Meeting 3/2005 of the Monash University Council was held between 5.00 pm and 7.00 pm on Monday, 2 May 2005 in the Sir George Lush Room, Building 3a, Clayton Campus.

Mr J K Ellis, Chancellor, presiding

Mr P H Ramler AM, Deputy Chancellor

Dr J M Hearn, Deputy Chancellor

Professor R G Larkins AO, Vice-Chancellor

Professor C Browne, Chair of Academic Board

Professor S Parker, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor

Professor A Lindsay, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)

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

Professor G Palmer, Dean, Faculty of Business and Economics and Chair, North Asia Steering Group

Professor M Evans, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Planning)

Mr P Marshall, Divisional Director, Student and Staff Services

Mr A Picouleau, Director, Staff Services

Mr J Sanders, CEO, Monash Commercial

Mr T Calder, Director, Executive Services

Apologies were received from Ms Penny Hutchinson, Ms Louise Adler, Ms Jenny Samms and Professor Edwina Cornish, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research).

At meeting 2/2005 (21 March), Council approved requests for special leave for meeting 3/2005 (2 May) for Mr John Hutchinson and for meeting 5/2005 (8 August) for Ms Lesley Boston.

At this meeting, Council approved requests for special leave for meeting 4/2005 (11 July) for Dr John Zillman AO, Ms Sue Smith and Mr Leo Ostroburski and for meeting 7/2005 (31 October) for Ms Sue Smith.

(Files RMO1998/2754, RMO1998/2753)

Items 1.1 Apologies, 1.2 Special Leave, 1.3 Starring of Items, 1.4 Approval of Non-Starred Items, 2 Confirmation of Minutes of Previous Meeting, 3 Chancellor’s Business, 4 Vice-Chancellor’s Business, 7 Report of the Board of Monash Commercial Pty Ltd and 9 Report of the 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’.

RESOLUTION CL3/2005/39

Council noted the report of the Vice-Chancellor dated 20 April 2005 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 at the commencement of the meeting.

The Minutes of meeting No 2/2005 held on 21 March 2005 were circulated.

RESOLUTION CL3/2005/40

Council confirmed the Minutes of meeting No 2/2005 held on Monday, 21 March 2005.

Council was advised that the review of the indexation process, a condition of the Higher Education Support Act (2003), had been completed by the Department of Treasury and Finance and the Department of Education, Science and Training.

The review recommended that the current indexation process should continue – grants had been adjusted annually by approximately 2% or less over the past nine years – as it was suggested that universities’ finances were generally in a sound state and universities also had access to alternative forms of funding such as variable HECS and fee-paying student revenue.

Council was advised that while real costs, exemplified by salary increases, had risen at a rate greater than the 2%, the 2.5% increase in operating grants via the Higher Education Support Act (2003) would delay the full effect of this outcome until 2008.

The Vice-Chancellor informed Council that Mr Peter Marshall, Divisional Director, Student and Staff Services, was meeting with student associations to identify and prioritise all services funded or subsidised via student amenities fees.

Council noted the advice of the Vice-Chancellor that the shortfall in income from commencing fee-paying students was approximately $10m, however, following discussions with faculties and support service areas, it was planned to identify further savings and revenues in order to retain the projected budget outcome. The net deficit at this stage is $3m, but it is hoped that the original targeted financial outcome will be achieved.

Noting the importance of ensuring that Monash addressed issues within its control, Council was informed that the focus of Monash International had been realigned with recruitment of international students being combined with domestic student recruitment within, for the time being, Marketing and Public Affairs. Monash International would now have a major focus on Monash College activities and other commercial international operations.

Vice-President (International) – As Mr Tony Pollock has taken up an ongoing position as Chief Executive Officer of IDP, a process to replace him has commenced. Council was advised that as the position was integral to the success of Monash’s academic international strategy, the position would be titled Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International).

Vice-President (Advancement) – the appointment process was completed successfully with Mr Ron Fairchild scheduled to commence at Monash in mid August.

Vice-President (Finance)/Chief Financial Officer – Council was informed that interviews had been completed with one candidate having been informed that a formal offer would be forthcoming.

During discussion, members were informed that each table host had been requested to provide a report relating to their table. Further, some issues would be progressed by Professor John Anderson, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Business and Industry).

Council was informed that the visit to Australian campuses would occur in September 2006 with the South Africa visit to take place in late August 2006.

Council was advised that Professor Max King, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research and Research Training, would represent Monash during a consultation forum on June 2.

Council was advised that the Federal Government had announced that increased funding under the Higher Education Support Act (2003) would be made conditional upon universities complying with a range of new requirements including choice in agreement-making, direct relationships with employees, workplace flexibility, productivity and performance and freedom of association.

As the new requirements, including the requirement that universities must offer the option of Australian Workplace Agreements, affected the enterprise agreement currently being negotiated with the National Tertiary Education Industry Union (NTEU), a variety of additional requirements would need to be discussed with the union. However, it was hoped that with goodwill on both sides, a satisfactory outcome would be achieved.

RESOLUTION CL3/2005/41

Council received and noted the Vice-Chancellor’s Report to Council.

(File RMO1998/2347)

The Vice-Chancellor outlined to Council the major highlights of his report including the increased enrolments – almost 200 over the base plan for 2005, the improving relationship with government and government departments and the accreditation of a number of new postgraduate degrees.

In 2004, the campus performed better than budget. However, the improvement was masked by foreign exchange variations. It was expected that 2005 would again see an improved budget outcome.

Other initiatives would include improved research development via the development of research nodes on the campus and ongoing development of student accommodation in partnership with private developers.

In conclusion, the Vice-Chancellor noted that the growth of the campus from a green field site to the current stage was a tribute to the efforts of many. However, Foundation Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Anderson’s achievements in guiding the campus to its current exciting stage had been stunning.

The Vice-Chancellor informed Council that the campus was still performing well. However, new enrolments (first semester of 2005) were down. While the cause/s of the downturn were still being considered, it was likely that the lower fees charged by the University Tunku Abdul Rahman and problems in some markets such as Sri Lanka were major contributing factors to the downturn in numbers.

The campus was continuing to operate at a surplus and returning royalties. Planning for the new campus was progressing with a planned completion date of 2007. Other initiatives included planning for the introduction of a Bachelor of Pharmacy in 2007, the over-enrolment (52 instead of the planned 35) of medical students and a continuing focus on improving research activity at the campus.

A range of matters were discussed including the research strategy and the introduction of international research nodes at both South Africa and Malaysia, whether the downturn in numbers in Malaysia affected other international universities, Monash improved brand recognition in the region and the ongoing focus on delivering quality programs.

RESOLUTION CL3/2005/42

Council received the report and noted the advice of the Vice-Chancellor.

(File RMO2002/0167 – Malaysia – RMOR2004/119 – South Africa)

Professor Merran Evans, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Planning) introduced the item and noted that approximately two-thirds of domestic commencing students entered Monash via VTAC with about 50% of those admitted as school leavers via ENTER scores. Additional data highlighted by Professor Evans included that the access pathways and related student performance varied both by campus and faculty.

During discussion, a range of matters were raised including:

• Monash should look to increase the number of commencing students who received bonus points on their ENTER score due to disadvantage(s) they had experienced;

• during a discussion on the number of commencing indigenous students, pathways and achievement levels, it was suggested that Professors Colin Bourke, Lynette Russell and Merran Evans meet to ensure that the admission process was appropriately structured and implemented; and

• a member suggested that TAFE students in transition to studying at Monash might need additional support.

The Chancellor thanked Professor Evans for her presentation to Council.

RESOLUTION CL3/2005/43

Council received the report and noted the advice of Professor Merran Evans, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Planning).

(File RMO2001/1605)

Professor Gill Palmer, Dean, Faculty of Business and Economics and Chair, North Asia Steering Group, introduced the item by noting that China was an important component of Monash’s internationalisation strategy due to the revenues generated by fee-paying students, the growing number of alumni domiciled in China and the overall importance of China to the region. Further, the major strategies had been modified with a greater focus on delivering partner-supported postgraduate programs and improved research linkages with prestigious universities and improved brand recognition.

Professor Palmer outlined to Council a number of the major partnerships and alliances that had been put in place and the projects that had been funded via the 2005 budget allocation to the North Asia Steering Group.

In response to questions raised during discussion, members were advised that Monash would continue to focus on enhancing its "brand" recognition in China, particularly in Beijing and Shanghai and that the North Asia Steering Group would also continue to address Monash’s strategies for other countries in the region such as Japan, Taiwan and South Korea.

On behalf of Council, the Chancellor thanked Professor Palmer and members of the Steering Group for the progress to date.

RESOLUTION CL3/2005/44

Council received and noted the Monash in China 2010 – A Strategy Paper (dated 13 July 2004) and An Update on Monash University’s China Strategy – Implementation and Achievements (dated 18 April 2005) and noted the advice of Professor Gill Palmer, Dean, Faculty of Business and Economics and Chair, North Asia Steering Group.

(File RMO1998/2540)

(File RMO2004/1407)

RESOLUTION CL3/2005/45

Council:

(i) delegated to the Vice-Chancellor the power to approve Monash University joining any or all of the following Co-operative Research Centres (CRCs):

• Advanced Automotive Technology

• Asthma & Airways

• Biomedical Imaging

• Cast Metals Manufacturing

• e-Water

• Polymers

(ii) declared that pursuant to Section 35B Formation and Membership of companies, joint ventures, etc., participation in each and every CRC approved on Council’s behalf by the Vice-Chancellor would be in the interests of the affairs and concerns of Monash University; and

noting commonwealth government policy for the establishment of CRCs, Council approved Monash forming or participating in each CRC referred to in (i) above via the establishment of limited companies subject to the constitution and related documentation for each company established under the current funding round being referred to the University Solicitor’s Office for approval.

(Files RMO2003/0269, RMO1999/1817)

RESOLUTION CL3/2005/46

Council noted the proceedings of meeting 2/2005 of Resources and Finance Committee held on 20 April 2005.

(File RMO2004/1407)

A member highlighted an instance where an agreement between Monash and an external entity had restricted Monash’s academics from undertaking further public good research relating to intellectual property that formed part of a Technology Transfer Agreement. The query sought assurances on the mechanisms in place to prevent this situation reoccurring.

Council was advised that the experience of the Business Development Managers and the University Solicitor would prevent a recurrence and that a range of protections including limiting transactions to defined fields and/or laboratories, the introduction of time limits and licensing back intellectual property for teaching and research purposes had also been introduced.

RESOLUTION CL3/2005/47

Council received and noted the report of the Board of Monash Commercial Pty Ltd of meeting held on 8 April 2005.

(File RMOR2001/112)

RESOLUTION CL3/2005/48

Council received and noted the report of meeting 2/2005 of the Academic Board held on Wednesday, 23 March 2005.

(File RMO2004/0809)

RESOLUTION CL3/2005/49

Council approved the proposal of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences to establish the School of Applied Clinical and Public Health Sciences.

(File RMO2002/0435)

RESOLUTION CL3/2005/50

Council approved the proposal of the Board of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences to award the Doctor of Medicine degree to Dr Alice Murkies for her thesis entitled, ‘Treatment options for the menopausal woman’.

RESOLUTION CL3/2005/51

Council made Statute 2.3 Faculties Regulations (Amendment No 1 2005).

(File RMO1997/1504)

RESOLUTION CL3/2005/52

Council noted the proceedings of the Academic Board meeting held on 23 March 2005.

(File RMO2004/0809)

Professor Colin Bourke MBE provided Council with an overview of the recent activities of the Equal Opportunity Committee and explained the origin and purpose of the recommendations presented to Council.

During the discussion, it was suggested, and Council approved, that the Vice-Chancellor be delegated the power to appoint the Chair of the following committees of the Equal Opportunity Committee:

• The Inclusive Practices Student Equity Committee

• The Inclusive Practices Workplace Equity Committee

• The Inclusive Practices Disability Committee

RESOLUTION CL3/2005/53

Council delegated to the Vice-Chancellor the power to appoint the Chairs of the following Committees of Equal Opportunity Committee:

• The Inclusive Practices Student Equity Committee

• The Inclusive Practices Workplace Equity Committee

• The Inclusive Practices Disability Committee

RESOLUTION CL3/2005/54

Council received and noted the Report of the Equal Opportunity Committee Meeting 1/2005 held on Monday, 4 April 2005.

(File RMO1997/1578)

RESOLUTION CL3/2005/55

Council approved the retitling of the three subcommittees reporting to the Equal Opportunity Committee as follows:

• that the Student Equity and Access Subcommittee be retitled The Inclusive Practices Student Equity Committee;

• that the University Advisory Committee on Access and Equity in Employment be retitled The Inclusive Practices Workplace Equity Committee; and

• that the Inclusive Practices Advisory Committee be retitled The Inclusive Practices Disability Committee.

(Files RMO2000/1029, RMO1998/1285, RMO2005/0643)

RESOLUTION CL3/2005/56

Council approved the proposal of the Equal Opportunity Committee to amend the membership of the University Advisory Committee on Equity and Access in Employment as follows:

• the category of Elected Professorial Member of Council be amended to Professor nominated by the Vice-Chancellor or delegate, and

• the category of Head of a large or very large department nominated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) be amended to Head of a large or very large Department nominated by the Vice Chancellor or delegate.

(File RMO1998/0992)

RESOLUTION CL3/2005/57

Council noted the introduction of an annual round of Equity and Diversity Awards made to persons/departments/groups that have made a significant contribution to the enhancement of equity and diversity principles.

(File RMO2005/0644)

RESOLUTION CL3/2005/58

Council noted that Monash University had again been successful in retaining the EOWA Employer of Choice for Women citation which is awarded by the Federal Government’s Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency.

(File RMO2001/1195)

RESOLUTION CL3/2005/59

Council noted that an Induction Kit providing an overview of the functions and activities of the Equity and Diversity Centre had been developed for new Equal Opportunity Committee members.

(File RMO1998/0042)

RESOLUTION CL3/2005/60

Council noted the proceedings of the Equal Opportunity Committee meeting 1/2005 held on Monday, 4 April 2005.

(File RMO1997/1578)

RESOLUTION CL3/2005/61

Council received and noted the report of the Gippsland Advisory Council meeting 1/2005 held on 1 March 2005.

(File RMO1997/0888)

RESOLUTION CL3/2005/62

Council noted the proceedings of the Gippsland Advisory Council meeting 1/2005 held on 1 March 2005.

(File RMO1997/0888)

RESOLUTION CL3/2005/63

Council noted that the following had accepted the indicated offers of appointment approved by the Vice-Chancellor and President:

Dr Gil Garnier – Professor and Director, Australian Pulp and Paper Institute, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering.

Dr Jennifer Keating – Professor of Physiotherapy, School of Primary Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.

RESOLUTION CL3/2005/64

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

Associate Professor Leon Bach – Professor, Department of Medicine, Central and Eastern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.

Professor David Goldsworthy – honorary appointment as Professor, School of Political and Social Inquiry, Faculty of Arts.

Professor Wallace Kirsop – honorary appointment as Professor, School of English, Communications and Performance Studies, Faculty of Arts.

Professor Barry McGaw – honorary appointment as Professor, Faculty of Education.

Professor John Rickard – honorary appointment as Professor, School of Historical Studies and School of Political and Social Inquiry, Faculty of Arts.

Professor Frank Vajda – Professor, Department of Medicine, Southern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.

Professor Dato' Dr Anuar Zaini Md. Zain – Professor of Medicine and Head, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, and honorary appointment as Professor, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.

[Files RMO1998/2135 (Eng), RMO2002/0435 (Med), RMO1997/0553 (Arts) RMO1998/1267 (Edn), RMO2002/0167 (Malaysia)]

This item was withdrawn at the meeting.

(File RMO1997/1366)

The next meeting of Council is scheduled to be held at 5.00 pm on Monday, 11 July at Caulfield Campus.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Chancellor, noting that this was Professor Alan Lindsay’s last meeting of Council prior to commencement of study leave, thanked Professor Lindsay for his contribution to Council.