Council Meeting 3-1991

Meeting No. 3/91 of the Monash University Council was held on Monday, 20 May 1991, in the Council Room, University Offices, at the Clayton campus, between 5.00 and 7.45 pm.

There were present:

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

Mr J.A. Hancock, Deputy Chancellor

Dr G.A. Knights, Deputy Chancellor

Professor M.I. Logan, Vice-Chancellor and President

Professor B. Barry

Mr J.C. Blyth

Ms J.A. Chandler

Ms K.G. Clark

Dr C.K. Coogan

Mr R.P. Cresp

Mr A.E. Crook

Dr S.A. Crossley

Professor P.LeP. Darvall

Mr D.R. Ellis

Mr H.A. Grayson

Mr C.L. Hatsell

Dr J.M. Hearn

Associate Professor W.A. Howard

Ms M.G. Keys

Mr R.J.N. Kinsman

Dr J.E. Kolm

Mr W.A. Kricker

Miss R.A. Lewitan

Mrs W. McDonell

Mrs J.M. McPhee

Professor W.H. Melbourne

Ms N.R. Natoka

Mrs B.D. Murray

Dr H.M. Nugent

Senator K.C.L. Patterson

Mr D.H. Peebles

Mr R.G. Ritchie

Dr P.K. Rodan

Mr R.G. Rutter

Emeritus Professor A.G.L. Shaw

Mr D.J. Shore

Professor R.J. Snedden

Mrs J. Strauss

Dr G.M. Vaughan

Dr L.E. Ward

Mr J. Wingate

Professor C.R. Williams

Mr N. Wood

Mr B.C. Yau

In attendance were:

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

Professor G.N. Vaughan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor

Professor T. Kennedy, Pro-Vice-Chancellor

Mr A.L. Pritchard, Registrar

Mr P.B. Wade, Comptroller

Mr I.C. Gregory, Secretary

Mr M.D. Watson, Senior Assistant Registrar

Professor L.H.T. West, Executive Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor

Mr G.F. Neat, Director of Communications

Miss J.M. Beck, Director of Protocol and Alumni Affairs

Apologies were received from:

Professor J.N. Crossley, Miss D.R. Pizzey, Professor C.T. Probyn, Mr P.H. Ramler, and Mr R.L. Whyte, each of whom had special leave, and from Ms D.R. Anstee, Ms J. Arndt, Mr P.F. Cutter, The Hon. J.V.C. Guest, Mr Justice R.C. Tadgell and Mr T.W. Wallace.

The meeting was attended by 14 observers.

M I N U T E S

1. INTRODUCTORY AND FORMAL BUSINESS

1.1 Special Leave

1.2 Membership

In accordance with the provisions of the Monash University (Chisholm and Gippsland) Act 1990, the terms of all currently serving non-ex officio members of Council will expire on 30 June to allow for the reconstituted Council, provided for in the Act, to take over the University's governance on 1 July. Action is in hand for the appointment and election of members of the new Council. A paper was tabled at the meeting comprising a list of persons recommended by the Nominations Committee for appointment to the new Council by the Governor in Council and, in accordance with the terms of reference of the Nominations Committee, these names and suggested retirement dates had been forwarded to the Minister.

The tabled paper also listed eight names of persons recommended to Council by the Nominations Committee for cooption, together with proposed retirement dates. Council noted the list of nominated members and agreed to coopt the persons recommended by the Nominations Committee with the retirement dates as set out in the attached paper. Council further noted that the Minister had been asked to appoint his own nominee and arrange for the appointment of three Parliamentary members. The Trades Hall had been asked to appoint a member. In addition, two members are to be nominated by the Monash University College Gippsland Advisory Council.

As a consequence of this action, Council noted that a number of members of the transitional Council would not be serving on the new Council, many of whom had long lengths of service. The Chancellor informed Council that the Vice-Chancellor had written to each of these retiring members thanking them for their contribution to the University.

A vote of thanks to the Council members who would not be serving on the new Council was moved and carried unanimously.

1.3 Minutes

1.4 Matters Arising from the Minutes

1.5 Gifts and Grants

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

1.6 Donations to the Library

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

1.7 Use of the University Seal

The attached listing of documents to which the University Seal had been affixed since reported to the previous meeting was noted and approved.

2. REPORT OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR

2.1 Capital Programme

The Vice-Chancellor reported on the capital development programme for the University recently released by the relevant Commonwealth and State Ministers:

Faculty/Area Campus Funding

Engineering Clayton $M8.2

Technology Frankston $M6.5

General Teaching MUCG $M7.75

Business Caulfield $M8.47 (increase to $M15

being negotiated)

Computer Science and Clayton $M8.89

General Science

Library Extension Clayton $M7.03

Student Residence MUCG $M0.5

Student Residence Frankston $M0.5

The Vice-Chancellor also informed Council of a proposal associated with the proposed merger of Deakin University and Victoria College that the Rusden land and buildings valued at $M30 would be made available to the University. A sum of $M10.7, which would have been provided for a building at Monash's Clayton campus would be relinquished to facilitate the consolidation of Deakin/Victoria College campuses. In addition, a sum of $M2 would be available for refurbishment of the Rusden campus. An additional $M5 would be made available for a building at Berwick on a site of 50 acres currently owned by the State Government for future expansion by the University.

The building programme was consistent with the University's forward planning and much of it would go towards making up the shortfall resulting from the current massive overcrowding rather than providing for future growth.

Council noted the information.

2.2 Petition to Council

The Vice-Chancellor reported to Council on the following petition received from approximately 200 members of the University's teaching staff:

"We the undersigned members of the University wish to express our grave concerns about the way the University administration is managing research and its lack of support for departmental and research funding. The policy is damaging both teaching and research, and has resulted in an unprecedented drop in morale. This situation has come about because of the lack of consultation across the University and the taking of decisions centrally without the advice and involvement of the academic community. Moreover, despite a proclaimed increase in overall University funding, resources at the departmental level are now more constrained than ever before, and are inadequate to maintain even essential research and teaching programmes."

2.3 Decanal Membership of Council

2.4 Anti Cancer Council of Victoria

2.5 Overseas Bank Accounts

3. REPORTS OF BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

3.1 Monash University College Gippsland Advisory Council

Council received the attached minutes of a meeting of the Monash University College Gippsland Advisory Council held on 30 April 1991.

3.2 Academic Board - Meeting No. 3/91

A - Graduate Certificate of Engineering - Monash University College Gippsland;

3.2.1 Recommendations

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

2.1 Graduate Certificate of Engineering - MUCG;

2.2 Combined Bachelor of Engineering/Bachelor of Business Degree - MUCG;

2.3 Master of Health Science (Nursing);

3.1 Chair in Anatomy;

4. Membership of the Board of the Faculty of Arts;

5. Establishment of Positions of Associate Dean (Research) in the Faculties of Arts and Education;

6. Centre for Studies in Religion and Theology; and

7. Membership of the Academic Board, MUCG.

Council discussed the extent to which undergraduate work was included in the proposed Graduate Certificate of Engineering and the Registrar mentioned that consideration was being given to distinguishing between graduate diplomas as to whether they were postgraduate in time only or postgraduate in time and content by using titles such as Graduate Diploma or Postgraduate Diploma respectively.

A query was raised in respect of item 3.1 - Chair in Anatomy as it was noted that the Chair had been advertised prior to the meeting of Council. The Vice- Chancellor informed Council that he had approved the early advertising of the Chair after being satisfied that there were good grounds to do so. Council also discussed whether Chairs should be advertised more widely and with longer lead times for applications as some Chair advertisements had resulted in a relatively low number of applicants. It was also noted that the devolution to faculties had resulted in advertising costs being attributed to departments. The Vice-Chancellor informed Council that the matter was currently being considered by the Committee of Deans.

A query was raised in regard to the procedures for the establishment of Centres and whether there was any reference criteria for their establishment. It was noted that there were a wide range of Centres in the University and there were no detailed requirements specified. It was noted that the report of the Academic Board indicated that there would be no additional resources required as a result of the establishment of the Centre for Studies in Religion and Theology.

3.2.2 Legislation

3.3 Academic Board - Meeting No. 4/91

A - Graduate Certificate/Graduate Diploma in Business Banking -Monash University College Gippsland;

B - Chair in Pharmacology;

C - Annual Report, Comptroller.

3.3.1 Recommendations

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

2.1 Graduate Certificate/Graduate Diploma in Business (Banking);

3. Chair of Pharmacology;

4. Establishment of Position of Associate Dean (Research) in the David Syme Faculty of Business;

5. Annual Report, Comptroller.

In answer to a query concerning the position of Associate Dean (Research), Council noted that such positions had been created in all faculties as part of the research management procedures introduced in 1991. A number of questions were asked by Council members and a discussion took place on the deteriorating state of the University buildings and grounds.

3.3.2 Legislation

Council made the following Regulations arising from matters dealt with in the following items of the Board's report:

Council noted that the regulations provided for a Doctorate of Education as well as PhD and discussed whether professional doctorates should be the subject of separate legislation. Council noted that professional doctorates would be administered by the PhD and Scholarships Committee.

1.2 Statute 2.5 - Committees, Boards of Studies and Institute (Amendment No. 20) Statute.

3.4 Reports of Standing Committees

3.4.1 Affiliation Committee

3.4.2 Biosafety Committee

Council received the minutes of a meeting of the Biosafety Committee held on 24 April.

3.4.3 Buildings Committee

Council received the minutes of a meeting of the Buildings Committee held on 2 May.

3.4.4 Equal Opportunity Committee

Council received minutes of a meeting of the Equal Opportunity Committee held on 28 March, together with the appendices indicated in the covering memorandum from its Secretary.

3.4.5 Finance Committee

A - Audited Financial Statements, Year Ended 31.12.89, Consolidated University Statements, Statements of Related Entities

B - Preliminary 1990 Financial Statements, Consolidated University and Related Entities.

Council approved the recommendations arising in the following items of the minutes:

2(b) Audited 1989 Financial Statements, Consolidated University and Related Entities; and

3. Preliminary 1990 Financial Statements, Consolidated University and Related Entities.

In response to a question concerning Montech, the Comptroller briefly mentioned a number of major research projects currently being planned which should result in increased revenue.

3.4.6 Halls of Residence Committee

Council received the minutes of a meeting of the Halls of Residence Committee held on 8 April.

Council discussed the action proposed under heading item 3.3 -Installation of Card Telephones.

3.4.7 Nominations Committee

This item was dealt with under item 1.3 above.

3.4.8 Occupational Health and Safety Policy Committee

3.4.9 Personal Chairs Committee

3.4.10 Students' Grants and Loans Committee

Council received the attached minutes of meetings of the Students' Grants and Loans Committee held on 10 April and 6 May.

Council agreed to defer action on the report.

3.5 Reports of Ad Hoc Committees

3.5.1 Discipline Appeals Committee

3.5.2 Report of Chair Selection Committee

Council approved offering the position to the person recommended by the Committee.

3.6 Reports of Other Committees

3.6.1 Union Board

Council received the attached minutes of meetings of the Union Board held on 7 March, 21 March and 18 April.

A number of matters were briefly discussed including the budget for the Arts and Crafts Centre.

3.6.2 Joint Finance Committee for Student Amenities

Council received the attached minutes of a meeting of the Joint Finance Committee for Student Amenities held on 22 April. In answer to a query, the Comptroller indicated that it was not possible to change the date of the proposed Monash Day at the Races.

4. GENERAL BUSINESS

4.1 Chair Appointments

4.2 Recent Appointments

Council received and noted the attached details of recent academic appointments made by the University.

4.3 Appointments Made by the Vice-Chancellor

4.3.1 Department of Politics

Associate Professor A.J. O'Grady

as Head of Department from 27 February to 31 December 1991; and

4.3.2 School of Accounting

Associate Professor V. Wan

as Deputy Head of School to 31 December 1991.

4.4 Promotions to the Grade of Associate Professor

4.5 Promotions to the Grade of Senior Lecturer

4.6 Academic Leave

Council ratified the uniform leave provisions and noted that a number of items would be reviewed concerning adoption leave and the treatment of sick leave of staff on maternity leave.

4.7 Regulations

4.7.1 Statute 2.12 - Monash Postgraduate Association (Amendment No. 2) Statute

Subject to the deletion of sub section 3.9 of the proposed statute as contained in item 3.5 of the attached draft amendments to the statute.

4.8 Legislation - Elections

Council received the following documents:

1. Paper from the Registrar relating to the legislation and proposing interim action pending the approval of the legislation by the Governor in Council;

2. Summary paper of the legislation prepared by the University Solicitor;

3. Amendments to Chapter 9 of the University Statutes concerning the membership of Council to implement the provisions of the Monash University (Chisholm and Gippsland) Act 1990 and a number of amendments to the University's election procedures.

4.8.1 Statute 9.1.1 - Election of Members of the Council - Procedure (Amendment No. 8) Statute;

4.8.2 Statute 9.1.2 - Election of Members of the Council by the Students in the University (Amendment No. 8) Statute;

4.8.3 Statute 9.1.3 - Election of Members of the Council by the Graduates of the University (Amendment No. 4) Statute;

4.8.4 Statute 9.1.4 - Election of Members of the Council by the Faculties (Revocation) Statute;

4.8.5 Statute 9.1.4 - 1991 Elections for Certain Members of the Council - Periods of Office;

4.8.6 Statute 9.1.5 - Election of Members of the Council by the Professors (Amendment No. 1) Statute;

4.8.7 Statute 9.1.6 - Election of Members of the Council by Members of the Teaching Staff Other than the Professors (Amendment No. 2) Statute;

4.8.8 Statute 9.1.7 - Election of Members of the Council by the Full-Time Members of the Staff Other than the Teaching Staff (Amendment No. 1) Statute.

In the event that the amendments to the statutes have not received the assent of the Governor in Council prior to finalisation of the election process which is currently underway and to honour the undertaking given during the merger, Council was asked to empower the Registrar to conduct the elections in the manner proposed by the amendments.

In reply to a query, the Registrar explained to Council that what was being proposed as an interim measure were two changes to the procedures in the current legislation, firstly to count the votes on the basis of proportional representation and secondly to undertake the election of student members to Council by means of establishing polling booths on each campus rather than using postal voting procedures. Council approved these procedures for the current elections pending approval of the legislation by the Governor in Council.

4.9 Appointment of Authorised Officers

c) generally to enforce discipline within the University.

4.10 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:

4.10.1 Dr D.B. Keogh, Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering;

4.10.2 Ms E.A. Carvalho, Department of Classical Studies;

4.10.3 Dr K.P. Dabke, Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering;

4.10.4 Dr J.K. Davies, Department of Microbiology;

4.10.5 Associate Professor F. Lawson, Department of Chemical Engineering;

4.10.6 Professor H.R. Milner, Department of Civil Engineering;

4.10.7 Dr P.A. Nestor, Department of English and General and Comparative Literature;

4.10.8 Dr K. O'Connor, Department of Geography and Environmental Science;

4.10.9 Associate Professor K.W. Ogden, Department of Civil Engineering;

4.10.10 Associate Professor B.A. Parker, Department of Materials Engineering;

4.10.11 Professor R. Porter, Dean, Faculty of Medicine;

4.10.12 Mr K. Sietsma, Department of Mechanical Engineering;

4.10.13 Dr C. Tiu, Department of Chemical Engineering;

4.10.14 Mr J. Waincymer, Faculty of Law;

4.10.15 Mr J. Goldsworthy, Faculty of Law;

4.10.16 Professor L. Waller, Faculty of Law; and

4.10.17 Professor M.A.J. Williams, Department of Geography and Environmental Science.

5. ITEMS FOR REPORT

5.1 Legislation

5.2 Next Meeting

It was noted that the first meeting of the reconstituted Council was scheduled to be held on Monday, 1 July.