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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.

  • Becoming Global

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.

  • Infrastructure

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.

  • Specific Monash Matters

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).