Council Meeting 3-1997

Meeting No 3/97 of the Monash University Council was held on Monday 12 May 1997, in the Council Room, Administration Building 3a, Clayton Campus between 5.05 pm and 7.10 pm.

There were present:

Mr D W Rogers, Chancellor (presiding)
Dr G A Knights, Deputy Chancellor
Mr P H Ramler, Deputy Chancellor
Professor D A Robinson, Vice-Chancellor and President

In attendance were:

Professor P leP Darvall, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development)
Professor J E Maloney, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International and Public Affairs)
Mr P B Wade, General Manager
Professor R J Pargetter (for consideration of Item 8.1 only)
Ms H Dunne, Executive Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor
Ms O Cornelius, Academic Registrar, Secretary to Council
Ms J Allen, Minute Secretary

MINUTES

Preliminary

Council approved the Chancellor's recommendation that Ms Tanja Kovac, Convenor, Monash University Federation of Student Organisations (MUFSO) and Ms Natalie Samia, student, be invited to address Council at Agenda Item 8.1 on the issue of Undergraduate Fees and Scholarships.

1. Apologies

Apologies were received from Senator K C L Patterson and Mr G D W Curlewis.

(File 88/1415)

2. Special Leave

A request for special leave from Mr J C Hutchinson was approved at Meeting 1/97.

A request for special leave from the Chancellor for Meeting 4/97 was approved.

(File 88/1415)

3. Minutes

RESOLUTION CL3/97/104

That Council confirm the minutes of Meeting 1/97 held on Monday 17 March 1997.

4. Arrangement of Agenda and Procedural Matters

4.1 Starring of Items

Agenda items 1, 2, 3, 4, 7.3, 7.7, 8.1, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6,9.9, 9.13, 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.7, 12.1, 20 and 21 were starred and discussed at the meeting.

4.2 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'.

4.3 Confidential Items

Council identified and resolved confidential items 6, 12, 13, 14, 15.2 and 22 and discussed and resolved starred confidential item 12.1.

4.4 Admission of Observers

Authorised observers were admitted to the meeting.

5. Matters Arising from the Minutes

6. Report of the Executive Committee of Council

6.1 Report of the Personal Chairs Committee

RESOLUTION CL3/97/105

That Council note that, on 14 April 1997, the Executive Committee of Council, by way of a postal ballot of its members conducted in accordance with its constitution, approved the recommendation of the Personal Chairs Committee that an offer of appointment to the positions of a Personal Chair in Chemistry, a Personal Chair in Ecology and a Personal Chair in Chemistry be made to the persons named in the document presented.

(Files 95/0912, 96/1403)

For action or noting by: Personnel Manager, Senior Appointments

6.2 Report of the Selection Committee for an appointment to the position of Professorial Fellow in Housing and Manager, Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute Housing Research Program

RESOLUTION CL3/97/106

That Council note that, on 24 April 1997, the Executive Committee of Council, by way of a postal ballot of its members conducted in accordance with its constitution, approved the recommendation of the selection committee that an offer of appointment to the position of Professorial Fellow in Housing and Manager, Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute Housing Research Program be made to the person named in the document presented.

(Personnel File 96/1403)

For action or noting by: Personnel Manager, Senior Appointments

7. Review of the Council of Monash University

7.1 Report of the Nominations Committee

7.1.1 Receipt of Report

RESOLUTION CL3/97/107

That Council receive and note the report of the Nominations Committee meeting held on 17 April 1997, as detailed in the document presented.

(File 95/0597)

7.1.2 Nominations for Appointment by Governor in Council

RESOLUTION CL3/97/108

That Council note:

1. the Nomination Committee's nomination of Mr H A Grayson and Mr J C Hutchinson for appointment to Council by the Governor in Council for a term commencing on 1 July 1997; and
2. the Committee's decision to advise both the Governor in Council and the members appointed by him that Government amendments to the Monash University Act altering the constitution of Council are anticipated to take effect on 1 January 1998 and that their terms of office will end by operation of law on 31 December 1997, or such date as a reconstituted Council may be established.

(File 88/0255)

7.1.3 Members Coopted by Council

RESOLUTION CL3/97/109

That Council approve the Nomination Committee's recommendation that the position of a coopted member formerly occupied by Dr C K Coogan and the position of a coopted member occupied by Mr J C Hutchinson to 30 June 1997 not be filled at this time.

(File 87/0836)

7.1.4 Receipt of Proceedings

RESOLUTION CL3/97/110

That Council note the proceedings of the Nominations Committee as detailed in the document presented.

(File 95/0597)

For action or noting by: Executive Officer (Council)

7.2 Disestablishment of the Nominations Committee

At Meeting 2/97, Council approved a plan to facilitate implementation of its determinations regarding Council's role and composition and in so doing, agreed that it would disestablish the Nominations Committee of Council at Meeting 3/97.

RESOLUTION CL3/97/111

That Council disestablish the Nominations Committee, effective from 13 May 1997.

(File 95/0597)

For action or noting by: University Solicitor, Executive Officer (Council)

7.3 Establishment of Membership Committee

At Meeting 2/97 Council approved a plan to facilitate implementation of its determinations regarding Council's role and composition and in so doing, agreed that it would establish a Membership Committee of Council with terms of reference and membership and associated issues as detailed in the document titled Review of the Council of Monash University: Final Report on Outcomes of a Council Retreat.

Council noted the Chancellor's amendment to Part (ii) of the recommendation presented in the Agenda, namely, to delete the name "Miss D Pizzey" and insert in its place the name "Mr W A Kricker".

RESOLUTION CL3/97112

That Council:

1. establish a Membership Committee of Council as detailed in the document presented;
2. approve the recommendations of the Chancellor to appoint to the Membership Committee Professor J M Hearn and Mr W A Kricker as the external members of Council and Dr P Rodan as the internal member of Council;
3. invite members of Council to provide to the Secretary of the Membership Committee, by 19 May 1997, a list of names of persons for consideration for cooption by the Committee, of two persons who are not members of Council.

(File 97/0477)

For action or noting by: Executive Officer (Council)

7.4 Report of the Membership Working Party

7.4.1 Receipt of Report

RESOLUTION CL3/97/113

That Council receive and note the report of the Council Membership Working Party and approve recommendations, as detailed in the document presented, relating to:

1. Criteria for the selection of members to be recommended by the Membership Committee of Council for appointment to Council;
2. Procedures for the selection of members to be recommended by the Membership Committee of Council for appointment to Council;
3. Criteria for assessment of the performance of Council Members
4. Procedures for assessment of the performance of Council Members
5. Review of Remit

(File 97/0268)

For action or noting by: Secretary, Membership Working Party; Executive Officer (Council)

7.5 Report of the Legislation Working Party

7.5.1 Receipt of Report

RESOLUTION CL3/97/114

The Council receive the report of the meeting of the Legislation Working Party held on 25 March 1997.

(File 97/0270)

7.5.2 Additional Submission to the Ministerial Committee of Advice on University Governance: Proposed Amendments to the Monash University Act

RESOLUTION CL3/97/115

That Council formally endorse the Additional Submission to the Ministerial Committee of Advice on Review of Arrangements for the Governance of Universities in Victoria, as detailed in the document presented.

(File 96/1197)

7.5.3 Receipt of Proceedings

RESOLUTION CL3/97/116

That Council note the proceedings of the Legislation Working Party as detailed in the document presented.

For action or noting by: Secretary, Legislation Working Party

7.6 Election of Graduate Student Members to Council: Reclassification of Graduate Diploma Students

RESOLUTION CL3/97/117

1. That Statute 1.1 - Interpretation be altered to include a separate definition for graduate diploma students as distinct from diploma and certificate students.
2. That Statute 9.1.2 - Election of members of the Council by the students in the university, be altered so that it reads "2. One of the three members of the Council to be elected pursuant to this statute shall be elected from among their number by the graduate and graduate diploma students of the university and as a qualification for becoming a member of the Council shall be a graduate or graduate diploma student who is attending the university solely or principally as a graduate or graduate diploma student rather than as an employee of the university." (Changes italicised)

(File 95/0705)

For action or noting by: University Solicitor; Executive Officer (Council)

7.7 Review of Arrangements for the Governance of Universities in Victoria

Council noted the Chancellor's advice that the Minister for Education had approved a delay of six weeks in the submission date for the report from his Committee of Review into the Governance of Universities in Victoria. The report was expected to reach the Minister by mid-June and it was anticipated that the Minister would make an announcement 2-3 weeks after that date. The implementation date for the new arrangements was expected to remain 1 January 1998.

RESOLUTION CL3/97/118

That Council receive and note the oral advice of the Chancellor regarding the Review of Arrangements for the Governance of Universities in Victoria.

(File 96/1197)

For action or noting by: Executive Officer (Council)

8. Vice-Chancellor's Business

8.1 Undergraduate Fees and Scholarships

The Vice-Chancellor presented to Council a paper titled Australian Undergraduate Fees and Scholarships 1998 and, in so doing, provided advice to Council in response to genuine concerns expressed to him by students about the introduction of full fees for Australian undergraduate students, concerns relating to issues of access, quality and scholarships-bursaries.

The Vice-Chancellor confirmed the University's commitment to:

• increasing access to its courses through all available funding mechanisms;
• enrolling as full fee paying students only those with a realistic chance of succeeding in the course (most likely to be a high TER cut-off course) for which they applied; and
• implementing a suite of scholarships and bursaries designed to attract and retain excellent students and to give additional support to students from target equity groups.

The Vice-Chancellor went on to draw Council's attention to the fact that he had received, from the Convenor, Monash University Federation of Student Organisations (MUFSO), a petition which indicated the concerns of some students on the matters under discussion.

In concluding his presentation, the Vice-Chancellor invited Council's attention to the recommendation presented in the Agenda, as follows:

That Council receive the appended paper on Australian Undergraduate Fees and Scholarships 1998 and, bearing in mind regulation 8.1, under Statute 6.1.1, note the recommendation of Finance Committee:

"That Council note that Finance Committee received reports prepared by the Vice-Chancellor and his Special Adviser on Admission Matters and endorsed the Vice-Chancellor's recommendation that Monash University should from 1 January 1998, admit full fee paying Australian undergraduate students above DEETYA agreed load. The annual fee level for each course (except Medicine) will be set at A$950.00 below the already set annual comparable fee for international students."

and sought Council's endorsement of the paper presented.

In accordance with Council's decision, taken prior to the commencement of the meeting, the Chancellor invited two student observers to present to Council their views on the matter at hand.

Ms Tanja Kovac, Convenor, MUFSO, requested that Monash University contribute to the debate about public funding for education and that the University make public statements critical of those policy-makers she considered to be responsible for cuts to education funding. Ms Kovac suggested that any decision to introduce full fee paying Australian undergraduate places at Monash University pre-empted the University's Corporate Plan, and requested that the University assess the need for fees against the Corporate Plan and take time to canvass the views of all sections of the University for alternative suggestions before introducing fees.

Ms Natalie Samia spoke in support of the paper before Council, saying that additional funding derived from full fee paying students would empower the University to give more students an education.

Council members were invited to discuss the issue.

Associate Professor J Strauss, a Teaching and Research-only staff member, expressed concern that Council was being asked to note a decision of the Finance Committee when the matter was clearly a change of policy which Council should have the opportunity to debate at length.

The Postgraduate Student member, Mr A J Fox, said that Monash should aim to be the best University in Australia in terms of access and academic standards. In his opinion, there was insufficient detail in the documentation presented to allow Council to make an informed decision on the introduction of full fees for Australian undergraduate students.

Mr Fox moved that the matter of fees be deferred until such time as it could be considered in terms of the Corporate Plan. The motion was seconded by Mr R L Whyte, a Teaching and Research-only staff member.

In the discussion which ensued, a number of issues were raised including:

• the concern that Council had had no opportunity to have input to issues such as a change of admissions policy and the effect on admissions regulations;
• the poor public relations image which Monash would receive through supporting the introduction of full fee paying places and the apparent lowering of entrance standards;
• the impact of additional student intakes on reduced teaching staff;
• that equity in education must relate to talent and capability, not ability to pay;
• a fear of further reductions in DEETYA funded places in the longer term, with no increase in scholarships to offset those reductions;
• the need to engage staff and students in deliberations on the matter over a longer period;
• the maintenance of social justice - the need to guarantee that quality students would still have access to University places; and
• the need for a specific quantified TER level to be enunciated as part of the introduction of fees.

Council agreed that it would wish to have further information on these matters for consideration.

The Vice-Chancellor reminded Council that Monash University had been the driving force behind the introduction of the Open Learning scheme, for which no particular education standard was required. The rationale for enunciating a TER for full fee paying places had been to reassure colleagues and students that those students who could afford to pay would only be accepted into the University if they met a pre-determined standard.

Council voted in favour of the motion to defer a decision on the introduction of full fees for Australian undergraduate students until such time as it could be considered in terms of the Corporate Plan and noted the Vice-Chancellor's advice that deferring a decision on the matter had implications for the University's forthcoming education profile negotiations with DEETYA, and for advertising the University's 1998 undergraduate courses through the VTAC guide.

In summarising Council's position, the Chancellor confirmed that Council would receive a paper for consideration at its next meeting, the paper to:

• be circulated to members in advance of the meeting;
• outline the rationale for and details of the proposed scheme for the introduction of full fees for Australian undergraduate students, and the implications for the University if such fees were introduced and if they were not;
• address the issues raised during Council's debate on the matter;
• be presented in the context of the University's Corporate Plan, also scheduled to be presented to Council at its next meeting.

RESOLUTION CL3/97/119

That the matter of full fees for Australian undergraduate students be deferred until such time as it can be considered in terms of the Corporate Plan.

(File 97/0456)

For action or noting by: Executive Officer (Corporate Planning and Review); Executive Assistant (Office of the Vice-Chancellor); Executive Officer (Council)

9. Report of the Academic Board

9.1 Receipt of Report

RESOLUTION CL3/97/120

That Council receive and note the Report of Meeting 3/97 of the Academic Board.

(File 96/0858)

For action or noting by: Secretary, Academic Board

9.2 Faculty of Engineering (Diploma of Engineering (Industrial

Management)) (Amendment No 1 1997) Regulations

RESOLUTION CL3/97/121

That Council make the legislation titled Faculty of Engineering (Diploma of Engineering (Industrial Management)) (Amendment No 1 1997) Regulations.

(File 95/1015)

For action or noting by: University Solicitor; Faculty Registrar (Engineering)

9.3 Statute 6.1.2 - Courses and Degrees (Amendment No 2 1997) Statute

RESOLUTION CL3/97/122

That Council make the legislation titled Statute 6.1.2 - Courses and Degrees (Amendment No 2 1997) Statute.

(File 96/0861)

For action or noting by: University Solicitor; Faculty Registrar (Engineering)

9.4 Doctorate Regulations (Doctor of Philosophy and Professional Doctorate Programs (All Faculties)) (Amendment No 1 1997) Regulations

In response to a question as to why there appeared to be different rules for staff candidates undertaking higher degrees, Deputy Vice-Chancellor P LeP Darvall advised Council that staff candidates who were distinguished in their field could progress to a higher degree by compiling previously published papers which had a common thread. Professor Darvall advised that the practice was common throughout the world.

RESOLUTION CL3/97/123

That Council make the legislation titled Doctorate Regulations (Doctor of Philosophy and Professional Doctorate Programs (All Faculties)) (Amendment No 1 1997) Regulations.

(File 95/0248)

For action or noting by: University Solicitor; Faculty Registrars

9.5 Review of Council and Consequential Review of the Academic Board

In response to a question from a member of Council, Council was advised by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor P LeP Darvall that the Academic Board review was under way, that interviews were taking place and that the completion date for the review had yet to be advised to the Board.

RESOLUTION CL3/97/124

That Council note that the Academic Board has established a small working party comprising five members to consider the Board's role and to receive submissions from members of the Board and the academic community with the ultimate aim of providing advice to Council.

(File 97/0531)

For action or noting by: Secretary, Academic Board Working Party

9.6 Pecuniary Interests of Committee Members

Council received the Vice-Chancellor's advice that some members of the Monash community had suggested that the statement, endorsed by Council, which was to appear on all agenda, was inadequate and required revision. The Vice-Chancellor undertook to provide Council with an alternative form of statement, for consideration at Meeting 4/97.

RESOLUTION CL3/97/125

That Council give further consideration to use of the word "personal" in its previously approved statement concerning pecuniary interests of committee members.

(File 96/1216)

For action or noting by: Executive Assistant (Office of the Vice-Chancellor); University Solicitor; Executive Officer (Council)

9.7 Academic Staff Appointments

9.7.1 Appointment of Associate Dean (Graduate Studies) - Victorian College of Pharmacy

RESOLUTION CL3/97/126

That, on the recommendation of Academic Board and the Board of the Victorian College of Pharmacy, Council approve the proposal of the Board of the Victorian College of Pharmacy to appoint Professor PJ Stewart as Associate Dean (Graduate Studies) for 1997.

(Personnel Files)

For action or noting by: Personnel Officer (Operations); Registrar (Pharmacy)

9.7.2 Honorary Appointments - Faculty of Arts

RESOLUTION CL3/97/127

That Council note the following honorary appointments, approved in accordance with Staff Handbook section 1.4 by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and / or the Board of the Faculty of Arts (as appropriate):

Department of Geography & Environmental Science

• Mr Eric Bottomley as Honorary Research Fellow for the period 1 January 1997 to 31 December 1997.
• Mr John Jack as Honorary Research Fellow for the period 1 January 1997 to 31 December 1997.

Department of Japanese Studies

• Dr Pam Oliver as Honorary Research Associate for a period of 1 year commencing 29 January 1997.

Department of Politics

• Dr John Dalton as Honorary Associate for a two year period commencing 1 January 1997.

Department of Romance Languages

• Dr Jacques Birnberg as Honorary Associate for a period of two years commencing 1 January 1997.

(Personnel Files)

For action or noting by: Personnel Officer (Operations); Faculty Registrar (Arts)

9.7.3 Clinical Associate Professorships

RESOLUTION CL3/97/128

That Council note the recommendations made by the University Clinical Associate Professorship Committee to:

appoint the following as Honorary Clinical Associate Professors until 31 December 1997:

• Dr Denis Spelman, Department of Microbiology, Alfred Hospital
• Dr Bruce Braham Davis, Department of Surgery, Alfred Hospital
• Dr Denys Woodeson Fortune, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Alfred Hospital

and reappoint the following until 31 December 1997:

• Mr Ian McInnes, Department of Surgery, Alfred Hospital
• Mr Adrian Polglase, Department of Surgery, Alfred Hospital
• Mr Frank Rosenfeldt, Department of Surgery, Alfred Hospital
• Ms Nina Sacharias, Department of Surgery, Alfred Hospital

(Personnel Files)

For action or noting by: Personnel Officer (Operations); Faculty Registrar (Medicine)

9.7.4 Honorary Associate Professors

RESOLUTION CL3/97/129

That Council note the recommendations approved by the University Readership / Associate Professorship Committee to appoint the following Honorary Associate Professors until 31 December 1997:

• Dr Christopher Norman Gray, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine
• Dr John William Barlow, Department of Medicine, Alfred Hospital
• Dr Peter James Fuller, Department of Medicine, Alfred Hospital

(Personnel Files)

For action or noting by: Personnel Officer (Operations); Faculty Registrar (Medicine)

9.8 Award of Doctor of Science

RESOLUTION CL3/97/130

That Council award the degree of Doctor of Science to Professor J Findlay for his thesis titled "Peripheral and Local Regulators of Folliculogenesis in the Ovary".

(File 92/0794)

For action or noting by: Manager, Examinations and Certifications Branch; Faculty Registrar (Science)

9.9 Policy on the Recognition of Prior Learning

Council members requested information on any plans the University might have to train staff whose task it would be to assess prior learning and an indication of the courses for which recognised prior learning would be relevant. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Darvall advised that assessments of prior learning would be made against AVCC guidelines and that the key personnel involved in such decisions would be faculty registrars. Professor Darvall advised that, in theory, prior learning could apply to all courses.

RESOLUTION CL3/97/131

That Council approve the recommendation of the Admissions Committee to adopt as University Policy Recognition of Prior Learning Guidelines 1-7 and the recommendations for implementation of those Guidelines, as presented.

(File 97/0567)

For action or noting by: Secretary, Admissions Committee; Faculty Registrars

9.10 Admissions Policy

RESOLUTION CL3/97/132

That Council note that, subject to the drafting of appropriate legislation, the Academic Board approved a proposal of the Admissions Committee to amend the University's admissions policy with respect to age of entry (due for introduction in 1998) to include the principle that:

"Students who are up to one year younger than the minimum age for entry and are in the top 10% of school leavers for that year would be admitted and have a mentor provided by the faculty who would monitor their transition during the first year of study. Those more than one year younger than the minimum age or not in the top 10% of students would require faculty approval before being admitted."

(File 96/0979)

For action or noting by: Secretary, Admissions Committee; Faculty Registrars

9.11 Faculty of Education - Faculty Restructure

RESOLUTION CL3/97/133

That, subject to the drafting of appropriate legislation, Council approve the changes to structure of the Faculty of Education as detailed in the document presented.

(File 88/969)

For action or noting by: University Solicitor; Faculty Registrar (Education)

9.12 School of Applied Science - Change of Name

RESOLUTION CL3/97/134

That Council note the change in name of the "School of Applied Science" at the Gippsland Campus, to the "School of Applied Sciences".

(File 97/0485)

For action or noting by: Director, Gippsland Campus; University Solicitor; Faculty Registrar (Science)

9.13 Annual Reports

A member of Council expressed the view that annual reports from deans of faculties should provide useful information and should cover issues of importance in a standard format. He reminded Council that, some two years ago, Council had agreed that such reports would be required to link into quality indicators.

The Vice-Chancellor assured Council that deans would be required to provide reports to the Vice-Chancellor's Group which were linked to the Corporate Plan and that those reports could, in the future, be presented to Council.

(File 96/1314)

For action or noting by: Vice-Chancellor's Group; Deans; Executive Officer (Corporate Planning and Review); Secretary, Academic Board

9.13.1 1996 Annual Report of the Dean of the Faculty of Law

RESOLUTION CL3/97/135

That Council receive and note the 1996 Annual Report of the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor CR Williams.

(File 96/1314)

For action or noting by: Dean, Law

9.13.2 1996 Annual Report of the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine

RESOLUTION CL3/97/136

That Council receive and note the 1996 Annual Report of the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Professor R Porter.

(File 96/1314)

For action or noting by: Dean, Medicine

9.13.3 1996 Annual Report of the Dean of the Faculty of Science

RESOLUTION CL3/97/137

That Council receive and note the 1996 Annual Report of the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor RW Davies.

(File 96/1314)

For action or noting by: Dean, Science

9.13.4 1996 Annual Report of the University Librarian

RESOLUTION CL3/97/138

That Council receive and note the 1996 Annual Report of the University Librarian, Professor E Lim.

(File 95/0678)

For action or noting by: University Librarian

9.14 Membership of the Board of the Faculty of Business and Economics

RESOLUTION CL3/97/139

That Council note that appropriate amendments required by Council at Meeting 1/97 (CL1/97/24) have been made to the proposal concerning membership of the Board of the Faculty of Business and Economics.

(File 93/1071)

For action or noting by: Dean, Faculty Registrar (Business and Economics)

9.15 New Course Proposals

RESOLUTION CL3/97/140

That Council note:

1. that Academic Board certifies to Council that it has received and approved proposals as listed below, in accordance with its delegated authority, and that the proposals approved by the Board comply with Council's standards and guidelines concerning such proposals;
2. the new courses as listed; and
3. that related legislation will be referred subsequently by the Board to Council for approval:
   • Bachelor of Arts (Administrative Studies)
   • Graduate Certificate in Regional Economic Development
   • Bachelor of Music / Bachelor of Education

• Graduate Certificate in Gifted Education

(File 95/0993)

For action or noting by: Faculty Registrars (Arts, Business and Economics, Education)

9.16 Amendments to Existing Courses

RESOLUTION CL3/97/141

That Council note:

1. that Academic Board certifies to Council that it has received and approved proposals as listed below, in accordance with its delegated authority, and that the proposals approved by the Board comply with Council's standards and guidelines concerning such proposals;
2. the amendments to courses as listed; and
3. that related legislation, if necessary, will be referred subsequently by the Board to Council for approval:
   • Master of Arts - Museum Studies and Cultural Policy stream - change to core subject
   • Bachelor of Arts (Humanities and Social Sciences) - amendment to title
   • Amendment of double degree titles associated with Bachelor of Arts (Humanities and Social Sciences)
   • Graduate Certificate in Public Policy and Management - additional mode of offer
   • Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and Management - additional mode of offer
   • Master of Public Policy and Management - additional mode of offer
   • Graduate Certificate in Electronic Commerce - additional mode of offer and amendment to admission requirements
   • Graduate Diploma in Electronic Commerce - additional mode of offer and amendment to admission requirements
   • Master of Business (Accounting) - amendment to course structure
   • Master of Practising Accounting - amendment to course structure
   • Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Computing - amendment to structure
   • The honours degree of Bachelor of Computing - additional mode of offer
   • The honours degree of Bachelor of Computing - Software Development stream - amendment to structure
   • Bachelor of Technology (Computer Studies) - to be discontinued on the Peninsula campus
   • Amendment of double degree titles associated with Bachelor of Applied Science

(File 95/0993)

For action or noting by: Faculty Registrars (Arts, Business & Economics, Computing and Information Technology, Science)

9.17 Receipt of Proceedings

RESOLUTION CL3/97/142

That Council note the Proceedings of Meeting 3/97 as detailed in the document presented.

(File 96/0858)

10. Report of the Audit Committee

10.1 Report of Meeting 1/97 of the Audit Committee

RESOLUTION CL3/97/143

That Council receive and note the report of Meeting 3/97 of the Audit Committee.

(File 97/0163)

10.2 Declaration of Pecuniary Interests

RESOLUTION CL3/97/144

That, noting that the wording of Section 3 of the undertakings is subject to the adoption of a Code of Ethics by the University, Council approve the attached Declaration of Pecuniary Interests form, to be completed annually by members of Council.

(File 96/1216)

For action or noting by: Secretary, Audit Committee; Academic Registrar; Director, Personnel Services

11. Report of the Finance Committee

11.1 Receipt of Report

In response to a question from a member of Council regarding the credentials of Integrated Equity Pty Ltd, (Item 11.5 in these Minutes refers) the General Manager, Mr P B Wade, advised Council that the company was new to the field of Australian equity investments and that in his experience, managers of such funds were invariably diligent.

RESOLUTION CL3/97/145

That Council receive the report of the Finance Committee meeting held on 1 May 1997.

(File 95/1168)

For action or noting by: Secretary, Finance Committee; Director, Financial Services

11.2 VSU Legislation

In response to a question from a member of Council, the General Manager, Mr P B Wade, advised Council that the University had some time ago loaned the Student Associations funds in anticipation of receipt of a Federal grant. He said that repeated attempts to ensure that Monash University received funding for this purpose from the Federal Government at the same rate as other Victorian universities had failed, and that the University had no alternative but to write off the loans.

RESOLUTION CL3/97/146

That Council approve recommendations of the Finance Committee as detailed below:

(a) that Monash University waive its right to repayment of the loans previously issued to the Student Associations;

(b) the Monash University formally provide the Student Associations with once-off funding, out of a contingency fund of $700,000 in accordance with requests from:

$

- MSA 300,000

- MUGSU 300,000

- MUSU 100,000

(File 94/1667)

11.3 Sir John Monash Business Centre (SJMBC)

In response to a question from a member of Council, Deputy Chancellor Mr P H Ramler advised Council that the proposed new arrangements would not alter the University's ownership in the SJMBC in any way. He explained that the Centre had not been performing to the standard expected by the Finance Committee, but that the Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics anticipated that the Centre would in time turn around its previously poor performance. Mr Ramler said that in future, the Centre would be responsible to the Faculty Board.

RESOLUTION CL3/97/147

1. That Council approve the recommendations of the Finance Committee concerning a proposed corporate restructuring which provides for the Faculty of Business and Economics:

1. to pay SJMBC for use of fully maintained premises, at an 'on call' basis;
2. to transfer selected current and future commercial operations to the SJMBC;
3. to purchase the University's 50% Equity in the SJMBC for $40,000 to gain full ownership;
4. to formalise current loans from the University as non-current and at a fixed rate of interest.

2. That Council endorse the commitment given by the recently retired Vice-Chancellor, Professor MI Logan, "that Monash University will guarantee that SJMBC will fulfil its revised obligations for the remainder of the lease term".
3. That Council authorise the Vice-Chancellor (Professor D Robinson) to execute on behalf of Monash University all documents necessary to give effect to that undertaking given by Professor Logan.

(File 94/1324)

For action or noting by: Dean, Faculty of Business and Economics; Executive Assistant (Office of the Vice-Chancellor); University Solicitor

11.4 Three Year Performance Review: Monash University Fund Managers

RESOLUTION CL3/97/148

That Council authorise and approve the recommendations of Finance Committee concerning the various funds under management as follows:

1. for Monash University Corporate Treasury Portfolio: Westpac Investment Management Pty Ltd to be retained as managers of the portfolio;
2. for Monash University Balanced Fund Portfolio: National Australia Asset Management to be retained as managers of the portfolio for a further three years with the proviso that a review be undertaken of the current asset allocations;
3. for Monash University Foundation Portfolio: Council is asked to note that Finance Committee recommended that the Monash University Foundation Pty Ltd set up a Sub-Committee to examine alternative fund managers through a selective tender process; personal presentations will be made to the Sub-Committee which will then make recommendations to the Board of Directors of the Foundation for the appointment of the successful tenderer;
4. for Monash University Common Fund Portfolio: Consideration to be given to alternative fund management after the Foundation Board of Directors has finalised the appointment of its Fund Manager.

(Files 95/0391, 97/0115, 95/0388, 96/0955)

11.5 Integrated Equity Pty Ltd

RESOLUTION CL3/97/149

That Council authorise and approve the recommendation of Finance Committee that, as a means to diversify part of the investment portfolio away from more traditional managers, but without increasing risk, an initial investment of $10m be made in an individually managed portfolio, to be managed by Integrated Equity Pty Ltd.

(File 97/0579)

11.6 Monash University Borrowings

RESOLUTION CL3/97/150

That Council note that Finance Committee has been advised that Monash University has received preliminary approval to borrow $7,980,000 in 1997 for the purposes of:

• financing 1996/97 Loan Council Allocations of $6m; and
• refinancing maturing borrowings of $1.98m;

and that Council authorise and approve the recommendation of Finance Committee that:

• a 10 year facility offered by the ANZ Banking Group Limited be accepted; and
• on behalf of Monash University, the Director, Financial Services and Treasury Manager be signatories to the offer.

(File 87/0798)

11.7 Dividend Franking Credits: Unit Trust Structure

In response to a question from a member of Council, the General Manager, Mr P B Wade, advised Council that the University sought competitive arrangements to ensure it received the best possible share of tax credit available.

RESOLUTION CL3/97/151

1. That Council approve the recommendation of Finance Committee that the General Manager, Director, Financial Services and Treasury Manager create a Monash University Unit Trust structure with the Westpac Banking Group, in order to benefit from dividend franking credits, subject to:

• compliance with current taxation laws and changes that may be detailed in the upcoming Federal Budget;
• approval of the Unit Trust structure and its operation by the Australian Taxation Office;
• approval of the Monash University solicitors.

2. That Council note that any agreements undertaken are to be advised to Finance Committee and Directors of the Monash University Foundation as soon as possible.

(File 97/0580)

11.8 Australian Synchrotron Research Program Incorporated

RESOLUTION CL3/97/152

That Council approve the recommendation of Finance Committee that Monash University obtain a fully paid up membership in the Australian Synchrotron Research Program Inc. for a contribution of $30,000 for each of five years.

(File 93/1677)

For action or noting by: Associate, Office of the DVC (Research and Development); Dr John Davis, Department of Physics

11.9 Statement of Income and Expenditure of Compulsory Amenities Fees for the Year Ended 31 December 1996

Reports will be available at Meeting 3/97 for perusal by Council members.

RESOLUTION CL3/97/153

(i) That Council note that Finance Committee received the audited accounts from the seven student organisations which operated in 1996 per:-

Covering Clayton Campus } Monash University Union (MUU)

(incorporating the Amenities

Development Fund)

} Sports and Recreation Association

(SRA)

} Monash Student Association (MSA)

Covering Caulfield &

Peninsula Campuses } Monash University Student Union

Inc (MUSU)

Covering Berwick Campus } Monash Union of Berwick Students

(MUBS)

Covering Gippsland Campus } Monash University Gippsland Student

Union Inc (MUGSU)

Covering Pharmacy College } Victorian Pharmacy Student

Association (VPSA)

(ii) That Council note that the Finance Committee received the statement required under Section 12 I of the Tertiary Education (Amendment) Act 1994 and recommends Council ensure that the audited statement, which appears below, be submitted to the Minister and published in relevant University publications, per:

12 I (a) The amount of compulsory non-academic fees, subscriptions and charges collected by Monash University (all campuses) from students and prospective students in the financial year ending 31 December 1996 was $9,058,063.

(b) The purposes for which Monash University made available and its student organisations spent these fees, subscriptions and charges were in accordance with Section 12 F(3) of the Tertiary Education (Amendment) Act 1994 as detailed in the tabled reports.

(c) The funds were distributed to the student organisations listed above. The level of funding to each organisation is detailed in the tabled reports.

(d) The purposes to which these funds were applied by the student organisations are detailed in the tabled reports.

(File 95/0865)

For action or noting by: Manager, University Secretariat

11.10 Monitoring of Monash Companies

At Meeting 2/97, in approving the schedule for implementing outcomes of the Council Review, Council requested recommendations from the Finance Committee for processes to be implemented to ensure that Monash companies meet their legal responsibilities, that they are performing effectively and meeting stated objectives to the satisfaction of stakeholders.

RESOLUTION CL3/97/154

That Council note that Finance Committee approved a system of quarterly reporting and scheduled presentations by the chief executives of each of the controlled entities as regards:

• actual financial performance to budget on a year to date basis;
• annual budget compared with year end forecast;
• key aspects of the

- operating environment

- outlook beyond 1997, and

- any other matters which could significantly affect the company's

performance.

(File 97/0414)

For action or noting by: Executive Officer (Council)

11.11 Receipt of Proceedings

RESOLUTION CL3/97/155

That Council note the proceedings of the Finance Committee, as detailed in the document presented.

(File 95/1168)

12. Report of the Honorary Degrees Committee

12.1 Receipt of Report

A member of Council expressed concern that the Honorary Degrees Committee had approved the award of an Honorary Degree, but that the subsequent report to Council contained no biographical details concerning the candidate. Council was advised that biographical details for Ir Rahardi Ramelan would be forwarded to each member of Council and that in future the information would be contained in the Agenda papers.

RESOLUTION CL3/97/156

That Council receive and note the report of the Honorary Degrees Committee Meeting held on 17 April 1997 as detailed in the document presented.

(File 88/2436)

12.2 Award of an Honorary Degree

RESOLUTION CL3/97/157

That Council note that the Honorary Degrees Committee, having received a nomination from the Chancellor and the Vice-Chancellor, and in accordance with the authority devolving from its Terms of Reference, resolved unanimously to approve the award of the degree of Doctor of Laws Honoris Causa to Ir Rahardi Ramelan.

(File 97/0469)

For action or noting by: Secretary, Honorary Degrees Committee; Executive Officer (Council)

13. Report of the Intellectual Property Committee

13.1 Receipt of Report

RESOLUTION CL3/97/158

That Council receive and note the report of the Intellectual Property Committee Meeting 1/97 held on 17 March 1997 as detailed in the document presented.

(File 94/1092)

13.2 Annual Report to Council for 1996

RESOLUTION CL3/97/159

That Council receive and note the Annual Report for 1996 from the Intellectual Property Committee.

(File 94/1092)

13.3 Receipt of Proceedings

RESOLUTION CL3/97/160

That Council note the proceedings of the Intellectual Property Committee as detailed in the document presented.

(File 94/1092)

For action or noting by: Secretary, Intellectual Property Committee

14. Report of the Special Professorial Appointments Committee

14.1 Receipt of Report

RESOLUTION CL3/97/161

That Council receive and note the report of the Special Professorial Appointments Committee held on 5 May 1997.

(File 97/0374)

14.2 Offers of Appointment

RESOLUTION CL3/97/162

That Council approve offers of appointment be made for periods as specified to each of the persons detailed in the document presented.

(Personnel File)

14.3 Receipt of Proceedings

RESOLUTION CL3/97/163

That Council note the proceedings of the Special Professorial Appointments Committee as detailed in the document presented.

(File 97/0374)

For action or noting by: Personnel Manager (Senior Appointments); Secretary, Review of Committees Working Party

15. Senior Appointments

15.1 Acceptance of Offers

RESOLUTION CL3/97/164

That Council note that the following have accepted their offers of appointment and wish to pass on their thanks to Council:

• Chair of Molecular Pharmacology - Dr R. J. Summers (to commence 1 August 1997)
• Professor and Director, Centre for Higher Education Development -Associate Professor G. Webb (to commence 1 July 1997)
• Personal Chair in Chemistry - Professor R.S. Dickson (commenced 15 April 1997)
• Personal Chair in Chemistry - Professor K.S. Murray (commenced 15 April 1997)
• Personal Chair in Ecology - Professor P.S. Lake (commenced 15 April 1997)

(Personnel Files)

For action or noting by: Deans (Pharmacy, Education, Science); Personnel Manager (Senior Appointments)

15.2 Report of a Selection Committee for an Appointment to the RACV Chair of Road Safety

15.2.1 Receipt of Report

RESOLUTION CL3/97/165

That Council receive the report of the selection committee for an appointment to the RACV Chair of Road Safety.

(Personnel File)

15.2.2 Offer of Appointment

RESOLUTION CL3/97/166

That Council approve an offer of appointment to the RACV Chair of Road Safety be made as detailed in the document presented.

(Personnel File)

For action or noting by: Dean, Science; Director, Accident Research Centre; Personnel Manager (Senior Appointments)

16. Headship : Department of Anatomy

RESOLUTION CL3/97/167

That Council extend the present appointment of Head, Department of Anatomy, Professor David Barkla, to 31 May 1998, or until a permanent Head is appointed.

(Files 95/1327, 91/0134)

For action or noting by: Dean, Medicine; Personnel Manager (Senior Appointments)

17. Membership of the Buildings Committee

RESOLUTION CL3/97/168

That Council appoint the following persons to the Buildings Committee, for terms of office commencing 13 May 1997 and concluding at such time as a reconstituted Council is in place:

Professor A Lindsay, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (A&P) (Vice-Chancellor's nominee)

Professor M L Brisk (appointed Council member)

Ms D R Pizzey (appointed Council member)

Associate Professor F R Burden (non-professorial appointee nominated by the Vice-Chancellor)

(Files 88/2206, 95/0598)

For action or noting by: Deputy Vice Chancellor (A&P); Secretary, Buildings Committee

18. Appointment of Superannuation M Scheme Trustee

RESOLUTION CL3/97/169

That Council appoint Professor B Parmenter as an Employer Trustee for the Superannuation M Scheme.

(Files 95/0274, 89/0515)

For action or noting by: Manager, Superannuation; Dean, Faculty Registrar (Business and Economics)

19. Vacancies in Elective Offices: Faculty Board, Faculty of Science

RESOLUTION CL3/97/170

That Council approve a recommendation of the Faculty Board, Faculty of Science, to fill a vacancy in an elected office, as detailed in the document presented.

(File 90/1156)

For action or noting by: Faculty Registrar (Science)

20. Elections to Council

As this was the last meeting before 30 June, the Chancellor thanked all retiring members of Council for their contribution to the University through Council and its committees. Members of Council endorsed the Chancellor's vote of thanks with acclamation.

The Returning Officer, Ms O Cornelius, briefed Council on the status of current elections as follows:

At the close of nominations, one valid nomination had been received for each of the following categories of Council membership. Consequently, the following were declared elected unopposed:

• Professor Francis Anthony Trindade, elected by the Professors;
• Associate Professor Frank Robert Burden, re-elected by the Teaching and Research-Only Staff;
• Mr Anthony Henry May, re-elected by the Graduates of the University.

At the close of nominations, three valid nominations had been received from the Non-Teaching Staff of the University. An election would be held on 20 June 1997 and Council would be advised of the results at Meeting 4/97.

Nominations for student members of Council were due to close on 14 May 1997. Council would be advised of the results at Meeting 4/97.

RESOLUTION CL3/97/171

That Council receive and note the oral report of the Returning Officer in regard to Council elections currently being conducted in the categories of the Professors, Teaching and Research-only staff, Non-teaching staff and Graduate members of Council.

(Files 93/1059, 95/0706, 95/0705, 94/0551, 94/0550, 94/0547)

For action or noting by: Executive Officer (Council)

21. Legislation

21.1 Amending Legislation relating to extension of current term of office of the incumbent Chancellor

Council agreed to a suggestion that the wording of Statute 3.1 - The Chancellor and the Deputy Chancellors (Amendment No 1 1997) Statute be amended by deleting the words "for a term of four years" and inserting in their place "until immediately prior to the date and the hour of commencement of the first meeting held in 1999".

RESOLUTION CL3/97/172

That, subject to the agreed amendment to delete the words "for a term of four years" and replace them with "until immediately prior to the date and the hour of commencement of the first meeting held in 1999", Council make Statute 3.1 - The Chancellor and the Deputy Chancellors (Amendment No 1 1997) Statute.

(File 87/0018)

For action or noting by: University Solicitor; Executive Officer (Council)

22. Use of the University Seal

RESOLUTION CL3/97/173

That Council note the report of the Vice-Chancellor, dated 2 May 1997, on the affixing of the Common Seal to documents executed under Seal pursuant to Statute 8.1, Section 2.1.5.

(File 89/2074)

For action or noting by: University Solicitor

23. Report of the Buildings Committee

23.1 Receipt of Proceedings

RESOLUTION CL3/97/174

That Council note the Proceedings of the Buildings Committee meeting No 402 held on 20 March 1997 as detailed in the document presented.

(File 88/2206)

For action or noting by: Secretary, Buildings Committee

24. Report of the Gippsland Advisory Council

24.1 Receipt of Proceedings

RESOLUTION CL3/97/175

That Council note the Proceedings of the Gippsland Advisory Council meeting AC1/97 held on 4 March 1996 as detailed in the document presented.

(File 95/0868)

For action or noting by: Secretary, Gippsland Advisory Council

25. Report of the Occupational Health and Safety Policy Committee

25.1 Receipt of Proceedings

RESOLUTION CL3/97/176

That Council receive and note the Proceedings of the Occupational Health and Safety Policy Committee (OHSPC) meeting 1/97 held on 27 February 1997.

(File 95/1080)

For action or noting by: Secretary, Occupational Health and Safety Policy Committee

26. Reports on Outside Studies Programs

RESOLUTION CL3/97/177

That Council receive reports from the following staff:

Faculty of Business and Economics:

Dr Kim Langfield-Smith, Department of Accounting and Finance;

Mr Peter Carey, Syme Department of Accounting;

Mr Abdel K Halabi, Accounting and Finance, Gippsland;

Mr Kevin Sharp, Accounting and Finance, Gippsland

Faculty of Education:

Ms Kathy Jackson, School of Graduate Studies;

Dr Ann R Shorten, School of Graduate Studies;

Associate Professor Christopher F Sharpley.

(File 96/0314)

For action or noting by: Faculty Registrars (Business and Economics, Education)

27. Next Meeting

Council noted that the next meeting was scheduled to be held at 5:00 pm on Monday 7 July 1997 at the Clayton Campus. Council members were asked to note the change of venue.