Council Meeting No 6/06

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A meeting of the Council was held in the Council Chamber, 1 st Floor, Old Quadrangle on
Monday 5 June 2006 at 4.00p.m.

Present

Members

The Chancellor (Mr I Renard) (In the Chair)
The Deputy Chancellor (Hon Justice A Chernov)
The Depu ty Chancellor (Dr B Lochtenberg)
The Vice-Chancellor (Professor G Davis) (from 4.55 pm)
The President of Academic Board (Professor L Skene)
Ms E Alexander, Associate Professor Allen, Mr T L Anning, Dr M Doig, Professor M Elgar,
Mr P Erickson, Mr G Hehir, Judge I Lawson, Ms L Ooi, Ms E Ritchie, Ms M Sloss,
Ms R Storelli, and Hon Mr D White.

Others Attending

The President of Convocation (Ms L Boston)
The President of the Victorian College of the Arts (Mr I McRae)
The President of the Postgraduate Association (Mr A Williams)
The President of UMSU (Ms J Giles)

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) (Professor P McPhee)
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Innovation & Development) (Professor V Braach-Maksvytis)
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor ( Research) (Professor J McKenzie)
The Senior Vice-Principal (Mr I Marshman)
The Vice-Principal and Academic Regis trar (Ms G Luck)
The Vice-Principal and General Counsel (Mr C Penman)
The Vice-President of Academic Board (Professor P Pattison)

The University Secretary (Mr L Currie)
The Director, Office of Vice-Chancellor (Mr D Speagle)
The Assistant University Secretary (Mr J Green)
The Senior Media Adviser (Ms C Buckridge)
Ms E Fazio, Ms R Kenny, Ms M Ravindran.

The following Dean attended for Council’s discussions of listed key issues:

The Dean of the Faculty of Law (Professor M Crommelin)

Business

1. Formal Matters [Item A.01]

Council received an apology from Mr Briggs, and an apology for late attendance (due to flight cancellations and delays) from the Vice-Chancellor.

Leave of absence for this meeting had been granted to Mr Thornley and Professor Li.

Leave of absence for the July 2006 meeting was granted to Associate Professor Allen, Justice Chernov and Professor Li.

Note: Consideration of Items A4(a) and A5 were deferred until the Vice-Chancellor’s arrival. Item A6 was considered before that time.

2. Minutes of Previous Meetings and Follow Up Action Sheet [Item A1(a) and Item A1(b)]

2.1 The minutes of Council meeting 5/06 held on 8 May 2006, copies of which had been distributed, were confirmed.

2.2 The Action Sheet was noted from Meeting No. 5/06.

Council noted that the Senior Vice-Principal had briefed the Chair of the Finance Committee on the University’s approach to the question of the MEI tax liability. Council also noted that the first of the proposed reports to Council on recent professorial appointments would be submitted to the July meeting, and that the University Secretary’s paper on University Structures would be circulated before that date. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) advised Council that the agreement between the Commonwealth Government, the University and Orygen regarding the Centre for Youth Mental Health had been signed recently, and a revised proposal would be submitted to Council shortly.

2.3 With regard to minute 9.2, ‘NOT FARE’ Transport Concessions Campaign, the University Secretary advised that, following discussion at a meeting of the Victorian Vice-Chancellors’ Committee later in May, Professor Richard Larkins had written to Minister Kosky pointing out the potential damage to Victoria’s competitiveness in recruiting international students if they were not offered transport concessions.

3. 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.

4. Starring of Additional Items [Item A2(b)]

Additional items in A5.12 & 17; A6.1 & 2; and A7.1 were starred for discussion.

5. 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.

6. Chancellor’s Matters [Item A3]

The Chancellor advised that Mr John Green would be Acting University Secretary for the months of July, August and September, while Mr Len Currie was on leave.

7. Listing of Key Issues and Documents for Discussion [Item A4(a)]

The following item was listed under Key Issues and Documents for Discussion –

• The Melbourne Model
  (document A5, reports 1 and 3 with Appendix A, and document B2, report 5)

8. Growing Esteem Implementation Reports

8.1 Update – June 2006

Council received and noted the Update – June 2006 Report.

9. Vice-Chancellor’s Report [Item A5]

Council received and noted the Vice-Chancellor’s Report.

9.1 The Melbourne Model

The Vice-Chancellor advised Council that he had met with the Federal Minister for Education in Canberra on 31 May, when the Minister informed him that the revised 2008-2010 student profiles for Law, Architecture, Building and Planning, Education and Nursing programs requested by the University had been approved in principle. Specifically, this would involve the transfer of approximately 800 Commonwealth Supported Places from undergraduate to graduate places by 2010, and there might be a reduction in existing load of up to 230 EFTSL in the same timeframe, though the University was exploring possible bids for additional EFTSL in other funding clusters.

The Vice-Chancellor invited the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) to speak to his paper on core principles for undergraduate study under the Melbourne Model (Appendix A to the Vice-Chancellor’s Report). In speaking to his paper, Professor McPhee indicated that it was hoped six ‘new generation’ degrees would be identified at the Planning and Budget Conference. The President of the Academic Board commented on the Board’s discussions which had followed the presentations on the new undergraduate curriculum at its May meeting, and listed some of the questions raised there.

The Dean of the Faculty of Law was invited to comment and he advised that the new arrangements had strong support both within the Faculty and in the profession. The members of Council elected by the academic staff expressed concern that special arrangements were proposed for particular streams in the arts and science courses, which they believed compromised the philosophy underlying the ‘new generation’ undergraduate education.

9.2 Pro Vice-Chancellors

Council endorsed the following recommendations:

• That the Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Research) be designated the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) (PVC (Research)) and be responsible for supporting the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) in achieving his responsibilities, and undertake assignments as directed by the DVC (Research). The PVC (Research) will also be expected to work effectively with the Vice Principal (Research) and the staff of that Office. The PVC (Research) will manage a particular agreed portfolio, be a member of the DVC (Research)’s Executive and Research Policy Advisory Group and the Research and Research Training Committee. Initially a key role will be to assist the DVC (Research) in preparing the University for the Research Quality Framework.
• That the Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Teaching, Learning and Equity) be designated the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Teaching, Learning and Equity) (PVC (TLE)) and be responsible for supporting the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) in achieving his responsibilities, and undertake assignments as directed by the DVC (Academic). In the first instance, the PVC (TLE) will have specific responsibilities in the areas of e-learning, the quality of teaching and learning, and student access and equity.
• That the Assistant Vice-Chancellor (University Relations) be known as the Pro Vice-Chancellor (University Relations) (PVC (UR)) and be responsible for supporting the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Innovation and Development) in relation to marketing and alumni, cultural and community relations. The PVC (UR) will represent the University in a broad range of fora, and initiate programs targeted at specific stakeholder groups as well as the broader community. In addition, PVC (UR) the will contribute to the development of a branding strategy for the University as well as its strategic marketing plans.
• That the Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Graduate Studies) be known as the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Training) (PVC (RT)) and be responsible for leading the enhancement of the quality of the University’s postgraduate education and its commitment to postgraduate students. The PVC (RT) will lead policy development and quality assurance of postgraduate students. As Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, the PVC (RT) will oversee the University's research higher degree programs and procedures, and provide academic support and professional development for all postgraduates and supervisors.

9.3 Appointment of Dean

Council resolved to appoint Dr Richard Roush as Dean of the Faculty of Land and Food Resources for a period of 5 years.

10. Council Nominations and Governance Committee [Item A6]

Council received the report of meeting 2/06 of the Council Nominations and Governance Committee held 1 June 2006.

10.1 Remuneration of External Members of University Bodies

Council resolved as follows:

• that Council’s approval of payments to non-executive chairs of subsidiary company boards should be considered within a maximum of the Government approved level at the time for the remuneration of the Chancellor (currently $65,000 pa);
• that Council’s approval of payments to other non-executive members of subsidiary company boards should be considered within a maximum of 50% of the Government approved level at the time for the remuneration of the Chancellor;
• that approval of any supplementary payment, to a non-executive director or member of a University body who for a limited term is expected to take up responsibilities beyond those normally expected of a non-executive officer, be a matter for determination by the Vice-Chancellor and report to Council;
• that Council recommend to the Boards of University subsidiaries which remunerate directors, that they adopt arrangements paralleling those to be implemented for Council members, by enabling directors eligible for remuneration to either decline it or redirect it to a University activity of their choice if they wish, on a fully confidential basis;
• that Council invite the Vice-Chancellor to consider whether it would be appropriate to offer any form of payment to external members of the central University ethics committees;
• that payment for non-executive service not be extended to members of other University bodies at this time; and
• that the effectiveness of these arrangements be reviewed in 2009.

A member suggested that the reporting framework for the University's ethics committees might also be examined, in comparison to the arrangements in place elsewhere.

10.2 Fee Levels for Student Members

The University Secretary reported that the Minister for Education and Training had approved remuneration levels for members of Council. It was noted that the Minister’s determination had implications for the proposed meeting of the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, presidents of student bodies and elected student members of Council concerning fee levels for student members of Council, but that the meeting should still go ahead.

11. Finance Committee [Item A7]

Council heard an oral report from the Chair of Finance Committee and received the report of the Committee’s meeting 3/06 held 24 May 2006.

11.1 Audit and Risk Committee Terms of Reference

This matter was considered in conjunction with the related recommendation in the report to Council from the Audit and Risk Committee (document A8). Council approved the recommendation to amend the Audit and Risk Committee’s Terms of References as set out in Appendix A to the Finance Committee’s report.

12. Audit and Risk Committee [Item A8]

Council received the report of meeting 2/06 of the Audit and Risk Committee held 23 May 2006.

12.1 Terms of Reference

This matter was considered in conjunction with the related recommendation from Finance Committee (minute 11.1 above refers).

13. Buildings and Estates Committee [Item A9]

Council received the report of meeting 2/06 of the Buildings and Estates Committee held 11 May 2006.

13.1 External Signage – Grattan Professional Bookstore

Council endorsed the permanent metal signage proposed by Emery Studio for the outside of the Grattan Professional Bookstore.

13.2 External Signage – Werribee Veterinary Science Campus

Council endorsed the revised external signage proposed for the Werribee Veterinary Science Campus.

13.3 External Signage – Ian Potter Museum of Art

Council endorsed the proposed signage proposed on the Swanston Street doors of the Ian Potter Museum of Art and the installation of signage banners in the location illustrated in the Emery Studio proposal on the condition that the content and design of banners are approved by the Vice-Principal (Property and Campus Services) before display.

14. University Relations Committee [Item A10]

Council heard an oral report from the Chancellor as Chair of the University Relations Committee and received the report of the Committee’s meeting 1/06 held 31 May 2006.

15. Honours Committee [Item A12]

Council received the report of meeting 1/06 of the Honours Committee held 24 March 2006.

16. Planning and Budget Committee [Item B1]

Council received the report of meeting 4/06 of the Planning and Budget Committee held 10 May 2006.

16.1 International Committee: Amendment to Terms of Reference

Council endorsed the amendment to the terms of reference of the International Committee as follows:

1. Insert new reference at 5, ‘to advise the Planning and Budget Committee and the Academic Programs Committee on all proposals for the delivery of courses offshore”.

16.2 Staff Equity and Diversity Committee: Amendment to Composition of Membership

Council endorsed the amendment to the composition of membership of the Staff Equity and Diversity Committee as follows:

1. That the position for a ‘Dean, Associate Dean or Assistant Dean nominated by the Vice-Chancellor’ be amended to read ‘Dean, nominated by the Vice-Chancellor’, and
2. That membership of the Committee includes ‘President of the Academic Board or nominate Board Officer’.

17. Academic Board [Item B2]

Council received the report of meeting 4/06 of the Academic Board held on 25 May 2006.

17.1 New Courses

Council adopted the Board’s recommendation to establish the following course in the VCA:

• Postgraduate Diploma in Production (Appendix A to the report).

17.2 Cancellation of Courses

Council adopted the Board’s recommendation to cancel the following courses:

• Bachelor of Learning, Development and Training
• Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Teaching combined course.

17.3 New Student Awards

Council adopted the Board’s recommendation to establish the following student awards:

• John A McKenzie/Selby Scientific Foundation Award (Appendix B to the report)
• McGraw Hill Biology Prize (Appendix C to the report)
• Frederick C Barnett Prize (Appendix D to the report).

17.4 Selection Matters

17.4.1 English Language Requirements for Research Higher Degrees in the School of Dental Science

Council adopted the Board’s recommendations to revise English language requirements for entry to research higher degrees in the School of Dental Science as set out below:

• IELTS 7.0 overall band with a minimum of 7.0 in writing (revised from 6.5 and 6.0, respectively)
• Computer TOEFL 250 with a minimum of 5.0 in essay writing (revised from 233 and 4.5, respectively).

17.4.2 Academic Board Resolutions on Selection

Council adopted the Board’s recommendation of the following Academic Board Resolution on Selection for the new Postgraduate Diploma in Production (see 17.1 above):

1. The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant's ability to pursue successfully the course using the following criteria
   • an undergraduate degree, or equivalent, in a discipline relevant to the stream within the Postgraduate Diploma in Production for which the applicant is applying; or
   • at least five years of relevant documented work experience in an area relevant to the stream within the Postgraduate Diploma in Production for which the applicant is applying.
2. The Selection Committee may conduct interviews for short-listed applicants and may call for referee reports and employer references to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.

18. Melbourne Theatre Company Board of Management [Item B3(a)]

Council received the report of meeting 5/06 of the Melbourne Theatre Company Board of Management held on 19 May 2006.

19. Committee of Convocation [Item B4]

Council received the report of meeting 3/06 of the Committee of Convocation held on 17 May 2006.

19.1 University’s Response to AUQA Recommendation on Academic Board Review

Council noted the recommendation from the Committee of Convocation that a body external to the Academic Board be responsible for the review or that an external person be appointed to the review panel. The Vice-Chancellor agreed to discuss the issue with the President of the Board, with a view to identifying a course of action in response to the Committee’s concerns.

20. Legislation and Trusts Committee [Item C]

Council heard an oral report from the Chair of the Legislation and Trusts Committee and received the report of the Committee’s meeting 4/06 held on 29 May 2006.

20.1 Council made the following Statutes as detailed in the Report:

(1)

Amendment to Statute 2.1 recommended by the University Secretary

To update references to the Melbourne University Act (53/06 )

 

20.2 Council made the following Regulations as detailed in the Report:

(1)	Making of regulation recommended by Academic Board	To add the degree of Doctor of Educational Psychology (50/06)
(3)	Amendment of Regulation 7.1.R2 recommended by the Vice-Chancellor on behalf of Council	To re-name a Chair in Schedule A of the regulation governing academic and general staff ranks and titles (51/06)
(4)	Amendment of Regulation R7.236	To amend the terms of The Russell and Mab Grimwade Bequests (52/06)

 

20.3 Trust Compliance Reports

Council noted comments on the pressure of work in the trusts compliance area and the Committee’s report that, in view of the University’s current drive to significantly increase its income through gifts and bequests, it was particularly important that adequate resources were provided to fund the associated legal work. The Vice-Chancellor indicated that he would provide Council with an update on these issues in his next report.

21. Summary of Reports of Matters Dealt with by the Vice-Chancellor [Items D2(a) and 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).

The meeting closed at 6.30 pm.