Council Meeting No 11/06
View/Print PDF (49 KB)
A meeting of the Council was held in the Council Chamber, 1 st Floor, Old Quadrangle on
Monday 11 December 2006 at 4.00p.m.
Present
Members
The Chancellor (Mr I Renard) (in the Chair)
The Vice-Chancellor (Professor G Davis)
The Deputy Chancellor (Hon Justice A Chernov)
The Deputy Chancellor (Dr B Lochtenberg)
The President of Academic Board (Professor L Skene)
Ms E Alexander, Associate Professor L Allen, Mr T L Anning, Dr M Doig, Professor M Elgar,
Mr P Erickson , Ms L Ooi, Ms E Ritchie, Ms M Sloss (from approx 5.30 pm), Ms R Storelli, Mr E Thornley and the Hon. Mr D White.
Others Attending
The President of Convocation (Ms L Boston)
The Chairperson of the Victorian College of the Arts Council (Mr I McRae)
The Chairperson-Elect of the Victorian College of the Arts Advisory Board (Mrs L Landy)
The President of the Postgraduate Association (UMPA) (Mr A Williams)
The President-Elect of UMPA (Ms S Beattie)
The President of the Student Union (UMSU) (Ms J Giles)
The President-Elect of UMSU (Ms B Ahrens)
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) (Professor P McPhee)
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) (Professor F Larkins)
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) (Professor J McKenzie)
The Senior Vice-Principal (Mr I Marshman)
The Vice-Principal and Head of Administration (Ms E Baré)
The Vice Principal and Academic Registrar (Ms G Luck)
The Vice Principal and Chief Financial Officer (Mr D Percival)
The Vice-Principal (Commercialisation) ( Mr A Tait)
The Vice-Principal and General Counsel (Mr C Penman)
The Acting Vice-Principal (Human Resources) (Mr N Waugh)
The Vice-Principal (Information) (Ms L O’Brien)
The Vice-Principal (International Development) (Mr B Bayley)
The Vice-President of Academic Board (Professor P Pattison)
The Acting Director of the Victorian College of the Arts (Ms S Baker)
The University Secretary (Mr L Currie)
The Director, Office of the Vice-Chancellor (Mr D Speagle)
The Assistant University Secretary (Mr J Green)
The Senior Media Adviser (Ms C Buckridge)
Ms E Fazio.
The following Deans attended for Council’s discussion of listed key issues:
The Deputy Dean of Economics and Commerce (Professor B Grundy)
The Dean of the Faculty of Law (Professor M Crommelin)
The Dean of the Melbourne Business School (Professor J Seybolt)
Business
- Formal Matters
Apologies and Leave of Absence Requests [ Item A01]
Council received apologies from Mr G Hehir and Judge Lawson. Leave of absence for the meeting had been granted to Professor Li.
Leave of absence for the first meeting in 2007 was granted to Mr Briggs.
- Minutes of Previous Meeting and Follow Up Action Sheet [Item A1(a) and Item A1(b)]
2.1 The minutes of Council meeting 10/06 held on 13 November 2006, copies of which had been distributed, were confirmed.
2.2 The Action Sheet from Meeting No. 9/06 was no ted.
- Declarations of Interest [Item A2(a)]
The Chancellor called for any declarations of interest for items on the agenda for the current meeting. No declarations were received.
- Starring of Additional Items [Item A2(b)]
Additional items A6.1; B1(b).5 and B2(b) were starred for discussion.
- Motion to Adopt or Receive “Unstarred Items of Business” [Item A2(c)]
In accordance with established procedure, it was formally agreed that the items of business that were not to be specifically discussed should be adopted where containing recommendations or received where containing reports.
- Chancellor’s Matters [Item A3]
6.1 2007 Conferring Ceremony Schedule [A3(a)]
Council approved the 2007 Conferring Ceremony Schedule as set out, subject to the addition of the date for the VCA Conferring, 17 May.
6.2 Council Planning Conference
The Chancellor reminded members of the dates for the 2007 Planning Conference to be held at the University’s Mt Eliza Conference Centre (16-17 February 2007), and requested that all members complete and return their questionnaires by mid-January 2007 to give time for preparation of a consolidated report for discussion at the Conference.
6.3 Victorian Public Entities Database
The Chancellor reported that the Office of Training and Tertiary Education had advised that personal information on government appointees to Council had been transferred to the new Victorian Public Entities Database. The University Secretary would circulate further information to members.
- Listing of Key Issues and Documents for Discussion [Item A4(a)]
The following items were listed under Key Issues and Documents for Discussion –
- Growing Esteem Implementation Reports [Item A4(b)]
8.1 Updates – December 2006
Council noted the Growing Esteem Implementation Update for December 2006.
- Vice-Chancellor’s Report [Item A5]
Council received and noted the Vice-Chancellor’s Report, together with supplementary documents related to the review of business education, the reshuffle of state ministries, the appointment of Professor Ken Hinchcliffe as Dean of Veterinary Science from 1 July 2007 and the award of a Silver Medal to Mr Tim Anning.
9.1 Review of Business Education
Council received and noted additional material comprising a briefing document from the Vice-Principal (Commercialisation), memoranda from the Deans of Economics and Commerce and the Melbourne Business School, a copy of a media report, and a draft press release. The eighteen recommendations of the review report (set out in Appendix A to the Vice-Chancellor’s Report) were introduced by the Vice-Chancellor and adopted by Council. Council asked that the Vice-Chancellor report back in due course on the impact of the Business@Melbourne Co-ordinating Committee created under the recommendations.
9.2 Commercialisation Strategy
The recommendations of the Commercialisation Strategy Report (document B1(a) Appendix 3) were introduced by the Vice-Principal (Commercialisation). Council noted comment made by the Council Nominations and Governance Committee in its report (document A6) on the difficulties raised by the proposal to have the board of a subsidiary company composed entirely of executive directors.
Following discussion, Council resolved to adopt the Commercialisation Strategy Report and its recommendations, subject to the appointment to the boards of UMEE Ltd and Melbourne Ventures Pty Ltd of a person who is not a current officer or employee of the University, and authorised the Vice-Chancellor in consultation with the Chancellor to make such appointments.
9.3 Updated Knowledge Transfer Taskforce Report
(The Knowledge Transfer Taskforce Report had been submitted to the November meeting of Council, where there was a lengthy discussion of the report, and of concerns raised by Council’s University Relations Committee regarding the appropriateness of the term “ Knowledge Transfer” when referring to the third strand of the triple helix.)
At its December meeting, Council adopted subsequent recommendations from the Knowledge Transfer Taskforce that the term ‘knowledge transfer’ remain the term to designate this strand of the University’s core activities, but that a by-line should be developed which clarifies the University’s approach to knowledge transfer. Council agreed to ask the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Innovation and Development) to report back on the proposed by-line and graphic representation of knowledge transfer. Council noted that some amendments had been made to the wording of the Knowledge Transfer Taskforce Report, set out in Appendix B to the Vice-Chancellor’s Report, and adopted its recommendations
9.4 Academic Freedom
Council noted actions taken by the Vice-Chancellor in respect of decisions of the Classification Review Board regarding two books held in the University library. Council resolved to minute the following resolution.
As a leading academic institution, the University honours its traditional promise to uphold the scholarly values of intellectual freedom, honesty, openness and rigour. It recognises and protects the concept and practice of academic freedom as essential to the proper conduct of its teaching, research and scholarship within the University.
9.5 Trusts Administration
Council endorsed the plan for managing the University’s trusts funds as set out in Appendix H to the report.
9.6 Appointment of Deans
Council noted that Professor Ken Hinchcliffe had accepted appointment as Dean of Veterinary Science, commencing on 1 July 2007, and that Professor Glen Browning would be Acting Dean for the first six months of 2007.
Council agreed that Professor Field Rickards be offered a second term as Dean of Education, for a period of five years.
9.7 Board of Undergraduate Studies
Council noted that Professor Loane Skene had accepted appointment as the inaugural Chair of the Board of Undergraduate Studies. Council agreed that the Chair of the Board of Undergraduate Studies be added as an ex officio member of the Planning and Budget Committee.
9.8 Revised Intellectual Property Statute 14.1
This item was considered in conjunction with the relevant reports of the Academic Board (document B2(a).2) and the Legislation and Trusts Committee (document C1.1[2]).
Noting the support expressed by the Academic Board, Council resolved as follows:
- To agree in principle to the approach to intellectual property management reflected in the revised statute 14.1, the Intellectual Policy Principles and the Invention Disclosure Policy set out in Appendix O to the Vice-Chancellor’s Report;
- To refer the proposed IP Principles Standing Resolution to the Legislation and Trusts Committee for advice as to whether it is in proper form to be made;
- To adopt the Invention Disclosure Policy; and
- To make the following statute as detailed in the report of the Legislation and Trusts Committee –
Repeal and Remaking of Statute 14.1 recommended by the Senior Vice-Principal |
To up-date the Intellectual Property Statute (84/06) |
9.9 VCA Advisory Board
Council endorsed the appointments to the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) Advisory Board recommended by the VCA as follows:
- Appointment in accordance with University Regulation 5.5.R1, sections 5(2)(1)(a) and 5(3)(1) of the former VCA Council members set out in the Memorandum.;
- Appointment in accordance with University Regulation 5.5.R1, sections 5(2)(1)(a) and 5(3)(1) of Mr Tony Elwood as a person who has not previously been a member of the VCA Council;
- Appointment of Ms Lynne Landy as chairperson of the VCA Advisory Board for a term of two years in accordance with Regulation 5.5.R1, section 5(4).
In accordance with Regulation 5.5.R1, sections 5(2)(c) and 5(3)(3), Council appointed Professor Pip Pattison as its nominee to the VCA Advisory Board for the period during which she holds office as President of the Academic Board.
The Chairperson of the Victorian College of the Arts Council, Mr Ian McRae, thanked the Senior Vice-Principal and his colleagues for their assistance in smoothing the transition period for the VCA. The Vice-Chancellor drew attention to the contributions of VCA officers to that process, in particular those of Mr McRae and Mr Anthony Griggs.
9.10 Silver Medal
(Mr Anning left the Chamber for consideration of this item.)
It was agreed that Mr Tim Anning be awarded the University’s silver medal to recognise his service of exceptional distinction as an elected member of Council. Council noted that the medal would be presented at its meeting at Mt Eliza in February 2007.
9.11 Relationship with Ridley College
Council noted that the College was currently in discussions with the University concerning the nature of its futu re operations and the possibility of continued affiliation, and agreed to further defer its decision on the nature of the University’s relationship with Ridley College until those discussions had reached a conclusion.
9.12 Teaching and Learning Performance Fund
Council noted the University’s success in the Teaching and Learning Performance Fund allocations, and congratulated the staff on this achievement.
- Council Nominations and Governance Committee [Item A6]
Council received and noted the report of the Council Nominations and Governance Committee meeting 5/06 held on 7 December 2006.
10.1 Council Appointed Members
Council adopted the recommendation to appoint Ms Lynne Landy, Chair of Victorian College of the Arts Advisory Board as a member of the University Council for a three year term commencing 1 January 2007.
It was noted that the Council Nominations and Governance Committee would need to meet again early in the New Year.
- Finance Committee [Item A7(a)]
Council received and noted the report of the Finance Committee meeting 10/06 held on 24 November 2006, and the corrected version of the budget document which was tabled at the meeting
11.1 2007 Draft University Budget
The Vice-Chancellor in introducing the budget emphasised that the University continued to perform strongly and to hold its staff numbers at a steady level. The University’s financial situation had tightened over the past few years and that trend was likely to continue. The Senior Vice-Principal pointed out that with revenue growth estimated at 3.9%, provision had been made in the budget for a co-ordinated physical and information technology development and maintenance program, while maintaining the same proportionate allocation to the faculties as before. However, individual faculties had fared differently, with four faculties enjoying increased allocations, but the others reduced. The Chair of the Finance Committee highlighted the significant impact that fee income and salary expenses had on the budget, and the general impact of ‘Growing Esteem’ initiatives.
Council adopted the 2007 University Budget, as set out in the tabled corrected version.
This resolution was made on the basis that the 2007 Faculty of Arts budget was accepted as an interim budget. An updated budget for the faculty, including estimates for 2008-09, would be brought forward to Planning and Budget Committee in March 2007 and subsequently to Finance Committee for approval once the business planning process, to include identification of a strategy for bringing the faculty budget into balance by 2009, was completed in February 2007.
11.2 Research Quality Framework –Strengthening the Research Profile
Council agreed to allocate up to $5 million from Reserve Funds to be made available to faculties on a 1:1 matching basis to support initiatives to secure the strength of the University’s research profile, as set out in Appendix 2 to the report.
11.3 Faculty of Land and Food Resources – Exiting Gilbert Chandler Campus
Council approved the recommendation that the land and buildings known as the Water Training Centre be sold at or above the Valuer-General’s valuation and that the sale proceeds of the land and buildings should be used to fund the cost of relocating staff from the Gilbert Chandler Campus, as detailed in Appendix 3 to the report.
- Audit and Risk Committee [Item A8]
Council received the report of meeting 4/06 of the Audit and Risk Committee held on 22 November 2006.
- Planning and Budget Committee [Item B1(a)]
Council received the report of meeting 10/06 of the Planning and Budget Committee held on 8 November 2006.
13.1 Report from the Marketing and Communications Reference Group
Council adopted the logo and signage system set out in Appendix 1 to the report as part of the University of Melbourne Brand Guidelines.
- Planning and Budget Committee [Item B1(b)]
Council received the report of meeting 11/06 of the Planning and Budget Committee held on 6 December 2006.
14.1 Guidelines for the Establishment of University of Melbourne Graduate Schools
Council adopted the core principles of Graduate Schools and Guidelines for forming a Graduate School, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.
14.2 Risk Management Committee Terms of Reference
Council endorsed revised terms of reference for the Risk Management Committee, as set out in Appendix 2 to the report.
14.3 Knowledge Transfer Committee Terms of Reference
Council approved terms of reference (Appendix 3) for a sub-committee of the Planning and Budget Committee to be known as the Knowledge Transfer Committee.
14.4 Proposal for the formation of the Indigenous Scholarships and Awards Committee
Council adopted the following recommendations, as detailed in Appendix 4 to the report:
- that an Indigenous Scholarships and Awards Committee be established;
- that amendment to the relevant regulations be made accordingly, noting that the regulations will be submitted to Council at a later meeting; and
- that the Indigenous Partnership Scholarships Sub-Committee be disestablished upon finalising current business.
14.5 International Plan
Council adopted the University of Melbourne International Plan attached as Appendix 4 to the report.
- Academic Board [Item B2(a)]
Council received the report of meeting 10/06 of the Academic Board held on 23 November 2006.
15.1 Award of Honorary Degrees of Doctor of Letters
Council adopted the Board’s recommendation to award the honorary degrees of Doctor of Letters to the five persons for whom citations were tabled at the meeting.
15.2 Intellectual Property
This matter was dealt with in conjunction with item 23 of the Vice-Chancellor’s report (minute 9.8 above refers).
15.3 Renamed and Cancelled Courses
Council agreed to rename the Master of Educational Management as the Master of Education (Educational Management).
Council agreed to cancel the Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Medicine with effect from Semester 1, 2007.
15.4 Selection Matters
15.4.1 Academic Board Resolutions on Selection
Council adopted the new and revised Academic Board Resolutions on Selection for entry to the following courses, as set out in Appendix B to the report:
15.4.2 Alternative Entry Pathway - Taylor’s College Science Foundation Program ( Malaysia)
Council approved the Taylor’s College Science Foundation Program ( Malaysia) as an alternative entry pathway for entry to undergraduate programs.
15.4.3 Prerequisites for Entry to New Generation Undergraduate Degrees in 2008
Council approved the prerequisites for entry to the six new generation undergraduate degrees in 2008 as set out in Appendix C to the report.
15.4.4 Undergraduate Entry Scores for 2008
Council approved guaranteed and minimum entry scores for admission to 21 undergraduate courses in 2008 including the six new generation degrees, as set out in Appendix D.
15.5 New Student Awards
Council approved the establishment of the following student awards:
- Academic Board [Item B2(b)]
Council received the report of meeting 11/06 of the Academic Board held on 7 December 2006.
16.1 New Courses
Council approved the establishment of the following courses:
16.2 Renamed and Cancelled Courses
Council approved the renaming of the following courses:
- Graduate Certificate in e-Forensics and Electronic Fraud renamed as Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics.
- Graduate Certificate in Electronic Security Management renamed as Graduate Certificate in e-Security and Risk.
Council approved the cancellation of the Master of Criminology (Forensic Psychology) Coursework degree.
16.3 New Student Awards
Council approved the establishment of the following student awards:
16.4 Selection Matters
Council approved the Academic Board Resolutions on Selection for the following courses as set out in Appendix L to the report:
- Melbourne Theatre Company Board of Management [Item B3(a)]
Council received the report of meeting 11/06 of the Melbourne Theatre Company Board of Management held on 17 November 2006.
- Address by Head of an Auxiliary Operation [Item B3(b)]
The presentation on the management of the University’s childcare operations was deferred to 2007.
- Committee of Convocation [Item B4(a)]
Council received the report of meeting 9/06 of the Committee of Convocation held on 15 November 2006.
19.1 Alumni Resource Guide
Council did not adopt recommendations put forward by the Committee of Convocation, but noted its concerns and was advised of actions taken to promote the Committee of Convocation to graduands.
- Presentations by Presidents of Student Bodies [Item B5]
Mr Yap gave a presentation on behalf of the President, Melbourne University Overseas Students Society (MUOSS). In his presentation Mr Yap informed members of the “Meet the Aussies” project which MUOSS had developed to increase interaction between international and local students. He also reported on the annual national conference of international students, attended by students and government officers, which MUOSS would host in 2007. The lack of transport concessions for overseas students continued to be a problem in Victoria, and the “No Fair” campaign would continue. MUOSS would have a reduced scale of activities in 2007 because of the effect of the funding cuts associated with the Commonwelath Government’s “voluntary student unionism” requirements.
Presentations by Ms J Giles (2006 President, UMSU) and Mr T Williams (2006 President, UMPA) were deferred to the March 2007 meeting.
- Presentation from the Melbourne Experience Committee [Item B5]
Professor P McPhee’s presentation on the work of the Melbourne Experience Committee in 2006 was also deferred to the March 2007 meeting.
- Legislation and Trusts Committee [Item C]
Council received and noted the report of the Legislation and Trusts Committee meeting 9/06 held on 27 November 2006.
22.1 Council made the following Statutes as detailed in the Report:
| (1) |
Amendment of Statute 12.7 recommended by the University Secretary |
To up-date the voting requirements for admission to honorary doctor of Laws (83/06) |
| (2) |
Repeal and Remaking of Statute 14.1 recommended by the Senior Vice-Principal (minute 9.8 above refers) |
To up-date the Intellectual Property Statute (84/06) |
22.2 Council made the following Regulations as detailed in the Report:
| (1) |
Amendment of Regulation 17.1.R6 recommended by the University Secretary |
To up-date the procedures for authorising commitment by the University to research based contracts (81/06)
|
22.3 Submission of Draft Legislation to the Committee and Recommended Legislation to Council
Council endorsed the following practice for submission of draft legislation to the Committee and of recommended legislation to Council:
- That statutes and regulations continue to be presented in paragraphed form and not by reference to any marked-up version.
- That where there are likely to be extensive amendments, a deletion of the current text and its total replacement with the new version may be the preferred procedure.
- That marked-up versions, or where relevant even unmarked copies of the current statute or regulation, be included in the meeting materials, and if applicable in the Committee’s report to Council, to facilitate review. This material can be restricted to the relevant parts and in all cases is provided for information purposes rather than as part of the formal resolution.
- That more background information on each piece of legislation being considered by the Committee be provided in meeting materials in order to facilitate review and relevant contributions from Committee members.
- That the relevant draftsperson of the statute or regulation use his or her judgment as to the most appropriate, time and cost efficient approach, within the foregoing parameters, subject to guidance as required by the Committee, or between meetings by the Vice-Principal and General Couns el or the University Secretary.
22.4 Annual Report of the Donald Thomson Collection Administrative Committee
Council received and noted the Annual Report of the Donald Thomson Collection Administrative Committee.
- Summary of Reports of Matters Dealt with by the Vice-Chancellor [Items D2(a) & D2(b)]
Council received the summary of reports on matters dealt with by the Vice-Chancellor, as set out in Items D2(a) and D2(b).
- Members Completing Service
The Chancellor pointed out that this would be the last meeting attended by Mr Tim Anning, Mr Paul Erickson, Mr Grant Hehir, Deputy Chancellor Lochtenberg, Mr McRae, Ms Lydia Ooi and Professor Loane Skene. Several other members would reach the end of their current terms at the end of the month, and there were varying degrees of uncertainty about when or if they might rejoin Council: those members were Dr Meredith Doig, Professor Arthur Li and Mr Evan Thornley. Council agreed to minute its gratitude for their service, and the work of all its members and observers throughout the year.
The meeting closed after 7.00pm.
|
top of page
