Meeting No 2/98 of the Academic Board was held on Wednesday, 25 February 1998 in the Council Room of the University, between 2:15 and 4:20 pm.
There were present:
Professor AW Lindsay (Chair), Professors J Anderson and W Anderson, Mr P Annal, Professor DR Arnott, Mr C Avram, Professor G Bouma, Associate Professor J Breen, Miss ML Brien, Professor RL Brown, Associate Professor C Browne, Mr M Cabrie, Professors R Cas, C Chapman, RL Coppel, G Davison and RW Davies, Mr A Dixon, Dr S Duffy, Associate Professors M Evans and A Farley, Dr B Foddy, Professors P Forsyth, CL Gibbs, G Griffin, RHJ Grimshaw, P Grundy and J Harris, Associate Professor M Hooper, Mr J Hurley, Mr D Imber, Professors WR Jackson, JB Jacobs, B Jarrott and J Jarvis, Ms A Jawary, Ms A Johns-Putra, Mr K Kendell, Professor ML King, Mr Q Le, Ms C Lewis, Professor E Lim, Dr M Lindorff, Associate Professor S McNicol, Professor W Melbourne, Associate Professors L Nethercott and F Ng, Professsors B Parmenter, Quartly, J Redmond, A Russell and D Schauder, Associate Professors T Seddon and J Sheridan, Professors MT Skully and P Spearritt, Dr K Stewart, Professors PJ Stewart, P Tharenou, N Thomson, L Waller and RT White, Dr CJ Williams and Professor R Willis (for Professor J Rosenberg).
Apologies were received from:
Ms A Bardoel, Associate Professor DH Barkla, Dr J Brien, Professors B Caine, MN Clayton, DM deKretser and RR Doherty, Dr J Edwards, Professors, RF Gunstone, JD Hamill, MTW Hearn and S Holdsworth, Dr H Johnson, Mr YL Koh, Professors J Maloney, P Nagley, JR Pilbrow, R Porter, D Robinson, J Rosenberg and B Schroder, Ms J Southcott, Professor CR Williams and Dr CG Worth.
Present by invitation:
Mr P Marshall, Personnel.
In attendance was: Ms S Stafford (Acting Secretary).
Observers:
Mr R Burnet, Ms H Dunne, Dr G Ellis, Mr P Siggins and Mr Manpal Singh.
*********
The Steering Committee had met on Tuesday, 17 February 1998 in the James McNeill Room.
Present were: Professors AW Lindsay, Associate Professor C Browne, Professors B Caine, JR Pilbrow and D Schauder.
In attendance was: Ms S Stafford (Acting Secretary)
M I N U T E S
*1. ARRANGEMENT OF AGENDA
1.1 Starring of Items
Items 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 4.1, 8.2 and 11 were starred at the meeting.
1.2 Approval of Non-Starred Items
The recommendations of the Steering Committee were adopted without discussion for all items other than those starred.
2. MINUTES
2.1 Minutes of Academic Board Meeting No 1/98 held on 28 January 1998
The Minutes for Meeting 1/98 were previously circulated.
The Minutes of Academic Board Meeting 1/98 held on 28 January 1998 were confirmed and signed.
Action/Information: Secretary
*3. REPORT OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR’S GROUP
3.1 Admissions Data
A paper titled Undergraduate Selection and Admission 1998, which replaced the distributed paper titled Round Two, was circulated.
The Chair invited Mr R Burnet, Assistant General Manager, Student Services Division, to speak to this item. Mr Burnet advised that the University was well placed in respect to meeting its targets for 1998.
Academic Board noted the advice of the Assistant General Manager, Student Services Division, regarding Undergraduate selection and admission for 1998.
Action/Information: Mr CT Vernon
3.2 Progress Report on Development of the Learning and Teaching Plan
The Chair reported on this item. Professor Lindsay advised that the Learning and Teaching Plan was being developed pursuant to the Monash Plan and reiterated the key themes of Leading the Way.
Members noted the following points raised by Professor Lindsay:
- the plan was commissioned in November 1997.
- an operational draft version would be completed by late March 1998.
- further wide ranging consultations would take place during 1998 with faculties and support areas, of the Committee of Deans, Education Committee and Academic Board.
- a more refined version would be produced for 1999 release.
(Secretariat Note: the draft Operational Plan will be considered by the Committee of Associate Deans (Teaching) on 26 February 1998 and by Committee of Deans on 17 March with Academic Board receiving a draft at its 3 June 1998 meeting.)
Professor Lindsay gave further details of the Plan including an overview of the five major sections, the iterative nature of the Plan’s development and information concerning possible implementation of recommendations and assignments associated with it.
Academic Board noted the advice of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Planning) regarding development of the Learning and Teaching Plan.
Action/Information: Secretary; Ms S Stafford; Mr T Calder
3.3 Review of Academic Board Membership
The Chair spoke to this item. Professor Lindsay advised that the task of reviewing the membership of Academic Board had been set aside at the time when the review of Academic Board had been in progress. There was a need for a small scale review in which a number of cases for membership would need to be addressed. There was also a need to ensure membership provisions of the Faculty of Art and Design were appropriate.
Professor Lindsay invited members to forward any advice that they may have regarding membership of the Board. A paper would then be prepared for submission to the Steering Committee of the Board.
Academic Board noted the advice of the Chair regarding membership of the Academic Board.
Action/Information: Secretary; Ms M Hah
3.4 Progress Report on the Role of Science at Monash
The Chair reported on this item and advised that the Panel established to consider the role of Science at Monash had received a wide range of submissions. The Panel had conducted an extensive interviewing program. It was envisaged that a draft version of the Report would be available for discussion by 9 March. Feedback on the draft would be invited with a further draft being developed taking account of such feedback by 23 March. The final Report would be submitted to the Vice-Chancellor on 31 March.
Academic Board noted the advice of the Chair regarding the Report on the role of Science at Monash.
3.5 Enterprise Bargaining
The Chair informed members regarding the enterprise bargaining process to date and the current state of negotiations. Professor Lindsay advised that since the recommencement of negotiations in 1998, the University had put forward two offers and there was a need for further progress to be made. He outlined various clauses where both parties were close to agreement and the matters still awaiting resolution. Professor Lindsay advised that his briefing on these matters was in the context of seeking advice from and engaging in a consultative process with Academic Board and he invited the Board’s comment.
Vigorous discussion ensued in which members offered a range of advice regarding approaches the University might take to resolve the matter of salaries and other issues arising from the current round of enterprise bargaining.
The Academic Board noted the advice of Professor Lindsay regarding current negotiations in the enterprise bargaining process.
3.6 Malaysian Campus
A paper, comprising a memorandum to Academic Board from the Vice-Chancellor titled Monash University Malaysian Campus with an attached media release, was tabled. The General Manager spoke to this item noting that the announcement of the opening of the Monash Kuala Lumpur Campus followed two years of negotiation and other extensive work. The General Manager outlined expected enrolment levels in the immediate and longer term and the establishment of a senior position to take overall responsibility for the campus.
In discussion a member queried the impact of Malaysian government policy control over the campus and the extent to which academic freedom would be available/protected in this setting. Other matters raised included the University’s financial exposure arising from this operation and the need to keep staff informed of developments of this kind. Members noted that there would be a further opportunity at the next meeting to seek advice on these issues.
The Academic Board noted the advice of the General Manager regarding the Monash Malaysian Campus.
Action/Information: Deputy Vice-Chancellor
(International and Public Affairs
3.7 Melbourne and Monash Protocol
Professor P LeP Darvall spoke to this item and advised the Board that a meeting between senior officers of both Melbourne and Monash had been held to discuss the Melbourne and Monash Protocol.
The Academic Board noted the advice of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development), Professor P LeP Darvall regarding the Melbourne and Monash Protocol.
3.8 Docklands
In response to a query about the project, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development), Professor P leP Darvall advised that the Board would be informed of developments at the earliest opportunity. However, commercial confidentiality constrained discussion at present.
The Academic Board noted the advice of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development), Professor P LeP Darvall regarding the Docklands project.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
*4.1 Models for Internal Collection of the 1997 Publications Data - Academic Board Meeting 1/98, Minute 12.
At Meeting 1/98, Academic Board had noted that further advice regarding the collection of 1997 publications data would be provided at Meeting 2/98.
Academic Board noted the advice of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development), Professor PLeP Darvall, regarding the model accepted by the Committee of Associate Deans (Research) for internal collection of the 1997 Research Publications Data.
Professor Darvall confirmed that CADRES has adopted the following model for 1997 data collection:
The Board noted Professor P LeP Darvall’s advice that processes and guidelines for the collection of 1997 publications data are currently being finalised by the Research Grants and Ethics Branch.
5. MATTERS REFERRED TO ACADEMIC BOARD BY COUNCIL
No matters were referred to the Academic Board by Council for this Meeting.
6. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF DEANS
(Circulated p 3-4)
The Academic Board received and noted the report of Meeting 1/98 of the Committee of Deans held on 27 January 1998.
Action/Information: Mr T Calder
6.1 Establishment of the Chair in Multimedia Technology
The Board noted that this item was forwarded for approval under item 7.1.
The Academic Board noted that the Committee of Deans endorsed a proposal of the Faculty of Information Technology to establish, advertise and fill a Chair in Multimedia Technology.
Action/Information: Mr K Hobbs
Proceedings
7. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF THE FACULTY OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(Circulated p 5-10)
The Academic Board received and noted the Reports of Meetings 1/98 and 2/98 of the Executive Committee (with delegated authority from the Faculty Board) of the Faculty of Information Technology, held on Thursday 15 January 1998 and Monday 16 February, 1998 respectively.
Action/Information: Mr K. Hobbs
7.1 Establishment of the Chair in Multimedia Technology
The Board noted that the proposal was endorsed by the Executive Committee of the Faculty of Information Technology, with delegated authority from the Faculty Board, and the Committee of Deans (refer to item 6.1).
The Chair position proposed would be based at the Gippsland School of Computing and Information Technology, however its responsibilities would encompass the Faculty’s activities at other campuses of the University.
The Academic Board approved for submission to Council the proposal of the Faculty of Information Technology to establish, advertise and fill a Chair in Multimedia Technology, as detailed in the document presented.
Action/Information: Secretary; Mr T Calder
7.2 Proposal to Nominate a Fellow of the Faculty of Information Technology
The proposal to nominate a Fellow of the Faculty of Information Technology, as named in the document presented, was endorsed by the Executive Committee of the Faculty of Information Technology, with delegated authority from the Faculty Board.
The Academic Board endorsed for submission to Council the nomination of a Fellow of the Faculty of Information Technology, as detailed in the document presented.
Action/Information: Secretary; Mr T Calder
Proceedings
8. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF THE FACULTY OF MEDICINE
(Circulated p 11-12).
The Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 1/98 of the Board of the Faculty of Medicine held on Wednesday 4 February 1998.
Action/Information: Mr B Ruck
8.1 Establishment of the Chair of Rural Psychiatry
A document was circulated (p 13-16).
The Board noted that the proposal submitted had previously been endorsed by the Board of the Faculty of Medicine.
The Academic Board, noting the endorsement by the Committee of Deans, endorsed for submission to Council the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Medicine to establish, advertise and fill an externally funded Chair of Rural Psychiatry, as detailed in the document presented.
Action/Information: Secretary; Mr T Calder
8.2 Establishment of the Institute of Public Health Research - Joint Initiative of Monash University and the Southern Health Care Network
The Board received an executive summary of the proposal for establishment of the Institute of Public Health Research.
This item was starred at the meeting.
In discussion of the item Professor N Thompson advised the Board that the proposal had only received ‘in principle’ approval at the meeting of the Faculty Board of the Faculty of Medicine. In light of this advice the Board was unable to give unqualified endorsement to the proposal.
The Academic Board noted the proposal to establish an Institute of Public Health Research and agreed to await further advice from the faculty.
Action/Information: Professor N Thompson; Secretary; Mr B Ruck
8.3 Establishment of a Centre for Clinical Effectiveness - Within the Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine
An executive summary of the proposal under this item, prepared by the Faculty, was circulated for consideration by Academic Board (p 63-64).
The Board noted that the Centre proposed for establishment under this item would be funded for one year by the Department of Human Services, with a likelihood that that funding source would continue.
The Academic Board endorsed for submission to Council the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Medicine to establish a Centre for Clinical Effectiveness, within the Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, as detailed in the document presented.
Action/Information: Secretary, Ms I Di Trocchio
8.4 Obituary for Professor Bryan Hudson (Proceeding No. 4)
Documentation was circulated (p17-18).
The Academic Board received and noted the two obituaries presented for Professor Bryan Hudson, formerly the Foundation Professor of Medicine at Monash University until 1972, who passed away on 3 December 1997.
Proceedings
9. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF THE VICTORIAN COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
(Circulated p 19-20)
The Academic Board received and noted the Report of a Meeting of the Board of the Victorian College of Pharmacy held on 3 December 1998.
Action/Information: Mr M Watson
9.1 Motion of the College Board - Funding Outlook for 1998
The Academic Board noted the motion put by the Board of the Victorian College of Pharmacy about the funding outlook for 1998, as detailed under item 1 of the Report of the College Board presented.
Proceedings
10. REPORT OF THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE
(Circulated p21-26)
The Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 1/98 of the Education Committee held on Wednesday 4 February 1998.
Action/Information: Ms S Stafford; Faculty Registrars/Managers;
University Solicitor; Mr B Burnet
10.1 Diplomas - Credit Provision and Advanced Standing
(Circulated p 27).
The Board noted that the Education Committee thought it necessary to make provisions to ensure that students seeking to obtain a diploma are formally admitted and complete an appropriate study program, and that a maximum limit for credit provision or advanced standing be specified. The Education Committee proposed that such provisions were necessary due to the possibility that, by appropriate choice of elective subjects within a degree program, students could satisfy simultaneously all or most of the academic requirements of a diploma program. The Education Committee previously endorsed the proposed provisions, as detailed in the document presented, which are set out below.
The Academic Board approved the following two provisions in respect of credit and advanced standing for students wishing to obtain the award of Undergraduate Diploma:
1. Normally students can be awarded qualifications, whether cumulative or concurrent, provided they have enrolled in and completed the relevant award program. Permitted exceptions would include cases where faculties have chosen to provide a diploma as a designated exit point from specified award programs.
2. In specifying the credit provision and advanced standing permissible in a diploma award course, faculties should specify the minimum proportion of study to be undertaken for the completion of the course by enrolled students. This minimum should not be lower than 50%.
Action/Information: Secretary
10.2 Time Limits for Undergraduate Degree Programs in the Faculty of Business and Economics
The Faculty of Business and Economics recommended a time limit of ten years for completion of the requirements of all Faculty undergraduate single degrees and intra-faculty double degree programs. In recommending this limit the Faculty gave consideration to the need to ensure currency of knowledge among its graduates. Simultaneously, it sought to extend the time-frame for degree completion to allow students to manage their own course of study in a manner which best suits their own academic and personal needs. Accordingly, provided a student has applied for and been awarded leave of absence (which is granted for a period of one year in each instance), the Faculty will allow a student a period of ten years from the date of initial enrolment to complete the requirements for a single degree or an intra-faculty double degree program.
The Academic Board approved the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Business and Economics to adopt a time limit of 10 years for completion of the requirements of all Faculty of Business and Economics undergraduate single degrees and intra-faculty double degree programs.
10.3 New Course Proposals
Action/Information: Secretary
10.3.1 Graduate Certificate in Civil Ceremonies
(Circulated p 29)
This course was proposed for introduction from Semester 1, 1998 as an on-campus course offered on the Caulfield campus.
The Academic Board approved the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Arts to establish a new course, to be titled Graduate Certificate in Civil Ceremonies.
10.3.2 Graduate Diploma of Arts (Civil Ceremonies)
(Circulated p 31)
This course was proposed for introduction from Semester 1, 1998 as an on-campus course offered on the Caulfield campus.
The Academic Board approved the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Arts to establish a new course, to be titled Graduate Diploma of Arts (Civil Ceremonies).
10.4 Major Amendments to Existing Courses
Action/Information: Secretary
*10.4.1 Major Amendment to the Bachelor of Music
The Board noted that this proposed amendment to the Bachelor of Music had been withdrawn.
Action/Information: Ms C Jordan; Ms S Stafford
10.4.2 Amendment of the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Psychology
(Circulated p 43-46)
The Academic Board approved the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Science to amend the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Psychology, as detailed in the document presented.
10.5 New Subject Proposals
The Education Committee endorsed for transmission to the Academic Board the new subject proposals detailed below. Full documentation is available for perusal by members of the Board upon request to the Secretary.
The Academic Board was advised that fifty new subjects were proposed for approval under this item: six from the Faculty of Arts, forty-one from the Faculty of Art and Design, and three from the Faculty of Business and Economics.
The Academic Board approved the subjects proposed by the Faculties of Arts, Art and Design and Business and Economics as detailed below:
10.6 Disestablishment of Existing Subjects
Refer also to item 10.4.1.
The Academic Board noted the disestablishment of 619 existing subjects and/or alternative codes for subjects of the Faculty of Arts.
Proceedings
*11. REPORT OF THE GENERAL LIBRARY COMMITTEE
This item was starred at the meeting.
Professor B Jarrott drew the Board’s attention to item 6 of the Report of the General Library Committee dealing with the restructuring of the Library. He commented that the move toward a ‘Faculty Based Model’ appeared to be focussed on amalgamation of libraries rather than on a restructure aimed at the delivery of library services to Faculties. He expressed concern, on behalf of the Faculty of Medicine, regarding the merger of the Biomedical and Hargrave Libraries and the relocation of the Biomedical Library’s collection to the Faculty of Engineering precinct. He noted the negative impact that such a move would have on Biomedical Library users and the apparent lack of consultation between the Library and Faculty of Medicine research and academic staff. He questioned whether such amalgamations were slated for other Faculties. Professor Jarrott cited the example of a possible amalgamation of Law and Humanities Library facilities as a cost cutting measure. According to Professor Jarrott, the trend toward amalgamation appears to extend beyond branch libraries to the consolidation of Faculty collections into multi-faculty facilities, as illustrated by the proposed Medicine, Science and Technology Library.
In response to Professor Jarrott’s query, Professor Lim stated there was no link between the University Library’s plan to restructure by creating faculty based teams and the proposed merger of the Biomedical and Hargrave Libraries. He then provided some background information on the faculty team concept. Essentially, this development was influenced by two factors: firstly, the development in communications and information technologies which has made it possible for the library to deliver services to the desktop and to remote users, and secondly, the restructuring of faculties in which academic departments have been given cross-campus responsibilities
The model that the library was developing would allow staff on all campuses to operate as members of faculty teams. Divisional or branch librarians, while they would continue to be "site managers", would lead one or more of these teams, which would have cross-campus responsibilities for the provision of information services. The main advantages of this move were that it would open up the collections and resources of all campuses to the entire university community, parallel the restructuring of faculties, permit the library to align its services more closely with the needs of faculties, avoid duplication of collections, and allow skills available only in one campus to be tapped for the benefit of the entire library system.
The Academic Board received and noted the report of Meeting 4/97 of the General Library Committee held on Wednesday 3 December 1997.
Action/Information:Secretary to the General Library Committee
11.1 Document Delivery Formula 1998
The Academic Board noted that the General Library Committee endorsed a quota formula for allocation of Document Delivery funds to faculties for 1998, which consists of a weighting of 70% for the user populations and 30% for actual usage, with allocations to be monitored for the first six months of 1998.
Action/Information: Secretary to the General Library Committee;
Faculty Registrars/Managers
Proceedings
12. REPORT OF THE OFFSHORE QUALITY ASSURANCE COMMITTEE
Action/Information: Ms S Stafford; Secretary
12.1 Existing Courses Proposed for Offer Offshore in 1998
The Board noted that following courses proposed for commencement offshore in 1998 are existing courses that have undergone the standard course approval process, including endorsement by Education Committee and approval by Academic Board. The Offshore Quality Assurance Committee scrutinised the proposals of the relevant Faculties to offer the courses offshore, focussing on the quality of delivery and support and, having endorsed them, submitted them to the Academic Board for approval.
12.1.1 Bachelor of Business (Retail Management)
This course was proposed to be offered offshore by the Faculty of Business and Economics in conjunction with the Technology Management Centre, Singapore, for commencement in 1998.
The Academic Board approved the proposal of the Faculty of Business and Economics to offer the Bachelor of Business (Retail Management) offshore, in conjunction with the Technology Management Centre, Singapore, commencing in 1998.
Action/Information: Ms A Pilgrim
12.1.2 Bachelor of Computing (Honours)
This course was proposed to be offered offshore by the Faculty of Information Technology, in conjunction with the Technology Management Centre in Singapore, commencing in 1998.
The Academic Board approved the proposal of the Faculty of Information Technology to offer the Bachelor of Computing (Honours) offshore, in conjunction with the Technology Management Centre in Singapore, commencing in 1998.
Action/Information: Mr K Hobbs
12.1.3 Bachelor of Behavioural Science
This course was proposed to be offered offshore by the Faculty of Science, in conjunction with the Technology Management Centre in Singapore, commencing in 1998.
The Academic Board approved the proposal of the Faculty of Science to offer the Bachelor of Behavioural Science offshore, in conjunction with the Technology Management Centre in Singapore, commencing in 1998.
Action/Information: Dr P Rodan
13. REPORT OF THE PhD AND SCHOLARSHIPS COMMITTEE
(Circulated p 49-50)
The Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 1/98 of the PhD and Scholarships Committee held on Friday 30 January 1998.
Action/Information: Ms P Herman
Proceedings
14. COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
14.1 General Library Committee
The membership of the General Library Committee was circulated (p 53).
The Board was asked to note that the terms of office of the two members of the General Library Committee nominated by the Academic Board, Associate Professor M Evans and Professor E Laurenson, expired in December 1997.
The Academic Board:
Action/Information: Secretary to the General Library Committee;
Associate Professor M Evans; Mr C Avram
14.2 Honorary Degrees Committee
The membership of the Honorary Degrees Committee was circulated (p 55).
The Board noted that the membership of the Honorary Degrees Committee requires that four Professors be nominated by the Academic Board, with a further four Professors required as alternates for those nominees of the Board. The Board was asked to note that the terms of office of Professor R Brown as a member and Professor T Threadgold as an alternate member of the Honorary Degrees Committee expired in December 1997. Professor E Campbell, also an alternate member appointed by the Board has retired, therefore creating another alternate vacancy.
The Academic Board appointed the following as professorial representatives of the Academic Board on the Honorary Degrees Committee:
* subject to confirmation of acceptance
Action/Information: Mr B Corless; Professors R Brown,
T. Threadgold and R Willis; Secretary
14.3 Monash University Animal Welfare Committee
The membership of the 1998 Monash University Animal Welfare Committee was circulated (p 65).
The Academic Board noted the membership of the 1998 Monash University Animal Welfare Committee as set out in the document presented.
Action/Information: Ms A Penney
The Meeting concluded at 4.20 pm.