Issue 08 - 16 March 1999

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Council opposes federal move on VSU

The Council of Monash University has voiced its unanimous opposition to the Federal Government's proposed legislation on voluntary student unionism that would effectively ban Australian universities from collecting money on behalf of student organisations.

At its meeting on Monday night, on the recommendation of the vice-chancellor, Professor David Robinson, Council:

• endorsed the Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee policy on student organisations;
• recognised that the wide range of student-funded and student-managed organisations provide a diverse range of cultural, social and recreational services and amenities, together with well-researched, balanced and representative advice, and so contribute significantly to a vibrant Monash University environment;
• considered the proposed legislative amendment to the Higher Education Funding Act, 1988, an unwelcome and uncalled-for intrusion into the affairs of Monash University and, if instituted, would compromise the capacity of the university to provide students with a world-class learning environment and compromise the international competitiveness of the university.

Professor Robinson told the Council that he would write to the Federal Minister for Education, Employment and Youth Affairs, Dr David Kemp, informing him of the Council's view.

The vice-chancellor noted that, to date, four other Victorian universities had adopted similar resolutions on the matter - the University of Melbourne, RMIT University, Swinburne University of Technology, and Victoria University of Technology.

Council members received a background paper prepared by the two student representatives on Council, Ms Jacqui Cameron and Mr Darriel Jeffree, and incorporating an analysis by the Monash University Federation of Student Organisations, together with an initial analysis of the impact of the proposed legislation prepared by a working group set up by the vice-chancellor.

This week's vote by Council follows a similar position taken in 1994 when the Council adopted a resolution to "vigorously oppose" the Victorian Government's then proposed legislation on voluntary student unionism.

Monash welcomes its new chancellor

Amid the tradition and solemnity of a graduation ceremony, Mr Jerry Ellis was last week installed as the new chancellor of Monash University by the Governor of Victoria, Sir James Gobbo.

An official party that included many members of the University Council and the Minister for Tertiary Education and Training, Mr Phil Honeywood, witnessed the ceremony at the Robert Blackwood Hall on the Clayton campus.

Addressing the 200 graduates from the Science faculty, Mr Ellis (pictured left, with deputy chancellor Mr Paul Ramler) said the world needed people with a scientific discipline to help it move forward.

"I encourage you to have a most optimistic and positive attitude, and an open mind, as you explore for job opportunities," he said.

"Monash, I am sure, will grow in quality and reputation, not because it believes it is entitled to any position of privilege, but because the university is committed to attracting the best students, the best academics and the best researchers.

"As new Monash graduates, I expect you will have absorbed much of this value system. Clearly, you did not assume you were entitled to a degree. You have worked, and no doubt played as well, but you have worked hard for what you will achieve today."

Bus to boost links between campuses

A free inter-campus bus service aimed at improving transport between Caulfield and Clayton campuses began on Monday.

The new service, which is being trialled for one year, aims to simplify transport arrangements for both students and staff. It also aims to increase students' study options as well as their use of non-academic facilities by making it easier to travel between the two campuses.

The one-year pilot program will be evaluated during the trial period to establish its effectiveness.

The new service, which will replace the existing 11-seater staff shuttle bus, will see two buses travelling simultaneously between the campuses every half-hour.

The service, which is free to students and staff on presentation of a current ID card, will work on a first-come-first-served basis.

It will operate with one 22-seater and one 11-seater bus until a second 22-seater arrives in a few weeks' time.

The first bus will leave at 8.30 am daily from both campuses, giving commuters time to get to their 9 am lectures.

Buses will then depart at 10 past and 20 to each hour (eg 9.10 am and 9.40 am), although there will be no 12.10 pm service from either campus.

The last service for each day will leave at 5.10 pm. Travel time between the campuses is about 20 minutes.

At Caulfield, the service will leave from and drop off at the bus shelter in Queens Avenue (outside B block). The Clayton stop will be located in a designated bay in the Wellington Road bus loop.

The service was established with financial support from various sources within the university community, including car-parking funds, MONSU, UniComm, various faculty donations and Caulfield campus director Mr John White.

The buses do not have disabled access, but alternative arrangements can be made for people with disabilities. For more information, contact Ms Julie Ryan on extn 44015.

Canadian multimedia artist Stephen Hogbin has taken up a position as designer and maker-in-residence at the Forestech centre in Gippsland as part of a Monash-sponsored program.

Hogbin, a graduate of the Royal College of Art in England, is internationally renowned for his work in the medium of wood. He has been brought to Australia by Monash's International Program in conjunction with the East Gippsland Institute of TAFE, which houses the Forestech centre.

An exhibition of Hogbin's work, currently on show at the Sale Gallery until 4 April, features works from his recent 'Fragmentals' series, showing forms that have been cut and rejoined. Also on show are works from his 'Mirrors' series and photographs of his larger installations that now occupy public spaces.

During his residency, Hogbin will give public lectures at Monash's Gippsland and Caulfield campuses, as well as a talk at the Sale Gallery.

These will be held at Gippsland campus on 23 March at 1 pm, Caulfield campus on 20 April at 2 pm, and at the Sale Gallery on 26 March at 2 pm. An auction of Hogbin's work will also be held at the Sale Gallery on 6 April.

Seeking the sun habits of Monash staff

The sun protection habits of Monash staff are the focus of a new survey using the university's email service.

For four to five weeks during March and April, staff have been asked to take part in the study, which aims to evaluate the usefulness of weather forecasts in helping people with personal sun protection.

Those who have agreed to participate will receive a forecast via email every Friday. The following Monday they will be asked to complete a short web-based questionnaire about their weekend activities and the level of sun protection they used.

It is hoped that the survey will show if the Internet is an effective tool for gathering data.

The CRC for Southern Hemisphere Meteorology at Monash is undertaking the study in association with the Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer at the Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria.

Staff wishing to participate should fill out the consent form on the Internet at www.shm.monash.edu.au/cgi-bin/consent

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