline Committee. The student submission requested the establishment of a centralised appeal procedure, while the University Solicitor's Office advised that these processes were best considered within the faculty of origin, and even recommended against external membership of the second panel. The suggestions below are a compromise between the two positions.
It is intended that the Student Academic Grievance Policy would cover complaints about aspects of courses, assessment, or other matters which are the responsibility of the academic staff of the faculty. Academic Grievances are separate from university discipline or sexual harassment policies and processes, each of which is covered by a separate piece of policy or legislation (Statute 4.1 Discipline; Section 7.4 'Discrimination and sexual harassment grievance procedures' of the Staff handbook).
It is recommended that the following policy and procedures be endorsed by the University Council as the University policy on Student Academic Grievance, and that it be included in the Student Information Handbook (along with the University's Administrative Grievance procedures and the discrimination and sexual harassment procedures) for the convenience of students. This would require the approval by Council of a unified set of University Administrative Grievance procedures. Academic Grievance procedures for students enrolled for awards of the University not managed by a Faculty (eg Doctor of Philosophy) would be covered by the procedure recently developed by the PhD and Scholarships Committee, which should also be published widely. Faculties should also incorporate policies and procedures for academic and administrative grievances into any documentation for the Faculty-administered Higher Doctorates.
On the advice of the University Solicitor's Office, it is not recommended at this time that legislation be drafted for this policy, or for a University administrative grievance policy.
As is the case with all procedures of the University, a student or staff member may raise the matter with the State Ombudsman, should internal procedures not resolve the complaint.
This policy should be reviewed at the end of 1998.
Monash University Policy on Student Academic Grievances:
Procedures for Resolution of Grievances:
Faculty where grievance is to be lodged
A student should lodge a complaint with the Faculty which manages the degree in which he or she is enrolled. In the case of double degrees, the student should lodge their complaint with the managing faculty (eg for BA/BE, the Faculty of Engineering) even when the complaint relates to a subject taken in another faculty. The senior member of staff nominated by the Dean may request that academics from another faculty take part in any hearings which might be required. Students who enrolled on a non-award or single subject basis should lodge any complaint with the faculty managing the subject in which they were enrolled.
Advocacy:
The student is to be advised at the time of the initiation of academic grievance procedures that they may bring with them to any hearings into the matter a support person (as in the Discipline hearings, this may be any person whether legally qualified or not, although this person is not to act as an advocate for the student.) Similarly, the staff member would not be represented by an advocate, although would be equally entitled to bring a person to the hearing as a support person. Should the matter proceed to an appeal, both the student and the staff member would be entitled to an advocate, should they so desire.
Senior Member of Staff nominated by the Dean:
It is recommended that Faculties determine in advance and publish in student handbooks the name of the person or persons able to be approached regarding matters of this kind. Normally, the seniormember of staff would be one of the Associate Deans or the Faculty Registrar / Manager. The senior member of staff MUST NOT have been involved in the dispute or decision which is the subject of the complaint, in order that there is no conflict of interest or perceived bias. In such a case, the Dean would need to appoint another member of staff to conduct the procedure.
Membership of Faculty Grievance Committee:
Senior Member of staff nominated by the Dean (Chair)
Two members of academic staff at the level of lecturer or above
One student from the courses managed by the Faculty nominated by the appropriate student body
It may be necessary to appoint to the panel staff from the department in which the complaint originated, in order to provide expertise (for example when the complainant is claiming unfair assessment practices). Provided that no member of the panel has had any involvement in the matter which is being enquired into or any other particular connection with the complainant, there will be no conflict of interest or perceived bias. Although it would be usual to appoint academic staff from within the managing Faculty, it may be necessary to appoint academic staff from another Faculty to the Panel, particularly if the matter relates to a subject studied in another Faculty. The Chair would appoint the staff members to the Faculty Grievance Committee.
Membership of Grievance Appeal Panel:
Dean of the Faculty (Chair)
Two Associate Deans (Teaching) of other Faculties
One member of academic staff at the level of Associate Professor or above
Two students from the courses managed by the Faculty nominated by the appropriate student body
Such a panel would include none of the members of the Faculty Grievance Committee (although the Chair of the Faculty Grievance Committee may be invited to address the appeal proceedings) and would include the Dean of another Faculty (or nominee). The academic staff member would usually be appointed from within the managing Faculty, but may be appointed from another Faculty if it is considered necessary. The Chair would appoint the staff members to the Grievance Appeal Panel.
Persons who may bring a complaint:
The only person who may initiate a complaint regarding matters of academic grievance is the person who has been aggrieved (ie the student). The Student Rights Officer may act on behalf of the student in initiating the investigation, at the request of the student.
Frivolous and/or vexatious complaints:
The senior member of staff nominated by the Dean may determine that the complaint in question is frivolous and/or vexatious, and determine that no enquiry is necessary. As for all other decisions related to the grievance process, the complainant must be advised of this determination in writing, and may make appeal to the Dean, if they so desire. The Dean may determine that an appeal of a determination of a Faculty Grievance Committee is similarly frivolous and/or vexatious and dismiss the complaint. This decision of the Dean must also be communicated to the complainant in writing.
Records of proceedings:
Written records of any grievance proceedings/complaints must be kept in a secure location in the office of the Dean of the Faculty for a minimum of five years after the last action date regarding the complaint (in accordance with University policy on disposal of records), although individual circumstances may require the retention of records after that time. These matters are considered to be absolutely confidential and any records must be destroyed in the same way as for all confidential records when no longer required to be kept.. A report regarding the operation of the grievance policy should be prepared for submission to the Faculty Board no less than once each year, omitting all details which could identify those people who were involved in the processes.
Timelines for Proceedings:
There is a specified maximum time period for each of the steps described above. They are as follows:
Order of hearings:
Normally, the proceeding first raised should be the first settled, if more than one hearing has been proposed (eg Unsatisfactory Progress, Discipline, Exclusion Appeal). Each hearing should be advised that other hearings are proposed, however. If a student is faced with an Unsatisfactory Progress Committee hearing, and subsequently files a complaint of academic grievance, the decision regarding the student's unsatisfactory progress should be taken prior to commencement of hearings regarding the alleged academic grievance.
No two proceedings as identified above might run concurrently.
The Dean of the Faculty may determine the order in which hearings should proceed.
These procedures are designed to prevent a student who is scheduled for an exclusion appeal hearing from making a complaint of academic grievance in order to delay the exclusion hearing until the commencement of the following semester, in the hope that the exclusion appeal committee would be more likely to permit continued enrolment after the commencement of the semester.
________________________________
Item 15.4 - Academic Board 4/97
________________________________
Education Committee
Report to Academic Board
Attachment 4
Borderline Fail Marks and Grades assigned to those Marks
The plethora of assessment grades and practices presently in use at Monash to deal with students who have achieved a borderline fail mark have evolved over many years and reflect the different pedagogical beliefs between and within campuses and faculties. They also reflect the various outcomes we seek to achieve when assessing the work of a student. The individual examiner might regard a particular grade as a measurement of achievement in an individual subject. A Board of Examiners might prefer to use a wider approach whereby the grade awarded will also be used to determine the student's progress in a course of study. Both approaches are predominantly focused on reporting information to the student.
The University has recently conducted a review of grades and marks. This paper builds on the work of that review by addressing the conventions governing the award of passes to students who have achieved a borderline fail mark. At present, there are variations and inconsistencies in the award of grades and/or supplementary assessment for marks in the range of 40 to 49. These include the type of grade, the range of marks for which the grade may be awarded and the conditions under which it may be awarded.
These variations and inconsistencies result in a situation that is intrinsically inequitable. To illustrate, five students in the same subject with the same mark (for example, 47) could at different Boards of Examiners' meetings be granted five different results, depending on their faculty of enrolment and their stage in their course progression. That is, students may be awarded:
Although the first two grades listed above are temporary grades, any one of the last three could be awarded as a final grade to a student who achieved a borderline fail mark in a given subject.
Such inconsistencies will become more transparent with the upcoming enhancement of MUSIS, when both grades and marks (where available) will be included on academic transcripts. In addition, the variations in the current practice do not allow us to provide clear, consistent information to students and to potential employers and other academic institutions.
Our understanding of how well we have achieved the University's educational objectives is communicated to students and other stakeholders every time we provide assessment information. The suggestions made below should be viewed in the context of the University's educational mission and the role of transcripts of results in the public domain. They also should be understood as a step towards achieving consistent, equitable conventions for dealing with fail results.
To assist in this task, and after consultation with Faculties, the following recommendation is presented for endorsement by the Committee and submission to the Academic Board:
AND
Faculties may refuse permission for progression to other subjects on the basis of an NP grade, may place restrictions on the number or the pattern of NP grades allowable for credit towards an individual degree program, and/or determine the stage/level of the course in which a student might be able to be awarded an NP grade. In the latter case, the alternative final result would be N (Fail).
Such grades as PGO and NS (a temporary grade indicating eligibility for supplementary assessment) will continue to be available. Students achieving marks in the range 40-44 will be deemed to have failed the subject in question.
It is important to note that the use of the NP grade will be OPTIONAL. A faculty or college may choose (for the degrees which it manages):
In the latter case it would still be possible for a Faculty or College to permit a student to pass in a year as a whole, while failing a component of the year. For example, the practice in the Victorian College of Pharmacy has been that a borderline fail mark in a single component of the year may be recorded as a fail, but student is permitted to progress to the following year of the course. Policy in the College requires a pass in the year before progression to the next level of the course, and if the above example is used, this is called a Board Pass.
In addition to the recommendation above, the following revised policy statement is submitted for the endorsement of the Committee and subsequent submission to the Academic Board (the previous version was prepared for Education Committee meeting 8/96):
Working Party
Associate Professor N White
Associate Professor N Cameron
Mr G Tickell
Mr N Thorburn
MsER Brooks
______________________________________________________
Item 15.5 (1 attachment for entire item) - Academic Board 4/97
______________________________________________________
Education Committee
Report to Academic Board
Attachment 5
MONASH UNIVERSITY
Request for Course Approval
The Faculty of Science Board, at Meeting No 3/96, determined that the following new course should be proposed for consideration by the Education Committee. The Committee's recommendation will be transmitted to the next meeting of the Academic Board.
COURSE NAMES
the honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Advanced Mathematics & Computing)*
the honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Behavioural)
the honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Biomedical)
the honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Environmental)
* omission of some spaces for input to MUSIS
FORMAL ABBREVIATION
BSc(AdMth&Cmp)(Hons)
BSc(Behav)(Hons)
BSc(Biomed)(Hons)
BSc(Env)(Hons)
REASONS FOR INTRODUCTION OF COURSE
The Faculty does not consider these courses to be actually new, but rather a tidying up of nomenclature as a consequence of the introduction of the designated BSc degrees several years ago. The Faculty believes it is desirable for students graduating from a designated degree to be able to progress to a matchingly titled honours degree. In the same way as the designated undergraduate degrees are (almost) entirely sub-sets or packages within the BSc, the designated honours degrees are sub-sets within the BSc(Hons), which indicate the discipline specialisations of students.
OBJECTIVES
the honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Advanced Mathematics & Computing)
On completion of an honours year in either Mathematics or Computer Science students will: be able to critically review the scientific literature in their area of study; be able to execute and analyse a mathematical or computing project; be proficient in relevant computer based skills write up scientific work in a potentially publishable way; show communication skills in both oral and written presentations; have acquired a range of technical skills appropriate to research in their discipline and completed coursework at an advanced level.
the honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Behavioural)
On completion of an honours year in Psychology students will: be able to plan, execute, analyse and professionally present a report of an empirical study in the discipline; have acquired a range of technical and procedural skills relevant to the area of their research project; understand the ethical, legal and professional requirements of the discipline with respect to both research and professional practice; be proficient in scientific research methods recognising the strengths and weaknesses of different designs used in the discipline; have a working knowledge of the range of statistical procedures which apply to various empirical designs; be able to critically evaluate a theoretical or conceptual issue by reviewing and synthesising the scientific literature on the topic through a long essay; have acquired knowledge and understanding of one other area of the discipline, through elective seminars, such as counselling psychology, community psychology, psychoanalytic psychology or other electives as offered in any year.
the honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Biomedical)
On completion of an honours year in a biomedical discipline students will: be able to critically review the scientific literature in their discipline; be able to execute and analyse a set of laboratory based experiments; be proficient in computer based data acquisition, analysis and word processing; be able to write up scientific work in a potentially publishable way; show communication skills in both oral and written presentations; have acquired a range of technical skills appropriate to their discipline.
the honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Environmental)
On completion of an honours year in one of the five environmental science discipline areas (Atmospheric Sciences, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Ecology, Geography), students will: be able to critically review the scientific literature in their discipline; have completed the field and/or laboratory based project addressing an environmental question related to their chosen discipline area; be proficient in computer based data acquisition, analysis and word processing; be able to write up scientific work in a potentially publishable way; show communication skills in both oral and written presentations; have acquired a range of technical skills appropriate to research in their discipline.
METHODS OF TEACHING AND RELATIONSHIP TO OBJECTIVES:
the honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Advanced Mathematics & Computing)
Students will undertake a research project under the supervision of an academic staff member and will produce a minor thesis that includes a literature review, aims and results. The research outcomes will be presented orally at seminars attended by academic staff and other students. Students will attend units of advanced lectures, and will undertake written assignments and examinations, undertake relevant projects or investigations, write literature reviews and make critical assessment of scientific papers.
the honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Behavioural)
The empirical research project will be undertaken by students under the supervision of an academic staff member. A major thesis, of up to 20,000 words, professionally presented, consisting of a major literature review, rationale, aims, hypotheses, method, results, discussion and references will be produced. It is a requirement that students present their projects orally at special seminars to staff and other honours students. Students will maintain frequent contact and engage in regular meetings with their supervisor to discuss progress on their projects. Attendance is required at seminars on research methods, legal and ethical issues, preparation of ethics submissions, and electives as prescribed, throughout the first semester of the course. These seminars may involve either lectures, student-led discussion sessions, individual presentations by students, or a combination of these methods.
the honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Biomedical)
In all biomedical disciplines students will undertake a research project under the supervision of an academic staff member and will produce a minor thesis that should include a literature review, aims and results. The research outcomes will also be presented orally at special seminars and candidates may have to defend their thesis before a panel of examiners. Most disciplines will require students to undertake prescribed service courses to acquire technical skills, attend advanced lectures and departmental seminars, write a literature review or essay(s) and in some disciplines undertake written exams or make a critical assessment of an 'unseen' scientific paper.
the honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Environmental)
In all environmental science disciplines, students will undertake a field or laboratory based research project under the supervision of one or more academic staff members and will produce a thesis in a format as prescribed by the particular department hosting the student's chosen discipline area. The research outcomes will also be presented orally at special seminars and candidates may have to defend their thesis before a panel of examiners. Most disciplines will require students to undertake coursework to improve and assess their skills of critical evaluation; this coursework could include essays, discussion groups and specialist seminars and workshops and will vary marginally between departments.
METHODS OF ASSESSMENT AND RELATIONSHIP TO OBJECTIVES:
the honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Advanced Mathematics & Computing)
The major components of the honours year assessment relate to the research project and the units of advanced lectures undertaken. The project write up together with associated seminar presentations normally form about 40% of the final mark. The remainder of the marks come from examinations and other assessment relating to the units of advanced lectures, literature reviews and critical assessment of scientific papers. The assessment procedures will be identical to those used for BSc(Hons) students in each department and a detailed breakdown of the assessment components and due dates will be provided to all students concerned at the start of their Honours year.
the honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Behavioural)
The main piece of assessment in the honours year will relate to the research project. The project thesis will constitute 60% of the year's marks. The critical essay will be worth 20%, and the seminars collectively 20% of the year's marks (research methods 10%, legal and ethical issues seminar 5%, and the elective seminar 5%). The seminars are assessed by a number of methods such written examination, project work, methodological critique, or essay.
the honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Biomedical)
In all biomedical disciplines the major component of the honours year assessment will relate to the research project. The project write up together with associated seminar presentation(s) will normally attract more than 60% of the year's marks. The exact breakdown of the remainder of the marks will vary across departments. Normally marks are given for attendance and proficiency at prescribed service courses, submission of one or more essays, exams relating to advanced lectures, and critical assessment of an unseen scientific paper. The assessment procedures will be identical to those used for BSc(Hons) students in each department and a detailed breakdown of the assessment components and due dates will be provided to all students in the discipline at the start of their Honours year.
the honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Environmental)
In all environmental science disciplines the major component of the honours year assessment is the research project. The project write up together with the associated seminar presentation(s) will normally attract more than 50% of the year's marks. The remainder of the assessment will be based around research seminars, one or more essays and/or discussion topics and other prescribed coursework. The exact breakdown of the assessment will vary across departments. The assessment procedures will be identical to those used for BSc(Hons) students in each department and a detailed breakdown of the assessment components and due dates will be provided to all students in the discipline at the start of their Honours year.
STRUCTURE
the honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Advanced Mathematics & Computing)
Students will enrol in MAT4000 or CSC4000 and will be expected to complete several units of coursework and to undertake a substantial research project. Honours units offered by the Departments of Mathematics and Computer Science, as well as approved units from other departments, may be included.
the honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Behavioural)
For full-time students seminars will be held in semester 1 with the research project extending across both first and second semesters. The essay is submitted prior to the start of semester 2. For part-time student seminars are held in semester 1 and the essay is due one month before the end of semester 2. The research project is carried out in semesters 3 and 4.
the honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Biomedical)
Students will work full time in their discipline attending service courses and seminars, running their experiments and analysing and writing up data, researching the literature and mastering technical skills.
the honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Environmental)
Students will work full time in their discipline attending service courses and seminars, conducting their project, which may include both field and laboratory work, analysing and writing up data and researching the literature.
LENGTH OF COURSE
One year full time, or, in BSc(AdMth&Cmp)(Hons), one year full time or two years part time.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
A credit average in the relevant discipline (24 points) at third year level. Students must also have completed the undergraduatedegree requirements. In the case of BSc(Behav)(Hons) students must have completed an APS accredited major in psychology; entry to honours is by invitation based on academic merit.
CREDIT PROVISION
NA
LIBRARY APPROVAL
This is not applicable as there are no new subjects. Students will enrol in currently offered honours subjects and there will be no increase over the current subject numbers. It is only the title of the award which differs.
COMPUTER CENTRE REQUIREMENTS
This is not applicable as there are no new subjects. Students will enrol in currently offered honours subjects and there will be no increase over the current subject numbers. It is only the title of the award which differs.
RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS
This is not applicable as there are no new subjects. Students will enrol in currently offered honours subjects and there will be no increase over the current subject numbers. It is only the title of the award which differs.
INTER-FACULTY INVOLVEMENT
The following non-Faculty departments teach undergraduate majors with associated honours streams for the Faculty of Science:
BSc(AdMath&Comp)/BSc(AdMth&Cmp)(Hons) - Department of Computer Science
BSc(Biomed)/BSc(Biomed)(Hons) - Departments of Anatomy, Biochemistry, Pathology & Immunology, Microbiology, Pharmacology & Toxicology, Physiology
BSc(Env)/BSc (Env)(Hons) - Department of Geography & Environmental Science.
TEACHING CAMPUS AND MODE OF OFFERING
On campus and Clayton, except for BSc(Behav)(Hons) which is on campus at Caulfield, Clayton, Gippsland and Peninsula (students may be supervised by staff on any of the four campuses with combined seminars running mainly on the Clayton and Caulfield campuses).
FEE STRUCTURE
As subsets of the BSc(Hons) the courses are to be funded by recurrent grant. They will attract the same fee for international students as the BSc(Hons) - $14180 pa. The BSc(Behav)(Hons) is HECS band 1; the other courses are HECS band 2. However all students who enrolled in the associated undergraduate designated degree before 1997 will come under the old non-banded HECS when they enrol in honours.
PROPOSED DATE OF INTRODUCTION
It is anticipated that designated BSc students will be eligible for the courses by 1998.
ANTICIPATED ENROLMENT
The current EFTSU in the designated degrees are:
BSc(AdMth&Cmp) - 28
BSc(Behav)(Hons) - 61
BSc(Biomed) - 164
BSc(Env) - 80
Over recent years around 40% of BSc students enrol in the BSc(Hons) so accordingly the anticipated EFTSU might be 11, 24, 66 and 32 respectively. These EFTSU will come from within the current BSc(Hons) enrolments. Most students will be full time so the enrolment numbers will be similar to the EFTSU.
LEGISLATION/STATUTES AFFECTED
Minor amendments to insert the names of the new degrees will be required in the Bachelor of Science regulations, paragraphs 1.1.2, 17 and 18. Statute 6.1.2 - Courses and Degrees will also require amendment to insert their names.
HANDBOOK ENTRY
It is not intended to have a separate entry in the Handbook for each of the designated honours degrees, but to insert an explanatory paragraph in the description of the BSc(Hons):
Students who have graduated from the following designated degrees in the Faculty will be eligible for award of an honours degree with that designation if they successfully complete the honours year: BSc(AdMath&Comp)/BSc(AdMth&Cmp)(Hons); BSc(Behav)/BSc(Behav)(Hons); BSc(Biomed)/BSc(Biomed)(Hons); BSc(Env)/BSc (Env)(Hons).
There will also be appropriate cross referencing in the undergraduate designated degree entries.
________________________________
Item 15.6.1 - Academic Board 4/97
________________________________
Education Committee
Report to Academic Board
Attachment 6
Department of Business Management
Faculty of Business and Economics
Caulfield Campus
Memorandum
To: Suzanne Parker, Manager Graduate Studies
From: Gerry Griffin, Head, Department of Management
Date: 3 June, 1997
Subject: Graduate Certificate in Management
I write in reference to the Faculty of Business and Economics (Graduate Certificate) Regulations 1996
Current entry requirements
17. Graduate Certificate in Management
In relation to the Graduate Certificate in Management -
17.1.1 the current or recent employment must be in a junior or middle management position and must be approved by the faculty board as appropriate preparation for the course of study; and
17.1.2 an applicant for admission to candidature must, to the satisfaction of the faculty board, have the employer support necessary to satisfactorily complete the course of study
Proposed entry requirements
17 Graduate Certificate in Management
In relation to the Graduate Certificate in Management
17.1.1 the current or recent employment must be in a junior or middle management position and must be approved by the faculty board as appropriate preparation for the course of study, and
17.1.2 an applicant for admission to candidature must, to the satisfaction of the faculty board, have the employer support necessary to satisfactorily complete the course of study
17.1.3 an applicant for admission to candidature must, to the satisfaction of the faculty board, have a minimum of 2 years relevant business experience
Justification
Students are required to have a minimum of 2 years working experience as the teaching mode requires students to contribute and use examples of their working experience
________________________________
Item 15.6.2 - Academic Board 4/97
________________________________
Education Committee
Report to Academic Board
Attachment 7
MEMORANDUM
To: The Chairperson and Members,
Board of the School of Business and Electronic Commerce
From: John Rodwell, Lecturer (Management)
Subject: Change of Course Progression (Diploma of Business)
Date: 17 January 1997
Approval is sought to remove the option of completing either GBU 7015 Business Applications or GBU 7003 Workplace Project in the Diploma of Business and limiting students to completing GBU 7015 Business Applications as a compulsory subject in the Diploma of Business from semester one 1998.
The subjects GBU 7003 and GBU 7015 are very similar in terms of both content and process and both have small enrolments (<20 students). A rationalisation of this nature will not compromise the academic objectives of the Diploma of Business program, and will improve the feasibility of GBU 7015 Business Applications.
John Rodwell
Lecturer (Management)
Education Committee
Report to Academic Board
Attachment 8
To The Chairperson and Members, School Board
School of Business and Electronic Commerce
From Alison Dean
Director, Diploma of Business
Re Minor amendments (prerequisites)
Date 17 January 1996
Following progression of the revised structure of the Diploma of Business through the university processes, approval is sought for the following minor changes to subject prerequisites.
Subject Old prerequisite New prerequisite Comment
GBU7010 GBU7007 Nil The previous
prerequisite was
based on structure
not academic
progress.
GBU7003 GBU7001 and GBU7002 GBU1302 and The revised
OR GBU2304 structure is built
GBU7007 and GBU7010 on foundation
subjects, not
specialist streams.
GBU7015 GBU7001 and GBU7002 GBU1302 and The revised
OR GBU2304 structure is built
GBU7007 and GBU7010 on foundation
subjects, not
specialist streams.
Alison M Dean
Director, Diploma of Business
________________________________
Item 15.6.3 - Academic Board 4/97
________________________________
Education Committee
Report to Academic Board
Attachment 9
MONASH UNIVERSITY
Request for Professional Accounting Stream Approval
Bachelor of Business - Berwick Campus
Applicable to
Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Tourism
Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Communication
Bachelor of Business/Associate Diploma of Business (Marketing)
Bachelor of Business/Diploma of Information Technology (Technical and User Support)
Bachelor of Business/Diploma in Hospitality (Management)
The Faculty of Business and Economics Board, at meeting No.../..., determined that the following business stream should be proposed for consideration by the Education Committee. The Committee's recommendation will be transmitted to the next meeting of Academic Board.
COURSE NAMES:
Double Degrees:
Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Tourism
Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Communication
Double Awards:
Bachelor of Business/Associate Diploma of Business (Marketing)
Bachelor of Business/Diploma of Information Technology (Technical and User Support)
Bachelor of Business/Diploma in Hospitality (Management)
PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTING STREAM - BACHELOR OF BUSINESS, BERWICK CAMPUS:
REASONS FOR INTRODUCTION:
Currently, business students at the Berwick campus have five major studies available to them. These major studies comprise six subjects each and are available in the disciplines of accounting and finance, economics, management, marketing and tourism.
Course regulations state that students must complete seven core subjects plus either two majors, or one major and two sub-majors (four subjects in a sub-major).
Students seeking membership of the professional accounting bodies in Australia must complete the Bachelor of Business degree and certain subjects specified by the professional bodies. This Bachelor of Business professional accounting stream is available to Gippsland students (including DE), and also to students enrolled in Hong Kong and Singapore.
As almost all Bachelor of Business students proceeding beyond first year accounting complete the subjects required for professional entry, it is considered appropriate to add the necessary subjects to the Berwick courses to give the students the option of completing a professional accounting stream.
Successful completion of the required subjects will satisfy the tertiary requirements for admission as an Associate of the Australian Society of Certified Practising Accountants (ASA). To achieve CPA status, graduates would need to complete the society's CPA program and satisfy an experience requirement.
Graduates who take these required subjects also satisfy the tertiary requirements for admission to the Institute of Chartered Accountants. Membership may be applied for following successful completion of the institute's professional year program, and an experience requirement.
ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS REQUIRED:
The subjects listed below are the additional Bachelor of Business subjects that will be made available to students enrolled in the Berwick programs.
These subjects are additional for Berwick but are currently available to both domestic and international students enrolled in the Bachelor of Business (Gippsland, DE, Hong Kong, Singapore).
GBU2005 Financial Accounting
GBU3006 Accounting Theory and Current Issues
GBU3007 Auditing
GBU1202 Contract Law
GBU2203 Law of Business Organisations
GBU2204 Taxation Law and Practice
The first three subjects are offered by the Department of Accounting and Finance and the other three subjects are offered by the Department of Taxation and Business Regulation.
RESOURCES:
The subjects will be introduced from 1998 to 2000 and will require service to the Berwick campus. In 1998, GBU2005 and GBU1202 will be offered; in 1999 GBU2203, and in 2000, GBU3006, GBU3007 and GBU2204.
Library impact statements for the subjects to be introduced in 1998 are attached.
Staff from the School of Business and Electronic Commerce are currently teaching the accounting and law subjects at Berwick as part of the normal Bachelor of Business commitment. This will also apply to the additional subjects.
________________________________
Item 15.6.4 - Academic Board 4/97
________________________________
Education Committee
Report to Academic Board
Attachment 10
MONASH UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
New Bachelor of Science Schedule of Approved Science Subjects
The Faculty of Science is in the unique position of allowing not only a full major sequence within the Bachelor of Science to be taken from non-science subjects taught by other faculties but also, in addition to the majors taught by the seven departments of the Faculty, approving subjects taught by nine departments outside the Faculty as scheduled science subjects. This approval extends to major studies and honours and leads to a situation where BSc students can currently study the following minimum points from departments within the budget faculty:
It is reiterated that no other undergraduate degree in any other Faculty currently deems non-Faculty studies to be mainstream disciplines of that Faculty. In the past, only Psychology enjoyed this status in the Faculty of Arts (this is no longer the case). No other examples are known.
This degree of latitude or generosity was agreed to at a time when faculties' budgets were not largely based on the load taught by faculty budgetary departments. For several years the Faculty has incurred increasingly deleterious budgetary effects and it is not considered to be in the best interests of the Faculty, and concomitantly of its students, for this situation to continue. The Faculty does not wish to unduly restrict choice so accordingly a model is presented which does not limit the range of choice but limits the combinations so that students study at least a minimum from departments in the budget faculty. There is also now a wide range of double degrees available to cater for students whose interests are broader. Double degrees available at the Clayton campus are BA/BSc, BCom/BSc, BSc/BE, BSc/BEd and BSc/LLB. At the Gippsland campus, there are BA(Comn)/BSc, BA(Journ)/BSc, BBus/BSc, and BComp/BSc. The BA(SocSci)/BSc is offered at Peninsula and BSc/DipAppSc(MatEng) and BSc/DipEnvMgt are offered at Berwick.
It is recommended that the Schedule of Approved Science Subjects be amended to form three parts:
Noting that a first year sequence of subjects equals 12 points, a second year sequence 16 points and a third year sequence 24 points, it is further recommended that to satisfy the requirements for the BSc (144 points) there must be:
This allows for up to 102 points within the degree to be taught from outside the Faculty. It allows for majors in Computer Science, Geography & Environmental Science and all the scheduled biomedical sciences and for minors outside the schedule. The proposed schedule, Parts A, B and C, is attached.
The point can be made that the above model is still comparatively generous in the amount of non-Faculty studies permitted within the BSc. Other generalist courses within Monash University have the following requirements:
Bachelor of Arts Within the 144 points, students may take up to 52 points in subjects "other than those taught by the Faculty of Arts" The minutes of meeting 1/97 of the University Education Committee state that the UEC approved the proposal "that for the purposes of defining the structure of the BA, disciplines and subjects referred to as "Arts" be considered to be those taught (bold in minutes) by departments of the Faculty of Arts ...".
Bachelor of Commerce 36 points of 144 may be taken from disciplines outside the Faculty of Business and Economics.
Bachelor of Computer
Science From 144 points, students must study at least 72 points from computer science subjects. Of the remaining 72 points, at least 12 must be in mathematics (Faculty of Science or Faculty of Business and Economics, depending on double degree students' home faculty) and the other 60 may be from FCIT or other faculties.
Bachelor of Computing - Caulfield Up to 52 points of 144 (12 first year, 16 second year and 24 third year) may be taken from subjects not taught by the Faculty.
6 March 1997
Proposed Partition of Schedule of Approved Science Subjects
for Bachelor of Science
Disciplines in the various parts
Part A
Applied psychology
Astrophysics
Atmospheric science
Biology
Botany
Chemistry
Genetics
Geology
Geophysics
Materials science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology
Zoology
Part B
Anatomy
Biochemistry
Chemical engineering science
Immunology
Microbiology
Pharmacology and toxicology
Physiology
Part C
Computer Science
Geography (Physical geography)
6 March 1997
________________________________
Item 16 - Academic Board 4/97
________________________________
MONASH UNIVERSITY
REPORT OF THE EXCLUSION APPEALS COMMITTEE
Statute 6.2 - Exclusion for Unsatisfactory Progress - provides for appeals to the Academic Board against exclusion by a faculty. The Academic Board has the power to delegate its responsibility to one or more Exclusion Appeals Committees.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. RECEIPT OF REPORT
RECOMMENDATION
That the Academic Board receive and note the Report of Meetings 1-13/97 of the Exclusion Appeals Committee held between 20 February and 10 April 1997.
PROCEEDINGS:
2. MEMBERSHIP AND TERMS OF REFERENCE
At Meeting 8/96 held on 27 November 1996, the Academic Board appointed the following academic staff and students to membership of the Exclusion Appeals Committee (refer Minute 26.9.1, AB 8/96). At Meeting 2/97 the Academic Board ratified amendments to that membership (Minute 15.3, AB 2/97).
TERMS OF REFERENCE
In accordance with Statute 6.2 - Exclusion for Unsatisfactory Progress, to hear, on behalf of the Academic Board, appeals against exclusion for unsatisfactory progress, with the delegated authority to make decisions on the Board's behalf.
MEMBERSHIP
FACULTY OF ARTS TERM OF OFFICE
Dr Karen Green, Philosophy, Clayton 1997-1998
Ms Cathi Lewis, Anthropology and Sociology, Peninsula 1997-1998
Mr Max Liddell, Social Work, Clayton 1997-1998
FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS
Ms Pat Davis, Business Management, Caulfield 1997-1998
Mr Richard Hartshorn, Business & Electronic Commerce, Gippsland 1997-1998
Mr Abe Herzberg, Accounting and Finance, Clayton 1997-1998
FACULTY OF COMPUTING & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Ms Sue Bedingfield, Business Systems, Clayton 1996-1997
Dr Frada Burstein, Information Systems, Caulfield 1997-1998
Dr Ann Nicholson, Computer Science, Clayton 1997-1998
FACULTY OF EDUCATION
Professor David Aspin, School of Graduate Studies, Clayton 1997-1998
Mr Tom Hill, Science Education, Peninsula 1997-1998
Ms Jill Robbins, Foundation & Education Studies, Peninsula 1997-1998
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
Associate Professor Bruce Field, Mechanical Engineering, Clayton 1997-1998
Dr Chris Haberfield, Civil Engineering, Clayton 1997-1998
Mr Barrie Harding, Electrical & Comp Systems Engineering, Caulfield 1997-1998
FACULTY OF LAW
Dr Kumar Amarasekara, Clayton 1996-1997
Mr Mark Davison, Clayton 1997
Mr John Duns, Clayton 1997-1998
Associate Professor Dorothy Kovacs, Clayton 1997-1998
Mr Leighton Morris, Clayton 1997-1998
Ms Bronwyn Naylor, Clayton 1997-1998
Dr Susan Kneebone, Clayton 1997-1998
Associate Professor Wickrema Weerasooria, Clayton 1997
FACULTY OF MEDICINE
Professor D Barkla, Anatomy, Clayton 1996-1997
Associate Professor A Luff, Physiology, Clayton 1997-1998
Ms Geraldine Milton, Caroline Chisholm School of Nursing, Peninsula 1996-1997
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
Associate Professor David Hewitt, Chemistry, Clayton 1997-1998
Associate Professor Paul Lochert, Mathematics, Caulfield 1996-1997
Dr Jenny Redman, Psychology, Clayton 1996-1997
VICTORIAN COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
Dr Fred Mitchelson, Pharmaceutical Biology, Parkville 1997-1998
STUDENT MEMBERSHIP
An undergraduate student, or where appropriate a post-graduate student, nominated by the student organisations representing such students.
Committee Secretary: Ms Kerri Wilson-Reid, University Secretariat
3. FACULTY REPORTS: TOTAL OF STUDENTS EXCLUDED FOLLOWING THE 1996 ACADEMIC YEAR
The total number of students excluded by each faculty is listed below. The figures include students who were excluded by faculties after no attempt was made by them to respond to the faculties' requests to show cause why they should not be excluded (Section 4, Statute 6.2 - Exclusion for Unsatisfactory Progress).
Faculty Excluded After Excluded After Total
Showing Cause No Case Made Excluded
To Faculty
Arts 57 117 174
Business and Economics 56 105 161
Computing & Information 6 87 93
Technology
Education 2 9 11
Engineering 103 40 143
Law 5 3 8
Medicine 2 1 3
Science * 43 69 112
Victorian College of Pharmacy 5 8 13
University 718
Total:
* Within the Faculty of Science on the Clayton campus, 41 students were excluded after presenting a case against exclusion to the Faculty. Of those 41 students, 34 were excluded from designated degrees and transferred by the Faculty into the general degree of Bachelor of Science.
4. HEARING OF APPEALS
During 1997, the Exclusion Appeals Committee convened to hear and determine appeals on the following campuses and occasions:
Clayton Campus: 20, 21, 24, 25, 26 and 27 February; 7, 12, 21 and 26 March; and 10 April 1997.
Gippsland Campus: 21 March 1997. (Secretary, Gippsland Campus - Mr R Bennetts.)
5. RESULT OF APPEALS
All appeals were heard after information was presented to the Committee by the relevant Dean or Dean's representative. Leave was granted to all appellants who sought the permission of the Committee to have legal or other representation. The Committee's decisions are tabled as follows:
FACULTY AND CAMPUS Appeal Appeal Total
Upheld Dismissed
ARTS
CLAYTON - 1 1
CAULFIELD - - 0
ART & DESIGN - CAULFIELD 1 - 1
PENINSULA - - 0
GIPPSLAND 1 - 1
TOTAL: 3
BUSINESS & ECONOMICS
CLAYTON 2 4 6
CAULFIELD 5 3 8
FACULTY AND CAMPUS Appeal Appeal Total
Upheld Dismissed
BUSINESS & ECONOMICS Cont...
PENINSULA - - 0
GIPPSLAND 2 3 5
TOTAL: 19
COMPUTING & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
CLAYTON 1 2 3
CAULFIELD 1 - 1
PENINSULA - 1 1
GIPPSLAND - 1 1
TOTAL: 6
EDUCATION
CLAYTON - - 0
PENINSULA 1 - 1
GIPPSLAND - - 0
TOTAL: 1
ENGINEERING
CLAYTON 3 5 8
CAULFIELD 1 3 4
GIPPSLAND - 1 1
TOTAL: 13
LAW
CLAYTON 1 - 1
TOTAL: 1
MEDICINE
CLAYTON - - 0
NURSING - PENINSULA - 1 1
TOTAL: 1
SCIENCE
CLAYTON 1 1 2
CAULFIELD - - 0
GIPPSLAND 1 - 1
TOTAL: 3
PHARMACY
PARKVILLE 1 2 3
TOTAL: 3
Appeals heard by the Committee by written submission only (included above): 8
to avail oneself of the opportunity to be heard by the relevant faculty committee: 9
TOTAL OF APPEALS HEARD:
Upheld: 22
Dismissed: 28
Total: 50
________________________________
Item 18.1 - Academic Board 4/97
________________________________
Monash University
PhD AND SCHOLARSHIPS COMMITTEE
Report to Academic Board
Meeting No 3/97 of the PhD and Scholarships Committee was held at 2:15 pm on Friday 11 April 1997.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. DOCTORAL CANDIDATES BY EXTERNAL MODE
A final review by the Committee's Working Group on Doctoral Candidature by External Mode, had considered comments made by the faculties on the draft policy paper. In particular, the Working group had agreed to a more flexible approach to the 20 days of annual attendance and residency in the fourth and subsequent years of candidature.
Recommendations
That the Academic Board approve the recommendations in the documents Doctoral Candidature by External Mode and Executive Summary and Recommendations of PhD and Scholarships Committee Working Group on External Candidature.
A document is attached. (Appendix A).
PROCEEDINGS
2. PHD GUIDELINES FOR THE COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN
The revised document was approved.
3. APPROVAL OF DOCTORAL SUPERVISORS: ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Subject to minor amendments, a position paper on supervision eligibility was approved by the Committee. This information will now be included in relevant application forms and a new edition of the PhD and Professional Doctorate Handbook.
4. MONASH UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
The minutes of the Monash Undergraduate Scholarships Sub Committee held on 14 March 1997 were noted. Rationalisation of the selection process for the Max Buxton and Stuart Simson awards is presently being considered.
5. MGS: REMOVAL EXPENSES ALLOWANCE
The proposal that MGS awardees be given the same relocation entitlements as APA awardees was approved. Thus awardees who move from their permanent interstate address to take up the scholarship should be entitled to removal expenses of up to $A430 per adult and $215 per child, up to a maximum entitlement of $A1,230, on production of receipts.
Professor P LeP Darvall (Chairman)
Professor M L King (Deputy Chairman)
Dr P Gardner
Dr R Garnett (alternate for A/Professor M Pittard)
Dr P James (alternate for Professor T Threadgold)
Professor IA Nicholls
Professor B Parmenter
Professor C T Probyn
Dr J Rood
Professor H Schmidt (alternate for Professor D Arnott)
Professor P Stewart
Dr C Tiu
Ms A Ho
Mr G Murphy
PRH:ao c:\work\word\abrepapr.doc 14-Apr-97 Mrs P R Herman (Secretary)
________________________________
Item 18.1.1 - Academic Board 4/97
________________________________
ATTACHMENT A
DOCTORAL CANDIDATURE BY EXTERNAL MODE: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF PHD & SCHOLARSHIPS COMMITTEE WORKING GROUP ON EXTERNAL CANDIDATURE
1. PREAMBLE
1.1 The Monash Postgraduate Research Environment:Changes & Challenges
1.2 The Underlying Objectives of the Monash Postgraduate Research Program
Two related questions then arise. How may external candidature:
2. RECOMMENDATIONS
2.1 Proportion of External Candidates Permissible Within Total Doctoral Cohort
2.2 External Candidature Requirements
2.2.1 Primary Location of Research
2.2.2 Attendance of 20 days per year
2.2.3 Effective means of daily communication
2.2.4 Effective monthly INTERACTIVE communication
2.2.5 Regular conference and seminar involvement
2.2.6 Appointment of an Associate Supervisor or Supervisors
2.2.7 Articulation between standard and external candidature
2.2.8 Assessment of progress
2.2.9 Additional Requirements for Laboratory-Based Disciplines
2.2.9.1 Joint agreement on the research project
2.2.9.2 Adherence to Occupational Health & Safety procedures would need to be determined
2.2.9.3 Ownership of Intellectual Property.
2.2.9.4 Ethics approval from both the university and the host institution
2.2.10 Fees & Scholarships
c:\work\word\psc\policyst\extsumm.doc
PRH 3/6/97 11:48 AM
1. EFFECTS OF THE ELECTRONIC REVOLUTION
.....all the basic components needed for a virtual university are already available today....The task of creating a transnational university in cyberspace...is a realistic one. If there are any obstacles, they are likely to be human, social and political, rather than technological in nature,... a transnational university...would bring higher education to a higher plane, reaching out to all those who want to learn and eliminating educational inequality.
The development of computer communication facilities can provide part-time, off campus students with opportunities to email, participate in 'conference' discussions with their peers and colleagues, interrogate library catalogues and databases, and retrieve documents. Such computer-based approaches can create a 'virtual' community of postgraduate students where the walls between departments, disciplines and faculties are invisible. Supervision supported by email communication allows both supervisor and student to be more independent in terms of their physical and temporal spaces. Such approaches are qualitatively different from the traditional supervisory experience; however, there is sufficient research in computer-based uses in open and distance education (Mason & Kaye, 1989) to suggest that, rather than these approaches being a 'second best' means of supervising and supporting postgraduate research, they may well represent a better means, and one into which on-campus students might well be integrated.
The increasing openness of universities to students' needs ...especially for those continuing their studies part-time, is gradually affecting the postgraduate research supervision in those universities. There are significant opportunities for new kinds of good quality research degrees which are conducted off campus, with supervision mediated using forms of communication technology. However, it is important to develop supervision practices which relate to the emerging contexts of students and educational institutions and to see these practices as framed by dialogue reflecting the professional and personal autonomy of the student.
The PhD & Scholarships Committee acknowledges that the postgraduate research environment is now changing quite dramatically, with the electronic revolution in particular remoulding our perceptions of supervisory style and candidature procedures. Nor is the Committee indifferent to issues of equality of access, or of the need to encourage international postgraduate collaborative research programs, especially in the Asian region, should opportunities arise.
The Committee concedes that it must respond to these matters in a way that shows a proper balance between flexibility and prudence. To this end a Working Group was convened to consider the option of more flexible modes of candidature, particularly by off-campus or external enrolment.
2. TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE WORKING GROUP
The Working Group on Residency, Attendance and External Candidature met on three occasions- 14 May, 28 May and 24 June. In conceding that new forms of communication now offer greater flexibility in the delivery of research higher degree programs, the Working Group began its deliberations by considering several questions:
2.1 Key Skills and Attributes of Doctoral Graduates
Access to, and participation in a research community, whether it be at departmental, university, national or international level, should assist research postgraduates to develop or enhance a range of skills.
There is of course some difficulty in reaching a consensus as to what these attributes should be. However, in a recent article Dr Julian Clark has provided a useful starting point, although it should be noted that he has largely focussed upon the laboratory-based disciplines. Dr Clark argues that postgraduate researchers should have:
Specifically, in relation to the science/technology or laboratory-based disciplines he argues that the acquisition of further technical skills is essential. These include:
Dr Clark adds to these skills the enhancement of personal skills and competencies which he identifies as:
2.2 Benefits of the Doctoral Program to the University
The University affirms in its Education & Research Policies document its commitment to the "highest standards of research", and acknowledges that "research students are responsible for a large share of all university research output" . In seeking to meet its research objectives, Monash is committed to maintaining "a vigorous postgraduate program in which new scholars and researchers learn the principles of fine scholarship and research...[and to ]...collaborate nationally and internationally in the pursuit and application of knowledge".
In the Directions for the Future document it is stated that Monash has the third highest postgraduate research enrolment in Australia and that the University is determined to
maintain the closest possible relationship between graduate students and their supervisors and departments, and ensure that graduate students are seen as contributing to the intellectual life of the department and to the University's overall research effort.
Phillips and Pugh in their book How To Get A PhD remind us that :
The concept of a university doctorate has always been clear. As the highest degree that can be awarded, it proclaims that the recipient is worthy of being listened to as an equal by the appropriate university faculty.
The Working Group concluded that the presence of doctoral candidates within an academic unit was thus critical to maintaining its "critical mass" and its research productivity and dynamism.
2.3 Achieving these Objectives
A basic assumption underlying current attendance and residency requirements and the supervision code is that through the guidance of the supervisor and the department a candidate should be exposed at first hand to the departmental, and wider research
culture. Thus:
orientation/induction
research methodology & skills, codes of conduct and protocol
occupational health and safety
ethics practices and procedures
intellectual property
publication protocol
Successful articulation and crystallisation of one's ideas, and their presentation before a critical audience of peers, is considered an integral and essential component of any postgraduate research program.
2.4 Laboratory and Non-Laboratory Disciplines: Specific Discipline-Generated Requirements
The Working Group concurred that the key undertaking of arts/humanities candidates was the "experience of writing the thesis", and that in practice, at least for some, participation in a scholarly community and opportunities for testing one's research in that community, while important, were sometimes seen as auxiliary benefits.
It was generally conceded that a community of scholars was easier to establish in those areas of laboratory/ science and technology research where individuals within teams were often working on aspects of a wider project. In such instances the doctoral candidature was in a sense subordinate to this wider program, while in the humanities the focus was essentially on the doctorate itself.
2.5 Potential Changes to our Doctoral Clientele
The Working Group agreed that external candidature would most commonly arise where interstate or international students wished to access highly specialised Monash supervision and facilities that were generally unavailable elsewhere.
There will also be instances where Monash students may be able to access facilities and resources not otherwise available to the University. As Evans notes in relation to candidates wishing to pursue research tied to their current employment:
The workplace of the students is often the site of the research, or is related to the research. This means that some of the resources required for the research are provided by and through the employer, rather than the university. The task is to blend the requirements of the degree with the needs or requirements of the workplace. The advantages in terms of relating research, theory and practice together are substantial.
Recently, the Department of Civil Engineering has been reviewing the possibility of a collaborative postgraduate doctoral program whereby Indonesian students, enrolled as Monash candidates and fulfilling the requirements and regulations of the Monash doctoral program, will be able to access over a substantial period of their candidature, a hydrodynamic facility at Surabaya, which evidently is superior to any similar Australian facility. The mutual benefit of such an arrangement is obvious.
The development of professional doctorate programs which tend to attract people with considerable professional and/or employment experience is generating a new type of doctoral candidate- often an older, possibly more independent researcher, but one usually with significant professional and other commitments or priorities which may severely limit the time available for research.
As professional doctorate programs are extended to a range of disciplines, and as more departments take up the option of a coursework component within the PhD program, consideration may be given to the delivery of these courses by distance education. Equity of access is relevant here as on-campus attendance may be an impractical option for some candidates. Evans however sounds a note of warning:
...if there is one big lesson which distance education has taught the education community over the past two or three decades, it is that quality course material development is expensive and only becomes feasible if there is sufficient numbers.
3. THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN PART-TIME AND EXTERNAL CANDIDATURE
While in practice it may be difficult to distinguish between part-time and external candidature in some instances, the Working Group has assumed that those candidates who undertake their doctoral studies on a part-time basis, will be resident at a location that would allow a regular attendance on campus, as required.
The Working Group recommends that the current prescriptions pertaining to attendance and "residence" for part-time candidature should be retained. These are as follows:
time available for the pursuit of research (regulation 5.2.5)
(i) ...in order to undertake...part-time candidature, a candidate must be able to devote the equivalent of a minimum of 2 days per week to the pursuit of a research project;
(ii) Where the postgraduate's research work involves the systematic use of university facilities, the faculty may require that these two days be work days;
(iii) Where the candidate is engaged in full-time employment, the head of the department will be required to certify that the head is satisfied that the candidate is able to spend the equivalent of two days a week to the pursuit of the research project.
regular on-campus attendance and "residency" (regulation 7.3.2)
(i) The candidate must discuss progress with the supervisor in person at least once every calendar month;
(ii) The candidate must attend the university frequently and on a regular basis;
(iii) The candidate must attend all such courses, seminars, workshops, etc., as are deemed necessary by the head...
(iv) The candidate shall be required to undertake the equivalent of 6 months of full time study within the university, (including its research stations and teaching hospitals); the apportionment of that attendance period should be determined by the faculty at the time of application;
(v) Where the candidate is engaged in full-time employment, the head...will be required to certify at the time of application that the head is satisfied that the candidate will be able to comply with the residency requirements of this regulation;
(vi) The supervisor and head shall certify that the requirements for candidature have been met and an annual report of attendance and progress presented;
(vii) Notwithstanding the above...candidates, supervisors and heads...should be aware that the successful completion of the PhD signifies an ability on the part of the candidate to pursue independent research. There should therefore be a progressive reduction in the extent of close supervision during the candidature and particularly in the final years of candidature.
External candidates would normally do the major portion of their research work outside the Monash campuses and therefore cannot be expected to meet all the attendance and residency guidelines set out in the prescriptions pursuant to regulation 7.3.2 required of part-time candidates. Specifically, an external candidate:
4 CURRENT AUSTRALIAN PRACTICE : EXTERNAL DOCTORAL CANDIDATURE
In 1995 a preliminary Australia-wide survey was conducted by David Akers, PhD Officer at the University of New England. While noting that what some institutions may refer to as part-time candidature, may be called external candidature by others, Mr Akers assembled the following data:
Of the 28 universities surveyed, 14 indicated that they offer PhD by external mode.
The 14 universities which offer external PhD enrolment have the following residency requirements, or other non-residency requirements, for off-campus PhD students:
Group A : Faculty Specific Residency Requirement
Deakin
UNSW
Griffith
Charles Sturt
Group B : University-Wide Residency Requirement
Queensland
Nine weeks attendance at the university over the entire candidature ('remote candidature")
Southern Queensland
As per Queensland ("external candidature")
Queensland University of Technology
Australian Citizens/permanent residents must attend the campus for a "confirmation period" prior to thesis submission and for an oral defence of the thesis. External international students must attend the university for a minimum of eight weeks per year throughout the candidature, as well as completing the confirmation period and oral defence.
Curtin University of Technology
One semester must be completed on campus before external candidature is approved. Such candidates must also complete one more semester internally prior to submission. For part-time students only one semester of total internal enrolment is required.
Western Australia
External candidates must complete a minimum 21 days per annum in residency, preferably during semester, for each year of their candidature.
New England
External candidates shall have face to face consultation with the internal supervisor at the University or elsewhere for periods of time totalling at least 84 days over the candidature, with at least 14 of these days of residence undertaken during each year of candidature. An external supervisor is also appointed.
Group C : No Residency Requirement
South Australia
Edith Cowan
Bond
Group D : Other Requirements
Swinburne University of Technology
External candidates are required to meet with their supervisors on a regular basis.
Central Queensland
External candidates must present at least one seminar during candidature, preferably on campus.
5 RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Proportion of External Candidates Permissible Within Total Doctoral Cohort
There remains a residual concern that candidates confined to a remote site might be almost solely preoccupied with the thesis writing, and in doing so might miss out on the doctoral program's broader objectives and perspectives. Monash by its very size and diversity has a very rich research environment to offer its doctoral candidates. In turn the university would suffer if that critical mass of postgraduate research was to be eroded by a wide and uncritical acceptance of external candidature. Since postgraduate research activity enriches the university, Monash expects to see some return on the resources and funding it directs into this area.
The Working Group has recommended that in the interests of maintaining the quality of the university's research culture, external candidature should only be approved on a case by case basis and where special circumstances apply.
It therefore proposes that a quota of approximately 5% of external candidates (students not load), university-wide, should apply. The percentage of external candidates within individual academic units should not normally exceed 10%, or up to 2 students in those departments/academic units which have fewer than 20 students.
The Committee may be prepared to consider exceptions to this quota but only in exceptional cases. It is also proposed that the question of quotas be reviewed within two years of the introduction of external doctoral candidature.
5.2 Approval Procedures: Initial Assessment
The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Monash signifies that the holder has completed a course of postgraduate training in research under proper academic supervision, and has submitted a thesis that the examiners have declared to be a significant contribution to knowledge, and that demonstrates the candidate's capacity to carry out independent research.
How may this objective be met through an external mode of candidature?
It is proposed that the Steering Committee of the PhD & Scholarships Committee would make a preliminary assessment of each application for external candidature by considering the following:
Primary Location of Research : Access to Research Facilities
Where the research is principally being undertaken at another research site (eg archives repository, field site, laboratory, commercial or governmental research station, another university etc.), the Committee would need to be assured by the relevant department that the site provided a research environment which offered appropriate resources, facilities and research expertise to support the particular candidature, for the duration of the research program.
Attendance of 20 days per year
It is intended that the "residency" requirement meet the objectives summarised under section 2.3 of this paper. These are minimum requirements only; some faculties may set additional attendance guidelines. The Committee believes that a minimum 20 days of attendance per year is not an unreasonable requirement and reflects current practice in other Australian universities. It is important to guard against any criticism that a doctoral degree could be earned in absentia, without the candidate ever coming to the university from which they obtain the degree.
Apportionment of these days would be determined on a case by case basis (eg. in some instances it might be appropriate to take a single block of 20 days, while in others a few days at a time might be more effective).
The "residency" and attendance requirements assume that a department has a rigorous and healthy research postgraduate culture which includes for example, an on-going program of seminars, workshops etc.
The Working Group does not support the idea that the yearly quota of 20 days should be able to accumulate so that attendance exceeded 20 days in some years, but did not take place at all in other years.
A portion of this attendance could be off-campus, provided that the candidate was able to interact with the principal or associate (university) supervisor during this time (eg. both could be attending the same conference). It is expected that proposals for programs considered equivalent to 20 days of residency would be considered by the Committee as they arose.
The Committee might be willing to consider a reduction in the 20 days "attendance" requirement after the third year in accordance with Code of Practice for the Supervision of Doctoral Candidates where it is acknowledged that the candidate should have sufficient confidence to pursue more independent research in the final stages of candidature.
Effective means of daily communication
It must be established that there should be appropriate means by which the candidate could communicate with the supervisor on a daily basis eg. e-mail, fax, telephone.
Effective monthly INTERACTIVE communication
Regular INTERACTIVE communication between candidate and supervisor should take place at least once a month via telephone, the 'chat' facility on email, or other interactive communication.
Regular conference and seminar involvement
The candidate would be required to participate in research-related seminars, conferences and special events at departmental, faculty, university, national and international level, as appropriate.
Appointment of an Associate Supervisor or Supervisors
In all cases of external candidature it must be clear that PRIMARY responsibility for supervision of the candidate would rest with the Monash supervisor.
Nevertheless, because the quality and continuity of supervision are so particularly critical in the case of external candidature, it is suggested that all external doctoral candidates have at least one associate supervisor appointed. Some academic units may wish to give serious consideration to a form of team supervision which would be headed by a principal supervisor.
In the case of laboratory-based candidature, the appointment of an external associate would be mandatory. For students undertaking research into the humanities/social sciences, an associate supervisor might hold an appointment at Monash, although it may also be the case that an associate may be appointed from a university or research unit near the candidate's place of residence or research. The appointment of associate supervisors would need to be determined on a case by case basis.
External associate supervisors would need to be briefed on the university's codes of practice and other requirements pertaining to the pursuit of candidature and would need to agree to follow them.
In all cases the precise nature of the contribution the associate supervisor(s) were expected to play in the pursuit of the candidature would need to be determined at the outset in accordance with Section B (ii) of the Code of Practice. In all cases it would be necessary to ensure that the associate supervisor(s) make a contribution to the candidature and not hold a mere token appointment.
Articulation between standard and external candidature
There exists the possibility of candidates transferring between standard and external candidature in special circumstances. and as assessed on a case by case basis.
Assessment of Progress
It is proposed that ALL external candidates be admitted as probationary candidates and that a rigorous confirmation review including an oral presentation and written report of at least 2,000 words be conducted at approximately the 12 month equivalent mark.
The oral presentation should be made either at a departmental seminar or to a panel which should include the candidate's supervisors, the graduate co-ordinator of the department or head's nominee, and one other with a knowledge of the field of study.
The written submission should cover the hypothesis to be tested, methodology, boundaries of the research, a literature survey, progress of the work to date and a broad timetable for its completion.
The external candidate should present at least one departmental seminar after the confirmation of candidature, preferably in the latter stages of the research.
It is further proposed that in the case of external students twice yearly progress reports will be required which include detailed logs on the frequency and length of on-campus attendance, and the nature and quality of the candidate's interaction with the academic and research community of the department, faculty and university community generally.
5.4 Additional Requirements for Laboratory-Based Disciplines
The Working Group acknowledge that external candidature within the laboratory or science and technology disciplines in particular, may have special requirements. In some instances it may not be clear whether a program of research is in this category or not. For example, it could not be assumed that all candidates working in a hospital environment were working on laboratory-based projects. Nor is it clear whether all programs focussed on field sites should be classified as laboratory-based. Decisions would therefore need to be made on a case by case basis.
Joint agreement on the research project
Where the external candidate was pursuing the research at another institution/research station, there would need to be joint agreement between the university and the external site as to the proposed research program.
Adherence to Occupational Health & Safety procedures would need to be determined
It is acknowledged that off shore institutions may present a problem in relation to OH&S protocol. Within Australia individual institutions are subject to state or federal laws.
Occupational Health & Safety issues should not be restricted to concerns about liability, but should be viewed in the context of broader research training issues.
Ownership of Intellectual Property.
These matters are governed by Statute 11.2 and regulations pertaining to that statute. An agreement would need to be reached before the candidature began.
Ethics approval from both the university and the host institution
There may be some duplication if 2 sets of ethics approvals are required - both the university's own and that of the institution where the candidate is working. ( It may be noted that this is also a source of concern for some current candidates).
It may also be noted that problems potentially might arise where an external student was based at an off shore laboratory where standard ethics approval procedures might not operate. Resolution on a case by case basis would be required.
5.5 Fees & Scholarships
Consideration would need to be given to a reduction in the amenities fee, as appropriate.
Local students, as HECS liable students, would be eligible for HECS exemptions (APA without stipend).
It is presumed that faculties would make recommendations with respect to appropriate course fee discounts for international students.
External candidates would not be eligible for centrally allocated APA, MGS or OPRS awards as the conditions of award require awardees to undertake their research programs by on-campus mode.
c:\work\word\psc\policyst\externp4.doc
PRH 3/6/97 11:48 AM
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Item 18.2 - Academic Board 4/97
________________________________
Monash University
PhD AND SCHOLARSHIPS COMMITTEE
Report to Academic Board
Meeting No. 4/97 of the PhD and Scholarships Committee was held at 2:15 pm on Friday 2 May 1997.
P R O C E E D I N G S
1. VICE-CHANCELLOR'S ADDRESS
While acknowledging that universities presently faced a testing time, the Vice- Chancellor, Professor David Robinson, believed that Monash should approach the challenges ahead with both optimism and a sense of excitement.
The University must certainly continue to develop its international vision and to engage in the wider global community where people were often less well served by their own higher education systems than we were.
The development of a five-year corporate plan inevitably involved a measure of risk taking. Key elements of the university's strategy would include a proposed modest increase in local fee-paying students (in the order of 2,000 within five years), and also a significant rise in international and distance education students.
Of particular importance would be the development of off-shore Monash campuses such as the Sunway Campus in Kuala Lumpur. On-campus, off-shore numbers might be expected to rise to 3,000-4,000 students in the foreseeable future. However, it was perhaps in the area of off-campus, off-shore provision that the greatest opportunities for growth existed.
Professor Robinson reminded members that a defining characteristic of Monash was the quality of its research and research training. Thus this Committee would be expected to play a key role in determining strategies that would allow :
2. APRIL MEETING OF COUNCIL OF DEANS AND DIRECTORS OF GRADUATE EDUCATION IN AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITIES
The executive chairman, Professor M L King, gave a verbal report of the meeting. Presentations included an overview of Australian graduate school models, professional doctorate programs, the terms of reference of the national postgraduate body CAPA, and the skills employers expected of doctoral graduates.
3. MID-YEAR MONASH GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS
It was noted that a small number of additional scholarship offers would be made on the basis of faculty nominations in mid June.
4. LEGISLATION MATTERS: DOCTORAL REGULATIONS
It was noted that the Solicitor's Office intended to rework the doctoral regulations with a view to placing those regulations common to all programs in a general division of the legislation. As a consequence, the divisions on the programs themselves - the PhD, EdD and DPsych, would be shorter and strictly degree-specific. A new section on termination procedures which reflected the Committee's guidelines on this matter, was also to be incorporated into the revised regulations.
5. PROTOCOL FOR THE NOMINATION OF EXAMINERS
Members were reminded that students should only be involved in the nomination of examiners to the extent that they could indicate those whom they did not want to examine the thesis.
Heads of department should also exercise vigilance to ensure that an examiner and examinee had not been closely connected prior to the commencement of candidature.
It was also long established Monash practice that examiners should submit entirely independent reports. This might not be possible where both examiners were currently at the same institution or at institutions in the same region.
Finally, Professor Probyn proposed that heads should be encouraged to make more use of the reverse side of the standard form and provide additional information on the experience and competence of the proposed examiners.
Professor M L King (Executive/Deputy Chairman)
Dr P Gardner
Dr T Lloyd (alternate for Professor P Stewart)
Dr M Morgan (alternate for Professor I A Nicholls)
Professor B R Parmenter
Associate Professor M Pittard
Professor C Probyn
Dr J Rood
Professor H Schmidt (alternate for Professor D Arnott)
Professor T Threadgold
Dr C Tiu
Mr G Murphy
Mrs P R Herman (Secretary)
FILE NAME : C:\WORK\WORD\PSC\ABREPORT\ABREPMAY.DOC
16-May-1997
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Item 19 - Academic Board 4/97
________________________________
Monash University
REPORT OF SUBJECT QUOTAS FOR 1997
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor as Chair of the Education Committee asked that these matters be considered at Education Committee 7/96 and 8/96 (as indicated).
ARTS (meeting 7/96)
Attachment 1
ART & DESIGN (meeting 7/96)
Not setting quotas
BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS (meeting 8/96)
Not setting quotas
COMPUTING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (meeting 7/96)
Attachment 2
EDUCATION (meeting 7/96)
Attachment 3
ENGINEERING (meeting 8/96)
Attachment 4
LAW (meeting 7/96)
Attachment 5
MEDICINE (meeting 7/96)
Attachment 6
NURSING (meeting 7/96)
Attachment 7
PHARMACY (meeting 7/96)
Not setting quotas
SCIENCE (meeting 7/96)
Attachment 8
The quota documents were made available in hard copy only by the faculties therefore they have been submitted to the Board in hard copy only.
(r:unisec/academic/subpaper/4-97/subjqta.doc)
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Item 21.1 - Academic Board 4/97
________________________________
DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE PANEL MEMBERSHIP
The Discipline Committee, in accordance with Statutes 2.6 and 4.1, exercises general supervision over the conduct of students of the University and investigates any disciplinary matters brought to its attention. Committees are convened as required using members of the Discipline Committee Panel.
The following nominations to the Discipline Committee Panel Membership, with approval of faculties and student unions, are submitted for nomination by Academic Board for appointment to Council in accordance with Statute 2.6.
Unless indicated, the following appointments will run from 1 July 1997 to 30 June 1998.
1. FACULTY MEMBERS (Appointments of Faculty members are staggered - the appointments of the remaining Faculty Members expire on 30 June 1998)
Faculty of Arts Associate Professor Pauline Nestor
Department of English
Faculty of Business and Economics Associate Professor Anthony Dingle
Department of Economics
Faculty of Computing and Mr Rod Simpson
Information Technology Department of Computer Technology
Faculty of Education Professor Jeff Northfield
Peninsula School of Education
Dr Robin Small (To fill a casual vacancy to 30/6/98)
School of Graduate Studies
Faculty of Engineering Professor William Young
Department of Civil Engineering
Faculty of Law Mr Judd Epstein (until 30.6.98)
Mr Jonathon Clough
Mrs Sally Sievers
Faculty of Medicine Professor Bevyn Jarrot
Department of Pharmacology
Faculty of Science Associate Professor Neil Hallam
Department of Ecology
and Evolutionary Biology
Victorian College of Pharmacy Professor Barry Reed
Department of Pharmaceutics
2. STUDENT ASSOCIATION MEMBERS (All nominations are to fill casual vacancies to 30 June 1998)
Monash Postgraduate Association Mr Kevin Ryan
Monash Student Association Ms Belinda Terpenou
Monash University Student Union Inc. Ms Sally Beaumont
Ms Lynda Brinkmann
Mr Matt Nurse
Gippland Student Union Nomination not received
3. GIPPSLAND CAMPUS MEMBERS (All nominations are to fill casual vacancies to 30 June 1998)
School of Business and Electronic Commerce Mr Len Pullin
Gippsland School of Computing and Information Technology Dr Guojun Lu
School of Nursing Ms Merilyn Cross
4. RECOMMENDATION
That Academic Board approve the nominations to the Discipline Committee Membership Panel by the faculties, student bodies and Gippsland Campus for terms as indicated and that the nominations be recommended to Council for appointment.
Michael Simmonds
Secretary
Discipline Committee
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Item 22.2 - Academic Board 4/97
________________________________
ELECTION RESULTS - MEMBERS OF ACADEMIC BOARD
(1) Election of members of Academic Board by the professors of the University by faculties
At close of nominations at 12.00 noon on Wednesday 16 April 1997, for the election of members of Academic Board by the professorial staff members of the University the following nominations were received:
Number of Number of
Faculty vacancies nominations
received
Arts 1 1
Business & Economics 5 4
Computing & Information 0 0
Technology
Education 0 0
Engineering 4 4
Law 2 0
Medicine 2 2
Science 2 2
Victorian College of Pharmacy 1 1
As the number of nominations received was equal to or less than the number of vacancies, the following professors have been declared elected to membership of the Academic Board, term of office 1 July 1997 to 30 June 1999:
Faculty of Arts Faculty of Business & Economics
Professor B Caine Professor P Tharenou
Professor G Griffin
Professor B R Parmenter
Professor M Gabbott
Faculty of Engineering Faculty of Medicine
Professor G K Egan Professor N M Thomson
Professor W H Melbourne Professor D M de Kretser
Professor J R Jarvis
Professor P Grundy
Victorian College of Faculty of Science
Pharmacy
Professor P J Stewart Professor R S Dickson
Professor M N Clayton
(2) Election of members of Academic Board by the teaching staff (other than professors) of the University by faculties
At close of nominations at 12.00 noon on Wednesday 16 April 1997, for the election of members of Academic Board by the teaching staff (other than professors) of the University the following nominations were received:
Number of Number of
Faculty vacancies nominations
received
Arts 5 1
Business & Economics 7 5
Computing & Information 2 1
Technology
Education 1 1
Engineering 2 4
Law 2 0
Medicine 2 1
Science 1 0
Victorian College of Pharmacy 2 2
As the number of nominations received was equal to or less than the number of vacancies, the following teaching staff (other than professors) have been declared elected to membership of the Academic Board, term of office 1 July 1997 to 30 June 1999:
Faculty of Arts Faculty of Business and
Economics
Dr C G Worth Associate Professor A Farley
Ms E A Bardoel
Ms V G Clulow
Associate Professor M G Evans
Miss M L Brien
Faculty of Computing and Faculty of Education
Information Technology
Associate Professor P Associate Professor T L Seddon
Swatman
Faculty of Medicine Victorian College of Pharmacy
Associate Professor F M Ng Dr J E Brien
Mr J V Hurley
As the number of nominations received were more than the number of vacancies for
the Faculty of Engineering a ballot was run in accordance with Statute 9.2 - Election of members of the Academic Board, on Wednesday 14 May 1997. After the allocation of preferential votes, the following two candidates have been declared elected to be members of the Academic Board to hold office from 1 July 1997 to 30 June 1999:
John Sheridan
Quy Le
(3) Casual vacancies of Academic Board membership - professors and teaching staff of faculties
As insufficient nominations were received, the following casual vacancies are declared under Section 22 of Statute 9.2. The Board will receive nominations from the following Faculty Boards under Section 24.3.1 of Statute 9.2, Part 5, term of office ending 30 June 1999:
Faculty Number of Number of teaching
professorial staff (other than
vacancies professors)
vacancies
Arts 0 4
Business & Economics 1 2
Computing & Information 0 1
Technology
Education 0 0
Engineering 0 0
Law 2 2
Medicine 0 1
Science 0 1
Victorian College of 0 0
Pharmacy
(4) Election of members of Academic Board by campus-based professors of the University
At close of nominations at 12.00 noon on Wednesday 16 April 1997, for the election of members of Academic Board by campus-based professors of the University the following nominations were received:
Number of Number of
Campus vacancies nominations
received
Caulfield 0 0
Clayton 0 0
Gippsland 1 0
Parkville 1 1
Peninsula 1 1
As the number of nominations received was equal to or less than the number of vacancies, the following professors have been declared elected to membership of the Academic Board as campus-based professors, term of office 1 July 1997 to 30 June 1999:
Campus
Parkville Professor W N Charman
Peninsula Professor W R Schroder
(5) Casual vacancies of Academic Board membership - campus-based professorial staff of the University
As insufficient nominations were received, the following casual vacancy is declared under Section 22 of Statute 9.2. Any casual vacancy in the office of a professorial member or other elected staff member by a campus, the appointment shall be made by the Academic Board after consultation with the professorial or other staff of the relevant campus under Section 24.3.2 of Statute 9.2, Part 5, term of office ending 30 June 1999:
Gippsland
1
(6) Election of members of Academic Board by campus-based teaching staff (other than professors) of the University
At close of nominations at 12.00 noon on Wednesday 16 April 1997, for the election of members of Academic Board by campus-based teaching staff (other than professors) of the University the following nominations were received:
Number of Number of
Campus vacancies nominations
received
Clayton 1 1
Peninsula 1 1
As the number of nominations received was equal to or less than the number of vacancies, the following teaching staff (other than professors) have been declared elected to membership of the Academic Board as campus-based teaching staff, term of office 1 July 1997 to 30 June 1999:
Campus
Clayton Ms A Jawary
Peninsula Ms J A Edwards
Olwen Cornelius
Returning Officer
15 May 1997