Meeting No. 6/2000 of the Monash University Council was held between 4.00 pm and 6.35 pm on Monday, 2 October 2000, in the Crofton Hatsell Room, Administration Building, Gippsland Campus

Mr J K Ellis, Chancellor (presiding)

Dr G A Knights, 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)

Professor B Mackenzie, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Gippsland Campus

Professor E Lim, University Library for item 4.3

Mr J Matthews, Divisional Director, Financial Services for item 9

Mr P Siggins, Manager, University Secretariat

Apologies were received from Dr Mark Schapper, Dr Ian Allen and Mr Glenn Barnes.

Council noted that Ms Alison Crook, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Resources) was not in attendance for this meeting.

At Council meeting 1/2000 (14 February), Council approved a request for special leave for meeting 7/2000 (13 November) for the Chancellor. The Chancellor invited Dr Geoffrey Knights to chair the next meeting of Council (13 November at Berwick Campus) and Dr Knights accepted the invitation.

At Council meeting 1/2000 (14 February), Council approved a request for special leave for meeting 6/2000 (2 October) for Ms Ann Sherry. At Council meeting 4/2000 (26 June), Council approved requests for special leave from meeting 6/2000 (2 October) for Mr Paul Ramler and Ms Dale Halstead. At Council meeting 5/2000 (14 August), Council approved a request for special leave from meeting 6/2000 (2 October) for Associate Professor Louise Adler.

Items 1.1 Apologies, 1.2 Special Leave, 1.3 Starring of Items, 1.4 Approval of Non-Starred Items, 1.5.2 Vice-Chancellor’s Issues and Speculations, 2 Confirmation of Minutes of Previous Meeting, 3 Chancellor’s Business, 4 Vice-Chancellor’s Business, 5 Commercial Entities: Self-Reliance and Accountability, 9.1 Caulfield Plaza Development, 9.3 Monitoring of Monash Companies: Monash International Pty. Ltd., Southern Africa, 12 Gippsland Advisory Council and 13.2 Monash Postgraduate Association were starred and discussed at the meeting.

The Chancellor advised that item 5 Commercial Entities: Self-Reliance and Accountability and item 13.2 Monash Postgraduate Association would be considered under Confidential Items.

The Chancellor advised that the order of the agenda would be amended with item 1.5.2. The Deputy Chancellors considered first. In the course of the meeting, items 4.1 Pro Vice-Chancellor, Gippsland Campus and 4.3 Report on Future Directions – Monash University Library were considered ahead of item 3 Chancellor’s Business.

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."

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/158

Council received the report and noted the proceedings of meeting 4/2000 of the Membership Committee of Council held on Monday, 25 September 2000.

(File RMO1997/1107)

Dr June Hearn was not present for the discussion of this item.

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/159

Council, acknowledging that Dr Geoffrey Knights was not seeking to serve another term of office on Council, appointed Mr Paul Ramler AM and Dr June Hearn as Deputy Chancellors of Monash University for terms of three years commencing 1 January 2001 and concluding 31 December 2003.

(File RMO1998/091)

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/160

Council agreed that Mr Paul Ramler AM and Dr June Hearn be recommended to the Minister for appointment under Section 7(1)(f) of the Monash University Act 1958 to the two vacancies arising from the conclusion of Mr Paul Ramler’s and Miss Dorothy Pizzey’s terms of office as Governor-in-Council members on 31 December 2000. Council noted that on approval of these appointments, they would be for terms of office commencing 1 January 2001 and ending 31 December 2003.

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/161

Council appointed Miss Dorothy Pizzey AM as a member under Section 7(1)(h) of the Monash University Act 1958 for a term commencing 1 January 2001 and ending 31 December 2003.

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/162

Council noted that the Membership Committee would be giving consideration to the filling of two vacancies for Council appointees under Section 7(1)(h) of the Monash University Act 1958 and that the Membership Committee anticipated bringing to Council recommendations for appointment to these two positions at meeting 7/2000 (13 November) of Council noting that one of the persons recommended was required, under Section 7 of the Monash University Act, to be a person with qualifications and experience in financial matters. The Membership Committee in bringing forward these recommendations would also be mindful of gender balance across Council’s overall membership.

(File RMO1997/1111, RMO1997/1274))

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/163

Council noted that Dr Geoffrey Knights had advised the Chancellor that he would not be seeking to serve another term of office on Council and Council recorded its appreciation for Dr Knights’ distinguished service on Council and his contribution to the work of the University.

(Secretarial note: Dr Knights was not farewelled at this meeting as it was noted that he would continue to serve on Council to 31 December 2000)

(File RMO98/2755)

The Vice-Chancellor gave an oral presentation on potential developments at each campus of the University. It was noted that the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Resources) would bring forward a prioritised set of campus development proposals with a consolidated final strategy at Council meeting 8/2000 (18 December). The Vice-Chancellor undertook to provide Council at meeting 8/2000 (18 December) with an update on the South Africa campus development.

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/164

Council noted the report of the Vice-Chancellor dated 20 September 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 5/2000 held on 14 August 2000 were circulated.

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/165

Council confirmed the Minutes of meeting No. 5/2000 held on Monday, 14 August 2000.

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/166

Council noted Professor Brian Parmenter’s resignation from Council and recorded its gratitude for his contribution to the work of Council and the University.

(File RMO98/2755)

The Chancellor introduced discussion noting that the key performance indicators provided a measure against which the University’s and the Vice-Chancellor’s performance may be gauged and would be presented to Council annually.

In discussion of the key performance indicators, two members indicated that they would appreciate the provision of more explicit information and an opportunity to give further thought to key performance indicators at a later meeting.

A member requested that staff satisfaction be included in the next iteration of key performance indicators.

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/167

Council noted the first set of university-wide performance indicators which would be elaborated and improved in future iterations.

(File RMO97/0048)

Professor Brian Mackenzie, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Gippsland Campus gave an oral presentation on his vision for the Gippsland Campus.

The presentation addressed major themes for the development of the campus, the strengths of the campus and areas that would require development. Professor Mackenzie’s address also covered strategic approaches to enhancing the future of the campus and the affirmation of its identity in the region and beyond.

The Chancellor, on behalf of Council, thanked Professor Mackenzie for his inspirational presentation.

(File RMO99/0795)

(File RMO98/0991)

The Chancellor, on behalf of Council, thanked Professor Edward Lim for his report on future directions for the Monash University Library. The Chancellor commented that this was an outstanding report and that the Monash Library provided distinguished service to the scholarly community.

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/168

Council received and noted the report of Professor E Lim, University Librarian on future directions for the Monash University Library.

(Secretarial note: the Report is located at – URL http://www.adm.monash.edu.au/unisec/ntb/ntbind.htm)

(File RMO97/0395)

The Deputy Chancellor, Mr Paul Ramler AM, had provided a paper outlining a commercial structure to deliver necessary accountabilities for Monash to develop and pursue commercial activities. The Chancellor introduced the paper noting that Resources and Finance Committee had considered the paper and had invited Council to note the advice.

Discussion focussed on accountabilities and ensuring adequate advice back to Council in the context of the proposed structure. Members also queried the different categories as set out in the paper and questioned their compatibility with the overall chart of current organisational entities.

The Chancellor summarised the message back from Council as being the need for clear executive links through the whole of the foreshadowed structure. Further explanation of why another level was required should be provided.

The Chancellor noted that this matter would come back to the next meeting of Council (13 November) for further discussion.

(Secretarial note: minute 9.3 refers)

(File RMO2000/1279)

Council noted that the Executive Committee of Council, acting under its delegation from Council, met on 5 September 2000 and approved an offer of appointment as Chair of Jewish Civilisation, Faculty of Arts be made to the person named in the document circulated to members of the Executive Committee.

Council noted that the Executive Committee of Council, acting under its delegation from Council, met on 12 September 2000 and approved an offer of appointment as a Professor of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, for a period of five years, be made to the person named in the document circulated to members of the Executive Committee.

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/169

Council noted the approvals granted by the Executive Committee of Council at a meeting held 5 and 12 September 2000.

(File Personnel)

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/170

Council received and noted the report of the meeting of the Audit Committee held on 17 August 2000.

(File RMO97/1579)

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/171

Council noted the amendments to the University’s Financial Delegations as detailed in the document presented.

(File RMO98/0403)

Council members were invited to note the proceedings of the Audit Committee. Items included:

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/172

Council noted the proceedings of the Audit Committee held on 17 August 2000.

(File RMO97/1579)

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/173

Council approved Resources and Finance Committee’s endorsement of the proposal to enter into a pre-development agreement with the developer, subject to clearance by the University Solicitor.

(File RMO2000/0938)

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/174

Council approved Resources and Finance Committee's endorsement of the following recommendations:

1) That Monash University becomes a member of Monash Institutes of Health Research Incorporated and that this recommendation is forwarded to Council for approval.

2) That the following four Monash University staff act as members of the Committee of Management:

(File RMO97/0668))

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

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/175

Council noted the proceedings of the Resources and Finance Committee held on 30 August 2000.

(File RMO99/1488)

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/176

Council received and noted the report of meeting 5/2000 of the Academic Board held on Wednesday, 6 September 2000.

(File RMO99/0550)

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/177

Council approved the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Arts to disestablish the School of Public Policy and Social Work effective from 31 October 2000.

(File RMO97/1158)

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/178

Council approved the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Engineering to appoint Professor John Sheridan as Deputy Dean for a term of twelve months – 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2000.

(File RMO98/3122)

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/179

Council approved the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Engineering to appoint Professor John Sheridan to the Harold Armstrong Fund Committee for a period of 5 years from 1 January 2000.

(File RMO97/0527)

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/180

Council approved the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Law to appoint the following staff to the position of Associate Dean (Research) for the term specified:

(File RMO97/0722)

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/181

Council approved the proposal to establish, advertise and fill a Chair of Electrical and Computer System Engineering in the School of Engineering and Science, Monash University Malaysia.

(Secretarial note: minute 13.1.4 refers)

(File RMO99/1375)

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

• Honorary Degrees Committee amendment to terms of reference

• Future Directions Report – Monash University Library (Secretarial note: minute 4 refers)

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/182

Council noted the proceedings of meeting 5/2000 of the Academic Board held on 6 September 2000.

(File RMO99/0550)

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/183

Council received the report and noted the proceedings of the Equal Opportunity Committee Meeting 3/2000 held on 21 August 2000.

(File RMO97/1578)

This item was starred and a member requested advice on international student numbers at the Gippsland Campus. Professor Mackenzie responded and indicated that strategies were being developed to address the decline in international student numbers at the Campus. Council noted Professor Mackenzie’s advice.

(File RMO97/0888)

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/184

Council received the report and noted the proceedings of the Gippsland Advisory Council meeting AC5/2000 held on 29 August 2000.

(File RMO97/0888)

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/185

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

(File Personnel)

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/186

Council approved an offer of appointment as Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy be made to Professor Colin Chapman.

(File Personnel)

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/187

Council received the report of the selection committee for an appointment as a Professor of Clinical Forensic Psychology, Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine.

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/188

Council approved an offer of an appointment as a Professor of Clinical Forensic Psychology, Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, as per the report of the selection committee, be made to the person named in the document presented.

(File Personnel)

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/189

Council approved the establishment of the selection committee for a Professor of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering, Monash University Malaysia, as detailed in the document presented.

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/190

Council approved the nomination of the Council member named in the document presented as Council’s nominee to the selection committee as detailed in the document presented.

This item was starred and discussed as a confidential item. In discussion, there was considerable sympathy for the position that the Monash Postgraduate Association should be a separate budget and organisational unit. The suggestion for the establishment of a separate administrative unit providing services to postgraduate students was referred to the University for further consideration. In relation to services to undergraduate students learning at distance, the Chancellor advised the member to confer with Professor Lindsay, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic and Planning).

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/191

Council noted the paper Postgraduate Affairs at Monash University: Now and Possibly Then presented by Mr Darriel Jeffree, member of Council.

(File RMO98/1432)

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/192

Council made Faculties Regulations (Amendment No 2 2000).

(File RMO99/0213)

RESOLUTION CL6/2000/193

Council received reports from the following staff:

Faculty of Arts

• Associate Professor Andre de Quadros, School of Music – Conservatorium (1999)

• Dr Mark Peel, School of Historical Studies (1999)

• Professor Thea Brown, School of Public Policy and social Work (1999)

Faculty of Education

• Ms Libby Tudball

(File RMO99/1608)