Council Meeting 2/2002

Meeting No. 2/2002 of the Monash University Council was held between 5.00 pm and 7.15 pm on Monday, 18 March 2002, in the boardroom, room 203, second floor, campus administration, Berwick Campus.

Mr J K Ellis, Chancellor, Presiding

Dr J M Hearn, Deputy Chancellor

Professor D A Robinson, Vice-Chancellor and President

Professor A W Lindsay, Chair of Academic Board

Dr B Robinson

Ms W Peter

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

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

Dr M Pera, Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Reproduction and Development

Mr T Pollock, Executive Director, Office of International Affairs

Professor S Parker, Dean, Faculty of Law

Mr J Matthews, Divisional Director, Corporate Finance by conference phone

Mr D McWaters, Group Accountant, Corporate Finance

Professor M Evans, Director, Monash London and Director, Planning and Academic Affairs

Mr T Calder, Director, Secretariat and Executive Services

Apologies were received from Professor Tam Sridhar, Ms Ann Sherry and Mr Paul Ramler.

At Council meeting 1/2002 (11 February), Council approved a request from Ms Eleina Tava for special leave for meeting 2/2002 (18 March).

A request for special leave for meeting 3/2002 (6 May) was received from Miss Dorothy Pizzey AM and a request for special leave for meeting 4/2002 (24 June) was received from Mr Paul Ramler AM.

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 and 11.1.3 Dean, Faculty of Arts – Re-Appointment were starred and discussed at this 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 introduced Dr Martin Pera, Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Reproduction and Development who was invited to address Council on the implications of current political debate for embryonic stem cell research at Monash.

Dr Pera’s presentation included:

• an explanation on the origin and application of human stem cell research;

• the history of stem cell research at Monash University together with involvement with other stakeholders;

• the role of ethics committees in embryonic stem cell research;

• Monash’s success in stem cell research; and

• current regulations and issues surrounding stem cell research.

Dr Pera concluded his presentation on the needs and benefits of producing new stem cell lines.

In response to questions, Dr Pera informed Council that the introduction of a ban on the derivation of new embryonic stem cell lines would not affect current "base" research but would prevent further research leading to clinical trials.

The Vice-Chancellor provided Council with an overview of the structure of the Commonwealth Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) and, noting that the current structure of funding for the higher education sector was unsustainable, particularly with a new round of enterprise bargaining due, advised Council that an all-encompassing review of the sector would shortly be announced by the Minister with a cabinet submission due by October 2002 – in time for the inclusion of any funding recommendations in the 2003 budget.

Other issues raised by the Vice-Chancellor included advice on the increased number and quality of applications for ARC grants, details of a further generous donation to develop the University’s activities, particularly in Europe, a review of the structure of education underway in Singapore, a report on enrolment levels at Monash South Africa campus and advice that a feasibility study was underway relating to a potential partnership agreement with a university in Hong Kong.

RESOLUTION CL2/2002/7

Council noted the report of the Vice-Chancellor dated 6 March 2002 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 1/2002 held on 11 February were circulated.

RESOLUTION CL2/2002/8

Council confirmed the Minutes of meeting No. 1/2002 held on Monday, 11 February 2002.

The Chancellor informed Council that he had recently visited the Faculties of Science, Pharmacy, Engineering and Business and Economics and the Department of Forensic Medicine, and IVF with further visits planned for the Faculties of Education and Arts and the Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health.

Commenting on his visits, the Chancellor informed Council that along with improved physical facilities, he had perceived a vibrant and enthusiastic attitude among staff who were keen to move ahead.

RESOLUTION CL2/2002/9

Council noted with acclamation Australia Day Honours awarded to key individuals associated with Monash University as detailed in the paper provided.

(File RMO1999/0190)

The Vice-Chancellor invited Ms Alison Crook, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Resources) to speak to the item. Ms Crook noted that the financial statements had been recommended for adoption by Council by both the Resources and Finance Committee of Council and the Audit Committee of Council.

Ms Crook noted that given the substantial lowering of interest rates and the downturn in stock markets, the University had recorded a sound result in 2001. Ms Crook reminded Council that the overall result should be measured against the objective of meeting budget and improving the student and staff experience.

During discussion, the following matters were raised:

• Ms Penny Hutchinson, Chairperson, Audit Committee, informed Council that as in previous years, the State Auditor-General was likely to qualify the financial statements in relation to the ongoing negotiations between State and Federal Governments over the funding of emerging liabilities from the ex State Superannuation scheme.

• Following a query relating to the number and value of "consultancies" less than $100,000.00, members were advised that the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Resources) had already initiated a review of this aspect of the accounts.

• A member queried whether the University could withstand a significant adverse financial occurrence. Following discussion, the Chancellor noted the benefit of developing a "stress test model" and running a variety of scenarios through it. In addition, a member noted that it would be beneficial to develop a "register of liquid assets" as part of the risk management portfolio.

• A Chancellor’s statement on behalf of Council, be included in the report of operations.

RESOLUTION CL2/2002/10

Council adopted the University’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the Year Ending 31 December 2001 subject to satisfactory completion of the external audit.

RESOLUTION CL2/2002/11

Council approved the 2001 Annual Report to Parliament of the Council of Monash University for forwarding to the Minister for Education and Training subject to satisfactory completion of the external audit.

(File RMO1997/0611)

The Vice-Chancellor invited Mr Tony Pollock, Executive Director, Office of International Affairs to speak to the item. Mr Pollock informed Council that the presentation would cover the background, current role and major achievements of Monash International.

Mr Pollock reminded Council that Monash International was a wholly owned Monash company established in 1994 to recruit international students. Monash International today was guided by the Global Development Framework and Global Development: 2002-2006 in encouraging students to Monash, enhancing Monash’s global capabilities and engaging fully with Monash. This was largely achieved via an expanded range of access programs, the Monash Abroad Program, a comprehensive range of student services and support facilities and improved partnerships with both faculties and external organisations.

During discussion, members queried the number of international students enrolled at the Gippsland campus, the level of students facing exclusion for unsatisfactory progress due to a poor command of the English language and the outcomes of any student satisfaction surveys.

In response, Mr Pollock advised Council that a variety of strategies were in place to attempt to increase enrolment levels at the Gippsland campus, that Monash International was working with the University community to ensure that appropriate advice was given to all potential students and that the major issues raised in student satisfaction surveys related to more flexible timetabling, access to academics by part-time students and access to short term loans.

Concluding the discussion, the Chancellor thanked Mr Pollock for his informative presentation and commended the performance of all involved in Monash International activities.

RESOLUTION CL2/2002/12

Council received and noted the report Monash International Pty Ltd: background, current role and major achievements.

(File RMO1997/0356)

The Vice-Chancellor invited Professor Stephen Parker, Dean, Faculty of Law and chair of the steering committee for Monash in Europe, to speak to the item.

Professor Parker informed Council that he had visited London since he prepared the paper before Council and had met with Professor Merran Evans, Director of the Monash University Centre in London.

Initiatives outlined by Professor Parker included impending agreements with the Faculties of Law and Medicine and the Department of Geography, the sharing of data on research strengths between King’s College and Monash and the impending establishment of an office on the Strand.

Commenting on Prato, Professor Parker noted that the Centre was a different type of venture to London. Monash occupies a significant space on the Palazzo Vaj. Initiatives included a recent visit by 70 law students supported by the Monash Abroad Program, concerts, exhibitions and conferences, a bid for EU research funds and an investigation into the feasibility of establishing an English Language Centre.

Following discussion of the relocation of the multi-university Australia Centre from the University of Potsdam to the CBD of Berlin, a member informed Council that the Australia Council for the Arts had scheduled a visual/arts cultural event in Berlin during the second half of 2002 and that this might provide Monash with an opportunity to increase its exposure in the region.

A member, noting the rapid growth of Prato, requested that Council be provided with a further update later in 2002.

Concluding the discussion, the Chancellor thanked Professor Parker for his informative presentation and, noting that the rapid growth of Prato should not be an issue given careful planning and prioritising, agreed that Council receive an update on the matter later in 2002.

RESOLUTION CL2/2002/13

Council received and noted the report of Professor Stephen Parker, chair of the steering committee for Monash in Europe.

(File RMO2001/1055)

RESOLUTION CL2/2002/14

Council made Statute 11.2 Intellectual Property (Amendment No 1 2002) and Intellectual Property Regulations (Amendment No 1 2002).

(Files RMO1998/1467, RMO1997/1563)

Council noted that the Executive Committee of Council, acting under its delegation from Council, met on 4 February 2002 and approved an offer of appointment as a Professor of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, to the person named in the document circulated to members of the Executive Committee.

(File Personnel)

Council noted that the Executive Committee of Council, acting under its delegation from Council, met on 4 February 2002 and approved the nomination of Council members as Council’s nominees to the selection committees as detailed in the document circulated to members of the Executive Committee.

(File RMO1997/1623)

RESOLUTION CL2/2002/15

Council noted the approvals granted by the Executive Committee of Council at its meeting held 4 February 2002.

RESOLUTION CL2/2002/16

Council received and noted the report of meeting 1/2002 of the Audit Committee held on 6 March 2001.

(File RMO1997/1579)

RESOLUTION CL2/2002/17

Council adopted the University’s 2001 financial statements subject to satisfactory completion of the external audit.

(File RMO1997/0611)

Council members were invited to refer to the proceedings of the report of Audit Committee.

RESOLUTION CL2/2002/18

Council noted the proceedings of the Audit Committee meeting held on 6 March 2002.

(File RMO1997/1579)

RESOLUTION CL2/2002/19

Council noted that the Resources and Finance Committee endorsed the 2001 Consolidated Financial Statements subject to satisfactory completion of the external audit.

(File RMO1997/0611)

RESOLUTION CL2/2002/20

Council, in accordance with Section 35B of the Monash University Act, approved the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences becoming a member of Victorian Metropolitan Alliance Pty Ltd, subject to approval of the constitution of the company and the agreement with General Practice Education and Training Incorporated by the University Solicitor.

RESOLUTION CL2/2002/21

Council endorsed Professor Leon Piterman as the University’s representative on the Board of the Company and Dr Lyndall Whitecross as his alternate.

(File RMO2001/1185)

Council members were invited to refer to the proceedings of the report of Resources and Finance Committee.

RESOLUTION CL2/2002/22

Council noted the proceedings of the Resources and Finance Committee meeting held on 5 March 2002.

(File RMO1999/1488)

RESOLUTION CL2/2002/23

Council received and noted the report of meeting 1/2002 of the Academic Board held on Wednesday, 20 February 2002.

(File RMO2001/0552)

9.2.1 Proposal to establish and fill the position of Professor and Director of Aged Care Medicine (Secretarial note: minute 11.1.4.1 of the Report of Senior Appointments refers)

RESOLUTION CL2/2002/24

Council approved the proposal of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences to establish and fill the position of Professor and Director of Aged Care Medicine.

(File Personnel)

RESOLUTION CL2/2002/25

Council approved the award of the Doctor of Medicine degree to Dr Kenneth Opeskin for the thesis titled ‘A Clinical and Pathological Study of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy’ and Dr Alasdair Vance, for the thesis titled ‘Investigations of Anxiety in Clinically Referred Children with ADHT-CT’.

(Files Personnel)

Council members were invited to refer to the proceedings of the report of Academic Board.

RESOLUTION CL2/2002/26

Council noted the proceedings of the Academic Board meeting held on 20 February 2002.

(File RMO2001/0552)

RESOLUTION CL2/2002/27

Council received and noted the reports of the Gippsland Advisory Council meetings 6/2001 held on 27 November 2001 and 1/2002 held on 19 February 2002.

(File RMO1997/0888)

Council members were invited to refer to the proceedings of the reports of Gippsland Advisory Council.

RESOLUTION CL2/2002/28

Council noted the proceedings of the Gippsland Advisory Council meetings held on 27 November 2001 and 19 February 2002.

(File RMO1997/0888)

RESOLUTION CL2/2002/29

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

• Professor Alan Lindsay – Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President, Academic and Planning

• Associate Professor Jayashri Kulkarni – Professor of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

• Mr Don Poskitt – Chair of Econometrics, Faculty of Business and Economics

• Professor James Walter – Chair of Political Science, Faculty of Arts

RESOLUTION CL2/2002/30

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

• Associate Professor James Sarros – Professor, in the Department of Management, Faculty of Business and Economics

(Files Personnel)

RESOLUTION CL2/2002/31

Council approved the appointment of the person named in the document presented to a Chair of Statistics, School of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science, as per the report of the selection committee.

(File Personnel)

The Vice-Chancellor informed Council that he was delighted that Professor Homer Le Grand, Dean, Faculty of Arts, had agreed to consider a new five-year contract commencing from 1 January 2002.

RESOLUTION CL2/2002/32

Council approved an offer of appointment as Dean, Faculty of Arts, for the period of 5 years commencing on 1 January 2002 and expiring on 31 December 2006, be made to the person named in the document presented.

11.1.4.1 Professor and Director of Aged Care Medicine, Peninsula Health and the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (Secretarial note: minute 9.2.1 of the Report of Academic Board refers)

RESOLUTION CL2/2002/33

Council approved the establishment of the selection committee for a Professor and Director of Aged Care Medicine as detailed in the document presented.

(Files Personnel)

RESOLUTION CL2/2002/34

Council received and noted OSP reports from the following staff:

• Mr Leigh Astbury, School of Literary, Visual and Performance Studies

• Professor Bruce Jacobs, School of Asian Languages and Studies

• Professor Marian Quartly, Department of History

• Dr Parimal Roy, School of Humanities, Communications and Social Sciences

• Ms Susan Lee, School of Nursing

(File RMO1999/1608)

The next meeting of Council is scheduled to be held at 5.00 pm on Monday, 6 May 2002 at the Peninsula Campus.