A meeting of the Committee of Convocation was held
in the Council Chamber, Old Law Quadrangle, University of Melbourne, on
Wednesday 17 July, 2002 at 5.45pm.
Present
Dr RJ Condron in the Chair,
Mr MJ Anderson, Ms LJ Boston, Dr D Brownbill, Dr C Close, Mr RE Cook,
Mr DM Dodd, Mr AT Douglas, Dr SC Ducker, Mr AG Handberg, Dr JK Harcourt,
Mr RTA Hardcastle, Mr J Humphrey, Dr AA Jones, Mr JC Jones, Mr FAM Lees,
Dr PA Lowe, Dr L McKenzie, Mr JG Meehan, Mrs AM Neal-Adam, Mr JF Nicholas,
Ms E Parker, Dr IR Price, Mr J Puls, Dr NMcH Ramsey, Dr JT Robinson,
Mrs MC Robinson, Dr B-A Rodan, Ms AS Rusden, Dr S Sahhar, Dr J Stillman,
Mr GH Thomas, Ms C Willis.
Mr LN Currie, University Secretary, Ms S Wall, Alumni
Relations Manager, and Ms H Davies, Minute Secretary, were in attendance.
BUSINESS
0. Preliminary Matters
0.1 Report from Returning Officer
The University Secretary referred to his circulated
report which declared the results of the call for nominations to fill
casual vacancies. He reported that Ms Eileen Parker had been successfully
nominated to represent graduates in Arts and Social Work with a term
expiring in 2003. In addition, he reported that the vacancy for a
representative in Education and Music with a term expiring in 2005
remained, and accordingly he declared the August meeting a Special
Meeting for the purpose of filling this casual vacancy.
0.2 Welcome to Ms Eileen Parker
The President welcomed welcome the new member,
Ms Eileen Parker, to the meeting and invited Ms Marguarita Neal-Adam,
also a representative of graduates of Arts and Social Work, to introduce
her to the Committee. Ms Neal-Adam then gave a brief overview of Ms
Parker's career.
1. Apologies and Leave of Absence
Apologies had been received from Ms Clare Connan,
Mr Geoff Dawson and Ms Jane Elton Brown.
Leave of Absence previously had been granted to
Mr BFB Dance, Mr P Hirst and Ms M Weston for this meeting, Mr G Bartle
for this and August meetings, Dr I Price, Dr N Ramsey and Ms A Rusden
for the August meeting and Ms J Crowe for the September meeting.
There were no further requests for Leave of Absence.
2 Starring of Additional Items
Item 8.1 was starred for discussion.
3. Minutes of Meeting 3/02 (19.6.2002)
The minutes of meeting 3/02 held on 19 June, 2002
were approved, subject to the inclusion of Mr J Puls' name as an apology
for the June meeting.
4. Matters Arising
4.1 'Representing Graduates Effectively' (Minute
4.1)
The Deputy President opened discussion
on this item. He explained that the exercise investigating 'Representing
Graduates Effectively' arose out of a presentation and paper given by
the Vice-Principal (University Development), Mr Roger Peacock, which
questioned the relevance of the function Committee of Convocation as
it presently is, and suggested that decisive steps be taken to redress
this situation. Mr Handberg suggested that this Committee should drive
the rectification of this problem.
At present graduates do not have a representative
on Council. In order to obtain true representation of graduates, there
must exist a relationship with them which is difficult to achieve
owing to the logistics involved in maintaining contact with Convocation
as well as the cost of such communication.
The Deputy President said that the Committee's
approach was based on the assumption that it should establish its
links with undergraduates before they become graduates when they are
easily accessible. Firstly, it needed to ascertain what Faculties,
or Departments within Faculties, were doing to foster relations with
undergraduates, and each member of Convocation was to submit ideas
in order to enhance the profile of Convocation to graduates.
It was agreed that during the next meeting an
hour be allocated to addressing these issues. If this proved to be
unsatisfactory, a special session could be scheduled to present and
review any additional material. At that point, a decision could be
taken regarding future directions.
During discussion of the merits of this exercise,
Mr Handberg reported that in his preliminary meetings with University
personnel, he had not encountered any negative reaction and felt that
he had enlisted the support of the President of the Academic Board
who was willing to come to a meeting to discuss this exercise further.
It was resolved that at the next meeting of the
Committee, each Faculty representative would give a short address.
Other members of the Committee were invited to contact the Deputy
President if they wished to discuss this matter further.
The Committee received reports from the representatives
of the Faculties of Engineering and Law, the School of Dental Science,
the Student Support Committee as well as a paper presenting an overview
of the project.
4.2 Review of Standing Orders of the Committee
of Convocation (Minute 4.2)
John Nicholas reported that the Sub-Committee
had met and agreed on:
- a new format for the Standing Orders that will
incorporate relevant parts of the Act within each section; and
- what needs to be added to the Standing Orders
to improve consistency between the Act and the Standing Orders,
what needs to be modified and what is no longer necessary.
It was reported that a complete re-draft of most
Standing Orders was currently being prepared and should be presented
at the next meeting. However, the Sub-Committee will deliberate further
on Standing Orders covering how elections should be carried out at
meetings of the Committee and will report back to the Committee for
a decision later in the year.
4.3 Governance of the University (Minute 4.3)
Advice was received that the Working Group researching
this matter had not met so there was nothing further to report to
the Committee.
4.4 Melbourne University Publishing (Minute 6.2)
The University Secretary advised that the Committee
of Convocation's view of the revised title of this organization was
reported to Council and that when Council dealt with this matter at
its July meeting, the Committee's recommendation was considered together
with that of Finance Committee. Council decided to adhere to the original
proposal and approved the change of name of the company to 'Melbourne
University Publishing' although 'Melbourne University Press' would
be retained as an imprint. It was felt that the word 'Press' had connotations
of outdated technology but the new company would be publishing using
both traditional and innovative technology.
4.5 Reforming Australian Higher Education
Submission to the Higher Education Review, June 2002 (Minute 7.1)
The Deputy President advised that Council had
made modifications to the Report and the document that was circulated
was the revised document adopted by Council. It was resolved that
the Committee of Convocation commends the report and supports the
substance of the submission.
4.6 VITAL PROGRAM (Minute 11.1)
The President invited Ms Lesley Boston to give
a report on the computer-training session she attended earlier in
July conducted by the VITAL Program, an initiative of the Student
Ambassador Leadership Program. Ms Boston reported that the Program
provided was quite outstanding. There were very many people, each
with different computer skills and interests, who had attended sessions
and the students were exemplary in their ability to meet the requirements
of each individual.
It was resolved that a letter be sent to the
Co-ordinator of the VITAL Program on behalf of the Committee commending
the Program and congratulating the participating students who were
a credit to the Program and to themselves.
5. Report of Meeting 3/02 to Council
The Committee received the report of meeting 3/02
held on 19 June, 2002 that was presented to July Council.
6. Legislation and Standing Resolutions of Council
6.1 Statutes made by Council at its July meeting
It was noted that Council made the following Statutes
as detailed in the report:
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(1)
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Revocation and re-making of statute 14.1
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To replace the existing Statute dealing
with Intellectual Property (66/02)
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6.2 Regulations made by Council at its July meeting
It was noted that Council made the following Regulations
as detailed in the report:
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(1)
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Amendment of Regulation 5.1.R3 |
To amend the regulation governing
the Institute of Land and Food Resources (57/02)
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(2)
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Making of Regulation R7.220
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To govern The Albert Shimmins Fund
(58/02)
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(3)
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Making of Regulation R7.221
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To govern the Frederick John
Riley Bequest (59/02)
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(4)
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Amendment of Regulation 17.1.R8
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To amend the code of conduct for research
(61/02)
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(5)
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Amendment of Regulation 7.1.R2 |
To add a Chair to Schedule A of the regulation
governing academic and general staff ranks and titles (17/02)
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(6)
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Amendment of Regulation 7.1.R2 |
To add a Chair to Schedule A
of the regulation governing academic and general staff ranks and
titles (63/02)
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(7)
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Replacement of Regulation 8.1.R2 |
To revoke the regulation governing
Melbourne University Press and replace it with a regulation establishing
Melbourne University Publishing (64/02)
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(8)
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Making of Regulation 8.1.R13 |
To establish the Melbourne University
Bookshop (65/02)
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(9)
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Amendment of Regulation R6.72 |
To amend the value of the Proxime Accessit
Prize in Surgery (50/02)
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(10)
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Amendment of Regulation 8.1.R3 |
To amend the provisions relating to the
appointment of Board Members in the Regulation governing the Melbourne
Theatre Company (67/02)
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6.3 Standing Resolutions made by Council
The University Secretary reported that there had
not been any Standing Resolutions made by Council at its July meeting.
However, a copy of the University's revised Privacy Policy had been
circulated as it was Mr Currie's intention to construct this document
in due course into a Standing Resolution. The University's previous
privacy policy had been in line with the Commonwealth's Act, but now
that the Government of Victoria had drawn up its own legislation,
the University had to revisit its policy to ensure it was in line
with both the Commonwealth and State Acts.
6.4 Statutes proposed for consideration by Council
at its next meeting
There was no legislation for consideration by
Council at its next meeting.
6.5 Regulations proposed for consideration by
Council at its next meeting
There were no regulations for consideration by
Council at its next meeting.
7. Report of Council Meeting 4/02 (1/7/02)
7.1 Vice-Chancellor's Report
7.2 Oral report on July Council Meeting
The Deputy President of Convocation had attended
the July Council meeting vice the President of Convocation, Dr Robin
Condron, who was overseas and unable to attend. Mr Handberg reported
that the Chancellor has come back from her overseas trip, the single
purpose of which was to develop closer relationships with graduates
overseas. He drew attention to the Vice-Chancellor's Report that advised
Professor Gilbert will be on leave from July to October and that in
his absence Professor Sally Walker would be Acting Vice-Chancellor.
Mr Handberg referred to the University's efforts
to maintain adequate insurance cover in the current difficult climate
for professional indemnity, especially in medically related areas.
He reported that the results of the Quality of Research and Academic
Support for Research survey undertaken in 2001 were generally positive
although there were some shortcomings, such as a lack of facilities
and resources.
The Deputy President reported that course fees
for Postgraduate students and postgraduate research work will be increased
by 6 - 7 % and that this could impact on the demand for some courses.
It was pointed out that the University had taken a decision that undergraduate
students should not be subsidizing postgraduate study.
Dr Lowe drew attention to the Review of University
Governance and the AUAC submission to that enquiry that he had made.
During the ensuing discussion of this Review, it was agreed that this
matter be brought forward at a future meeting in order to discuss
this matter more fully.
8. Reports of Faculty Meetings and Committee Meetings
8.1 Planning and Budget Committee
Ms Rodan enquired why the Faculty of Law was seeking
permission for four additional chairs in Law without designated specialties,
whilst some current named chairs are not filled as, it is assumed,
they are no longer required. The University Secretary advised that
in not stipulating particular fields of law for the new chairs, it
leaves the positions open to attract a wider field of applicants.
In addition, he reported that the Faculty of Law wants to ensure continuation
of adequate leadership in various disciplines in the Faculty and that
is why it wants to appoint more professorial staff. The Faculty intends
to re-visit and re-asses the vacant Law chairs in due course, but
does not wish to hold up the filling of new professorial appointments
until it does so.
The Committee received the report for information.
8.2 Finance Committee
The Committee received the report for information.
8.3 Libraries Committee
There was discussion concerning the re-development
of the underground carpark for use by the library, which is in line
with the long-term goal of a car-free campus. Dr McKenzie advised
that the University must apply for a permit both to modify the underground
car-park, which is listed in the Heritage Victoria register, or to
establish a new car-park: due notice of which must be published in
relation to both planning issues. This would make it possible to enter
submissions after the required formal notification concerning any
intended development.
8.4 Theatre Board
The Committee received the report for information.
8.5 Building and Estate Matters Board
The Committee received the report for information.
9. Alumni Relations Manager's Report
Ms Sarah Wall commenced her report by congratulating
Mr Allan Handberg on his endeavours in 'Representing Graduates Effectively'.
She announced that as a consequence of Ms Gerlinde Scholz taking leave,
Ms Catherine Spencer had been appointed Acting Director of Development
for the duration of her absence. Ms Hall reported on the proposed installation
in August of an Advance database in the Development Office, which should
fulfil a strategic role in managing the Alumni Relations Program.
The Alumni Relations Manager reported that the University
Fund to date has received about $140,000 from 50 donors. The Melbourne
University Magazine is to be published soon and will be distributed
in August. With regard to the AUIAC Conference, Ms Wall invited those
interested to contact her for more details.
Ms Wall reported that the Chancellor had travelled
to the United States and United Kingdom and hosted special functions
to meet with alumni in those countries. A regional tour to be undertaken
by the Chancellor was planned for the future. In answer to a question
by Dr Peter Lowe as to whether there will be an opportunity for University
of Melbourne graduates here to attend such a function hosted by the
Chancellor, Ms Wall responded that several such functions are currently
being organised.
10. President's Report
The President reminded members that the main topic
for the August meeting of the Committee will be 'Representing Graduates
Effectively'.
11. Guest Speakers
There were no guest speakers.
12. Any Other Business
12.1 Conferring of Degrees Ceremonies - Schedule
of Guest Speakers
The Committee received for information the Schedule
of Guest Speakers for future Conferring of Degrees Ceremonies.
12.2 Vale: Professor Emeritus Charles Moorhouse
It was reported that Professor Emeritus Charles
Moorhouse had died recently. Professor Moorhouse was a University
of Melbourne graduate of Mechanical Engineering (1933) and Electrical
Engineering (1934). Professor Moorhouse was one of a triumvirate of
Foundation Professors of Engineering appointed in 1947 - the others
being Louis Matheson (Civil) and Robert Blackwood (Mechanical). Prior
to this time there was only one Professor of Engineering.
Professor Moorhouse was appointed to the Chair
of Electrical Engineering, a post he held with distinction from 1947
to 1976 during a period of great change with the introduction of electronics
and computer engineering as well as the more conventional subjects.
He also introduced later-year students in the Faculty to Literature,
Art and Music Studies.
Professor Moorhouse was also responsible for saving
the original Professor's House now incorporated into a larger University
House to serve as a Staff Club which he founded in 1953 and for which
the many who enjoy these facilities are grateful.
It was resolved that the Committee of Convocation
note the recent death of Professor Emeritus Charles Moorhouse, an
active member of Convocation until recently.
13. Receipt of Unstarred Items
The Committee received all unstarred items.
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