Council Meeting No 5/06
View/Print PDF (43 KB) A meeting of the Council was held in the Council Chamber, 1 st Floor, Old Quadrangle on
Monday 8 May 2006 at 4.00p.m.
Present
Members
The Deputy Chancellor (Hon Justice A Chernov) (In the Chair)
The Deputy Chancellor (Dr B Lochtenberg)
The Vice-Chancellor (Professor G Davis)
The Acting President of Academic Board (Professor P Pattison)
Associate Professor Allen, Mr T L Anning, Mr P Briggs, Dr M Doig,
Professor M Elgar,
Mr P Erickson, Judge I Lawson, Ms L Ooi, Ms E Ritchie,
Ms M Sloss,
Mr E Thornley
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 Registrar (Ms G Luck)
The Vice-Principal and General Counsel (Mr C Penman)
The Vice Principal and Chief Financial Officer (Mr D Percival)
The Vice-Principal (Human Resources) (Ms E Baré)
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)
The following Dean attended for Council’s discussions of listed key issues:
The Acting Dean of Faculty of Architecture Building & Planning (Professor Philip Goad)
Business
- Formal Matters [Item A.01]
Leave of absence for this meeting had been granted to Mr Renard, Ms Alexander, Professor Li and Ms Storelli.
Apologies were received from Mr Hehir and Professor Skene.
Leave of absence for the June 2006 meeting was granted to Professor Li.
Deputy Chancellor Chernov welcomed the President of the Melbourne University Overseas Students Service, Mr Yun-Han Lee, and the Education Vice-President, Mr Pradeep Subramanian, who were attending for the item regarding student travel concessions.
- Minutes of Previous Meetings [Item A1(a) and Item A1(b)]
2.1 The minutes of Council meeting 4/06 held on 3 April 2006, copies of which had been distributed, were confirmed.
2.2 The Ac tion Sheet was noted from Meeting No. 4/06. A member requested that the University Secretary finalise a date for the briefing on University Structures and Relationships. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) advised that a report from the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences on relationships with the hospitals would be brought to a subsequent meeting.
- Declarations of Interest [Item A2(a)]
Deputy Chancellor Chernov 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 in A5.3, 6, 11 & 16; A7(b).4; and B2.6 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 Correspondence from the Melbourne University Overseas Students Service
Council agreed that this matter should be dealt with in conjunction with its consideration of recommendation 12 under the Vice-Chancellor’s Report. (Minute 9.2 below refers.)
6.2 CRC Briefing Session
Deputy Chancellor Chernov reminded Council members of the informal briefing and discussion session to be held in Old Geology Theatre 1 at 4.30pm Tuesday 16 May, where Professor McKenzie would lead a seminar on the risks and benefits of participation in Co-operative Research Centres.
6.3 Menzies Oration
Council members were also advised of the date for the Menzies Oration this year, 11 July 2006.
- Listing of Key Issues and Documents for Discussion [Item A4(a)]
The following items were listed under Key Issues and Documents for Discussion –
- MUSUI – 2003 Amenities and Services Fees
(document A7(b), recommendation 1)
- Growing Esteem Implementation Reports [Item A4(b)]
Council received and noted the Growing Esteem Implementation Update for May 2006 .
- Vice-Chancellor’s Report [Item A5]
Council received and noted the Vice-Chancellor’s Report.
9.1 MU Student Union Ltd
The Vice-Chancellor drew Council’s attention to the valuable role Deputy Chancellor Lochtenberg had played in guiding MUSUL through the difficult period following its establishment. Dr Lochtenberg acknowledged the valuable contribution made by the student members of the MUSUL board.
Council approved the Vice-Chancellor’s recommendation that Dr Meredith Doig be appointed to the board of directors of MU Student Union Ltd.
9.2‘NOT FARE’ Transport Concessions Campaign
Council agreed to consider document A3(a), a letter from the President of the Melbourne University Overseas Students Service, Mr Yun-Han Lee, in conjunction with this item. Deputy Chancellor Chernov invited Mr Lee to speak to the issue.
Following discussion, Council agreed to record its endorsement of the principle that overseas students should be treated in the same way as domestic students in regard to travel concessions.
9.3 Appointment of Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow
Council endorsed the recommendation to appoint the Hon Dr David Kemp as a Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow for a total of twelve months spread over a period of three years.
9.4 MTC Theatre Project Funding
Council discussed a paper from the Chief Financial Officer, Mr Percival, and noted advice from the Deputy Chair of the Finance Committee, Hon Mr David White, that the Committee supported the recommendation it contained. Council approved the allocation of $4.5 million from University reserves to fund the budget shortfall in the MTC Theatre project.
- Finance Committee [Item A7(a)]
Council received the report of meeting 2/06 of the Finance Committee held 17 March 2006, and noted that its recommendations had been dealt with by circulated resolution (meeting of Council deemed to be held on 23 March).
- Finance Committee [Item A7(b)]
Council received the report of meeting 3/06 of the Finance Committee held 19 March 2006.
11.1 MUSUI – 2003 Amenities and Service Fee
Council adopted the recommendation of Finance Committee that the University agree to enter into a Deed (in terms to be finalised to the satisfaction of the Vice-Chancellor and the Vice-Principal and General Counsel), pursuant to which the University agrees to pay the outstanding 2003 Amenities and Services Fund instalment of $1,846,210.75 and to subordinate its claims so that MUSUL as preferred creditor and other creditors have the opportunity of being paid out in full. The University and the Liquidator are to agree on the manner in which any further funds recovered by the Liquidator are to be distributed.
11.2 UMEE Advice on Tax Liability
Council heard an oral report from the Senior Vice-Principal on tax issues related to the past operations of Melbourne Enterprises International Ltd. A member requested that the Chair of Finance Committee be kept informed of the University’s strategies in dealing with the matter.
- Buildings and Estates Committee
In his oral report the Chair of the Committee, Justice Chernov, advised Council that the nature of the Master Plan was currently under review in the light of the University’s Earning Esteem strategies.
- Planning and Budget Committee [Item B1]
Council received the report of meeting 3/06 of the Planning and Budget Committee held 14 April 2006.
13.1 Department Name Change – Department of Management to Department of Management and Marketing
Council approved the change of name from the Department of Management to Department of Management and Marketing.
13.2 Report from the International Committee
Council agreed that a university level linkage for academic co-operation and exchange be established with Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
13.2.1 International Shared Services Review
Council approved an amendment to the last sentence of paragraph 5 of the terms of reference of the International Committee, which is the paragraph setting out the responsibilities of the Committee’s International Strategy and Coordination Advisory Group. The amended sentence is to read, “The Group will advise the Senior Vice-Principal on international student fee levels and student load targets”.
13.3 Report from the University Infrastructure Committee
Council approved the expansion of the University Infrastructure Committee membership to include the Deputy Vice-Chancellor appointed to the Buildings and Estates Committee.
- Academic Board [Item B2]
Council received the report of meeting 3/06 of the Academic Board held on 27 April 2006.
14.1 Cancellation of Courses
Council adopted the Board’s recommendation to cancel the following courses:
- Bachelor of Rural Business
- MBBS/Bachelor of Arts combined course
- Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Property and Construction combined course
- Bachelor of Geographical Information Technology.
14.2 New Student Awards
Council adopted the Board’s recommendation to establish the following student awards:
The Chair of the Legislation and Trusts Committee pointed out that in order to bring forward the Regulation in respect of the Paterson Scholarships the Committee would need some further details of the endowment.
14.3 Selection Matters
14.3.1 Alternate Entry Pathways
Council adopted the Board’s recommendations for the following entry pathways into undergraduate courses which require the VCE subject, Mathematical Methods 3/4:
- The Business Mathematics subject offered by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination has been assessed as equivalent to VCE Mathematical Methods 3/4.
- The distance education subject, Senior Mathematics, offered by Unilearn (Queensland Government provider) has been assessed as equivalent to VCE Mathematical Methods 3/4.
- A minimum mark of 75 in the Trinity College Maths Bridging Program (online) will be required for admission to any University course with a VCE Mathematical Methods 3/4 prerequisite.
Council adopted the Board’s recommendations for the following entry requirements for admission to the Trinity College Maths Bridging Program (online):
- a result of 75 or better in the Sri Lankan GCE O Level subject, Mathematics
- a result of 80 or better in the All India Secondary School Certificate subject, Mathematics
- a result of 80 or better in the Indian School Certificate subject, Mathematics.
14.3.2 Academic Board Resolutions on Selection
Council adopted the Board’s recommendation of the following revised Academic Board Resolution on Selection for the Juris Doctor degree in the Faculty of Law:
- The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant's ability to pursue successfully the course using the following criteria:
- an undergraduate degree and at least two years of documented relevant work experience; or
- an undergraduate degree with a grade average of at least H2B (75%), or equivalent.
- The Selection Committee may call for referee reports and employer references to assist in the selection process.
14.4 Award of Honorary Degree of Doctor of Visual and Performing Arts
Council noted that, as foreshadowed at its April meeting, the Board’s recommendation to award an honorary degree of Doctor of Visual and Performing Arts to Mr Fred Schepisi had been approved by the Vice-Chancellor on behalf of Council.
- Melbourne Theatre Company Board of Management [Item B3(a)]
Council received the report of meeting 3/06 of the Melbourne Theatre Company Board of Management held on 24 March 2006.
- Melbourne Theatre Company Board of Management [Item B3(b)]
Council received the report of meeting 4/06 of the Melbourne Theatre Company Board of Management held on 21 April 2006.
- Committee of Convocation [Item B4]
Council received the report of meeting 2/06 of the Committee of Convocation held on 19 April 2006.
- Legislation and Trusts Committee [Item C]
Council received the report of meeting 3/06 of the Legislation and Trusts Committee held on 24 April 2006.
18.1 Council made the following Regulations as detailed in the Report:
(1) |
Amendment of Regulation 5.1.R1 recommended by the University Secretary |
To update the Faculty of Veterinary Science (42/06) |
(3) |
Amendment to Regulation 6.1.R7 recommended by the University Secretary |
To re-name a department within the Faculty of Economics and Commerce (45/06) |
(5) |
Amendment of Regulation recommended by the Chair, Legislation and Trusts Committee |
To clarify The Friends and Alumni of International House Scholarship (46/06) |
(7) |
Amendment to Regulation R7.235 recommended by the Miegunyah Fund Committee |
To amend The Russell and Mab Grimwade Miegunyah Fund (48/06) |
18.2 Report to Council through Legislation and Trusts Committee
Council received and noted the report of the meeting of the Russell and Mab Grimwade Miegunyah Fund Committee held on 9 March 2006, and that committee’s Annual Report for 2005.
18.2.1 The Russell and Mab Grimwade Miegunyah Fund (R7.235)
Council approved the Committee’s recommendation of the following allocation of general purpose funds for 2006:
| Grimwade Scholarships |
$85,000 |
| Miegunyah Visiting Fellows |
$100,000 |
| RE Ross Trust Curatorship |
$25,000 |
| Vice-Chancellor’s Volumes |
$129,554 |
| Ian Potter Museum Internship |
$44,786 |
| University Archives Website Redevelopment |
$25,600 |
| Baillieu Library (general conservation) |
$10,208 |
| Subsidy to MUP (in addition to Fund & Bequest % allocations) |
$2,982 |
| Subsidy to Mount Buffalo Flora Project |
$2,384 |
| Total |
$425,514 |
- 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).
- Other Business - Reports on Human Resources Issues [Item D3]
A member drew attention to Council’s expectation that it would receive periodic reports on human resources issues following the disestablishment of the Human Resources Committee. The Vice-Chancellor agreed to bring forward the first of those reports. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) indicated that Council would also receive regular reports on professorial appointments.
The meeting closed at 5.30pm.
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