A meeting of the Council was held in the Council Chamber, University, on Monday 7 September, 1998 at 4.00 p.m.

The Chancellor, Sir Edward Woodward (in the Chair)
The Deputy Chancellor (Dr N G Curry)
The Deputy Chancellor (Mrs F S Marles)
The Vice-Chancellor (Professor A D Gilbert)
The President of Academic Board (Professor T W Healy)
The President of Student Union (Ms S Marshall)
The President of University of Melbourne Postgraduate Association (Ms A Chinn)
Mr T L Anning, Mr L J Carden, Mr Justice Chernov, Dr B H Lochtenberg, Mr I A Renard, Mr G J Spring, Mr D V C Tricks, Professor S A Walker and Ms C M Walter
The President of Convocation (Dr T Latham)
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Professor C B Schedvin)
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Professor K C Lee Dow)
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) (Professor F P Larkins)
The Registrar (Mr J B Potter)
The Academic Registrar (Mr I Marshman)
The Director of Information Technology Services (Mr N Reidl)
The Director of Human Resources (Ms E Baré)
The Director of Property Services (Mr M Bell)
The Director of Corporate Relations (Ms J Stephens)
The Director of Student and Academic Services (Dr G Chandler)
The Director of Recruitment and Admissions (Dr I Irvine)
The Director of Executive Services (Mr L N Currie)
Associate Registrar (Academic Planning) (Dr M R Emison)
The General Manager, Vice-Chancellor’s Office (Ms M O’Keefe)
The Academic Secretary (Mr I Powell)
Ms W Lawler and Mr P O’Keefe were in attendance

Business

 

Apologies were received from Mr Forwood and Associate Professor Theobald.

Leave of absence for this meeting had been granted to Lord Dearing and Professor Lim Pin.

Leave of absence for the October meeting was granted to Associate Professor Theobald, and for the November meeting to Associate Professor Theobald, Mr Tricks and Ms Walter.

2. Minutes of Meeting 4/98 (Item A.1)

The minutes of meeting of Council 4/98, held on 6 July 1998, copies of which had been distributed, were confirmed, subject to the amendment of minute 5.3 by the insertion of the phrase "Ms A Chinn dissenting" in brackets after the words "Council adopted the recommendations".

3. Starring of Additional Items (Item A.2[a])

Items A.5[a].2, A5[a].10, B.1[a].2 and D.5[a].2 were starred for discussion.

4. 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.

5. Chancellor’s Matters (Item A.3[a])

5.1 Council received a report on University Protocols for Major Events.

5.2 The Chancellor drew the attention of members to a document he had circulated with the title "Council Self-Evaluation" and asked that responses be submitted by 5 October 1998.

6. Petition/Notice of Motion (Item A.3[b])

Council received a petition requesting that it review the decision of the Faculty of Law to accept the invitation of the University to relocate to one of the University Square Buildings, and that it approve adequate funding for the Faculty to remain in a viable form on the current site. Ms Marshall gave notice that at the next meeting of Council she would move motions related to the issues raised in the petition.

7. Vice-Chancellor's Report (Item A.4)

7.1 Council received the Vice-Chancellor's Report, together with a draft Operational Plan 1999. It was noted that the draft Operational Plan would lie on the table for finalisation at the October meeting of Council. Council received additional tabled papers comprising a revised proposal concerning the University Square Project, a document entitled "The Governance, Management and Future Viability of the Melbourne Theatre Company" and a report from the Human Resources Executive Committee on future senior executive structures.

7.2 Chair Selection Committees

Council agreed that Mr John Carden, who has agreed to serve as a nominated member of Council, be added to the Chair selection committee for Orthopaedic Surgery (Royal Melbourne Hospital).

7.3 Merger of Hawthorn International Education Ltd with Melbourne Research Enterprises

Council adopted recommendations to effect the merger of Hawthorn International Education Ltd with Melbourne Research Enterprises, as set out in Appendix A to the report.

7.4 Australian National Academy of Music

Council accepted amendments to the Articles of Association of the Australian National Academy of Music to reduce the size of the Board of the Academy, as set out in Appendix B to the report.

7.5 Future Options for University Child Care

Council adopted the following recommendations:

that it agree to the adoption of Option 2 in the Consultants’ report as the preferred model for the future delivery of University childcare;

that it note, in addition to additional revenue and savings measures to be undertaken as part of Option 2, an increase of $70,000 in the University’s support for childcare would be necessary to compensate in part for an unavoidable increase in costs and the contribution made by University childcare to broader University programs;

that it note under proposed Option 2 it was expected that a reduction of at least $5 a week would be made to the fees payable by student parents, thereby increasing access through enhanced affordability.

7.6 University Square Development

The interim report of Council’s Due Diligence Sub-Committee (Document B.7 with a related "commercial in confidence" tabled paper) was considered in conjunction with this item and received.

Council resolved that the members of the Due Diligence Sub-Committee be

requested to provide a final report to the October meeting of Council on modified proposals developed by the Vice-Chancellor in consultation with Equiset concerning the construction of the three academic buildings, together with any other matters which need to be addressed.

7.7 Melbourne Theatre Company

The report of meeting 6/98 of the Melbourne Theatre Company Board of Management (Document D.5[a]), held on 26 June 1998, was considered in conjunction with this item and received. Council noted, in respect of comments in that report concerning the activities of the Australia Council, that Ms Walter had an interest as a member of the major organisations fund of the Australia Council.

7.8 Senior Executive Structure

Council resolved to establish the positions of Vice-Principal (University Development) and Vice-Principal (Information) identifed in Attachment B to the tabled report from the Human Resources Executive Committee, and to advertise each externally as well as internally.

Because the appointments processes would occur concurrently, and because the two positions were seen as highly cognate elements within a small coherent Senior Executive, it was agreed to establish a single Council Appointments Committee, as follows:

The Chancellor (Chair)
The Vice-Chancellor
The two Deputy Chancellors
The Vice-President (Academic Board)
Dr B Lochtenberg
Ms C Walter

The Vice-Chancellor was requested to prepare advertisements and full position descriptions for approval by the Appointments Committee

8. Administrative Committee (Item A.5[a])

Council received the report of the Administrative Committee meetings 17/98 to 22/98 inclusive.

8.1 1999 Schedule for the Conferring of Degrees

Council adopted the 1999 Schedule for the Conferring of Degrees, as set out in Appendix A to the report.

8.2 Amenities and Services for Students - 1999

Council adopted the recommendations of the Amenities and Services Working Group, as set out in Appendix B to the report.

8.3 SafetyMAP Status Report - August 1998

Council noted that compliance was critical for the University’s self-insurance licence, and that the Vice-Chancellor would make a further report on progress at its October meeting.

Council adopted the following recommendations:

8.4 Annual Parking Permit Fees

that the annual parking permit fee be increased from $350 to $400, effective 1 January 1999;

8.5 Institute of Land and Food Resources Graduation Ceremony

that the graduation ceremony for the Glenormiston campus of the Institute of Land and Food Resources be held on 18 December 1998;

8.6 Council Meeting Dates - 1999

that the December 1999 meeting of Council be held on Monday 6 December 1999;
that the April 1999 meeting of Council be rescheduled to Monday 29 March 1999.

9. Planning and Budget Committee (Item A.6[a] and A.6[b])

9.1 Council received reports of meetings 6/98 and 7/98 of the Planning and Budget Committee, held on 8 July 1998 and 12 August 1998, respectively.

9.2 Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery - Royal Melbourne Hospital

Council resolved that the Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery be established as part of the Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital/Western Hospital, and based at the Royal Melbourne Hospital ;

Council adopted the following recommendations:

9.3 Centre for Human Resource Management and Organisation Studies

that a Centre for Human Resource Management and Organisation Studies within the Faculty of Economics and Commerce be formed;

9.4 Formation of Centres

that Regulation 6.1.R7, Section 21 Formation of Centres be amended, as set out in Appendix B to the report of meeting 7/98;

9.5 Variation of Academic 1999 Year Dates, School of Physiotherapy

Council agreed to the variations to 1999 academic year dates for third and fourth year undergraduates in the School of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, as set out in Appendix C to the report of meeting 7/98.

10. Committee of Convocation (Item A.7)

Council received the report of meeting 4/98 of the Committee of Convocation, held on 15 July 1998.

11. Academic Board (Item B.1)

11.1 Council received the report of meeting 5/98 of the Academic Board, held on 27 August 1998.

11.2 Award of Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science

Council resolved that pursuant to Statute 12.7.2, an honorary degree of Doctor of Science be awarded to the distinguished graduate of the University whose career statement was tabled.

11.3 Professor and Co-ordinator of Australian Indigenous Studies

Council resolved that the post of Professor and Co-ordinator of Australian Indigenous Studies be established, as set out in Appendix A to the report, and advertised as soon as practicable, and that the President of the Academic Board be authorised to consult widely with a view to bringing forward proposed membership of the selection committee.

11.4 Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery - Royal Melbourne Hospital

Council adopted the recommendation that a selection committee be established for the Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery as set out in Appendix B to the report;

11.5 Reconciliation with the Indigenous People of Australia

Council adopted the document, Reconciliation with the Indigenous People of Australia, as set out in Appendix C to the report.

11.6 New Courses

Council adopted the recommendation that the following new courses, as set out in the Appendices to the report, be established:

Master of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (Appendix D)
Master of Forest Industries (Appendix E)
Master of TESOL (Appendix F)
Master of Film and Television (VCA) (Appendix G)
Master of Training and Development (Appendix H)
Master of Health Ethics (Appendix I)
Master of Development Studies (Appendix J)
Graduate Diploma in General Practice Psychiatry (Appendix K)
Graduate Diploma in Health Ethics (Appendix L)
Graduate Diploma in Health Care History (Appendix M)
Graduate Certificate in Health Care History (Appendix N)
Diploma in Information Systems (Appendix O).

11.7 Student Award

Council approved the establishment of a new award, the A G Whitlam Masters Scholarship, as set out in Appendix P to the report.

11.8 Academic Board Resolutions on Selection: Entry to First Year of Bachelor Courses in Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences in 1999

Council approved the Academic Board Resolutions on Selection governing selection into the first year of all bachelor courses in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences in 1999, as set out in Appendix Q to the report.

11.9 Principles of Selection for Entry to Courses - Amendments under Section 5

Council approved the incorporation of clauses (5) and (6) in the Principles of Selection for Entry to Courses under Section 5, as set out in Appendix R to the report.

11.10 Principles of Selection for Entry to Courses - Amendment under Section 7

Council approved the incorporation of clause (5) in the Principles of Selection for Entry to Courses under Section 7, as outlined in Appendix S to the report.

11.11 ENTER For Fee-Based Entry in 1999

Council adopted the minimum ENTER figures for fee-based enrolment in the following new courses in 1999:-

12. Finance Committee (Items B.2[a] and [b])

12.1 Council received reports of meetings 6/98 and 7/98 of the Finance Committee.

Council adopted the following recommendations:

12.2 Central Teaching Facility related to Asia-Pacific Initiatives

that the remaining $3 million (of the $15 million set aside for the Asia Pacific Institute) be made available for the construction of the Central Teaching Facility, which relates to Asia-Pacific initiatives;

12.3 Additional Allocation for the 1999 Melbourne Scholarships Program

that a special one-off allocation of $1.1 million be made to the 1999 Melbourne Scholarships Program, sourced from prior years accumulated income which had now been capitalised in the Melbourne Scholarships account;

12.4 Capital Projects

that $130,610 be allocated from Reserve funds to fund the deficit on two capital projects.

12.5 Delegations to Approve the Allocation of Interest to University Accounts

Council agreed that the Finance Committee Terms of Reference be amended by adding a new paragraph 2.3 under section III Delegations, subsection 2, and renumbering the existing paragraph 2.3, to read:

2.3 The Registrar or the Director of Financial Operations is authorised to approve the allocation of interest to an internal University account, subject to University guidelines.

2.4 Action taken under these delegations must be reported to the Finance Committee at its next meeting.

13 Human Resources Committee (Item B.3)

13.1 Council received the report of meeting 4/98 of the Human Resources Committee, held on 14 August 1998, and a tabled paper providing additional information on appointments referred to in the report.

13.2 Probation: General Staff and Academic Staff

Council approved changes to policies on probation for general and academic staff as follows:

(1) That general rules be added to the academic and general staff probation policies that specify:

the probation period and any goals to be met during probation must be set out in the letter of offer;

a stipulation that a written acceptance of the letter of offer from the individual is required before the person commences work at the University.

(2) That for full-time and part-time general staff the probation period be extended from three months to six months.

(3) That fixed-term general staff be employed subject to the following probation periods:

for contracts of up to 3 months duration - nil;
for contracts of 3 - 12 months duration - 3 months
for contracts of more than 12 months - 6 months.

(4) That fixed-term academic staff be employed subject to the following probation periods:

for contracts of more that 12 months - 6 months;
for contracts of 3 - 12 months duration - 3 months.

14. Committee on Staff Salaries (Item B.6)

Council received the report of meeting 4/98 of the Committee on Staff Salaries, held on 6 August 1998.

15. University Square Development Due Diligence Sub-Committee Report (Item B.7)

This matter was dealt with in conjunction with the Vice-Chancellor’s Report - see Minute 7.6 above.

16. Legislation Committee (Item C)

17. Melbourne Institute of Applied Economics and Social Research (Item D.1[a])

Council received the Annual Report 1997 and Outlook 1998-1999 for the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economics and Social Research.

18. Department of Veterinary Clinic and Hospital (Item D.1[b])

Council received the Financial Report 1997 for the Department of Veterinary Clinic and Hospital.

19. Summary of Reports on Matters dealt with by the Vice-Chancellor (Item D.2[a])

Council received the summary of reports on matters dealt with by the Vice-Chancellor, as set out in Items D.2[a] and [b].

20. Melbourne Theatre Company Board of Management (Item D.3)

Council received the report of meeting 7/98 of the Melbourne Theatre Company Board of Management, held on 17 July 1998. The report of meeting 6/98 was dealt with in conjunction with the Vice-Chancellor’s Report - see Minute 7.7 above.

21. Introduction of New Professors (Item F.2)