Council Meeting No 3/08
A meeting of the Council was held in the Woodward Centre, Law Building, Pelham Street, on Monday 12 May 2008 at 4.00 pm.
Present
Members
The Deputy Chancellor (The Hon. A Chernov) (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, Dr V Mansour, Ms M Sloss and The Hon D R White.
Others Attending
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 Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching, Learning and Equity) (Professor S Elliott)
The Vice-President of Academic Board (Professor G Stevens)
The Senior Vice-Principal (Mr I Marshman)
The Vice-Principal and Head of University Services (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 and General Counsel (Mr C Penman)
The Vice-Principal (Information) (Ms L O’Brien)
The Vice-Principal (Human Resources) (Mr N Waugh)
The Vice-Principal (Property and Campus Services) (Mr C White)
The University Secretary (Ms J White)
The Deputy University Secretary (Mr J Green)
The Director, Office of the Vice-Chancellor (Mr D Speagle)
The Manager, Corporate Affairs (Ms C Buckridge)
Dr C Stevens (Shadowing Professor F Larkins)
Ms E Fazio (Office of the Vice-Chancellor)
Deans of Faculties in attendance:
The Dean of the Faculty of Music (Professor C Falk)
The Director and Dean of the Faculty of the Victorian College of the Arts (Professor A Hull)
The Deputy Dean of the Faculty of the Victorian College of the Arts (Associate Professor S Baker)
BUSINESS
- Formal Matters
1.1 Apologies and Leave of Absence Requests [Item A01]
Council noted that leave of absence had been granted to:
- the Chancellor, Mr I Renard, for this meeting;
- the Deputy Chancellor, Ms R Storelli, for this and the June meeting of Council;
- Ms E Ritchie for this meeting due to personal circumstances; and
- the Deputy Chancellor, Hon. A Chernov, for the June and July meetings.
It also noted that apologies were received from Judge Lawson (due to the demands of official duties) and Mr Briggs (who was attending the Futures Conference).
1.2 Minute of Condolence
Council recorded its condolences to Ms Eda Ritchie on the death of her husband, Mr Robin Ritchie. It noted the report of the Deputy Chancellor that, in sympathy, flowers had been sent to Ms Ritchie on behalf of Council and that he would attend the memorial service of the late Mr Ritchie as the representative of Council and the University. Council also noted that Ms Ritchie was an apology for this meeting and granted her leave of absence for the June 2008 meeting.
1.3 Student Demonstrations
Since the normal venue for the meeting had been changed from the Council Chamber to the Woodward Centre, at the invitation of the Deputy Chancellor, the Senior Vice-Principal provided Council with information concerning a student protest and the security measures that had been taken to minimise disruption of the Council meeting by student demonstrators .
1.4 Welcome
The Deputy Chancellor welcomed Professor Cathy Falk, Dean of the Faculty of Music, Professor Andrea Hull, Dean and Director of the Faculty of the VCA and Associate Professor Su Baker, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of the VCA.
- Minutes of Previous Meetings and Follow Up Action Sheet [Item A1(a), A1(b) and A1(c)]
2.1 The minutes of Council meeting 2/08 held on 17 March 2008, copies of which had been distributed, were confirmed subject to the correction of minor typographical errors.
2.1 The Action Sheet from Meeting No.2/08 was noted.
- 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, A5.10, A5.11 and A5.28; A6.6; A9.1; A10; B4.3, B4.5, and B4.7 were starred for discussion.
Item A6.(B).6 was starred in order to amend the recommendation by replacing the word ‘will’ with the word ‘may’.
- 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)]
Council noted the following Chancellor’s Matters:
6.1 Vice-Chancellor’s Key Performance Indicators 2008
6.2 Report of the VCA Integration Committee
Council received the report of meeting 1/08 of the VCA Integration Committee held on 11 April 2008 and noted that it would be dealt with under Item A3.(b), Minute 7 below.
6.3 Chancellor’s Circle Gathering
6.4 University Blues vs. University Blacks
Council members were encouraged to attend an historic Australian Rules Football Game at the University Oval on 17 May.
6.5 New Format Agenda
- The Faculty of the Victorian College of the Arts and the Faculty of Music
The Council had before it for consideration, recommendations of the VCA Integration Committee meeting held on 11 April 2008.
The University Secretary advised that her office had received a Petition on Friday 9 May, duly signed by members of staff of the Faculty of Music, that requested Council to “withhold approval of the Recommendation to establish a Faculty of the VCA and Music in the University until such time as a business plan has been presented by the University and endorsed by the faculties concerned, and until agreement is reached by the same parties on an appropriate name for the faculty, based on international best practice.”
The University Secretary also brought to the attention of Council, Standing Resolution 2.14.11, “Petitions”, which states: “After any petition or application of a similar motion has been presented at a meeting no motion is permitted on any of the matters raised therein until the next ordinary meeting unless the Council decides that in all the circumstances the matters should be dealt with urgently.”
Professor Pattison reported that she met with the staff of the Faculty of Music after the Petition had been signed and that they had made it apparent that they were committed to a single School of Music that is to move into the future with a wider range of programs to be offered within the Melbourne Model. They were, however, concerned about the financial viability of a combined School and believed that it was essential for a business plan to be formulated which provided a firm basis on which to proceed. Professor Falk agreed that this was the view of the staff.
Professor Pattison also explained that the VCA was committed to the concept of a single School of Music. The Provost, Professor McPhee, explained that it was urgent for Council to determine whether to approve the recommendations of the VCA Integration Committee.
Ms Hayman sought permission from Council for representatives of the VCA Student Union to attend and speak at the meeting and for them to have speaking rights at Council meetings in the future. The Vice-Chancellor explained that the student electorate covered students of the VCA, who were also students of the University of Melbourne, and Ms Hayman did not press her request.
Following discussion, Council resolved:
- To receive the Petition from the staff of the Faculty of Music;
- That the matters raised before Council relating to the petition required urgent resolution given that the recruitment of the new Head of the School of Music and the development of the new curriculum needed to be finalised as soon as possible;
- To approve the integration of the Faculty of the Victorian College of the Arts and the Faculty of Music by endorsing the recommendation from the Review of Music in October 2007 that “The organisational structure in which the new School of Music is located should be a newly-constituted Faculty encompassing the University’s programs in music, visual and performing arts”;
- That the Vice-Chancellor provide to Council in November 2008 a business plan for the proposed School of Music followed by a further analysis in March 2009 that addresses the financial viability of the newly-constituted Faculty;
- To approve the following unanimous recommendations contained in the report of the VCA Integration Committee:
- The name of the newly-constituted faculty, encompassing the University’s programs in music and the visual and performing arts should be “The Faculty of the VCA and Music”.
- Following the expiry of the Heads of Agreement, the Dean of the Faculty will lead a process to review the name and develop a proposal for approval by the University. The name will be broadly acceptable to the Faculty and have the support of the Dean and the heads of schools within the Faculty. This process will call as necessary on expert advice on branding.
- Alternatively, in accordance with the Heads of Agreement, the VCA Integration Committee has the capacity to commission a review of the name of the Faculty at any time, which will include consultation with staff of the Faculty, sponsors and donors. The results of any such review will be considered by the Integration Committee.
- The newly-constituted Faculty should include the following three schools:
- School of Art
- School of Music
- School of Performing Art
- Minor consequential amendments may need to be made to both the Melbourne UniversityAct and the Heads of Agreement in order to replace the name of the Faculty of the VCA with the new name of the Faculty of the VCA and Music.
- Listing of Key Issues and Documents for Discussion [Item A4(a)]
In light of the issues that were raised in the immediately preceding item of business and underItem 6 of the Vice-Chancellor’s Report, no further matters were singled out as Key Issues for discussion.
- Vice-Chancellor’s Report [Item A5]
Council received and noted the Vice-Chancellor’s Report.
9.1 Domestic Full Fee Students
The Vice-Chancellor reported that the University stands to lose total income of around $29 million, with a likely loss of around $10 million in 2009, as a result of the Commonwealth Government’s plans to wind back undergraduate fee-paying places from 2009. Although these losses will be offset to some extent by some additional Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs), the benefit of these to the University may be limited.
9.2 Management Changes
Council noted that Professor Vijoleta Braach-Maksvytis would step down as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Innovation and Development) on 1 June 2008 in order to take up three new roles in the area of social innovation, one of which is to facilitate the launch of the Melbourne Indigenous Partnerships Institute.
As a result, senior management responsibilities in the areas of Research, Innovation and Commercialisation would be adjusted from 1 June 2008.
9.3 Committee Structure
Council noted that a reorganisation of the administrative structure was in progress, guided by the administrative philosophy known as “subsidiarity”. It would involve substantial changes to the existing committee system and decision-making practices, including the creation of a new Senior Executive Committee to replace Planning and Budget Committee and the Committee of Deans.
9.4 U21 Global
The Senior Vice-Principal was invited to give a report on recent developments in the online learning organisation, U21 Global. Together with the Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Larkins, he had attended the recent Annual General Meeting in Dublin and it was pleasing to note a real sense of commitment among the members of the organisation.
Mr Marshman informed Council that a new joint venture partner has replaced Thomson Learning and the benefits of the new relationship were already evident with growth in corporate training in India and some MBA programs. A substantial report will be submitted to the next meeting of Finance Committee.
Council noted that four Universities had left the organisation in 2008, leaving nine equity partners and fifteen licensing partners, resulting in a stronger partnership as a result. Council was reminded that U21 Global is a different entity from the U21 Network, which continues to operate collaboratively with its original partners.
9.5 Definition of “Alumni”
Council approved the following recommendation of the Vice-Chancellor as to the definition of alumni of the University:
"Membership of the alumni community is extended to all those who have successfully completed at least one year of full-time study at the University, or in the case of international students, have completed a semester length Study Abroad program at the University. Academic and professional staff and members of official university committees who have completed three years service are also deemed to be alumni of the University, and are automatically engaged in appropriate alumni activities. Membership is free."
9.6 The Faculty of Arts
Council received the Vice-Chancellor’s report, “Financial Issues in the Faculty of Arts”, that was provided in order to assist Council in understanding the causes of the financial issues facing the Faculty and its response to them. In addition, a report provided to an Arts Staff Forum by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, who was unable to be present at this meeting due to an interstate commitment, was noted.
The Vice-Chancellor summarised the recent history of the financial and related difficulties that faced the Arts Faculty, explaining that the largest component of the Faculty budget was staff salaries and that a decline in various sources of student fee revenue in successive years, together with wage increases under the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement, inevitably had an impact. He advised that the University had undertaken a thorough investigation of the origins of the problem and was addressing the future in a strategic manner in full consultation with the Faculty. The Vice-Chancellor explained that the crisis had pre-dated the advent of the Melbourne Model, which, together with the recommendations from the 2007 D’Agostino Curriculum Review, provided the vehicle for the introduction of a radically new Bachelor of Arts from 2008 onwards.
Council noted that the University had made a strong financial and resource commitment to the Arts Renewal Strategy and that this had been supported by the collegiality of other faculties, who had foregone resources in order to assist.
Council also noted a letter from Ms Libby Buckingham, President of the University of Melbourne Student Union, concerning the “Arts Renewal Strategy” published on the University website. A Petition tabled by Ms Hannah Hayman on behalf of the students was received. Council resolved that these documents should remain on the Table until the next meeting in accordance with Standing Resolution 2.14.11.
Council resolved to invite the Dean of the Faculty of Arts to speak to the matters raised by the students in their petition at its next meeting.
9.7 New Public Policy Institute
9.8 International Report
Professor Frank Larkins, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), addressed the meeting, outlining key points in his bi-annual report to Council. These included an increase in international graduate research acceptances for first semester 2008, reflecting in part the “split PhD” partnership with Malaysian Universities. He also advised Council that the University had introduced International Open Days in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia during May and June 2008, which would be attended by at least the Chancellor and a Deputy Vice-Chancellor.
9.9 Compliance Report
The Vice-Chancellor reported on the implications of the recent decision of Justice French in the Federal Court in University of Western Australia v Gray. He advised that the decision could have important ramifications for all Universities in the crucial area of research, including an impact on the employment relationship between a University and its researchers.
Council noted that the University of Western Australia had lodged a Notice of Appeal and that the University would be monitoring developments as the appeal proceeds.
9.10 2008 Academic Board Officers
The following Officers of the Academic Board have been elected for the period 1 January to 31 December 2008:
| President : |
Professor Pip Pattison
(School of Behavioural Science) |
| Vice-President: |
Professor Geoff Stevens
(Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering) |
| Deputy Vice-President: |
Professor Ron Slocombe
(Faculty of Veterinary Science on secondment in the School of Graduate Research) |
In accordance with Statute 2.5.5(1), Council endorsed the appointment of Professor Pattison in her capacity as President of the Board and Professor Stevens in his capacity as Vice-President of the Board as Pro-Vice-Chancellors of the University for the period from 1 January to 31 December 2008.
9.11 Appointment of Director of Melbourne University Publishing
9.12 Appointment of Presiding Officer for the VCA Graduation Ceremonies
Council noted that on 1 May 2008 the then Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter McPhee approved the appointment of Ms Lynne Landy as Presiding Officer for VCA Graduation Ceremonies for the remainder of her term on the VCA Advisory Board (which expires in December 2009) when the Chancellor was unable to preside.
9.13 Appointment of Representative to the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation Board
Council noted that on 30 April 2008 the then Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter McPhee, approved the appointment of Professor Paul Monagle from the Department of Pathology as the University’s representative on the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation Board.
9.14 Research Centre for High Energy Physics
9.15 Professor John McKenzie
- Council Nominations and Governance Committee [Item A6]
Council received the report of meeting 1/08 of the Council Nominations and Governance Committee held on 24 and 29 April 2008.
10.1 The University of Melbourne Submission to the Victorian Government Review of Universities’ Legislation
Council noted the content of the submission approved by Council Nominations and Governance Committee on its behalf. [Council Minute 6.3 of Meeting 2/2008 refers.]
10.2 Membership and Terms of Reference of Buildings and Estates Committee
10.3 Membership of Audit and Risk Committee
Council approved a new category of membership, “power to co-opt one additional member with appropriate skills”, noting that this meant an increase from six to seven of the number of members of the Committee.
- Building and Estates Committee [Item A9]
Council received the report of meeting 2/08 of the Building and Estates Committee held on 1 May 2008.
11.1 Parkville Neuroscience Development
The Vice-Chancellor was invited to speak about this major new development at the Parkville campus, which provides a new ‘gateway’ from Royal Parade. The Vice-Chancellor advised that this will be a ‘state of the art’ building, costing in the region of $150 million, most of which will be funded by Research Institutes. Council noted that Emeritus Professor John McKenzie will remain a member of the Neurosciences Development Project Committee.
Councilresolved to adopt the design of the façade of the proposed Parkville Neurosciences Development as set out in Appendix A of the report and noted that additional funding will be required to ensure the building is integrated into the surrounding landscape and urban design context.
11.2 Naming Proposal – A Richard Newton Conference Rooms, Electrical and Electronic Engineering Building
Council approved the following recommendations of the Building and Estates Committee:
- to adopt the proposal to name the Level 5 Function Rooms in the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Building (193) the A. Richard Newton Conference Rooms
- that the wording of the plaque proposed by the School of Engineering be amended to note that Professor Newton was a graduate of the University of Melbourne.
11.3 Naming Proposal – Lindy Davies Studio, Victorian College of the Arts
- Provost’s Report [Item A10]
Council received and noted the Provost’s Report, which provided an update on the Melbourne Model and Melbourne Student Services Model implementation. Professor McPhee referred to the four key components of his paper:
- Breadth Enrolments and the New Generation Degrees
- Student Centres
- Academic Transcripts
- Student Engagement Activities
Council noted the analysis of Breadth Enrolments to which there has been a favourable response from students, many of whom have chosen to study a language. Student Centre Managers have reported that Centres are working well overall and areas for improvement have been identified. Work is underway to develop more detailed academic transcripts and to explore the use of e-Portfolios. Pleasing progress had been made in the Student Engagement Activities Program.
- Remuneration and Employment Conditions Committee [Item A11(a)]
Council received the report of meeting 1/08 of the Remuneration and Employment Conditions Committee held on 27 March 2008.
13.1 Salary Increase for Staff
Council endorsed the Vice-Chancellor’s action to exercise his power to approve the recommendation on behalf of Council [in accordance with Statute 2.4.10(1)(b)]. The recommendation was as follows:
- the payment of a 4.00% salary increase to all staff covered by the University’s Enterprise Agreement 2006, payable in the pay period commencing 5 April 2008; and
- that staff employed on AWAs also receive the 4% salary increase as outlined in their AWAs, in accordance with the University’s pay scales; and
- that members of the senior executive (apart from the Vice-Chancellor), whose remuneration arrangements are outside the provisions of the EBA, be awarded a 4% salary increase with effect from 5 April 2008.
- Remuneration and Employment Conditions Committee [Item A11(b)]
Council received the report of meeting 2/08 of the Remuneration and Employment Conditions Committee held on 24 April 2008.
14.1 Membership of the Committee
Council approved the appointment of Mr Phillip Davies, a Partner in the Melbourne office of Mallesons Stephen Jacques, as the nominee of the Committee of Convocation on the Remuneration and Employment Conditions Committee.
- Academic Board [Item B2(a)]
Council received the report of meeting 2/08 of the Academic Board held on 27 March 2008.
15.1 New Student Award
Council endorsed the Board’s recommendation for the establishment of the following student award:
15.2 Change of Name of School of Enterprise
- Academic Board [Item B2(b)]
Council received the report of meeting 3/08 of the Academic Board held on 24 April 2008.
16.1 Course Changes
Council approved the Board’s recommendation for the discontinuation of intake into the following courses from 2008 and the establishment of the Master of Advanced Social Work (Research) as set out in Appendix A of the report:
Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
- Master of Social Work (Thesis)
- Master of Social Work (Advanced Seminars and Shorter Thesis)
- Master of Social Work (Mental Health) (Advanced Seminars & Shorter Thesis)
- Master of Social Work (Human Service Management) (Advanced Seminars & Shorter Thesis)
- Master of Social Work (Clinical) (Advanced Seminars & Shorter Thesis)
- Master of Social Work (Health) (Advanced Seminars & Shorter Thesis)
16.2 Selection Matters
Academic Board Resolutions on Selection
Council adopted the Board’s recommendation for the new and revised Academic Board Resolutions on Selection for the following new and revised courses, as set out in Appendix B of the report:
- Professional Certificate in Management
- Graduate Certificate in Management
- Later Year Entry to Undergraduate Law Courses
16.3 Learning and Teaching Plan
- Melbourne Theatre Company Board of Management [Item B3(a)]
Council received the report of meeting 2/08 of the Melbourne Theatre Company Board of Management held on 14 March 2008.
- Melbourne Theatre Company Board of Management [Item B3(b)]
Council received the report of meeting 3/08 of the Melbourne Theatre Company Board of Management held on 18 April 2008.
- Committee of Convocation [Item B4]
Council received the report of meetings 1/08 and 2/08 of the Committee of Convocation held on 19 March 2008 and 16 April 2008, respectively.
19.1 Representatives on Faculties
Council endorsed the Committee’s following representative appointments to faculties in accordance with section 5.1.5 of Statute 5.1:
| Committee |
Representative |
| Faculty of Architecture, Building & Planning |
Mr Peter Hirst |
| Faculty of Arts |
Dr Juliet Flesch |
Faculty of Economics & Commerce |
Mr John Meehan |
Faculty of Education |
Dr John Nelson |
Faculty of Engineering |
Mr Alan Abbott |
Faculty of Land & Food Resources |
Ms Anne Ada |
Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences: |
|
Representative of medical graduates |
Dr Laurence Simpson |
Representative of dental science graduates |
Dr John Harcourt |
School of Dental Science Advisory Board |
Dr Beverley-Anne Rodan |
Faculty of Music |
Dr Ros McMillan |
Faculty of Science |
Mr Barry Southern |
Faculty of Veterinary Science |
Dr Jenny Stillman |
19.2 The Rudd Revolution Publication in The Age newspaper
Council was advised of the Committee of Convocation’s concern about the University’s alignment with this publication and noted the Vice-Chancellor’s advice that the headline had been changed without consultation with the University.
19.3 State Government Review of University Acts
- Legislation and Trusts Committee [Item C]
Council received and noted the report of the Legislation and Trusts Committee meeting 2/08 held on 28 April 2008 and noted a typographical error was corrected in Regulation 2.1.R1.
20.1 Council made the following Regulations as detailed in the Report
(1) |
Revoking and remaking of Regulation 2.1.R1 recommended by the University Secretary
|
To allow for the conduct of electronic ballots for elections to Council (5/08)
|
(2) |
Amendment of Regulation 7.1.R2 recommended by the University Secretary on the advice of the Dean of Melbourne Graduate School of Education
|
To restyle the Chair of Early Childhood Studies (11/08) |
(3) |
Amendment of Regulation 10.1.R1 recommended by the University Secretary on the advice of the Provost
|
To amend the fees for the provision of student academic records (15/08) |
(4) |
Making of a regulation recommended by the Trusts Lawyer on the advice of the Faculty of Land and Food Resources
|
To govern The Alan Blakney Memorial Fund (12/08) |
(5) |
Amendment of Regulation R6.72 recommended by the Trusts Lawyer on the advice of International House
|
To govern The International House Global Citizenship Fund (13/08) |
(6) |
Amendment of Regulation R6.99 recommended by the Trusts Lawyer on the advice of the Faculty of Science
|
To govern The Dieul-Kurtzweil Scholarship (14/08) |
(7) |
Template Regulation recommended by the Trusts Lawyer on the advice of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (University Relations) |
To govern faculty/department/school scholarship funds (18/08) |
20.2 Items Withdrawn
(1) |
Enactment of Statute 9.56 to affiliate The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research |
The Affiliation Agreement is not yet signed. The Committee also sought confirmation that the issue of intellectual property developed under the affiliation has been addressed in the Affiliation Agreement or elsewhere.
|
(2) |
Template Regulation to govern faculty teaching and research funds |
The draft is to be submitted to Finance Committee and will be re-submitted to Legislation and Trusts Committee |
20.3 The Russell and Mab Grimwade Miegunyah Fund Committee Report
20.4 Trusts Group Manual
- 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 7.30pm.
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