Council Meeting No 10/07
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A meeting of the Council was held in the Council Chamber, 1st Floor, Old Quadrangle on Monday
22 October 2007, at 4.00 pm.
Present
Members
The Chancellor (Mr I Renard) (in the Chair)
The Deputy Chancellor (Hon Justice A Chernov)
The Deputy Chancellor (Ms Rosa Storelli)
The Vice-Chancellor (Professor Glyn Davis)
The Acting Vice-Chancellor (Professor J McKenzie)
The President of Academic Board (Professor L Skene)
Ms Elizabeth Alexander, Associate Professor Les Allen, Mr Paul Briggs,
Mr Michael Coyle,
Dr Meredith Doig, Professor Mark Elgar, Mr Robert Johanson, Mrs Lynne Landy,
Judge Irene Lawson, Dr Virginia Mansour, Ms Eda Ritchie,
Ms Melanie Sloss, Mr David White and Mr Tony Williams
The Council Fellow, Professor Arthur Li, was in attendance.
Others Attending
The President of Convocation (Ms L Boston)
The President of the UMPA (Ms Sally Beattie)
The Provost (
Professor Peter McPhee)
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) (Professor Frank Larkins)
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) (Professor John McKenzie)
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (University Relations) (Professor Warren Bebbington)
The Senior Vice-Principal (Mr Ian Marshman)
The Vice-Principal and Head of University Services (Ms Liz Baré)
The Vice-Principal and Chief Financial Officer (Mr David Percival)
The Vice-Principal and Academic Registrar (Ms Gillian Luck)
The Vice-Principal and General Counsel (Mr Chris Penman)
The Acting Vice-Principal (Human Resources) (Mr Nigel Waugh)
The University Secretary (Ms Janet White)
The Director, Office of the Vice-Chancellor (Mr Donald Speagle)
The Deputy University Secretary (Mr John Green)
The Senior Media Adviser (Ms Christina Buckridge)
Ms Liz Fazio
Ms E Fazio.
The following Deans attended for Council’s discussion of listed key issues:
Professor Catherine Falk (Dean of Music)
Professor Jonty Stockdale (Acting Dean of the Victorian College of the Arts)
Business
- Formal Matters
1.1 Deputy Chancellor’s Matter
[The Chancellor and all non-Council members (other than the Council Fellow and the University Secretary) left the Chamber for this item.]
Deputy Chancellor Chernov assumed the Chair at the commencement of the meeting in order to make a confidential report to Council members on feedback he had received on the Chancellor’s performance [Minute 6.3 of Meeting 9/2007 refers]. The Deputy Chancellor advised members that the response was unanimous in its acclamation of the Chancellor’s performance, confirming that he has carried out his role in a sensitive and positive manner in the University’s best interests.
At the conclusion of these proceedings, the Chancellor, members of the executive and other attendees were invited to re-enter the Council Chamber and the Chancellor returned to the Chair.
1.2 Term of Office of Chancellor and Deputy Chancellors
The Chancellor reminded Council members that his term of office as Chancellor and that of Deputy Chancellor Chernov were due to end on 31 December 2007, when Deputy Chancellor Chernov’s appointment as a Council member was also due to expire. In addition, Deputy Chancellor Storelli’s appointment as a member of Council was due to end on the same date. The University Secretary would be sending out a call for nominations for the positions of Chancellor and Deputy Chancellor shortly.
The Chancellor advised that, if re-elected, he would not necessarily continue for the full three year term.
1.3 Apologies and Leave of Absence Requests [Item A01]
A late apology was received from Professor Pip Pattison for this meeting.
1.4 Welcome
The Chancellor welcomed Council Fellow, Professor Arthur Li, and invited him to make a short address to Council later in the meeting. The Chancellor noted that Professor Li would be delivering the Menzies Oration on Tuesday 23 October.
- Returning Officer’s Report [A02]
The University Secretary reported that Ms Hannah Hayman had been elected by the enrolled students as a student representative on Council for the year 2008 and that Ms Lesley Boston had been re-elected president of Convocation for a further term of two years commencing 1 January 2008 until 31 December 2009.
The University Secretary gave an oral report on the status of other elections currently in progress and advised that a proposal was in train to enable the conduct of Council elections electronically in 2008. This would require an amendment to Regulation 2.1.R1.
- Minutes of Previous Meetings and Follow Up Action Sheet [Item A1(a) and A1(b)]
3.1 The Minutes of Council meeting 9/07 held on 10 September 2007, copies of which had been distributed, were confirmed subject to the following correction: Item 9.10 change the word “laterised” to “collaterised”.
3.2 A member sought further clarification of the level of exposure of the University to collateralised debt. It was confirmed that, to the best of current knowledge, there is no apparent exposure. However, it was noted that the University’s investment funds are placed with a number of different managers, and it is possible (though not likely) that in the future some funds may be invested in collateralised debt.
3.3 The list of matters requiring further action (Action Sheet) from previous meetings was noted. In relation to the item on student grievances, the Vice-Principal and Academic Registrar advised that it may be necessary to revisit the discussion since the level of detail required may not be available. In relation to the item on the Melbourne Theatre Company, the Chair of Finance Committee, Ms Elizabeth Alexander, advised that the accumulated deficits against reserves had already been recognised in the University accounts.
- Declarations of Interest [Item A2(a)]
The Deputy Chancellor called for any declarations of interest for items on the Agenda for the current meeting. Mrs Lynne Landy advised of a conflict of interest for Agenda Item A5.(2).
- Starring of Additional Items [Item A2(b)]
The following additional items were starred for discussion: A5.(A1), A5.(A2), A5.(A4), A5.(A5), A5.(B11), A5.(B15), A5.(D39), A5.(E), A7.(2), A7.(4), A10.(1), B1.(1), B1.(3), B1.(4), B1.(6), B1.(14), B4.(1), C.(1), C.(2).
- Motion to Adopt or Receive “Unstarred Items of Business” [Item A2(c)]
In accordance with established procedure, it was 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]
7.1
2nd Annual University Governance and Regulations Forum
Council received reports from Ms M Doig and Mr J Green who had attended the Forum in Sydney on 24 -25 September 2007.
7.2 Council Meeting Dates 2008
Council noted that meeting dates for 2008 had been confirmed and distributed to members.
7.3 Presentation of a Silver Medal
The Chancellor presented a Silver Medal to Mr Geoffrey Francis Dawson in recognition of his exceptional service to the University through the Committee of Convocation and Legislation & Trusts Committee over a period of 26 years.
7.4 Appointment to Remuneration and Employment Conditions Committee
Council endorsed the Chancellor’s nomination of Dr Virginia Mansour to membership of the Remuneration and Employment Conditions Committee.
- Listing of Key Issues and Documents for Discussion [Item A4(a)]
8.1 Presentation on Childcare
The Vice-Principal and Academic Registrar gave a presentation on Childcare. Ms Luck advised that the University currently provides approximately 279 full time places through four childcare providers. She explained that there are three service delivery models all of which provide high quality childcare. However there is no University-wide management of childcare provision.
Demand exceeds supply and has increased from 202 last year to 368 for 2008, creating even greater pressure on available places. Factors affecting demand and supply include:
- the high cost of CBD land which discourages private investors
- attractive parental leave provisions for staff
- changes in Government policy
Waiting lists exist but are of limited value in longer range planning and there is overlap and duplication between them.
The Leicester Street property is currently being developed to provide 96 new places and there are other proposals under active consideration.
Ms Luck advised that Ms Margaret Coady, a member of the Centre for Equity and Innovation in Early Childhood, has been asked to provide expert advice on quality indicators to Planning and Budget Committee by December 2007. Expressions of interest in the provision of services will then be extended to the three current University providers and others, in particular not-for-profit groups, with a key requirement being to test quality and cost.
A member made suggestions about benchmarking with other Universities and consideration of other partners such as the City of Melbourne. Another member expressed the view that better co-ordination of services was needed with more transparency around the policies applied to allocation of places. A key group was babies up to two years old, which require much higher staff ratios and for whom an informal survey of graduate students had revealed that their preferences were for care to be provided as close as possible to the University campus.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that the University’s would go to tender once the quality criteria had been approved in December and would continue to seek suitable sites once Leicester Street is in operation.
8.2 The Age Article - Update on Student Numbers [Item A5(A6) and Appendices D1 & D2]
The Senior Vice-Principal, Mr Ian Marshman, was invited to address Council on the background to a news item that appeared in the The Age newspaper on Wednesday 17 October 2007, together with a copy of the University’s Media Release in relation to VTAC popularity polls.
Mr Marshman advised that the early VTAC popularity polls were the first real test of prospective student demand in response to the Melbourne Model and the figures received to date were most satisfactory in view of major systemic change and the drop in the number of courses available. In particular, the increase in demand for new generation degrees in Arts, Science and Commerce, which would in part be due to the discontinuation of combined degrees, was very pleasing.
- Growing Esteem Implementation Reports [Item A4(b)]
9.1 Updates – October 2007
Council received the Growing Esteem Implementation Update - October 2007.
- Vice-Chancellor’s Report [Item A5]
Council received the Vice-Chancellor’s Report together with Appendices A to N.
- Strategic Matters
10.1 D’Agostino Arts Curriculum Review
Council received the Arts Curriculum Review (D'Agostino Report) prepared by a panel charged with reviewing curriculum for the new generation Bachelor of Arts. The Vice-Chancellor commended the report for its wide-ranging approach, taking into consideration the core recommendations of the Curriculum Commission.
Council noted that the Report is a ‘green paper’ and that the Report has been circulated for detailed consideration at School level within the Faculty of Arts. The D’Agostino Report will be finalised as a ‘white paper’ early in 2008.
10.2 Review of Music
Council noted that the review committee had addressed each of its terms of reference in some detail including matters such as organizational structure and the future of the discipline of music. A key recommendation was that a single school of music be established that builds on the distinctive strengths of the current Faculty of Music and VCA Music. There was likely to be a fairly lengthy period of implementation, with the two music programs being brought together in the period 2009/2010 under the leadership of a new head of school who, it was envisaged, would be appointed to the Ormond Chair of Music, as successor to Professor Warren Bebbington. The new generation Bachelor of Music would be introduced in 2008 as planned.
Council was advised that the sixteen recommendations from the review had been considered by University committees, including Planning and Budget Committee and the Committee of Deans. It heard that the report had been well received, with all parties recognising the potential for the proposed new School to become a strong force in music education nationally and internationally.
In relation to several concerns expressed on nomenclature, the Vice-Chancellor noted that no decision was being made at this time on name changes, and he was very conscious of the commitments made to the VCA on that subject. These matters would be further reviewed when Council considered in due course the report of the Music Review Implementation Committee [see Item B1, A.2 (a)].
10.3 Melba Heads of Agreement
Council noted that the University of Melbourne and the Melba Memorial Conservatorium have signed a Heads of Agreement that is likely to lead to the establishment of scholarships for a new graduate opera programme from 2009.
10.4 Graduate School Launch Process
Following the successful launch of the University’s new generation undergraduate degrees in April 2007, Council was informed that the focus will shift to graduate schools as faculties prepare to introduce graduate courses from 2008. Council noted that the University will officially launch its new graduate schools at a major event on Friday, 26 October 2007.
10.5 Headspace
Council received a report from the Senior Vice-Principal, Mr Ian Marshman on proposed changes to the governance arrangements for the Commonwealth grant for Headspace research funding.
10.6 Future Melbourne
Council received an updated report on the progress of the Future Melbourne project.
-
Reports
10.7 ARC and Preliminary NH&MRC Results
Council received a report on the ARC and preliminary NH&MRC results in the latest round of funding for commencement in 2008, which indicated that the University has been awarded the highest combined total of ARC and NHMRC funding for the Group of Eight Universities.
10.8 The Learning and Teaching Performance Fund 2008
Council noted that the University’s excellence in learning and teaching had been recognised for a third consecutive year with the award of a significant allocation under the 2008 Commonwealth Government’s Learning & Teaching Performance Fund (LTPF). The University Planning Office has prepared advice for the Senior Vice-Principal on how the allocation might be distributed to faculties based on performance.
10.9 The 2007 Carrick Awards for Australian University Teaching
Council noted that the University was awarded four out of a possible twenty-four prizes for Teaching Excellence and, along with the University of Queensland, received the highest number of awards.
10.10 Professor John McKenzie
Council noted, with profound regret, that Professor John McKenzie has advised he will retire at the end of April 2008 on health grounds. Council noted that Professor McKenzie served as an outstanding Dean of Science for eight years and his wise contribution in the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) since 2005 has been greatly valued. The Vice-Chancellor informed Council that a selection process for a new Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) was in train.
10.11 National Centre for Coasts and Climate at Point Nepean
Council noted that the University of Melbourne intends to create an internationally recognised centre for marine and climate education and research - the National Centre for Coasts and Climate (NCCC) at Point Nepean. Council noted that the University has taken steps toward production of an initial Business Plan for the Centre, assessing interest and demand within the University, and commencing conversations with potential external partners.
10.13 Library Vision
Council received two papers discussing libraries of the future and the details of the University’s vision for the next ten years.
With regard to the construction of the ERC component of the eastern learning Hub, it was noted that the B and AB collections, which number 316,000 items in total, will remain in the ERC and be fully accessible during the construction period, while an additional 26,310 items have been relocated to the Old Quadrangle.
Council noted that an allocation of $200,000 in 2007 for the cataloguing of the ERC collection had been approved.
10.14 Teaching Clinic Shepparton
Council noted that the University’s School of Rural Health had received $3.55million in funding to create an innovative on-campus GP teaching clinic in Shepparton to assist with meeting the shortage of GPs in rural Victoria.
10.15 Trusts Administration
Council received a report from the Vice-Principal and General Counsel on the review undertaken by his office of the trusts compliance reports based on 2006 activity. The report also dealt with the foreshadowed review of the steps approved by Council in December 2006 to fund a more sophisticated trusts administration system in order to facilitate improved performance by the University of its trusts obligations.
Council noted that the Vice-Principal and General Counsel is reporting to Faculties and relevant Departments on the outcome of the 2006 activity compliance review by his office.
The Chair of Legislation and Trusts Committee, Ms Melanie Sloss, reported that trusts administration at the University was moving forward very effectively in the hands of highly capable officers but the area needs to be resourced adequately to deal with the workload. Council agreed that it may be necessary to review the legislative environment governing trusts within the University in order to arrive at a more cost effective way of managing them. Ms Sloss also advised Council that it was vital that faculties are well informed about their role in the administration of trusts.
10.16 Accreditation of University’s Bachelor of Geomatic Engineering
Council noted that the University’s Bachelor of Geomatic Engineering programme has been accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
10.17 Funding for Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute
Council noted that almost $2million in Commonwealth funding has been awarded to the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute.
10.18 Problem Gambling Centre
Council noted that the University will participate in a recently announced Problem Gambling Research and Treatment Centre. The Centre is a joint initiative of the University of Melbourne, Monash University and the Victorian Government.
10.19 Advanced Imaging Microscopy Laboratory at the RMH
Council noted that a dedicated advanced imaging microscopy laboratory worth more than $500,000 has been established in the Clinical Sciences Building at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
10.20 Guardian Article on Melbourne Model
Council received a copy of an article published in the Guardian newspaper on
2 October 2007, reporting on the changes at the University and the Melbourne Model.
10.21 International Report
Council received a report from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) providing an update on 2007 international activities.
10.22 The National Union of Students University Rankings
Council received a report on the release of Next Steps Rankings: University Student Representation and Student Support, a publication formulated by the National Union of Students (NUS). The University has requested clarification and further information from NUS in response to the release of the publication, in particular, clarification on another statement in the publication which claims that the independence of the University’s representative student organisation has diminished. The University is still waiting for a response.
10.23 Thomson Scientific Rankings
Council received a report on the results of a recent citation survey by Thomson Scientific, part of the Thomson Corporation, analysing Australian institutions’ research influence and scientific output. Council noted that the University leads the recent survey - making 21 ‘Top Three’ appearances. The University also ranks in the ‘Top Three’ in both citations and impact in five fields - neurosciences, physics, microbiology, pharmacology and psychology/psychiatry.
10.24 High Citations
Council noted that Professor Frank Caruso has been selected to appear on ISIHighlyCited.com, reflecting his exceptional citation count from fellow scientists in the field of Materials Science.
10.25 Awards
Council noted that the contribution of the University’s outstanding scholars has been recognised recently through a number of significant awards.
10.26 Appointments
Council noted that –
- Professor Suzanne Cory, Director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research has been appointed as the inaugural Deputy Chairman of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).
- Director of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Professor Andrew Scott of Faculty of Medicine has been appointed as a member of the Board of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).
- The Vice-Chancellor has been appointed to the Supervisory Board of the Menzies Centre for Australian Studies at the University of London.
10.27 Salary Increase
Council noted that the Remuneration and Employment Conditions Committee approved the October salary increase for all staff covered by the University of Melbourne Enterprise Agreement (EBA) 2006 and to those staff employed pursuant to Australian Workplace Agreements (AWAs) as well as a commensurate increase for members of Senior Executive.
10.28 Compliance Report
Council received the October Compliance Report from the Vice-Principal and General Counsel.
10.29 BCG Report — Transformation of Student Services
Council received the BCG Report on Transformation of Student Services for their information.
- Recommendations
10.30 Recognising Excellence and Leadership in Victorian Teachers
Council approved:
- a proposal for the establishment of the Melbourne University Medley Awards for excellence in teaching and school leadership; and
- a proposal that the University proceed to convene an expert panel as a matter of priority to develop a detailed programme in time for approval and announcement by the end of November.
- Approvals on behalf of Council
10.31 Amendment to Regulation 5.4.R1 — Bachelor of Oral Health Course
Council noted that the Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of Council approved an amendment to Regulation 5.4.R1 to remove the footnotes regarding the options for two vocational streams - Dental Health Hygiene and Dental Health Therapy to enable both vocational streams to be achieved through the same course - Bachelor of Oral Health Course.
10.32 Approval of Academic Board Urgent Matters
10.32.1 New Coursework Programs
Council noted that the Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of Council, approved the following urgent Academic Board recommendations:
10.32.1.1 Postgraduate Courses
- The establishment of the following coursework programs:
- The establishment of a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching (Appendix F of the report ).
10.32.1.2 Undergraduate Courses
- The establishment of the following concurrent diplomas which were foreshadowed by the Board in its meeting 6/07 report to Council:
- The establishment of a Foundation Program in Music Performance in the Faculty of the VCA (Appendix J of the report ).
10.32.2 Selection Matters
Council noted that the Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of Council, approved the following urgent Academic Board recommendations:
10.32.2.1 University Entrance Requirements for Victorian Certificate of Education Students Undertaking English as a Second Language (ESL)
The general minimum English score (set at 30) for students with VCE ESL (or equivalent) admitted to the University in 2009 and thereafter.
10.32.2.2 Academic Board Resolutions on Selection
- Master of Teaching
An amendment to the Board’s resolutions on selection of international students into the Master of Teaching, as set out in Appendix K of the report.
- Other Resolutions on Selection
New and revised Academic Board Resolutions on Selection for courses in the Faculties of Arts, Economics & Commerce, Education, Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, Music, Science/Engineering and VCA, as set out in Appendix K of the report.
10.33 Nomination of Professor Trevor Kilpatrick
Council noted that the Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of Council, approved the nomination of Professor Trevor Kilpatrick for appointment to the Board of Directors at Neurosciences Victoria Ltd.
10.34 Appointment of Professor Stephen Harrap
Council noted that the Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of Council, approved the appointment of Professor Stephen Harrap as Head of the Department of Physiology for a term of three years, commencing on 1 January 2008.
10.35 Appointment of Professor Philip Smith
Council noted that the Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of Council, approved the appointment of Professor Philip Smith to assume the role as Head of the School of Behavioural Science for a period of 3 years commencing 1 January 2008.
10.36 Appointment of Former Victorian Premier, Mr Steve Bracks
Council noted that the Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of Council, approved the appointment of the former Victorian Premier, Mr Steve Bracks as an Honorary Professorial Fellow in the Faculty of Arts.
10.37 Change of Centre Name: Centre for the Study of Contemporary Islam (CSCI)
This item was reported to the September Council meeting.
10.38 Naming Proposal
Council noted that the Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of Council, approved the proposal by the Dean of the Faculty of Law to rename Room 926 in the Law Building as the ‘ Malcolm Fraser Room’.
10.39 Julia Marion Harvey Hale Bequest
Council noted that the Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of Council, authorised a payment of the sum of up to $600,000 from the Julia Marion Harvey Hale Bequest for the costs associated with the move of the School of Forestry and Ecosystems from Heidelberg to the University’s Burnley Campus.
- Queries from Members on Any Issues of Concern
10.40 Email addresses of Council members
A member expressed concern about the extensive use of members’ private emails by persons wishing to lobby members of Council about issues on the Council Agenda. Members were assured that their private email addresses are not divulged by the University but that much of this information is now publicly available on the internet. All members have access to an email address in the University domain.
10.41 Financial Support for Postgraduate Coursework students
In response to a question on whether the issue of the availability of Austudy for postgraduate coursework students had been resolved, Council was advised that this is unlikely to be confirmed until after the forthcoming general election.
10.42 Council Fellow
At the Chancellor’s invitation, Professor Li commented on the importance of the role of universities, particularly in China as it evolves, and the need to develop effective methods of measuring their achievements and weaknesses in ways that are meaningful to the communities they serve and to those that fund them.
- Council Nominations and Governance Committee [Item A6]
Council received the report of Special Meeting 4/07 of the Council Nominations and Governance Committee held on 6 September 2007.
- Finance Committee [Item A7]
Council received and noted the report of meeting 6/07 of the Finance Committee held on 25 September 2007.
12.1 Naming Inventory for the New Economics and Commerce Building
Council resolved to approve the proposal to offer a range of gift amounts payable for the naming of chairs, tutorial and seminar rooms, lecture theatres and other associated building matters.
12.2 Funding for MTC Theatre Project
After some discussion about events surrounding this project, Council resolved to approve the allocation of a sum of up to $6million from University Reserves to fund the technical equipment shortfall of the MTC Theatre project plus delay costs, noting that the State intends to gift title to the VCA land to the University.
12.3 Report from Subsidiaries Sub-Committee
Council approved the proposed amendments to the Constitution of Astronomy Australia Limited.
12.4 Financial Statements
Council noted the statements of the University’s financial position as at 31 August 2007 and the strategy for dealing with investment income.
- Buildings and Estates Committee [Item A9]
Council received the report of meeting 5/07 of the Building and Estates Committee held on 11 October 2007.
- University Relations Committee [Item A10]
Council received the report of Meeting 3/07 of the University Relations Committee held on 10 September 2007.
14.1 Definition of Alumni (Former Staff)
Council considered a recommendation to define certain categories of former staff as alumni of the University. In response to an expression of concern from a member, the item was held over pending further clarification of the definition of “alumni”.
[Secretarial Note: This recommendation also came forward from Planning & Budget Committee].
- Remuneration and Employment Conditions Committee [Item A11]
Council received the report of meeting 5/07 of the Remuneration and Employment Conditions Committee held on 16 October 2007, by Circular Resolution.
15.1 Salary Increase for Staff from 6 October 2007
Council noted that the Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of Council, approved the payment of a 1.00% salary increase to all staff covered by the University of Melbourne Enterprise Agreement 2006 and to those staff employed pursuant to AWAs.
15.2 Salary Increase for Senior Executive Staff from 6 October 2007
Council noted that the Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of Council, approved the payment of a 1.00% salary increase to members of the Senior Executive other than the Vice-Chancellor.
15.3 Salary Increase for Senior Executive Staff Member
Council noted that the Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of Council, approved an increase in a Senior Executive Staff Member’s remuneration package.
- Honours Committee [Item A12(a)]
Council received the report of meeting 3/07 of the Honours Committee held on 26 September 2007.
16.1 Award of Silver Medallion
Council approved the awarding of five Silver medals to the persons whose citations were circulated on a confidential basis.
- Honours Committee [Item A12(b)]
Council received the report of Meeting by Circular Resolution held on 22 October 2007.
17.1 Proposal to Appoint a Vice-Chancellor Fellow
Council approved the appointment of Mr Ross Garnaut as a Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow for a period of 5 years commencing June 2008.
- Planning and Budget Committee [Item B1]
Council received the report of meeting 6/07 of the Planning and Budget Committee held on
10 October 2007 and noted that all recommendations adopted that require legislative action will be referred in due course to Legislation and Trusts Committee.
18.1 Review of Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology
Council approved the changes to Regulation 6.1.R9 and noted that the Regulation will be forwarded to Legislation and Trusts Committee.
18.2 Nomenclature of Graduate Schools
Council approved the following proposals for the naming of graduate schools, commencing from 1 January 2008:
| Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning |
Melbourne School of Design |
| Faculty of Economics and Commerce |
Melbourne Graduate School of Management |
| Faculty of Education |
Melbourne Graduate School of Education |
| Faculty of Engineering |
Melbourne School of Engineering |
| Faculty of Law |
Melbourne Law School |
| Faculty of Science |
Melbourne Graduate School of Science |
(a) Recommendations for the Implementation of the Review of Music
Council noted the endorsement of Planning and Budget Committee of the recommendations for the implementation of the Review of Music and the establishment of a Music Review Implementation Committee to identify the key decisions required to ensure the successful implementation of the review.
[see also Item 10.2 of these minutes]
18.3 Revised University Structures - Implications for University Committees
Council approved the changes to Regulation 17.1.R11 for Planning and Budget Committee and its sub-committees and the establishment of Regulation 17.1.R12 for Committee of Deans and its sub-committees, with revised arrangements to be in place by 1 January 2008.
18.4 Australian Centre for Post Traumatic Mental Health (ACPMH)
Council approved the affiliation agreement with the Australian Centre for Post Traumatic Mental Health (ACPMH).
18.5 Melbourne Experience Committee - Membership
Council resolved to adopt the change to the membership of the Melbourne Experience Committee to include the Chair of the Student Support Committee as a member.
18.6 Definition of Former Staff as Alumni
[Refer to Minute 14.1 above.]
18.7 Human Resources Advisory Committee
Council approved the following amendment at section 4.1(c) to Regulation 17.1.R2 - New Class of Officers as Professors.
“a person appointed as dean of a faculty under section 1 of Statute 5.3, the person appointed as the dean of Graduate Research under section 4 of Statute 5.2; and any person appointed as pro vice-chancellor” .
18.8 Proposed Changes to the University Transport Policy: Regulation 17.1.R10
Council approved the changes to the University Transport Policy Regulation 17.1.R10 made under Statute 17.1 which provide for a centrally managed approach to the University’s General and Executive Fleet.
- Academic Board [Item B2(a)]
Council received the report of meeting 8/07 of the Academic Board held on 20 September 2007.
19.1 Discontinuation and Suspension of Courses
Council approved the discontinuation of the following courses into which there will be no new first year intakes in 2008:
Faculty of Architecture, Building & Planning
- Bachelor of Architectural Studies
- Bachelor of Planning and Design (Property and Construction)
- Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
- Bachelor of Urban Planning and Development
- Bachelor of Architecture
Faculty of Land and Food Resources
- Bachelor of Animal Science and Management
- Bachelor of Food Science
- Bachelor of Natural Resources Management
- Bachelor of Resource Management
- Bachelor of Agricultural Science
- Bachelor of Forest Science and Bachelor of Forest Science/ Bachelor of Science Double Degree
- Bachelor of Horticulture
Faculty of Music
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Creative Arts/Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Music/Bachelor Commerce
- Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Teaching
Council approved the discontinuation of the following courses into which there will be no new intakes in 2008:
Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning
- Master of Urban Planning (by coursework) - heritage
- Master of Landscape Architecture (by coursework) - heritage
- Postgraduate Diploma in Landscape Architecture
- Graduate Certificate in Landscape Architecture
- Master of Property and Construction
- Master of Architecture (by coursework) - heritage
Faculty of Arts
- Graduate Certificate in Development (Gender & Development)
Council approved the suspension of the following course for 2008:
Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
- Postgraduate Diploma in Physiotherapy
19.2. New Student Awards
Council approved the establishment of the following student awards:
- Academic Board [Item B2(b)]
Council received the report of meeting 9/07 of the Academic Board held on 22 October 2007.
20.1 Award of Honorary Degrees of Doctor of Visual and Performing Arts
Council approved the award of honorary degrees of Doctor of Visual and Performing Arts to two individuals whose citations were tabled at the meeting.
20.2 New Courses
Council approved the establishment of the following new courses which derive from major changes to the corresponding Masters course:
20.3. Selection Matters
20.3.1 Entry Requirements for New Generation Undergraduate Degrees
Council approved the Board’s recommendations in relation to pre-requisites, STAT and SAT, as set out in the report.
20.3.2 Academic Board Resolutions on Selection
Council approved the new and revised Academic Board Resolutions on Selection for courses listed in Appendix C of the report.
- Melbourne Theatre Company Board of Management [Item B3(a)]
Council received the report of Meeting 9/07 of the Melbourne Theatre Company Board of Management held on 21 September 2007.
- Committee of Convocation [Item B4(a)]
Council received the report of Meeting 7/07 of the Committee of Convocation held on 19 September 2007.
22.1 New ERC Arrangements
This item was deferred until the next meeting.
- Legislation and Trusts Committee [Item C]
Council received and noted the report of the Legislation and Trusts Committee Meeting 6/07 held on 24 September 2007.
20.1 Council made the following Regulations (15 in number) as detailed in Appendix A of the Report
(1) |
Amendment of Regulation 7.1.R2 recommended by the University Secretary |
To change the names of Chairs (69/07) |
| (2) |
Amendment of Regulation R7.75 recommended by the Trusts Lawyer |
To govern The Professor Emeritus Howard Eddey Memorial Fund (70/07) |
| (3) |
Making of a regulation recommended by the Trusts Lawyer |
To govern Melbourne Theatre Capital Fund (67/07) |
| (4) |
Making of a regulation recommended by the Trusts Lawyer |
To govern Melbourne Theatre Company Development Fund (68/07) |
| (5) |
To govern Melbourne Theatre Company Development Fund (68/07) |
To govern The Daryl Wilkinson Scholarship (72/07) |
| (6) |
Amendment of Regulation R6.72 recommended by the Trusts Lawyer |
To govern The Erwin Rado Memorial Award (73/07) |
| (7) |
Amendment of Regulation R6.72 recommended by the Trusts Lawyer |
To govern The Film Victoria Brian Robinson memorial Script Award (74/07) |
| (8) |
Amendment of Regulation R7.75 recommended by the Trusts Lawyer |
To govern The M Sutherland Fund (75/07) |
| (9) |
Making of a regulation recommended by the Trusts Lawyer |
To govern The Marie Chapman Bequest (76/07) |
| (10) |
Making of a regulation recommended by the Trusts Lawyer |
To govern The Peers Coetmore Scholarship (77/07) |
| (11) |
Making of a regulation recommended by the Trusts Lawyer |
To govern The Trina Parker Scholarship (79/07) |
| (12) |
Making of a regulation recommended by the Trusts Lawyer |
To govern The Daisy Webster – Esther Nolan Scholarship (50/07) |
| (13) |
Making of a regulation recommended by the Trusts Lawyer |
To govern The Agnes Robertson Scholarships (81/07) |
| (14) |
Making of a regulation recommended by the Trusts Lawyer |
To govern The JHW Birrell Scholarship Fund (82/07) |
| (15) |
Making of a regulation recommended by the Trusts Lawyer |
To govern The Mildura Alumni Scholarships Fund (83/07) |
23.2 Pending Legislation
Council noted that many aspects of University legislation will need to be amended to incorporate changes required by the University’s adoption of the “Melbourne Model” and to update legislation generally.
Draft legislation dealing with these matters is not yet in a form suitable to be presented to the Committee, although it is possible that MM08 legislation may be recommended to Council before the end of 2007.
23.3 Amendment to Statute 5.4
Council noted that, following ministerial approval of an amendment to Statute 5.4, Regulation 5.4.R1 containing details of all University courses can now be amended by the Vice-Chancellor. (The Statute amendment was recommended to Council at its meeting on 7 May 2007).
Council further noted advice that approval of the amendment to Statute 11.1 (also recommended to the 7 May 2007 meeting of Council) was received prior to the report going to Council. This will allow the Vice-Chancellor to amend Regulation 11.1.R3 containing all University entry requirements.
23.4 Report from the Trusts Group
Council noted a report from the Trusts group including a progress report on the progress of integration of the VCA trusts (Appendix B).
- Asialink Report to Council [Item D1(a)]
Council received the Asialink Report of October 2007.
- 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).
-
Post VSU Environment
Council noted comments from Dr Meredith Doig about the provision of transition funding to assist student organisations (UMSU, UMPA and MUSUL) to cope with the post VSU environment but that there were concerns about their financial position which was likely to worsen in 2008 and may result in further reductions in services
The meeting closed after 7.10pm.
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