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South African builder and developer Ronloth Marketing (Pty) Ltd has been given a basic brief setting out Monash's requirements for a Stage One development in Southern Africa. Architectural drawings of the proposed campus include the Administration Building (above) which initially would include tutorial rooms, a temporary cafeteria, library and other facilities which would be relocated as the campus grows.
A comprehensive proposal for a Monash University campus in South Africa has gained significant support from Monash Council at its September meeting in Malaysia.
Planned for development on a 100-hectare greenfield site at Roodepoort in the growing western part of Johannesburg, the proposed campus will cater for 1500 students within five years of operation and 6000 students within 10 years.
Presenting the proposal to Council at the invitation of the vice-chancellor, executive director, International, Mr Tony Pollock explained that it outlined a further stage of development following more than two years of reports, discussions and deliberations within Monash.
Similarly it was the culmination of a two-year process of negotiations, presentations and submissions to ministers and authorities in Southern Africa, Mr Pollock said.
"Monash will be making a significant contribution to meeting the needs and aspirations of the region through the provision of world-class education, training, research and development activities.
"As well, the project will be central to the academic mission of Monash University and be self-sustaining. It should increase Monash's capacity for self reliance and in doing so, make a substantial contribution to its financial and intellectual capital."
Following Council's overwhelming support for what members considered a "very high quality and comprehensive business proposal", chancellor Mr Jerry Ellis emphasised that there are still a number of matters to be resolved as part of the university's final decision to proceed.
According to vice-chancellor Professor David Robinson, the university is now awaiting the final decision of the South African Qualification Authority on the portfolio of programs for delivery in South Africa.
He said that once this is made known to the South African Minister for Education, Professor Kader Asmal, the decision will be made whether or not to register Monash University Southern Africa as a provider of university education within the South African higher education system. Professor Robinson will be meeting with Minister Asmal next month.
"In addition, there are continuing discussions with the local authority in Roodepoort, with our partners in the building of the campus and in provision of infrastructure services on a variety of matters.
"Only when we are absolutely satisfied that all critical aspects of the proposal are in place will we move to the next stage of developing a campus in South Africa with a view, hopefully, to taking our first students in 2002.
"The proposed development is the third step, after Malaysia and King's, London, in establishing our network of campuses and strategic alliances around the globe designed to enable us to produce graduates who are citizens of the world in the next century. That's the very essence of Leading the Way: Monash 2020," Professor Robinson said.
International and Public Affairs arrangementsVice-chancellor Professor David Robinson last week announced the arrangements for International and Public Affairs that will be put in place following the departure of deputy vice-chancellor Professor John Maloney from the university a few days after the November Council meeting. Professor Robinson said it was his intention to signal the integration of Monash's global activities into mainstream university life by not appointing a successor to Professor Maloney. After Professor Maloney's departure, executive director, International, Mr Tony Pollock will report directly to the vice-chancellor. Executive director of Public Affairs Mr Stephen Dee will report to deputy vice-chancellor (Research and Development) Professor Peter Darvall. Professor Robinson indicated that following the appointment of a new general manager, hopefully by 1 January 2000, the new four-person Vice-Chancellor's Group will at the appropriate time review portfolios and, if necessary, make marginal changes. |
Items of interest from Council - 17 September 1999The major item of business for this meeting was a proposal for the development of a Monash campus in Johannesburg, South Africa. Mr Tony Pollock, executive director, International, was in attendance for this item and at the vice-chancellor's invitation presented the campus project to Council. The vice-chancellor advised that the project proposal was aligned with the university's mission as established by Council in Leading The Way: Monash 2020. Council had before it documentation setting out the background to the proposal, the strategic case for establishing the campus, the academic case, the business case, the structure and governance of the campus, the academic plan, the facilities plan, the operational plan, the marketing plan, the financial plan, the risk and reward analysis, the exit strategy and 13 appendices to the documentation covering such matters as the chronology of contacts with South African government, professional contacts and advice obtained, and educational trends in South Africa, through to quality assurance procedures and site plans and architectural proposals. Council debated the proposal at length, giving particular attention to the financial plan, safety and security issues, the market research supporting the proposal, the South African higher education operating environment, the setting of fee levels, the student profile and the proposal in the context of the university's overall international strategy. Members noted that accreditation and registration processes with relevant South African authorities would need to be completed before the project could be progressed further. At the conclusion of discussion, the chancellor put the motion for establishment of the campus, which was overwhelmingly and enthusiastically supported by Council. Other business
Agendas and minutes for meeting of Council can be accessed at www.adm.monash.edu.au/unisec Queries should be directed Mr Phillip Siggins on extn 52010 or email Phillip.Siggins@adm. monash.edu.au |
The
work of internationally renowned Dutch graphic design firm Studio Dumbar is
currently featured in an exhibition at the Faculty Gallery at Caulfield, Behind
the Seen.
Studio Dumbar, based in The Hague, Netherlands, was established by Mr Gert Dumbar more than two decades ago, and since then the studio's work has given form and image to many aspects of Dutch culture and society.
In welcoming guests to the exhibition opening on 15 September, Faculty of Art & Design gallery manager Mr Malcom Bywaters said the works on display gave meaning to the term 'visual culture'.
"These stunning creations of design are not just conceptually well designed and artistically creative, but somehow they are a little mad, a little crazy," he said. "They speak of that indescribable rightness that as artists and designers we all aspire towards."
Behind the Seen has toured extensively including to several cities in Germany, Japan, the US, China, France and South America.
The exhibition is at the Faculty Gallery until 17 October. Gallery hours are 11 am to 5 pm, Mondays to Fridays.
New Monash staff from all campuses and affiliated hospitals are invited to an orientation program designed to introduce them to various aspects of the university.
The program, 'Introducing Monash', will give a brief overview of Monash, past, present and future, with a number of speakers discussing their role within the university.
The program will take place on Thursday 7 October at the Staff Development and Communications Branch, 700 Blackburn Road, Clayton. Morning tea will be provided and the session is free.
Interested participants should contact Ms Vicki Mihalakopoulos or Ms Joy Jones for a registration form on extn 56800.
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