Council Meeting 4-1991

Meeting No. 4/91 of the Monash University Council was held on Monday, 1 July 1991, in the Council Room, University Offices, at the Clayton campus, commencing at 5.00 pm.

There were present:

The Hon. Sir George Lush, Chancellor, in the Chair (for items 1 to 2.11)

Mr J.A. Hancock, Deputy Chancellor, in the Chair (for the remainder of the agenda)

Dr G.A. Knights, Deputy Chancellor

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

Mr P.L. Baker

Mr J.C. Blyth

Dr F.R. Burden

Ms J.A. Chandler

Dr C.K. Coogan

Dr B.J. Costar

Professor A.R. Edwards

Mr H.A. Grayson

Mr C.L. Hatsell

Dr J.M. Hearn

Dr M.E. James

Ms M.G. Keys

Mr W.A. Kricker

Ms S. McManamny

Mrs J.M. McPhee

Mr A.H. May

Professor W.H. Melbourne

Professor R.J. Pargetter

Miss D.R. Pizzey

Professor R. Porter

Mr P.H. Ramler

Dr P.K. Rodan

Mr D.J. Shore

Professor R.H. Snape

The Hon. Mr Justice R.C. Tadgell

Dr L.E. Ward

Mr R.L. Whyte

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

Ms E. Anderson, Executive Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor

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

Mr G. Neat, Director of Communications

Ms K. Clark, Undergraduate & Diploma Student Observer

Mr R.P. Cresp, Undergraduate & Diploma Student Observer

Mr B.C. Yau, Undergraduate & Diploma Student Observer

Mr I.C. Gregory, Secretary

Apologies were received from:

Dr J.E. Kolm, Senator K.C.L. Patterson and Mrs J. Strauss.

The meeting was attended by 28 observers.

M I N U T E S

1. INTRODUCTORY AND FORMAL BUSINESS

1.1 Special Leave

1.2 Membership

The Chancellor, in noting that this was the first meeting of the revised composition of Council, welcomed new members to their first meeting and the continuation of those persons who were members of the previous Council.

As it was not possible to conduct elections for the two undergraduate student members to Council due to the mid-year examination/vacation period, the Chancellor informed Council that he had invited the four previous undergraduate student members of Council to attend the meeting, and asked that Council allow the students to be heard. Council approved the proposal.

The tabled paper also contained the names of two persons nominated by the Advisory Council of the Monash University College Gippsland. The Monash University (Chisholm and Gippsland Act) 1990 provides that not less than two nor more than four members shall be appointed by cooption by the Council on the nomination or joint nomination of the Advisory Council or Councils of any University College or Colleges constituted under Section 24A Part 3 Paragraph 18 Sub-section 7 (1)(c).

1.3 Minutes

1.4 Matters Arising from the Minutes

The Vice-Chancellor informed Council that in the Minutes of the previous meeting, item 1.4 - Matters Arising from the Minutes, Minute 3.4.4, last paragraph on page seven, concerning the Department of Chemistry budget, the Vice-Chancellor had undertaken to discuss the matter with the Dean of the Faculty of Science and report back to the next meeting of Council. The Vice-Chancellor informed Council that such discussions had taken place but there was no immediate short-term solution to the problem and that the current budget discussions would involve consideration of the matters raised.

1.5 Gifts and Grants

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

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 Report on the Merged University

A document was tabled, copy attached, containing a statement to the new Council by the Vice-Chancellor on the merged University. In answer to a question concerning the Walker Review of the two Faculties of Business, the Vice-Chancellor informed Council that he expected a report to be available for the next meeting of Council.

Council resolved to receive the report.

2.2 Petition to Council

At the last meeting of Council, a petition was received from a group known as the Teaching Action Research Group relating to funding and the handling of research in the University and a number of related issues. A paper from the Vice-Chancellor was tabled, copy attached, which had been endorsed by the Committee of Deans. Council also noted that the report of the Academic Board at item 3.2 recommendations 7.1 - Recommendations of sub-committee of Committee of Deans and 7.2 - Position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) also related to the matter. Council noted that Appendix F had been endorsed by a large majority of the Academic Board.

The Vice-Chancellor informed Council that a sub-committee of the Committee of Deans, comprising himself and Professors Porter and Pargetter, had met with representatives of the Group and this had resulted in constructive discussions concerning a number of matters in addition to research.

Council's attention was drawn to the ad hoc committee established by the Academic Board to be chaired by Professor Waller to review research administration mentioned in Appendix F. The Vice-Chancellor further informed Council of discussions taking place within the existing appropriate University structures and moves inside faculties to broaden avenues for discussion. The Vice-Chancellor informed Council that he had expressed the view that faculty meetings should be held from time to time to enable widespread discussions within each faculty.

Item 7.2 of the Academic Board report contained a recommendation that the Vice- Chancellor be given approval in principle to advertise the position of Deputy Vice- Chancellor (Research) on the understanding that any decision to advertise this position and any description of the responsibilities would be made in the light of the recommendations on research made by Professor Waller's ad hoc committee. Council was informed that was expected that it would take at least two months for a report to be received from the ad hoc committee.

After further discussion, Council resolved nem con to endorse the recommendations of the ad hoc sub-committee of the Committee of Deans as contained on pages 103-105 of the attachments to the Agenda. The motion to approve in principle the advertising of a position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) was put to Council and lost.

2.3 Higher Education Statement for Victoria

Council received the attached document relating to Higher Education Funding for the 1991-93 Triennium, Supplementary Report for Victoria. The Vice-Chancellor drew Council's attention, in particular, to the table relating to the capital programme on page 47 of the report.

Council noted the Vice-Chancellor's statements on the report.

2.4 University Enrolment Statistics and Overenrolment

The Vice-Chancellor informed Council of the current situation in respect of overenrolments and the crowded conditions in various areas of the University and the general worsening of staff/student ratios. The Vice-Chancellor further informed Council of the intention of the Victorian Vice-Chancellors to not reduce the school leaver intake next year. If commencing student numbers were to be reduced, there would be a reduction of commencing students other than school leavers. Council noted the difficulties arising from the University being requested by DEET to achieve two incompatible targets, one for commencing numbers and the other for total EFTSU.

2.5 DEET Profiles Visit

2.6 1992 Budget Process

Council received the attached paper containing a description of the 1992 budget process. The Vice-Chancellor informed Council that the Committee of Deans had held extensive discussions concerning the budget process and it was expected that the Deans would consult widely within their faculties to ensure that all academic staff had the opportunity for input into budget deliberations for 1992.

In reply to a question regarding the 31.5% of recurrent revenue devoted to non-academic activities, Council was informed that this percentage included expenditure on the Computer Centre and the Library and that the latter was experiencing continued rapidly escalating costs for the purchase of books and periodicals. Council noted that the only other university which had as high a percentage of the budget devoted to academic activities was the University of Queensland and many universities had much lower percentages, particularly some of the newer, smaller universities. A question was raised in regard to what items of expenditure were included in academic expenditure and that there had been a devolvement of responsibilities and some costs to faculties over the last two years. The Vice-Chancellor informed Council that in his view devolvement to faculties was the best way to manage the University and that a review was taking place of devolvement and its effect on work loads and work practices. An interim report was expected shortly.

Council noted the information.

2.7 Council Committees

Council approved the appointments and noted the information to be presented at the next meeting.

2.8 Chairmanship of Department

2.9 Academic Salaries

The Vice-Chancellor reported that Commissioner Frawley had produced a report of his enquiry into academic salaries but, unfortunately, it did not contain any recommendations for increased salary scales. The report had been forwarded to the Full Bench which had scheduled the holding of an enquiry on 5 July and it was hoped that a decision by the Full Bench would be made by mid to late July.

Council noted the information with concern at the continued delay in satisfactorily resolving the issue of academic salaries.

2.10 Personal Chairs

2.10.1 Report of Personal Chair Committee

At the previous meeting of Council, Senator Patterson had requested information and statistics concerning decisions of the Personal Chairs Committee. A document prepared by Professor Hay was tabled and a copy had been sent to Senator Patterson.

Council noted the information.

2.10.2 Personal Chairs Committee - Report No. 2/91

Council received Report No. 2/91 of the Personal Chairs Committee and resolved to make the two appointments to Personal Chairs contained therein.

2.11 Chair of Anaesthesia

A document was tabled from the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine containing a proposal for the establishment of a Chair of Anaesthesia. Council approved the establishment and advertising of a Chair in Anaesthesia.

2.12 Chair in Microbiology

The third report of the Council Committee for an Appointment to the Chair of Microbiology was tabled. Council approved the recommendation for the appointment to the Chair of Microbiology contained in the paper.

2.13 Plebiscite for New Union Constitution

The Vice-Chancellor informed Council that at the last meeting of the Union Board, a proposal was received for a revised constitution of the Student Union. A report from this meeting had not been prepared in time for the Council agenda. Part of the recommendation was that a plebiscite be held to seek the opinion of students as to whether or not the proposed revised constitution was appropriate and that the Registrar be asked to conduct it.

A submission had been received from a student relating to the procedures for the holding of Union elections and referendums which contained a recommendation that the proposed plebiscite on the Union composition not proceed until the matters contained in the submission were resolved.

Council noted that Working Party five of the Merger Implementation Committee had recommended that a referendum should be held before the submission of a revised constitution for a Student Union was placed before Council. Council noted that any proposal for a new Student Union constitution would require the approval of Council which would also receive the results of any plebiscite relating to the matter.

After a lengthy discussion, Council agreed to note the information which had been brought to its attention.

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 11 June 1991.

3.2 Academic Board - Meeting No. 5/91

Council received the attached report of Meeting 5/91 of the Academic Board held on 12 June, together with the following appendices:

A - Proposal for the establishment of a Bachelor of Business (Honours) Degree - David Syme Faculty of Business;

B - Proposal for the establishment of a generic Graduate Diploma in Nursing, a Graduate Certificate in Critical Care Nursing, and a Graduate Certificate in Palliative Care Nursing - Faculty of Professional Studies;

C - Approval for Chair of Respiratory Medicine;

3.2.1 Recommendations

Council approved the recommendations arising from matters dealt with in the following items of the report subject to the recommendations in items 2.2, 7.1 and 7.2.

2.1 Bachelor of Business (Honours);

2.2 Graduate Diploma in Nursing, Graduate Certificate in Critical Care Nursing, Graduate Certificate in Palliative Care Nursing;

A query was raised in respect of the resource implications of the proposals for the above three new courses. Council noted that the additional resources referred to in the proposal attached to the Academic Board report, would be provided from current faculty funds, there would not be additional funding made available for the new courses by the University. Ms McManamny mentioned the possibility of additional funding arrangements for nursing courses and queried whether the introduction of the graduate courses would detract from numbers of students who could be admitted to diploma and bachelor's courses in nursing.

3.1 Chair of Respiratory Medicine;

3.2 Professor/Director of Hospital and Community Psychiatry, Alfred Hospital;

3.3 Chair of Chemical Engineering;

4. Courses and Degrees (David Syme Faculty of Business);

5. Appointment of Associate Deans;

5.1 Faculty of Economics Commerce and Management;

5.2 Faculty of Engineering;

6. Appointment of Sub-Dean in the Faculty of Engineering;

7. Petition to Council;

7.1 Recommendations of sub-committee of Committee of Deans;

This matter is dealt with under Minute 2.2 - Petition to Council.

7.2 Position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research);

This matter is dealt with under Minute 2.2 - Petition to Council.

8. Change of Course Name in the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology;

9. Award of the Degree of Doctor of Medicine;

9.1 Dr G. Deakin; and

9.2 Dr H. Mitchell.

3.2.2 Legislation

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

1.1 Courses and Degrees (Faculty of Arts)(Degree of Bachelor of Arts)(Amendment No. 3) Regulations;

1.2 Courses and Degrees (Faculty of Economics Commerce and Management)(Degree of Bachelor of Economics)(Amendment No. 2) Regulations;

1.3 Courses and Degrees (Faculty of Economics Commerce and Management)(Degree of Bachelor of Accounting)(Amendment No. 1) Regulations;

3.4 Reports of Standing Committees

3.4.1 Bookshop Board

3.4.2 Buildings Committee

Council received the minutes of Meeting 365 of the Buildings Committee held on 13 June 1991.

After discussing the siting of buildings at Caulfield campus, the provision of carparking and the implications of the building programme on the Caulfield master plan, Council resolved to approve the recommendations contained in the report.

3.4.3 Occupational Health and Safety Policy Committee

Council received the Minutes of Meeting 2/91 of the Occupational Health and Safety Policy Committee held on 18 April.

3.4.4 Patents Committee

Council received the Minutes of Meeting 2/91 of the Patents Committee held on 20 May 1991.

3.4.5 Staff Committee

Council received the Minutes of Meeting 1/91 of the Staff Committee held on 3 June. Council's attention was drawn to item 2 - Report of Working Party - Review Terms of Reference and the recommendations contained therein.

3.5 Reports of Other Committees

3.5.1 Union Board

Council received the Minutes of Meeting 4/91 of the Union Board held on 16 May 1991.

The Vice-Chancellor informed Council that the matters raised in the reports regarding childcare were currently under consideration.

4. GENERAL BUSINESS

4.1 Legislation

On the recommendation of the Registrar and the University Solicitor, Council made the following Regulations:

4.1.1 Courses and Degrees (Faculty of Economics Commerce and Management) (Degree of Master of Business Administration (Technology Management)) Regulations.

4.1.2 Courses and Degrees (Faculty of Arts) (Degree of Master of Librarianship) (Amendment No. 8) Regulations.

4.1.3 Courses and Degrees (Faculty of Arts) (Degree of Master of Social Work) (Amendment No. 5) Regulations.

4.1.4 Courses and Degrees (Faculty of Arts) (Degree of Bachelor of Social Work) (Amendment No. 10) Regulations.

4.2 Conferring of Degrees

Council conferred the degrees and awarded the diplomas set out in the attached listing.

4.3 Chair Appointments

4.3.1 Sir Keith Aickin Chair of Company Law

Council noted that Dr S. Ricketson has accepted the Sir Keith Aickin Chair of Company Law.

4.3.2 Personal Chair in Law

Council noted that Dr R.G. Fox has accepted a Personal Chair in Law.

4.3.3 Personal Chair in German

Council noted that Dr D.G.J. Roberts has accepted a Personal Chair in German.

4.4 Chair Appointments - Selection Committee

The establishment of Chair Selection Committees as set out in the attached paper were deferred.

4.5 Monash Postgraduate Association Constitution - Amendments

At the last meeting of Council, Minute 4.7.1 Statute 2.12 - Monash Postgraduate Association (Amendment No. 2) Statute, Council approved the draft amendments to the Statute except for sub-section 3.9 - see also Minute 1.3 - Minutes of the last meeting above.

Council received an explanatory paper concerning this matter from the Monash Postgraduate Association. A query was raised as to whether the proposed amendment was necessary as the current Statute provided that the Association may employ an Executive Officer. Council noted that the proposed provision had been accepted by Council some time ago but had not been promulgated and it was the view of the University Solicitor that the provision had lapsed.

4.6 Appointments made by the Vice-Chancellor

Council ratified the action of the Vice-Chancellor in making the following appointments:

4.6.1 Department of Social Work

Mr R. Carew

as Acting Head of the Department of Social Work until February 1992 and the payment of a responsibilities allowance at the rate of Senior Lecturer together with the usual loading during his appointment.

4.6.2 Faculty of Arts - Classical Studies

At Council Meeting 9/90, a line was inadvertently omitted from a paper received from the Faculty of Arts and the following should have been included:

Head Deputy Head

Associate Professor C.G. Betts Dr P.J. Bicknell

13.5.91 - 31.12.91 13.5.91 - 31.12.91

4.7 Employment of a Person Beyond 65 Years of Age

Council approved the employment for one year, in the first instance, of a Hall Attendant beyond the age of 65 years following a request made by Professor N.W. Murray, Chairman, Robert Blackwood Hall Management Committee in accordance with Chapter 8, Section 8.1, Paragraph 3.1.3 of the Staff Handbook.

4.8 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:

4.8.1 Dr R.W. Cullen, Faculty of Law;

4.8.2 Dr M. Ackland, Department of English;

4.8.3 Dr B. Niall, Department of English;

4.8.4 Associate Professor B. Steele, Department of English;

4.8.5 Dr M. Aveling, Department of History;

4.8.6 Dr P. Paul, Department of Linguistics;

4.8.7 Associate Professor M. Maclean, Department of Romance Languages;

4.8.8 Professor B. Nelson, Department of Romance Languages;

4.8.9 Dr A. Dilnot, Department of English;

4.8.10 Associate Professor H. Marriott, Department of Japanese Studies;

4.8.11 Dr C. Mews, Department of History.

5. ITEMS FOR REPORT

5.1 Next Meeting

The next meeting of Council is scheduled to be held on Monday, 12 August.