Meeting No. 8/99 of the Monash University Council was held between 4.30 pm and 6.25 pm on Monday, 13 December 1999 in the Sir George Lush Room, Administration Building 3a, Clayton Campus.

Dr J K Ellis, Chancellor (presiding)

Dr G A Knights, Deputy Chancellor

Mr P H Ramler AM, Deputy Chancellor

Professor D A Robinson, Vice-Chancellor and President

Professor A W Lindsay, Chair of Academic Board

Professor P LeP Darvall, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development)

Incoming Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Resources)

Mr J Trembath, Acting General Manager

Professor C B Chapman, Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, for item 4.4

Mr J Matthews, Assistant General Manager (Financial Services) for item 9

Professor M Evans, Director, Planning and Academic Affairs, for item 4.1

Mr P Siggins, Manager, University Secretariat

Apologies were received from Mr John Laurie and Associate Professor Louise Adler.

No requests for special leave were received.

Items 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5.1, 1.5.2, 2, 3, 4 and 8 were starred and discussed at the meeting.

Council resolved on the motion of the Chancellor:

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

The Vice-Chancellor reminded members that at the first meeting of the year (15 February 1999) he had reported on a range of issues facing the University over the coming year. At this meeting, the Vice-Chancellor revisited those issues and provided an update and some speculations regarding issues for 2000.

The Vice-Chancellor commented that in the year ahead there would be further development of the University’s Learning and Teaching Plan with the University pressing ahead with innovations in the electronic delivery of teaching. During 2000, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Planning), Professor Alan Lindsay, would introduce strategic proposals for positioning the University in relation to new modes of teaching and learning.

The Vice-Chancellor briefed Council in relation to the University’s research performance noting that 1999 had been a successful year in this regard. There had been a marked improvement in overall performance in relation to attracting support from granting bodies and the Vice-Chancellor noted the particular success of submissions for NH and MRC funding.

Under this topic, the Vice-Chancellor also commented on the anticipated re-emergence of debates about Commonwealth funding models and their implications for student intake.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that the development of a plan for the University’s global operation had been foreshadowed in earlier meetings during 1999. Discussions had been productive and the Global Development Framework was now submitted for Council’s consideration. (Secretarial note: the Monash Global Development Framework was not discussed in detail at this point of the agenda but was considered under item 4.1 – minute 4.1 of the Vice-Chancellor’s Business refers). The Vice-Chancellor also provided an update on the South African Campus Project and advised that progress was being made and it was anticipated that the University may be in a position to open this campus in 2001 on a fully registered and accredited basis.

The Vice-Chancellor outlined progress with development of the Berwick Campus toward it becoming a ‘learning community’. The Vice-Chancellor also noted that while Y2K and SAP had initially presented formidable challenges earlier in the year, the current situation was very satisfactory with the University being in a position of high preparedness for Y2K and with SAP infrastructure increasingly settled.

The Vice-Chancellor provided Council with a briefing on continuing negotiations. Council endorsed the course of action proposed by the Vice-Chancellor and noted the tabled documentation.

The Vice-Chancellor advised that the major research universities comprising the Group of Eight (G08) would establish a Secretariat Office in a major capital city shortly. The appointment of an Executive Director was also underway.

(Secretarial note: in discussion of the Vice-Chancellor’s briefing on these matters, reference was made to a recently disclosed Discussion Paper. Copies to be provided to members.)

RESOLUTION CL8/99/241

Council received the report of Meeting 2/99 of the Membership Committee of Council held 1 December 1999.

(File RMO97/1107)

RESOLUTION CL8/99/242

Council endorsed the action of the Membership Committee of Council in recommending the appointment of members for 2000 as set out in the document presented.

(File RMO97/1111)

RESOLUTION CL8/99/243

(File RMO97/1107)

RESOLUTION CL8/99/244

Council noted the proceedings of the Membership Committee meeting held on 1 December 1999 as detailed in the document presented.

(File RMO97/1107)

RESOLUTION CL8/99/245

Council noted the report of the Vice-Chancellor dated 1 December 1999 on the affixing of the Common Seal to documents executed under Seal pursuant to Statute 8.1, Section 2.1.5.

(File RMO97/0889)

Authorised observers were admitted to the meeting following confidential items.

The Minutes of Meeting No 7/99 held on 8 November 1999 were circulated.

RESOLUTION CL8/99/246

Council confirmed the Minutes of Meeting No. 7/99 held on Monday, 8 November 1999.

The Chancellor reminded Council that at the last meeting he had suggested that thought should be given to ways in which Council could strengthen its contribution to academic considerations. The Chancellor advised that the Vice-Chancellor and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Planning) were considering this matter and would be reporting on progress during 2000.

The Vice-Chancellor introduced the Global Development Framework (the Framework) noting that it was part of the second tier of University’s Planning and Review Framework underpinning Leading the Way: Monash 2020.

Part I of the Framework elaborated principles and major categories of development activity, together with an indication of major priorities and prospects 2000-2010. Part II outlined the global aspects of teaching and learning, research and the supporting infrastructure.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that Part I would be further developed and become more precise as campuses, strategic alliances and centres were established on the basis of academic and business planning. The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that global development is not separate from teaching and learning and research but integral to it; accordingly, Part II of the Framework should eventually become redundant with the issues and directions accommodated in the updated Teaching and Learning Plan, Research Management Plan and operational plans of academic, support and administrative units.

The Vice-Chancellor commended the Framework to Council as providing a useful initial ‘framework’ within which Monash’s global developments could be considered.

Following his opening remarks the Vice-Chancellor outlined each section of the Framework.

In particular, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted in Part II the paragraph on page 23 headed Management and Committee Responsibilities. The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that this paragraph was important insofar as it raised the issues of establishing the right governance, management and committee structures to monitor, evaluate and progress the University’s global initiatives. This matter would be clarified and developed during next year.

In discussion, members raised a range of matters including the management of key domestic stakeholders such as government and others. The question of an alliance with a North American institution/s was raised and the Vice-Chancellor indicated that this was under active consideration. There was also discussion of the broad concept of the University establishing campuses abroad as opposed to other models such as the looser affiliations that comprise Universitas 21. In response, the Vice-Chancellor emphasised the need for the University to control its own arrangements and the Chancellor commented on the need for a flexible approach and for the University to have the capacity to modify its plans in light of emerging contingencies.

A member suggested the need for appropriate management structures to be put in place quickly. The Chancellor requested an update on the Malaysia Campus to be provided to Council. Another member suggested that a formal session on the issue of governance and management of the University’s overseas campuses be held in the New Year.

RESOLUTION CL8/99/247

Council supported and approved the first version of the University’s Global Development Framework.

(Secretarial note: minute 10.7 of the Report of Academic Board refers)

(File RMOR99/065)

Council received the Report of the Gippsland Campus Working Party.

Dr Knights, Deputy Chancellor and Chair of the Gippsland Campus Working Party was invited to speak to the report.

Dr Knights noted that the report had been well received at the recent meeting of the Gippsland Advisory Council. The report had required considerable work and there had been a large volume of input from different sources. Dr Knights acknowledged the work of Mr John Hutchinson who had co-ordinated and consolidated the fifty-five submissions received from the local community. Dr Knights commented on the successful aspects of the campus, which was now more akin to a full university campus and had improved facilities. The University had invested a substantial amount in improving the physical environment of the campus. Staff profiles were also improving but there was scope for progress in regard to the research profile of the campus.

Dr Knights commented on the need for the campus to be fully supported by and integrated with the local community. In the context of the University’s operation as a whole he suggested that the Gippsland campus bore a greater resemblance to Monash University Malaysia and the University’s other planned campus activities in South Africa than to the Melbourne metropolitan campuses. The recommendation in the Report were designed to assist with better structuring and closer liaison with the local community. The Working Party had looked at a number of options regarding the future of the campus and had resolved that the University would be better served by the development of a new model of structure and administration for the campus. Features of this new model would include a new Campus Academic Development Forum, the appointment of a Pro-Vice-Chancellor and the development and reinvigoration of academic programs and research activities.

There was extensive discussion of the report and members commented on the options available for the Gippsland campus. In particular, it was suggested that consideration should be given to strengthening the relationship between the Gippsland campus and metropolitan campuses by providing for metropolitan students to study at the Gippsland campus for say, one semester. Dr Knights agreed to take up this suggestion for further discussion.

At the conclusion of discussion the Vice-Chancellor thanked Dr Knights on behalf of Council and the University. The Vice-Chancellor anticipated that an implementation working party would be set up to work during 2000 with a view to implementation being introduced in 2001.

RESOLUTION CL8/99/248

Council endorsed the recommendations of the Report of the Gippsland Campus Working Party and requested that Dr Knights as Chair of the Gippsland Campus Working Party refer the question of integration of the Gippsland campus with metropolitan Monash campuses through student exchange to the Gippsland Campus Working Party.

(Secretariat note: minute 10.7 of the Report of Academic Board refers)

(File RMO99/0795)

The Vice-Chancellor reported that the Executive Committee of Council, acting under its delegation from Council, met on 9 December 1999 and approved an offer of appointment to the position of Dean, Faculty of Education and approved two offers of appointment as Professors of Education be made to the persons named in the proposal.

The offer of appointment as Dean, Faculty of Education had subsequently been accepted and Council was advised that Dr Susan G Willis would take up appointment in the New Year.

RESOLUTION CL8/99/249

Council noted the Vice-Chancellor’s advice and the approvals granted by the Executive Committee of Council at meeting held 9 December 1999.

(File RMO98/3120)

Professor Colin Chapman, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, presented a report on future directions for the Faculty of Pharmacy.

Professor Chapman highlighted key aspects of the Faculty’s planning including:

• Teaching

• Research

• Engagement

• Integration

• Internationalisation

In discussion, it was agreed that Council would hold one of its meetings at the Parkville Campus during 2000.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that this was the fifth report from the Deans of the Faculties for 1999. A member suggested that reports should also be presented to Council from other key managers in the University.

RESOLUTION CL8/99/250

Council received and noted the report of the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy on future directions for the Faculty of Pharmacy.

(File RMO99/1593)

RESOLUTION CL8/99/251

Council made the statute entitled Miscellaneous Statutes (Amendment 1999).

(Files RMO99/2157, RMO99/2158, RMO98/2397, RMO99/0213, RMO97/1571, RMO99/2159, RMO99/2160, RMO99/2161, RMO99/2162, RMO97/1619, RMO99/2163, RMO99/2164, RMO98/0760, RMO98/0842, RMO99/2165, ROM97/1563)

A report was submitted under proceedings of item 9 Report of the Resources and Finance Committee and Council noted the information therein.

(File RMO99/0557)

(File RMO98/0598)

Council noted that the Executive Committee of Council, acting under its delegation from Council, met on 18 November 1999 and approved three offers of appointment to the position of Professor of Law, Faculty of Law be made to the persons named in the proposal.

(Personnel)

Council noted that the Executive Committee of Council, acting under its delegation from Council, met on 18 November 1999 and approved the establishment, advertising and filling of a Chair and Head of Accounting and Finance, Faculty of Business and Economics and the establishment of a selection committee for an appointment to the position, subject to Academic Board agreement to the proposed chair, as detailed in the proposal. (Secretarial note: subsequent to the Executive Committee decision on this matter, Academic Board approved the establishment, advertising and filling of the Chair and Head of Accounting and Finance – minute 10.3.3 of the Report of Academic Board refers).

(File RMO97/1357)

Council noted that the Executive Committee of Council, acting under its delegation from Council, met on 20 November 1999 and approved that an offer of a variation to his current appointment be made to Professor H E LeGrand to incorporate the duties of Interim Dean, Faculty of Science, for the period from 1 January 2000 to the commencement date of the new dean.

RESOLUTION CL8/99/252

Council noted the approvals granted by the Executive Committee of Council at meetings held 18 and 20 November 1999.

(File RMO99/0564)

The Chancellor spoke to this report highlighting the review of the terms of reference conducted by the Audit Committee which had resulted in the inclusion of a new power to co-opt to the Audit Committee an external person with appropriate expertise and experience. The Chancellor reported on the excellent progress on the GST issue and also highlighted actions proposed to address weaknesses in the current arrangements for the processing of accounts payable transactions in SAP and he also drew attention to the changes to the existing financial delegations in SAP noting that an amended document would be submitted to the next meeting of the Audit Committee.

RESOLUTION CL8/99/253

Council received and noted the report of meeting 5/99 of the Audit Committee held on 9 December 1999.

RESOLUTION CL8/99/254

Council approved the new Terms of Reference of the Audit Committee.

RESOLUTION CL8/99/255

Council approved the new Financial Delegations on an interim basis.

RESOLUTION CL8/99/256

Council noted the Strategic Plan of the Audit and Risk Management Office.

RESOLUTION CL8/99/257

Council noted the proceedings of the meeting of the Audit Committee held on 9 December 1999.

(File RMO97/1579)

RESOLUTION CL8/99/258

Council received the report of the Resources and Finance Committee meeting held on 1 December 1999.

(File RMO99/1488)

RESOLUTION CL8/99/259

Pursuant to Council Resolution CL8/98/320, Council:

noted that Resources and Finance approved the ranges of proposed course fees for 2000 and 2001;

authorised the Vice Chancellor to approve the detailed course fees consistent with these ranges as well as any adjustments to existing course fees, plus or minus 10%.

(Files RMO97/0173, RMO97/0561, RMO97/0877, RMO97/0887)

RESOLUTION CL8/99/260

Council:

• approved the disestablishment of the Finance Sub-Committee;

• approved the revised composition and membership of the Resources and Finance Committee which included additional co-opted members – as detailed in the document presented.

(File RMO97/0878)

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

• Macaque Monkey Joint Venture Update

• Fund Raising Progress Report including Development with Faculty Foundations

• Presentation: Monash International Pty Ltd.

• Presentation: Montech Pty Ltd.

• Review of Executive Management Financial Authorities

• The Global Framework (Secretarial note: minute 4.1 of the Vice-Chancellor’s Business refers)

• Goods and Services Tax (GST)

• 1998 Audited Financial Statements – Monash University Superannuation Scheme

• Integrated Administrative System – Progress Report

• Year 2000 – Monash University and Controlled Entities (Secretarial note: minute 6 of Year 2000 – Monash University refers)

RESOLUTION CL8/99/261

Council noted the proceedings of the Resources and Finance Committee meeting held on 1 December 1999 as detailed in the document presented.

(File RMO99/1488)

RESOLUTION CL8/99/262

Council received the report of meeting 8/99 of the Academic Board held on Wednesday, 24 November 1999.

(File RMO99/0550)

RESOLUTION CL8/99/263

Council made the legislation titled Faculties Regulations (Amendment No 3 1999).

(File RMO99/0213)

RESOLUTION CL8/99/264

Council approved the proposal to establish the position of Associate Dean (Educational Technology).

(Files RMO99/1672, RMO99/0766, RMO99/0568, RMO99/0566, RMO99/0565, RMO99/0564, RMO98/3122, RMO98/3120, RMO98/2972, RMO97/0722)

RESOLUTION CL8/99/265

Council approved the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Law to appoint Associate Professor S Campbell, Associate Dean (Teaching) for a period of two years commencing 1 January 2000.

(File RMO97/0722)

RESOLUTION CL8/99/266

(i) Council approved the proposal of the Faculty of Medicine to establish, advertise and fill the new position of Professor, Rural Health Research

(ii) Council approved the proposal of the Faculty of Business and Economics to establish, advertise and fill the Chair in Accounting and Finance.

(iii) Council approved the proposal of the Faculty of Medicine to establish, advertise and fill the Chair in Rural Mental Health.

(iv) Council approved the proposal of the Faculty of Pharmacy to fill an existing Chair in Medicinal Chemistry.

(File Personnel)

RESOLUTION CL8/99/267

Council approved the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Arts to:

• disestablish the Koorie Research Centre, the Centre for Koorie Studies (Gippsland) and the Monash Orientation Scheme for Aborigines (MOSA);

• establish the Centre for Australian Indigenous Studies; and

• amend Schedule 2 – Faculty of Arts, Part II, Under subsection 7.7 of the Faculties regulations to include, as a member of the Faculty Board, the Director of Monash Aboriginal Programs.

(File Personnel)

RESOLUTION CL8/99/268

Council approved:

• the establishment of the award of Advanced Diploma, and

• the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Medicine to establish the Advanced Diploma of MICA Paramedic Studies, to be offered on-campus at the Peninsula campus, commencing semester one, 2000.

(File RMO97/0087)

RESOLUTION CL8/99/269

Council approved the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Medicine to award the degree of Doctor of Medicine to Dr Jane M Thompson for her thesis titled ‘Microneurography: Measurement of Muscle Sympathetic Activity in Humans.’

(File RMO98/0448)

Council members were invited to refer to part B of the Academic Board report and noted the proceedings of the Board. Items included:

• New Course Proposals

• Major amendments to courses

• Disestablishment of a Course

• Global Development Framework (Secretarial note: minute 4.1 of the Vice-Chancellor’s Business refers)

• Report of the Gippsland Campus Working Party (Secretarial note: minute 4.2 of the Vice-Chancellor’s Business refers)

• Nominations for the award of Honorary Degrees

RESOLUTION CL8/99/270

Council noted the proceedings of meeting 8/99 of the Academic Board held on 24 November 1999.

(File RMO99/0550)

RESOLUTION CL8/99/271

Council received the report and noted the proceedings of the Gippsland Advisory Council Meeting AC6/99 held on 19 October 1999.

(File RMO97/0888)

RESOLUTION CL8/99/272

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

• Dr David Kinley – Professor of Law, Faculty of Law

• Professorial Fellow John Sheridan – Chair of Fluid Mechanics, Faculty of Engineering

RESOLUTION CL8/99/273

Council noted that the following had accepted their respective offers of appointment approved by the Special Professorial Appointments Subcommittee:

• Professor Merran Evans – Fixed-Term Professor and Director, Planning and Academic Affairs

• Associate Professor Jeffrey Goldsworthy – Personal Chair in Law, Faculty of Law

• Mr Bryan Keon-Cohen – Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Law

• Professor Russell Mein – Professorial Fellow in the Faculty of Engineering

• Professor Allen Russell – Professorial Fellow in the Faculty of Business and Economics

(File Personnel)

RESOLUTION CL8/99/274

Council approved the proposal to advertise and fill the position of Professor or Associate Professor of Rural Psychiatry and Director of Clinical Services – Psychiatry, Latrobe Regional Hospital.

(File Personnel)

RESOLUTION CL8/99/275

Council approved the establishment of the selection committees for a Chair of Medicinal Chemistry, a Professor of Rural Health Research, a Chair of Rural Mental Health and a Professor of Rural Psychiatry as detailed in the document presented.

(File Personnel)

RESOLUTION CL8/99/276

Pursuant to Statute 2.3 – The faculties and the Faculties Regulations, Council approved the Heads and Deputy Heads of Schools and Departments as detailed in the document presented.

(File RMO97/0064)

(File RMO99/2136)

RESOLUTION CL8/99/277

Council noted promotions approved by the University Readershp/Associate Professorship Committee, in accordance with delegated authority and effective from 1 January 2000 as detailed in the document presented.

(File Personnel)

RESOLUTION CL8/99/278

Council noted promotions approved by Deans on the recommendation of the Faculty Lectureship/Senior Lectureship Committees, in accordance with delegated authority, and effective from 1 January 2000 as detailed in the document presented.

(File Personnel)

RESOLUTION CL8/99/279

Council -

• made Statute 11.2 – Intellectual Property (Amendment No 1 1999); and

• delegated to the Vice-Chancellor and President the power to make the Intellectual Property Regulations (Amendment No 1 1999) once the statute referred to in (i) above has been approved by the Minister.

(Files RMO98/1467, RMO97/1563)

RESOLUTION CL8/99/280

Council approved the appointment of the Associate Deans of the Faculty of Information Technology as detailed in the document presented.

(File RMO99/0565)

RESOLUTION CL8/99/281

Council received and noted the result of recent elections for a professorial member of Council and a general staff member of Council.

(File RMO98/0931)

RESOLUTION CL8/99/282

Council received reports from the following staff:

Associate Professor Margot Story, Department of Pharmacology

Dr Lawrence Bartak

(File RMO99/1608)

Council members were asked to note previously approved dates and venues for Council meetings in 2000.

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

(File RMO97/1217)