Council Meeting 7-2008
Meeting 7/2008 of the Monash University Council was held between 4.00 pm and 7.00 pm on Monday, 27 October 2008, in the Advancement Meeting Room, Level 9, Building H, Caulfield Campus.
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
Mr Y Blacher
Ms L Boston
Professor C Bourke MBE
Mr S Buggle (via teleconference)
Mr S Katariya
Mr B Maxfield
Mr I Nethercote
Mr P Redlich AO
Prof T Sridhar
Dr C Williams
Dr J Zillman AO
In attendance were:
Professor E Cornish, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)
Professor A Shoemaker, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education)
Professor M Evans, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Planning and Quality)
Mr P Marshall, Vice-President (Administration)
Mr D Pitt, Vice-President (Finance)/Chief Financial Officer
Mr R Fairchild, Vice-President, Advancement
Mr D Pumphrey, Partner, Heidrick & Struggles via teleconference for Item 2.1 Vice-Chancellor Search Progress
Professor B Charman, Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science
Secretary:
Mr T Calder, Director, Executive Services
Observers:
Ms L Chatfield
Ms D D'argent
Mr J Campbell
Mr M Hilakari
Ms R King
Associate Professor Louise McCall
Associate Professor Graham Farr
1 Procedural Matters
1.1 Apologies
Dr Charles Curwen, Ms Penny Hutchinson and Mr Ian Pyman were apologies.
Professor Stephanie Fahey, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) was unable to attend the meeting.
1.2 Special Leave
Mr Paul Ramler was granted special leave for meeting 7/2008 however due to changed commitments was able to attend.
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. 6/2008 4 Report to Council by the Dean of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 5.1 Chancellor's Report to Council 6.1 Vice-Chancellor's Report to Council 6.2 Update on University 2008 Financials (September) 6.21. Monash University Financial Outlook: Update 6.3 Load and Admissions (2008) Report 6.4 University Wide Key Performance Indicators 6.5 University Rankings 6.6 Update on Caulfield Campus Development 6.7 Monash South Africa Campus - Strategy Paper 7.1 Receipt of Report of Resources and Finance Committee, 8.1 Report of the Academic Board, 9 Report of the Equal Opportunity Committee 10.2 Gippsland Advisory Council Meeting 6/2008 11.1 Advancement Portfolio Report 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 David Pumphrey and the Chancellor provided an update on progress of the Vice-Chancellor search.
RESOLUTION CL72008/186
Council noted the advice of the Chancellor and Mr Pumphrey.
Authorised observers were admitted to the meeting at this point.
3 Confirmation of Minutes of Previous Meeting
3.1 Minutes of Meeting No 6/2008
RESOLUTION CL72008/187
Council confirmed the Minutes of Meeting No. 6/2008 held on Monday, 15 September 2008.
4 Report to Council by the Dean of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Professor Charman provided Council with a presentation on key aspects of the Faculty including:
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An overview of campus buildings and facilities;
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The 'transformative step change' underway focusing on themes such as clarity and focus, the concept of faculty first, streamlining faculty governance and management systems, transparent faculty processes and stakeholder engagement;
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Education: Research-led teaching and innovative learning environments exemplified by the faculty's involvement in Pharmatopia, Pharmville and other new virtual technologies;
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Research: Historically some very good outcomes however the faculty is looking to further improve outcomes by creating research groups based on themes and establishing the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science; and
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Challenges for the faculty include maintaining a stable funding base, retaining and attracting quality staff and continuing the transition to multi-disciplinary research groups to enhance research outcomes.
In response to questions, Professor Charman informed Council the changes in international student demand affected the faculty's funding base and that the growth of pharmacy programs in the tertiary sector had an effect on both the number and quality of students.
Concluding the presentation Professor Charman thanked the staff of the faculty for their support, the faculty leadership group and stakeholder groups including members of the profession, alumni and funding partners.
The Chancellor thanked Professor Charman for his insightful presentation and commended faculty staff for their achievements.
RESOLUTION CL72008/188
Council received the advice of Professor Bill Charman, Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
For action or noting by: Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
5 Chancellor's Business
5.1 Chancellor's Report to Council
The Chancellor provided Council with an update on the following matters:
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His recent visit to the Prato Centre;
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Professor Fahey, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International), has offered to supply briefing notes to Councillors when they are travelling to overseas destinations;
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The Chancellor thanked Councillors for their attendance at a wide range of Monash functions; and
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His pleasure in noting the number and variety of donations made in the last few months by staff, alumni and friends of the university.
RESOLUTION CL72008/189
Council noted that the advice of the Chancellor.
6 Vice-Chancellor's Business
6.1 Vice-Chancellor's Report to Council
The Vice-Chancellor provided Council with an overview of matters detailed in his written report and introduced the following new matters:
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Early data released by VTAC indicates that student preference for Monash courses has risen by 16% compared to 2008 preference data;
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Monash's final bid for funding of the New Horizon Centre via the Higher Education Endowment is due by 5 November 2008. The Nexus Centre proposal was not shortlisted; and
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Professor Cornish advised Council that the University had achieved mixed results in ARC and NHMRC grant rounds and a full report would be provided to the next meeting of Council.
RESOLUTION CL72008/190
Council received the Vice-Chancellor's Report to Council.
6.2 Update on University 2008 Financials (September)
Mr Pitt provided Council with an overview of the major financial indicators for September including:
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The 2008 forecast operating result and cash flow would be impacted by a number of project related expenses being expensed in late 2008 rather than early 2009;
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The projected end-of-year cash position remained tight; and
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Research revenue was below budget however grants and donations continued to do well.
RESOLUTION CL72008/191
Council received the financial report for the period ending September 2008.
6.2.1 Monash University Financial Outlook: Update
Mr Pitt provided Council with a report on the possible impact of the recent worldwide economic and financial turmoil. The major impact was expected to be in the following areas:
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Exchange rates: The declining value of the Australian dollar would make courses more affordable for international students however imported equipment would cost more.
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Interest rates: The decline in interest rates would reduce the cost of borrowing. Cash investments continue to attract favourable rates in the short term however these rates will decline in the longer term.
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Investment Earnings: Noting that Monash's investment portfolio was highly diversified, the retreat in global share and property values would negatively impact investment earnings.
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Council was advised that management would be meeting with representatives of the Auditor General's Office to seek their view on the need for impairment of investments; and
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Concluding his report, Mr Pitt advised that 2009 would be a difficult year and noted that the 2009 Budget would be presented for Council's consideration at meeting 8/2008.
RESOLUTION CL72008/192
Council noted the advice of Mr David Pitt, Vice-President (Finance).
6.3 Load and Admissions (2008) Report
Commending the 2008 Load and Admissions Report to Council Professor Shoemaker, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) informed Council that student load was trending positively and that the Commonwealth Government would replace lost domestic fee paying places on a one-for-one basis, however this would only replace approximately half of the lost revenue.
In response to questions, Council was advised that the University was continuing to explore ways to improve the number of applications from Indigenous students and that the decline in load at Gippsland and Berwick continued to be monitored with particular attention given to pathway programs.
RESOLUTION CL72008/193
Council received the 2008 Load and Admissions Report and noted the advice of Professor Merran Evans, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Planning and Quality).
For action or noting by: Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Planning and Quality).
6.4 University Wide Key Performance Indicators
During discussion Council was advised that:
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A review of quantitative measures would be undertaken to ensure that the benchmarking data continued to be relevant as an appropriate measure of performance; and
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The Monash Passport Program would further address areas of the student experience.
RESOLUTION CL72008/194
Council endorsed the 2008 University-wide Key Performance Indicators report.
For action or noting by: Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Planning and Quality).
6.5 University Rankings
Councillors noted advice on the differing methodologies used in constructing the Shanghai Jiao Tong Universities index and the Times Higher Education Supplement World University Rankings. Council was informed that the university rankings in the Times Higher Education Supplement had slipped from 43 to 47 and it's ranking Shanghai Jiao Tong ranking had improved marginally from 223 to 214.
RESOLUTION CL72008/195
Council received the report on "University Rankings - 2008 Results".
For action or noting by: Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Planning and Quality).
6.6 Update on Caulfield Campus Development
Mr Pitt provided Council with a status report on the redevelopment. Major aspects covered in the presentation included:
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The history of the project including tender process, development agreement and proposal by the Faculty of Law to relocate to the Caulfield Campus;
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An overview of the "Monash Village" concept;
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The current target program noting that delays may result due to a number of issues;
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Matters still subject to negotiation between the preferred developer and Monash; and
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Options should the current proposal not proceed due to the inability of the developer not achieving financial closure.
Concluding the discussion, the Chancellor thanked Mr Pitt for his presentation noting the current unresolved issues with the project.
RESOLUTION CL72008/196
Council noted the advice of Mr David Pitt, Vice-President (Finance).
For action or noting by: Vice-President (Finance).
6.7 Monash South Africa Campus - Strategy paper
The Vice-Chancellor outlined the major features and recommendations provided in the document 'Strategy Paper for Monash South Africa'.
Further, the Vice-Chancellor informed Council that the Board of Monash South Africa had considered the strategies detailed in the document and agreed that the targets were achievable.
During discussion, Council noted:
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areas of research significance to both Australia and South Africa;
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The need to monitor student/staff ratios noting that most staff teaching in the academic development program were not research active;
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Scenarios detailed in the strategy document were hypothetical however a carefully managed mix would enable the campus to achieve the desired outcome by 2013;
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Council would receive an annual report as previously resolved in Council Resolution CL6/2006/171; and
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The desirability of Council receiving financial reporting for all campuses was a matter for Council to resolve.
RESOLUTION CL72008/197
Council approved amended recommendations as per the agenda.
For action or noting by: Pro Vice-Chancellor - Monash South Africa and Secretary - Resources and Finance Committee.
7 Resources and Finance Committee
Mr Ramler provided Council with an overview of the major matters discussed. In response to a question relating to childcare centres, Councillors were advised that provision for an upgrade had been made in the 2009 Capital Budget.
7.1 Receipt of Report of Resources and Finance Committee
RESOLUTION CL72008/198
Council received the Report of meeting No. 5/08 of the Resources and Finance Committee held at 8.00 am on Friday 10 October 2008.
7.2 Monash South Africa Long Term Projections: Strategy Paper
Refer Item 6.7.
7.3 AINSE Ltd (formerly an incorporated association, Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering Incorporated)
Council approved the University becoming a member of AINSE Limited, subject to approval of the constitution by the University Solicitor's Office.
7.4 Proceedings of Resources and Finance Committee
RESOLUTION CL72008/198A
Council noted the Proceedings of meeting 5/08 of the Resources and Finance Committee held on Friday, 10 October 2008.
For action or noting by: Secretary - Resources and Finance Committee.
8 Academic Board
In response to a question Professor Godfrey advised Council that any proposal to alter the membership of Academic Board would come to Council for discussion.
8.1 Receipt of Report of Academic Board
RESOLUTION CL72008/199
Council received and noted the Report of Meeting 6 of 2008 of the Academic Board held on Wednesday 8 October 2008.
For action or noting by: Secretary - Academic Board.
9 Report of the Equal Opportunity Committee
9.1 Receipt of Report
RESOLUTION CL72008/200
Council received and noted the Report of the Equal Opportunity Committee Meeting 03/08 held on Monday 25 August 2008.
9.2 Receipt of Proceedings
RESOLUTION CL72008/201
Council noted the proceedings of the Equal Opportunity Committee meeting 03/08 held on Monday 25 August 2008.
For action or noting by: Secretary - Equal Opportunity Committee.
10 Report of the Gippsland Advisory Council
10.1 Gippsland Advisory Council Meeting 5/2008
RESOLUTION CL72008/202
Council received and noted the Report of Meeting 5/2008 of the Gippsland Advisory Council held on 19 August 2008.
10.2 Gippsland Advisory Council Meeting 6/2008
Mr Ian Nethercote provided Council with an overview of the major changes to the Terms of Reference for the Advisory Council, subject to incorporating minor changes suggested by Councillors.
RESOLUTION CL72008/203
Council:
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received the Report of meeting 6/08 of the Gippsland Advisory Council held at 5:00 pm on Tuesday 7 October 2008; and
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approved changes to the terms of reference, membership and operations of the Gippsland Advisory Council as detailed in the document titled "Gippsland Campus Advisory Council - Terms of Reference.
For action or noting by: Pro Vice-Chancellor-Gippsland, Mr Ian Nethercote, Secretary-Gippsland Advisory Council and University Solicitor.
11 General Business
11.1 Advancement Portfolio Report
Mr Ron Fairchild advised Council that the fundraising campaign was progressing well and provided Council with information on recent alumni events in London and Malaysia, public events including lectures, international student applications and Monash 50th Anniversary events.
RESOLUTION CL72008/204
Council received the report titled Advancement Portfolio Report for University Council.
For action or noting by: Vice-President - Advancement.
11.2 Senior Appointments
RESOLUTION CL72008/205
Council noted that:
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persons named in the document have accepted the indicated offers of appointment, approved by the Vice-Chancellor and President; and
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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 CL72008/206
Council noted the report of the Vice-Chancellor dated 15 October 2008 on the affixing of the Common Seal to documents executed under Seal pursuant to Statute 8.1, Section 2.1.5.
11.4 Amendment to Constitution of AARNet Pty Ltd (AARNet)
RESOLUTION CL72008/207
Council made the amendments to the constitution of NSV as set out in Attachment A.
For action or noting by: University Solicitor.
11.5 Amendment to Constitution of Neurosciences Victoria Ltd (NSV)
RESOLUTION CL72008/208
Council made the amendment to clause 9 of the constitution of NSV as follows:
"9. Variation of Constitution
9.1 While a university is a Corporate Member of the Company, any change to this Constitution must first be authorised by a resolution of the university."
For action or noting by: University Solicitor.
11.6 Adoption of a new Constitution of Victorian Metropolitan Alliance Ltd (VMA)
RESOLUTION CL72008/209
Council approved the amendments to the constitution of VMA as set out in Attachment A.
For action or noting by: University Solicitor.
11.7 Report of the Returning Officer - Student Elections to Council
RESOLUTION CL72008/210
Council noted the Report of the Returning Officer on student elections to Council.
11.8 Further Appointment of Interim University Student Ombudsman (USO)
RESOLUTION CL72008/211
Council:
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approved the appointment of Ms Ann Corcoran as Interim University Student Ombudsman until 31 December 2008; and
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approved the longer term appointment based on a 0.5 fraction of full time for 44 weeks each year for a fixed term period of three years.
For action or noting by: Vice-President (Administration).
12 Next Meeting
The next meeting of Council is scheduled to be held on 8 December 2008 in the Sir George Lush Room, Building 3a, Clayton 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.
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