Tony Calder, Secretary

Apologies were received from Professor A Lindsay (Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Academic and Planning), Mr P Marshall (Divisional Director - Personnel Services Division), Mr P Siggins (Manager – University Secretariat) and Mr S O’Kane (Faculty Manager – Faculty of Business and Economics).

Welcomed to the meeting was Ms Alison Crook (Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Resources) and Mr D Mernagh (Acting Registrar – Faculty of Business and Economics).

In attendance was Ms S Wales (Manager – Personnel Client Services and Systems Branch) and Ms K Lock (Manager – Internal Communications).

The Minutes of meeting 1/2000 were confirmed.

Professor Robinson advised members that Monash Mt Eliza shareholder and guarantor members had approved, without dissent, the separation agreement.

Members were advised that training for GST related matters was progressing according to plan and an update on GST issues would be provided to the next meeting of the Administrative Heads Group.

Members were advised that the development of an Education Precinct bringing together elements of senior secondary schools, TAFE, GREEN Inc., private industry and the University sector was still under consideration. Dependent on regional and government support, the development of the precinct would enhance teaching activities, enable wider subject choice, increase University and TAFE participation levels and improve retention rates, facilitate greater cooperation between the University and TAFE sectors, aid articulation arrangements, benefit industry via an improved supply of skilled and trained staff and help reduce staff turnover in industry.

The implementation of recommendations contained in the Report of the Gippsland Working Party is underway with progress made in many areas including the establishment of the Campus Academic Development Forum. Members were advised that discussions would be held with faculties on the most appropriate structures at the campus.

Professor Darvall encouraged members to continue promoting the research achievements of Monash and highlighted the increased interest in potential partnerships following publication of recent research achievements by the Institute of Reproduction and Development.

Members were advised that the Research and Research Training Management Plan was being reworked prior to submission on 16^th July 2000.

Ms Crook advised members that papers relating to the Workshop had been distributed on 12^th April. Commenting on the Workshop, Ms Crook advised members that Day 1 would focus on issues external to Monash but impacting on service delivery while Day 2 would focus on developing platforms and strategies that would contribute to the delivery of outcomes detailed in Leading the Way – Monash 2020 and supporting operational plans – Global Development Framework, Learning and Teaching Plan, Research Management Plan and Faculty Operational Plans.

Members were advised that a new approach to financial management within Monash would be developed. Noting that the current method of funds allocation was considered unsatisfactory, Ms Crook advised members that a new approach based on Business Planning, identification of real costs, targets, revenue streams and a closer linkage of academic and resource planning would be the subject of consultation with all areas of the University over the coming months.

Ms Crook provided members with an overview of potential enhancements to the Caulfield, Clayton and Berwick campuses. Matters discussed included expanded and improved student accommodation, the construction a new Science Centre, the development of a Science Precinct, the vacant site on the Parkville campus and the need to develop all campuses into more lively places with improved educational, entertainment and dining facilities.

Members were advised that a new visual identity for Monash University was under consideration. When approved, the new visual identity would be gradually introduced into all areas of the University as stock items were reprinted and items/equipment with the existing identity were replaced.

Members were advised that the Monash Portal Project Team was looking to encourage staff to maximise their use of the Portal. Further, members were advised that the Project Team was looking to develop linkages to administrative systems.

The next meeting of the Administration Heads Group will be held at 8:00am on Thursday 15^th June, 2000 in the Council Room, University Offices Building 3a, Clayton Campus