In opening the meeting, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor P LeP Darvall, advised that the following item would be dealt with first – Item 5.1 followed by items 5.2, new item 4.5.3 Fees Policy, 4.4.1, 4.5.1, new item 5.6 Work Verification Forms, 4.5.2, 4.1, 4.2.1, 4.2.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 6, 7 and 8.

Apologies were received from Professor David Robinson - Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor John Maloney - Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International and Public Affairs), Professor John Rosenberg - Dean, Faculty of Information Technology, and Professor Colin Chapman - Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy.

The minutes of meeting 3/99 were confirmed.

Professor Lindsay indicated that there was still time for faculties to volunteer and that a consolidated list of lead sites would then be prepared.

Professor Darvall introduced this item. Professor Merran Evans, Mr David Phillips and Ms Deborah Lampard were in attendance. In his opening remarks Professor Darvall commented that the development of a plan with a higher level focus was appropriate at this stage of the University's development.

Professor Evans thanked Deans for their contribution to the development of the document. The Committee endorsed the draft document Leading the Way noting that it would be presented at the 2 June meeting of Academic Board.

Professor Darvall spoke to this item and tabled a paper, Research Quantum - Additional Allocation which set out in tabular form allocations under SMURF 2.

Professor Darvall requested and encouraged Deans to forward proposals for SMURF 2, being for the support of areas of research strength, at their earliest convenience.

A paper, being correspondence from Professor Ashley Goldsworthy to Professor David Robinson re: second series of annual Business/Higher Education Round Table Awards, was distributed.

The Committee noted that the closing date for entries was 31 July 1999. Professor Darvall encouraged Deans to submit entries noting that Monash had been under represented in these awards previously.

Professor Maloney had apologised for this meeting.

A paper, comprising two tables, DETYA Undergraduate Load Allocations by Faculty and by campus, was tabled.

Ms Lampard spoke to the paper and highlighted that discussions regarding load allocations underpinning the budget process would commence at an earlier date than usual and would bring the budget process ahead by about one month. The committee noted the paper and Ms Lampard's advice.

A paper, University Private Practice Policy (DRAFT), was distributed. Mr Peter Marshall and Mr Greg Connell were in attendance. Mr Peter Marshall spoke to the paper and outlined the process of consultation that had been followed in developing the document. Mr Marshall invited further feedback from Deans.

Following discussion it was agreed that feedback to Mr Marshall should be forwarded by 11 June at the latest.

A paper, Transponders/E-Tags and use of City Link (DRAFT), was tabled.

Mr Wade spoke to this item noting that the paper was a draft that would be distributed more widely in due course. The policy was consistent with that implemented in other major corporate bodies and had been endorsed by the Resources and Finance Committee of Council.

The Committee noted the paper and Mr Wade's advice.

Mr Wade spoke to this item and tabled a paper, Student Load Profile 1999-2001 by Funding Source and Attendance Mode.

Mr Wade outlined the budget position for the University in 2000 and advised that fee levels would need to be reviewed during this year. A fees pricing policy would need to be properly developed to support anticipated changes. As such the policy would cover the appropriate setting of fees including short course fees, and would embrace initiatives such as flexible payment methods and arrangements.

The Committee noted Mr Wade's advice that Faculties should commence reviewing the fee levels for courses.

A paper, Director, Centre for Graduate Studies in Clinical Nursing and Professor/Associate Professor of Nursing, was distributed.

Professor Saunders spoke to the paper.

The committee supported the advertising and filling of the vacant position of Director, Centre for Graduate Studies in Clinical Nursing and Professor/Associate Professor of Nursing.

A paper, Contract Research and Commercialisation - memorandum from Professor Nick Saunders to Professor David Robinson, was distributed.

Professor Saunders spoke to the paper and outlined his concerns about tracking entrepreneurial developments. Following discussion Professor Darvall undertook to discuss the issues further with Professor Saunders.

A paper, Chairs in Education, was distributed. Professor White spoke to the paper.

The Committee supported the advertising and filling of two Chairs in the Faculty of Education.

A paper, A University Environmental Policy and Environmental Advisory Committee, was distributed.

Professor Brisk spoke to the paper.

In discussion, members noted that the policy as outlined had no formal status. Professor White suggested that in further discussions of an environmental policy, attention should be given to environmental issues in the context of risk management Monash as providing an exemplary healthy environment.

There was general support for the development of a University Environmental policy. Professor Darvall agreed to bring the matter before the Vice-Chancellor's Group.

A paper, Filling three Established Chairs in Law, was tabled.

Professor Parker spoke to the paper.

The Committee supported the advertising and filling of three Chairs in the Faculty of Law.

Professor Davies raised concerns in relation to processes for work verification forms. The Committee noted that this was a matter to be resolved between the Faculty Office and Personnel.

There was no other business.

No items were reported.