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Council Meeting No 4/08
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A meeting of the Council was held in the Council Chamber, 1st Floor, Old Quadrangle on Monday 2 June 2008 at 4.00pm.
Present
Members
The Chancellor (Mr I Renard) (in the Chair)
The Vice-Chancellor (Professor G Davis)
The President of Academic Board (Professor P Pattison)
Ms E Alexander, Ms S Beattie, Professor G Bowes, Mr M Coyle, Dr M Doig,
Professor P Dawkins, Ms H Hayman, Mr R Johanson, Associate Professor M Joshi,
Ms L Landy, Judge I Lawson, Dr V Mansour, Ms M Sloss and The Hon D R White.
Others Attending
Mr Paul Briggs
The President of Convocation (Ms L Boston)
The President of UMSU (Ms L Buckingham)
The President of UMPA (Ms T Jonas)
The Provost (Professor P McPhee)
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) (Professor F Larkins)
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) (Professor P Rathjen)
The Senior Vice-Principal (Mr I Marshman)
The Vice-Principal and Chief Financial Officer (Mr D Percival)
The Vice-Principal and General Counsel (Mr C Penman)
The Vice-Principal (Information) (Ms L O’Brien)
The Vice-Principal (Human Resources) (Mr N Waugh)
The University Secretary (Ms J White)
The Deputy University Secretary (Mr J Green)
The Director, Office of the Vice-Chancellor (Mr D Speagle)
Ms E Fazio (Office of the Vice-Chancellor)
Deans of Faculties in attendance:
The Dean of the Faculty of Arts (Professor Mark Considine)
The Dean of the Faculty of Education (Professor Field Rickards)
BUSINESS
- Formal Matters
1.1 Apologies and Leave of Absence Requests [Item A01]
Council noted that leave of absence had been granted to:
- the Deputy Chancellor, Hon. A Chernov, for this meeting;
- the Deputy Chancellor, Ms R Storelli, for this meeting; and
- Ms E Ritchie for this meeting.
- Minutes of Previous Meetings and Follow Up Action Sheet [Item A1(a), A1(b)]
2.1 The Minutes of Council meeting 3/08 held on 12 May 2008, copies of which had been distributed, were confirmed, subject to the amendment of a typographical error in Item 9.8 on page 7 (change ‘spilt PhD’ to ‘split PhD’)
2.2 The Action Sheet from Meeting No.3/08 was noted.
2.2.1 Faculty of the VCA and Music
The Chairperson of Legislation and Trusts Committee sought clarification of the proposed course of action with regard to nomenclature and the newly constituted Faculty. Council noted that the proposal was, in due course, to disestablish the Faculty of Music and rename the combined Faculty as the Faculty of the VCA and Music. Council also noted that this would have implications for the various trusts and foundations that currently apply separately to the two faculties.
- 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 A5.1, A5.3, A5.16, A5.23 (F), A7.1, A7.4, A7.5, A7.6, A10, B1.1, B2.1 and B4.1 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(a)]
6.1 Triennial Review of Vice-Chancellor’s Performance
6.2 New Format for Council Agenda
Council received a new proposed Agenda format and resolved to adopt it from the next meeting (July 2008).
6.3 Report on Overseas Visit
The Chancellor reported that he had recently visited New York and whilst there had occasion to meet with some members of the Trinity College US Alumni Committee, who were running a successful fund-raising campaign. He then went on to attend dinners for alumni in Singapore and Malaysia as well as the Singapore International Open Day for prospective students. All these functions were well planned and well attended.
6.4 Governor-in-Council Appointments
Council noted that an announcement for the third Governor-in-Council appointee to Council for 2008 was still awaited.
- MOTIONS ON NOTICE [Item A3(b)]
7.1 Petition from University of Melbourne Student Union on the Faculty of Arts
Council noted that a petition had been received, supported by the University of Melbourne Student Union (UMSU). It was moved by Ms H. Hayman, seconded by Ms S Beattie, that:
“We demand that the University of Melbourne fully fund the Arts Faculty and recognise its importance and value to all of society”.
Council also received a submission from the University of Melbourne Postgraduate Association (UMPA) and a letter from the President of UMSU on the matter.
Ms Hayman stated that the petition reflected student concerns about the level of service to students and the employment conditions of staff, which appeared to her to have declined as a result of the financial difficulties faced by the Faculty in the past 18 months. Ms Beattie stated that postgraduate students were particularly concerned about tutoring arrangements, issues related to the promotion of courses and the loss of subject choice.
The Dean of the Faculty of Arts thanked the students for raising their issues and emphasised that it was important to engage in ongoing dialogue as often as needed. Professor Considine referred to his Arts Renewal Strategy paper and explained that, so far, the financial projections for 2008 were on track, thanks to great effort and innovation by staff and understanding by students. It was important to note that the Faculty had embraced the need for curriculum change and that this included reducing the number of subjects, without necessarily reducing the number of specialist topics offered through core subjects. The Faculty was maintaining higher than the University average Quality of Teaching scores at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and initial indications were that progression rates from first to second year continued to be high and attrition rates from the 2008 undergraduate cohort affirmed the high standing of the BA. The Dean acknowledged that communications between the Faculty Executive and the student body need to be improved.
The Provost, the Senior Vice-Principal and other members spoke to the motion, noting that Professor Considine acknowledged that managing staff departures and their impact on the teaching program had not been easy and in some cases it had taken several weeks to negotiate new supervision arrangements for research students. He advised that the research students reference group was helpful in raising key issues and they hoped to have a detailed response from TALQAC (the Academic Board’s Teaching and Learning Quality Assurance Committee) to some of the issues raised in the UMPA paper. The management of the system for employing tutors was complex, due in part to different departmental practices which had built up over many years and it was thus under detailed consideration by the Faculty.
In the discussion that followed, Council noted a number of other matters raised by members:
- The University budget overall was an emerging problem from 2009 onwards, with costs predicted to rise at more then twice the rate of revenues. The latter will be affected, inter alia, by the withdrawal of domestic fee-paying students and a decrease in demand from international fee-paying students due to the rising value of the Australian dollar.
- The financial difficulties in the Faculty of Arts did not appear to be linked to the introduction of the Melbourne Model but they do reflect the longer term trends forecast for the University as a whole.
- The Faculty of Arts was well placed to benefit from high demand for breadth enrolments and its plans for the introduction of new Masters by Coursework programs should have a positive impact on cash flow.
- Completion rates for research higher degree students were disappointing and affected revenue receipts from the Commonwealth Government. The extent to which this reflected the lack of adequate space for private study was unclear.
The Vice-Chancellor summed up the discussion by reflecting that this had been a difficult journey for the Faculty of Arts and that it was important to understand the causes of the financial situation. He reminded Council that the University was making an additional contribution of $20 million to Arts over the period 2007 – 2010 and that it would probably always need some kind of subsidy to break even. The definition of “full funding” was a nebulous one in the current context of Commonwealth funding levels. The University’s willingness to provide financial support was testament to its commitment to the role of the Faculty of Arts in the community as a whole.
The Chancellor proposed an amended motion which was seconded by Professor Pattison. Ms Hayman and others suggested a number of further amendments which were accepted by the mover and seconder, and Ms Hayman and Ms Beattie indicated their support for the motion as so amended. The motion was then put to Council in the following terms:
That Council:
- Recognises the importance to the University and the wider community of a strong and vibrant Faculty of Arts;
- Acknowledges the concerns expressed about the financial situation the Faculty of Arts is currently facing;
- Notes that under past and current budget arrangements the Faculty receives full funding in respect of the programs it delivers and that, in addition, the Faculty will receive some $20 million in additional support over 2007-2010; and
- Requests the Vice-Chancellor to:
- Ensure that effective processes for communication with staff, students and their representatives are improved in subsequent implementation of the Arts Revival Plan; and
- Report to Council in July and October on further progress in implementing the Arts Revival plan, including matters raised in Council discussions at this meeting.”
The motion was carried.
- Listing of Key Issues and Documents for Discussion [Item A4(a)]
8.1
The Faculty of Arts Renewal Strategy
[Refer Item A4(a) and A5.3]
This matter was dealt with under the preceding item of the Agenda.
- Vice-Chancellor’s Report [Item A5]
Council received and noted the Vice-Chancellor’s Report.
9.1 Dr Paul Mees
The Vice-Chancellor briefly reviewed recent media coverage of the disciplinary proceedings in regard to Dr Paul Mees, a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning. He assured Council that the action taken concerning Dr Mees was not aimed at impinging in any way on his academic freedom, despite press reports to the contrary.
In view of the nature of this case, which involved multiple complaints, most of which concerned the conduct of Dr Mees in dealing with other members of the Faculty and students, the Vice-Chancellor informed Council that he would ask the Vice-Principal (Human Resources) to review the existing staff disciplinary procedures and processes, to see how they might be improved. The outcome of that review would be considered by the Remuneration and Employment Conditions Committee.
9.2 The Herman Trust
In view of concerns raised by the Chairperson of Legislation and Trusts Committee about certain technical aspects of the proposal, the item was withdrawn pending further consultation with General Counsel.
9.3 Appointment to the Ian Potter Museum of Art Board
Council noted that the Vice-Chancellor had approved the nomination of Pro Vice-Chancellor (University Relations) Professor Warren Bebbington as a director of the Board of the Ian Potter Museum of Art from 1 June 2008.
9.4 Appointment to the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research Board
Council noted that the Vice-Chancellor had approved the appointment of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Peter Rathjen as the University’s appointed director to the Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research Board.
9.5 Appointment to the Victorian Institute of Chemical Sciences Board
Council noted that the Vice-Chancellor had approved the appointment of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Peter Rathjen as the University’s appointed director to the Victorian Institute of Chemical Sciences Board.
9.6 Appointment to the Bio21 Cluster Board
Council noted that the Vice-Chancellor had approved the appointment of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Peter Rathjen as the University’s appointed director to the Bio21 Cluster Board.
9.7 Appointment to Uniwater Governing Committee
9.8 Regulation 5.4.R1 - Details of Subjects and Courses
Council noted that the Vice-Chancellor had approved amendments to Regulation 5.4.R1 under the authority given to the Vice-Chancellor by the University Statutes.
9.9 Major New Research Initiatives
Council noted the Vice-Chancellor’s advice that announcements could be expected in the near future about two significant new research initiatives:
- The Grattan Institute – a major new public policy institute for Melbourne, based on the model of the Brookings Institution in the USA, which will be by far the best funded think tank in Australia; and
- A significant medical and scientific initiative in bioinformatics, which will advance Australia’s capability for world leadership in this area.
- Finance Committee [Item A7]
Council received the report of meeting 2/08 of the Finance Committee held on 21 May 2008.
10.1 Trust Template – Faculty Foundations
Council noted the proposal for a Faculty template but in response to concerns raised by the Chairperson of Legislation and Trusts Committee about the use of the term “Foundation” in this particular context, agreed that the matter should be referred to Legislation and Trusts Committee for advice.
10.2 Amendments to the Constitution of Melbourne University Student Union Limited
10.3 Amendments to the Constitution of Neurosciences Victoria Limited
10.4 Grainger Museum
Council noted that additional funding is required to meet the specifications required to complete the Grainger Museum Refurbishment project.
Council approved additional funding of $800,000, to be supplied from Reserve Funds.
10.5 Amendments to Regulation 17.1R6
Council approved certain amendments to the University’s purchasing procedures and delegations in relation to financial matters.
10.6 Financial Statements
Council received Financial Statements for the period to 30 April 2008, including the first forecast adjustment for the March quarter, and noted advice from the Chairperson of Finance Committee that there were a number of areas of concern. These included:
- A significant drop in the forecast surplus from the original budget for 2008 due to a combination of decreased investment income, increased grants expenses and increased cost of permanent salaries;
- Donations and bequest income for 2008 will be below budget due to a change in the accounting treatment of grants from philanthropic bodies which are now classified as Other Grants;
- Investment income has been adversely affected by the downturn in Equity market conditions;
- Salary expenditure is around 2% over budget;
- The Australian dollar is approaching parity with the US dollar.
Council noted that these matters, among others, would have a significant impact on the University budget, with 2009 likely to be a very challenging year. The Senior Vice-Principal advised that, in order to ameliorate the impact, an Expenditure Review Committee has been established to focus on cost containment initiatives including substantial changes to administration. Chaired by the Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Commerce, Professor Margaret Abernethy, the Committee was due to report on 11 July 2008.
- Provost's Report [Item A10]
The Provost gave an oral report on VCASU (the Victorian College of the Arts Student Union), explaining that it is a Faculty-based student society similar to those that exist in the Faculties of Law, Land and Food and elsewhere. VCA students are entitled to access services of UMSU and UMPA, which are the representative bodies for all students of the University, on the same basis as students from other faculties. Council noted that the advent of a newly-constituted Faculty of the VCA and Music in 2009 will provide a fresh opportunity for VCA students to engage with UMSU and UMPA at a deeper level.
- Planning and Budget Committee [Item B1]
Council received the report of meeting 2/08 of the Planning and Budget Committee held on 14 May 2008, noting that this was the last meeting of that body.
12.1 Proposal for a New Organisational Committee Structure
Council approved the following organisational arrangements effective from 2 June 2008, noting that the terms of reference for the three sub-committees of Senior Executive Committee were still to be finalised:
- Disestablishment of Planning and Budget Committee;
- Disestablishment of the Committee of Deans;
- Establishment of a Senior Executive Committee; and
- Senior Management meeting structure, Key Portfolio and Title Changes and associated processes for implementing new management structures and committee meeting arrangements.
Council was advised that, although Planning and Budget Committee had been disestablished, it was proposed to continue to hold the annual Planning and Budget Committee Conference in the middle of the year.
In response to a question, the Senior Vice-Principal agreed to review the matter of student representation on the IT Council.
12.2 University Centres
12.2.1 Establishment of Centres
Council approved the establishment of the following Centres:
- National Centre of Excellence for Islamic Studies, noting the establishment date to coincide with the launch (retrospective recognition from 23 October 2007)
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Leadership for Social Impact
- Centre for Ideas and Economy
- Asia Pacific Centre for Animal Health (retrospective recognition from 4 January 1999)
12.2.2 Changes to Centre Names
Council approved the following changes to Centre Names:
- Institute of Comparative and International Law to The Institute for International Law and the Humanities, noting that the change was effective from 1 July 2005.
- International Centre for Energy, Resources and Environmental Law to Centre for Resources, Energy and Environmental Law, noting that the change was effective from 1 January 2008.
12.2.3 Disestablishment of Centres
Council endorsed the disestablishment of the following Centres:
Melbourne Business School
- Centre for Management of Information Technology
- Centre for Manufacturing Management
- Coles Myer Centre for Retailing and Marketing
Faculty of Science
- Centre for the Growth and End-use Quality of Cereals
- Research Centre for High Energy Physics (Noted at Council Meeting 3/08 - 12.5.08)
Faculty of Music
- Centre for Studies in Australian Music
Melbourne School of Engineering
- Centre for Advanced By-Wire Technologies (RABiT)
- Centre for Geographic Information System and Modelling (CGISM)
- Centre for Environmental Applied Hydrology (CEAH)
- International Technologies Centre (IDTC)
12.3 Proposal for Establishment of New School of Philosophy, Anthropology and Social Inquiry and Change of Name of the School of Political Science, Criminology and Sociology (Faculty of Arts)
Council approved the following recommendations that:
- The School of Philosophy and the remaining disciplines in the former School of Social and Environmental Enquiry [Anthropology, Social Theory, Development Studies, Gender Studies and History of Philosophy of Science], amalgamate to form a new School of Philosophy, Anthropology and Social Inquiry effective from 1 July 2008.
- The name of the School of Political Science, Criminology and Sociology be changed to the School of Social and Political Sciences, effective 1 July 2008.
12.4 International Plan 2008
Council endorsed the 2008 International Plan.
12.5 International Committee
Council approved new and renewed University and Faculty Level linkages with overseas institutions as follows:
Establishment of New University level linkages
- Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel, and Bristol University, UK, noting that the Faculties of Law and Veterinary Science will not be participating faculties, and University of Delhi – U21 following its accession to Universitas 21.
Establishment of New Faculty level linkages
- Faculty of Arts – University of Tokyo, College of Arts and Science, Japan; Faculty of Land and Food Resources – Kasetsart University, Thailand.
Renewal of Faculty level linkages
- Aalborg University , Denmark – Melbourne School of Engineering
- Carnegie Mellon University , USA – Melbourne School of Engineering - Faculty of Science , Faculty of Medicine , Dentistry & Health Sciences (MDHS).
- Cornell University, USA - Faculty of Architecture , Building and Planning; Faculty of Arts; Melbourne School of Engineering; Faculty of Land and Food Resources; and Faculty of Science.
- Heriot-Watt University , Scotland - Faculty of Economics and Commerce.
- Kasetsart University , Thailand - Faculty of Architecture Building and Planning. Formal linkage with Kasetsart requested by the Faculty of Land and Food Resources.
- Loughborough University , UK – Melbourne School of Engineering (Civil and Environmental).
- Slade School of Fine Art, UK - Faculty of the VCA.
- Korea National University of the Arts – Faculty of the VCA
Renewal of University Level Agreements
- Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
- Humboldt University , Berlin
- Peking University , China
- Technical University of Munich and University of Freiburg , Germany
- University of Oslo , Norway
- Shantou University , China (subject to funding from 2008)
Non Renewal of Agreements
- Veterinary University Hannover - Faculty of Veterinary Science
- Ecole d'Architecture Paris-Val de Seine - Faculty of Architecture , Building and Planning
- European Business School , Germany - Faculty of Economics and Commerce
12.6 Australian Centre for Post Traumatic Mental Health
Council noted that its decision to approve an affiliation agreement with the Australian Centre for Post Traumatic Mental Health be rescinded because it was a duplicate of a previous approval.
- Academic Board [Item B2(a)]
Council received the report of meeting 4/08 of the Academic Board held on 22 May 2008.
13.1 Academic Programs – Discontinuation of Courses
Council, noting that these proposals had been the subject of stringent review by the Academic Board, endorsed the Board’s recommendation for the discontinuation of intake into the following courses:
Faculty of Arts
Master of Arts (Geography)
Master of Arts (Environmental Studies)
Faculty of Land and Food Resources
Associate Degree in Forestry Management
Associate Degree in Agriculture
Melbourne Consulting and Custom Programs ( School of Enterprise)
(Academic Board meeting 2/08)
Professional Certificate in Local Government Enterprise
Professional Certificate in Leadership and Management
Professional Certificate in Commercialisation (Brisbane)
Professional Certificate in Commercialisation (Sydney)
Melbourne Graduate School of Education
(Academic Board meeting 2/08)
Graduate Diploma in Education
Bachelor of Teaching
13.2 Academic Programs – New Courses
Council endorsed the Board’s recommendation for the introduction of the following new courses:
Faculty of Arts
Master of Arts – Spanish (Thesis Only)
Melbourne Consulting and Custom Programs (School of Enterprise)
(Academic Board meeting 2/08)
Postgraduate Certificate in Literacy Leadership and Specialist Certificate in Literacy Leadership
Melbourne Business School
(Academic Board meeting 2/08)
Professional Certificate in Management and Graduate Certificate in Management
13.3 New Student Awards
Council endorsed the Board’s recommendation for the following new student award:
Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
(Academic Board meeting 2/08)
The Denise Spencer Prize
- Melbourne Theatre Company Board of Management [Item B3(a)]
Council received the report of meeting 4/08 of the Melbourne Theatre Company Board of Management held on 16 May 2008.
- Committee of Convocation [Item B4]
Council received the report of meeting 3/08 of the Committee of Convocation held on 21 May 2008.
15.1 Grainger Museum
Council noted the recommendations of the Committee of Convocation in respect of the Grainger Museum refurbishment and the Vice-Chancellor undertook to provide a considered response at the next meeting of Council.
- 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).
The meeting closed at 7.00pm.
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