Council Meeting No 9/06
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A meeting of the Council was held in the Council Chamber, 1 st Floor, Old Quadrangle on
Monday 9 October 2006 at 4.00p.m.
Present
Members
The Chancellor (Mr I Renard) (in the Chair)
The Deputy Chancellor (Hon Justice A Chernov)
The Acting Vice-Chancellor (Professor J McKenzie)
The President of Academic Board (Professor L Skene)
Ms E Alexander, Associate Professor L Allen, Mr T L Anning, Mr P Briggs,
Dr M Doig, Professor M Elgar, Mr P Erickson, Mr G Hehir, Judge I Lawson,
Ms L Ooi, Ms E Ritchie, Ms M Sloss, Ms R Storelli, Mr E Thornley and
the Hon. Mr D White.
Others Attending
The President of Convocation (Ms L Boston)
The Chairperson-Elect of the Victorian College of the Arts Advisory Council (Mrs L Landy)
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 (International ) (Professor F Larkins)
The Senior Vice-Principal (Mr I Marshman)
The Vice Principal and Chief Financial Officer (Mr D Percival)
The Vice-Principal (Marketing and Communications) (Mr P Freeland-Small)
The Acting Director of the Victorian College of the Arts (Ms S Baker)
The University Secretary (Mr L Currie)
The Director, Office of the Vice-Chancellor (Mr D Speagle)
The Director of the Melbourne Curriculum Project (Dr M Emison)
The Assistant University Secretary (Mr J Green)
The Market Research Manager (Ms S Parker)
The Senior Media Adviser (Ms C Buckridge)
Professor Ian Anderson, Mr N Buch, Ms P Ferreira, Ms E Fazio.
Business
- Formal Matters
Apologies and Leave of Absence Requests [ Item A01]
Council received an apology from Professor Davis and Dr Lochtenberg.
Leave of absence for the meeting had been granted to Professor Li.
Leave of absence for the November meeting was granted to Professor Li and Mr Thornley.
- Returning Officer’s Report [A02]
2.1 The University Secretary reported that Mr Michael Coyle has been declared elected to Council by the professional staff of the University, for a two year term commencing on 1 January 2007. (Council noted that University electoral legislation still referred to General Staff, and that amendments to adopt the usage now preferred by the University were in preparation.)
2.2 The University Secretary reported that a call for nominations for the position of Deputy Chancellor currently held by Dr Lochtenberg had been circulated, and nominations would close on Monday 16 October at 12noon.
2.3 The University Secretary reported that the elections to the student positions on Council for 2007 had been conducted by the student bodies under delegation, as provided by Regulation 2.1.R1. Mr Tony Williams had been elected by the graduate students, and a confirmed result for the election by all the enrolled students was expected shortly.
- Minutes of Previous Meeting and Follow Up Action Sheet [Item A1(a) and Item A1(b)]
The minutes of Council meeting 8/06 held on 11 September 2006, copies of which had been distributed, were confirmed.
3.1 The Action Sheet from Mee ting No. 8/06 was no ted.
- 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 A5.4, .5, .12 & .14; A7(b).1; A12.1 ; B1(a).2 and B3(a).2 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]
The Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science (Professor Glenn Browning) was in attendance for this item.
7.1 Caretaker Conventions
The Chancellor reported on correspondence he had received from the Victorian Department of Education and Training advising that the Minister had approved the University’s nominations for Governor-in-Council appointments to the University Council. However, under the Caretaker Conventions, appointments which would commence during or after the Caretaker period could not be considered by Cabinet before the election. The proposed appointments would be drawn to the attention of the incoming Minister.
7.2 Macquarie Questionnaire
The Chancellor advised that he had agreed that a research worker from Macquarie might circulate questionnaires to Melbourne University Council members, and these were included in the second distribution of papers.
7.3 Veterinary Science Accreditation
The Chancellor drew members attention to the item concerning North American accreditation in the Vice-Chancellor’s Report, and asked Council to join him in asking the Deputy Dean, Professor Glenn Browning to convey their congratulations to the Faculty of Veterinary Science. In response Professor Browning acknowledged the leadership provided by the Dean, Professor Caple, and the quality of contributions by staff of the Faculty.
7.4 Letter from Ms Lydia Ooi [Item A3(a)]
Council received communications from Ms Ooi and from the President of the Postgraduate Association, Mr Williams. Council referred the matter to the Vice-Chancellor, deferring any discussion on it until University management had had the opportunity to work through the issues with interested parties.
- Listing of Key Issues and Documents for Discussion [Item A4(a)]
The following items were listed under Key Issues and Documents for Discussion –
- Curriculum Commission Report
(documents A5.1, B1(a).1& 2 and B2(a).4)
- US Studies Centre DVD Presentation
(document A5.3)
- Growing Esteem Implementation Reports [Item A4(b)]
9.1 Updates – October 2006
Council noted the Growing Esteem Implementation Update for October 2006.
- Vice-Chancellor’s Report [Item A5]
Council received and noted the Vice-Chancellor’s Report, together with some supplementary papers containing media reports on university rankings.
10.1 Curriculum Commission Report
This matter was dealt with as a key issue in conjunction with item 1 of the report of the Planning and Budget Committee (refer minute 15.1 below).
10.2 Veterinary Science Accreditation
This report was dealt with under Chancellor’s matters (refer minute 7.3 above.)
10.3 US Studies Centre
Members viewed a video which has been made to accompany the joint bid of the University and the Victorian Government for the University to host a proposed US Studies Centre .
10.4 GO8 RQF Briefing for Chancellors
The Acting Vice-Chancellor advised that there were significant operational difficulties with the Research Quality Framework model proposed by the Commonwealth Government’s RQF Advisory Group. A paper on the Quality of Research and research Training was being prepared for submission to the University’s Planning and Budget Committee in October, and the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Joy Damousi, would be available to speak to it at the November meeting of Council.
10.5 Orygen Research Centre Site
The Acting Vice-Chancellor reported that, while the state of the site presented no serious risks for the University, it was a poor environment for staff located there, and the University was vigorously seeking significant improvements.
10.6 Appointment of Head of Department
Council approved the appointment of Associate Professor Bryan Lukas as Head of Department of Management and Marketing for a three year term.
10.7 University Medal
The Acting Vice-Chancellor drew members’ attention to the proposal to award a University Gold Medal to Mr Robert McKay, following his resignation from the Board of the Ian Potter Museum of Art, where he had played a key role in the development of the Potter. Professor McKenzie indicated that Council members would be informed when a date for the presentation was agreed.
10.8 University Rankings
In highlighting aspects of the tabled media reports, the Acting Vice-Chancellor drew attention to the significance of citation impact in the weightings contributing to rankings.
- Finance Committee [Item A7(a)]
Council received and noted the report of the Finance Committee meeting 8/06 held on 20 September 2006.
11.1 Finance Committee Terms of Reference
Council endorsed the amendments to the Terms of Reference as attached to the report.
- Subsidiaries Sub-Committee [Item A7(b)]
Council received and noted the report of the Subsidiaries Sub-Committee meeting 4/06 held on 6 September 2006.
12.1 Directors’ Fees
After a lengthy discussion, Council rejected a proposal to increase the fees of nominated external directors of a subsidiary. Council resolved that consideration of any increase in fees for external directors of University companies should not be made until policy guidelines for review of directors' fees, which are to include consideration of company performance, have been agreed.
- Buildings and Estates Committee [Item A9]
Council received the report of meeting 5/06 of the Buildings and Estates Committee held on 15 September 2006.
13.1 Proposed New Economics and Commerce Building – 198 Berkeley St, Carlton
In speaking to this report the Chair of the Buildings and Estates Committee, Justice Chernov, drew members’ attention to improvements which had been incorporated in the design of the building.
- Honours Committee [Item A12]
Council received the report of meeting 3/06 of the Honours Committee held on 25 September 2006.
14.1 Proposals for Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow Appointments
Council agreed to the appointment as Vice-Chancellor’s Fellows of Professor Brenton Broadstock, from 1 February 2007 to 31 January 2008, and Mr Max Gillies, for four months per year for three years commencing in February 2007.
- Planning and Budget Committee [Item B1(a)]
Council received the report of meeting 8/06 of the Planning and Budget Committee held on 13 September 2006.
15.1 Implementation of the Melbourne Model: Report and Recommendations from the Curriculum Commission
Item 1 in the Vice-Chancellor’s Report (document A5) and item 4 in the report from Academic Board (document B2a) were dealt with in conjunction with this item.
15.1.1 The Acting Vice-Chancellor drew attention to Professor Davis’ comments in the Vice-Chancellor’s Report on the outstanding work of the Curriculum Commission and the valuable contributions made by Professor Peter McPhee, Dr Mary Emison and the whole Commission team.
15.1.2 In introducing the report, Professor McPhee drew attention to the listing of Commission members, expert contributors and support staff set out in Appendix 15. He also highlighted the revised statement of graduate attributes which the Melbourne Model would seek to develop, set out in Appendix 3.
15.1.3 The President of the Academic Board, Professor Skene, commented on the Board’s support for the recommendation and on the continuing role the Board’s Committees would play in oversight of courses under the new model.
15.1.4 Mr Joel Barolsky, Beaton Consulting, presented the outcomes of market research undertaken into the reactions of various community groups to the University’s plans.
15.1.5 In response to a member’s request, the Senior Vice-Principal undertook to bring back to a subsequent meeting of Council details of the University’s Communication Plan drawn up in the light of the market research findings.
15.1.6 Council resolved to adopt the recommendations of the Curriculum Commission, subject to the amendment of recommendation 7 to read as follows – “That students undertake the minimum of 75 points (or one quarter of the degree) of breadth subjects in disciplines which are not available in their core program, subject to any exemptions approved by the Academic Board on the recommendation of the Board of Undergraduate Studies”.
15.1.7 Council agreed to record its congratulations to all involved with the work of the Commission.
15.2 Planning and Budget Committee Working Group Report and Recommendations in Support of Management of the Melbourne Model New Generation Degrees
Council received the Working Group report attached as Appendix 2 to the Planning and Budget Committee report to Council. Council approved recommendations numbers 1 to 4 inclusive concerning the establishment of a Board of Undergraduate Studies, and of Course Planning Committees for each new generation undergraduate degree, including interim arrangements until those bodies are formally constituted from the beginning of 2007. Council noted that recommendation number 7 had been withdrawn at the Planning and Budget Committee meeting to allow further consultation and endorsed the remaining recommendations of the Working Group.
15.3 Proposed Faculty of Arts Restructure
Council agreed to the disbanding of existing Arts Departments and the establishment of Arts Schools with effect from 1 January 2007, as set out in Appendix 3 to the report, noting that further recommendations might be brought to a subsequent meeting, revising and abridging the proposed names of the new Schools.
- Academic Board [Item B2(a)]
Council received the report of meeting 8/06 of the Academic Board held on 21 September 2006.
16.1 New and Cancelled Courses
16.1.1 New Courses
Council adopted the Board’s recommendation to establish the following new courses:
16.1.2 Cancelled Courses
Council adopted the Board’s recommendation to cancel the following courses with effect from Semester 1, 2007:
- Graduate Diploma in Managing Legal Organisations
- Master of e-Law
- Master of Applied Commerce (Organisational Change)
- Master of Applied Commerce (Human Resource Management)
- Master of Applied Commerce (Operations Management)
- Master of Psychology (Clinical International)
- Master of Medicine (Internal Medicine).
16.2 Selection Matters
16.2.1 Academic Board Resolutions on Selection
Council adopted the Board’s recommendation of Resolutions on Selection for entry to the following existing courses, as set out in Appendix E of the report, noting that the Juris Doctor resolution consisted of a revision of the terminology used in Council’s 11 September resolution on that course:
16.2.2 Alternative Entry Pathway
The following resolution was adopted to clarify a resolution made by Council at its 8 May 2006 meeting: Council approved the following entry pathway into undergraduate courses which require the VCE subject, Mathematical Methods 3/4 as a prerequisite:
- A mark of 75 in the distance education subject, Senior Mathematics offered by Unilearn (Queensland Government provider).
16.2.3 Entry Scores for 2007 - Bachelor of Urban Planning and Development
Council adopted the recommendation of the Board that the Australian Guaranteed/International Minimum ENTER score for admission to the Bachelor of Urban Planning and Development in 2007 be set at 83.
16.3 New Student Awards
Council established the following student awards:
- Melbourne Theatre Company Board of Management [Item B3(a)]
Council received the report of meeting 9/06 of the Melbourne Theatre Company Board of Management held on 9 October 2006.
Council noted concerns expressed by Board members over the burden of depreciation and replacement costs associated with the new theatre, and asked to be further briefed on the matter following planned discussions between the University and the Theatre Company.
- Address by Chair of an Auxiliary Operation [Item B3(b)]
Professor Barry Sheehan, the Chair of the Melbourne University Bookshop Board of Management, addressed Council on the operations of the Bookshop, stressing that the Board gave at least equal weight to community service in evaluating its success, as it did to financial performance.
- Committee of Convocation [Item B4(a)]
Council received the report of meeting 7/06 of the Committee of Convocation held on 20 September 2006.
- Legislation and Trusts Committee [Item C]
Council received and noted the report of the Legislation and Trusts Committee meeting 7/06 held on 25 September 2006.
20.1 Council made the following Regulation as detailed in the Report:
(1) |
Making of Regulation R6.235 recommended by the faculty of Engineering |
To govern the Paterson Scholarships [73/06] |
20.2 Recommendations Concerning Discrimination and Other Conditions in Terms of Awards
Council noted the Committee’s concerns that clear policies and administrative processes should be in place to cover potentially discriminatory gifts, bequests or fund raising proposals. Council referred the Committee’s recommendations to the Vice-Chancellor with the request that further advice be brought back to Council after consultation with the Vice-Principal and General Counsel and other appropriate officers including relevant Academic Board officers and the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (University Relations).
- 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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