Meeting No. 3/2002 of the Monash University Council was held between 5.00 pm and 7.15 pm on Monday, 6 May in the Conference Room in Building "C", Peninsula Campus

Mr J K Ellis, Chancellor, Presiding

Mr P H Ramler AM, Deputy Chancellor

Dr J M Hearn, 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 Sue Willis, Dean, Faculty of Education

Ms Meredith Jackson, Executive Director, Marketing and Public Affairs

Mr Serhat Abdurazak, Director, Development and Alumni

Mr John Matthews, Divisional Director, Corporate Finance

Mr Tony Calder, Director, Secretariat and Executive Services

Apologies were received from Ms Manisha Blencowe and Dr Carol Williams.

The Chancellor informed Council that Ms Ann Sherry had tendered her resignation from Monash University Council and Monash Commercial Pty Ltd effective 30 April 2002. The Chancellor recorded Council’s appreciation for the contribution of Ms Sherry to the work of the University and Council.

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/35

Council recorded its appreciation for the contribution of Ms Ann Sherry to the work of the University and Council.

At Council meeting 2/2002 (18 March), Council approved requests for special leave for meeting 3/2002 (6 May) from Miss Dorothy Pizzey AM and for meeting 4/2002 (24 June) from Mr Paul Ramler AM.

Council approved requests for special leave for meeting 4/2002 (24 June) from Ms Penelope Hutchinson and Professor Colin Bourke MBE.

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, 7 Report of the Resources and Finance Committee, 8 Monash Commercial Pty Ltd and 10.1 Receipt of Report of Equal Opportunity Committee 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 informed Council that Professor M L Brisk, Dean, Faculty of Engineering had tendered his resignation as at the end of 2002.

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/36

Council approved the proposal to advertise and fill the position of Dean of Engineering and that a decanal selection committee be established for this appointment.

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/37

Council recorded its appreciation to Professor M L Brisk for his significant contribution to Monash University.

(File RMO1998/3122)

The Vice-Chancellor informed Council that two students enrolled in first year Engineering units were recovering in hospital from Meningococcal Disease. Both were thought to have contracted the infection at the recently held Engineering Ball.

A prompt and coordinated response between the Faculty of Engineering and the Department of Health Services had provided information packs and free vaccinations to all first year students and those staff and tutors who had been involved in the delivery of units in which the infected students had participated.

Noting that the two students were recovering well and that the incubation period for the disease was now well past, the Vice-Chancellor praised the efforts of the staff of both the Faculty of Engineering and the Department of Human Services.

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/38

Council received and noted the report of meeting 1/2002 of the Membership Committee of Council held on Friday, 19 April 2002.

(File RMO1997/1107)

During discussion, members offered a range of views on the degree of detail that could be included when completing the Declaration of Private Interests.

Summarising the discussion, the Chancellor noted that the basic level of disclosure included those interests that "could reasonably raise an expectation of a conflict of interest in respect to Council membership". Further, the Chancellor agreed with the advice that "when in doubt, declare".

In response to a question relating to process, Council agreed to the following:

Concluding the discussion, the Chancellor reaffirmed the importance of the current practice of members declaring any conflict of interest to the Chair of the relevant Committee prior to the commencement of a meeting.

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/39

Council approved the proposal that all members and prospective members of Council be required to complete and update annually a Declaration of Private Interests.

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/40

Council approved the following appointments:

Professor Tam Sridhar

That the Vice-Chancellor would bring forward a nominee for Council’s consideration.

Dr Brian Robinson

Dr Carol Williams

(Files RMO1998/0041, RMO1998/0220)

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/41

Council approved the appointment of Mr Max Maisela and Mr Ian Porter to the Board of Monash University South Africa.

(File RMO2002/0527)

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/42

Council noted that Membership Committee gave preliminary consideration to filling of vacancies on Council for 2003 and would bring nominations to a later meeting of Council.

(Files RMO1997/1111, RMO1998/2753, RMO2000/1523, RMO2000/1343)

Council was advised that the lease document described in item 3 of the report on the Use of the University Seal contained a typographical error. This error had also been transcribed into the report to Council.

Council was informed that the lease document between Monash University and SMF Funds Management would be annotated with the correct address being Level 3, 30 Collins Street and re-sealed if necessary.

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/43

Council noted the report of the Vice-Chancellor dated 24 April 2002 on the affixing of the Common Seal to documents executed under Seal pursuant to Statute 8.1, Section 2.1.5. Council also noted the further information relating to the need to correct the details on the Lease between Monash University and SMF Funds Management.

(File RMO1997/0889)

Authorised observers were admitted to the meeting following confidential items.

The Minutes of meeting No 2/2002 held on 18 March were circulated.

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/44

Council confirmed the Minutes of meeting No. 2/2002 held on Monday, 18 March 2002 subject to the substitution of the words "ranked register of assets that could be made liquid in the event of a cash crisis" instead of "register of liquid assets" appearing in dot point 3 of minute 4.2 2001 Annual Report to Parliament of the Council of Monash University and insertion of the words "a further update and outline of strategic development options" instead of "an update" appearing in the final paragraph before Resolution CL2/2002/13 of minute 4.4 Monash in Europe.

The Chancellor informed Council that a memorial service for Sir Louis Matheson, founding Vice-Chancellor of Monash University, would be held at the Robert Blackwood Concert Hall on Monday, 3 June 2002 at 4.00 pm. Council members would be invited to attend the service and could join the academic procession if they wished.

Council noted, with acclamation, the appointment of Council member, Professor Tam Sridhar, to Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science.

The Chancellor advised Council that he provided the occasional address at a recent graduation ceremony with a key focus of his address being the significant contribution made by the academic and general staff to the University’s development and to the students’ success.

The Vice-Chancellor informed Council that the Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Honourable Dr Brendan Nelson MP, had released the first of a series of discussion papers on aspects of higher education as part of a year-long review process.

Noting that the Group of Eight and the Australian Vice-Chancellors’ Committee had indicated that they would respond to the request for submissions, the Vice-Chancellor recommended that a Monash submission should focus on Monash specific issues such as the value to the nation of Monash’s international activities and regional engagement. Further, the Vice-Chancellor informed Council that Monash’s recent submission to the State Government’s Review into University Governance had been well received.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that a draft submission to the higher education review would be presented to the September meeting of Council.

During discussion, members suggested that a Monash submission might include an emphasis on Monash’s regional engagement in Gippsland, improved governance structures and the need for an improved access and equity model.

Concluding the discussion, the Chancellor noted that Council looked forward to receiving a draft submission that encompassed the suggestions of Council members.

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/45

Council noted the media release for the publication of Higher Education at the Crossroads; an overview.

(File RMO2000/1393)

The Vice-Chancellor invited Professor Peter Darvall, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research and Development) to introduce the item.

Professor Darvall informed Council that the Academic Board had approved the establishment of the Monash Institute for the Study of Global Movements as a cross faculty entity based largely around the Faculties of Art and Design, Arts, Business and Economics, Education and Law.

Professor Darvall invited Professor Sue Willis, Dean, Faculty of Education, to speak. Professor Willis informed Council that the establishment of the Institute would aid in bridging the gap between business disciplines and the social sciences and facilitate greater breadth and depth in research via its cross disciplinary focus.

Professor Willis informed Council that under the guidance of an implementation group, the Institute was looking to establish a number of major research foci, had established a web site, was looking to appoint a Director and was running a series of "show and tell" seminars.

Noting the importance of this initiative and congratulating all concerned with the establishment of the Institute, members offered the following observations:

The Chancellor congratulated all concerned with this important new initiative and requested that Council be kept up-to-date on the progress of the Institute.

(Secretarial note: minute 9.2.3 of the Academic Board Report refers)

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/46

Council received and noted the establishment of the Monash Institute for the Study of Global Movements.

(File RMO2001/0993)

The Vice-Chancellor invited Professor Peter Darvall, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research and Development) to introduce the item. Professor Darvall noted that Monash was a highly diverse University that needed to plan and foster a consistent and co-ordinated worldwide representation.

Professor Darvall invited Ms Meredith Jackson, Executive Director, Marketing and Public Affairs to speak. Ms Jackson informed Council that the document Monash University Marketing: an interim report outlined progress of a review of the University’s marketing activities and communication strategy. Noting the importance of getting Monash’s market positioning correct, Ms Jackson outlined the marketing objectives that had been established for 2002 and beyond. These were:

During discussion, Council members reinforced the ongoing need to seek the input of the student body and noted the importance of identifying a suitable model that would attract people to Monash and clearly position Monash in relation to others in the same market segment.

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/47

Council received and noted the interim report on the university’s marketing.

(File RMO1998/0010)

For action or noting by: Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research and Development), Executive Director, Marketing and Public Affairs

The Vice-Chancellor invited Deputy Chancellor, Mr Paul Ramler to introduce the item. Mr Ramler commented that fundraising and "friend raising" had been on the agenda for a number of years and that there was a need to attract philanthropic support for the University’s faculties and research institutes. Mr Ramler noted that significant progress had been made in the area of fundraising since it was discussed at Committee of Deans meeting 4/2000 (30 May).

Mr Ramler invited Mr Serhat Abdurazak, Director, Development and Alumni, to speak. Mr Abdurazak commenced his report by outlining the mandate of the University Development and Alumni Office; to develop a strong support office, to develop a policy and procedure framework and to co-ordinate fundraising activities across Monash.

Mr Abdurazak noted that with the help of Deans and the foundation, $10 m in pledges had been raised. Further, four faculty foundations were active and working on campaigns for fundraising with sixteen appeals/campaigns scheduled for 2002. Mr Abdurazak informed Council that the potential for fundraising at Monash was "huge" and concluded his presentation by stating that fundraising was a shared responsibility.

In response to a question on engagement with the business community, the Chancellor responded that three meetings, attended by a range of business leaders, had been well received and more were planned for 2002.

During discussion, members commented on a number of matters including the range of ways Deans and academics could engage with business and industry, that intergenerational change was contributing to a lower number of donations but at a larger level and that donors expected to see a tangible benefit achieved by the institution. In response to a question, Mr Abdurazak responded that a policy framework was being developed in relation to the acceptance of gifts/donations.

Concluding the presentation, the Chancellor thanked Mr Abdurazak for his presentation and encouraged Council members to support management in this area whenever the opportunity arose.

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/48

Council noted developments in relation to the university’s fundraising.

(File RMO1999/0709)

For action or noting by: Director, Development and Alumni

The Vice-Chancellor invited Ms Alison Crook, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Resources), to provide Council with an update on the physical developments occurring on University campuses. Ms Crook informed Council of the following:

Stage 1 of the STRIP – the shell of the building should be completed by January 2003 with progressive fit out allowing occupation from March 2003. Discussions/agreements with faculty, commercial/semi commercial tenants were well advanced with 70% of lettable space committed – this would rise to 90% depending on the outcome of a proposal to establish a major Centre of Excellence in the STRIP.

Other developments included the near completion of the International Building and Science Centre and early planning for serviced apartments near the site of the Synchrotron.

Equiset Pty Ltd., project managers and architects, was continuing to consolidate the site, plan the facilities and obtain the necessary approvals. The work was expected to continue throughout 2002.

A business plan for the "whole of campus" development, in association with Delfin Lend Lease, was nearing completion for consideration by the State Government. In the meantime, planning for construction of the Stage 3 building was continuing.

In relation to the establishment of the Gippsland Education Precinct, Council was advised that a working group had been established to formulate access and charging regimes for those instances when external users access/utilise Monash facilities.

Council was informed that the Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal had upheld the decision of the Melbourne City Council to grant a permit for construction of a six storey building with two levels of basement car parking. A business case was being prepared and if viable, the proposal would be brought to Resources and Finance Committee and Council.

Following completion of five new houses on campus and construction of a new synthetic hockey pitch, the major development on campus would be a dual purpose Early Childhood Education teaching and research facility.

Following advice that our partners could provide land for but not finance the building of a new campus, Monash had sought the agreement of our partner to bring in a third party to build the campus.

Work was continuing on defining space and facility requirements and financial modelling with a view to bringing a detailed proposal to Resources and Finance Committee meeting on 3 June and Council meeting on 24 June.

Following discussion on the inability of Monash to purchase the site of the proposed campus as it was the subject of a ninety-seven year lease and the suggestion that Monash attempt to obtain a long term lease, a member requested that the situation be clearly outlined in the proposal to be considered at the June meeting of Council.

Council was informed that the first two blocks of student accommodation were completed in time for the semester one intake and that the requirement for additional accommodation was being scoped and a proposal would be developed for consideration by Resources and Finance Committee at its meeting on 12 August and subsequent consideration by Council.

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/49

Council noted the state of play with developments on all campuses.

(Files RMO2001/0940, RMO1999/2041, RMO2001/1009, RMO2002/0368, RMO1998/1884, RMO2002/0562, RMO2002/0167, RMOR2001/050, RMO2002/0528)

For action or noting by: Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Resources), Campus Directors – all campuses

The Vice-Chancellor invited Professor Peter Darvall, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research and Development), to provide Council with an update on developments with the national Synchrotron facility at Monash.

Professor Darvall informed Council that the preferred name is the "Australian Synchrotron" and he encouraged the use of the extension "at Monash".

Council was advised that the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor Rob Norris, had convened a working group to ensure that Monash took full academic advantage of the opportunities presented by the location of the Australian Synchrotron at Monash.

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/50

Council received the update on the development of the Australian Synchrotron at Monash and noted activities of the Synchrotron Working Group.

(File RMO2001/0809)

For action or noting by: Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research and Development), Dean, Faculty of Science

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/51

Council noted the update on stem cell research.

(File RMOR2002/025)

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/52

Council made Statute 6.3 – Exclusion for Health Reasons (Amendment No. 1 2002).

(File RMO1999/1767)

The Executive Committee of Council, acting under its delegation from Council, met on 26 March 2002 and approved the establishment of a position of Professor of Accounting, Department of Accounting and Finance, Faculty of Business and Economics as detailed in the document circulated to members of the Executive Committee.

(File RMO2000/1729)

The Executive Committee of Council, acting under its delegation from Council, met on 26 March 2002 and approved offers of appointment to the positions of Professor of Financial Accounting and Auditing and Professor of Accounting, Department of Accounting and Finance, Faculty of Business and Economics to the persons detailed in the document circulated to members of the Executive Committee.

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/53

Council noted the approvals granted by the Executive Committee of Council at its meeting held 26 March 2002.

For action or noting by: Manager, Senior Appointments

In response to a question relating to student numbers at the Monash South Africa Campus, the Vice-Chancellor acknowledged that enrolments, whilst improving, had not reached projected targets and noted that a comprehensive paper on the campus would be presented by the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Monash South Africa at Council meeting 4/2002 (24 June).

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/54

Council received and noted the report of the Resources and Finance Committee meeting held on 15 May 2002.

(File RMO2002/0201)

For action or noting by: Secretary and Minute Secretary to Resources and Finance Committee

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

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/55

Council noted the proceedings of the Resources and Finance Committee meeting held on 15 April 2002.

(File RMO2002/0201, RMO1998/1308, RMO1998/2448)

For action or noting by: Secretary and Minute Secretary to Resources and Finance Committee

A member requested further information on the subsidiary company structure reporting to Monash Commercial Pty Ltd and the importance of Council continuing to receive appropriate reports.

Council was advised that an up-to-date chart detailing the company structure of Monash Commercial would be distributed with the Council Minutes. Further, Council was informed that the next meeting of the Monash Commercial Board would receive presentations from all subsidiary companies. A comprehensive report of the Board meeting would be submitted for Council’s consideration.

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/56

Council received the report.

(File RMOR2000/106)

For action or noting by: Chairman and Secretary to Monash Commercial Pty Ltd

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/57

Council received and noted the report of meeting 2/2002 of the Academic Board held on Wednesday, 10 April 2002.

(File RMO2001/0552)

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/58

Council approved the proposal of the Faculty of Art and Design to establish and fill the position of Professor/Associate Professor of Design Research.

(File Personnel)

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/59

Council approved the award of the degree of Doctor of Medicine to Dr. Robert Oelrichs, Department of Medicine, Alfred Hospital, for his thesis entitled "Application of Techniques in molecular phylogeny to the biology and epidemiology of Human Immunodeficiency Virus type on in the global pandemic."

(File Personnel)

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/60

Council noted the establishment of the Monash Institute for the Study of Global Movements.

(File RMO2001/0993)

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

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/61

Council noted the proceedings of the Academic Board meeting held on 10 April 2002.

(File RMO2001/0552)

The Chair of the Equal Opportunity Committee, Professor Colin Bourke MBE, provided Council with an update on the activities of the Equal Opportunity Committee.

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/62

Council received and noted the report of the Equal Opportunity Committee meeting 1/2002 held on 25 March 2002.

(File RMO2002/0524)

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

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/63

Council noted the proceedings of the Equal Opportunity Committee meeting 1/2002 held on 25 March 2002.

(File RMO1998/2135, RMO1998/0992, RMO2000/1029)

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/64

Council noted that the following had accepted the offer of appointment indicated below and wished to pass on his thanks to Council:

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/65

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

(Files Personnel)

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/66

Council approved the appointment of the person named in the document presented to a Chair of Accounting and Finance, School of Business and Information Technology, Monash University Malaysia, as per the report of the selection committee.

(File Personnel)

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/67

Council approved the appointment of the persons named in the document presented as Professors of Information Technology Research, Faculty of Information Technology, as per the report of the selection committee.

(File Personnel)

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/68

Council approved the appointment of the person named in the document presented to a Chair of Malaysian Business, School of Business and Information Technology, Monash University Malaysia, as per the report of the selection committee.

(File Personnel)

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/69

Council approved the appointment of the person named in the document presented to a Chair of Materials Science, School of Physics and Materials Engineering, Faculties of Engineering and Science, as per the report of the selection committee.

(File Personnel)

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/70

Council approved the establishment of the selection committee for a Professor (or Associate Professor) of Design Research, Faculty of Art and Design as per the document presented.

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/71

Council approved the following:

1. That where a company of which the University is a registered shareholder or member calls a general meeting where any item of business will or may be put to a vote -

is qualified to be appointed as the University proxy to attend and vote for it at the said general meeting; and

(b) The person occupying or acting in the position of University Solicitor is authorised to sign a form of proxy in favour of one of the persons so qualified, and available to act.

2. This resolution revokes Council Resolution CL7/2000/234 relating to the appointment of a University proxy.

(File RMO2000/1293)

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/72

Council noted the promotions approved by the University Readership/Associate Professorship Committee, in accordance with delegated authority, and effective from 1 January 2002 as detailed in the document presented.

(Files Personnel)

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/73

Council noted the promotions approved by Deans, on the recommendation of Faculty Lectureship/Senior Lectureship Committees, in accordance with delegated authority, and effective from 1 January 2002 as detailed in the document presented.

(Files Personnel)

RESOLUTION CL3/2002/74

Council received and noted OSP reports from the following staff:

• Dr Riadh Al-Mahaidi, Department of Civil Engineering

• Dr Paul Webley, Department of Chemical Engineering

• Dr Kevin Korb, Computer Science and Software Engineering

• Ms Livia Iacovina, Information Management and Systems

• Professor John Crossley, School of Computer Science and Software Engineering

• Dr Graham Farr, School of Computer Science and Software Engineering

(File RMO1999/1608)

The next meeting of Council is scheduled to be held at 5.00 pm on Monday, 24 June 2002 at the Caulfield Campus.