Council Meeting 7-1998

Meeting No. 7/98 of the Monash University Council was held between 5.00 pm and 7.05 pm on Monday, 9 November 1998, in the Sir George Lush Room, Administration Building 3a, Clayton Campus

Mr D W Rogers AO, Chancellor (presiding)

Dr G A Knights, Deputy Chancellor

Mr P H Ramler AM, Deputy Chancellor

Professor D A Robinson, Vice-Chancellor and President

Professor A W Lindsay, Chair of Academic Board

Professor P LP 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 M Evans, Associate Chair of Academic Board

Ms J Chandler, Executive Director, Marketing and Development

Mr D Jeffree, President, MPA

Ms K Wilson-Reid, Secretary to Academic Board

Mr P Siggins, Manager, University Secretariat

No apologies were received.

A request for special leave from meeting 7/98 for Senator K Patterson was approved at Council meeting 3/98.

Items 4 and 5 listed in the confidential agenda were starred and discussed at the meeting.

Council resolved on the motion of the Chancellor:

"that all confidential items on the agenda not starred be adopted without discussion, and the action recommended be taken or the information therein noted".

(File RMO98/1107)

At the invitation of the Chancellor, Dr Hearn spoke to a tabled paper, Election of the Chancellor. Dr Hearn, who had taken the Chair of the Membership Committee throughout its meetings when the election of the Chancellor was discussed, drew members' attention to the listed key qualities of a Monash Chancellor and advised that the search process followed had been intensive and thorough.

Dr Hearn commended Mr Jeremy Kitson Ellis to Council noting his distinguished profile in the wider community, his notable achievements and his understanding of the tertiary education sector and his own academic excellence. Dr Hearn extended her thanks to the members of the Membership Committee and to the Secretary.

Noting that Mr Ellis' election as Chancellor of the University had the unanimous support of the Membership Committee, Dr Hearn moved the motion as set out in the document presented. The motion was seconded by Mr Ramler and was passed by Council without dissent.

RESOLUTION CL7/98/233

Council elected JEREMY KITSON ELLIS, MA (Oxon), FTSE, FAICD, FAIMM as Chancellor of the University for a three (3) year term commencing 15 February 1999.

(File RMOR98/091)

RESOLUTION CL7/98/234

Council noted the report of the Vice-Chancellor dated 28 October 1998 on the affixing of the Common Seal to documents executed under Seal pursuant to Statute 8.1, Section 2.1.5.

(File RMO97/0089)

Items 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 16.2, 17.5, 18.5 and 19 were starred and discussed at the meeting.

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, approved or the information therein noted'.

The Minutes of Meeting No 6/98 held on 21 September 1998 were circulated.

RESOLUTION CL7/98/235

Council confirmed the Minutes of Meeting No. 6/98 held on Monday, 21 September 1998.

Authorised observers were admitted to the meeting following confirmation of the Minutes.

Members noted that the General Manager at meeting 6/98 agreed to provide a further report in relation to outstanding fee debts and initiatives the University was taking to address the situation. At the invitation of the Chancellor, Mr Wade gave an oral presentation on the outstanding fees owing. Council noted that there had been a progressive and substantial reduction in the amount owing to date.

RESOLUTION CL7/98/236

Council noted the action being taken in relation to the non payment of fees by Australian and international students.

(File RMO97/1636)

As foreshadowed to Council at meeting 6/98 (21 September 1998), the Vice-Chancellor submitted a brief, final report on Arts at Monash. In speaking to the paper, Arts at Monash, the Vice-Chancellor advised members that Academic Board had accepted the proposed structure of schools of the Faculty of Arts (item 17, meeting 7/98 - Report of the Academic Board, referred).

On the basis of the proposed structure for the faculty and reports from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Planning) in relation to the number of Voluntary Early Retirement and the Dean of Arts on the implementation of the Faculty Review Group's Blueprint for Change, the Vice-Chancellor was satisfied that the recommendation from the General Manager that an interest free loan of $4.5 million may be made to the Faculty of Arts under specific terms and conditions. The Vice Chancellor noted that the loan and the increased weighting for languages had not been received well by other parts of the University, but that he believed that the financial arrangements for the Faculty of Arts were appropriate.

RESOLUTION CL7/98/237

Council noted progress in relation to Arts at Monash without discussion.

(File RMO98/2498)

Professor P LeP Darvall, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development) presented the topic "Research". (Minute Part B 1.1 Council 1/98 referred). Some of the major topics covered by Professor Darvall's presentation were:

• the requirements for research at Monash;
• performance indicators and benchmarking;
• some major research achievers at Monash;
• collaboration with industry, Government and the CSIRO;
• commercialisation of intellectual property;
• publications and publicity;
• research training;
• governance, management and support for research;
• research flagships at the campuses;
• some major provisions of the Research Management Plan; and
• a vision for research.

Extensive discussion followed Professor Darvall's presentation. Members raised a variety of issues including comparing Monash research performance against that of international institutions, strategies for recruiting potential researchers, issues concerning doctoral programs, co-operative research centres and results of surveys of the level of graduate student satisfaction with programs. Professor Darvall was thanked for his presentation.

RESOLUTION CL7/98/238

Council received and noted the presentation "Research".

(File RMO97/1152)

(File RMO98/0598)

RESOLUTION CL7/98/239

Council noted that, on 26 October 1998, the Executive Committee of Council, by way of a postal ballot of its members conducted in accordance with its constitution, approved, on behalf of Council the following recommendation:

(File RMO97/0553)

RESOLUTION CL7/98/240

Council noted that, on 8 October 1998, the Executive Committee of Council, by way of a postal ballot of its members conducted in accordance with its constitution, approved, on behalf of Council the following recommendation:

Copies of the reports of the Selection Committees for these appointments, were available at the meeting for the perusal of members.

(File RMO97/0772)

Council noted that the next meeting of the Audit Committee would be held on 3 December 1998 and the report of that meeting would be forwarded to the 14 December meeting of Council.

(File RMO97/1579)

RESOLUTION CL7/98/241

Council received and noted the report of the meeting of the Corporate Planning Committee held on 10 September 1998.

A member sought clarification of matters identified under item 4 of the report - Half Yearly Management Reports. In response, Mr Wade explained that more "user friendly" arrangements were being considered in relation to payment of student fees. Mr Wade also reported on proposals from external developers to expand the availability of student accommodation.

RESOLUTION CL7/98/242

Council noted the proceedings of the meeting of the Corporate Planning Committee held on 10 September 1998, as detailed in the document presented.

(File RMO97/0884)

RESOLUTION CL7/98/243

Council received and noted the report of meeting 7/98 of the Academic Board held on Wednesday, 14 October 1998.

(File RMO97/1283)

RESOLUTION CL7/98/244

Council made the legislation titled Statute 6.1.2 - Courses and Degrees (Amendment No 4 1998).

(File RMO97/1038)

RESOLUTION CL7/98/245

Council approved the proposal of the Faculty of Science to establish, advertise and fill the position of Chair in Statistics.

(File RMO97/0124)

RESOLUTION CL7/98/246

Council approved the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Medicine to establish within that Faculty the positions of Associate Dean (Research Degrees) and Associate Dean (Postgraduate Coursework Degrees).

(File RMO98/2972)

RESOLUTION CL7/98/247

Council approved the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Medicine to establish the National Centre for Coronial Information.

(File RMO97/2792)

RESOLUTION CL7/98/248

Council approved the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Medicine to establish the Department of Radiography and Medical Imaging.

(File RMO98/2490)

RESOLUTION CL7/98/249

Council approved the structure of schools of the Faculty of Arts as detailed in the document presented, and noted that the arrangements for the School of Political and Social Inquiry would remain provisional pending receipt of the report of the review of Anthropology and Sociology.

(File RMO98/2498)

At the invitation of the Chancellor, the Chair of the Academic Board spoke to the papers Diploma of Undergraduate Studies and Diploma of Foundation Studies (Attachments F and G respectively). Members noted that at meeting 3/98, Council approved the establishment of a new award level of University Undergraduate Diploma, involving forty-eight (48) points of Monash University subjects, in the context of two proposals for sequential diplomas in Languages and Psychology. It was foreshadowed that further patterns, such as those involving an academically coherent study across a range of cognate disciplines, would be acceptable and be considered when such proposals emerged. Two such proposals were recommended for approval at Academic Board at its meeting 7/98:

• Diploma of Undergraduate Studies
• Diploma of Foundation Studies

These awards were submitted to Council as being consistent with the emerging Monash Qualifications Framework and also the Australian Qualifications Framework, which provides for both University and TAFE diplomas, although the two types differed in length and academic level. Members noted that University undergraduate diplomas are also offered by a number of Go8 universities, including the University of Melbourne, the University of New South Wales, the University of Adelaide and the University of Western Australia. Professor Lindsay further remarked that there had been considerable expansion of offerings across the sector and that the nomenclature for awards had not been able to expand in line with the rapid development of new offerings. Diploma programs in many universities were now of one (1) year duration with bachelors degrees being three to four years. Professor Lindsay noted that the Diploma of Undergraduate Studies was offered solely as an exit award and focussed on international students, while the Diploma of Foundation Studies had as its focus disadvantaged rural students.

After discussion of the proposed Diploma programs during which Council members sought further clarification of, made suggestions in relation to, and expressed reservations about aspects of these award programs, the Chancellor moved that the proposed diplomas of Undergraduate Studies and Foundation Studies be referred back to Academic Board for further consideration and elaboration.

RESOLUTION CL7/98/250

Council referred the Diploma of Undergraduate Studies and the Diploma of Foundation Studies to Academic Board for further consideration.

(File RMO98/0597)

RESOLUTION CL7/98/251

Council approved the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Medicine to award the degree of Doctor of Medicine to the following candidates:

• Dr NJ Bodsworth, for his thesis titled 'On certain interactions between the human hepatotrophic viruses and human immunodeficiency virus infection'; and
• Associate Professor SM Crowe, for her thesis titled 'The role of macrophages in the pathogenesis of HIV-1 infection'.

(File RMO98/0448)

RESOLUTION CL7/98/252

Council approved the "Guidelines for the Award of Posthumous Research Degrees" as detailed in the document presented.

(File RMO97/0346)

Council members are invited to refer to parts B and C of the Academic Board report and to note the Proceedings of the Board.

RESOLUTION CL7/98/253

Council noted the Proceedings of meeting 7/98 of the Academic Board held on 14 October 1998, as detailed in the document presented.

(File RMO97/1283)

RESOLUTION CL7/98/254

Council received the report of the Resources and Finance Committee meeting held on 26 October 1998.

(File RMO98/0946)

Council noted that the Vice Chancellor had reported to the Committee that he was satisfied with the review of the structure, programs, and financial viability of the Faculty of Arts.

RESOLUTION CL7/98/255

Council received and accepted the Committee's recommendation to approve the interest free loan of $4.5 M to the Faculty of Arts under the specific terms and conditions as set out in the document presented.

(File RMO98/2498)

RESOLUTION CL7/98/256

Council received and accepted the Committee's endorsement of the proposal and that the Monash University Australian Pulp and Paper Institute Foundation be set up and the draft Regulations adopted as reported.

(File RMO98/2974)

RESOLUTION CL7/98/257

Council received and accepted the Committee's endorsement of the proposal and that the Monash University Victorian College of Pharmacy Foundation be set up and the draft Regulations adopted as reported.

(File RMO98/1382)

A comprehensive report of proceedings was included in the report of the Resources and Finance Committee. Items included:

• Non Payment of Fees - Australian & International Students
• Audited Financial Statements 1997 Monash University Superannuation Schemes
• Year 2000 - Monash University and Controlled Entities

Ms Keys raised the question of the University's Year 2000 compliance. In response, Mr Wade advised that as Council was aware, the University was introducing a major new administrative computing system that would be compliant. Updates of Year 2000 compliance would be a regular standing item on the Resources and Finance Committee agenda and on the University Audit Committee and wider monitoring was also established across the University.

RESOLUTION CL7/98/258

Council noted the proceedings of the Resources and Finance Committee as detailed in the document presented.

(File RMO98/0946)

RESOLUTION CL7/98/259

Council received the report of the Honorary Degrees Committee meeting held on 26 October 1998.

RESOLUTION CL7/98/260

Council approved, without discussion and with acclamation, the recommendation of the Honorary Degrees Committee for the award of honorary degrees as presented orally by Dr G A Knights, Deputy Chancellor.

(File RMO97/1110)

RESOLUTION CL7/98/261

Council received the report of the Equal Opportunity Committee meeting held on 15 October 1998.

(File RMO97/1578)

RESOLUTION CL7/98/262

Council approved the recommendations of the Working Party established to consider the implications of the Internet Access Policy for Student Equity Groups as set out in the document presented.

(File RMO97/0217)

RESOLUTION CL7/98/263

Council noted the report of meeting AC5/98 and meeting AC6/98 of the Gippsland Advisory Council held on 1 September 1998 and 13 October 1998 respectively.

(File RMO97/0888)

RESOLUTION CL7/98/264

Council noted the proceedings of meeting AC5/98 and meeting AC 6/98 of the Gippsland Advisory Council held on 1 September 1998 and 13 October 1998 respectively as detailed in the document presented.

RESOLUTION CL7/98/265

Council noted that the following had accepted their offers of appointment and wished to pass on their thanks to Council:

Professor Stephen J Parker - Dean, Faculty of Law

Professor Graham B Hair - Adjunct Professor in Music, Faculty of Arts

Professor Steven L Wesselingh - Professor of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine

(File RMO97/0772, RMO97/0656, RMO98/0296)

RESOLUTION CL7/98/266

Council approved the establishment of a selection committee for the Dean, Faculty of Arts as detailed in the document presented.

(File RMOR98/094)

RESOLUTION CL7/98/267

Council received reports from the following staff:

Faculty of Engineering

Associate Professor Deane Blackman, Mechanical Engineering

Faculty of Medicine

Ms Liza Heslop, School of Nursing

Faculty of Business and Economics

Ms E Anne Bardoel, Department of Management

Dr Tim Fry, Department of Econometrics and Business Statistics

Professor Owen Hughes, Department of Management

(File RMO97/0028)

RESOLUTION CL7/98/268

Council received and noted the report of the Returning Officer in regard to Council elections.

(File RMO98/2167, RMO98/2168, RMO98/2169, RMO98/2170)

The next meeting of Council is scheduled to be held at 4.30 pm on Monday, 14 December 1998 at the Clayton Campus.