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A Meeting of the Committee of Convocation was held in the Council Chambers, Old Quadrangle, University of Melbourne, on Wednesday 20 October 2004 at 5.45pm.
PRESENT
Dr RJ Condron in the Chair,
Mr AW Abbott, Ms AM Ada, Ms LJ Boston, Dr C Close, Ms HM Cohn, Mr RE Cook,
Ms JM Crowe, Mr BFB Dance, Mr DM Dodd, Mr AT Douglas, Ms JH Elton Brown,
Mr MW Gorton, Mr AG Handberg, Dr JK Harcourt, Mr RTA Hardcastle, Mr PR Hirst,
Mr J Humphrey, Mr GLE Israel, Mr JC Jones, Mr FAM Lees, Dr PA Lowe,
Mr RA McGauran, Dr L McKenzie, Mrs AM Neal-Adam, Dr JR Nelson, Mr JF Nicholas,
Ms E Parker, Dr NMcH Ramsey, Dr B-A Rodan, Dr S Sahhar, Dr J Stillman
and Mr GH Thomas.
Professor BML Crommelin, Dean of the Law School, Mr LN Currie, University Secretary, Mr JM Green, Assistant University Secretary and Miss HA Davies, Minute Secretary, were in attendance.
BUSINESS
0. Preliminary Matters
0.0 Welcome to Professor Michael Crommelin
The President welcomed to the meeting Professor Michael Crommelin, Dean of the Law School who was attending the meeting to engage in a dialogue with the Committee concerning ‘Representing Graduates Effectively’.
0.1 Welcome to New Member
There was nothing to report for this item.
0.1 Resignations
There was nothing to report for this item.
1. Apologies and Leave of Absence
Apologies had been received from Ms HM Fitzpatrick, Dr DA McCann, Mr JG Meehan, Miss AS Rusden, Dr L Simpson and Ms MA Weston
Leave of Absence previously had been granted to Mr MJ Anderson and Mr D Parbery for this meeting.
Leave of Absence was granted to Mr J Meehan for the November meeting and to Mr R McGauran and Dr P Lowe for the December meeting.
2. Starring of Additional Items
No additional items were starred.
3. Minutes of Meeting 7/04 (15.9.2004)
The minutes as circulated were adopted.
4. Matters Arising
4.1 Capital Growth in Long Term Pool (Minute 4.3)
The University Secretary advised that, under the University Investment Strategy, returns are formally assessed over a three year period, and it was not three years since management of the funds was outsourced (November 2002). Capital growth in the Long term Pool for 2003 was 3.95% and for the first 8 months of 2004, 4.24%.
4.2 Terms of Gift – Alistair Nicholson Memorial Scholarship (Minute 6.2, Item 9)
The University Secretary advised that consultation with academic staff had not been a requirement of the gift made by the donors, but a suggestion made by the Dean to a representative of the donors. The change had been discussed with that same representative, who had agreed to it.
4.3 Actions Against Past Student Officers (Minute 7.2)
The University Secretary advised that these matters were still to be concluded and there is nothing further he could report at this stage.
4.4 Use of Predicted IB Scores (Minute 7.2)
The University Secretary referred members to the information provided by the President of the Academic Board in the Vice-Chancellor's report to Council (document 7.1)
4.5 Effect of Cluster Profiles on Dental Science and Veterinary Science Intakes (Minute 8.1)
The University Secretary drew attention to report 7 in the PBC report (document 8.1[a]) and in particular to the copy of correspondence at page 27 of that document, which indicates the University's intention of maintaining intakes to veterinary science and dentistry courses at their current levels.
4.6 List of Acronyms (Minute 4.7)
The University Secretary advised the tabled list of acronyms prepared by DEST may be of assistance to members.
4.7 AUAC Conference 2004)
Dr Peter Lowe, the University’s representative at the Australian University Alumni Council’s Conference held recently, spoke to this item. He referred to the CD of the Annual General Meeting which was tabled and advised that Acrobat Reader should be installed to read the disc.
4.8 Urban Design Framework and Design Advice (Minute 8.1 (b))
The President referred to the tabled document, and invited its author to speak to the item.
The paper put forward contained two recommendations to Council for the Committee’s consideration: one regarding preparation of an Urban Design Framework, and the second proposing the creation of a design advisory panel.
With regard to the Urban Design Framework matter, the Committee asked the University Secretary to enquire urgently of the Vice-Principal (Property and Buildings) whether the University’s Land Use Policy Framework currently under development was intended for incorporation in the Melbourne Planning Scheme as an Urban Design Framework (in which case there would be a need for the Committee of Convocation to proceed with the suggested recommendation), or whether it was intended for the University’s internal use (in which case there would not).
With regard to the design advisory panel, following discussion, the Committee agreed that the following recommendation should be put to Council, with accompanying explanatory material.
It is recommended that the University Council consider the establishment of an appropriately flexible and expert group or urban design, landscape, architecture, community consultation, social planning, heritage, planning, transport and movement, services and engineering experts (possibly drawn from Alumni), to provide timely independent review of University processes and proposals and adjacent development that might impact on the University. This group might report to the Vice Chancellor, Property & Buildings Department, or the University Council depending on the recommendations emanating from the discussions of Council and the Vice Chancellor.
The Committee of Convocation would be happy to assist in any way it could.
5. Report 7/04 to October 2004 Council
The Committee received the report for information.
6. Legislation and Standing Resolutions
6.1 Statutes to be amended by Council at its October meeting
The Committee noted that Council made the following Statute as detailed in the report:
| (1) |
Enactment of Statute 9.51 recommended by the Planning and Budget Committee |
To affiliate The Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria (84/04) |
6.2 Regulations to be amended by Council at its October meeting
The Committee noted that Council made, amended and revoked the following Regulations as detailed in the report.
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(1)
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Amendment of Regulation R6.72 recommended by the University Secretary |
To govern the Sidney Myer Geoffrey Cohen Fund (78/04) |
| The University Secretary agreed to bring back advice of what ‘VFMC” was an acronym for, which was contained in Item (b) under Investment Guidelines. |
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(2)
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Amendment of Regulation R6.72 recommended by the University Secretary |
To govern The Edward J. Darbyshire Trust (90/04) |
(3) |
Amendment of Regulation R6.112 recommended by the University Secretary |
To amend the terms of The Eleanor Edna Norris Bequest Fund (58/04) |
| It was reported by a member that neither the Dean nor the General Manager of the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning were aware of the amendment proposed for The Eleanor Edna Norris Bequest Fund and that an administrator had made the change in the regulation. The member advised that the Faculty should review its procedures. The Committee’s alternate representative on Legislation Committee advised that that Committee cannot comment on policy. It was agreed that Mr Peter Hirst obtain additional information and report back to the Committee. |
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(4)
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Amendment of Regulation R6.148 recommended by the University Secretary |
To update the terms of the Percival Serle Bequest (83/04) |
(5) |
Amendment of Regulation R6.170 recommended by the University Secretary |
To update the terms of the Ackman Trust (87/04) |
(6) |
Amendment of Regulation R6.187 recommended by the University Secretary |
To amend the terms of the Tom Zucker Scholarship in Labour Law (77/04) |
(7) |
Making of Regulation R6.227 recommended by the University Secretary |
To govern The T.W. Healy Award (89/04) |
(10) |
Amendment of Regulation R7.17 recommended by the University Secretary |
To update the terms of the Arthur Norman Smith Lectureship in Journalism (82/04) |
(11) |
Amendment of Regulation R7.98 recommended by the University Secretary |
To update the terms of The Macgeorge Bequest (79/04) |
(13) |
Amendment of Regulation 10.1.R1 recommended the University Secretary |
To update the date fees take effect (86/04) |
(15) |
Revocation of Regulation 17.1.R6 recommended by the Finance Committee |
To revoke the regulation governing purchasing procedures and delegations in relation to financial matters (80/04) |
(16) |
Making of Regulation 17.1.R6 recommended by the Finance Committee |
To make a regulation governing purchasing procedures and delegations in relation to financial matters (81/04) |
6.3 Standing Resolutions
None
6.4 Statutes to be considered by Council at its November meeting
| (1) |
Amendment of Statute 11.2 recommended by the University Secretary |
To clarify any inconsistency in numbering as a result of the new Student Discipline Statute (88/04) |
| (2) |
Enactment of Statute recommended by the Vice-Chancellor |
To affiliate and recognise The Australia and New Zealand School of Government Limited (39/04) |
6.5 Regulations to be considered by Council at its November meeting
The Committee noted the tabled regulations which may be considered by Council at its next meeting.
(1) |
Amendment of Regulation R6.52 recommended by the University Secretary |
To amend the subject of three of the Dwight Prizes (99/04) |
(2) |
Amendment of Regulation R6.72 recommended by the University Secretary |
To govern The Caluna Prize (94/04) |
(3) |
Amendment of Regulation R6.72 recommended by the University Secretary |
To update The Alice Brokenshire Taylor Scholarship (95/04) |
(4) |
Amendment of Regulation R.6.72 recommended by the University Secretary |
To update The Ian Charles Taylor Scholarship (96/04) |
(5) |
Amendment of Regulation R6.72 recommended by the University Secretary |
To update The Charles Anthony Taylor Scholarship (97/04) |
(6) |
Amendment of Regulation R6.72 recommended by the University Secretary |
To gpverm The Peter Hone Scholarships Fund (98/04) |
(7) |
Amendment of Regulation R6.72 recommended by the University Secretary |
To govern The Katharine Woodruff Memorial Prize in Palliative Medicine (100/04) |
(8) |
Amendment of Regulation R7.17 recommended by the University Secretary |
To update the terms of the Arthur Norman Smith Lectureship in Journalism (82/04) |
(9) |
Amendment of Regulation 12.1.R1 recommended by the University Secretary |
To update the delegation of appointment of examiner in relation to PhDs (85/04) |
7. Report of Council Meeting 9/04 (4/10/04)
7.1 Vice-Chancellor's Report
7.2 Oral report on Council Meeting
The President gave an oral report on the October Council meeting.
(a) Press Release re Institute of Land and Food Resources
The President referred to the tabled Press Release regarding the Institute of Land and Food Resources and opened discussion. The following resolutions were carried:
The Committee of Convocation welcomes the University's commitment to consultation about the future of full-time VET programs however there is concern that the consultation has focused on the delivery arrangements for current programs and on alternative uses or co-locations at the University's facilities. The issue of future delivery of LFR courses in agriculture has been damaging for the University's image and reputation as an education provider particularly in regional Victoria.
The Committee of Convocation recommends to Council that the consultation with graduates, industry and government to determine the options for the future direction of LFR courses, be broadened to include a review of the LFR course offerings, course content and marketing strategies, in order to better understand and to improve the limited demand for the LFR courses offered at regional campuses, described by Professor Richardson.
8. Reports of Faculty Meetings and Committee Meetings
8.1 Planning and Budget Committee
- Meeting 8/04 8 September 2004
The Committee received the Report for information.
8.2 Finance Committee
- Meeting 7/04 29 September 2004
The Committee received the Report for information.
8.3 Theatre Board
The Committee received the Report for information.
8.4 Building and Estates Committee
- Meeting 7/04 19 August 2004
The Committee received the Report for information.
8.5 Student Support Committee
- Meeting 7/04 29 September 2004
The Committee received the tabled Report for information.
9. Dean of the Faculty of Law – Representing Graduates Effectively
Professor Michael Crommelin, Dean of the Law Faculty, reported on the many initiatives instigated by the Law School to engage with students and foster closer ties with graduates.
10. Guest Speaker
The guest speaker at dinner was Professor Pip Pattison, Head of the Department of Psychology. Professor Pattison’s talk was entitled “Reflections on being a Head of Department: Structures, Networks, Identities, Headship”.
11. President's Report
11.1 Annual Dinner – 19 November, 2004
The President reminded members that this year’s Annual Dinner would be held at the Lyceum Club on Friday, 19 November 2004. Cost was $80 per person. Dr Condron requested those members wishing to attend and who had not responded to his invitation, RSVP to the Minute Secretary Ms Davies by 10 November.
11.2 MTC Theatre Night – 2 December, 2004
Dr Condron reminded members of the additional function scheduled for Thursday, 2 December 2004 - a Melbourne Theatre Company performance of The Sapphires. The President advised that tickets for the show were complimentary. However, the cost for light refreshments was $42 a head. He reported that there were still quite a number of seats available. Members were requested to RSVP to the Minute Secretary Ms Davies by 24 November. In addition, some past members of the Committee would be sent invitations to this event.
12. Any Other Business
12.1 Faculty of Arts - Operational Plan 2005
The Committee received the Faculty of Arts Operational Plan 2005 for information.
12.2 Committee of Convocation Revised Email Address List
The Committee received the revised email list for information.
12.3 Weekly Times Newspaper Article, Campus Cull
The Committee received the tabled newspaper article for information.
12.4 Committee of Convocation’s representative on Faculty of Arts
Ms AM Neal-Adam verbally resigned as the Committee’s representative on the Faculty of Arts. It was agreed that Ms H Fitzpatrick be approached to fill this vacancy until the end of the year.
(Subsequent to the meeting, Mr GLE Israel expressed an interest in filling this role, which was supported by other members. It was agreed that Mr Israel be appointed the Committee’s representative on the Faculty of Arts.)
Ms Neal-Adam was commended for her services in filling this role for so many years.
12.5 University Planning Processes
A member requested that the University Secretary-
- Obtain confirmation that the University Master Plan currently available on the web was up-to-date;
- Report on any recent instructions from Council to its Buildings and Estates Committee to investigate departures from the Master Plan; and
- Obtain details of other options for an Information Resource Centre considered by the Buildings and Estates Committee, and reasons for their rejection.
13. Receipt of Unstarred Items
The unstarred items were received.
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