Council Meeting 6-2008

MINUTES

There were present:
Dr A Finkel AM, Chancellor, Presiding
Mr P Ramler AM, Deputy Chancellor
Dr L Rowe AM, Deputy Chancellor
Professor R Larkins AO, Vice-Chancellor and President
Professor J Godfrey, President of Academic Board
Ms L Adler AM
Mr J Bender
Ms L Boston
Professor C Bourke MBE
Mr S Buggle
Ms P Hutchison
Mr S Katariya
Mr B Maxfield
Mr I Nethercote
Mr I Pyman
Mr P Redlich AO
Dr C Williams
Dr J Zillman AO

In attendance were:
Professor E Cornish, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)
Professor A Shoemaker, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education)
Mr P Marshall, Vice-President (Administration)
Mr D Pitt, Vice-President (Finance)/Chief Financial Officer
Mr D Pumphrey, Partner, Heidrick & Struggles via teleconference for Item 2.1 Vice-Chancellor Search Progress
Professor S Wesselingh, Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Secretary:
Mr T Calder, Director, Executive Services

Observers
Ms L Chatfield
Dr K Loveland
Ms J Cooke
Ms K Gardner
Mr M Hilakari

1 Procedural Matters

*1.1 Apologies

Professor Tam Sridhar was an apology.
Professor Stephanie Fahey and Mr Ron Fairchild were unable to attend the meeting.

*1.2 Special Leave

Mr Yehudi Blacher and Dr Charles Curwen were granted special leave for Meeting 6/2008.
Mr Paul Ramler was granted special leave for meeting 7/2008.

*1.3 Starring of Items
Items 1.1 Apologies, 1.2 Special Leave, 1.3 Starring of Items, 1.4 Approval of Non-Starred Items, 2.1 Vice-Chancellor Search Progress, 3.1 Minutes of Meeting No 5/2008, 4 Report to Council by the Dean of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, 5.1 Chancellor’s Report to Council, 6.1 Vice-Chancellor’s Report to Council, 6.2 Update on University 2008 Financials (July), 6.3 Annual Report to Council by the President of Academic Board, 6.4 Annual Report on Monash’s Educational Performance and Future Strategic Priorities, 6.5 Indigenous Initiatives: A Public Commitment to Indigenous Australia, 7.1 Receipt of Report of Resources and Finance Committee, 7.2 Monash South Africa Long Term Projections, 7.3 Proceedings of Resources and Finance Committee, 8.1 Receipt of Report of Academic Board, 8.2 Establishment of the Monash Africa Research Initiative (MARI), 9 Audit Committee, 10.1 Receipt of Report of Gippsland Advisory Council were ‘starred’ for discussion.

*1.4 Approval of Non-Starred Items

Council resolved on the motion of the Chancellor that all items on the agenda not starred be adopted without discussion, and the action recommended be taken or the information therein noted.

2 Business in-camera

*2.1 Vice-Chancellor Search Progress

Mr David Pumphrey was in attendance via teleconference.

Mr Pumphrey provided Council with an update on progress including:

• number of candidates to be considered at the short list stage;
• the place of domicile and current position of candidates; and
• the next stage would include the Chancellor, Mr Pumphrey and Mr. Marshall meeting with overseas candidates.  The Chancellor’s goal will be to share Monash’s vision with the candidates prior to them being considered by the Selection Committee for short listing.
  

In response to questions, Mr Pumphrey provided reasons why a number of candidates had withdrawn, the breakdown by gender of candidates and elaborated on his role as consultant for the remaining period of the selection process.

RESOLUTION CL6/2008/160

Council noted the advice of the Chancellor and Mr Pumphrey.

2.2 Update on Supreme Court Hearing

Council noted advice that the proceedings had been discontinued by the plaintiffs and accordingly the matter would not progress to a hearing and is therefore finalised.

Council expressed its gratitude to the present and former staff and students for their assistance and co-operation during this difficult period.

RESOLUTION CL6/2008/161

Council received the advice of the University Special Counsel. 

For action or noting by: University Special Counsel.

Authorised observers were admitted to the meeting at this point.

3 Confirmation of Minutes of Previous Meeting

*3.1 Minutes of Meeting No 5/2008

RESOLUTION CL6/2008/162

Council confirmed the Minutes of Meeting No. 5/2008 held on Monday, 25 August 2008.

*4 Report to Council by the Dean of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Professor Wesselingh provided Council with a presentation on key aspects of the Faculty.

Faculty priorities included:

• MBio (Monash Biosciences);
• enhanced integration with partner health care facilities;
• an expanded public and global health focus;
• further curriculum development;
• consolidation of the Monash Health Sciences Cluster; and
• a focus on Nursing and the integration of Nursing into the clinical schools.
  

During discussion members discussed the role of Universities in commercialising research outcomes, current and future workforce requirements for health professionals, the current shortage of clinical places and the possibility of including in the curriculum a linkage between climate issues and health.

The Chancellor thanked Professor Wesselingh for his insightful presentation and commended faculty staff for their achievements.

RESOLUTION CL6/2008/163

Council received the advice of Professor Steve Wesselingh, Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.

For action or noting by: Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.

5 Chancellor’s Business

*5.1 Chancellor’s Report to Council

The Chancellor informed Council that all matters were included in other areas of the Council agenda.

RESOLUTION CL6/2008/164

Council noted that the Chancellor had no additional matters for consideration by Council.

6 Vice-Chancellor’s Business

*6.1 Vice-Chancellor’s Report to Council

RESOLUTION CL6/2008/165

Council received the Vice-Chancellor’s Report to Council.

*6.2 Update on University 2008 Financials (July)

Mr Pitt provided Council with an overview of the major financial indicators for July including:

• the forecast operating result for 2008;
• the cash balance for August had improved by $5m, and
• variations to the capital budget were largely the result of projects running ahead of schedule
  

In response to questions, Council received further detail on the Monash University Foundation contribution of $6m, the reason for the increase in administrative staffing costs and queries relating to specific projects detailed in the capital budget.

RESOLUTION CL6/2008/166

Council received the financial report for the period ending July 2008.

*6.3 Annual Report to Council by the President of Academic Board

Professor Jayne Godfrey, President of the Academic Board provided Council with a presentation on the major activities of the Board in 2008.

2008 Priorities of the Academic Board included:

• that the Board proactively contribute to the academic debate within the University;
• restructuring the size and composition of the Board to better enable it to meet its terms of reference;
• improved reporting to and from Council; and
• a review of the Committee structure supporting the Board’s activities.
  

Concluding the presentation, Professor Godfrey informed Council that the Board would be focussing on a more “external approach” in 2009.

During discussion Councillors received further information on the level of administrative support provided to the Board and aspects of the current review of the Boards membership.

RESOLUTION CL6/2008/167

Council noted the advice of Professor Jayne Godfrey, President of Academic Board.

For action or noting by: President of Academic Board and Secretary - Academic Board.

*6.4 Annual Report on Monash’s Educational Performance and Future Strategic Priorities

Professor Adam Shoemaker, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), provided Council with a report on key performance indicators for the Education portfolio and the major short and medium term strategies.

Major features of the presentation included:

• the major priority for 2009-2013 is to develop and badge an innovative approach to learning and teaching at Monash;
• key performance indicators highlighted that undergraduate student retention, per annum, now exceeded 90%, Monash continued to perform well in the Learning and Teaching Performance Fund,

Monash’s share of the top 5% of student enrolments continued to be above 30%, equity indicators were being met with the exception of recruitment of indigenous students and 7 Monash staff, including two from Sunway Campus, received ALTC Citations;

• Monash continued to implement the “Monash Passport” approach which would clearly differentiate Monash from its competitors; and
• Educate08, a celebration of excellence in learning and teaching would take place in October.
  

In response to questions, Professor Shoemaker elaborated on some aspects of the Monash Passport and agreed to circulate to Councillors the program of events making up Educate08.

RESOLUTION CL6/2008/168

Council received the advice of Professor Adam Shoemaker, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education).

For action or noting by: Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education).

*6.5 Indigenous Initiatives: A Public Commitment to Indigenous Australia

Professor Shoemaker informed Council that the recommendations provided in the agenda paper were largely the result of a series of round table discussions held on indigenous matters.

A Councillor stated that in his view there were structural weaknesses in the way indigenous education was provided at Monash and that opportunities existed for Monash to enhance its contribution in this important area.

In response, Council was advised that additional funding had been provided to equity areas, including indigenous education and that a strategy paper on indigenous education and research would be brought to a future meeting of Council.

RESOLUTION CL6/2008/169

Council endorsed the following:

1. that each Australian campus of the University signify, symbolically and publicly, the University’s commitment to Indigenous people, by flying both the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags (refer Attachment 1 of the Agenda papers);
   
2. that the University implement an appropriate custom for Graduation ceremonies whereby Indigenous staff and students are offered the opportunity to wear a stole or sash in traditional colours (Aboriginal - red, yellow and black and Torres Strait Islander – green, black, blue and white) to signify their cultural heritage and the University’s recognition of it (refer Attachment 2 of the Agenda papers);
   
3. that NAIDOC week, National Sorry Day, and other Indigenous days of significance are formally noted in the student diary and the University’s Cultural Calendar Establish a centrally organised and supported University-wide celebration of NAIDOC week as an annual event on the University calendar.
   
4. the establishment of an annual Indigenous Welcome Day where Elders and traditional custodians are hosted at a lunch or dinner gathering by members of Council and members of senior management; and
   
5. the inclusion of local Aboriginal language elements, and references to traditional custodians, on the University website.
   

For action or noting by: VCG, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Campus Coordination), Campus Directors, Director – Equity and Diversity Centre, Manager - Indigenous Student Services, Director – External Relations, Manager – Graduations, Esquire Bedel and Manager – Publications, Student Services.

7 Resources and Finance Committee

A Councillor requested further information on the status of the proposed Caulfield Redevelopment project including projected funding arrangements and the proposed move of the Faculty of Law to the Caulfield campus.

In response, Council was advised that the major developer was continuing to work towards a successful outcome for both parties however, in the current economic circumstances financial closure was difficult for the developer.  Further, Council was advised that the proposal to move the Faculty of Law to the Caulfield campus was the result of careful consideration by the Faculty and was not a requirement of the redevelopment, however should the proposed redevelopment not proceed then the building to house the Faculty of Law would also not proceed.

Council noted advice that budgeted expenditure for the Berwick campus related to infrastructure improvements and was not a contribution to the construction of the proposed secondary school.

*7.1 Receipt of Report of Resources and Finance Committee

RESOLUTION CL6/2008/170

Council received and noted the Report of meeting No. 4/08 of the Resources and Finance Committee held at 8.00 am on Thursday 21 August 2008.

7.2 Monash South Africa Long Term Projections

Following discussion, Council noted that a strategy document detailing a range of options for optimising the future direction of the campus would be presented to Council via Resources and Finance Committee.

RESOLUTION CL6/2008/171

Council:

1. Noted the discussion by members outlined in the report and as a result of discussion, it was agreed that a strategic paper is to be brought to the next meeting of the Committee by the Vice-Chancellor for consideration and subsequently to Council.
   
2. Noted that the long term projections are to be reported to the Committee on an annual basis, informed by operational plans and directions of the campus and after discussion at the South African Board in July /August each year.
   

For action or noting by: Vice-Chancellor, Secretary – Resources and Finance Committee and Secretary to Council.

7.3 Proceedings of Resources and Finance Committee

RESOLUTION CL6/2008/172

Council noted the Proceedings of meeting No. 4/08 of the Resources and Finance Committee held at 8.00 am on Thursday 21 August 2008.

8 Academic Board

8.1 Receipt of Report of Academic Board

RESOLUTION CL6/2008/173

Council received and noted the Report of Meeting 5 of 2008 of the Academic Board held on Wednesday 3 September 2008.

8.2 Establishment of the Monash Africa Research Initiative (MARI)

Council noted advice that the proposal to establish the Monash Africa Research Initiative (MARI) did not require Council approval and that management would provide feedback to the originators of the initiative.

RESOLUTION CL6/2008/174

Council referred consideration of the initiative to management for their consideration.

For action or noting by: Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research).

8.3 Legislation

8.3.1 Discipline

RESOLUTION CL6/2008/175

Council made Statute 4.1 – Discipline (Amendment no. 2 2008).

For action or noting by: University Solicitor.

8.3.2 Research Graduate School Committee

RESOLUTION CL6/2008/176

Council made Statute 2.5 Division 1 – Research Graduate School Committee (Amendment no. 1 2008).

For action or noting by: University Solicitor and Research Graduate School Committee Secretary.

8.4 Membership of the Board of the Faculty of Law

RESOLUTION CL6/2008/177

Council appointed the following external members to the Board of the Faculty of Law, with a period of office from July 2008 – July 2011:

• His Honour Judge Lex Lasry, Supreme Court of Victoria; and
• Ms Debbie Mortimer, Senior Counsel.
  

For action or noting by: Dean, Faculty of Law and Faculty of Law Board Secretary.

*9 Audit Committee

Councillors were invited to provide names of prospective members of Audit Committee to the Secretary to Council.

RESOLUTION CL6/2008/178

Council received and noted the report of Meeting 3/2008 of the Audit Committee held on 12 August 2008.

For action or noting by: Secretary to Council and Secretary – Audit Committee.

10 Gippsland Advisory Council

10.1 Receipt of Report of Gippsland Advisory Council

Mr Ian Nethercote, Chair, Gippsland Advisory Council provided Council with an update on recent activities at the Gippsland campus.

RESOLUTION CL6/2008/179

Council received and noted the Report of Meeting 4 of 2008 of the Gippsland Advisory Council held on 1 July 2008.

11 General Business

*11.1 Advancement Progress Report

RESOLUTION CL6/2008/180

Council received the report titled Advancement Portfolio Report for University Council.

11.2 Senior Appointments

RESOLUTION CL6/2008/181

Council noted that:

• the persons named in the document have accepted the indicated offers of appointment, approved by the Vice-Chancellor and President; and
• the persons named in the document have accepted the indicated offers of appointment, approved by the Special Professorial Appointments Committee of Council.
  

For action or noting by:  Manager – Senior Appointments.

11.3 Use of the University Seal

RESOLUTION CL6/2008/182

Council noted the report of the Vice-Chancellor dated 3 September 2008 on the affixing of the Common Seal to documents executed under Seal pursuant to Statute 8.1, Section 2.1.5.

11.4 Legislation

11.4.1 Meetings (Standing Committees of Council) Regulations (Amendment No.1 2008)

RESOLUTION CL6/2008/183

Council made Meetings (Standing Committees of Council) Regulations (Amendment No.1 2008).

For action or noting by: University Solicitor and Secretary to Council.

11.4.2 Academic and Ceremonial Dress Regulations (Substitution 2008)

RESOLUTION CL6/2008/184

Council made Academic and Ceremonial Dress Regulations (Substitution 2008).

For action or noting by: University Solicitor, Director – External Relations and Esquire Bedel.

11.4.3 Monash University Medical Foundation Regulations (Amendment No.1 2008)

RESOLUTION CL6/2008/184

Council made Monash University Medical Foundation Regulations (Amendment No.1 2008).

For action or noting by: University Solicitor and Monash University Medical Foundation Secretary.

11.5 Posthumous Award

RESOLUTION CL6/2008/185

Council approved the proposal of the Dean, Faculty of Education to confer a posthumous award of Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) to the student named in the document.

For action or noting by: Dean, Faculty of Education and Manager – Graduations.

12 Next Meeting

The next meeting of Council is scheduled to be held on 27 October 2008 in the Advancement Meeting Room 9.03, Level 9, Building H, Caulfield Campus.

Further Information:  Inquiries about any of the business listed above, or on Council matters in general, may be directed to Mr Tony Calder, Director, Executive Services, Room GO6, Administration Building 3a, Clayton Campus, telephone 9905 2010 or via facsimile on 9905 5342.