Monash University

Academic Board Meeting 1/99


Meeting No 1/99 of the Academic Board was held on Wednesday, 27 January 1999 in the Council Room of the University, between 2:15 pm and 3:15 pm.

There were present:

Professor AW Lindsay - Chair, Professor DA Robinson (Vice-Chancellor), Professors D Abramson, and J Anderson, Mr P Annal, Professor DR Arnott, Mr C Avram, Ms A Bardoel, Professors AJ Bishop, G Bouma and ML Brisk, Associate Professor C Browne, Professors R Cas, CB Chapman and MN Clayton, Ms V Clulow, Professors C Cocklin, P leP Darvall, RW Davies and RR Doherty, Dr J Edwards, Professor M Evans, Associate Professor A Farley, Professor P Forsyth, Mr W Fowles, Professors M Gabbott and CL Gibbs, Associate Professor M Gill, Professors G Griffin and RHJ Grimshaw, Mr N Grills, Professors J Harris, WR Jackson, JB Jacobs and J Jarvis, Ms A Jawary, Professor ML King, Ms S Lawson, Ms C Lewis, Professor E Lim, Dr K Macrae, Professor RB McKern, Associate Professor K McLaren, Mr A McMeekin, Professor W Melbourne, Ms C Mingins, Associate Professors F Ng and M Page, Professors B Parmenter, JA Rickard and JK Redmond, Dr C Rodda, Professors J Rosenberg, A Russell and B Schroder, Dr K Stewart, Professor PJ Stewart, Ms E Tava, Professors P Tharenou and T Threadgold, Associate Professor K Trace, Professors L Waller and G Webb, Mr J White, Professor RT White and Associate Professor HR Wu.

Apologies were received from:

Professors JE Maloney and W Anderson, Dr J Brien, Professors B Caine, G Davison, DM de Kretser and R Dickson and GK Egan, Dr B Foddy, Professor P Grundy, Mr J Hurley, Professor B Jarrott, Dr H Johnson, Professor HP Lee, Dr M Lindorff, Mr M Mulchandani, Professor P Nagley, Associate Professor L Nethercott, Associate Professors J Peterson and M Pittard, Professor D Schauder, Associate Professor J Sheridan, Professor GC Smith, Mrs J Tooher and Dr C Worth.

Present by invitation:

Mr P Yates

In attendance was: Mr P Siggins (Acting Secretary).

Observers: Mr R Burnet, Associate Professor R Alfredson (Malaysia), Ms S Stafford, Ms D James and Dr G Ellis.

The Steering Committee had met on Tuesday, 19 January 1999 in the James McNeill Room.

Present were: Professors AW Lindsay (Chair), DA Robinson, Professors B Melbourne, D Schauder and B Parmenter, Associate Professor C Browne and Professor M Evans.

In attendance were: Ms K Wilson-Reid (Secretary), Mr P Yates and Mr P Siggins.

M I N U T E S

The meeting was held by teleconference between the Clayton campus and the Monash University Sunway Campus Malaysia. The Chair, Professor AW Lindsay, welcomed those attending at the Malaysia campus including Professor J Warren, Dr R Pollard and Associate Professor R Alfredson.

The Chair also welcomed new members Mr John White, Mr John Anderson and Professor Bruce McKern and newly elected student members, Mr William Fowles, Mr Nathan Grills, Ms Sarah Lawson and Ms Eleina Tava who were present, and Mr Prashaant Joshi and Mr Milan Mulchandani.

Professor Lindsay also reminded members about the opportunity for pre-starring of items on agendas, which would enable members to seek clarification about issues, information and procedures prior to meetings.

*A PROCEDURAL MATTERS

1. ARRANGEMENT OF AGENDA

The agenda items were addressed at the meeting in the following order: 1.1, 1.2 followed by 4.1. Two new items were added - items 21.2 and 22. Under matters arising item 8.6.1 from the Minutes of Meeting 8/98 was added. Professors G Webb and J Harris and Mr A McMeekin vacated the Council Room for the duration of item 4.1.

1.1 Starring of Items

Items 21.2 and 22 were added and items 5 and 20 were starred at the meeting. An additional item starred as a matter arising was item 8.6.1 from the Minutes of Meeting 8/98.

1.2 Approval of Non-Starred Items

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

1.3 Confidential Items

There were no confidential items.

2. MINUTES

2.1 Minutes of Academic Board Meeting No 8/98 held on 25 November 1998

The Minutes for Meeting 8/98 were circulated previously.

The Minutes of Academic Board Meeting 8/98 held on 25 November 1998 were confirmed and signed, subject to:

Action/Information: Secretary

*B STARRED ITEMS

3. REPORT OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR'S GROUP

3.1 Learning and Teaching Operational Plan (LTOP) 1999 RMO98/2562

The Learning and Teaching Operational Plan (LTOP) 1999 was circulated (p 1-12).

The Chair, Professor AW Lindsay, spoke to this item.

Professor Lindsay noted the substantial work that had been undertaken by a large number of people in developing the LTOP 1999 document before the Board. He particularly noted the contribution of Professor Merran Evans and Dr Gail Ellis and the work of Chairs and Members of the various LTOP Working Parties. The Plan was now significantly refined and was before the Board for the Board's endorsement.

The LTOP 1999 was a further development of the three year rolling process in support of the Monash Plan. The emphasis was upon enriching the learning experiences and outcomes of the diverse Monash student population. The Plan sought to improve and enhance the academic environment for students and staff and the Plan had received wide support within the University.

Professor Lindsay indicated that over the next review cycle faculties and administrative units would incorporate fundamental aspects of LTOP into their normal operational planning, review and budget processes. Faculties would be invited to nominate 'lead site' activities in which they would assume a university-wide leadership role in 1999 and then share their best practice outcomes with their colleagues in 2000. The document before the Board was a more concise document than its predecessor.

In the discussion that followed a member queried whether faculties would be given an opportunity to comment on the draft key performance indicators set out in Section 3 of the Plan. The Chair and Associate Chair confirmed that the status of these key performance indicators was draft at this stage and were identified from initial consultation that had occurred; further consultation would take place.

The Academic Board:

Action/Information: Secretary; Dr G Ellis

 

3.2 Review of Scholarships Framework and Policy RMO98/2984

The Chair, Professor AW Lindsay spoke to this item.

In introducing the proposed review Professor Lindsay noted that an overarching framework for scholarships would enhance the effective management of scholarships for the University. It was proposed to establish a small working party which would report back to the Vice-Chancellor's Group in due course. The working party would comprise:

Terms of reference for the working party were under consideration. Professor Lindsay invited Professor White to speak. Professor White indicated that draft terms of reference were being written and he invited interested members of the Board to contact his office by email and he would be willing to circulate to them the draft terms of reference. Professor White emphasised that the core function of the working party was to collect information and to form policy for the effective management of scholarships for the University.

In his closing remarks Professor Lindsay encouraged members of the Board to contribute to working party deliberations and commented that academic aspects of the emerging policy would be referred to Academic Board for its consideration.

The Academic Board noted the advice of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Planning) and Professor R White regarding the Review of Scholarships Framework and Policy.

3.3 Web Re-enrolment Project Report       RMO98/1544

A document titled Summary of the Performance to date of the Web Enrolment System was tabled at the meeting. At the invitation of the Chair the Manager of Student Admissions and Records, Mr P Yates, spoke to this item.

Mr Yates provided an overview of the paper before the Board noting particularly that the system had successfully re-enrolled 14,081 students out of a total pool of re-enrolments of 15,974 as at 4 December 1998. Mr Yates outlined further facilities and services that may be developed as part of the Web enrolment system. At the conclusion of discussion Professor Waller drew attention to the need for publicising the impressive uptake within and outside of Monash of this new innovative service.

The Chair thanked Mr Yates for his presentation.

The Academic Board noted the advice of Mr P Yates, Manager, Student Admissions and Records, regarding the Web Re-enrolment Project.

3.4 Preliminary Report on Admissions RMO98/0347

The following documents in relation to this item were tabled at the meeting:

At the invitation of the Chair the Manager of Student Admissions and Records, Mr P Yates, spoke to this item.

Mr Yates provided an overview of the University's selection and enrolment position as at 25 January 1999. Mr Yates advised that the 1998/1999 selection period for Monash had been very successful. In particular Members noted that total HECS and Fee Liable VTAC preferences across the system showed an increase in first preferences of 1% from November 1997 to November 1998. However, there was a drop in total preferences of 2% over the same period. Monash showed a drop of 3% in HECS first preferences from November 1997 to November 1998. Over the change of preference period this year, Monash increased 13% from November. All preferences for Monash dropped 3% from the previous year. Mr Yates advised that source data demonstrated significant increases in preferences for Monash Science courses, Education double degrees and some Engineering and Arts courses. System wide there was a significant drop in preferences for fee liable courses and Monash had followed this trend. Interestingly, Monash had increased first preference fee liable applications 25% over the change of preference period this year.

Mr Yates then commented on the VTAC round 1 offers that were made on the 18th of January 1999. University Sector wide offers dropped by nearly 5% while TAFE rose by 1.8%. Total HECS offers made by Monash fell by 8% in 1999. VTAC round 1 undergraduate offers indicated that the overall standard of entry had risen and Mr Yates provided a detailed breakdown of this situation by course. In summary Mr Yates noted that it was too early in the enrolment cycle to provide reliable forecasts as to the final 1999 enrolment picture but it was safe enough to say that the University was in a strong position regarding the numbers and quality of HECS enrolments. Further information would be required before conclusions could be made regarding the position of international and local fee liable numbers.

In the discussion that followed Mr Yates' presentation Professor Saunders commented on interview processes within the Faculty of Medicine and indicated that the interview process was under significant pressure through the ENTER system which had resulted in a high level of interstate acceptances. He suggested that some rescheduling of the interview process may be necessary with a significant number of interviews taking place before Christmas. Responding to Professor Saunders' comments the Vice-Chancellor suggested that GO8 Universities were undergoing a process of becoming national rather than local institutions and this would inevitably mean greater interstate participation in student recruitment.

At the conclusion of discussion Professor Lindsay noted that the report was positive for the University and requested Mr Yates to report again to the next Academic Board when further figures were available. Professor Lindsay thanked Mr Yates for his presentation.

The Academic Board noted the advice of Mr P Yates, Manager, Student Admissions and Records, regarding a preliminary report on the University's 1999 admissions.

Action/Information: Mr P Yates

4. ITEMS ORIGINATING FROM SECTION C

4.1 New Membership of Academic Board Following Approval of Statute 2.2 - The Academic Board RMO97/1106

The Chair, Professor AW Lindsay, spoke to this item. The Board noted that at its Meeting 4/98, the Academic Board endorsed recommendations contained in a Review of the Membership of the Academic Board. At its Meeting 6/98, Council approved enabling legislation, titled Statute 2.2 - The Academic Board (Substitution) Statute, which had been endorsed by the Board to effect the review of its membership. That legislation was then formalised when it was signed by the Minister on 25 November 1998.

This item recommended appointments to be made by the Academic Board, in accordance with recommendations previously endorsed in the Review of Academic Board Membership, and provided for under Section 3.1.3 of the new legislation, which stated that the Academic Board may from time to time appoint to be a member of the board "...subject to being a member of staff, the head of any academic or support unit of the university nominated by the chair of the board".

The Academic Board, on the nomination of the Chair, Professor AW Lindsay, appointed the following members of staff of the University to be members of the Board in accordance with Section 3.1.3 of Statute 2.2 - The Academic Board:

The Chair advised the Board of an additional matter under this item; that with promulgation of the new Academic Board (substitution) Statute campus-based members of Academic Board are appointed by the Board on the nomination of the Campus Director. To date a nomination had been received from Professor J Warren, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Monash University Sunway Campus, Malaysia nominating Associate Professor R Alfredson, Head of the School of Engineering and Science, Sunway Campus.

Academic Board on the nomination of Professor J Warren, appointed Associate/Professor R Alfredson, as a campus-based member of Academic Board.

Action/Information: Professors G Webb & J Harris;

Mr A McMeekin; Associate Professor R Alfredson

4.2 Revised Offshore Quality Assurance Committee Guidelines for 1999 RMO970313

A document was circulated (p 97-102).

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Planning), Professor AW Lindsay, spoke to this item noting that revised Offshore Quality Assurance Committee Guidelines for 1999 were circulated for noting by the Board.

The Academic Board noted the revised Offshore Quality Assurance Committee Guidelines for 1999 presented and the advice of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Planning), Professor AW Lindsay, regarding the document.

Action/Information: Secretary;

Ms K Wilson-Reid; Ms S Stafford

 

C ITEMS FOR APPROVAL OR INFORMATION

5. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

5.1 Item Starred From the Minutes

Item 8.6.1 - Extension of the Master of Business Administration and the Graduate Diploma of Business Administration to offshore locations, plus establishment of a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration as a Monash University Award.

At the invitation of the Chair the Vice-Chancellor advised the Board that discussions concerning current structures and arrangements in relation to the Faculty of Business and Economics and the Monash Mt Eliza Business School had commenced. Issues concerning Management education generally had been aired and discussions with a more specific focus were proceeding facilitated by the appointment of a consultant. It was envisaged that an options paper would be produced and circulated for the next meeting of Academic Board.

Action/Information: Secretary

6. MATTERS REFERRED TO ACADEMIC BOARD BY COUNCIL

No matters were referred to the Academic Board by Council for this meeting.

7. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF ASSOCIATE DEANS RESEARCH    (CADRES)     RMO98/0450

A document was circulated (p 13-16).

The Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 8/98 of the Committee of Associate Deans Research held on Thursday, 3 December 1998.

Action/Information: Ms M J Gleeson

Proceedings

8. REPORT OF THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE RMO97/0712

A document was circulated (p 17-82).

The Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 8/98 of the Education Committee held on Wednesday, 16 December 1998.

Action/Information: Secretary; Ms K Wilson-Reid;

Ms F Walker; Ms S Stafford; Faculty Registrars/Managers;

University Solicitors

8.1 Policy on the Disestablishment of Subjects RMO97/1181

Documents were circulated (p 25-28 and substitute pages p 27-28).

The Education Committee had endorsed the recommendations of a Working Party on the Disestablishment of Subjects.

The Academic Board approved a recommendation that the University establish the uniform policy on the disestablishment of subjects as follows:

      1. "Faculties seeking to disestablish a subject should provide:
      1. A 'standard' form for disestablishment should be provided to Education Committee (attached).
      2. Subjects attracting zero enrolments for three consecutive years should be disestablished routinely, unless a justifiable case is made to the contrary, and departments/faculties should determine their own guidelines for a 'low level of enrolments' at each year level."

8.2 Responsibility for Approval of Postgraduate Courses and Subjects RMO98/3117

At Meeting 7/96, the Academic Board approved a series of proposals setting out the responsibilities of the PhD and Scholarships Committee in relation to master programs (research and coursework), PhD programs and subjects associated with these awards. A minute from that Meeting was circulated (p29-32).

The Education Committee had endorsed the proposal below, which was put forward by Professor M King, Executive Chair of the PhD and Scholarships Committee, Professor A Lindsay, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Planning) and Professor M Evans, Associate Chair of Academic Board, to amend the current arrangements for the approval of postgraduate programs.

The Academic Board approved a proposal to amend the current arrangements for the approval of postgraduate programs and subjects as detailed below:

      1. The general overview of research masters and doctoral policy is the responsibility of the PhD and Scholarships Committee;
      2. The Education Committee has responsibility for coursework masters degrees and thus the subjects offered within such programs, including subjects that could be taken either within a coursework or research masters program (refer also to point 9 below);
      3. The PhD and Scholarships Committee has responsibility for approving and amending programs for masters by research;
      4. The PhD and Scholarships Committee has responsibility for subjects that are offered in research masters programs only;
      5. The PhD and Scholarships committee has responsibility for the PhD program and subjects in the PhD programs; and
      6. The PhD and Scholarships Committee has responsibility for professional doctorate programs and subjects within professional doctorate programs.
      7. In order to ensure both Committees maintain a consistent level of quality assurance for new courses and subjects it is agreed that
      8. The proformas used by both committees should be as similar as possible; and
      9. an Education Committee evaluation panel, made up of academics who are members of both Committees, should evaluate subjects with a major research content and subjects that could be taken either within a coursework or research masters program (refer also to point 2 above).

Action/Information: Ms P Herman

8.3 Proposals to Offer Existing Courses Offshore RMO97/0313

Members also referred to related item 11.2.3 under the Report of Meeting 7/98 of the Offshore Quality Assurance Committee (which was located in the agenda as starred item 4.2 under Section B).

At Academic Board Meeting 8/98, the Chair had indicated that proposals to offer existing courses would require the approval of Education Committee in addition to endorsement by the Offshore Quality Assurance Committee. Education Committee members noted, and agreed to notify their respective Faculties, that from January 1/99 proposals to extend existing courses to offshore locations should be reported to Education Committee as major amendments of course. This change was reflected in revisions to the Offshore Quality Assurance Guidelines.

The Academic Board noted the information above, also noting the related item 11.2.3 under the Report of Meeting 7/98 of the Offshore Quality Assurance Committee.

8.4 Faculty of Arts Policy on Intermission and Normal Completion Times for Postgraduate Programs RMO98/3117

The Faculty of Arts had recommended that for all postgraduate courses and programs in the Faculty of Arts:

A further period would only be granted under extreme circumstances and any such requests will be referred to the Committee for Graduate Studies.

(Note: All research students would be required to be enrolled for the minimum time, even if they were ready to submit earlier.)

Program

Normal completion time

Minimum enrolment

 

Full-time

Part-time

Full-time

Part-time

100% research

2 years

4 years

1 year

2 years

66% and 75% research

1 year

2 years

1 year

2 years

 

Program

Normal completion time

 

Full-time

Part-time

Masters by course-work

1 year

2 years

Masters qualifying

1 year

2 years

Graduate and Postgraduate Diploma

1 year

2 years

Graduate Certificate

1/2 year

1 year

Faculty Certificate

1/2 year

1 year

The Academic Board approved the above recommendations regarding intermission and normal completion times in postgraduate programs of the Faculty of Arts.

8.5 Faculty of Arts Cessation of Intake into Ancient Greek and Latin in 1999 RMO97/1181

The Academic Board approved the proposal which had been endorsed by the Education Committee to cease first year student intake into Ancient Greek and Latin in 1999.

8.6 Subject Quotas - Faculty of Science RMO98/3047

A document was circulated (p 33-34).

The Academic Board noted that the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Planning) had approved, following consideration by the Education Committee, subjects quotas for the Faculty of Science as detailed in the document presented.

8.7 New Course Proposals

8.7.1 Bachelor of Performing Arts (Honours) RMO97/0087

A document was circulated (p 35-36).

The Academic Board approved a proposal of the Faculty of Arts to establish the Bachelor of Performing Arts (Honours), to be offered from semester one, 1999 as an on campus course on the Clayton campus.

8.7.2 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Korean

A document was circulated (p 37-38).

The Academic Board approved a proposal of the Faculty of Arts to establish the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Korean, to be offered from semester one, 1999 as an on campus course on the Clayton campus.

 

8.7.3 Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design) / Bachelor of Education

A document was circulated (p 39-48).

The Academic Board approved a proposal of the Faculty of Education to establish the Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design)/ Bachelor of Education, to be offered from semester one, 2000 as an on campus course on the Caulfield and Clayton campuses.

8.7.4 Bachelor of Secondary Education

A document was circulated (p 49-56).

The Academic Board approved a proposal of the Faculty of Education to establish the Bachelor of Secondary Education, from semester one, 1999 as an on-campus course on the Gippsland campus.

8.8 Major Amendment to Existing Courses RMO97/0906

8.8.1 Bachelor of Arts (Social Science) / Bachelor of Applied Science

A document was circulated (p 57-58).

The Academic Board approved a proposal of the Faculty of Arts to amend the course structure of the Bachelor of Arts (Social Science) / Bachelor of Applied Science from semester one, 1999 on the Peninsula campus as outlined in the document presented.

8.8.2 Bachelor of Communication - Extension to the Monash University Sunway Campus Malaysia and the Offering of a New Major in Writing

A document was circulated (p 59-62).

The Academic Board approved a proposal of the Faculty of Arts to extend the offering of the Bachelor of Communication to the Sunway Campus in semester one, 1999 and to offer a new major in writing associated with that course.

8.8.3 Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Engineering - Amendments to the Astrophysics Sequence

A document was circulated (p 63-64).

The Academic Board endorsed a proposal to amend the second year Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Engineering Astrophysics sequence as detailed in the document presented.

8.8.4 Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Engineering - Amendment to Course Structure

A document was circulated (p 65-74).

The Academic Board endorsed a proposal of the Faculties of Science and Engineering to:

8.8.5 Bachelor of Computing - Extension of Offer to Hong Kong

A document was circulated (p 75-76).

The Academic Board approved a proposal of the Faculty of Information Technology to extend the offering of the Bachelor of Computing to Hong Kong, as detailed in the memorandum presented.

8.8.6 Postgraduate Certificate in Digital Communications - Change of Title

A document was circulated (p 77-78).

The Academic Board approved a proposal of the Faculty of Information Technology to change the title of the Graduate Certificate in Digital Communications, to become the Postgraduate Certificate in Digital Communications, in line with current policy on award taxonomy.

8.9 Disestablishment of Courses RMO98/3117

8.9.1 Graduate Diploma in Decision Support Systems

A document was circulated (p 79-80).

The Academic Board approved a proposal of the Faculty of Information Technology to disestablish the Graduate Diploma in Decision Support Systems.

8.9.2 Graduate Diploma in Microbiology

A document was circulated (p81-82).

The Academic Board approved the proposal of the Faculty of Medicine to disestablish the Graduate Diploma in Microbiology, as set out in the attached memorandum from the office of the Dean.

8.10        New Subject Proposals RMO97/0087

The Education Committee endorsed for submission to Academic Board the subject proposals detailed below. Full documentation was available for perusal by members of the Board upon request to the Secretary.

The Academic Board was advised that twenty-three (23) new subjects had been proposed for approval in the Agenda. Of those, three (3) were from the Faculty of Art and Design, six (6) were from the Faculty of Arts, six (6) were from the Faculty of Education, two (2) were from the Faculty of Engineering, five (5) were from the Faculty of Information Technology and one (1) was from the Faculty of Science.

The Academic Board approved the proposals of the Faculties of Art and Design, Arts, Education, Engineering, Information Technology and Science to establish the following new subjects:

8.10 Disestablishment of Subjects RMO98/3117

The Academic Board noted that one hundred and seven (107) subjects and/or alternate codes for subjects were disestablished in the agenda for Meeting 8/98 of the Education Committee. Of those, sixty-seven (67) were from the Faculty of Arts and forty (40) were from the Faculty of Information Technology.

9. REPORT OF THE GENERAL LIBRARY COMMITTEE RMO97/0902

A document was circulated (p 83-84).

The Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 4/98 of the General Library Committee held on Wednesday, 2 December 1998.

Action/Information: Ms M Pesnat

Proceedings

10. REPORT OF THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COMMITTEE RMO97/0908

A document was circulated (p 85-86).

The Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 4/98 of the Intellectual Property Committee held on Monday, 9 November 1998.

Action/Information: Ms R Bruce

Proceedings

11. REPORT OF THE OFFSHORE QUALITY ASSURANCE COMMITTEE

11.1    Report of Meeting 6/98   RMO97/0855

A document was circulated (p 87-88).

The Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 6/98 of the Offshore Quality Assurance Committee held on Wednesday, 2 December 1998.

Action/Information: Ms S Stafford

11.1.1 Extension of the Bachelor of Communication to the Monash University Sunway Campus Malaysia RMO97/0906

The Academic Board approved a proposal of the Faculty of Arts to extend the offering of the Bachelor of Communication to the Monash University Sunway Campus Malaysia, as an on-campus course commencing semester one, 1999.

Action/Information: Ms C Josdon

11.1.2 Extension of the Bachelor of Computing to Hong Kong RMO97/0906

The Academic Board approved a proposal of the Faculty of Information Technology to extend the offering of the Bachelor of Computing (with majors in system development or business systems) to Hong Kong IDP(HK), by distance education commencing semester two, 1999.

Action/Information: Ms K Hobbs; Ms S Gleeson

11.21 Report of Meeting 7/98

A document was circulated (p 89-102).

The Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 7/98 of the Offshore Quality Assurance Committee held on Tuesday, 15 December 1998.

Action/Information: Ms S Stafford

11.2.1 Report of November 1998 Review of Selected Offshore Courses RMO97/0855

A Report of the November 1998 Review of Selected Offshore Courses was circulated (p 91-96).

The Report set out recommendations flowing from the review of six award courses provided by Monash University in Hong Kong, including the:

      1. Bachelor of Nursing (Post Registration)
      2. Master of Nursing
      3. Bachelor of Business
      4. Master of Business (Accounting)
      5. Master of Practising Accounting
      6. Graduate Diploma of Business Administration

The Academic Board:

Action/Information: Mr M Lewenberg; Ms B Shields

11.2.2 Extension of the Bachelor of Design to the Monash University Sunway Campus Malaysia RMO97/0406

The Academic Board approved a proposal of the Faculty of Art and Design to extend the offering of the Bachelor of Design to the Monash University Sunway Campus Malaysia, as an on-campus course commencing semester one, 1999.

Action/Information: Ms M Hah

11.2.3 Revised Offshore Quality Assurance Committee Guidelines for 1999

Members were asked to refer to item 4.2 under Section B - Starred Items.

12. REPORT OF THE PhD AND SCHOLARSHIPS COMMITTEE

12.1 Report of Meeting 10/98 RMO97/1156

A document was circulated (p 103-106).

The Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 10/98 of the PhD and Scholarships Committee held on Friday, 6 November 1998.

Action/Information: Ms P Herman

Proceedings

12.2 Report of Meeting 11/98 RMO97/1156

A document was circulated (p 107-122).

The Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 11/98 of the PhD and Scholarships Committee held on Friday, 4 December 1998.

Action/Information: Ms P Herman

12.2.1 Establishment of the Master of Information Management and

Systems (Honours) RMO97/1156

A document was circulated (p 111-122).

The Academic Board approved the proposal of the Faculty of Information Technology to establish the Master of Information Management and Systems (Honours) as detailed in the document presented.

Action/Information: Mr K Hobbs; Ms S Gleeson

12.2.2 Mollie Holman Doctoral Medal RMO97/1156

The Academic Board supported the recommendation of the PhD and Scholarships Committee that the award titled the "Mollie Holman Doctoral Medal" be included on the official Monash University academic transcripts of recipients of the award, noting that the recommendation has been accepted in principle by the Student Services Division and is under active investigation in the context of development of the Callista System.

Action/Information: Secretary; Mr R Burnet

Proceedings

12.3 Report of Meeting 12/98

A document was circulated (p 123-124).

The Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 12/98 of the PhD and Scholarships Committee held on Friday, 11 December 1998.

Action/Information: Ms P Herman

Proceedings

13. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF THE FACULTY OF ARTS RMO98/0455

A document was circulated (p 125-132).

The Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 9/98 of the Board of the Faculty of Arts held on Wednesday, 2 December 1998.

Action/Information: Ms C Josdon

13.1 Faculty of Arts Academic Structure RMO97/0553

A complete list of the schools of the Faculty of Arts and their component parts (including for information, the interim Heads of School) was circulated for reference (p 129-130).

At its Meeting 7/98, Council approved a list of the Schools of the Faculty of Arts (also endorsed by the Academic Board at its Meeting 7/98), noting that some subsequent changes to the Schools would follow.

Detailed below were the foreshadowed changes to that schools structure.

In relation to the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Arts under this item, Academic Board:

    1. approved for transmission to Council the following changes in the titles of Schools, and transfer of centres, since the original school structure was adopted in November 1998:

School of Public Policy

School of Literary, Visual and Cultural Studies

School of European Languages and Cultures

School of Historical and Gender Studies

    1. approved for transmission to Council the further changes to the academic structure of the Faculty of Arts below:
    1. endorsed for submission to Council the establishment of a Centre of Archaeology as a School centre, located in the School of Historical and Gender Studies.

Action/Information: Secretary; Mr L Foxton

13.2     Amendments to Membership of the Faculty Board RMO98/0455

A document containing the proposed changes to Faculty Board membership was circulated (p 131-132).

Subject to drafting of appropriate legislation, Academic Board endorsed for submission to Council the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Arts to amendment Schedule 2 - Faculty of Arts, as outlined in the document attached, to reflect:

Action/Information: Secretary

13.3     Appointment of Associate Deans RMO97/0553

The Academic Board endorsed for submission to Council the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Arts to appoint the following staff as Associate Deans for a 12 month period, from 1 January 1999 to 31 December 1999:

Action/Information: Secretary

13.4     Management of Academic Policy RMO98/0455

This item related to Minute 13.5 from the Minutes of Academic Board Meeting 8/98.

The Academic Board noted the following motion referred from the Arts Faculty Board:

'That this meeting of Faculty Board votes against the decision of the Chair of the Academic Board to disallow discussion of the motion referred to that Board concerning the management of academic policy change through the use of a strategy of a staff spill."

13.5    Establishment of a Prize in Women's Studies RMO97/0597

The Academic Board approved for transmission to Council the establishment of a prize to the value of $450, to be awarded to the most outstanding Honours/Masters Qualifying dissertation by a student enrolled in Women's Studies Honours/Masters Qualifying or in Women's Studies Honours/Masters Qualifying in combination with another discipline; said prize to be named the "Women's Studies Honours/Masters Qualifying Dissertation Prize".

Action/Information: Secretary

13.6 Honorary Appointments RMO98/1018

The Academic Board noted that the Faculty of Arts had made appointments of Honorary Research Associates in the Faculty as detailed in the Arts Faculty Board Report presented.

Proceedings

14. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF THE FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS RMO98/0456

A document was circulated (p 133-140).

The Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 7/98 of the Board of the Faculty of Business and Economics held on Friday, 11 December 1998.

Action/Information: Ms B Shields; Ms M Grant

14.1    Membership of the Faculty Board 1999 RMO98/0456

A list of membership of the Board of the Faculty of Business and Economics for 1999 was circulated for information (p 137-140).

The Academic Board noted for submission to Council the new membership of the Board of the Faculty of Business and Economics for 1999.

14.2 Appointment of Associate Deans (Proceeding No 7) RMO97/1357

The Academic Board endorsed for submission to Council the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Business and Economics to:

Associate Dean (Graduate Teaching) - Associate Professor L Nethercott

Associate Dean (Undergraduate Teaching) - Associate Professor A Farley

Associate Dean (Special Projects) - Professor A Russell; and

Action/Information: Secretary

Proceedings

15. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF THE FACULTY OF ENGINEERING RMO98/1368

A document was circulated (p 141-142).

The Academic Board received and noted the Report of Special Meetings of the Executive Committee of the Board of the Faculty of Engineering held on Friday, 7 August 1998 and Friday, 11 December 1998.

Action/Information: Mr D Secomb; Mr R Smiley

15.1    Reappointment of Associate Deans and Subdean RMO98/3122

The Academic Board endorsed for submission to Council the proposal of the Executive Committee of Board of the Faculty of Engineering to:

Associate Dean - Professor T Sridhar

Associate Dean (Research and Development) - Associate Professor J Sheridan

Associate Dean (Teaching) - Associate Professor KC Ng

Associate Dean (International) - Dr C Tiu

Action/Information: Secretary

Proceedings

16. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF THE FACULTY OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RMO97/1159

A document was circulated (p143-144).

The Academic Board received and noted the Report of a Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Board of the Faculty of Information Technology held by ballot on 24 November 1998.

Action/Information: Mr K Hobbs; Ms S Gleeson

16.1    Appointment of Associate Dean    RMO97/0768

The Academic Board endorsed for submission to Council the proposal of the Executive Committee of the Board of the Faculty of Information Technology to appoint Mr C Avram, as Associate Dean Graduate Studies for a one year period, from 1 January 1999 to 31 December 1999.

Action/Information: Secretary

17. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE RMO97/0904

A document was circulated (p 145-148).

The Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 5/98 of the Board of the Faculty of Science held on Wednesday, 11 November 1998.

Action/Information: Dr P Rodan

17.1    Award of Doctor of Science RMO98/2396

The Academic Board endorsed for submission to Council the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Science to award the degree of Doctor of Science to Dr DJ Morgan, for his thesis titled "Studies of Drug Uptake and Elimination".

Action/Information: Secretary

17.2    Reappointment of Associate Deans   RMO98/3049

The Academic Board endorsed for submission to Council the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Science to:

Associate Dean (Teaching) - Dr K Macrae

Associate Dean (Research) - Professor G Coleman

Action/Information: Secretary

17.3    Reappointment of Fellow and Associate of the Faculty RMO98/3122

The Academic Board endorsed for submission to Council the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Science to re-appoint the following Fellow and Associate of the Faculty for a further period of one year, from 1 November 1998:

Action/Information: Secretary

17.4    Minute of Appreciation   PERSONNEL

A document was circulated (p 147-148).

The Academic Board received and noted the Minute of Appreciation for Dr R Tobin, who has recently retired from the Department of Physics.

Proceedings

18. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF THE VICTORIAN COLLEGE OF PHARMACY RMO98/0710

A document was circulated (p149-150).

The Academic Board received and noted the Report of a Meeting of the Board of the Victorian College of Pharmacy held on Wednesday, 2 December 1998.

Action/Information: Mr M Watson

Proceedings

19. LEGISLATION

The University Solicitor prepared legislation, in accordance with instructions from the appropriate faculties and other offices, to implement proposals which were approved by the Academic Board for submission to Council.

Copies of the legislation and explanatory memoranda were circulated with the agenda (p 151-180).

19.1    Faculty of Medicine (Nursing Awards) Regulations (Amendment No 2 1998) (circulated p 151-160) RMO98/0447

19.2    Statute 6.1.2A - Monash Mt Eliza Graduate School of Business and Government Ltd (Amendment No 2 1998) (circulated p 161-162)    RMO97/1267

19.3    Faculty of Business and Economics Regulations (Amendment No 1 1999)

(circulated p 163-168) RMO97/0956

19.4    Statute 6.1.2 - Courses and Degrees (Amendment No 1 1999)

(circulated p 169-170) RMO97/1038

19.5    Faculty of Engineering Regulations (Amendment No 1 1999)

(circulated p 171-178) RMO97/0956

19.6    Statute 6.1.2 - Courses and Degrees (Amendment No 2 1999)

(circulated p 179-180) RMO97/0956

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

Action/Information: Secretary; University Solicitor

20. ITEMS OF INTEREST FROM COUNCIL MEETING 8/98 RMO98/1255

A document was circulated (p 181-184).

The Academic Board received and noted the items of interest from Meeting 8/98 of Council held on Monday, 14 December 1998, as detailed in the document presented.

21. ACADEMIC BOARD MEMBERSHIP RMO97/1106

21.1    New Membership of Academic Board Following Approval of Statute 2.2 - The Academic Board

Members were asked to refer to item 4.1 under Section B - Starred Items.

21.2    Elected Campus-based members of Academic Board

The Chair, Professor AW Lindsay, spoke to this item.

With the promulgation of the new Academic Board (Substitution Statute) signed by the Minister on 25 November 1998 the elected campus-based members of Academic Board were retired and on behalf of the Board, Professor Lindsay extended thanks to them for their contribution to the work of the Board. The retired members were:

Campus Professorial members Non-professorial members
CAULFIELD Michael Skully Mr Christopher Avram
CLAYTON Alan Bishop Ms Anita Jawary
GIPPSLAND casual vacancy casual vacancy
PARKVILLE William Charman Dr Kay Stewart
PENINSULA Bill Schroder Dr Julie Edwards

22. Appointment of Decanal Selection Committee - Dean of Arts

The Chair, Professor AW Lindsay, spoke to this item.

At meeting 6/98 held on 21 September 1998, Council approved the advertising of the position Dean of Arts with a view to the successful applicant taking up the position on, or as soon as possible after, 17 April 1999.

At meeting 7/98 held on 9 November 1998, Council approved the establishment of and composition of a Decanal Selection Committee for the Dean, Faculty of Arts, position.

Among the membership of the committee, was provision for Academic Board nominees comprising two (2) professors to be nominated by the Board.

Following discussions, Professor Richard White, Dean, Faculty of Education and Professor Rob Willis, Head of School, School of Business Systems had agreed to serve on the Selection Committee. The Steering Committee of Academic Board has endorsed these nominees and they were submitted to Academic Board for approval.

Academic Board approved the appointment of Professor R White and R Willis to fill vacancies for two (2) professorial nominees of Academic Board on the Decanal Selection Committee for the Dean of Arts position.

Action/Information: Professors R White

& R Willis; Mr J Noonan

The meeting finished at 3:15 pm.