Council Meeting 5-1991

Meeting No. 5/91 of the Monash University Council was held on Monday, 12 August 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

Mr J.A. Hancock, Deputy Chancellor, in the Chair

Dr G.A. Knights, Deputy Chancellor

Professor J.A. Hay, Acting 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 C.L. Hatsell

Dr J.M. Hearn

Dr M.E. James

Ms M.G. Keys

Dr J.E. Kolm

Mr W.A. Kricker

Ms S. McManamny

Mrs J.M. McPhee

Mr A.H. May

Professor W.H. Melbourne

Dr H.M. Nugent

Professor R.J. Pargetter

Senator K.C.L. Patterson

Miss D.R. Pizzey

Professor R. Porter

Dr P.K. Rodan

Mr D.J. Shore

Professor R.H. Snape

Mrs J. Strauss

Dr L.E. Ward

Mr R.L. Whyte

In attendance were:

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:

Professor M.I. Logan, Mr H.A. Grayson, Mr Justice Tadgell and Mr P. Ramler.

The meeting was attended by 26 observers.

M I N U T E S

1. INTRODUCTORY AND FORMAL BUSINESS

1.1 Special Leave

1.2 Membership

Council noted the following report from the Returning Officer of the recently held elections for membership of the reconstituted Council:

Professors

Professor W.H. Melbourne to 30 June 1995

Professor A.R. Edwards to 30 June 1994

Professor R.H. Snape to 30 June 1993

Teaching Staff Other than Professors

Associate Professor B.J. Costar to 30 June 1995

Mrs J. Strauss to 30 June 1994

Dr F.R. Burden to 30 June 1993

Mr R.L. Whyte to 30 June 1992

Non-Teaching Staff

Dr P.K. Rodan to 30 June 1995

Mr J.C. Blyth to 30 June 1994

Dr M.E. James to 30 June 1993

Graduates of the University

Senator K.C.L. Patterson to 30 June 1995

Mr A.H. May to 30 June 1993

Graduate Student

Mr P.L. Baker to 30 June 1993

Undergraduate and Diploma Students

Election declared void as the number of votes cast was less than five per cent of persons on the roll of electors.

1.3 Minutes

The minutes of Meeting No. 4/91 held on 1 July, copies of which had been circulated, were confirmed and signed subject to the following amendments:

Minute 2.13 Plebiscite for new Union Constitution

The minute for this item was amended to read as follows:

`The Vice-Chancellor informed Council that at the last meeting of the Union Board, a proposal was received from MAS for a new constitution for the Union at Clayton campus. A report from this meeting had not been prepared in time for the Council agenda. Part of the proposal was that a plebiscite be held to seek the opinion of students as to whether or not this proposed constitution was acceptable and that the Registrar was the appropriate person to act as Returning Officer.

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.

After a lengthy discussion, Council agreed to note the information which had been brought to its attention and to take no other action at the meeting.

Minute 4.5 Monash Postgraduate Association Constitution

1.4 Matters Arising from the Minutes

1.3 MPA Promulgation of Amending Regulation

Council agreed to adopt the proposed amendment to the Statute.

2.1 Report on the Merged University

At the previous meeting, item 2.1, the Vice-Chancellor informed Council that he expected a report of the Walker Review of the two Faculties of Business to be made available for this meeting of Council.

3.2.1 Academic Board Report - Meeting 5/91

1.5 Gifts and Grants

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

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.

1.8 Election of Chancellor and Deputy Chancellors

2. REPORT OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR

2.1 Australian Computing and Communications Institute

Council received the attached recommendations from the Vice-Chancellor for Council's endorsement. After noting that there was no cost to the University involved at this stage of the proposal, Council resolved to endorse the recommendations.

2.2 Plebiscite on a Draft new Monash Union Constitution

As agreed at the last meeting of Council (see amendments to the Minutes under item 1.3 above), the plebiscite was conducted by the Registrar who reported the results as follows:

No. Percentage

That the proposed new constitution be approved 1327 36.9

That the proposed new constitution not be approved 2215 61.5

Invalid votes 59 1.6

TOTAL 3601 100.0

2.3 Standing Committees of Council

As foreshadowed at the previous meeting, a listing of the terms of reference, constitution and current membership of all standing committees of Council was received, with the exception of eight committees indicated whose continuing role is presently under review.

Council was informed that it was normal practice for the Vice-Chancellor to bring to the July meeting of Council each year, a list of nominations to committees to fill any vacancies which occurred as a result of the completion of terms of office and to make recommendations for the continuation or replacement of other members of Council standing committees. It was noted that as a result of the merger, the establishment of both a new Council and Academic Board, the matter had been more complicated this year than in previous years.

2.4 Vice-Chancellor's Report on Capital Program

A report from the Vice-Chancellor was tabled at the meeting. The report sought Council's endorsement of the proposals in the paper which were summarised as follows:

(i) allocation of the funds as proposed above including approval for GSM to remain at Clayton;

(ii) formation of the Committee as suggested above;

(iii) preparation of a longer term plan for development at Caulfield.

In discussing the matter, Council noted that some aspects of the Vice-Chancellor's report, particularly the question of the location of the Graduate School of Management, were also mentioned in reports of the Buildings Committee and the Finance Committee.

After further discussion, Council noted that the proposals in the Vice-Chancellor's paper would take precedence over any contrary proposals in other documents before Council and the three proposals were then put to the meeting.

Council approved an amendment to the composition of the committee in (ii) above to include the President of the Monash University Student Union Inc. (the student union at Caulfield campus) and subject to this amendment, the three recommendations were put to Council and carried.

2.5 Ad hoc Committee of Academic Board re Testamurs

2.6 Clinical Associate Professorship Committee

2.7 Victorian College of Pharmacy

Council was informed of the process of the merger with the Victorian College of Pharmacy. At the September meeting of Council in 1990, the Heads of Agreement had provided for the College to become a college of the University. The merger was a two stage process involving a corporate amalgamation as the first stage which required a number of changes to the structure of the College, the incorporation of Monash University in the title, the appointment of Monash representatives on the College Council and provision for a number of changes to the Memorandum and Articles of Association as the College was an incorporated body. Council was informed that the Victorian Government had approved the changes and the Attorney General had approved the change of name of the College to the Victorian College of Pharmacy (Monash University) Limited. The next stage in the process was for legislation to proceed to the Victorian Parliament and it was anticipated this would happen in 1992.

3. REPORTS OF BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

3.1 Academic Board

A - Proposal for the establishment of a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) and (Early Childhood), and Bachelor of Educational Studies - Faculty of Education;

D - Proposal for the establishment of a Major in Mass Communications in the Bachelor of Arts (Social Sciences) - Monash University College Gippsland;

E - Approval to advertise and fill the Sir Hayden Starke Chair of Law;

F - Approval to advertise and fill a Chair in Education;

3.1.1 Recommendations

Council approved the recommendations arising from matters dealt with in the following items of the report subject to the recommendations in items 2.3 and 4 as set out below:

2.1 Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) and (Early Childhood), and Bachelor of Educational Studies;

2.2 Master of Applied Psychology (Occupational) and (Sport);

2.4 Proposal for a Major in Mass Communications in the Bachelor of Arts (Social Sciences);

3.1 Sir Hayden Starke Chair of Law;

3.2 Chair in Education;

3.3 Chair in Applied Mathematics;

4. Position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research);

Council considered the recommendation of the Academic Board that Council be requested to reconsider its decision not to approve the establishment of the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research).

After discussing the matter at some length, Council resolved that the decision in regard to the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) not be reconsidered at the present stage and that a decision should not be made until a report was received from the committee established to review policy structure and administration of research chaired by Professor Waller.

5. Appointment of Fellows of the Faculty of Arts; and

6. Appointment of Associate Dean in the Faculty of Education.

Proceedings

In regard to item 2 of the Proceedings, Elections to Council, it was noted that the Academic Board had discussed the provisions in the legislation under which proportional representational voting was to be used in elections to Council and the staggering of terms of office. A similar discussion took place at the last Council meeting on this matter. Council noted that further consideration would be given to the matter if it was decided to request Parliament to amend the University Act in the future.

3.1.2 Legislation

1.1 Courses and Degrees (Faculty of Arts)(Degree of Master of Arts)(Amendment No. 10) Regulations;

1.2 Courses and Degrees (Faculty of Computing and Information Technology)(Graduate Certificate in Computing) Regulations;

1.3 Courses and Degrees (Faculty of Computing and Information Technology)(Graduate Certificate in Information Technology) Regulations;

3.2 Reports of Standing Committees

3.2.1 Biosafety Committee

Council approved the changes in membership recommended by the Committee as set down in the attached memorandum from its Secretary.

3.2.2 Buildings Committee

Council noted that there was a vacancy on the Buildings Committee for an elected student but decided to wait until the election process for the student members had been completed. Dr Knights repeated his earlier reassurance that students would be represented on building users sub-committees.

Council noted the information.

3.2.3 Equal Opportunity Committee

Council received the minutes of a meeting of the Equal Opportunity Committee held on 29 May.

3.2.4 Finance Committee - Meeting No. 3/91

Council was asked to approve the recommendations arising from the matters dealt with in the following items of the minutes:

6. Faculty of Medicine, loan request, Department of Community Medicine, and

7. Status Report - Sir John Monash Business Centre.

In regard to 6 above, a query was raised in regard to the appropriateness of the University requiring one of its constituent components to sign a formal loan agreement. Council was informed that it was desirable for a clear statement in respect of the responsibilities of each party to the proposed loan to be set out in writing. Council was also informed that the interest rate was not a notional one but based on the current earning rate of the University which was approximately 14%. It was further noted that the proposal was not unique, a previous loan of $200,000 had been made to the Department of Community Medicine.

After noting the above information, Council approved the recommendations outlined in the minutes in item 6 and 7.

3.2.5 Finance Committee - Meeting No. 4/91

A - 1990 Financial Statement - Playbox Theatre Centre;

B - 1990 Financial Statement - Alexander Theatre;

C - 1990 Financial Statement - Monash University Bookshop;

Council's attention was drawn to the substantial loss in profitability of the Bookshop in 1990 and a discussion ensued as to the nature of the Bookshop and the phrase included on page 240 of the Agenda `and the requirement for the University to regularly receive a return on capital invested in the Bookshop'. The Comptroller assured Council that before the report referred to in the minutes was prepared and presented, he would be speaking with the Manager of the Bookshop and the Bookshop Board.

D - 1990 Financial Statement - Halls of Residence;

E - 1990 Financial Statement - Robert Blackwood Hall;

F - 1990 Financial Statement - University Owned Transit Accommodation; and

G - 1990 Financial Statement - South East Flats.

Council approved the recommendations arising from the matters dealt with in the following items of the minutes except where specified:

5. Frank Tate House, financing of purchase;

6. Proposed Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Aerospace Structures.

Council noted that the information contained in the report relating to voting rights, (iii) of the report, was incorrect. The voting rights would be allocated according to input so that the two firms concerned would have 22.5%, the four Universitys 10% each and the Aerospace Structures Ltd would have 15%. This arrangement in respect of voting rights had not been available to the Finance Committee.

Subject to this correction, the proposal contained in the minutes of the Finance Committee was approved.

7. Minutes of Building Committee Meeting 365

Council noted that the proposal in respect of the relocation of the Graduate School of Management was dealt with under item 2.4 of the Vice- Chancellor's report above.

8. Montech Pty Ltd, proposal to increase authorised and issued capital

Council noted that the proposal to increase the issued capital of Montech by $100,000 required specific approval of Council. Council approved the proposal and noted that the Finance Committee had requested Montech Pty Ltd to provide a detailed business plan for the next one to three years.

3.2.6 Halls of Residence Committee

Council received the minutes of a meeting of the Halls of Residence Committee held on 21 June 1991.

3.2.7 Occupational Health and Safety Policy Committee

Council agreed to endorse the policy subject to adding an additional sentence to 3. Scope as follows:

This paragraph does not apply to University residential accommodation (except for public areas) and that steps should be taken to explore the possibility of formulating a separate plan for these establishments.

3.2.8 Patents Committee

Council received the attached report on the activities of the Patents Committee during 1990.

3.2.9 Personal Chairs Committee

Senator Patterson informed Council that she had a number of concerns in respect of the proposed procedures.

Council approved the proposed procedures and noted that Senator Patterson would convey her suggestions for alternative procedures to the Chairman of the Personal Chairs Committee.

3.2.10 Students' Grants and Loans Committee

Council received the minutes of a meeting of the Students' Grants and Loans Committee held on 3 June 1991.

3.3 Reports of Ad Hoc Committees

3.3.1 Chair of Education Selection Committee

3.3.2 Director/Professor of Radiation Oncology Selection Committee

3.3.3 Deanship, Faculty of Computing and Information Technology

3.4 Reports of Other Committees

3.4.1 Superannuation Administrators and Trustees

Council noted the information.

3.4.2 Joint Finance Committee for Student Amenities

Council received minutes of a meeting of the Joint Finance Committee for Student Amenities held on 26 June. Views were expressed about the continuation of a Caulfield/Clayton shuttle bus. The Comptroller mentioned that the matter was still being considered and would be part of the forthcoming budget deliberations.

3.4.3 Union Board Meeting No. 5/91

Council received the minutes of a meeting of the Union Board held on 6 June 1991.

Council noted the information.

3.4.4 Union Board Meeting No. 6/91

Council noted the information.

4. GENERAL BUSINESS

4.1 Conferral of Degrees

4.2 Appointment of Chair Selection Committees

4.2.1 Chair of Anaesthesia;

Ms J.A. Chandler;

Dr J.E. Kolm

4.2.2 Chair of Anatomy;

Ms M.G. Keys;

Mr H.A. Grayson

4.2.3 Chair of Chemical Engineering;

Mr A.H. May;

Mrs J. Strauss

4.2.4 Chair of Pharmacology;

Dr G.A. Knights;

Mr C.L. Hatsell

4.2.5 Chair of Respiratory Medicine

4.3 Recent Appointments

Council noted the brief details of recent academic staff appointments.

4.4 Appointments made by the Vice-Chancellor

4.4.1 Department of Econometrics

Associate Professor K.R. McLaren as Acting Head from 5 June to 31 December;

4.4.2 Department of Business Systems

Associate Professor R.J. Willis as Head from 1 July to 31 December; and

4.4.3 Department of Earth Sciences

Dr R.A.F. Cas as Head and Dr P.V. Rich as Deputy Head from 1 July to 31 December.

4.5 Appointment of an Authorised Officer

`That Susan Juliette Butler (nee Sierat) be appointed as an officer of the University -

a) pursuant to Section 77(4) of the Road Safety Act 1986 and Regulation 902(f) of the Road Safety (Procedures) Regulations 1988 for the purpose of taking proceedings generally for any breach of Regulations made under Part VIII of that Act;

b) pursuant to the Monash University Parking Permit Rules 1986 for the purpose of enforcing those rules; and

c) generally to enforce discipline within the University.'

4.6 Personnel Services Report

A query was raised concerning the allocation of funding under the Training Guarantee Act in respect of academic staff compared with general staff.

Council noted the information.

4.7 Committee Appointments

4.7.1 Executive of the Sports and Recreation Association

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 B.M. Bullivant, School of Graduate Studies, Faculty of Education;

4.8.2 Associate Professor J.R. Northfield, School of Graduate Studies, Faculty of Education;

4.8.3 Professor I.J. Polmear, Department of Materials Engineering;

4.8.4 Dr S.N. Sampson, School of Graduate Studies, Faculty of Education; and

4.8.5 Professor R.H. Snape, Department of Economics.

4.9 Meeting Dates for 1992

Council approved the proposed meeting dates for Council in 1992, corresponding to the six-weekly meeting schedule adopted over the past four years:

Monday, 24 February

Monday, 6 April

Monday, 18 May

Monday, 29 June

Monday, 3 August

Monday, 21 September

Monday, 2 November

Monday, 14 December.

5. ITEMS FOR REPORT

5.1 Next Meeting

The next meeting of Council is scheduled to be held on Monday, 23 September, commencing at 5.00 pm.