Administrative Heads Group Meeting 4-1998

Meeting 4/98 of the Administrative Heads Group will be held at 8.30am on Thursday 23^rd July 1998 in the Council Room, 1^st Floor, University Offices Building 3a, Clayton campus.

Apologies have been received from Mr P Wade, General Manager; Mr I Porter, Executive Director – International Affairs and Mr J Curtis, Director – Monash University Union.

As meeting 3/98 consisted of information sessions, Minutes of the decisions and actions of the meeting were not distributed.

Mr P Marshall, Assistant General Manager – Personnel Services Division, will provide a presentation on the recently certified Agreement and respond to questions from members.

5. Vice-Chancellor’s Group

5.1 Vice-Chancellor

The Vice-Chancellor will introduce this item.

Professor Maloney will provide an update on matters relating to the University’s international operations.

5.4 Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Planning)

Document ADM8/98 is attached.

Professor Lindsay will introduce this item.

The next scheduled Administrative Heads will be held on Thursday 24 September in the Council Room.

Membership

Vice-Chancellor
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development)
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International and Public Affairs)
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Planning)
General Manager
Deputy General Manager
Campus Director, Berwick/Gippsland
Campus Director, Caulfield/Peninsula
Assistant General Manager, Student Services
Assistant General Manager, Financial Services
Assistant General Manager, Facilities and Services
Assistant General Manager, Personnel Services
Director, Research Services
Director, University Development
Director, Marketing and Communications
University Librarian
University Solicitor
Director, Computer Centre
Director, Halls of Residence
Director, Performing and Creative Arts
Director, Distance Education Centre
Manager, Budget and Statistical Services
Director, Internal Audit & Risk Management
Director, Business Development
Director, University Union
Director, Sports & Recreation Association
General Manager, Monash International Pty Ltd
Director, Higher Education Development Centre
Executive Officer, Corporate Planning and Review
Manager, Bookshop
President, Managers' Association
Faculty Registrars

Additional Circulation

Special Adviser - Corporate Planning and Review

Secretary
Policy Officer, University Secretariat

In September 1997 I commissioned Professor Lindsay, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & Planning), to conduct a review, and report on, the roles and responsibilities of Campus Directors. The review, which was subsequently initiated by Professor Lindsay in October 1997, was the first occasion these matters have been examined since the inception of Campus Directors. The timing of the review was important as it occurred in the context of the (then recently published) Monash Plan, and of an appointment to the position of Campus Director for the Clayton campus.

The review was conducted in consultation with Campus Directors, Deans, the Committee of Administrative Heads, and the Vice-Chancellor’s Group. In May 1998 Professor Lindsay transmitted his report to me. I have accepted his recommendations and many have already been implemented. The remainder will be implemented during the balance of this year.

A revised statement of the functions of Campus Directors has been adopted. The roles and responsibilities of Campus Directors will be to:

1. keep a watching brief on the overall academic coherence of the campus and to liaise with relevant Deans in this regard;
2. identify new opportunities for academic development which are particularly suitable for their campus, bearing in mind the range of academic strengths on campus and the needs of the immediate community, and to liaise with relevant Deans in this regard;
3. liaise with the General Manager, Assistant General Managers and Deans to ensure that the planning and supply of general infrastructure, accommodation and services is in harmony with demand;
4. liaise with Deans to ensure that problems which may emerge with respect to program quality, marketing or other related issues are appropriately addressed;
5. be a first point of contact with local student and staff associations.
6. promote the social and cultural cohesion of campus life;
7. foster an intellectually stimulating, safe, secure, aesthetic and friendly campus environment which promotes a commitment to excellence, scholarship, and community service;
8. convene, when appropriate, campus committees and task groups that facilitate the efficient conduct of the campus;
9. be a point of reference, promotion and representation for Monash in its relationship with key individuals and organisations in the immediate local community and the media;
10. represent the University on campus-specific matters in the immediate locality or region served by the campus;
11. establish links with employers and local government authorities, and to seek to secure ongoing financial support for campus based projects, scholarships and prizes;
12. establish where necessary reference groups comprising representatives from industry, business and community organisations to identify and respond to future campus and community needs;
13. maintain and develop relationships with other providers of education and training services in the locality/region in which the campus is located;
14. play a leading role in preparations for the organisation and conduct of events and activities for the annual Open Day (or Monash Day);
15. undertake other duties as determined from time to time by the Vice-Chancellor and/or the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Planning).

The precise mix of functions, and the emphasis given to each, will vary to some extent from campus to campus and over time.

A further innovation arising from the review is the introduction of an annual meeting of the Committee of Deans and Campus Directors. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss and agree the teaching and research profile of each campus for the next triennium, and any proposals to significantly depart from existing campus-based arrangements. The meeting will also discuss and agree any proposals to change financial, administrative and student support structures at each campus. Such meetings will be programmed to occur at times which mesh with the overall University planning cycle.

In future, Campus Directors will convene meetings of relevant Deans and Heads of Department/Schools to ensure a regular and timely flow of information on matters affecting the present or future operations of each campus.

To further strengthen consultation and communication the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & Planning) will convene three times a year a meeting of all Campus Directors. The purpose of such meetings is to establish a forum to facilitate exchange of planning and other information, and to develop draft policies (for wider discussion within the University) on matters of mutual interest and concern.

I am grateful to Professor Lindsay for bringing forward a coherent and constructive report which will assist Monash to achieve an environment in which faculty and campus development is in harmony, and geared to the pursuit of shared and explicit goals and directions.

I recommend that Academic Board note this report for information.

D. Robinson

14 July 1998