University Council Meeting 1/1999
Meeting No. 1/99 of the Monash
University Council was held between 5.00 pm and 6.40 pm on Monday, 15
February 1999, in the Sir George Lush Room, Administration Building 3a,
Clayton Campus
There were present:
Mr J K Ellis (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
| Ms L Adler |
Associate Professor A Markus |
| Ms J Cameron |
Mr F Peck |
| Dr J Hearn |
Ms W Peter |
| Mr J Hutchinson |
Miss D Pizzey AM |
| Mr D Jeffree |
Dr P Rodan |
| Mr J Laurie |
Dr M Schapper |
| Mrs J McPhee |
Ms A Sherry |
In attendance were:
Professor P LeP Darvall, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research
and Development)
Professor J E Maloney, Deputy Vice-Chancellor
(International & Public Affairs)
Mr P B Wade, General Manager
Professor M Evans, Associate Chair, Academic Board
Ms J Chandler, Executive Director, Marketing and
Development
Mr P Yates, Manager, Student Admissions & Records
Mr D Bruce, Manager, Media Liaison Unit
Ms G Hayes, Secretary to the Vice-Chancellor and
President
Secretary:
Mr P Siggins, Manager, University Secretariat
MINUTES
The Vice-Chancellor and President,
Professor D A Robinson, opened the meeting and welcomed the Chancellor. In
his remarks, Professor Robinson noted that at Council meeting 2/98, Council
received advice that the then current Chancellor, Mr Bill Rogers, did not
wish to serve a further term as Chancellor. To advance the search for a new
Chancellor, Council endorsed the key qualities of a Monash Chancellor:
- a high community profile and real stature – the Chancellor of Monash
University must be a leading Chancellor among Chancellors;
- international experience and an understanding of the university’s
developing international role and profile;
- an understanding of the tertiary education environment and core
university values;
- highly developed skills as a chairperson;
- the capacity to represent Monash externally at the highest level and
to facilitate the university’s liaison and negotiations with major
organisations;
- sympathy with Monash, its interests, affairs and agreed strategic
direction; and
- an understanding of the importance of the relationship between
Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor and their complementary roles.
Council had requested that the Membership Committee of
Council bring forward a nomination for a person to serve as Chancellor for a
three year period commencing Monday, 15 February 1999 being the proposed
date for the first meeting of Council in 1999.
The Membership Committee had received an extensive list
of suggestions from Council members and conducted a wide ranging and
rigorous search and having concluded its deliberations unanimously
recommended that Council elect Mr Jeremy Kitson Ellis, MA (Oxon), FTSE,
FAICD, FAIMM as Chancellor of the University.
As the current Chairman of the Broken Hill Proprietary
Company Limited, and the holder of senior directorships and appointments of
national significance, Mr Ellis was a distinguished Australian of the
highest stature. The Membership Committee was firmly of the view that Mr
Ellis met and exceeded the criteria established for the role of Chancellor.
Mr Ellis’ career had involved ever expanding
responsibilities and international experiences. The operations, plants or
offices of BHP had brought him into contact with many governments and had
drawn him to not only the primary cities of the world but also to some of
its most remote areas. For its part BHP has become one of the most
international of all organisations in Australia. Mr Ellis was well aware of
the need to internationalise Australian business and other key institutions
such as Monash.
Mr Ellis had an outstanding knowledge of the tertiary
education environment; he was a Rhodes scholar from Western Australia who
completed his degree in Engineering Science at Oxford with first class
honours. He was a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences
and Engineering. Additionally, he had been on the council of two other
universities namely at Wollongong and Newcastle, and was strongly committed
to the core values of a university based education.
At board level he had many involvements not the least of
which was as a director of the ANZ Bank and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
He was the Chairman of the International Copper Association and also a
Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
His election as Chancellor was the unanimous
recommendation of the Membership Committee with the full support of the
Deputy Chancellors.
Council received the Vice-Chancellor’s remarks and
greeted Mr Ellis with acclamation.
Professor Robinson invited Mr Ellis to take the Chair.
Mr Ellis thanked the Vice-Chancellor for his remarks and
thanked Council for its support. He acknowledged the excellent work of the
former Chancellor, Mr Bill Rogers, noting that during Mr Roger’s incumbency,
Council has undergone significant change and development and the University
had continued to expand and thrive.
Mr Ellis requested that gratitude for Mr Roger’s service
be recorded in the minutes and that letters of appreciation for their
service be forwarded to Mr Rogers and also to recently retired members of
Council. Mr Ellis then invited the following new members of Council to
introduce themselves:
- Ms Louise Adler – Council member appointed by Council
- Mr Darriel Jeffree – Council member elected by postgraduate students
- Mr John Laurie – Council member appointed by Council
- Associate Professor Andrew Markus – Council member elected by
non-professorial staff
- Ms Wendy Peter – Council member appointed by Governor-in-Council
- Dr Paul Rodan – Council member elected by general staff
- Dr Mark Schapper – Council member appointed by Governor-in-Council
- Ms Ann Sherry – Council member appointed by Council
For action or noting by: Secretary to Council
PART A
1. PROCEDURAL MATTERS
1.1 Apologies
Apologies were received from Mr K Russell and Professor T
Threadgold.
1.2 Special Leave
No requests for special leave were received.
1.3 Starring of Items
Items 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5.1, 2, 3, 4 and
7.6
were starred and discussed at the meeting.
1.4 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, approved or the
information therein noted’.
1.5 Confidential Items
There was discussion of documents listed to which the
University Seal was affixed on 28 January 1998. Members noted advice that
the time frame within which the proposed hospital would be constructed and
become operational was not known as this was a matter for Government to
determine.
1.5.1 Use of the University Seal
RESOLUTION CL1/99/1
Council noted the report of the Vice-Chancellor dated 3
February 1999 on the affixing of the Common Seal to documents executed under
Seal pursuant to Statute 8.1, Section 2.1.5.
For action or noting by: University Solicitor
1.6 Admission of Observers
Authorised observers were admitted to the meeting
following confidential items.
2. Confirmation of Minutes of Previous Meeting
The Minutes of Meeting No 8/98 held on 14 December 1998
were circulated.
RESOLUTION CL1/99/2
Council confirmed the Minutes of Meeting No. 8/98 held on
Monday, 14 December 1998.
For action or noting by: Secretary to Council
PART B STARRED ITEMS
3. Chancellor’s Business
Mr Ellis commented on the role of Chancellor, his
understanding of the University in the context of the Higher Education
sector, and the role of Council.
Mr Ellis remarked that he felt privileged to be part of a
University that had established itself as a great University. In terms of
its size and quality, Monash ranked with the best Universities in Australia;
Mr Ellis noted that when the National Committee for Quality Assurance in
Higher Education reviewed the main aspects of university endeavour, Monash,
the University of New South Wales and the University of Melbourne were the
only three universities to be placed in ‘band one’ for each of the three key
variables: teaching and learning, research outcomes, and service to the
community.
Mr Ellis commented on the diversity and vigour of the
University’s international operation and acknowledged the Vice-Chancellor’s
vision in shaping its development.
Mr Ellis noted that the University was reducing its
dependence on government funding through a range of initiatives. He also
commented that median entrance scores for Monash [Median TER (Tertiary
Entrance Rank and from 1999 ENTER (Equivalent National Tertiary Education
Rank)] have steadily increased from 77.8 in 1996 to 79.3 in 1998 and
compared well against scores for other universities. Mr Ellis noted that
Monash is involved in many national Co-operative Research Centres and
acknowledged that a number of major research groups, such as the Institute
for Reproduction and Development and the Accident Research Centre, were of a
world class standard.
Turning to the role of Council members, Mr Ellis affirmed
that it was important that members brought a diversity of perspectives and
backgrounds to the business before Council but that the overriding
consideration in making decisions was the good of the University as a whole.
This should be borne in mind during all discussions at Council meetings.
Interaction with the Vice-Chancellor and President and his team would be
ongoing and it was important that members developed a sound and thorough
knowledge of the University. Mr Ellis encouraged members to develop their
own plans for acquiring that knowledge and to use the services of the
Secretary as necessary in this regard. There was a need for members to focus
on the big issues at Council and to bear in mind the key and important
aspects of the challenges facing the University. Mr Ellis believed that
Council could work as a united group and that an effective team could be
fostered. In this context, Mr Ellis suggested that consideration would be
given to holding a gathering of Council members for a day around mid-year in
which there could be discussion of the role of Council and an exchange of
views on related topics.
For action or noting by: Secretary to Council
4. Vice-Chancellor’s Business
At the invitation of the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor
presented a paper (tabled) on the academic year ahead in the context of the
Monash Plan (Leading the Way) and the Higher Education Sector. The following
topics were covered:
- Educating scholars and professionals
The Vice-Chancellor commented on the challenge facing the
University with the possibility of DETYA (Department of Education, Training
and Youth Affairs) introducing performance funding in relation to student
intake.
- Advancing and applying knowledge
The Vice-Chancellor commented on external factors
affecting research funding and briefly outlined block grants, performance
funding and the future of the Australia Research Council. Professor Robinson
also briefed Council in relation to internal research issues including
identifying ways to remove internal barriers to collaborative research
efforts.
The Vice-Chancellor briefed Council on Monash in its
international setting and discussed the impact of currency shifts in
relation to recruitment of new students. Professor Robinson also outlined
the new structure for the international operation including the
establishment of the recently established entity called Monash Global that
would ensure that the University’s international strategy was fully
integrated with overall Monash planning.
Under this topic, the Vice-Chancellor outlined the debate
concerning voluntary student unionism and suggested that this was likely to
be a topic for Council consideration at a future meeting. Government had
under consideration possible models for implementation and legislation was
imminent. The Vice-Chancellor also briefed Council on the new administrative
information system for the University and indicated that the system would
commence formally in May. Excellent progress had been made with the
introduction of the new system but it was realistic to anticipate some
upheaval as the new system settled into place around mid year.
The Vice-Chancellor outlined two matters involving the
participation of the Deputy Chancellors. Mr Ramler AM was currently engaged
in discussions between Monash Mt Eliza Business School and the Faculty of
Business and Economics regarding their working relationship and Dr Knights
was involved with discussions concerning the Gippsland Campus and its
contribution to the region in the context of the Government’s regional
strategy for Gippsland.
- Differentiation in the System
The Vice-Chancellor discussed the profile of the
University sector and advised that increasing differentiation was taking
place in the University system with the major universities comprising the
Group of Eight (GO8) becoming national rather than local institutions
drawing their recruitment from across the country. Within Victoria, a
similar process was taking place with Monash and the University of Melbourne
becoming increasingly distinctive in terms of the quality of their student
recruitment and research output from other Victorian institutions.
In discussion of the Vice-Chancellor’s presentation,
members raised a number of matters. A member asked whether there would be an
opportunity for input regarding DETYA performance funding indicators. The
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Planning) was invited to comment and
Professor Lindsay advised that a working party had been established within
the University in anticipation of developments but the picture, at this
stage, was uncertain. However, given the extent of the DETYA data base, it
was expected that government would develop measures reflecting the
information already held. A member commented that the development of
performance indicators could lead to behavioural change within organisations
often with unexpected outcomes and that this should be borne in mind when
seeking to have input into the framing of those indicators. The Chancellor
advised that it would be necessary for the University to be actively engaged
with the development of such indicators and that Council would need to be
briefed as developments occurred.
There was also discussion of lobbying for supplementation
from the Federal Government and the Vice-Chancellor advised that if any
increases were to be provided it was likely that they would be accompanied
by conditions/trade-offs and that the rhetoric of supplementation was no
longer current.
4.1 Australia Day Honours
RESOLUTION CL1/99/3
Council noted Australia Day Honours awarded to key
individuals associated with Monash and Monash Alumni as follows:
- Associate Professor Donald Marshall (MS 1997) - awarded AM for
service to medicine, particularly in the field of plastic and
reconstructive surgery and to Interplast
- Associate Professor David Tudehope (MB BS 1968) - awarded AM for
service to medicine, particularly in the field of neo-natal paediatrics,
and to the Multidisciplinary Growth and Development Clinic
- Mr Haneef Badrudeen (DipBus(Bkg&Fin) 1981, BBus(Acc) 1982,
GDipTaxLaw 1984) - awarded AM for service to Australian Asian relations
through the Sri Lankan and Indian communities, and for services to the
Australian Muslim community
- Mr John Maidment (BA 1967) - awarded AM for service to Australia's
cultural heritage through the Organ Historical Trust of Australia
- Mr Robert V McConchie (BSc 1968, DipEd 1969) - awarded PSM for
outstanding public service, particularly as the founding principal of
Canberra and Lake Tuggeranong Colleges
- Mr John Arthur Moule (Director of Montech Pty Ltd 1990-1997) –
awarded AM for service to the Association for the Blind and to the
community
(File RMO99/0190)
For action or noting by: Executive Director – Marketing
and Development
4.2 Debating Title
Council noted that Monash University had won the 19th
World Universities Debating Championships in the Philippines – the first
time Monash University – or any Victorian university – had won the world
title. The Monash team, comprising Arts/Law student Meg O’Sullivan and Arts
honours student Andrew Phillips, defeated teams from Oxford University and
the University of Sydney in the grand final of the event. In discussion, it
was agreed that Ms O’Sullivan and Mr Phillips be invited to attend a Council
dinner.
(File RMO98/2789)
For action or noting by: Secretary to Council
PART C ITEMS FOR APPROVAL OR INFORMATION
5. Matters Arising from the Minutes (not dealt with elsewhere in the
agenda)
There were no matters arising.
6. Report of the Executive Committee
6.1 Offers of Appointment
The Executive Committee of Council, acting under its
delegation from Council, met on 18 December 1998 and approved offers of
appointment in relation to the following Chairs:
- Chair of Clinical Forensic Psychology and Head of Psychology,
Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health
(File RMO98/0481)
- Chair of Multimedia Technology
(File RMO97/0768)
RESOLUTION CL1/99/4
Council noted the approvals granted by the Executive
Committee of Council for offers of appointment as detailed in the document
presented.
6.2 Selection Committee for Professor/Director or Associate
Professor/Director, Centre for Ambulance and Paramedic Studies, Faculty of
Medicine
RESOLUTION CL1/99/5
Council noted the approval granted by the Executive
Committee of Council appointing Dr G Knights to the Selection Committee as
detailed in the document presented.
(File RMO98/3002)
6.3 Monash University Sunway Campus Malaysia Sdn Bhd and International
Universities of Australia Pty Ltd – alterations to Articles of Association
RESOLUTION CL1/99/6
Council noted that the Executive Committee of Council
approved the following resolution on behalf of Council:
That in accordance with section 35B (3) of the Monash
University Act 1958, Council approves of Monash University becoming a member
of Monash University Sunway Campus Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. and International
Universities of Australia Pty Ltd SUBJECT TO the University Solicitor being
satisfied that the Articles of Association of each company have been
suitably amended to comply with the requirements of section 35B (4) (b) (i)
& (ii) of that Act.
(File RMO98/3170, RMO98/1760)
6.4 Restructure of the Victorian Multimedia Centre Limited – alterations
to Constitution
RESOLUTION CL1/99/7
Council noted that the Executive Committee of Council
approved the following resolution on behalf of Council:
That Council –
1. authorises the affixing of the University Seal to the
Deed of Termination which Deed terminates the Core Members Consortium
Agreement dated 20 December 1996;
2. approves the alterations to the Constitution of The
Victorian Multimedia Centre Limited as indicated in the attached instrument
of written resolutions; and
3. authorises the affixing of the University Seal to the
instrument of written resolutions.
(File RMO98/3240)
7. Report of the Academic Board
7.1 Receipt of Report
RESOLUTION CL1/99/8
Council received and noted the report of meeting 1/99 of
the Academic Board held on Wednesday, 27 January 1999.
(File RMO98/3037)
7.2 Legislation
7.2.1 Faculty of Medicine (Nursing Awards) Regulations (Amendment No 2
1998)
RESOLUTION CL1/99/9
Council made the legislation titled Faculty of Medicine
(Nursing Awards) Regulations (Amendment No 2 1998).
(File RMO98/0477)
For action or noting by: Dean and Registrar – Faculty of
Medicine, University Solicitor
7.2.2 Statute 6.1.2A – Monash Mt Eliza Graduate School of Business and
Government Ltd (Amendment No 2 1998)
RESOLUTION CL1/99/10
Council made the legislation titled Statute 6.1.2A -
Monash Mt Eliza Graduate School of Business and Government Ltd (Amendment No
2 1998)
(File RMO97/1267)
For action or noting by: Dean and Registrar – Faculty of
Business and Economics, University Solicitor
7.2.3 Faculty of Business and Economics Regulations (Amendment No 1 1999)
RESOLUTION CL1/99/11
Council made the legislation titled Faculty of Business
and Economics Regulations (Amendment No 1 1999).
(File RMO97/0956)
For action or noting by: Dean and Registrar – Faculty of
Business and Economics, University Solicitor
7.2.4 Statute 6.1.2 – Courses and Degrees (Amendment No 1 1999)
RESOLUTION CL1/99/12
Council made the legislation titled Statute 6.1.2 –
Courses and Degrees (Amendment No 1 1999)
(File RMO98/1038)
For action or noting by: Dean and Registrar – Faculty of
Business and Economics, University Solicitor
7.2.5 Faculty of Engineering Regulations (Amendment No 1 1999)
RESOLUTION CL1/99/13
Council made the legislation titled Faculty of
Engineering Regulations (Amendment No 1 1999)
(File RMO97/0956)
For action or noting by: Dean and Registrar – Faculty of
Engineering, University Solicitor
7.2.6 Statute 6.1.2 – Courses and Degrees (Amendment No 2 1999)
RESOLUTION CL1/99/14
Council made the legislation titled Statute 6.1.2 –
Courses and Degrees (Amendment No 2 1999)
(File RMO98/1038)
For action or noting by: Dean and Registrar – Faculty of
Engineering, University Solicitor
7.3 Academic Appointments
7.3.1 Associate Deans and Subdean
7.3.1.1 Faculty of Arts
RESOLUTION CL1/99/15
Council approved the proposal of the Board of the Faculty
of Arts to appoint the following staff as Associate Deans for a 12 month
period, from 1 January 1999 to 31 December 1999:
- Associate Professor D GarriochAssociate Dean (Undergraduate and
Teaching)
- Professor Terry ThreadgoldAssociate Dean (Graduate Studies)
- Professor Gary BoumaAssociate Dean (Research)
- Professor Bruce JacobsAssociate Dean (International)
(File RMO97/0553)
For action or noting by: Dean and Registrar – Faculty of Arts, Manager -
Senior Appointments, Acting Secretary – Academic Board, Acting Secretary –
Education Committee, Policy and Technology Officer - University Secretariat
7.3.1.2 Faculty of Business and Economics
RESOLUTION CL1/99/16
Council approved the proposal of the Board of the Faculty
of Business and Economics to appoint the following staff as Associate Deans
for a 12 month period, from 1 January 1999 to 31 December 1999:
- Associate Dean (Graduate Teaching) - Associate Professor L
Nethercott
- Associate Dean (Undergraduate Teaching) – Associate Professor A
Farley
- Associate Dean (Special Projects) – Professor A Russell; and appoint
- Professor J Wood, as Associate Dean (International) for the period
25 January 1999 to 31 December 1999.
(File RMO97/1357)
For action or noting by: Dean and Registrar – Faculty of
Business and Economics, Manager - Senior Appointments, Acting Secretary –
Academic Board, Acting Secretary – Education Committee, Policy and
Technology Officer - University Secretariat
7.3.1.3 Faculty of Engineering
RESOLUTION CL1/99/17
Council approved the proposal of the Executive Committee
of Board of the Faculty of Engineering to:
- re-appoint the following as Associate Deans of the Faculty for a one
year period, from 1 January 1999 to 31 December 1999:
- Associate Dean – Professor T Sridhar
- Associate Dean (Research and Development) – Associate
Professor J Sheridan
- Associate Dean (Teaching) – Associate Professor KC Ng
- Associate Dean (International) – Dr C Tiu
- re-appoint Mr BT Harding as the Subdean, Caulfield campus for a six
month period, from 1 January 1999 to 30 June 1999.
(File RMO98/3122)
For action or noting by: Dean and Registrar – Faculty of
Engineering, Manager - Senior Appointments, Acting Secretary to Academic
Board, Acting Secretary – Education Committee, Policy and Technology Officer
- University Secretariat
7.3.1.4 Faculty of Information Technology
RESOLUTION CL1/99/18
Council approved the proposal of the Executive Committee
of the Board of the Faculty of Information Technology to appoint Mr C Avram,
as Associate Dean Graduate Studies for a one year period, from 1 January
1999 to 31 December 1999.
(File RMO97/0768)
For action or noting by: Dean and Registrar – Faculty of
Information Technology, Manager - Senior Appointments, Acting Secretary –
Academic Board, Acting Secretary to Education Committee, Policy and
Technology Officer - University Secretariat
7.3.1.5 Faculty of Science
RESOLUTION CL1/99/19
Council approved the proposal of the Board of the Faculty
of Science to:
- re-appoint the following staff as Associate Deans of the Faculty for
a two year period, from 1 January 1999 to 31 December 2000:
- Associate Dean (Teaching) - Dr K Macrae
- Associate Dean (Research) - Professor G Coleman
- re-appoint the Associate Professor M Hooper as Associate Dean
(International) of the Faculty for a one year period, from 1 January
1999 to 31 December 1999.
(File RMO98/3049)
For action or noting by: Dean and Registrar – Faculty of
Science, Manager - Senior Appointments, Acting Secretary to Academic Board,
Acting Secretary – Education Committee, Policy and Technology Officer -
University Secretariat
7.3.2 Reappointment of Fellow and Associate of the Faculty
RESOLUTION CL1/99/20
Council approved the proposal of the Board of the Faculty
of Science to re-appoint the following Fellow and Associate of the Faculty
for a further period of one year, from 1 November 1998:
- Dr J KolmFellow of the Faculty of Science
- Dr M MantonAssociate of the Faculty of Science
(File RMO98/3122)
For information or noting by: Dean and Registrar –
Faculty of Science, Manager – Senior Appointments
7.4 Changes to Faculty Board Constitution
7.4.1 Faculty of Arts
This proposal sought to amend the Faculties Regulations,
specifically Schedule 2 – Faculty of Arts, to reflect recent changes in the
Faculty of Arts, namely, the Faculty’s new School Structure, the inclusion
of two (2) general and technical staff members of the Arts Faculty as
members of the Faculty Board, and an increase in the number of student
representatives on the Faculty Board from nine (9) to ten (10).
RESOLUTION CL1/99/21
Council approved, subject to drafting of appropriate
legislation, the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Arts to amend
Schedule 2 – Faculty of Arts, as outlined in the document attached
(Attachment G), to reflect:
- the Faculty’s new School structure;
- the inclusion of two general and technical staff members of the Arts
Faculty as members of the Faculty Board; and
- an increase in the number of student representatives on the Faculty
Board from nine to ten.
(File RMO98/0455)
For action or noting by: Dean and Registrar – Faculty of
Arts, University Solicitor
7.5 Award of Doctor of Science
RESOLUTION CL1/99/22
Council approved the proposal of the Board of the Faculty
of Science to award the degree of Doctor of Science to Dr DJ Morgan, for his
thesis titled "Studies of Drug Uptake and Elimination".
(File RMO98/2396)
For action or noting by: Dean and Registrar – Faculty of
Science
7.6 Receipt of Proceedings
Council members were invited to refer to parts B and C of
the Academic Board report and noted the Proceedings of the Board. Items
included:
- Learning and Teaching Operational Plan (LTOP) 1999
- Preliminary Report on Admissions
- University Academic Structure
- New Course Proposals
- Major Amendments to Courses
- Disestablishment of Courses
- Appointment of Decanal Selection Committee – Dean of Arts
- Prize
- Review of Scholarships Framework and Policy
- Web Re-Enrolment Project Report
- Membership Issues
- Policy on the Disestablishment of Subjects
- Responsibility for Approval of Postgraduate Courses and Subjects
- Faculty of Arts Policy on Intermission and Normal Completion Times
for Postgraduate Programs
- Subject Quotas - Faculty of Science
- New Subject Proposals
There was extensive discussion of the Learning and
Teaching Operational Plan (LTOP) 1999 and the Preliminary Report on
Admissions.
- Preliminary Report on Admissions
At the invitation of the Chancellor, Mr Yates provided an
overview of the University’s selection and enrolment period 1998/1999. Mr
Yates advised that the selection period had been very successful with
significant increases in preferences for Monash Science courses, Education
double degrees and some Engineering and Arts courses. Victorian Tertiary
Admissions Centre (VTAC) round 1 undergraduate offers indicated that the
overall standard of entry had risen, although Mr Yates indicated that for
1999, smaller intakes had been required for specific courses. In summary,
the University was in a strong position regarding the number and quality of
its enrolments. In discussion, members raised a variety of issues. A member
asked whether the offering of interstate scholarships was impacting on
Monash enrolments. In response, the Vice-Chancellor advised that unlike
other universities, Monash did not pay for full fee paying students but
offered a comprehensive range of scholarships. Professor Robinson advised
that a review of the overall scholarships policy for the University was
being undertaken by a working party led by the Dean of the Faculty of
Education and that the policy developed would be in time for inclusion in
the Monash Plan due to be released at mid year. There was also discussion of
enrolments on a campus by campus basis and the Vice-Chancellor commented
that a floor had been introduced for each campus (for example the floor for
the Peninsula campus was 1500 enrolments) and that all campuses were
currently above their stipulated floor level.
- Learning and Teaching Operational Plan (LTOP)
At the invitation of the Chancellor, Deputy
Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Planning), Professor Lindsay, spoke to this
item. Professor Lindsay indicated that substantial work had been undertaken
in developing the LTOP 1999 document. He particularly noted the work of
Professor Merran Evans and of the Chairs and members of the various LTOP
working parties. The LTOP 1999 was a further development of the three year
rolling process in support of the Monash Plan. The Plan sought to improve
and enhance the academic environment for students and staff and the Plan had
received wide support within the University. Over the next review cycle,
faculties and administrative units would incorporate aspects of LTOP into
their normal operational planning, review and budget processes. Faculties
would be invited to nominate "lead sites" in which they would assume a
university-wide leadership role in 1999 and then share their best practice
outcomes with their colleagues in 2000. The document before Council was a
more concise document than its predecessor. Professor Lindsay indicated that
the performance indicators, as set out in the document, were draft only at
this stage. He indicated that substantial budget allocations had been made
to support the planning work and that estimates had been made in financial
terms of activities that were either directly LTOP related or consistent
with the LTOP. It was estimated that around $68 million out of the 1999
budget was directly LTOP activity or related to it. Faculties were being
provided with assistance in costing new ways of teaching that were LTOP
related.
A version of the Plan in its final published form would
be distributed to Council members. In the discussion that followed, a member
asked for an indication of the physical and staff resource implications of
implementation of the Plan. In response, the Vice-Chancellor commented that
the 1999 budget provided the necessary information including information
technology allocations to support flexible teaching and learning and the
establishment of the Centre for Learning and Teaching Support (CeLTS) which
would bring together Distance Education, Centre for Higher Education
Development (CHED), the Library and Information Technology to support new
ways of teaching and learning. Professor Robinson commented that while some
of the answer is in the budget, other relevant information about resources
for LTOP was to be found in the operational plans of relevant administrative
units. In terms of human resources, managers had a knowledge of LTOP and
staff performance in relation to responding to LTOP would be considered.
A member commented on deficiencies in the infrastructure
to support some of the LTOP objectives, for example, that the technology in
the Rotunda lecture theatres was currently inadequate for realisation of
fully flexible learning and teaching. The Vice-Chancellor commented that it
was difficult to achieve a balance between competing claims, for example,
refurbishment as opposed to staffing needs. Whilst all claims had a certain
validity, a reasonable outcome could only be realised if they were set along
side each other in the context of a robust planning process such as that
which led to Leading the Way.
In further discussion, some members commented that there
was a need for a more strategically focussed presentation of the LTOP so
that the future could be more clearly articulated. Some form of presentation
that was illustrative and captured the core experience of flexible learning
and teaching was necessary in order to communicate to a wider audience. As
discussion proceeded, it was suggested that the Monash Plan – Leading the
Way did encapsulate LTOP and the directions in which it was heading and it
was recommended that Council members refer to the Monash Plan. Consensus was
reached that an information session and/or further advice about LTOP should
be provided for Council members before the next meeting of Council on 15
March 1999.
For action or noting by: Chair of Academic Board,
Associate Chair of Academic Board, Acting Director – Academic Planning
Support Unit, Acting Secretary of Academic Board
RESOLUTION CL1/99/23
Council noted the proceedings of Academic Board meeting
1/99.
(File RMO98/3037)
For action or noting by: Acting Secretary to Academic
Board
8. Reports of Other Committees
8.1 Equal Opportunity Committee
8.1.1 Receipt of Report
RESOLUTION CL1/99/24
Council received and noted the report of the Equal
Opportunity Committee meeting no. 4/98 held on 26 November 1998.
(File RMO97/1578)
8.1.2 Report on Equity Implications of Internet Service Provision
RESOLUTION CL1/99/25
Council noted that the implementation of the report on
Equity Implications of Internet Service Provision would be held over until
early 1999 as the Equal Opportunity Committee may be proposing a variation
to the lines of reporting.
(File RMO97/0217)
For action or noting by: Secretary to Equal Opportunity
Committee
8.1.3 Membership of the Subcommittee for Equal Opportunity in Employment
RESOLUTION CL1/99/26
Council amended the composition of the Equal Opportunity
Committee’s Subcommittee for Equal Opportunity in Employment to include:
- Head of a large or very large department nominated by the Deputy
Vice-Chancellor (Academic & Planning)
(File RMO98/0992)
For action or noting by: Secretary to Subcommittee for
Equal Opportunity in Employment
8.1.4 Receipt of Proceedings
RESOLUTION CL1/99/27
Council noted the proceedings of meeting 4/98 of the
Equal Opportunity Committee held on 26 November 1998.
(File RMO97/1578)
9. General Business
9.1 Senior Appointments
9.1.1 Acceptance of Offers
RESOLUTION CL1/99/28
Council noted that the following had accepted their
offers of appointment and wished to pass on their thanks to Council:
- Dr Laurence Dooley – Chair of Multimedia Technology, Faculty of
Information Technology.
(File RMO97/0768)
- Professor Chris Silagy – Professor of Public Health and Director,
Institute of Public Health Research, Faculty of Medicine.
(File RMO97/0622)
- Professor Jim Warren – Pro Vice-Chancellor, Monash University,
Sunway Campus, Malaysia (extension of appointment).
(File RMO98/3170)
RESOLUTION CL1/99/29
Council noted that the following had accepted their
respective offers of appointment approved by the Special Professorial
Appointments Subcommittee:
- Professor Max Cooke – Adjunct Professor of Music, Faculty of Arts.
- Dr Stella Crossley – Honorary Professorial Fellow in the Department
of Psychology, Faculty of Science.
- Professor Eric Glasgow – Honorary Professorial Fellow in the
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine.
- Professor Joseph Mathews – Honorary Professorial Fellow in the
Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering.
- Professor John Rickard – Honorary Professorial Fellow in the School
of Historical and Gender Studies, Faculty of Arts.
- Dr Stephen Wilkins – Honorary Professor of Physics, Faculty of
Science.
(File RMO98/1935)
9.2 Legislation
9.2.1 University Entrance and Admission to Courses Regulations (Amendment
No 1 1999)
RESOLUTION CL1/99/30
Council made the regulations entitled University entrance
and admission to courses regulations (Amendment No 1 1999).
(File RMO98/0181)
For action or noting by: General Manager, University
Solicitor, Assistant General Manager (Student Services)
9.3 Reports on Outside Studies Programs
RESOLUTION CL1/99/31
Council received reports from the following staff:
Faculty of Science
- Dr L Spiccia, Department of Chemistry
- Professor P Vickers Rich, Department of Earth Sciences
- Dr D R Gray, Department of Earth Sciences
- Associate Professor D G Hewitt, Department of Chemistry
- Associate Professor V Krishnapillai, Department of
Biological Sciences
- Professor J D Hamill, Department of Biological Sciences
- Professor D R F Irvine, Department of Psychology
- Dr R C Griffiths, Department of Mathematics
- Dr A W Sudbury, Department of Mathematics and Statistics
- Professor P S Lake, Department of Biological Sciences
Faculty of Business and Economics
- Professor A Sohal, Department of Management
(File RMO97/0028)
9.4 Next Meeting
The next meeting of Council is scheduled to be held at
5.00 pm on Monday, 15 March 1999 at the Clayton Campus. Refreshments and
Dinner following that meeting will be held at Monash House (formerly
Vice-Chancellor’s Residence). |