Minutes - Meeting 8/06
A meeting of the Committee of Convocation was held in the Jim Potter Room Conference Room, Old Physics Building, University of Melbourne, on Wednesday 18 October 2006 at 5.30 pm.
PRESENT:
Ms L Boston (Chair), Mr AW Abbott , Ms AM Ada , Mr E Bellchambers, Dr CE Close, Mr BFB Dance,
Ms J Digby, Mr DM Dodd, Dr B Fary, Ms H Fitzpatrick, Dr A Gibbs, Mr AG Handberg, Dr JK Harcourt,
Mr PR Hirst, Mr GLE Israel, Mr FAM Lees , Dr P Lowe, Mr RA McGauran, Dr R McMillan, Mr J Meehan,
Mrs AM Neal-Adam, Dr JR Nelson, Mr JF Nicholas, Dr R Otzen, Dr DG Parbery, Ms E Parker, Dr N McH Ramsey, Dr B-A Rodan, Mr L Rowe, Ms A Rusden, Dr S Sahhar, Dr L Simpson, Mr BN Southern, Dr J Stillman,
Ms MA Weston and Mr NJ Whiting.
IN ATTENDANCE:
Mr L Currie, the University Secretary and Dr GM Duke, Minute Secretary.
BUSINESS
0. Preliminary Matters
The Chair welcomed back the University Secretary, who had been on long-service leave, and also thanked the outgoing Minute Secretary for his work servicing the Committee over the previous 12 months.
1. Apologies and Leave of Absence
Apologies were received from Ms H Cohn, Mr R Cook, Mr M Corrigan, Ms JM Crowe, Mr AT Douglas, Ms JH Elton-Brown and Mr MW Gorton.
Leave of Absence for the meeting had previously been granted to:
- Mr J Humphrey, Mr L Rowe and Mr G Thomas.
2. Starring of Additional Items
Item 11.6 was starred.
3. Receipt of Unstarred Items
Unstarred items were received.
4. Minutes of Meeting 7/06 (20.9.2006)
The Minutes were adopted as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
5. Action Sheet
Committee members received and noted the action sheet. The Chair noted that all items on the short term action sheet would be dealt with under Matters Arising.
6. Matters Arising
6.1 Regulation 5.1.R1
At the previous meeting, Committee members requested advice from the Legislation and Trusts Committee as to why the new Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) section of Regulation 5.1.R1, pertaining to the faculty membership, does not include a clause allowing for “any other persons appointed by Council under the provisions of Statute 5.1”. Although the Committee of Convocation will still be entitled to recommend to Council that Council appoint a representative to the VCA board under section 5.1.4(1) of Statute 5.1, Committee members asked for advice from the Legislation and Trusts Committee as to why this is not made explicit in the new VCA section of Regulation 5.1.R1 as it is in the other faculty sections.
The University Secretary reported that in response to the Committee’s request the Chair of Legislation and Trusts Committee, Ms Melanie Sloss, advised t hat the amendments to the regulation were drafted by the University in consultation with the Academic Registrar of the VCA and are intended to closely reflect the Heads of Agreement made between the University and the VCA.
Ms Sloss also advised that the Heads of Agreement acknowledge that the broad principles set out therein would be governed by the legislation, statutes, regulations, policies and procedures of the University as amended to integrate the VCA with the University. As noted in the report from the Committee of Convocation, University Council, on the recommendation of the Committee, may appoint a representative of the graduates of the faculty to the VCA board under section 5.1.4(1) of Statute 5.1. However, that would clearly be a matter for University Council to consider against the background of the principles set out in the Heads of Agreement.
A motion was put forward that the Committee should recommend in its Report to Council that the capacity of the Committee to recommend to Council that it appoint a Convocation representative to the VCA Board be made explicit in Regulation 5.1.R1 through the creation of a new clause allowing for “any other persons appointed by Council under the provisions of Statute 5.1”. The motion was seconded and carried by Committee members.
6.2 Melbourne Model Update
At the September meeting the Acting Chair suggested that the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Peter McPhee, could provide the Committee with another update on the implementation of the Melbourne Model at either the November or December meeting.
The University Secretary reported that Professor McPhee has agreed to speak to the 20 December meeting.
6.3 Acronyms in PBC Reports
At the previous meeting, in response to an expression of concern from a member, the Acting University Secretary agreed to raise the issue of the use of acronyms when it is unclear what the acronym denotes with the administrative department responsible for compiling the Operational Performance Review 2006 (included as Appendix A in the Report to Council of Planning and Budget Committee meeting 6/06). It was subsequently advised that the report was produced by the University Planning Office (UPO).
The University Secretary reported that the Assistant University Secretary had referred the matter to the UPO. The UPO noted the concern for future reports. Committee members agreed that the unacceptable use of acronyms was a widespread problem and that the University Secretary should circulate a memorandum to all relevant parties within the University stipulating guidelines for the use of acronyms.
6.4 Consortium of Universities for Professional Health Education (CUPHE)/New Agenda in Health Sciences
At the previous meeting Dr Lowe and Dr Simpson spoke to the Committee on the University’s decision to join the Consortium of Universities for Professional Health Education (CUPHE). CUPHE aims to work with health authorities to develop policy options to address specialist medical workforce shortages. Such options include a shortening of medical education training periods.
Dr Simpson reported to members that he had recently attended a Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences two day planning meeting and that it was indicated that it is unlikely that the CUPHE proposal will eventuate in the short term.
7. Report to Council
7.1 Report 7/06 – 20 September 2006 to be submitted to October Council
The Committee received the report for information.
8. Legislation, Regulations and Standing Resolutions
Committee members received the Legislation and Trusts Committee’s Report to Council (9 October).
8.1 Recommendations Concerning Discrimination and Other Conditions in Terms of Awards
Attention was drawn to the statement that some University awards might be limited to Australian citizens and permanent residents (Section 8(b)) of Section B of the paper on Discrimination and Other Conditions in Terms of Awards contained within Appendix B of the Legislation and Trusts Committee Report to Council).
The University Secretary pointed out that the University Council is yet to adopt the recommendations contained within the Legislation and Trusts Committee report. The recommendations reflect the desire of the Legislation and Trusts Committee to ensure that advice is given to donors in advance of the making of donations and bequests.
8.2 Regulation 6.235 – The Paterson Scholarships
A query was raised as to whether it was appropriate to use “academic merit” as a selection criterion for the Paterson Scholarships.
9. Issues of Concern to Members
9.1 VCA Integration – Masterplan
Committee members discussed the need for a Masterplan to guide building and grounds decisions and provide a framework for the ownership of shared facilities following the incorporation of the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) into the University as a faculty in 2007. In response to a query regarding the location of the VCA Secondary School on Kings Way, the University Secretary agreed to bring back advice to the next meeting on the extent of the University’s involvement in the operation of the secondary school.
9.2 Foundation Stone
Committee members agreed with a proposal that Mr D Dodd conduct research to determine the cost of ordering a replica foundation stone, with Latin inscription, for placement in the Council Chamber as a way of commemorating the 150 th anniversary of students attending the University.
9.3 New Generation Juris Doctor degree
Concern was expressed regarding a potential devaluation of the Juris Doctor (JD) degree. The existing degree is designed specifically for an elite professional cohort, whereas it appeared that the new generation graduate entry JD will replace the Bachelor of Laws from 2008 as the professional legal training pathway for all law students. The University Secretary agreed to bring back to the next meeting information on the course structure of the new JD relative to the old degree.
10. Report of Council Meeting
10.1 Vice-Chancellor's Report
Committee members received the Vice-Chancellor’s Report to Council.
10.2 Oral report on Council Meeting
The Chair reported on issues discussed by Council at its meeting on 9 October.
10.2.1 Melbourne Model Implementation
The Chair reported that Council members had discussed the final Curriculum Commission report and other issues regarding Melbourne Model implementation. A slight revision was made to Recommendation 7 (Breadth Component) of the Curriculum Commission report to reflect that the Board of Undergraduate Studies will have the authority to grant some exemptions to the ‘75 credit points from a non-cognate program’ requirement.
Council members were also briefed on the results of a survey by Boston Consulting Group on perceptions of Growing Esteem and the Melbourne Model. The survey responses indicated a high level of confidence in the likely success of the new strategy and positive feedback regarding prospective career outcomes under the new model.
Committee members requested that the University Secretary bring to the next meeting more specific information regarding the content of the consultant’s survey.
10.2.2 Other Issues Discussed
11. Reports of Faculty Meetings and Committee Meetings
11.1 Finance Committee 8/06
11.2 Building and Estates Committee 5/06
11.3 Planning and Budget Committee 8/06
The Committee received the report for information.
11.4 Theatre Board Minutes 8/06
The Committee received the report for information.
11.5 Induction Sub-Committee Report
The Committee received the report for information.
11.6 Length of Service Sub-Committee 1/06
The Committee received the report for information.
Mr Dance noted his concern that 12 members would be leaving the Committee at the end of 2007. Under the current electoral schedule the 12 new representatives would be members elect from July 2007 until the beginning of 2008 and this could potentially cause discontinuity.
It was noted that the second paragraph on page two of the report is misleading insofar as it suggests that the 12 new members will be elected at the Convocation AOM.
The issue of sub-groupings within the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (MDHS) representatives was also discussed. Dr Lowe noted that the MDHS representatives may wish to revisit the decision not to set a quota for the election of four medicine and two dentistry graduates from among its six representatives.
The University Secretary noted that the issue of faculty representation on the Committee would need to be examined in light of the fact that the new generation undergraduate degrees will no longer pertain to faculties. The change of policy would not affect the six-yearly review of Committee of Convocation representation to take place in 2007.
11.7 Melbourne University Magazine Editorial Board
The Committee received the report for information.
11.8 Dental Science Advisory Committee
The Committee received the report for information.
11.9 MDHS Faculty Meeting Report
The Committee received the report for information.
11.10 Academic Board Review
The Committee received the report for information.
11.11 Report on Australian University Alumni Council AGM
The Committee received the report for information.
12. Guest Speaker
Ms Jessie Giles, the President of UMSU had agreed to speak at the meeting on “Growing Esteem: the Student Perspective”, but did not attend due to an accident. It was agreed that Ms Giles could speak at the December 20 meeting at which Professor McPhee would also be providing an update on the Melbourne Model.
The Chair informed members that Dr Bernard Lochtenberg would be speaking at dinner on his experiences as a long-serving Council member and the future of the University.
13. Alumni Relations Report
None.
14. President’s Report
14.1 2007 Committee of Convocation Annual Ordinary Meeting
The Chair reported that she would be meeting with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Innovation and Development), Professor Vijoleta Braach-Maksvytis, to discuss whether the University’s Advancement Office would be prepared to subsidise the 2007 Committee of Convocation AOM.
14.2 End of Year Committee of Convocation Dinner
The Chair reported that the Committee of Convocation end of year dinner would take place at the Lyceum Club. The date has been set tentatively for 30 November and the price will be approximately $55 a head.
*15. Any Other Business
15.1 Strategic Plan
Committee members received and noted an extract from the 2005 Committee of Convocation Annual Report listing the Committee’s performance against the objectives set out in the Strategic Plan.
It was agreed that members should engage in close consideration of the Strategic Plan so that they could bring suggestions for improvements to the plan at the next meeting. This could include more emphasis upon the future direction of the Committee (timelines and quantitative measures) and the promotion of a broader demographic profile.
15.2 2007 Meeting Dates
Committee members discussed a proposed list of 2007 Committee Dates. Under the proposal no meetings were scheduled for April and June to reflect the reduction in the number of Council meetings. After extensive discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of changing the meeting schedule, members voted that the proposal should not be adopted and that meeting dates for 2007 should follow the same format as in previous years.
16. Items for Future Discussion
None.
17. Any Other Business
None.
The meeting closed at 7.30 pm.
|
top of page
