Professor S Fahey, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International)

Mr R Fairchild, Vice-President (Advancement)

Mr D Pitt, Vice-President (Finance)/Chief Financial Officer

Mr John Kearsey, Divisional Director, Donor, Alumni and Community Relations

Professor Ron Weber, Dean, Faculty of Information Technology

Mr T Calder, Director, Executive Services

Ms L Chatfield

Mr Daniel Jordan

Mr Mathew Hilakari

1.1  Apologies

Professor Sue Davis and Ms Zoe Edwards were apologies for this meeting.

Mr Peter Marshall, Vice-President (Administration) and Professor Edwina Cornish, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) were unable to attend the meeting.

1.2  Special Leave

The following Council Members have been granted special leave:

Name	Special Leave
	Meeting No.	Date
Ms Sue Smith	4/2007	16 July 2007
Mr Shane Buggle	4/2007	16 July 2007
Mr Paul Ramler	4/2007	16 July 2007
Ms Louise Adler	5/2007	6 August 2007
Mr Ian Pyman	5/2007	6 August 2007
Ms Lesley Boston	5/2007	6 August 2007
Mr Peter Redlich	6/2007	7 September 2007

1.3  Starring of Items

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, 5 Matters arising from the Minutes (not dealt with elsewhere in the agenda), 6 Report to Council by the Dean of Faculty of Information Technology, 7.1 Resources and Finance Committee Receipt of Report, 7.5 Resources and Finance Committee Proposed 2008 Course Fees: domestic and international, 11 Report of the Equal Opportunity Committee, 12 Report of the Audit Committee to Council were "starred" for discussion.

1.4  Approval of Non-Starred Items

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.

1.5  Confidential Items

1.5.1  Use of the University Seal

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/78

Council noted the report of the Vice-Chancellor dated 6 July 2007 on the affixing of the Common Seal to documents executed under Seal pursuant to Statute 8.1, Section 2.1.5.
 

2.1  Minutes of Special Meeting 1/2007

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/79

Council requested that the Minutes of Special Meeting No. 1/2007 held on 19 March 2007 be amended to incorporate the motion put by Mr Redlich and that the revised minutes be circulated for approval.

For action or noting by: Secretary to Council.

2.2  Minutes of Meeting No 3/2007

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/80

Council confirmed the Minutes of Meeting No. 3/2007 held on 28 May 2007 subject to the inclusion of Mr Ramler’s request for Special Leave for meeting 4/2007 and amendment of the third dot point of item 4.3 to read:

• Ongoing lack of adequate indexation of the Commonwealth Grants Scheme Funding:

For action or noting by: Secretary to Council.
 

3.1  Chancellor’s Report to Council

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/81

Council received the oral report of the Chancellor.

3.2  Vice-Chancellor’s Term of Appointment

The Vice-Chancellor was not present during discussion of this item.

Following discussion, Council approved the proposal to extend until the 30^th June 2009 the term of the Vice-Chancellor’s appointment.

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/82

Council approved the extension of the term of appointment of Professor Larkins as Vice-Chancellor until 30 June 2009.

For action or noting by: Vice-President (Administration).

3.3  Queens Birthday Honours 2007

Council noted with acclamation the award of Member of the Order of Australia (AM) to Deputy Chancellor Leanne Rowe.

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/83

Council noted with acclamation Queen’s Birthday Honours awarded to people associated with Monash University as detailed in the paper provided.

3.4  2008 Council Conference (meeting 1/2008)

Council noted advice that discussions relating to the program for the Council Conference would include the Chancellor-designate. A theme for both the Council Conference and Senior Management Summit will be the strategic direction of the university.

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/84

Council noted advice relating to the 2008 Council Conference.

For action or noting by: Secretary to Council.

3.5  Update on Council Visit to Monash South Africa and Monash Sunway

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/85

Council noted the update on the Council visit to Monash South Africa and Monash Sunway Campus and approved the Itinerary.

For action or noting by: Secretary to Council.
 

4.1  Vice-Chancellor’s Report to Council

Council noted the written report of the Vice-Chancellor. Additional matters reported to Council included:

• Noting the discussion at the 2006 Council Conference on the need to expand the university external relations with stakeholders, the Vice-Chancellor advised Council that a Director of External Relations, with a focus on protocol and engagement activities had been appointed. The position is located with in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor.
   
• Monash University will be a major sponsor of the Melbourne Press Club.
   
• International student recruitment numbers for 2^nd semester were over target and this was causing some difficulties in several faculties. Student numbers in South Africa were now 1690 – well over target.

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/86

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

4.2  Consolidated Risk Management Profile

Following discussion, and in response to a question the Vice-Chancellor agreed to seek further information on why Gippsland Campus did not have a separate supporting Campus Risk Profile.

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/87

Council received the report titled Consolidated Risk Management Profile – June 2007 and noted the advice of the Vice-Chancellor.

For action or noting by: Director, Audit and Risk Management.

4.3  Benchmarking Monash Research Performance

The Vice-Chancellor commended the report to Council and outlined several areas of improved performance and noted that further indices outlining research performance would be included in his State of the University address at meeting 5/2007.

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/88

Council received the report titled Benchmarking Monash Research Performance and noted the advice of the Vice-Chancellor.

For action or noting by: Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research).

4.4  Update on University 2007 Financials

The Monthly Financial Report – June 2007 was tabled at the meeting.

Mr Pitt advised Council that the forecast operating result as at C.O.B. June 2007 included unbudgeted grant funds (revenue) received in 2007 however some of the grants would be expensed in future years.

Other matters discussed included:

• funds expensed relating to the windup of MonCom and Monyx;
   
• the changes in the forecast result between May and June for ‘Other operating expenses’;

Secretarial note: following the meeting it was advised that the variation was a result of reclassifying the provision for the windup of MonCom and Monyx from ‘Other operating expenses’ to ‘Financial and Administration Expenses’.

• the purpose and use borrowed funds were used for; and
   
• increased student fee income was a timing issue.

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/89

Council received the financial report for the period ending June 2007 and noted the advice of Mr David Pitt, Vice-President (Finance).

4.5  Status Report on Fundraising Activities

Following a presentation by Mr Ron Fairchild, Vice-President (Advancement) and Mr John Kearsey, Divisional Director, Donor, Alumni and Community Relations, including advice that the fundraising campaign was meeting all its benchmarks, Council Members were requested to take every opportunity to become involved in activities relating to the campaign.

The Chancellor congratulated Mr Fairchild and the staff of his division, noting that the achievement of the fundraising targets was commendable.

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/90

Council noted that advice of Mr Ron Fairchild, Vice-President (Advancement) and Mr John Kearsey, Divisional Director, Donor, Alumni and Community Relations.

For action or noting by: Vice-President (Advancement) and Divisional Director, Donor, Alumni and Community Relations.

4.6  Update on Planning for the 50^th Year Celebrations

Council Members were invited to note that major events would include a gala dinner and graduation, to be held at the Royal Exhibition Building. The event would take place on one or more of May 29, 30 and 31.

Members of Council were encouraged to take every opportunity to become involved in the development and planning for the 50^th Year Celebrations.

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/91

Council received the report titled Monash 50^th Year Action Plan and noted the advice of Mr Ron Fairchild, Vice-President (Advancement).

For action or noting by: Vice-President (Advancement) and Divisional Director, Donor, Alumni and Community Relations.

4.7  Access Monash

Professor Evans advised Council that the initiative was introduced in 2004 following Council approval of a proposal to assist students from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds by targeting 20% of funds raised from increased student HECS charges to the Access Monash Program.

Of the $3.6 million allocated in the 2007 budgets, funding was directed towards a range of activities including:

• equity categories including indigenous Australians, rural and low socio-economic applicants and applicants from NESB or with long term disabilities;
   
• special entry pathways such as special admission schemes, scholarships and the Schools Access Monash program; and
   
• trialling the UniTest scheme.

Professor Evans also outlined how Monash was performing via a number of key performance indicators.

Concluding the presentation, the Chancellor thanked Professor Evans for providing Council with an insight into this successful initiative.

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/92

Council noted the advice of Professor Merran Evans, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education).

For action or noting by: Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education).

4.8  Update on Monyx

Council noted advice that the university and MONSU were having ongoing discussions relating to MONSU’s disengagement from MONYX.

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/93

Council noted the advice of Professor Richard Larkins, Vice-Chancellor.

4.9  Reappointment of Pro Vice-Chancellor (Quality)

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/94

Council approved that the current appointment of Professor Graham Webb, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Quality) be extended until 31 December 2008.

For action or noting by: Vice-President (Administration).

4.10  Pro Vice-Chancellor (Industry Engagement and Commercialisation) – Appointment

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/94

Council approved an offer of appointment as a professor and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Industry Engagement and Commercialisation), as per the report of the selection committee, be made to Dr Rod Hill.

For action or noting by: Vice-President (Administration) and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research).
 

5.1  Report of the Working Party for Matters raised by Mr Peter Redlich – Recommended changes to the statutes and procedures of the Monash University

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/95

Council approved that the membership of Membership Committee be determined via a call for nominations from Council Members and where the number of nominations exceed the number of vacancies then a ballot of Council Members be held.

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/96

Council approved that each member of Membership Committee be elected for a two year term or for the term of their appointment to Council, whichever is shorter.

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/97

Council approved that the membership of Membership Committee consist of the Chancellor (ex-officio) and 6 other Council Members.

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/98

Council approved that the membership of Membership Committee elect a Chair at its first meeting each year.

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/99

Council approved that the Vice-Chancellor be an ex-officio member of Council Committees excluding Audit Committee and Membership Committee.

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/100

Council approved that following a call for nominations, and ballot of Council Members (if necessary), that Membership Committee bring forward to Council one name for each vacant position of Deputy Chancellor.

The outcome of the ballot to be decided by "first past the post".

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/101

Council approved that:

• at an appropriate time each year, all Council members be invited to nominate for membership of Committees of Council; and
   
• nominations received for each Committee are to be considered by Membership Committee and recommendations on Committee membership be forwarded to Council for its consideration.

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/102

Council approved that, subject to the approval of recommendation 7 (CL4/2007/101), membership of all Committees, excluding Executive Committee, be declared vacant at the end of 2007 and nominations for membership be sought from Council members.

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/103

Council approved that point six of the terms of reference for Membership Committee be amended from:

To recommend to Council a candidate for the position of Chancellor when that position is due to be filled.

to

To use its best endeavours to reach a unanimous decision and bring forward to Council a single candidate for the position of Chancellor when that position is due to be filled.

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/104

Council endorsed the following statements:

1. it is desirable to have no less than 4 external members of Council on each Committee of Council;
    
2. membership of Resources and Finance Committee to be revised to include 4 external members of Council;
    
3. Council members are encouraged to be more actively involved in committees and/or Boards of the University. These may include:

Academic Board

Faculty Boards

Faculty Advisory Boards

Foundation Boards

Advancement related Committees/bodies

4. reports to Council by Committees should include a list of those attending and apologies; and
    
5. that current and future Councils consider succession planning as a means of enhancing the opportunity of internal candidates to progress to the position of Chancellor. Council will always appoint the best candidate.

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/105

Council approved that the composition of Selection Committees for the appointment of professors (advertised/existing position) be amended from:

Council – one representative

to

Council Member or external person nominated by the Chancellor.

For action or noting by: Vice-President (Administration) and Divisional Director, Human Resources.

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/106

Council approved that Statute 3.1 – The chancellor and the deputy chancellors be amended to remove the provision for the deputy chancellors to be ex officio members of any board, faculty or committee.

For action or noting by: University Solicitor.
 

6.  Report to Council by the Dean of Faculty of Information Technology

The Chancellor introduced the item and complemented Professor Weber and the staff of the Faculty for their performance over a number of years particularly in an environment where all IT faculties had experienced a sharp downturn in enrolments.

Professor Webber commended his written report to Council and advised Council that there was a general feeling of optimism within the faculty and that the faculty was structured to survive in a constrained environment. Further, Professor Weber noted that while the external environment was slow to change, a continually evolving economy such as Australia’s needed to be underpinned by a sound information technology sector.

During discussion the following matters were explored:

• whether demand for I. T. specialists would increase and whether any increased demand would be gradual or rapid;

• that the downturn in demand was a worldwide phenomena;

• the introduction of common course components in all I. T. programs before students need to select a specialisation;

• current and forecast staff/students ratios; and

• the faculty achieved a remarkable financial turnaround that has benefited not only the faculty but the entire University.

The Chancellor thanked Professor Weber for his presentation and on behalf of Council, wished the faculty well for the future.

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/107

Council noted the advice of Professor Ron Weber, Dean, Faculty of Information Technology.

7.1  Receipt of Report

Council discussed the suggestion that reports provided by Resources and Finance and Audit Committees should include a statement that there were no issues of concern and/or no matters needed to be brought to the attention of Council. Council agreed to take the matter on notice and that the matter be discussed further with the outcomes reported to Council.

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/108

Council received and noted the Report of the Resources and Finance Committee meeting 3/2007 held on 21 June 2007.

For action or noting by: Chair, Resources and Finance Committee.

7.2  CRC for Cancer Therapeutics Pty Ltd

Secretarial Note: This item was approved by Executive Committee of Council on 25 June 2007, see Item 13.

7.3  NCRIS – AuScope Ltd

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/109

Council approved the University become a member of AuScope Limited, a company limited by guarantee, subject to the following:

• Approval of the constitution by the Monash Solicitor’s Office.
• Approval of the funding agreement with DEST.
• Subcontracts are acceptable to the University Solicitor’s Office.

For action or noting by: Divisional Director, Corporate Finance and University Solicitor.

7.4  Water Quality Research Australia Pty Ltd

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/110

Council approved the University become a member of Water Quality Research Australia Limited (WQRA) and accordingly that the University sign the Constitution of WQRA and the Members’ Agreement, subject to the following:

• The Constitution of WQRA complies with the requirements of Section 35B of the Monash University Act and is approved by the University Solicitor’s Office.
   
• The related Members Agreement that is agreed between all the parties including Monash is approved by the University Solicitor’s Office.

For action or noting by: Divisional Director, Corporate Finance and University Solicitor.

7.5  Proposed 2008 Course Fees: domestic and international

A member of Council suggested that the university consider putting in place a moratorium on fee increases. Council noted the Vice-Chancellor’s advice that demand for places by international fee paying students was still increasing.

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/111

Council:

• Approved the ranges of proposed course fees, and
• Authorised the Vice-Chancellor to approve the detailed list of fees consistent with the ranges as well as any adjustments to existing fees within the margin of plus or minus 10%.

For action or noting by: Manager, Financial Resources and Planning.

7.6  IITB-Monash Research Academy (India)

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/112

Council noted the update on the business development, legal structure and implementation progress for the establishment of the IITB-Monash Research Academy.

For action or noting by: Director, Business Strategy, Office of the Vice-President (Finance).

7.7  Receipt of Proceedings

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/113

Council noted the proceedings of meeting 3/2007 of Resources and Finance Committee held on 21 June 2007.

For action or noting by: Divisional Director, Corporate Finance.
 

8.1  Appointment/Reappointment

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/114

Council approved the reappointment of:

Ms Louise Adler

Ms Susan Smith

for a term commencing 1 January 2008 and ending 31 December 2010.

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/115

Council approved for submission to the Minister for Skills, Education Services and Employment the Honourable Jacinta Allan, the reappointment of:

Mr Charles Curwen

Dr Leanne Rowe

Mr John Zillman

as Governor-in-Council appointments for terms commencing 1 January 2008 and ending 31 December 2010.

For action or noting by: Secretary to Council

8.2  Vacancies on Committees of Council

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/116

Council approved the following appointments:

Name of Committee	Category of Vacancy	New Member
Executive	Alternate (Staff Member)	Dr Carol Williams
Audit	One external member with appropriate experience.	Ms Susan Smith
Resources and Finance	Alternate for the Vice-Chancellor	Professor Edwina Cornish
Resources and Finance	Staff Member of Council	Mr Jeffrey Bender
Honorary Degree	Alternate for a member of Council	Ms Lesley Boston

For action or noting by: Secretary to Membership Committee, Secretary to Executive Committee, Secretary to Audit Committee, Secretary to Resources and Finance, Secretary to Honorary Degree Committee.

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/117

Council approved the following changes to the categories of membership.

Name	Old	New
Special Professorial Appointments Committee	Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor	Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education)
Equal Opportunity Committee	Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor	Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education)

For action or noting by: Secretary to Membership Committee, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), Divisional Director, Human Resources and Director, Equity and Diversity.

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/118

Council approved the co-option of Mr Shane Buggle to membership of Resources and Finance Committee.

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

8.3  Appointment of an external member of Council to the University Professorial Promotions Committee

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/119

Council approved that the following Council members be approached to ascertain their willingness to be appointed as a member or alternate member of the Committee:

Mr John Zillman

Ms Louise Adler

Ms Lesley Boston

For action or noting by: Divisional Director, Human Resources.
 

Council received and noted the Report of Meeting 3 of 2007 of the Academic Board held on Wednesday 23 May 2007.

Council received and noted the report of the Gippsland Advisory Council meeting 3/2007 held on 22 May 2007.

Council noted advice of Professor Colin Bourke on the activities of the Equal Opportunity Committee and its subcommittees.

11.1  Receipt of Report

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/122

Council received and noted the Report of the Equal Opportunity Committee Meeting 02/07 held on Monday 4 June 2007.

11.2  Receipt of Proceedings

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/123

Council noted the proceedings of the Equal Opportunity Committee meeting 02/07 held on Monday 4 June 2007.

For action or noting by: Director, Equity and Diversity.
 

Ms Penny Hutchinson advised Council of a planned special meeting of the Audit Committee to discuss the committees terms of reference. Council Members will receive an invitation to attend the special meeting.

The Audit Committee was requested to include the matter of a sign off statement raised at Item 7.1.

Council noted the:

• unconfirmed Minutes of the Audit Committee Meeting 2/07.
• outcomes of the Annual Legal Compliance Certification by Legal Compliance Officers and their Supervisors for the year ended 31 December 2006.
• consolidated report on the legal compliance process for the March quarter 2007.
• information contained in the paper "Monash University Borrowings" prepared by the Vice President (Finance).

13.1  CRC for Cancer Therapeutics Pty Ltd

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/125

Council noted the approval granted by the Executive Committee of Council on 25 June 2007.
 

14.1  Senior Appointments

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/126

Council noted that:

• the following has accepted the indicated offer of appointment, approved by Council, and wishes to record his thanks to Council:

Professor Robin Pollard – Pro Vice-Chancellor and President (Malaysia).

• the persons named in the document have accepted the offers of appointment, approved by the Special Professorial Appointments Committee of Council.

For action or noting by: Manager, Senior Appointments

14.2  Victorian Institute for Chemical Sciences Limited (‘VICS’) (ABN 53 107 013 036)

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/127

Council appointed Professor Edwina Cornish, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), as a Director of Victorian Institute for Chemical Sciences Limited for a further three year term.

For action or noting by: Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research).

14.3  Request to Appoint Directors to Monash College Pty Ltd

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/128

Council approved the following changes to the Monash College Pty Ltd (MCPL) board of directors:

1. The reappointment of Ms Stella Axarlis, Professor Ashley Goldsworthy and Professor David Wilmoth as directors of the company, for a further 2-year term, commencing 31st August 2007;
    
2. The appointment of Ms Cathrine Harboe-Ree and Mr Jeremy Stone as directors of the company; and
    
3. The appointment of the company’s Chief Executive Officer as a director of the Company.

For action or noting by: Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) and Company Secretary - Monash College Pty Ltd.

14.4  Legislation

14.4.1  Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment (Promulgation) 2007

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/129

Council made Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment (Promulgation) 2007.

14.4.2  Statute 3.2.3 – Pro Vice-Chancellors (Amendment No. 1 2007)

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/130

Council made Statute 3.2.3 – Pro Vice-Chancellors (Amendment No. 1 2007)

14.4.3  Faculties Regulations (Amendment no. 1 2007)4

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/131

Council made Faculties Regulations (Amendment no. 1 2007).

For action or noting by: University Solicitor.

14.5  Nominee for the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Council

RESOLUTION CL4/2007/132

Council approved the proposal to recommend to the Attorney-General the appointment of Professor Wessilingh, Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences as the nominee of the Council of Monash University to the Council of the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine.

For action or noting by: Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.
 

The next meeting of Council is scheduled to be held at 5.00 pm on Monday, 6 August 2007 in the Clayfield Room, Building A, Caulfield Campus. A tour of Caulfield Campus will commence at 4.00pm. Details to follow.