Council Meeting No 9/05
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A meeting of the Council was held in the Council Chamber, 1 st Floor, Old Quadrangle on Monday
10 October 2005 at 4.00p.m.
Present
Members
The Chancellor, Mr I A Renard (In the Chair)
The Deputy Chancellor (Justice A Chernov)
The Vice-Chancellor (Professor G Davis)
The President of Academic Board (Professor L Skene)
Ms E Alex ander, Associate Professor L Allen, Mr T L Anning, Mr B Barnett,
Mr P Briggs, Dr M Doig, Judge I Lawson, Ms L Ooi, Professor P Pattison,
Ms E Ritchie, Ms R Storelli, Mr E Thornley and Hon Mr D White.
Others Attending
The President of Convocation (Dr R Condron)
The President of the Postgraduate Association (Mr W Watson)
The Chair of the Interim Student Representative Committee (Mr P Donegan)
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) (Professor P McPhee)
The Assistant Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) (Professor M Britz)
The Senior Vice-Principal (Mr I Marshman)
The Vice-Principal (Property & Buildings) (Dr D Daines)
The Acting Vice-Principal and Academic Regis t rar (Ms J Stephens)
The Vice-Principal (Human R esources) (Ms E Baré)
The Vice-Principal and Chief Financial Officer (Mr D Percival)
The Vice-Principal and General Counsel (Mr C Penman)
The University Secretary (Mr L Currie)
The Director, Office of Vice-Chancellor (Ms M O’Keefe)
The Manager, Media and Publication Services (Mr B Wardley)
The Senior Media Adviser (Ms C Buckridge)
Professor M Elgar
Dr G Sharrock
Mr M Beaton-Wells
Dr N Buch
The following Deans attended for Council’s discussions of listed key issues:
Professor M Abernethy, Faculty of Economics & Commerce
Professor M Crommelin, Faculty of Law
Professor F Rickards, Faculty of Education
Business
- Formal Matters [Item A.01]
The Chancellor welcomed Associate Professor Allen to his first meeting of Council.
Apologies were received from Justice Crennan, Mr Hehir and Dr Lochtenberg.
Leave of absence for this meeting had been granted to Professor Li.
Leave of absence for the November meeting was granted to Associate Professor Allen, Justice Crennan and Professor Li.
- Minutes of Previous Meeting [Item A.1 (a)]
The minutes of Council meeting 8/05 held on 5 September 2005 , copies of which had been distributed, were confirmed.
- Returning Officer’s Report
The University Secretary, as Returning Officer, declared that Associate Professor Leslie Allen was elected by the non-professorial academic staff, both to the casual vacancy for the remainder of 2005, and to the position from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2007 .
He also reported that, as the election for student officers had commenced prior to the incorporation of UMSU, he had not delegated the election of the student member of Council to that body as suggested at Council’s last meeting. Student elections were being conducted by MUSUL with the assistance of an electoral agency. The arrangements had his approval in respect of the Council election.
- Starring of Additional Items [Item A.2 (a)]
Items A.4(b).6, 8 & 15; A.6(a).2 and B.1(a).6 were starred for discussion.
- Motion to Adopt or Receive “Unstarred Items of Business” [Item A.2 (b)]
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 A.3 (a)]
6.1 Appointment of Justice Crennan to the High Court
Council recorded its congratulations to Justice Crennan on her recent appointment to the High Court, and noted the Chancellor’s advice that Justice Crennan would not be able to accept re-appointment to Council or its Legislation and Trusts Committee in 2006. Council agreed to appoint Ms Melanie Sloss SC as a member of the Legislation and Trusts Committee.
The Chancellor invited any interested members of Council to attend a meeting of the Council Nominations and Governance Committee at the close of Council’s meeting, in order to consider a revised recommendation to the Minister for Education and Training, in view of Justice Crennan’s unavailability for re-appointment to Council.
6.2 Chancellor’s Conference
The Chancellor reported on discussions held with Minister Nelson on the timing of VSU legislation and other matters.
6.3 Governance Seminar
The Chancellor drew members’ attention to the seminar for members of Victorian University Councils offered by the Victorian Auditor-General, and encouraged all those available to attend.
- Listing of Key Issues and Documents for discussion [Item A.4 (a)]
The following items were listed under Key Issues and Documents for Discussion –
- Vice-Chancellor’s Report [Item A.4 (b)]
Council received the Vice-Chancellor’s Report.
8.1 Growing Esteem
Council heard a presentation from the Vice-Chancellor on common aspirations, concerns and debating points which had emerged from the Growing Esteem consultations and submissions.
In discussion of the developing global market for higher education, reference was made to a tabled copy of an advertisement for a forum to be held in Melbourne featuring professors of the London Business School .
8.2 Victorian College of the Arts / University of Melbourne Draft Heads of Agreement
Council discussed a preliminary draft of material related to a possible integration of the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) with the University, and noted that it was expected that a draft Heads of Agreement, draft legislation and related material would be submitted for formal consideration at its November meeting. In response to a query from the Chair of Finance Committee, the Senior Vice-Principal indicated that a Financial Impact Statement would be prepared for that Committee’s consideration. A member requested that general background information on the VCA, including a brief history and outline of its operations, be prepared to assist Council’s considerations at its November meeting.
8.3 Universitas 21 Global
Council approved the recommendation that the previously established U21 Global Due Diligence Group be authorised on Council’s behalf to determine the position University of Melbourne representatives should take at the U21 Equity meeting to be held in November 2005 in relation to the anticipated third call for equity funding for U21 Global. Council noted that any interested member of Council would be welcome to attend the relevant meetings of the Group, which could be arranged by contacting the University Secretary. A final decision on the amount the University would be willing to subscribe in the third call would be determined by Council at its November meeting.
8.4 Ridley College
During discussion of the report that R idley College intended to cease to operate as a University residential college, a member requested that a more general report be prepared on the viability of the affiliated residential colleges.
8.5 Talloires Declaration
Council noted a report from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) on the University’s compliance with the Talloires Declaration, Appendix G of the report. A member requested more information on the distinctive research contributions of the University in the area of global sustainability, and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) agreed to follow this up with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research).
8.6 Asialink
Council approved the recommendation that Mr Sidney Horden Myer be appointed as Chairman of Asialink from 1 January 2006 .
8.7 MUSUI – 2003 Amenities and Services Fee Final Instalment
The recommendation on this matter was withdrawn for further consideration.
- Administrative Committee [Item A.5 (a)]
Council received the report of meetings 9/05 and 10/05 of the Administrative Committee held 7 and 21 September 2005 , respectively.
- Planning and Budget Committee [Item A.6 (a)]
Council received the report of meeting 7/05 of the Planning and Budget Committee held 14 September 2005 .
10.1 Proposal to establish a Chair in Economics and refill the Ritchie Chair in Economics
Council adopted the recommendation of the proposal to establish a Chair in Economics (Macroeconomics) and refill the Ritchie Chair in Economics vacant since 2002.
10.2 Draft Operational Plan 2006
This item was considered in conjunction with the 2006 Annual Budget (minute 13.1 below).
The Senior Vice-Principal introduced discussion of this item, following which Council adopted the University Operational Plan 2006.
10.3 Proposal to refill the Chair in Agriculture
Council adopted the recommendation to refill the Chair in Agriculture following the retirement of Professor Lindsay Falvey.
10.4 Voluntary Student Unionism – Transition and funding arrangements
Council adopted the recommendation regarding the arrangements set out in the proposal for a final distribution before the end of 2005 of the balance of funds remaining in the Amenities and Services Fund to support organisations with some limited transitional funding which will provide a level of budget flexibility and assist with realignment of services proposed under the new structures. The “In Confidence” report and proposal will be provided to Council Members.
10.5 Review of University Committee Structures
Council approved changes to committee structures in respect to Planning and Budget Committee, the committees reporting to it, and committees reporting through the Vice-Chancellor, as set out in recommendations 1 to 14 of Appendix 4 of the report, noting that the necessary formal recommendations of amendments to terms of reference etc would be brought to subsequent meetings, with a view to having the amended committee structures in place from 1 January 2006.
Professor McPhee advised Council of some proposed variations from the structure of committees reporting through Planning and Budget Committee portrayed in the chart forming the last page of Appendix 4, which had arisen from his consultations with student leaders and others while Acting Vice-Chancellor. It was now expected that student service related committees might report to an intermediary committee rather than directly to the Melbourne Experience Committee, and that the Child Care Advisory Committee would report to the Diversity and Equity Committee.
The Vice-Chancellor confirmed that a paper on the future of the Equal Employment Opportunity Committee would be presented to Council’s November meeting for discussion.
11 Committee of Convocation [Item A.7 (a)]
Council received the report of meeting 7/05 of the Committee of Convocation held 21 September 2005 .
- Academic Board [Items B.1 (a) and B.1 (b)]
Council received the report of meeting 8/05 of the Academic Board held on 22 September 2005.
12.1 Appointment of Chair Selection Committee
Council adopted the Board’s recommendation to establish a single selection committee for two chairs, being the refilling of the R itchie Chair of Economics and the new chair of Economics, as set out in Appendix A of the report.
12.2 New, Retitled and Cancelled Courses
Council adopted the Board’s recommendation for the following new courses:
12.3 New Combined Course
Council adopted the Board’s recommendation for the following new combined course:
12.4 Retitling of Courses
Council adopted the Board’s recommendation for the retitling of the following courses:
- the Postgraduate Certificate/Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Studies (Special Education),as the Postgraduate Certificate/Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Studies (Inclusion and Special Education);
- Master of Nursing (Coursework), as the Master of Advanced Nursing Practice; and
- Master of Comparative Law, as the Master of Legal Systems.
12.5 Cancellation of Courses
Council adopted the Board’s recommendation for the cancellation of the following courses:
- Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Studies (Student Welfare)
- Master of Electronic Commerce.
12.6 Selection Matters
12.6.1 Alternative Entry Pathways
Council adopted the Board’s recommendation that the subject, SATII Chemistry from the Universiti Tenaga Nasional ( Malaysia ) Preparatory program for overseas universities be approved for selection into University courses, although the subject itself is not considered to be equivalent to VCE Chemistry, units 3/4.
Council adopted the Board’s recommendation that the Foundation Studies Program subject, Chemistry from the Auckland International College be deemed equivalent to VCE Chemistry, units 3/4 for selection into University courses.
12.6.2 2006 Guaranteed and Minimum Scores for GCE A Levels/STPM ( Malaysia )/IB programs
Council adopted 2006 Guaranteed and Minimum scores for selection into the University from GCE A levels, the Malaysian STPM and the International Baccalaureate, as set out in Appendix N of the report.
12.6.3 Academic Board Resolutions on Selection
Council approved Academic Board Resolutions on Selection for courses in the Melbourne Business School, the School of Graduate Studies, and the Faculties of Arts, Architecture, Building & Planning, Education, Land & Food R esources, Law, Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, and Music as set out in Appendix O of the report.
12.7 Student Awards
Council adopted the Board’s recommendation for the establishment of the following awards:
12.8 New Course
Council adopted the Board’s recommendation for the following new course:
- Finance Committee [Item B.2 (b)]
Council received the tabled report of meeting 7/05 of the Finance Committee held on 14 September 2005 .
13.1 2006 Draft University Budget
This item was considered in conjunction with the Operational Plan 2006 (minute 10.2 above).
The Senior Vice-Principal introduced discussion of this item, and Deans of Faculties present were invited to comment. C ouncil approved the Committee’s recommendation that the proposed 2006 Annual Budget as set out in Appendix A to the report be adopted, noting that any updates arising from the following issues would be submitted to Finance Committee and Council later in the year:
- Agreement with DEST of the University’s 2006 Funding Agreement and associated allocation of Commonwealth funded places for 2006.
- Updated advice on the following Commonwealth funding programs: Commonwealth Grants Scheme (including eligibility for 5% indexation), Institutional Grants Scheme, Research Training Scheme, Research Infrastructure Block Grant, Learning and Teaching Performance fund.
- Incorporation of updated 2004 forecasts and final 2005 divisional budgets.
- Inclusion of Budget and Financial Results for Controlled Entities, following submission to Finance Committee.
Council agreed to record its gratitude for the work of all those who had contributed to reshaping the document to make it more understandable and accessible to readers.
- Council Nominations and Governance Committee [Item B.7 (a)]
Council received the tabled report of meeting 3/05 of the Council Nominations and Governance Committee held on 29 September 2005 .
14.1 Primary Responsibilities of Council
Council resolved to acknowledge that its primary responsibilities include those set out in Appendix A to the report, noting that while retaining its ultimate governance responsibilities, Council has put in place a system of delegations to discharge them effectively, including the arrangements listed below:
- Responsibilities (e) (overview of controlled entities) and (h) (approval of significant commercial activities) – by Finance Committee and the Subsidiaries Sub-Committee;
- Responsibility (f) (management of risk, including commercial undertakings) – by Finance Committee, the Audit and Risk Committee and the Subsidiaries Sub-Committee; and
- Responsibility (g) (academic activities) – by the Academic Board.
14.2 Maximum Period of Service
(The Chancellor vacated the Chair at this stage; he and Deputy Chancellor Chernov did not participate in the discussion and abstained from voting. Ms Alexander took the Chair for consideration of the item.)
Council adopted the Committee’s recommendation that the persons currently serving as Chancellor and Deputy Chancellor should continue to serve as Council members for so long as they hold those offices, notwithstanding the fact that their membership of Council might extend beyond twelve years.
- Legislation & Trusts Committee [Item C]
Council received the report of meeting 6/05 of the Legislation Committee held on 26 September 2005.
15.1 Council made the following Regulations as detailed in the Report:
| (1) |
Making of a Regulation recommended by the University Secretary on the advice of International House Council
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To govern The Friends and Alumni of International House Scholarship fund (117/05) |
(2) |
Amendment of Regulation 6.1.R7 recommended by the University Secretary
|
To update the section on formation of centres (119/05)
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| (3) |
Amendment of Regulation R6.40 recommended by the University Secretary on the advice of the Student Loans and Bursaries Committee
|
To amend the terms of The T.E and E.R. Moran Bursaries (116/05)
|
| (4) |
Amendment of Regulation R6.170 recommended by the University Secretary on the advice of the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning and the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
|
To update the terms of The Ackman Trust (115/05) |
| (5) |
Amendment of Regulation 7.1.R2 recommended by the University Secretary on the advice of the Faculty
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To add a Chair to Schedule B of the regulation governing academic and general staff ranks and titles (111/05) |
| (6) |
Amendment of Regulation 7.1.R2 recommended by the University Secretary on the advice of the Faculty
|
To add a Chair to Schedule B of the regulation governing academic and general staff ranks and titles (112/05) |
| (7) |
Amendment of Regulation 7.1.R2 recommended by the University Secretary on the advice of the Faculty
|
To add a Chair to Schedule A of the regulation governing academic and general staff ranks and titles (113/05) |
| (8) |
Amendment of Regulation 7.1.R2 recommended by the University Secretary on the advice of the Faculty
|
To add a Chair to Schedule A of the regulation governing academic and general staff ranks and titles (114/05) |
| (9) |
Amendment of Regulation 17.1.R6 recommended by the Finance Committee
|
To update the regulation governing authority levels and authorisation to commit to contracts (120/05) |
| (10) |
Amendment of Regulation R6.205 recommended by the University Secretary on the advice of the Committee of Convocation |
To amend the terms of The Arno Herpe Foundation (121/05) |
- Summary of Reports of matters dealt with by the Vice-Chancellor [Item D.2 (a) and D.2 (b)]
Council received the summary of reports on matters dealt with by the Vice-Chancellor, as set out in Items D.2(a) and D.2(b).
- Report from the Melbourne Theatre Company Board of Management [Item D.5 (a)]
Council received the report for meeting 8/05 of the Melbourne Theatre Company Board of Management held on 16 September 2005 .
- Report from The Ian Potter Museum of Art [Item D.5 (b)]
Council received the report for meeting of the Ian Potter Museum of Art held on 16 August 2005 .
The meeting then closed.
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