Monash Memo - 30 May 2001

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Items of interest from Council 3/2001

In opening the meeting, the chancellor welcomed Dr Paul James, who had recently been elected to Council as a member of the academic staff (other than a professor) for a term commencing 20 April 2001 and ending 31 December 2002. Dr James filled the casual vacancy arising from Professor Andrew Markus's acceptance of the inaugural Chair of Jewish Civilisation.

Vice-chancellor's report

The vice-chancellor briefed Council on his recent visits to gatherings of university leaders held in Cardiff in the UK, Cyprus and Osaka. He advised Council that the date for the opening of Monash University Prato would be 17 September 2001. He also briefed Council on the university's international activities.

International Advisory Group membership

At meeting 1/2001, Council approved Terms of Reference and purpose of an International Advisory Group. At this meeting, Council noted and welcomed new members of the International Advisory Group:

• Mr Paul Kelly, international editor of The Australian;
• Tan Sri Dato' (Dr) Ramon Navaratnam, group corporate adviser of the Sunway Group, executive director of Sunway College and director of the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute
• Professor Cecil Abrahams, former vice-chancellor, University of Western Cape, South Africa.

Council received reports on:

IT Strategic Plan
Members noted that the Information Technology Strategic Plan was a university-wide plan describing a framework for the application and usage of information technology within the university. It aimed to ensure that the university-wide information technology initiatives were directly aligned to the overall mission, strategies and operational needs of the university.

Science Precinct

The deputy vice-chancellor and vice-president (Resources) briefed Council on this development and introduced Dr Forgan, project champion, Science Precinct Project. Dr Forgan outlined the plans for the Monash University International Centre for Science Technology and Emerging Industries (working title), noting that Monash's contribution to global research and education was resulting in international partnerships and alliances that were steadily growing its research and development base, industry links and international recognition. Monash was singularly well placed to house such a development.

Other business

• Council received and noted the Report on Future Directions - Faculty of Business and Economics as presented by Professor G. Palmer, dean, Faculty of Business and Economics.
• Council approved an offer of reappointment as dean, Faculty of Art and Design, for the period from 7 July 2002 to 6 July 2007, be made to Professor John Redmond.

Agendas and minutes for meetings of Council can be accessed at www.adm.monash.edu. au/unisec/com/cn/index.html

Inquiries should be directed Mr Phillip Siggins on extn 52010 or email phillip.siggins@adm.monash.edu.au