University Council Meeting 5/99

Meeting No. 5/99 of the Monash University Council will be held at 5.00 pm on Monday, 9 August 1999, in the Sir George Lush Room, Administration Building 3a, Clayton Campus

AGENDA

PART A

1. PROCEDURAL MATTERS

1.1 Apologies

No apologies have been received to date.

1.2 Special Leave

Requests for special leave for meeting 5/99 (9 August) have been received from Ms Ann Sherry and Mr Ken Russell. Requests for special leave for meeting 6/99 (17 September) have been received from Dr Ian Allen, Dr Paul Rodan and Mr Ken Russell.

1.3 Starring of Items

Some items have already been "starred" for discussion.

Members who wish a non-starred item to be discussed may so request at this point.

1.4 Approval of Non-Starred Items

The Chancellor will move ‘that all items on the agenda not starred be adopted without discussion, and the action recommended be taken or the information therein noted’.

1.5 Confidential Items

1.5.1 Use of the University Seal Members Only
Item 1pp1-4

A paper is attached.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council note the report of the Vice-Chancellor dated 28 July 1999 on the affixing of the Common Seal to documents executed under Seal pursuant to Statute 8.1, Section 2.1.5.

1.6 Admission of Observers

Authorised observers will be admitted to the meeting following confidential items.

2. Confirmation of Minutes of Previous Meeting

The Minutes of Meeting No 4/99 held on 28 June 1999 have been circulated.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council confirm the Minutes of Meeting No. 4/99 held on Monday, 28 June 1999 subject to the appointment of Ms Kate Hammond as an external member of the Faculty Board of the Faculty of Law being recorded as for a term April 1999 to April 2002 (page xvi Minutes)

PART B STARRED ITEMS

3. Chancellor’s Business

3.1 Vice-Chancellor’s Business

4.1 Vice-Chancellor, Southern Cross University

Council is invited to note that Professor John Rickard, Dean, Faculty of Business and Economics has been appointed Vice-Chancellor, Southern Cross University.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council extend its congratulations to Professor John Rickard on his appointment as Vice-Chancellor, Southern Cross University.

4.2 Report of Chair, Resources and Finance Committee

Mr Paul Ramler AM, Deputy Chancellor, will speak to this item. (Secretarial note: item 8 Report of the Resources and Finance Committee refers)

4.3 Report of Chair, Academic Board

Professor Alan Lindsay, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Planning) and Chair, Academic Board, will speak to this item. (Secretarial note: item 9 Report of the Academic Board refers)

4.4 Report on Future Directions - Faculty of Engineering Item 4 pp1-2

Professor Mike Brisk, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, will present a report on future directions for the Faculty of Engineering. A paper is attached.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council receive and note the report of the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering on future directions for the Faculty of Engineering.

PART C MATTERS FOR APPROVAL OR INFORMATION

5. Matters Arising from the Minutes (not dealt with elsewhere in the agenda)

5.1 King’s College, London

At Council meeting 4/99 (28 June), Council approved the Memorandum of Understanding and Agreement between Monash University and King’s College and discussed implementation of the Agreement.

The Vice-Chancellor will speak to this item.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council note the Vice-Chancellor’s advice with respect to the Agreement between Monash University and King’s College, London.

6. Year 2000 – Monash University

This item is listed as a major standing agenda item for Council. (Secretarial note: A report was distributed separately to Council members on 26 July 1999. Item 8.5 Proceedings of the Report of the Resources and Finance Committee refers). The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development), Professor Peter Darvall, will speak to this item.

7. Report of the Executive Committee

Appointment of Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Monash Centre London

The Executive Committee of Council, acting under its delegation from Council, met on 30 July 1999 and approved the establishment of the position of Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Monash Centre London and approved an offer and appointment to the position of Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Monash Centre London for a period of two years commencing on 1 January 2000 be made to Professor Richard Thomas White.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council extend congratulations to Professor Richard White on his appointment as foundation Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Monash Centre London.

Offer and Appointment to the position of Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Monash Malaysia

The Executive Committee of Council, acting under its delegation from Council, met on 2 July 1999 and approved an offer and appointment to the position of Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Monash Malaysia and professor for a period of three years commencing on 1 January 2000 be made to Associate Professor Robert James Bignall.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council extend congratulations to Associate Professor Bob Bignall on his appointment as Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Campus Director of the Malaysia Campus.

Offer and Appointment to a Chair of Injury Prevention

The Executive Committee of Council, acting under its delegation from Council, met on 26 June 1999 and approved an offer of appointment be made to a Chair of Injury Prevention, Monash University Accident Research Centre, for a period of five years from 1 July 1999.

Proposed Incorporation of the Cooperative Research Centre for Asthma

The Executive Committee of Council, acting under its delegation from Council, met on 12 July 1999 and approved the following recommendations:

That subject to:

The finalisation of the other documentation for the proposed CRC for Asthma; and

The University Solicitor being satisfied that the final draft of the Constitution of the CRC for Asthma Ltd complies with Monash University’s obligations under the Monash University Act 1958;

The Executive Committee of Council approve Monash University becoming a member of a company limited by guarantee to be known as Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Asthma Ltd, in order to enable the University to participate in the research and development projects for which the CRC for Asthma is to be established.

Cooperative Research Centre for Enterprise Distributed Systems Technology

That subject to the University Solicitor being satisfied that the Constitution of DSTC Pty Ltd has been suitable amended to comply with the requirements of Section 35B of the Monash University Act 1958, the Executive Committee of Council approve Monash University becoming a member of DSTC Pty Ltd in order to enable the University to participate in the research and development projects for which the Cooperative Research Centre for Enterprise Distributed Systems Technology is established.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council note the approvals granted by the Executive Committee of Council at meetings held 26 June, 2 July, 12 July 1999 and 30 July 1999.

8. Report of the Resources and Finance Committee Members Only
Item 8 pp1-34

8.1 Receipt of Report

RECOMMENDATION

That Council receive the report of the Resources and Finance Committee meeting held on 26 July 1999.

8.2 Macaque Monkey Joint Venture Item 8 pp5-10

RECOMMENDATION

That Council receive and accept the following recommendations of the Resources and Finance Committee:

1. The setting up of a private proprietary company incorporated under Australian Corporations Law subject to:

the constitution of the company being drawn up to comply with the requirements of the Monash University Act (1958), and cleared by the University Solicitor's Office,

University Solicitor's Office clearance of the Research and Development and Shareholder's Agreements,

Verification of full indemnification by Bogor and Macfarlane insurers relating to the handling and transit of monkeys/vaccines.

2. That the person named in Appendix A to this report, acts as a director of the company on behalf of Monash University,

3. That the outlined proposal for researchers/employees to participate financially in the project be accepted,

4. That the revenue distribution within the University of 10% to the Vice Chancellor's Fund and 90% for research at the Institute of Reproduction and Development be endorsed (the latter share subject to the Dean of Medicine's agreement).

8.3 Foundation Accountability Reports Item 8 pp11-22

Council is invited to note that at the last meeting of Resources and Finance Committee, members were provided with accountability reports for the majority of the foundations maintained within Monash University. Members received and noted the remaining reports for the Monash Art Foundation, the Monash Australian Pulp and Paper Institute Foundation, and the Monash University Victorian College of Pharmacy Foundation.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council receive and accept the recommendations of the Committee:

That all foundations confirm to Resources and Finance Committee, membership of their respective Trustee Management Committees, no later than meeting 7/99 scheduled for 29 November 1999.

That investment funds held by foundations continue to be managed as they are currently.

That foundations be reminded of the need to utilise funds raised and/or earned by the foundation for the purposes stipulated.

The Committee accepted the recommendation of the Vice-Chancellor that the recently appointed university fund raising manager review these foundations from a strategic viewpoint and consider the merits of including them under the Monash University Foundation.

8.4 The Centre for Wound Management

Council is invited to note that the Committee received the proposal from the Dean of Pharmacy to create a Centre for Wound Management within the faculty involving liquidation of the company, Wound Foundation of Australia Limited. The Department of Veteran Affairs and members of the company have agreed in principle that the proceeds of the liquidation are to be distributed to Monash University.

Members noted that the new centre would offer the faculty the opportunity to generate further income from distance education courses for health professionals.

The Committee requested that the Secretary advise the Dean to prepare a 3 year business plan to demonstrate the future financial viability of the centre within the faculty.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council receive and accept the recommendation of Resources and Finance Committee to approve in principle the proposal to create the Centre for Wound Management and for any necessary steps to be taken to achieve transfer of net assets including all course material from the company to Monash University. Approval is subject to clearance of legal agreements by the University Solicitor.

8.5 Receipt of Proceedings

Council members are invited to refer to the proceedings section of the report of the Resources and Finance Committee. Items include:

Monash University Gippsland Student Union (MUGSU) Status Item 8 pp23-26

Monitoring of Monash Companies – Presentation concerning: Sir John Monash Business Centre Pty Ltd.

Budget Performance Reports: 6 Months Ended 30 June 1999

Integrated Administrative System – Progress Report Item 8 pp27-34

Year 2000 – Monash University and Controlled Entities (Secretarial note: Item 6 refers)

RECOMMENDATION

That Council note the proceedings of the Resources and Finance Committee meeting held on 26 July 1999 as detailed in the document presented.

9. Report of the Academic Board

9.1 Receipt of Report Item 9 pp1-4

RECOMMENDATION

That Council receive the report of meeting 5/99 of the Academic Board held on Wednesday, 21 July 1999.

9.2 Legislation

9.2.1 Faculties Regulations (Amendment No 1 1999) Item 9 pp3-4

The legislation under this item was prepared and forwarded by the University Solicitor’s Office and has been endorsed by the Academic Board.

A copy of the explanatory memorandum and legislation for this item is attached. (Attachment A)

RECOMMENDATION

That Council make the legislation titled Faculties Regulations (Amendment No 1 1999).

9.3 Receipt of Proceedings

Council members are invited to refer to part B of the Academic Board report and to note the proceedings of the Board. Items include:

New Course Proposals

Major amendments to courses

Disestablishment of subjects

New subject proposals

Future Directions Report – Dean of the Faculty of Engineering (Secretarial note: item 4.4 refers)

RECOMMENDATION

That Council note the proceedings of meeting 5/99 of the Academic Board held on 21 July 1999, as detailed in the document presented.

10. General Business

10.1 Senior Appointments Item 10 pp1-4

10.1.1 Acceptance of Offers

RECOMMENDATION

That Council note that Professor Bob Bignall has accepted his offer of appointment as approved by the Council Executive Committee and wishes to pass on his thanks to Council.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council note that the following have accepted their respective offers of appointment approved by the Special Professorial Appointments Subcommittee:

Dr Rob Moodie – Adjunct Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine

Professor Bernard Rechter – Adjunct Professor in the Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation, Faculty of Arts

Professor William Schroder – Professorial Fellow in the Faculty of Business and Economics

Dr Maria Matyska – Visiting Fellow in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine

Professor Reinhard Kofler – Visiting Professor in the Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine

Professor Joseph Pesek – Visiting Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine

10.1.2 Council Nominees to Chair Selection Committees

At meeting 4/99 (28 June 1999), Council approved the establishment of the selection committees for two Chairs of Education and three Chairs of Law.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council approve the nomination of Council members Dr Ian Allen and Ms Wendy Peter as Council nominees to the selection committees for two Chairs of Education and three Chairs of Law respectively.

10.1.3 Proposal to Advertise and Fill Positions

RECOMMENDATION

That Council approve the proposal to advertise and fill the positions of Dean, Faculty of Business and Economics and Dean, Faculty of Education.

10.1.4 Appointment of Decanal Selection Committees

RECOMMENDATION

That Council approve the establishment of the Decanal Selection Committees as detailed in the document presented.

10.2 Intellectual Property Committee Members Only
Item 10 pp5-10

The Intellectual Property Committee which reports through the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development) to Academic Board, has three vacancies for persons nominated by Council. The Committee recommends that the person named in the document presented be invited to fill one of the positions.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council appoint the person named in the document presented to fill a vacancy for a Council nominee on the Intellectual Property Committee.

10.3 Legislation

10.3.1 Statute 3.7 - Disability Pensions Fund (Amendment No 1 1999) Item 10 pp11-12

A copy of the legislation and an explanatory memorandum for this item are attached.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council make the legislation titled Statute 3.7 - Disability Pensions Fund (Amendment No 1 1999)

10.4 Membership

10.4.1 Election of Professorial Member of Council

Nominations for a professorial member of Council closed at 12.00 noon on Monday, 2 August 1999. A report will follow.

10.4.2 Membership of Harold Armstrong Fund Committee Item 10 pp13-14

A memorandum from the Faculty of Enginnering is attached. Pursuant to Regulations made pursuant to Statute 11.1.1 – Administration of trust and other property, Council appoints members of the Committee established to administer the Harold Armstrong Memorial Fund.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council appoint the following staff members to the Harold Armstrong Fund Committee for a five year period ending 31 December 2003:

Professor R Jones, Department of Mechanical Engineering (Re-appointment)

Dr E Pereloma, Department of Materials Engineering

10.4.3 Membership of Honorary Degrees Committee

Two vacancies for Council members have arisen on the Honorary Degrees Committee of Council and Academic Board. Following the resignation of Senator Kay Patterson, a vacancy for an alternate for a Council member exists and with the resignation of Mr Frank Peck, a vacancy for a member exists.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council approve the appointment of Ms Ann Sherry as an alternate member and Dr Ian Allen as a member to fill the currently existing vacancies on the Honorary Degrees Committee.

10.5 Future Directions of Monash University Federation of Student Organisations (MUFSO) Item 10 pp15-16

A paper is attached.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council note that the Executive of Monash University Federation of Student Organisations (MUFSO) is currently undertaking a review of MUFSO and that the findings of the review will be presented in time for the November meeting of Council. The MUFSO Executive would welcome any input from Council members in relation to this review.

10.6 Report on Outside Studies Program Item 10 pp17-18

RECOMMENDATION

That Council receive the report from Dr Andrew Spaull from the Faculty of Education.

10.7 Meeting Dates and Venues for Council in 2000

The Schedule below complies with the pattern established by Council at Meeting 1/96, Resolution CL1/96/9. That Resolution provided for meetings to be held at Gippsland (4.00 pm) and Berwick (5.00 pm) every third year with the first meeting at Berwick to be held in 1997 and the next meeting at Gippsland to be held in 1998.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council Meetings in 2000 be held as follows:

1/2000 Monday, 14 February 5.00 pm Clayton

2/2000 Monday, 20 March 5.00 pm Clayton

3/2000 Monday, 8 May 5.00 pm Clayton

4/2000 Monday, 26 June 5.00 pm Caulfield

5/2000 Monday, 14 August 5.00 pm Clayton

6/2000 Monday, 2 October 5.00 pm Clayton

7/2000 Monday, 13 November 4.00 pm Berwick

8/2000 Monday, 18 December 4.30 pm Clayton

Members are invited to note that there is no clash with public holidays observed by the University in the dates listed above. The University observes the following public holidays in 2000:

*New Years Day – Saturday, 1 January

Australia Day – Wednesday, 26 January

Good Friday – Friday, 21 April

Easter Monday – Monday, 24 April

Easter Tuesday/Anzac Day – Tuesday, 25 April

Christmas Day – Monday, 25 December

Boxing Day – Tuesday, 26 December

*3 January substitute public holiday

In addition, the following public holidays not observed by the University have been announced for 2000 by the Department of State Development:

Labour Day – Monday, 13 March

Queen’s Birthday – Monday, 12 June

Melbourne Cup Day – Tuesday, 7 November

Days are granted in lieu of the above three public holidays not observed by the University and are adjusted for in accordance with University policy.

Further, in setting the proposed 2000 meeting dates, the following additional dates have been taken into account:

Ramadan Begins – Tuesday, 28 November

Jewish Passover – Thursday, 20 April

Orthodox Easter Day – Sunday, 30 April

Muslim New Year – Thursday, 6 April

Jewish New Year – Saturday, 30 September

Jewish Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) – Monday, 9 October

International Olympic Games – Friday, 15 September – Sunday, 1 October

Proposed Graduation Dates (local)

Overseas graduation dates for the Year 2000 have not been set at this stage and will need to be arranged around the proposed Council meeting dates for 2000.

10.8 Next Meeting

The next meeting of Council is scheduled to be held between 3.00 and 5.00 pm on Friday, 17 September at the Monash Malaysia Campus. In the first week of September, Council members will receive a "kit" comprising the Agenda for meeting 6/99 of Council together with relevant information for the Malaysia visit.

Refreshments and Dinner – Meeting 5/99

After the meeting, drinks together with light refreshments and dinner will be served at Monash House (formerly the Vice-Chancellor’s residence) for those members who have notified Marijana Gec on 9905-2007 by 12 noon, on Wednesday, 4 August 1999.

Further Information

Inquiries about any of the business listed above, or on Council matters in general, may be directed to Mr Phillip Siggins, Manager, University Secretariat Room GO6, Administration Building 3a, Clayton Campus, telephone 9905-2010 or via facsimile on 9905 5342.