Council Meeting No 7/09
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A meeting of the Council was held in the Council Chamber, level 1, Old Quadrangle on Monday 22 June 2009 at 4.00pm.
Present
Members
The Chancellor (Hon A Chernov) (in the Chair)
The Deputy Chancellor (Ms R Storelli)
The Vice-Chancellor (Professor G Davis)
The President of Academic Board (Professor G Stevens)
Ms E Alexander, Ms O Bishop, Professor G Bowes, Mr M Coyle, Professor P Dawkins,
Dr M Doig, Judge I Lawson, Ms T Jonas (from 5.00 pm), Associate Professor M Joshi,
Mr M Myer, Ms E Ritchie, Mr T Peake and Mr N Turnbull
Others Attending
The Acting Provost (Professor S Elliott)
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Relations) (Professor J Dewar)
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) (Professor P Rathjen)
The Deputy President of Academic Board (Professor R Slocombe)
The President of Convocation (Ms L Boston)
The President of UMSU (Ms C Drakeford)
The Vice-Principal and Head of University Services (Ms E Baré)
The Acting Vice-Principal and Chief Financial Officer (Mr M Beaton-Wells)
The Vice-Principal (Human Resources) (Mr N Waugh)
The Vice-Principal (Major Projects) (Ms L Martin)
The Dean of the Faculty of Arts (Professor M Considine)
The Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (Professor J Angus)
The University Secretary (Ms J White)
The Deputy University Secretary (Mr J Green)
The Manager, Corporate Affairs (Ms C Buckridge)
Dr J Constable (Office of the Vice-Chancellor)
Ms E Fazio (Office of the Vice-Chancellor)
Business
- FORMAL MATTERS
1.1 Apologies and Leave of Absence Requests [Item A.01]
Council noted that Justice S Crennan, Dr V Mansour, Mr R Johanson had been granted leave of absence and approved an application for leave of absence from the Hon. D White for this meeting.
Council approved leave of absence for Mr N Turnbull for the 20 July Council meeting.
1.2 Returning Officer Report [Item A.02]
(Note: This item was deferred until the close of business)Council noted that a ballot was conducted for the Election of a second Deputy Chancellor to replace the Chancellor the Hon. Alex Chernov. The University Secretary, as Returning Officer, declared Justice Susan Crennan duly elected to the office of Deputy Chancellor for remainder of the term, i.e. 31 December 2009.
1.3 University Seal [Item A.03]
Council –
- noted that the electronic Seal press ceased functioning on 16 March 2009; and that the manual Seal press was operational for the period from 17 March 2009 to 5 June 2009’
- Council approved the replacement electronic Seal press, an impression of which will be affixed to the minutes of this meeting; and
- Council resolved that it be adopted as the common seal of the University in pursuance of Section 4(2) of the Melbourne University Act, 1958 from 6 June 2009 in place of any seal or seals heretofore adopted and employed.
- Minutes of Previous Meetings and Follow Up Action Sheet[Item A.1(a) and A.1(b)]
2.1 The Minutes of Council Meeting No. 6/2009 held on 25 May 2009 were confirmed, subject to the addition of Ms O Bishop to the list of attendees.
2.2 The Action Sheet from Meeting No. 6/2009 was received. Council noted that a revised proposal for a University Ombudsman would be considered by the Planning & Budget Committee conference in July and would then return to Council for further consideration.
- Declarations of Interest [Item A.2(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 A.2(b)]
Additional items B1.4, B2.2, B2.19, B2.22, B3.2, B3.3, B4.3, B.5, C.2, C2.18, C5.2, and C5.3 were starred for discussion.
- Motion to Adopt or Receive “Unstarred Items of Business”[Item A.2(c)]
It was agreed that the unstarred items of business be adopted where containing recommendations and received where containing reports.
- Key Issues and Documents for Discussion[Item A.3]
- Faculty of Arts Renewal
The Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Mark Considine, addressed Council on “The Plan for Arts”, a document at the meeting contained a report on the Faculty’s Business Plan and the Arts Investment Fund. Professor Considine reported that there were encouraging signs from various performance indicators that the Faculty was making good progress in a shorter timeframe than expected. The BA is the most popular undergraduate program in Victoria and the number of high achieving VCE students has increased. The BA curriculum has been reformed and is now more demanding, with Quality of Teaching scores showing sound evidence of teaching success, including a higher mean score for overall satisfaction than the University average. An innovative “BA Extended” has been introduced in 2009, offering indigenous students a specialised pathway to a Bachelor qualification and two new Masters programs will be offered from 2009 in International Relations and an Executive Master of Arts.
Council noted that the Faculty had faced a series of profound challenges over the past three years and whilst the voluntary departure program had been as carefully managed as possible, its effects were nevertheless uneven across the range of departments and schools in the Faculty. Three programs suffered severe losses of staff: Asian Studies, Creative Writing and Philosophy and are finding the upward path difficult. The Dean plans to work with the leadership of these programs during 2009 to assure their re-emergence as strong disciplines with sustainable programs.
Professor Considine concluded with a presentation on the branding strategy for the new Graduate School, to be launched in August in preparation for the 2010 academic year.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the Dean and his senior team for the way in which they had met a serious budgetary challenge and their commitment to successful outcomes for the faculty and University.
The Chancellor thanked Professor Considine for his excellent presentation and for his efforts in projecting a way forward for the faculty.
- Recommendation for the Naming of the Faculty of Arts Graduate School
The President of the Academic Board, Professor Geoff Stevens, spoke to an urgent tabled motion concerning the Graduate School in the Faculty of Arts. He advised that he had consulted with other Board officers and chairs of key Academic Board committees and had gained their endorsement for the motion.
Following discussion, Council approved the establishment of a Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences as a graduate school within the Faculty of Arts, subject to Academic Board endorsement of this recommendation at its meeting to be held on 23 July 2009.
- Ad hoc Committee on MU Publishing
Professor Bebbington spoke to his report on the conclusions of the Ad hoc Committee of Council, which had been established to provide advice on the strategic basis on which continued financial support should be provided to Melbourne University Publishing Ltd (MUP).
During discussion, a number of points were raised, including the fact that international comparisons showed that almost all University presses suffered financially and needed income streams additional to their sales in order to at least break even. Reference was made to the importance of the University of Melbourne brand in the context of a possible diminution in stature if it became associated with an organisation whose activities were not in keeping with the University’s mission and values.
Council noted that the Board of MUP intended to start responding to the proposals in the report within the week by adopting a new imprint for Trade books that would separate this activity from the core business of academic publishing. Council also noted that Finance Committee had previously approved quarterly milestones for the company to reach before it could receive the second tranche of special funding in 2009.
Council endorsed the following recommendations:
- That the University’s Knowledge Transfer mission provides a cogent strategic basis on which to subsidise MU Publishing as a non-profit publisher which aims to disseminate research and ideas from the academy to the broader reading public, to provide a platform for the debate of intellectual issues of public importance, and to enhance the University’s standing as a significant custodian of the national cultural heritage.
- That the quantum of the subsidy, triennially renewed, is best determined by Council with reference to MU Publishing’s plans for academic and research-orientated titles, as well as its obligation to maintain a d-book and e-book service for non-commercial academic titles. Project grants to assist specific projects, such as the Miegunyah Press imprint or Meanjin, would continue to be separately determined.
- That commercial activities which serve the University’s Knowledge Transfer mission, such as general trade book production or contract publishing, should be undertaken by MU Publishing in future on the basis of normal commercial considerations, and accounted for separately, in the knowledge that a deficit outcome will need to be carried forward to the next year, with a plan for trading back into surplus.
- Chancellor’s Report[Item B.1]
7.1 Council Student Systems Due Diligence Committee
- in the light of the reports considered and subsequent discussion, the Group saw no reason that should prevent the University from executing the Deed of Variation, noting that progress will continue to be monitored carefully by the Steering Group and management team throughout the course of the next 12 months.
- a final decision to go-live with the new system will be subject to checks and confirmations through the established governance processes for the Project.
- the Student System Project will seek from Finance Committee approval for further funding in the order of $6million to complete the implementation of the new student system with a possible contingency call of $1.8million as planned in June 2010.
- further meetings of Due Diligence Group will be required to monitor progress against critical milestones, leading up to the go-live date.
Council received a report from Meeting 1/2009 of the Council Student Systems Due Diligence Committee and noted the following recommendations:
7.2 Election for Deputy Chancellor [Statute 2.3]
Council noted that the process for the election of a Deputy Chancellor is governed by Council Standing Resolution 2.18, section (c), which provides for each voter to return their voting papers to the returning officer on or before 5.00 pm on the date of the election. Section (b)(i) provides that “In every such election the returning officer must “appoint a date for the election (being a date on which Council meets)”.
Since Council meetings ordinarily commence at 4.00pm, it is inappropriate for the Standing Resolution to prescribe closure of the ballot after the start of the meeting.
Council resolved that Standing Resolution 2.18 be modified to require all votes to be returned by no later than close of business on the last working day before Council meets.
7.3 Model University Bill
- Vice-Chancellor’s Report[Item B.2]
The Senior Vice-Principal advised that a second version of the Model Bill had been issued to all Universities on 11 June and that a confidential draft of the new University of Melbourne Bill had since been provided for internal use and consultation purposes only. Mr Marshman reported that he was satisfied that most of the University’s concerns had been addressed and that the new Bill would allow the University to proceed with its internal reform program.
Council received and noted the Vice-Chancellor’s Report.
8.1 Restructure of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
The Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Professor James Angus, attended Council to speak to this item.
Council noted that, following a series of targeted reviews of the Schools of Medicine, Rural Health, Behavioural Sciences, Physiotherapy, and Nursing and Social Work, the Faculty has developed a new organisational structure in order to support the achievement of its strategic vision and plan.
Professor Angus noted that this was a historic change in the life of the Faculty, reducing seven Schools to four new Graduate Schools, which each contain cognate discipline groupings as Departments or clusters. A fifth grouping comprises Faculty Institutes, including the Nossal Institute for Global Health, and other proposed institutes such as the Comprehensive Cancer Centre. Faculty Service Units will be established to provide the Faculty with the full range of administrative support services and the finer details of governance arrangements were still being developed.
Council approved the new structure of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, establishing the following Graduate Schools:
- Melbourne Medical School
- Melbourne Dental School
- Melbourne School of Health Sciences
- Melbourne School of Population Health (an existing School)
8.2 Acquisition of the City Ford Site
Council noted that the University had finalised the purchase of 734-750 Elizabeth Street, Carlton, earmarked for redevelopment in the long term as the Melbourne Medical School. For the foreseeable future, the site will continue to ensure commercial returns to the University on its investment.
8.3 U21 Joint PhD Program
Council noted that the University of Melbourne has signed a Memorandum of Understanding along with thirteen other U21 Universities, to establish a joint PhD program, which will offer students global choices of research partners for their PhDs.
8.4 Faculty of Economics and Commerce and Melbourne Business School Merger
Council noted the Senior Vice-Principal’s advice that negotiations were continuing on the finer details of various legal documents that give effect to the merger and that it was hoped final agreement would be reached in the near future, whereupon a meeting of Council’s Due Diligence Committee would be called.
8.5 Compliance Report
Council received and noted the June Compliance Report.
8.6 Centres and Institutes for Research and Research Training
Council noted that the Vice-Chancellor had approved, on its behalf, the change of name from the ‘Australian Research Council Special Research Centre for Environmental Stress and Adaptation Research’ to ‘Centre for Environmental Stress and Adaptation Research’.
- Provost’s Report [Item B.3]
Council received and noted the Provost’s Report to Council, presented by the Acting Provost.
9.1 Towards 2011 project
The Vice-Chancellor has convened a high level committee which will focus on graduate programs in preparation for full Melbourne Model Implementation in 2011. Modelled on the Curriculum Commission, the Committee will address the profile, quality and distinctiveness of graduate programs and their alignment with research training and strategy. It will also advise on pathways for students pursuing new generation degrees, optimising graduate recruitment and attracting graduates from a more diverse socioeconomic background than currently.
Chaired by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Relations), the project will produce staged reports leading to an April 2010 launch of the 2011 Graduate Coursework program.
9.2 Implementation of Post- Entry English language Assessment Policy
Council noted that the Academic Board would monitor, on an ongoing basis, the participation rates of undergraduate students requiring language support under the new Post-Entry English Language Assessment Policy.
9.3 Scholarships Strategy
Professor Elliott reported that Senior Executive had considered a report on Scholarships Strategy and, whilst endorsing the general principles, had agreed that it should be considered in the context of other bids for funding at the forthcoming PBC Conference in July 2009.
- Senior Vice-Principal’s Report [Item B.4]
Council received the Senior Vice-Principal’s Report to Council.
10.1 Point Nepean National Centre for Coasts and Climate (NCCC)
A Council member noted with concern that progress on this major project appeared to be extremely slow, given that the University had submitted a Business Plan in November 2008. Council was advised that the State Government’s intentions with regard to the use of the site and the NCCC had since become unclear, with the transfer of ownership from the Federal to the State Government and the wind-up of the point Nepean Community Trust. The University remains strongly committed to the development of the NCCC and has sought an appointment with State Government officers to clarify the position.
- Finance Committee[Item C.1(a)]
The Chair advised that she would have a full report from the meeting held on 19 June for the next meeting of Council.
- Academic Board [Item C.2]
Council received and noted the report of the Academic Board Meeting 3/2009 held on 19 June 2009.
12.1 Award of Honorary Degrees of Doctor of Architecture
Council approved the awarding of two Honorary Degrees of Doctor of Architecture to the persons whose citations were tabled.
12.2 Academic Policy and Procedures Working Group
The President of the Academic Board informed Council that an Unsatisfactory Academic Progress Policy, developed by the working group to co-ordinate with the new Student System (Merlin replacement), would have to be withdrawn due to delays with system implementation. Council was told that students would not be disadvantaged by the changing policy environment in regard to unsatisfactory progress.
12.3 Materials Vote – Library
Professor Stevens advised that the Academic Board would continue to keep Council informed of the difficulties facing University libraries in terms of their funding. A consortium of Australian Universities was currently in negotiation with publishing houses in order to secure more favourable pricing arrangements. A bid would be prepared for the PBC Conference to address the shortfall in purchasing power for library materials.
12.4 New Course Proposals
Council approved the establishment of the following new programmes:
- Master of Actuarial Science [Appendix A of the report]
- Graduate Certificate in Social Impact [Appendix B of the report]
- Specialist Certificate in Social Policy (Social Inclusion) [Appendix C of the report]
12.5 Course Discontinuations
Council approved the discontinuation of the following programmes:
- Bachelor of Optometry
- Master of Arts – International Studies (Advanced Seminars and Shorter Thesis) 102 IO
- Master of Creative Arts 474 CA
12.6 Resolutions on Selection
Council approved resolutions on selection for various courses as detailed in Appendix D of the report.
- Audit and Risk Committee [Item C.3(a)]
No meeting held.
- Buildings and Estates Committee [Item C.4]
Council received and noted a report of the Building and Estates Committee Meeting 2/2009 held on 27 May 2009.
14.1 Naming Proposal – Joe Isaac Conference Room
Council approved the naming of Room 11.013, 198 Berkeley Street, as the “Joe Isaac Conference Room”.
- Council Nominations and Govenance Committee [C.5]
Council received and noted a report of the Council Nominations and Governance Committee Meeting 3/2009 held on 11 June 2009.
15.1 Amendments to Legislation Relating to Senior Staff
Council approved in principle the revocation of Statute 2.6 and the revocation and remaking of Statute 2.5, subject to clarification of certain matters and drafting amendments to associated Regulations, to be reviewed by the Committee in August.
15.2 Amendments to Standing Resolutions
Council noted the proposed amendments to Standing Resolutions 2.7, 2.12 and 2.13 as set out in Appendix B of the report, and agreed that paragraph 4 of SR2.13 should be amended to read “Cameras and mobile phones may not be used and sound recording devices may not be brought into the Council Chamber unless expressly permitted by the Chancellor”. With this amendment, Council approved the amendments as set out in the report. It also noted that a more comprehensive review of the Standing Resolutions was foreshadowed.
15.3 Simplification of legislation relating to academic units within the University
Council noted that it had previously given in principle approval to the proposed Statute 5.1 and associated Regulations but that in view of the complexity of the documentation and the fact that some matters were unresolved, the Council Nominations and Governance Committee had agreed to postpone detailed consideration until its August meeting.
15.4 Restructure of the Governance of non-academic departments operating as semi-autonomous bodies within the University
Council noted that it had previously given in principle approval to the proposed Statute 8.1 and related regulations and that their terms are likely to be completed in time for consideration at the August meeting of the Committee.
15.5 Transitional Arrangements
Council noted that the existing governance structures for faculties and semi-autonomous bodies are to continue in place until their new structures are approved.
15.6 Legislation and Policy Changes
In answer to a question from a Council member, the Senior Vice-Principal advised that no Statutes or Regulations containing policy will be revoked unless a replacement policy is in place.
- Honours Committee [C.6]
Council received and noted the report of the Honours Committee Meeting 2/2009 held on 9 June 2009.
16.1 Reappointment of Laureate Professor
Council approved the reappointment of a current Laureate Professor, whose information is contained in Appendix A of the report, for a further 5 year term to commence on 1 January 2010.
- Remuneration and Employment Conditions Committee [C.7]
No meeting held.
Legislation and Trusts Committee [Item C.8]
Council received and noted the report of the Legislation and Trusts Committee Meeting 4/2009 held on 9 June 2009.
18.1 Trust Regulations for Submission to Council
Council approved the amendment of the following Trust Regulations:
(1) Amendment of Regulation R6.72 recommended by the Projects Lawyer - Trusts on the advice of Melbourne Graduate School of Education To govern the Harold Cohen Prize (46/09) 18.2 Withdrawn Items
Council noted the following withdrawn items:
(1) Amendment of Statute 11.5 to provide a longer warning period for part-time RHD students in cases of Unsatisfactory Progress Further advice will be sought from the Research Higher Degrees Committee about the need for consequential amendments in other sections of the statute. (2) Amendment of Regulation 6.1.R7 to update the guidelines for the formation of centres for research and research training The new section will be subject to further analysis to ensure that definitions are appropriate and consistent and the section is generally consistent with the proposed new Statute 5.1 governing Academic Structures. 18.3 Macgeorge Bequest Committee of Management (‘MBCM’) – Meeting 3/2008
Council received and noted the report of Macgeorge Bequest Committee of Management Meeting No. 3/2008 held on 29 October 2008.
18.3.1 Macgeorge Fellowships and Macgeorge Honorary Fellowships
Council approved the award of the following Fellowships of $10,000 each for 2009/2010:
- Ann STEPHEN (New South Wales)
- Mark EVERIST and Laura BROOKES (United Kingdom)
- John BEAGLES and Graham RAMSAY (United Kingdom)
Council approved the additional cost of accommodation for the above Fellows because major capital works will be carried out on Macgeorge House during 2009. Estimated cost of accommodation for each Fellowship will be approximately $5,000 per month.
18.3.2 Macgeorge Visiting Speaker/Performer Awards
Council approved the award of the 2008 Visiting Macgeorge Speaker/ Performer Award of $2,000 to Dr Laura Marks.
18.3.3 Macgeorge Building and Maintenance Working Group
Council noted and approved the following recommendations:
- Ratify payment of an invoice in the amount of $3,036 received from Peter Crone Architects Pty Ltd for schematic design, landscape and quantity surveying works for the proposed capital works to be undertaken at Macgeorge House;
- A report on proposed capital works to restore, rejuvenate and expand the accommodation available at Macgeorge House for Visiting Fellows was considered by the Committee of Management. Attachment B of the report dealt with a total recommended capital works budget of $840,000.
Council approved the expenditure of capital of the Fund of up to $175,000 to undertake the proposed capital works, the balance of the capital works budget of $840,000 to be paid from accumulated income of the Trust.
18.4 Macgeorge Bequest Committee of Management (‘MBCM’) – Meeting 4/2008
Council received and noted the report of Macgeorge Bequest Committee of Management Meeting No. 4/2008 held on 3 December 2008.
18.4.1 2009 Macgeorge Bequest Budget
Council approved the 2009 Budget for Norman Macgeorge Bequest with the following adjustments:
- Addition of line item - removal and storage of art works from Macgeorge House during renovation works.
- Addition of line item - furnishings of approx $40,000 for Macgeorge House as a result of the renovation works.
18.4.2 Macgeorge Visiting Speaker/Performer Awards
Council approved the award of a 2008 Visiting Macgeorge Speaker/Performer Award of $2,000 to Professor Brynjulf Stige and Professor Geert Lovink, respectively.
Council approved the award of just five Macgeorge Visiting Speaker/Performer Awards in 2009.
18.4.3 Activities of Ian Potter Museum of Art
Council approved the proposed budget for Macgeorge Bequest activities to be undertaken in 2009 of $7,500 for collection management/conservation activities and $10,000 towards exhibitions - a total of $17,500 - to be paid to the Ian Potter Museum of Art.
- Committee of Convocation [Item C.9]
Council received the report of the Committee of Convocation Meeting 3/2009 held on 3 June 2009.
- Melbourne Theatre Company Board of Management [Item D.1(a)]
Council received a report of the Melbourne Theatre Company Board of Management Meeting 4/2009 held on 15 May 2009.
- The Ian Potter Museum of Art board [Item D.1(b)]
No meeting held.
- Summary of Reports of Matters Dealt with by the Vice-Chancellor on behalf of Council [Items D2]
22.1 Approval of Changes to Regulations under Authority of Statute [D.2(a)]
Council noted that under the authority given to the Vice-Chancellor by the University Statutes, he had made amendments to Regulations as follows:
6.1.R7 Attachment A: Centres and Institutes for Research and Research Training
22.2 Sealed Documents and Other Matters Report (Confidential) [D.2(b)]
Council received the summary of reports of sealed documents and other matters approved on behalf of Council by the Vice-Chancellor, as set out in Item D2(b).
22.3 Appointments Report [Item D.2(c)]
22.3.1 Continuation of Appointment to the Medley Hall Council
Council noted that the Vice-Chancellor had approved, on behalf of Council, the continued appointment of the Mr David Percival from 1 June 2009 as a member of the Medley Hall Council to the expiration of his term, being 16 September 2011.
22.3.2 Appointment to the Victorian College of Optometry Council
Council noted that the Vice-Chancellor had approved, on behalf of Council, the appointment of Professor Robert Saint to the Victorian College of Optometry Council effective from 22 May 2009.
22.3.3 Appointment to headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation Limited
Council noted that the Vice-Chancellor had approved, on behalf of Council, the appointment of Mr Ian Marshman to the Board of headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation Limited effective 2 June 2009.
22.3.4 Appointments to International House Council
Council noted that the Vice-Chancellor had approved, on behalf of Council, the appointment of Dr Alice Hill in accordance with Regulation 8.1R4 (under category 4.1(d) being one of three members appointed by the University Council) to the International House Council.
Council noted that the Vice-Chancellor had approved the appointment of Professor John Dewar, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Relations) (under category 4.1(a) the vice-chancellor, a deputy vice-chancellor nominated by the vice-chancellor and the head of the college) to the International House Council.
22.4 Conferring of Degrees – March 2008 to December 2008 [Item D.3(a)]
Council noted a report from the President of the Academic Board advising that the students whose names appear in the Conferring of degrees programs from March 2008 to December 2008 inclusive (ceremony dates listed below), were entitled to be admitted to the degrees and to receive diplomas as set out in each program:
- 15 March 2008
- 19 March 2008
- 29 March 2008
- 31 March 2008
- 2 April 2008
- 5 April 2008
- 9 & 10 April 2008
- 18 April 2008
- 15 May 2008
- 16 May 2008
- 17 May 2008
- 9 August 2008
- 23 August 2008
- 27 August 2008
- 6 November 2008
- 5 December 2008
- 6 December 2008
- 13 December 2008
- 15 December 2008
- 17 December 2008
- 18 December 2008
The meeting closed at 5.40pm.
The next scheduled meeting of Council will be on Monday, 20 July 2009.