Annual Report of the Committee of Convocation - 2007
It is my pleasure to present the Annual Report of the Committee of Convocation for 2007 – the 140th anniversary of the establishment of Convocation.
To mark the anniversary we presented to the University a replica of the original Foundation Stone (in fact a brass plate) as, despite their best efforts, the Foundation Stone Working Party was unable to locate the original which remains lost somewhere in the stones of the cloisters near the Council Chambers. The ceremony in the Cloisters was attended by the Governor of Victoria, Professor David de Kretzer AC, the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor, members of the Committee and other dignitaries. I presented the replica to the Vice-Chancellor on behalf of Convocation, and those present then adjourned to the Council Chambers for afternoon tea. The Committee is indebted to the Working Party convened by Mr David Dodd comprising Dr Cecily Close, Dr John Harcourt OAM and Dr Roslyn Otzen, and assisted by Mr George Tibbits and Associate Professor Chris Mackie, for their research, production of the replica and the accompanying brochure.
The 140th anniversary was also marked by the presentation of University silver medals to two past members of the Committee of Convocation – former Presidents Dr Robin Condron and Dr Tim Latham – and to two retiring members of the current Committee – Mr Allan Handberg and Mr John Nicholas for their exceptional contribution to the University. We were delighted to welcome the Chancellor to the December meeting to present the medals and to the dinner afterwards where he presented retiring members of long standing with certificates of appreciation for their many years of contribution to the Committee and to the University.
As a result of amendments to the Melbourne University Act 1958 (Vic) to include a “twelve-year rule” for length of service on Council and on the Committee of Convocation, a large number of longstanding members were required to retire at the end of 2007, leaving a deficit of knowledge and experience for the Committee.
During 2007, the knowledge and work of the Committee has been enhanced by senior members of the University who have addressed our meetings and answered questions on various subjects, while after-dinner speakers have given us most interesting insights into facets of their work and that of the University. Visits to the Baillieu Library and the Eastern Hub (student service centre) have been of great interest.
Throughout the year, we have worked to our Strategic Plan to fulfil our mission of representing the graduates of the University to the Council and on relevant decision making bodies of the University. Details of our activities are provided in the section on the Strategic Plan that follows. It has been particularly pleasing to note increasing interaction with graduates in relation to their concerns about aspects of the Library and other resources; the development of a University policy on carbon neutrality; and the arrangements for Bio21. After representations to and confirmation from University staff we have been able to provide informed responses to our constituency. Indeed, as a result of concerns about the availability of Library resources we have formed a Library sub-committee to monitor and to report on developments throughout 2008.
Our sub-committee structure has served us well throughout the year bringing relevant matters to our attention and we intend to continue with such a structure – establishing and disbanding relevant sub-committees as issues and circumstances warrant.
We welcomed the Chancellor’s invitation to the President to join the Council Planning Conference in February as this provides us with further understanding and insight into University governance and concerns and we welcome and appreciate the readiness of senior University staff to interact with us at faculty and other committee meetings.
In 2008 we will undertake a review of the implementation of our Strategic Plan in order to better fulfil our mission, and we intend to conduct an annual review of our Committee performance, based on the model used by Council. We look forward to welcoming new members to our Committee in 2008, inducting them well, drawing on their experience and benefiting from their input into the work of the Committee.
At the end of a productive year I wish to thank all members of the Committee for their contribution and support, particularly members of sub-committees and their Convenors: Mr Alan Abbott (Induction) , Mr David Dodd (Foundation Stone), Mr Gary Israel (Library), Dr Peter Lowe (Strategic Plan Implementation) and Mr Barry Dance (Length of Service). I also wish to thank the former University Secretary Mr Len Currie and the new University Secretary and Secretary to Convocation Ms Janet White, as well as Deputy University Secretary Mr John Green and the minute secretary of the Committee Ms Emma Koch for their help and support throughout the year. To Mr Len Currie who retired in August after many years of service and support to Convocation and the Committee, and to members who retired in 2007, very best wishes and I hope that you will maintain contact with us and the University
Lesley Boston
President of Convocation
Part One - Strategic Plan
Part Two - A Profile of the Committee
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
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