Meeting 7/2000 of the Committee of Deans was held at 2.15 pm on Monday, October 9^th 2000 in the Green Inc Room, ground floor, Green Inc Building, Gippsland Campus.

Professor D A Robinson, Vice-Chancellor and President Presiding

Professor A W Lindsay, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic and Planning)

Professor P LeP Darvall, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research and Development)

Professor Brian Mackenzie, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Gippsland Campus

Professor J Redmond, Dean, Faculty of Art and Design

Professor G Palmer, Dean, Faculty of Business and Economics

Professor S Willis, Dean, Faculty of Education

Professor M Brisk, Dean, Faculty of Engineering

Professor S Parker, Dean, Faculty of Law

Professor N Saunders, Dean, Faculty of Medicine

Professor C Chapman, Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy

Professor Rob Willis attended on behalf of Professor John Rosenberg, Dean, Faculty of Information Technology.

Apologies were received from Ms Alison Crook, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Resources), Professor Homer Le Grand, Dean, Faculty of Arts and Interim Dean, Faculty of Science and Professor John Rosenberg, Dean, Faculty of Information Technology.

In attendance:

Dr Kristina Macrae, Associate Dean (Teaching), Faculty of Science Item 4.3.1.1

Mr Tony Pollock, Executive Director, International Item 4.4.1

In opening the meeting the Vice-Chancellor advised that item 4.1.2 would be considered before item 4.1.1 and that items 4.1.2.1 and 4.3.1.2 would be reported on together.

Minutes of Meeting 6/2000 (22^nd August) were confirmed.

Professor Redmond advised that governance issues were a key element of the report submitted to the Vice-Chancellor’s Group on the Monash Abroad Scheme. The Vice-Chancellor advised Professor Redmond that he would receive feedback from the Vice Chancellor’s Group on this item.

The Vice-Chancellor introduced Professor Brian Mackenzie noting that Professor Mackenzie had recently addressed both the Administrative Heads of the University and the University Council on his vision for the Gippsland Campus.

Professor Mackenzie focused on the development of the Gippsland Campus and identified two items from the Gippsland Campus Review that he took to define the direction of the development of the Campus and the challenges that faced it’s Pro Vice-Chancellor in leading this development.

The themes were:

(i) an increasing degree of independence or campus – centredness in the planning and operations of the Gippsland Campus.

(ii) an increasing degree of regional involvement and links, so that the campus would come to be seen much more than hitherto as the University of and for Gippsland.

Professor Mackenzie emphasized that these moves toward being more self contained on the Gippsland Campus were not for the purpose of loosening ties with Monash. Rather, increased Campus centredness and regional involvement would assist the campus in making a full contribution to the greater Monash.

Professor Mackenzie noted Gippsland leaders had been pleased to hear of a reaffirmation of Monash University’s commitment to the Region.

Commenting on the marketing features of the campus Professor Mackenzie advised that the campus had some of the best University teaching in Australia, a beautiful, safe, clean and green study environment with a low cost of living and excellent outdoor recreation activities. The campus offered a wide range of fully recognised and highly respected Monash degrees, with degree programs from eight of the ten Monash faculties. Other strengths included the high level of student support and pastoral care available at the campus, cooperative and flexible planning and working relationships between the campus academic units, high levels of expertise in distance education and off shore delivery of courses and a high level of cooperative relations with the community and industry.

Professor Mackenzie acknowledged that further development would need to be progressed in areas such as research achievement, entrepreneurial skills and the recruitment of more local students. These areas where some deficits were apparent would be able to be addressed. Professor Mackenzie expressed confidence that with the support of the University and it’s Council the campus had good prospects for developing into a regional centre of excellence that would be an asset to the region, the staff and students and to Monash overall.

Discussion following Professor Mackenzie’s presentation focused on the student and course profile of the campus. Professor Mackenzie affirmed that he was committed to retaining a spread of offerings and attracting local students.

Special entry schemes were discussed including the possibility of special provision for entry by Gippsland students to the Faculty of Law. There was also discussion of distance education programs and Professor Mackenzie advised that while distance education should not be reserved for Gippsland alone, nevertheless Gippsland should be seen as a solid base for such forms of course delivery.

The Vice-Chancellor drew the discussion to a close by thanking Professor Mackenzie for his presentation.

Professor Colin Chapman spoke to this item noting that this topic was dealt with under the Lead Site Presentation on the topic of Engagement (Item 4.3.1.2 refers).

Professor Chapman advised that the Faculty of Pharmacy was currently investigating the benefits of providing greater flexibility for health professionals seeking to obtain postgraduate qualifications. Professor Chapman’s presentation outlined the principles underpinning the concept of continuing professional development (CPD). Members noted that is was intended that a scheme would be introduced in 2001 which included recognition of CPD. The Vice-Chancellor thanked Professor Colin Chapman for his presentation.

4.2 Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research and Development)

A paper, Fee Reduction for international external doctoral candidates whose institutions meet infrastructure costs and other facilities and resources, had been distributed.

Professor Darvall spoke to this item and advised that feedback from Faculties had been received and that the matter was progressing to the next stage. The Committee noted Professor Darvall’s advice.

A draft version of the Research and Research Training Management Plan had been circulated to Deans.

Professor Darvall spoke to this item advising that some amendments and reordering of the document had occurred since the last iteration received by members. Comments from Deans had been incorporated and the document would be transmitted to the next meeting of Academic Board.

Discussion focused on the shift in the DEETYA research component from 11% to 20% and the balance between teaching and research.

At the conclusion of discussion the Vice-Chancellor noted that any further suggested changes should be directed to Professor Darvall by the close of business the following day. The Committee endorsed the Research and Research Training Management Plan for transmission to Academic Board.

Dr Kristina Macrae presented the topic Industry Liaison.

Dr Macrae advised that Industry Liaison was identified as one of the faculty’s lead site activities in 1999 with the broad aim of expanding the faculty’s links with industry and enhancing the employability of the University’s science graduates. Dr Macrae outlined the initiatives taken and progress with introduction of an Industry Business Liaison subject in 2001. She also provided advice on the development of identified generic skills and personal attributes considered essential for science graduates. Dr Macrae concluded her presentation outlining future directions for industry liaison in the faculty.

Discussion included comment on the points weight attached to the Industry Business Liaison subject, the credit level results required as a prerequisite to entry to the Industry Business Liaison subject and questions concerning measurement of defined graduate attributes. There were also comments about the involvement of corporations/companies with the Industry Business Liaison subject and the relationship of the Industry Business Liaison subject and the study abroad program. The Vice-Chancellor thanked Dr Macrae for her stimulating presentation.

Professor Colin Chapman presented the topic ‘Engagement’. Professor Chapman reported that the Faculty of Pharmacy had undertaken two related lead site activities under the Learning and Teaching Plan which included:

• development and reviewing of the level of engagement with industry, professions, employers and the community by establishing plans for course advisory boards, relevant work placements or projects incorporated in courses, involvement in community service programs; and appropriate subjects development in collaboration with industry and professionals,

• development of proposals to identify appropriate links between continuing education and award courses through modular structures and assessment options.

Professor Chapman outlined the establishment of course advisory committees within the Faculty, the development of new practical experience placements in courses, Faculty participation in community service programs and development of subjects in collaboration with industry and professionals. He also described a scheme to establish links between continuing education and award courses (minute 4.1.2.1 Leading Subjects Exchange refers).

The Vice-Chancellor thanked Professor Chapman for his presentation.

 4.3.2 Statute 6.1.2 – Courses and Degrees (Amendment No. 3 2000)

Statute 6.1.2 – Courses and Degrees (Amendment No 3 2000), the Explanatory Memorandum together with a strikeout version of the legislation were distributed.

Professor Lindsay spoke to this item and explained the legislation in the context of the process of transferring from Council to Faculty Boards the power to prescribe the awards of the University and the necessary particulars in relation to them. The Committee endorsed the legislation for transmission to Academic Board.

Professor Lindsay spoke to this item advising that the legislation had been forshadowed in earlier discussions about establishing authority for the Dean of a Faculty to appoint a deputy dean, associate deans of the faculty and such other officers as the dean may require to carry out necessary faculty functions and activities.

The Committee endorsed the recommendation that the appropriate legislation be transmitted to Academic Board.

A paper, Interim Report to the Committee of Deans was distributed.

A memorandum from Mr Tony Pollock to the Committee of Deans titled Dialogue re framework for a Performance Based International Marketing, Recruitment and Support Services Contract between Monash International and Monash University was tabled.

Mr Tony Pollock spoke to these topics.

At the beginning of discussion the Vice-Chancellor announced that the AusAid contract had been signed and extended congratulations to colleagues on the quality of the Monash document submitted for tender.

Discussion then focused on Mr Pollock’s presentation. Members commented that the audit of marketing and recruitment activities being undertaken across the University was important and would prove useful in obtaining a common approach across the Faculties. Similarly there was a comment on the need for a commonality of approach to student recruitment services and the establishment of performance measurement of that activity.

 The Deans endorsed the view that it was now opportune to arrive at an appropriate contract between Monash International and Monash University for international marketing and recruitment activities.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that the dialogue about the framework for a performance based international marketing, recruitment and student support services contract represented the preliminary stage of a discussion that Monash International would have with the University.

A paper was distributed.

Professor Gill Palmer spoke to this item. The Committee endorsed the proposal to establish a Chair in Accounting and Finance and a Chair in Malaysian Business in the School of Business and Information Technology, Monash University, Malaysia for transmission to Academic Board

Professor Rob Willis spoke to this item. The Committee endorsed the proposal to establish a Chair in Information Technology in the School of Business and Information Technology, Monash University, Malaysia for transmission to Academic Board.

Dr Kristina Macrae spoke to this item. The Committee endorsed for a proposal to fill a Chair of Physics – x-Ray and Synchrotron Physics for transmission to Academic Board.

In discussion of this item the Committee agreed that the title of the proposed cross faculty School as detailed in the document presented should be “School of Materials Engineering and Physics”.

There were six matters raised:

• Professor Lindsay reported on his recent visit to Monash University, Malaysia and advised that differentiation of the Monash University operation from that of Sunway College was being progressed on a number of fronts.

• Professor Chapman reported on his visit to King’s College, London and advised that there was a need for increased visibility for the Monash presence.

• The Vice-Chancellor commented on the role of Associate Deans International and noted that a number of faculties were phasing out these appointments as International matters increasingly permeated the whole of the faculties operations.

• Professor Redmond highlighted the program for the new Master of Multi Media course and tabled publicity brochures.

• Mr Pollock reported on his attendance at an OECD Conference on The Entrepreneurial University in Paris and his marketing visit to South America with particular reference to his visits to Brazil, Argentina and Chile.

A Special Meeting of the Committee of Deans will be held on Tuesday, 10 October at 9.30 am in the James McNeill Room, 1^st floor, building 3a, Clayton Campus.

The next meeting of the Committee of Deans will be held at 4 pm on Tuesday, 21^st November 2000 in the City Office, 30 Collins Street.