Meeting No. 3/2000 of the Monash University Council was held between 5.00 pm and 6.30 pm on Monday, 8 May 2000, in the Sir George Lush Room, Administration Building 3a, Clayton Campus

Mr 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 and Vice-President (Research and Development)

Ms A Crook AO, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Resources)

Professor D de Kretser, Director, The Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development for item 4.1

Mr J Matthews, Divisional Director Financial Services for items 1.5 and 7

Mr P Siggins, Manager, University Secretariat

The Chancellor welcomed Professor David de Kretser, Director of The Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development, who presented a report on the future directions of The Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development. The Chancellor also advised Council that Professor Eleanor Bourke, Director, Centre for Australian Indigenous Studies and Monash Aboriginal Programs would address Council at the dinner following the meeting.

An apology was received from Associate Professor Louise Adler.

At Council meeting 1/2000 (14 February), Council approved requests for special leave for meeting 7/2000 (13 November) for the Chancellor (Council noted the Chancellor’s advice that a Deputy Chancellor would preside at that meeting) and for meetings 4/2000 (26 June) and 7/2000 (2 October) for Ms Ann Sherry. At Council meeting 2/2000 (20 March), Council approved requests for special leave from meeting 4/2000 (26 June 2000) for Dr Geoffrey Knights and from meeting 5/2000 (14 August 2000) for Professor Alan Lindsay.

Items 1.1 Apologies, 1.2 Special Leave, 1.3 Starring of Items, 1.4 Approval of Non-Starred Items, 1.5.1 Vice-Chancellor’s Issues and Speculation, 2 Confirmation of Minutes of Previous Meeting, 3 Chancellor’s Business, 4 Vice-Chancellor’s Business, 8.3.2 Proposal to establish advertise and fill a five-year fixed-term Professor of Law and 9.1 Equal Opportunity Committee – Receipt of Report 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 provided Council members with an update on the following matters raised at Council 2/2000 (20 March):

A paper was distributed detailing the background to the establishment of Monash University Malaysia and the financial arrangements pertaining to the operating company, Monash University Sunway Campus Malaysia Sdn.Bhd.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that for an investment of $A0.5 million, Monash University was receiving a return of approximately $A1 million per annum in royalties. In addition, Monash University Malaysia had increased the high visibility and reputation of Monash University. This, in turn, had contributed to additional Malaysian students choosing to come to Monash in Australia. The Vice-Chancellor advised that there was a 15% increase in Malaysian commencing students between 1999 and 2000 which will result in substantial extra income for Monash University Australia.

A member asked if a services agreement had been drawn up for the Malaysia campus which might be replicated and applied to the South African campus. In response, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Resources) advised that a more detailed operating agreement may be drawn up for the Malaysian campus in due course but that the current flexible arrangements were favourable and that it would be premature to lock down an agreement while the questions of further investment and marketing were under consideration. It was noted in discussion that the Malaysian and South African campuses presented quite different scenarios.

The Vice-Chancellor advised Council that a more detailed paper on the financial position of Monash University Malaysia would be forwarded to Council via the Resources and Finance Committee.

A paper was distributed detailing the background to the establishment of the campus in South Africa. The paper also set out the company structure that had been established to meet the various requirements associated with Monash University South Africa. The Vice-Chancellor advised that the two companies so established would each report regularly to the Resources and Finance Committee of Council.

Responding to questions, the Vice-Chancellor and the Divisional Director Financial Services clarified that the company Monash Southern Africa Pty Ltd (ACN 090 131 918) was incorporated in Victoria, Australia. A branch of this company had been registered in South Africa as a requirement of the South African government. It was also confirmed that the company, Monash University Southern Africa is incorporated as "an association not for gain" under Section 21 of the South African Companies Act and that this company would be responsible for undertaking the University’s operations.

The Chancellor concluded the discussion noting that there would be further advice on the South African campus when Professor John Anderson, Pro Vice-Chancellor, was present at the next meeting of Council. The progress in Malaysia was substantial with a strong royalty flow established and Council looked forward to further progress reports concerning the South African campus company operations.

RESOLUTION CL3/2000/65

Council noted the Vice-Chancellor’s advice about the financial outline of Monash University Malaysia and the company structure of Monash University Southern Africa.

The Vice-Chancellor advised that the Faculty of Science had settled its strategy for the way forward. At its May meeting, the Faculty Board of the Faculty of Science had agreed, unanimously, to approve the directions, structure and strategies outlined in the plan Science Forward – Science at Monash: Directions and Strategies 2000-2002. Many of the initiatives outlined by the faculty included cross-faculty developments. The Vice-Chancellor paid tribute to the work of the Interim Dean, Professor Homer Le Grand in leading the faculty through the process of defining its future direction.

RESOLUTION CL3/2000/66

Council noted the advice of the Vice-Chancellor regarding strategies for future directions for the Faculty of Science.

The Chancellor, in noting that Mr Glenn Barnes had declared an interest in one of the documents listed under Use of the University Seal, advised that for future meetings he would consult with Mr Barnes and other members on behalf of Council and advise of any declarations of interest.

RESOLUTION CL3/2000/67

Council noted the report of the Vice-Chancellor dated 26 April 2000 on the affixing of the Common Seal to documents executed under Seal pursuant to Statute 8.1, Section 2.1.5.

(File RMO1997/0889)

Authorised observers were admitted to the meeting following confidential items.

The Minutes of meeting No 2/2000 held on 20 March 2000 were circulated.

RESOLUTION CL3/2000/68

Council confirmed the Minutes of meeting No. 2/2000 held on Monday, 20 March 2000 subject to correction of minute 1.5.2.2 to include the Director of the Centre for Australian Indigenous Studies as a member of the Subcommittee for Student Equity and Access.

The Chancellor encouraged members to attend the half day Induction Program scheduled for 9.00 am on Monday, 22 May 2000 in the Function Room of Monash House. In the context of this item, the Chancellor advised that he would be meeting members on an individual basis over the next few months to discuss membership matters.

(File RMO1999/0062)

The Chancellor advised that at meeting 1/2000 (14 February), he had foreshadowed the holding of a strategy meeting of Council members during the second half of the year to discuss direction, governance and other issues. The Chancellor invited Council members to suggest to him topics for discussion at the seminar and noted that these would be considered for inclusion in the program. A date would be identified for the second half of the year that was convenient for members.

(File RMO1997/1217)

The Chancellor advised that, on behalf of Council, he had written to the family of Sir George Lush conveying the sincere sympathy of Council and the Monash University community at the death of Sir George Lush who had served the University as its fourth Chancellor from 1983 to 1992.

(File RMO1998/0368)

Professor David de Kretser, Director of The Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development, presented a report on future directions for the Institute.

Council noted that the Institute of Reproduction and Development was committed to excellence in the performance of medical and biological research in the science of reproduction, development and growth. Council noted the distinguished history of the Institute, its major contribution to the community at large, the distinction it brought to the University and the exciting opportunities for the commercialisation of several scientific developments. Professor de Kretser’s presentation was received with acclamation.

In the discussion following Professor de Kretser’s presentation, members noted the investment climate for developments in the biological sciences had intensified. In this context, intellectual property issues had taken on a new urgency and the University was giving attention to this through the offices of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research and Development) and Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Resources).

RESOLUTION CL3/2000/69

Council received and noted the report of the Director of The Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development on future directions for the Institute.

(File RMO1997/0668)

The Vice-Chancellor and Professor Alan Lindsay, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic and Planning), gave an oral presentation on their recent visit to South Africa where they had attended a conference in Cape Town ‘Toward the Global University II: redefining excellence in the third millennium’ and where the Vice-Chancellor had presented a paper ‘Monash 2020: Developing a Global and Self-Reliant University’. The Vice-Chancellor reported that the paper had been well received and the conference had also received a significant presentation by the Minister of Education, Professor Asmal.

While in South Africa, the Vice-Chancellor and Professor Lindsay had visited the campus site and met with the media. They reported that the campus site was progressing well and that press coverage had been both extensive and supportive with radio interviews being especially helpful. Visits were also paid to South African universities and other major institutions with a view to strengthening the University’s links.

In addition, Council noted that the Monash office in Johannesburg was handling a significant number of enquiries per day and that the registration and accreditation of Monash University South Africa had received final certification. Council noted that Professor John Anderson, Pro Vice-Chancellor South Africa, Mr Robert Reed-Smith, Project Manager, and Ms Jan Houge, Registrar, were now working full time on the project and would transfer to South Africa around mid year.

RESOLUTION CL3/2000/70

Council received and noted the advice of the Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic and Planning) on their recent visit to South Africa.

(File RMOR1999/045)

At Council meeting 1/2000 (14 February) Council received the Policy document University and Private Practice Policy and gave in principle support to the Policy’s overall direction. However, Council noted the need for additional collaborative work to be undertaken and for further consideration to be given to an amended version of the Policy.

It was anticipated that the University and Private Practice Policy would be submitted to a future Council meeting.

(File RMO1998/0184)

The Executive Committee of Council, acting under its delegation from Council, met on 29 March 2000 and approved an offer of appointment to a Chair of Information Systems, Faculty of Information Technology, be made to the person named in the document presented and an offer to extend to 31 December 2001 a current appointment as head of school, be made to the person named in the document presented.

RESOLUTION CL3/2000/71

Council noted the approval granted by the Executive Committee of Council at meeting held 29 March 2000.

(File RMO1997/0768)

RESOLUTION CL3/2000/72

Council received the report of the Resources and Finance Committee meeting held on 26 April 2000.

(File RMO1999/1488)

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

RESOLUTION CL3/2000/73

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

RESOLUTION CL3/2000/74

Council received and noted the report of meeting 2/2000 of the Academic Board held on Wednesday, 19^th April 2000.

(File RMO1999/0550)

RESOLUTION CL3/2000/75

Council made the legislation titled Statute 6.1.2 – Courses and Degrees (Amendment No 2 2000)

(File RMO1999/1141)

RESOLUTION CL3/2000/76

Council approved the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Pharmacy to appoint the following staff members to the position of Associate Dean for a term expiring on 31 December 2000:

(File RMO1999/0766)

A member requested advice regarding the fixed-term basis of this appointment. In response, it was advised that the position was fixed-term in light of the available funding for the position. Where there were uncertainties of this kind, it was a standard risk mitigation procedure to place appointments on a fixed-term basis.

RESOLUTION CL3/2000/77

Council approved the proposal of the Faculty of Law to establish, advertise and fill a five-year fixed-term professorial position of Professor of Law.

(File RMO1998/1945)

RESOLUTION CL3/2000/78

Council approved the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Information Technology to establish the Centre for Distributed Systems and Software Engineering.

(File RMO1999/0208)

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

• new course proposals

• major amendments to courses

• Future Directions Report – Director of The Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development (Secretarial note: minute 4.1 Report on Future Directions – The Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development refers)

RESOLUTION CL3/2000/79

Council noted the proceedings of meeting 2/2000 of the Academic Board held on 19 April 2000.

Members noted that Professor Eleanor Bourke, Director, Centre for Australian Indigenous Studies and Monash Aboriginal Programs would address the dinner following the meeting. Members noted that the Centre for Australian Indigenous Studies had been established through Academic Board and Council in December 1999 following a review of the provision of Aboriginal programs across campuses at Monash.

A member requested advice regarding the reporting by the University to government on equal opportunity. In response it was advised that the University complied on an annual basis with the reporting requirements in relation to equal opportunity policies, affirmative action and indigenous people.

RESOLUTION CL3/2000/80

Council received the report and noted the proceedings of the Equal Opportunity Committee meeting held on 11 April 2000.

(File RMO1997/1578)

RESOLUTION CL3/2000/81

Council received the report and noted the proceedings of the Gippsland Advisory Council meeting 2/2000 held on 4 April 2000.

(File RMO1997/0888)

RESOLUTION CL3/2000/82

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

(File Personnel)

RESOLUTION CL3/2000/83

Council noted that the following had accepted his offer of appointment approved by the Special Professorial Appointments Subcommittee of Council:

(File Personnel)

RESOLUTION CL3/2000/84

Council approved the establishment of the selection committee for a Professor of Law, as detailed in the document presented.

(File Personnel)

RESOLUTION CL3/2000/85

Council received reports from the following staff:

Professor Angela Carbone, School of Computer Science and Software Engineering

Professor Bala Srinivasan, School of Computer Science and Software Engineering

Dr Kaye Trembath, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Professor David Aspin

(File RMO1999/1608)