Council | Minutes | Meeting 3-1999

Meeting No. 10/96 of the Committee of Deans will be held at 2.15 pm on Tuesday, 13 August 1996 in the Sir George Lush Room, Ground Floor, University Offices 3a, Clayton Campus.

A G E N D A

The Committee is asked to note that following the departure of Professor Chipman from the University, Professor B Dunstan and Professor J Anderson have been invited to attend meetings of the Committee of Deans in their capacity as Campus Directors of Gippsland and Berwick Campuses respectively.

1. Minutes The Minutes of Meeting No. 9/96 have been circulated.
2. Matters arising from the Minutes not dealt with elsewhere in the Agenda
3. Vice-Chancellor's Report
3.1 Profiles
The General Manager has provided the attached statement with a copy of a letter from the Vice-Chancellor to DEETYA dated 22 July 1996.	D100/96 p5-8
4. Urgent Matters
5. Research Matters
6. International Matters
7. Special Items
8. Matters Raised by Deans
8.1 Implications for Monash of Potential Changes to the Metropolitan Hospitals System in Melbourne, and proposed regional developments
Professor Porter, Dean of Medicine, will speak to this item.
9. Reports of Administrative Divisions / Departments
9.1 Professional Development Centre
A report was scheduled for this meeting from the Professional Development Centre (PDC). A report will be presented to the Committee when the current review of the PDC has been completed.
10. General Business
10.1 Report of the Associate Deans (Teaching)

A report of recent meetings of the Associate Deans (Teaching) is attached.	D101/96 p9-12
Recommendation
That the Committee receive and note the Report of Meetings of the Associate Deans (Teaching) held on 13 February, 29 March, 7 May and 19 June 1996.
10.1.1 Timetabling of Classes
Recommendation
That the Committee of Deans clarify whether the new timetable arrangements (on-the- hour commencement of classes from 1997) would apply to the Victorian College of Pharmacy, as there are no students enrolled from other campuses and no tele-teaching arrangements at present.
10.1.2 Information Days
Recommendation
That the Committee of Deans consider the proposal of the Associate Deans (Teaching) that an Information Day be trialed at the Clayton campus in the Faculties of Arts, Business and Economics, Computing and Information Technology and Science on the day before VTAC first round enrolments in 1997.
10.1.3 Receipt of Proceedings
Recommendation
That the Committee of Deans note the Proceedings of the meetings of the Associate Deans (Teaching), under the following item headings:
Discipline Statute; Admission matters; Degree legislation and tagged/parent degrees; Compulsory subjects in degree structures; Transition; Enrolment adjustment.
11. Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Committee of Deans will be held at 2.15 pm on Tuesday, 3 September 1996 in The Sir George Lush Room, Ground Floor, University Offices 3a, Clayton Campus.

Following the comments received from Deans and after discussion at the Central Budgets Committee in relation to the interim profiles submission, it was agreed that no changes would be made to the existing student load estimates for 1997 and 1998.

The attached letter was forwarded to DEETYA which stressed that revisions to previous estimates would be made following the federal budget and would be incorporated into the final profiles submission.

The specific comments received from Deans have been taken on board and will be addressed within the context of the final submission due in September. Budget and Statistical Services staff will be visiting faculties shortly to provide detailed data on 1996 student load performance and this will provide an opportunity for faculties to raise any further issues.

I have attached the following material which relates to Monash University for this period:-

The plan has been updated to reflect both 1996 activity and planned construction activity through to the year 2001. It was formulated prior to the announcement of possible Government funding units and will need to be updated once the outcome of the federal budget in known.

ii. Access and participation indicators for 1996 for all target equity groups are provided in Tables 1A and 1B, along with planned indicators for 1997 and 1998 where they previously existed. Equity indicators for 1995 will be provided electronically.

The planned bids for places under the Commonwealth Industry Places Scheme do not reflect the 1996 picture as the 1997 and 1998 bids are as submitted last year. This scheme will be reviewed in light of the federal budget outcomes.

The tables have been updated to reflect 1996 data, however no change has been made at this stage to the 1997 and 1998 data provided in the previous profile submission. Final decisions in relation to load planning for 1997 and beyond will not be made until after the federal budget outcome is known, whereby the previous estimates for 1997 and 1998 will be revised. These revisions will also take account of the 1996 outcomes.

Given the 1996 profile as at 31 March, the University would want to refine the forward estimates, particularly in relation to higher degree by research load. In addition there are other areas such as Engineering where the University will also revise forward estimates.

The University is not anticipating a reduction in medical student numbers and funding, and would not wish to voluntarily reduce funding and load for medical places.

That the Committee of Deans receive and note the Report of Meetings of the Associate Deans (Teaching) held on 13 February, 29 March, 7 May and 19 June 1996.

That the Committee of Deans clarify whether the new timetable arrangements (on-the- hour commencement of classes from 1997) would apply to the Victorian College of Pharmacy, as there are no students enrolled from other campuses and no tele-teaching arrangements at present.

It is proposed that the University establish an Information Day in a number of key faculties for new incoming students from 1997. The University of Melbourne currently runs an Information Day on the day before VTAC first round enrolments, to provide new students with academic advice on the day before they actually register for classes. It has been found at the University of Melbourne that this system both reduces the number of amendments to enrolments during the first week of the semester and eases the transition period for first year students. It is proposed that the practice be trialed at the Clayton campus by the Faculties of Arts, Business and Economics, Computing and Information Technology and Science.

That the Committee of Deans consider the proposal of the Associate Deans (Teaching) that an Information Day be trialed at the Clayton campus in the Faculties of Arts, Business and Economics, Computing and Information Technology and Science on the day before VTAC first round enrolments in 1997.

**************************************** P R O C E E D I N G S 4. Receipt of Proceedings

That the Committee of Deans note the Proceedings of meetings of the Associate Deans (Teaching) held on 13 February, 29 March, 7 May and 19 June 1996.

The Associate Deans (Teaching) have discussed matters relating to discipline at all meetings this year. Members have been concerned that there be an adequate and uniform definition of plagiarism in the revised Discipline Statute, applicable to all students of the University.

Members also considered the draft revisions to the Discipline Statute provided to them by the University's Policy and Legal Counsel, and agreed that they were not comfortable with the emphasis in the draft placed on the use of fines in an academic context, and that they would wish to see the revised statute written in clearer language. It was also agreed to suggest to the working party the inclusion of the notion of suspension from a course for varying periods of time rather than exclusion, in the interests of providing a mechanism for academic rehabilitation to students found to have committed an act of academic misconduct.

The Chair advised members that after completion of the revision of the discipline statute, a discussion of the pedagogical ramifications of the new statute and the disciplinary procedures used at the University would be necessary.

A number of amendments proposed to the University's Admission policies were discussed by the Associate Deans (Teaching) in conjunction with their consideration by the Admissions Committee. The statement subsequently approved by the Academic Board regarding minimum entry age was considered, as has been the matter of whether it is appropriate to amend the method used to assess potential students for mature age admission to the university. The Associate Deans (Teaching) agreed that they would wish to see more appropriate mechanisms used, in particular focussing on the academic achievements of mature age students (encouraging single subject or Open Learning enrolment prior to admission to a course) rather than the current focus on the aptitude for study of a potential student. It was acknowledged that VCE students are not assessed before admission on their potential but on their performance. Recently, the Associate Deans (Teaching) have also been asked to consider the matter of how to assess students wishing to apply for high competition courses after completing their secondary education in a home learning environment.

Members agreed that legislation for all degrees of the University must be prepared as a matter of urgency, and that there must be some consistency between tagged degrees and 'parent' degrees. This matter was also considered by the Education Committee, and the Academic Board. At a later meeting, members agreed that a set of instructions for developing degree legislation would be of use to the faculties, and asked that the matter be pursued. The length of time taken to prepare degree legislation was mentioned as a matter of concern.

The matter of the number of compulsory subjects in degree structures, and the difficulties this raises, particularly for double awards, was considered by members, but no position was reached.

Members of the committee took part in the conference on Transition at the end of 1995, and have been concerned with transition issues all year. Among the matters related to transition which have been considered were:

Members agreed to discuss within their faculties the matter of the time allocated to students to amend their academic programs at the commencement of each semester, with a view to establishing whether there was any support for a reduction in this time. Faculties were asked to consider the matter in terms of whether there was a noticeable educational impact on students of late enrolment changes or from slow starts to each semester.

Members considered the core questions currently in use in the evaluation of subjects and agreed that while there remained a need to complete surveys and evaluations of subjects and of the teaching activities of a faculty, there was also a need to re-examine the philosophy underlying the current approach to these evaluations. The PDC has been asked to prepare a second discussion paper on this matter.

In addition, the PDC notified the Associate Deans (Teaching) of the availability of a software package which would allow faculties to prepare their own questionnaires and reports of the results of subject evaluations. Members were concerned that the PDC needed to remain available to support the activity of each faculty when necessary, and were advised that this would remain the case.

The Associate Deans (Teaching) nominated Mr Gerry Tickell (Education) to the PDC Advisory Committee for a period ending 31 December 1996; and Associate Professor L Roller (Pharmacy) to the Language and Learning Advisory Committee for a term ending 30 June 1997.

Members were given a brief presentation regarding the revised Academic in Residence program, and encouraged to bring the program to the attention of their faculties. The primary difference in the program is that is has been redesigned to allow academics to make a commitment to the program without being obliged to completely intermit their teaching activities within the University.

Members agreed to consider the matter of how best to develop some form of undergraduate scholarship program over the next several months. It was agreed that such a program would need to target specific courses rather than simply high achievers, in order to ensure equity of distribution. Ideas under consideration included an expansion of the industry based scholarships used so effectively by the Faculties of Engineering and Computing and Information Technology; the awarding of laptop computers to outstanding students; and the development of more exceptional student programs (encouraging students to complete their pass degrees in less time and therefore to save money on HECS).

Higher Education Budget Statement dated 9 August 1996 by Senator the Hon Amanda Vanstone Minister for Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs, is not available electronically Committee of Deans 10/96

Higher Education Budget Statement Summary of Key features 1.1 Operating Grant Funding (including Research Quantum, Capital Roll-in)

The following annual increases/decreases in Research funding will be provided system- wide.

Discretionary funding through Quality Assurance Program and the National Priority (Reserve) Fund has been discontinued.

New approach to quality improvement to include the establishment of a new Committee for University Teaching and Staff Development to advise on allocations - $20 M over 1997-1999.

$ 4.5 over 1996/7 - 1998/9 to promote international collaboration and research links with countries of strategic importance.

A further $72M to be provided over 1997-1999 for new initiatives including Aboriginal Support Funding ($63M).

No provision for 'across the board' supplementation for salary increases. Sustainable salary increases must be achieved through genuine productivity improvements at the enterprise level. The government is prepared to examine proposals for 'one-off' reform packages for individual institutions to secure major work place breakthrough. The estimated cost of a 5% salary increase to the University's operating budget is $12M.

Institutions may re-negotiate their student load targets in the light of changed funding levels. Institutions are expected to maintain undergraduate load at already agreed levels, and to make any necessary adjustments for non-research students. From 1997, the New to Higher Education target will be abolished.

From 1998 institutions to be paid the equivalent of the minimum up front HECS payment for each HECS-only undergraduate student above the Commonwealth target. A similar deduction will apply for any under enrolment against target.

From 1 January 1998 institutions will be allowed to offer fee-paying places to undergraduate students 'above' the Commonwealth target (with the exception of Medicine).

The number of Australian fee paying undergraduates will be limited to 25% of total enrolment in any course.

A minimum fee for these places will be set at the relevant HECS charge for each course.

Guidelines to be issued regarding 'user pays' for incidental as additional services.

Differential HECS charges to apply to student commencing a new course after 1 January 1997 depending on the discipline of the subjects taken. These amounts are provided in the table below.

Compulsory HECS repayment threshold lowered to $20,701 from $28,495 for new students from 1997.

The Federal Minister for Health, Dr. Michael Wooldridge, has indicated his interest in reducing the numbers of doctors graduating from Australian Medical Schools. Monash University has responded to the request for profile information (from DEETYA) by stating that the University is not planning any voluntary reduction in student places in the Faculty of Medicine for 1997. This view and the reasons for it have been conveyed to the State Minister for Health by the Vice Chancellor. Victoria is the only State in Australia which graduated fewer doctors in 1995 (and will continue to produce fewer doctors in 1996 and beyond) than it did in 1975. If Monash were to be required to take in fewer students it would be the "rural" intake which would suffer. (Yet both State and Federal Governments have required more efforts in attracting rural students). Victoria is a leader in medical education and medical research - as a State we have developed a strong environment supporting high quality education and research. This environment will be eroded and quality will be adversely affected if the two medical schools are asked to take significant cuts in student numbers (and hence in funding, staff numbers and research activity).

It remains possible that, on or soon after the Commonwealth Budget is brought down, the Federal Minister of Health may wish to initiate individual discussions with targeted Universities about reductions in medical student places within those institutions. In any such discussions, Monash should seek compensation from the Federal Department of Health to enable it to maintain its strong involvement in clinical undergraduate education, the professional training of clinical specialists, clinical research and direct involvement in and management of high quality medical care.

It has been known for some time that the State Government has called for tenders for the private construction and operation of a new regional hospital to serve the total needs of the Latrobe Valley and to provide services to the wider Gippsland region. Since Monash University is already involved in education and service provision within existing hospitals in the region, we sought an early and continuing role in the development of plans for the new regional hospital. One of the project objectives is to provide and encourage health education and training with a rural focus. An affiliation with Monash University will be required. Three consortia have prepared detailed tenders stating how they will meet the requirements of the total brief. These tender documents are being evaluated at the present time and Monash representatives have been included in the evaluation process. A Government statement is expected on 26 August, 1996 when the successful contractor will be identified. It is expected that the new hospital will begin operations at the beginning of 1998. The Centre for Rural Health and Monash Faculty of Medicine will have a pivotal role in service provision, undergraduate education, professional training and rural research within the new hospital.

The State Government set up a Metropolitan Hospitals Planning Board and, on their advice, aggregated Melbourne's hospitals into seven Health Care Networks from August 1st 1995. Each Health Care Network was required to prepare a draft strategic plan for future health care delivery in these networks. Submission of the initial plans coincided with the State election in March 1996. Since the election the several plans have been under consideration by the Government which intends to present a Statewide plan in August 1996. During the period of consideration of the Network plans and the development of the Government's approach to these, a number of decisions with implications for Monash University have been announced or are suggested in media comments:

(a) The amalgamation of the Inner and Eastern Health Care Networks into a single organization which links "Monash" teaching hospitals (Alfred, Box Hill etc.) with one of the clinical schools of Melbourne University (St. Vincent's Hospital together with the Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital, Peter MacCallum Institute, Bethesda etc.) invites a higher level of co-operation between the two Faculties of Medicine.

(b) Should it be that the Government agrees to the building of a new hospital (in Knox) for this combined Inner and Eastern Health Care Network, it will be important for Monash to have a role in the planning of those developments and to have access to the new facilities for undergraduate educational programs.

(c) In addition, Monash has indicated its wish to be intimately involved, from the outset, in any new hospital planned for the Berwick, Cranbourne growth corridor (in the Southern Health Care Network).

The views of Monash University about these proposals and the strong commitment of the University to involvement in developments in the southern and eastern parts of this State have been conveyed to the State Minister for Health, Mr. Rob Knowles, by the Vice Chancellor (Professor M.I. Logan)

Committee of Deans Meeting 10-1996

A G E N D A