Chapter 2 - Resolutions on Council

2.1 Non-attendance of Members

That members unable to attend meetings of the Council be requested to send information to that effect to the University Secretary by letter or otherwise before or at the time fixed for the meeting.

2.2 Interpretation of Statutes

That the Council is of opinion that it is undesirable for it to interpret the Statutes generally, apart from cases which may arise.

If serious doubts arise as to the construction generally of a Statute, the most convenient course in the opinion of the Council is to remove them, if possible, by an amendment of the Statute.

2.3 Amplification of Recitals in Statutes and Regulations of Council

Where a new Statute or Regulation of Council commemorates the name of a person, a few lines in description of the person commemorated should be added.

2.4 Inspection of Proceedings

That the proceedings of the Council are open to the inspection of all members of the Council.

2.5 Confidential Motions

That if, pursuant to Section 4 of Statute 2.2, any member of Council gives to the University Secretary notice of a motion to initiate a subject for discussion by the Council and in the opinion of the Chancellor or Vice-Chancellor the inclusion of such notice in full in the ordinary order paper would be prejudicial to the interests of the University, the University Secretary is to include in the ordinary order paper only an intimation that the member concerned will make a motion pursuant to notice, and then circulate the full text of the motion under confidential cover to members of the Council only.

2.6 Reports of Speeches in Minutes

That no speech should be recorded in the minutes except by direction of the Council, but that reports of addresses on ceremonial occasions might be bound in the minute book, though not as part of the minutes, and copies circulated to members with the minutes.

2.7 Availability of Council Papers

That all Council papers except those marked "confidential" should after they have been dealt with by Council be available in the Baillieu Library, the Student Union office and University House for inspection by Members of the University except that the University Secretary should have power to withhold from such circulation a Council paper not marked "confidential" subject to his action being confirmed by Council at its next meeting.

2.8 Procedure for Discussion of Policy Matters by Members of Council with their Constituents

The procedure to be adopted for the discussion of policy items is that Student and Staff members of Council should be free to consult their constituents about policy matters listed for discussion at Council Meetings. It is desirable that, except for urgent items, at least one month's notice of these items should be given and where possible Council should delay debate and decision after receiving a policy proposal until time had been allowed for such consultation. Where Committees are considering new proposals, while such a member is fully entitled to obtain advice on the matters to be discussed, the member should avoid disclosing the proposals being considered by the Committee until it is agreed that it is proper to do so.

2.9 Members of Council are not Delegates

Whilst members of Council are elected as representatives for particular bodies they do not serve on Council as delegates of those bodies.

2.10 Requests for Information

Members of Council desiring information on University matters should direct their request to the Vice-Chancellor or to the University Secretary. Members of Council may make direct contact with the University Secretary to request information from policy files and committee papers related to matters before Council and central University Committees. The nature of inquiries requested by individual members of Council or committees will be treated as confidential to the inquirer.