Council Meeting 4-1990

Meeting No. 4/90 of the Monash University Council was held on Monday, 21 May 1990, in the Council Room, University Offices, between 3.00 and 5.40 pm.

There were present:

The Chancellor, The Hon. Sir George Lush, in the Chair

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor M.I. Logan

In attendance were:

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor J.A. Hay

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor I.J. Polmear

The Registrar, Mr A.L. Pritchard

The Deputy Comptroller, Mr B. O'Mara

The Secretary, Mr M.D. Watson

The Director of External Relations and Alumni Affairs, Miss J.M. Beck

The Information Officer. Mr T.P. Thwaites

Apologies were received from:

M I N U T E S

1. INTRODUCTORY AND FORMAL BUSINESS

1.1 Special Leave

Special leave was requested by and granted to Dr Knights, Mr Justice Tadgell, Professor Williams, and Mr Wood for the 21 May meeting, to Dr Crossley and Senator Patterson for the 2 July meeting, and to Mrs McDonell for the 13 August and 24 September meetings of Council.

1.2 Minutes

The minutes of Meeting No. 3/90 held on 9 April, copies of which had been circulated, were confirmed and signed.

1.3 Matters Arising from the Minutes

1.3.1 Buildings Committee

In response to a question from Professor Melbourne, the Vice- Chancellor undertook to refer to the Buildings Committee the report arising from a review of lecture theatre occupancy that had recently been conducted with a view to amending, if necessary, the architect's brief for the proposed new 300-seat ~ lecture theatre to be built on campus.

1.3.2 Bookshop Board

In response to a question from the Chairman of the Bookshop Board, Professor Probyn, the Vice-Chancellor confirmed that, as recorded in the minutes of its meeting on 8 May, the Finance Committee had determined that rental for the University Bookshop should not be increased for 1990.

1.3.3 Halls of Residence Committee

The Vice-Chancellor noted and agreed to convey to the Director of the Buildings and Development Branch a comment from Senator Patterson that, included among the matters she had raised at the previous meeting about the proposed new ACER building on campus, had been a concern that construction work carried out during the examination period could be disruptive for students in the nearby Halls of Residence.

1.4 Gifts and Grants

Council noted with appreciation the attached listing of gifts and grants received by the University during April.

1.5 Donations to the Library

Council noted with appreciation the attached listing of books presented to the University Library since last reported.

1.6 University Seal

Council noted and approved the attached listing of documents to which the University Seal had been affixed since the report submitted to its previous meeting.

1.7 New South Wales Train Crash

Members of Council were saddened by news of the deaths in the train crash north of Sydney on 6 May of the former Vice-Chancellor of The University of Sydney, Emeritus Professor John Ward, his wife and daughter, of Mrs Moira Jennings, wife of the Registrar, and of serious injury to members of the University's staff and their wives. Sir George informed the meeting that he had written to the Chancellor of The University of Sydney expressing condolences on behalf of Monash University.

2. REPORT OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR

2.1 Merger Matters

The Vice-Chancellor drew Council's attention to the attached copy of the second reading speech on the Monash University (Chisholm and Gippsland) Bill delivered in Parliament by Mrs Joan Kirner on 1 May. He informed the meeting of the Minister's action in increasing the representation of non-professorial teaching staff on the reconstituted Council from three to four. Professor Logan said he would not be recommending to the Minister any further changes in Council membership as a consequence. The only other substantive change to the enabling legislation, he said, was a change of the Professorial Board's name to Academic Board, with provision for its future membership to be discussed within the University and determined by statute.

The meeting also noted the attached 4 May edition of Merger News' which included a listing of the agreed roles and responsibilities of senior Chisholm staff in the merged institution.

In response to a question from Mr May, Professor Logan and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) gave an outline of the proceedings to date of the Merger Implementation Committee, its six working parties and Governance Sub-committee that had brought the merger to its current stage of close to fruition.

2.2 CIRCIT

Further to the briefing at its previous meeting, Council approved the action recommended in the attached paper from the Vice-Chancellor to formalise the participation of Monash University in the Centre for International Research on Communication and Information Technology.

2.3 Strategic Research Fund

Council approved the action recommended in part 2 of the attached memorandum of 17 May from the Vice-Chancellor to enable Monash University to participate as a member in the incorporation of the Strategic Research Fund.

2.4 Links with Universities Outside Australia

Council endorsed the action foreshadowed by the Vice-Chancellor in part 1 of his attached memorandum of 17 May to establish formal links with selected universities overseas, particularly in Asia, and approved in general terms the appended model agreement designed to fulfil the University's objectives in this regard.

2.5 Monash-ANZ Centre for International Briefing

Council noted that the position of Chief Executive of the recently established Monash/ ANZ Centre for International Briefing had been offered to Mr Ian Haig, who the Vice-Chancellor described as well qualified and experienced for the appointment.

2.6 Language Institute of Australia

Council noted that the position of foundation Director of the multifaceted Language Institute of Australia, administered by Monash University, had been offered to and accepted by Mr Joseph Lo Bianco, who the Vice-Chancellor described as particularly well suited for the appointment.

2.7 Special Research Centres

The Vice-Chancellor was pleased to inform Council that two Monash proposals had been short-listed for consideration in the latest selection round of the

Government's special research centres programme; the Pulp and Paper Institute and a joint Monash-Chisholm-University of Melbourne study of salinity in wetlands.

2.8 Temporary Deferment of the Filling of Staff Vacancies

In response to a series of questions without notice, Professor Logan and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) confirmed that a hold had been placed on the filling of vacant chairs and most other academic and general staff vacancies until 1 August in order to retain some staffing and budgetary flexibility in the light of the impending merger with Chisholm and the consequential establishment of three new faculties, and the current review being undertaken of the University's strategy plan.

3. REPORTS OF BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

3.1 Professorial Board

Council received and noted the attached report of the meeting of the Professorial Board held on 9 May, together with the following appendices:

A - Proposal for a Masters Degree in International Relations;

B - Diploma in International Relations;

C - Proposal to Establish a Bachelor of Commerce Degree;

D - New Course Proposal - Bachelor of Accounting;

E - Proposal for a Master of Physiotherapy Degree;

F - Joint Teaching Arrangement with the University of Hong Kong; and

G - Alexander Theatre - Schedule of Hire Charges.

3.1.1 Recommendations

Council approved the recommendations arising from matters dealt with in the following items of the report:

1.1.1 Master of Arts in International Relations;

1.1.2 Diploma in International Relations;

1.2.1 Bachelor of Commerce Degree;

1.2.2 Bachelor of Accounting Degree;

1.3.1 Master of Physiotherapy;

2.1 (Quota in) Trial Practice and Advocacy;

3.1 Second Chair in English;

3.2 (Chair in) Librarianship, Archives and Records;

3.3 (Chair in) Philosophy;

4. Externally Funded Chair of Company Law;

5. Joint Teaching Arrangement with the University of Hong Kong;

6. Award of the Degree of Doctor of Medicine; and

7. Alexander Theatre Hire Charges.

The new courses in International Relations referred to in items 1.1.1 and 1.1.2 of the Board's report were approved after Council, as foreshadowed, received and accepted the attached library impact statement, copies of which were tabled at the meeting.

The proposal for a new Bachelor of Commerce course referred to in item 1.2.1 of the Board's report was approved only after a long and detailed debate in which, as foreshadowed, Council received and considered the attached comments from the Academic Programs and Structures Working Party, copies of which were tabled at the meeting. In the course of discussion, Council gave particular attention to the academic rationale for the proposal that had been developed over the past four or five years, the impact introduction of the new course may have on the David Syme Faculty of Business in the merged institution and any impediment it might be to the anticipated union of the two faculties within the following three years, and the resource implications of mounting the new degree that had not been fully addressed. At the conclusion of debate, a motion that the proposal be deferred for consideration by the transitional Council at its first meeting on 2 July was lost by a narrow margin. The Chancellor then put a motion that the proposal be approved, which was carried nem. con.

3.2 Reports of Standing Committees

3.2.1 Finance Committee - Meeting No. 1/90

Council received and noted the attached minutes of the meeting of the Finance Committee held on 6 April, together with the following appendices:

B - Monash University - Balance Sheet as at 31 December 1989;

C - Report of the Council - 1989: Finance;

D - Monash Association of Students - Financial Statements for the

Period 1 January to 31 December 1989: and

E - Schedule of Common Fund Investments held by Westpac Investment Management Pty Ltd on Behalf of the University as at 31 December 1989, it being noted that the 1988 audited accounts referred to in the minutes as Appendix A had been received and noted by Council at its previous meeting.

The meeting approved the recommendations arising from matters dealt with in the following items of the minutes:

10. Report of the Harold Armstrong Committee;

12. Approval to Purchase VG Masslab GS-MS System: and

13.1 Financial Delegation of Vice-Chancellor.

In response to a question about the listing of the University's accumulated commitments for long-service and recreation leave provision in the preliminary accounts for 1989 (Appendix B. page 3 and note 1(b) on page 5), Professor Logan and the Deputy Comptroller explained that this related to the provisions of the Annual Reporting Act that now applied to the University rather than any decision having been made to transfer the funding responsibility for such commitments from faculties to the Central Administration.

3.2.2 Finance Committee - Meeting No. 2/90

Council received and noted the attached minutes of the

meeting of the Finance Committee held on 8 May, together with the following appendices:

A - Auditor-General's report on the University's 1988 accounts and the Comptroller's response;

B - Audited 1988 annual accounts of Montech Pty Ltd.;

C - Audited 1988 annual accounts of the Infertility Medical Centre Pty Ltd.; and

D - Halls of Residence - Statement of Income and Expenditure for the Year Ended 31 December 1989.

The meeting approved the recommendations arising from matters dealt with in the following items of the minutes:

3. Membership of Finance Committee;

5.1 Audited 1988 annual accounts of Montech Pty Ltd.;

5.2 Audited 1988 annual accounts of IMC Pty Ltd.; and

6. Halls of Residence - Annual Accounts.

In response to a comment from Mr Kinsman, Mrs McDonell explained the exceptional circumstances that had led to the Halls of Residence under-spending its maintenance budget by $70,000 in 1989.

3.2.3 Buildings Committee

Council received and noted the attached minutes of the meeting of the Buildings Committee held on 22 March.

3.2.4 Biosafety Committee

Council received and noted the attached minutes of the meeting of the Biosafety Committee held on 4 April.

3.2.5 Halls of Residence Committee

Council received and noted the attached minutes of the meeting of the Halls of Residence Committee held on 9 April.

In regard to the resolution at item 3.1 of the minutes, it was noted that Senator Patterson had aired the Committee's concerns about aspects of the ACER building at the previous meeting, which had subsequently been addressed in a letter to her of 1 May from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic).

3.2.6 Housing Committee

Council received and noted the attached minutes of the meeting of the Housing Committee held on 5 April.

3.2.7 Parking Committee

Council received and noted the attached minutes of the meeting of the Parking Committee held on 29 March.

Several of the matters raised in the minutes led to a broad ranging discussion of parking problems faced by the University in the short and long term and an airing of some possible solutions. It was also generally agreed that the Parking Committee was not properly constituted or equipped to address these problems. The Vice- Chancellor said he proposed to ask the Comptroller to prepare a background paper on how the University might plan to meet its parking needs in the foreseeable future for consideration in the first instance by the Buildings Committee. Professor Logan also gave notice that he intended to re-establish a Masterplanning Committee as a standing committee of Council with a brief to assess the long-term development needs of the University, on all of its campuses.

3.2.8 Students' Grants and Loans Committee

Council received and noted the attached minutes of the meetings of the Students' Grants and Loans Committee held on 8 March and 9 April.

3.3 Reports of Ad Hoc Committees

3.3.1 Honorary Chair in Microbiology Validation Committee

Council received the attached report from the validation committee established at Meeting No. 2/90 to consider a nomination for appointment to an Honorary Chair in Microbiology, and approved the recommendation therein that an offer of appointment be made.

3.4 Reports of Other Committees

3.4.1 Union Board

Council received and noted the attached minutes of the meeting of the Union Board held on 5 April.

4. GENERAL BUSINESS

4.1 Victorian Institute Or Earth and Planetary Science

On the recommendation of the Vice-Chancellor, Council made the following appointments to the Management Committee of the Victorian Institute of Earth and Planetary Science, the establishment of which had been approved by Council at Meeting No. 7/89:

Professor G.S. Lister

(Alternate, Professor M.A.J. Williams): and

Professor B.R. Morton

(Alternate, Professor J.J. Monaghan).

4.2 Merck Biochemistry Medal

Council was informed of and noted with appreciation a recent offer by BDH Chemicals Australia Pty Ltd to sponsor a medal to be known as the Merck Biochemistry Medal to be awarded annually to the student achieving the highest aggregate mark in the fourth-year honours course in the Monash University Department of Biochemistry, the first such recognition by this international Company at an Australian University.

4.3 Committee Appointments

4.3.1 Students' Grants and Loans Committee

On the recommendation of the Vice-Chancellor, Council appointed Mr M.J. Ryan to a vacancy on the Students' Grants and Loans Committee for a trained Social Worker.

4.4 Reports on Outside Studies Programmes and Overseas Leave

Council received and noted the attached reports on outside studies programmes and overseas leave from the following members of the University staff:

4.4.1 Dr L.B. Angus, Faculty of Education;

4.4.2 Dr J.D. Chapman, Faculty of Education;

4.4.3 Dr O.E. Hughes, Department of Administrative Studies; and

4.4.4 Professor C.G. Weeramantry, Faculty of Law.

5. ITEMS REPORTED

5.12 Next Meeting

Members were reminded that the next ordinary meeting of Council was scheduled to be held on Monday, 2 July, commencing at 3.00 pm.

Subject to successful passage and proclamation of the enabling legislation now before Parliament, it was noted that this would be the first meeting of the transitional Council of the merged institution that will govern Monash University from 1 July 1990 until 30 June 1991.