Monash Memo - 5 September 2001

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Items of interest from University Council, 13 August

Vice-chancellor’s business

The vice-chancellor reported that Monash would not be subject to an audit by the Australian University Quality Agency (AQUA) in 2002. The vice-chancellor also informed Council that the Monash Open Days held on the six Victorian campuses had been an outstanding success.

Re-appointment as deputy vice-chancellor and vice-president (Academic and Planning)

Council approved an offer of re-appointment as deputy vice-chancellor and vice-president (Academic and Planning) for a term ending 31 December 2007 be made to Professor Alan Lindsay.

Council received reports on:

Caulfield Plaza

The deputy vice-chancellor and vice-president (Resources), Ms Alison Crook, advised that the Caulfield Plaza project was driven by the need for additional space to facilitate growing student numbers, the need for additional and improved parking facilities, the need to redress the shortage of suitable student accommodation and the requirement to refurbish the Plaza shopping centre. The Caulfield Plaza proposal had been to Council on a number of occasions since its inception and external financial and architectural advice had been sought.  Ms Crook outlined the timeline for development of the project, including the university’s contribution to the development of the academic and commercial space and the first stage of the car park construction.

Monash South Africa

The deputy vice-chancellor and vice-president (Resources), Ms Alison Crook, spoke to the document, Summary Activity – South Africa, which outlined student numbers and revised financial projections for the coming decade. Members were advised that as a consequence of a smaller student intake a year earlier than originally planned and related increased costs of service provision, the campus would break even both operationally and cumulatively one year later than in the plan originally approved by Council at meeting 5/1999.

Professor Anderson provided Council with an update on matters relating to student services and facilities and marketing of the campus in South Africa and surrounding countries.

The chancellor thanked Professor Anderson and his staff for their dedication, commitment and achievements during the first year of operation of the campus.

Monash Malaysia

Pro vice-chancellor, Monash Malaysia, Professor Bob Bignall provided Council with an update on Monash University Malaysia. Matters discussed included:

• current enrolment levels;

• construction of a new campus in 2005 by our partners, the Sunway Group; and

• an invitation from the Malaysian Ministry of Health for Monash to establish a medical program.

The chancellor congratulated Professor Bignall for the continued success of the campus.

International student recruitment

Following a presentation on international student recruitment, the executive director, Office of International Affairs, Mr Tony Pollock, advised Council that changes to student visa legislation might result in a decline in student numbers from countries where visa requirements were now more onerous eg India and Sri Lanka. A full year consisting of two intakes would be required to properly assess the impact of the legislation.

A combined Monash student services organisation

Council approved that the deputy chancellor, Mr Paul Ramler, and the deputy vice-chancellor and vice-president (Resources), Ms Alison Crook, sign the deed for the formation of Monyx Pty Ltd and made the statute entitled Statute 2.7 – Student Amenities and Organisations (Amendment No 1 2001) and made the regulations entitled Sports and Recreation Association Repeal Regulations 2001.

Other business

• Council received and noted the Report on Future Directions – Faculty of Science as presented by Professor Rob Norris, dean, Faculty of Science.

• Council approved a range of senior appointments and established selection committees for senior appointments.

• Council approved that meeting 5/2002 of Council be held at Monash South Africa campus.

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

Queries should be directed to Mr Tony Calder on extn 52010 or email anthony.calder@adm.monash.edu.au