Meeting 3/2003 of the Monash University Council was held between 5.00 pm and 6.20 pm on Monday, 5 May 2003 in the Sir George Lush Room, Administration Building 3a, Clayton Campus.

Mr P H Ramler AM, Deputy Chancellor, Presiding

Dr J M Hearn, Deputy Chancellor

Professor P LeP Darvall, Vice-Chancellor

Professor A W Lindsay, Chair of Academic Board

Mr J Hutchinson

Dr R Galbally AO

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

Professor G Bouma, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development)

Mr J Matthews, Divisional Director, Corporate Finance

Mr B Burnet, Campus Director, Clayton

Mr T Calder, Director, Secretariat and Executive Services

Apologies were received from Mr Jerry Ellis, Ms Penny Hutchinson and Ms Jenny Samms.

No requests for special leave were received.

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 Speculations, 2 Confirmation of Minutes of Previous Meeting, 3 Chancellor’s Business, 4 Vice-Chancellor’s Business, 7.5 Receipt of Proceedings of the Resources and Finance Committee, 8 Report of the Board of Monash Commercial Pty Ltd and 10 Report of Equal Opportunity Committee were starred and discussed at the meeting.

Council resolved on the motion of the Chairman:

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

The Chairman, Deputy Chancellor, Mr Paul Ramler, introduced the item by informing members that while a range of correspondence and emails had been sent to members, the official record of agenda papers consisted of the following:

The Vice-Chancellor noted that Council had initially discussed this matter at meeting 7/2002 (11 November 2002). At meeting 8/2002 (9 December 2002), Council resolved that a Review Panel be established to bring recommendations to Council at the earliest practicable time.

The Review Panel reported to meeting 2/2003 (24 March) where Council resolved that the options detailed in the report be referred to the Faculty of Engineering where, in consultation with external stakeholders, a model be developed for "engineering" at the Gippsland Campus.

In response to the Council resolution, the faculty established a Reference Group and Evaluation Panel to fully evaluate the six options contained in Adjunct Professor Seale’s Review Panel Report.

The Vice-Chancellor informed Council that following a thorough evaluation of the six options, which included the quality of each program from an accreditation, course delivery and student and staff perspective, financial viability of each option and social issues including the needs of local students, employers, industry and the community, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering had recommended that Option 6 (The Civil Engineering/Environmental Option) be adopted as the most appropriate option for continuing undergraduate education at the Gippsland Campus.

The Vice-Chancellor recommended that Council note the process for evaluating the options for engineering education in Gippsland, note the work of the Gippsland Engineering Reference Group and Evaluation Panel and that Council endorse the recommendation from the Dean of Engineering that Option 6 (The Civil Engineering/Environmental Option) be adopted by Monash University for continuation of undergraduate engineering education in the Gippsland region.

The Vice-Chancellor introduced Professor John Sheridan, former Acting Dean and currently Acting Head of School, Gippsland School of Engineering, who could elaborate on any issues raised by Council members and respond to questions.

Mr John Hutchinson, supporting the recommendations put to Council, noted the proposal provided a flexible way forward and provided a range of opportunities for students and the Gippsland community. Other members noted that while the proposal would initially need the ongoing support of the faculty and University, the recommended option had potential for growth, would, with the support of local industry, provide a sound platform for research activity and enable linkages to be built with other areas such as the Australian Sustainable Industry Research Centre (ASIRC).

In response to questions, Professor Sheridan informed Council that the program would meet accreditation requirements and offer improved employment prospects for students. Further, all current students would be advised of available options, pathways and financial issues.

Concluding the discussion, Mr Ramler thanked the Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Engineering staff and members of the committees and panels for their effort and contribution to the process.

RESOLUTION CL3/2003/48

Council:

1. noted the process for evaluating the options for engineering education in Gippsland as determined by the Gippsland Engineering Review Panel;

2. noted the work of the Gippsland Engineering Reference Group and Evaluation Panel; and

3. endorsed the recommendation from the Dean of Engineering that Option 6 (The Civil Engineering/Environmental Option) be adopted by the University for continuation of undergraduate engineering education in the Gippsland region.

The Vice-Chancellor informed Council that the Vice-Chancellor Designate, Professor R Larkins and twenty plus staff who reported directly to the Vice-Chancellor, had attended the two-day Senior Management Planning Days.

Council was informed that attendees had fully and frankly discussed a range of issues including endorsing the current strategy of internationalisation and globalisation, the difficulties of managing a diverse institution such as Monash, the faculty/campus matrix, the "ideal Monash", resourcing and "elitism versus giantism".

In conclusion, the Vice-Chancellor informed Council that a working party had been established to consolidate and prioritise the issues for further discussion at meetings of the Deans Discussion Group.

In response to a question, the Vice-Chancellor proposed that a document outlining the major themes/issues raised at the planning days be distributed to members with the minutes of the meeting. (Attachment 1)

RESOLUTION CL3/2003/49

Council noted the report of the Vice-Chancellor dated 23 April 2003 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 Special Meeting held on 17 March 2003 and the Minutes of Meeting 2/2003 held on 24 March 2003 were circulated.

RESOLUTION CL3/2003/50

Council confirmed the Minutes of Special Meeting held on 17 March 2003.

RESOLUTION CL3/2003/51

Council confirmed the Minutes of Meeting 2/2003 held on 24 March 2003.

Noting the large number of items starred at meeting 2/2003 and the limited time available for discussion, a member requested that consideration be given to prioritising the order of discussion of starred agenda items at future meetings of Council.

Mr Paul Ramler AM, Deputy Chancellor, informed Council of the passing of former Council member Mr John Wood. Mr Wood was a member of Monash University Council from 1963 to 1971 and then again from 1974 until 1979. Council recorded its condolences to the family and friends of Mr Wood.

Mr Ramler congratulated those Council members and staff recently awarded Centenary Medals. A list of recipients is attached to the minutes. (Attachment 2)

Mr Ramler informed Council that the Second Reading Speech of the University Acts (Amendment) Bill had occurred on 10 April 2003.

Professor Gary Bouma, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development) informed Council that the Monash Research Summit held on the 30 April 2003, attracted a large contingent of Monash research staff.

Professor Bouma informed Council that the program included sessions with the Vice-Chancellor’s Group and use of discussion panels, all of which encouraged robust and frank discussion. Further, Council was informed that Professor Simon Marginson, Director, Centre for Research in International Education, contextualised discussion and that the Vice-Chancellor Designate, Professor Richard Larkins provided the concluding remarks.

Professor Bouma advised Council that he would present to the Vice-Chancellor’s Group and Council a list of issues and options arising from the summit. (Attachment 3)

A member suggested that a similar summit be held for research students focussing on research and career opportunities.

RESOLUTION CL3/2003/52

Council noted the advice of Professor Gary Bouma, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development).

(File RMO1997/1152)

The Vice-Chancellor reminded Council that Ms Jackson, Executive Director, Marketing and Public Affairs and Chair of the Monash Identity Reference Group had recently provided Council with an update on the development and implementation of the Monash University Marketing Plan.

As a subset of that topic, the Vice-Chancellor invited Ms Jackson to demonstrate to Council a recently developed concept for University branding.

Ms Jackson informed Council that following extensive market research and consultation, an agency had been commissioned to develop brand attributes, a brand architecture including a brand hierarchy and a review of the existing brand identity.

A PowerPoint presentation was provided to Council on aspects of the branding proposal.

A member noted that it would be appropriate to ensure that the number of optional variations allowed within the branding architecture was limited and that the architecture should ensure the perception of "self-evidency".

Following discussion, Mr Ramler, thanked Ms Jackson for her presentation and noted that Council looked forward to the next step in the process.

RESOLUTION CL3/2003/53

Council noted the advice of Ms Meredith Jackson, Executive Director, Marketing and Public Affairs and Chair of the Monash Identity Reference Group.

(File RMO2001/0329)

(File RMO1998/2135)

The Executive Committee of Council, acting under its delegation from Council, met on 3 April 2003 and approved an offer of appointment to a Chair of Biotechnology, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and an offer of a five-year appointment as a Professor of Nursing, Monash Gippsland, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, as per the reports of the selection committee, be made to the persons named in the documents circulated to members of the Executive Committee.

(File Personnel)

(File RMO2002/0435)

The Executive Committee of Council, acting under its delegation from Council, met on 15 April 2003 and approved the proposal to establish and fill the position of Professor of Neurosciences/Director of Neurology, as detailed in the document circulated to members of the Executive Committee and approved an offer of appointment as a Professor of Health Services Research and Director, Monash Institute of Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences as per the report of the selection committee, be made to the person named in the document circulated to members of the Executive Committee.

(File Personnel)

RESOLUTION CL3/2003/54

Council noted the approvals granted by the Executive Committee of Council at its meetings held on 3 and 15 April 2003.

RESOLUTION CL3/2003/55

Council approved the nomination of Mr Stephen Davey, Divisional Director, Facilities and Services as the second Monash University member on the Board of Gippsland Education Precinct Incorporated.

(File RMO2002/0368, Personnel)

RESOLUTION CL3/2003/56

Council approved the recommendation of Resources and Finance Committee that Monash University:

(File RMO2002/1660)

RESOLUTION CL3/2003/57

Council:

(File RMO2001/0931)

RESOLUTION CL3/2003/58

Council approved the naming of the "Ken Hunt Memorial Garden" and the "Fine Arts Building" in accordance with the University’s Naming Policy.

(File RMO2001/1446)

A member raised the following issues in relation to item 2.7 Monash University Sunway Campus Malaysia Sdn Bhd Financial results for the year ended 31 December 2002":

In response, Council was informed that the shortfall in student numbers was largely attributable to an increased number of students transferring from Malaysia Campus to Australian campuses and a decline in enrolment of information technology students. In relation to an updated financial plan, Council was informed that the matter would be a priority for the new Pro Vice-Chancellor in consultation with Monash partners.

RESOLUTION CL3/2003/59

Council noted the proceedings of the Resources and Finance Committee meeting held on 14 April 2003.

A member noted that aspects of this report highlighted the need for Council to receive a more satisfactory level of reporting.

Mr Ramler informed Council that consolidated financial reporting, on a quarterly basis, should be available by 1 October 2003 and that the reports would become more expansive and highlight any concern of the Board of Monash Commercial and the strategies the Board was putting in place to address the issue. However, Mr Ramler also advised Council that commercially sensitive matters would need to be carefully reported as maintaining confidentiality was of the utmost importance. The matter is to be brought to the attention of the Chancellor.

During discussion, members noted that reports from Monash Commercial should contain more qualitative information and provide greater information on venture risk, the tracking of risk and identifying any exceptions.

RESOLUTION CL3/2003/60

Council received and noted the report of meeting 2/2003 of the Board of Monash Commercial Pty Ltd held on 11 April 2003 and requested that future reports provide a more satisfactory level of detail including consolidated financial reporting.

(File RMO2000/106)

RESOLUTION CL3/2003/61

Council received and noted the report of meeting 2/2003 of the Academic Board held on Wednesday, 9 April 2003.

(File RMO2001/0552)

RESOLUTION CL3/2003/62

Council made the legislation titled Statute 4.1 - Discipline (Amendment No 1 2003) and Faculties Regulations (Amendment No 1 2003).

(Files RMO1998/0760, 2001/0718)

RESOLUTION CL3/2003/63

Council approved the proposal of the Faculty of Information Technology to establish and fill a Chair of Multimedia Systems.

(File RMO1997/0768)

RESOLUTION CL3/2003/64

Council approved the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Science to award the degree of Doctor of Science to Professor Guo-Wei He.

(File Personnel)

RESOLUTION CL3/2003/65

Council noted the proceedings of the Academic Board meeting held on 9 April 2003.

Professor Colin Bourke MBE, Chairman of the Equal Opportunity Committee informed Council of the following:

Other aspects of the report included a report of indigenous Australian student intake, merit and equity scholarships and revised discrimination and sexual harassment grievance procedures.

RESOLUTION CL3/2003/66

Council received and noted the report of the Equal Opportunity Committee meeting 1/2003 held on 7 April 2003.

(File RMO2003/0625)

RESOLUTION CL3/2003/67

Council noted the proceedings of the Equal Opportunity Committee meeting 1/2003 held on 7 April 2003.

RESOLUTION CL3/2003/68

Council noted that the following had accepted the offers of appointment indicated below and wished to record their thanks to Council:

RESOLUTION CL3/2003/69

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

(File Personnel)

RESOLUTION CL3/2003/70

Council approved an offer of an appointment variation as a professor and Pro Vice-Chancellor, Monash University Malaysia, for a period of up to three years, as per the report of the selection committee, be made to the person named in the document presented.

(File Personnel)

RESOLUTION CL3/2003/71

Council approved an offer of a 3-year appointment variation as Head, Department of Accounting and Finance, Faculty of Business and Economics, as per the report of the selection committee, be made to the person named in the document presented.

(File Personnel)

RESOLUTION CL3/2003/72

Council approved an offer of appointment as a Professor of Rural Health, including a 5-year appointment as Head, School of Rural Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, as per the report of the selection committee, be made to the person named in the document presented.

(File Personnel)

RESOLUTION CL3/2003/73

Council approved the establishment of the selection committees for appointments to the following positions – Chair of Multimedia Systems, Faculty of Information Technology, and Professor of Neurosciences and Director of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences and Southern Health – as detailed in the document presented.

RESOLUTION CL3/2003/74

Council approved the nomination of Dr June Hearn, Deputy Chancellor as Council’s nominee to the selection committee as detailed in the document presented.

RESOLUTION CL3/2003/75

Council received and noted OSP reports from the following staff:

• Dr Barbara Clarke

• Associate Professor Tony Taylor

• Associate Professor H R Wu, School of Computer Science and Software Engineering

• Ms Judy Sheard, School of Computer Science and Software Engineering

• Mr Peter Tischer, School of Computer Science and Software Engineering

• Dr Gregory Jakovidis, School of Physics & Materials Engineering

• Associate Professor Jennifer Read, School of Biological Sciences

• Dr John Beardall, Biological Sciences

(File RMO2002/0168)

The next meeting of Council is scheduled to be held at 5.00 pm on Monday, 14 July 2003 at the Caulfield Campus.