The Melbourne and Monash Protocol
A proposal for collaborative endeavours
The University of Melbourne and Monash University have each established a strong record of excellence in teaching, research and community development. Both institutions are recognised nationally and internationally as playing key leadership roles within the Australian higher education sector.
Given the emerging trends in higher education, both in Australia and overseas, the Councils of the University of Melbourne and Monash University support strongly this Protocol to promote activities of joint endeavour.
Rationale
In 1997 both Melbourne and Monash have undertaken comprehensive reviews of their missions and strategic plans. The process has highlighted several key factors of the higher education environment. Of particular significance are:
- the internationalisation of higher education, which will make the ultimate test of an institution's quality and competitiveness dependent upon its international positioning and ability to measure performance against the very best in the world;
- the global reconsideration of the public-private funding mix;
- increased diversity within the higher education system which, without collaboration from kindred research-based institutions, may place at risk the future of world class higher education in Australia;
- new teaching and learning technologies which, by transforming the way in which knowledge is accessed and disseminated, expose campus-based universities to major challenges and opportunities;
- greater knowledge within government and business of the key infrastructure role higher education plays for both the State of Victoria and Australia.
Purpose
Given these trends, the objectives for the Melbourne and Monash Protocol are ‹
- to recognise formally the teaching and research strengths of both institutions, the complementarity of their missions and values and the mutual respect that each has for the other;
- through the advancement of both institutions, to enhance the standing of the City of Melbourne as an international higher education capital;
- to express the intention of building on the range of existing joint activities for the mutual benefit of both institutions;
- to strengthen the profile and standing of Melbourne and Monash locally, nationally and internationally;
- to enhance teaching and learning opportunities for students;
- to enable both universities, through collaborative arrangements, to improve the cost effectiveness and efficiency of their operations.
Joint endeavours
Without limiting the scope for future collaboration, Melbourne and Monash agree that areas for immediate joint endeavour will include:
- curriculum and courseware development;
- more flexible pathways, course options and approaches to learning for students;
- development of information technology strategies, particularly in relation to infrastructure, acquisitions, standards and teaching applications;
- cross institutional planning, project management and quality assurance in relation to academic, research and support programs;
- joint appointments in specific high-cost, new or high profile areas or where each institution has less than a full time need;
- promotional activities which advance the interests of both Melbourne and Monash, or strengthen the City of Melbourne's reputation as an international centre of learning and research;
- initiatives to enhance library and information services;
- staff development and student support programs which secure high quality outcomes;
- joint activities leading to more efficient and cost-effective operations.
Implementation arrangements
To ensure a strategic focus for future endeavours, a small Melbourne and Monash Collaboration Group, comprising the Vice-Chancellors, Presidents of the Academic Board and other senior executives of both institutions will be convened to establish priorities for institutional co-operation, co-ordinate joint endeavours and monitor outcomes.
Through its Vice-Chancellor, the Council of each institution will receive periodic reports on the results achieved through implementation of this Protocol.