Academic Board Meeting 4-2009
MINUTES
Meeting No 4/2009 of the Academic Board was held on Wednesday 26 August 2009 from 3:00pm-4:45 pm, in the Council Chambers, First floor, Building 3A, Clayton campus.
Rhonda Hinds
Secretary
8 September 2009
There were present:
Professor Jayne Godfrey (Chair), Mr Omar Abdul-Rahim, Professor David Abramson, Associate Professors Phil Andrews, Jean Armstrong, Professors John Beardall, John Bertram, Dr Ross Booth, Professor Ed Byrne, Ms Gemma Buckley, Professors Ben Canny, Ray Cas, Keryn Chalmers, Associate Professor Janice Chesters, Professors James Chin, Ian Copland, Edwina Cornish, Associate Professor Arthur De Bono, Professors Erik Eklund, Merran Evans, Mike Ewing, Stephanie Fahey, Associate Professor Graham Farr, Mr Patrick Gallus, Associate Professor Maria Garcia de la Brenda, Ms Christabel Gonsalvez, Dr Sirko Harder, Professors Jenny Hocking, Bernard Hoffert, Dr Made Hood, Professors Owen Hughes, Marnie Hughes-Warrington, Jenny Keating, Helen Keleher, Max King, Stephen King, Susan Kneebone Paul Komesaroff, Mohan Krishnamoorthy, Kim Langfield-Smith, Dr Emmanuel Laryea, Associate Professor Vincent Lee, Professors Chris Messom, Ann Monotti, Ian McLoughlin, Robert Norris, Ms Lauren O'Dwyer, Professor Graham Oppy, Associate Professor Marko Pavlyshyn, Professors Tyrone Pretorius, Rob Pike, Leon Piterman, John Redmond, Associate Professor Jennifer Rolland, Professors Peter Schelluch, Harald Schmidt, Adam Shoemaker, Michael Skully, Kate Smith-Miles, Russell Smyth, Tam Sridhar, Phillip Steele, Associate Professor Kay Stewart, Dr Wendy Stubbs, Associate Professor Cristina Varsavsky, Professors Geoff Web, Ron Weber, Associate Professor Igor Wendt, Professor Rob Willis, Mr Brian Yeom.
Apologies were received from:
Professor Margaret Alston, Dr Sharif As-Saber, Professors Helen Bartlett, Andrew Benjamin, Paul Bonnington, Grahame Coleman, Helen De Cieri, Serge Demidenko, Ron Edwards, Raelene Frances, Dr Iqbal Gondal, Ms Cathrine Harboe-Ree, Associate Professor John Hurst, Professors Brett Inder, H P Lee, Justin Malbon, Dennis Moore, Mr Fintan Murphy, Associate Professor Robert Nelson, Dr Joce Nuttell, Associate Professor Michael Page, Professors Robin Pollard, Colin Poulton, Dr Richard Reina, Professors Lynette Russell, Peter Scammells, John Sheridan, George Simon, Julian Smith, Leone Spiccia, Bruce Tonge, Dr Sabatino Ventura, Associate Professor Bruce Waldrip, Professors Steven Wesselingh, James Whisstock, Sue Willis, Walter Wong, Xiao-Ling Zhao.
Special Leave:
Professors Chris Browne, Dr Joy Lyneham, Professor Terri Seddon.
Observers:
Ms Sue Clarke, Professor Kim Cornish, Mr Lynton Gunn, Ms Helen Fletcher-Kennedy, Dr Cecilia Hewlett, Mr Jacob Thomas.
Overseas Observers:
Associate Professor Song Keang Peng, Professor Anuar Zaini.
In attendance:
Mr Max Delany
Ms Rhonda Hinds
A PRELIMINARY AND FORMAL BUSINESS
1 WELCOME
Professor Jayne Godfrey welcomed members and observers to the meeting, including those attending the meeting by teleconference from the South African, Sunway and Gippsland campuses.
Particular welcome was extended to
- The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ed Byrne, attending his first meeting of the Board in his capacity as Vice-Chancellor.
- Professor Marnie Hughes-Warrington, the newly appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning &Teaching)
- All members who had assumed office since the last meeting of the Board in June.
2 ARRANGEMENT OF AGENDA
2.1 Alterations to the agenda and starring of Items
Item 15.7 -amendment to section 7 as follows:
Delete "Compulsory units offered within professional degrees, or generic degrees with major and minor sequences, must be offered at least once each academic year"
Insert "Compulsory units offered within degrees, or in major and minor sequences within degrees, must be offered at least once each academic year"
Item 16.3 - advice of election to the Board of the following members had been received from the Faculties of Arts and Law:
- Dr Made Hood Faculty of Arts
- Dr Wendy Stubbs Faculty of Arts
- Dr Emmanuel Laryea Faculty of Law
- Dr Sirko Harder Faculty of Law
Item 15.1 - Length of Semesters - was starred
2.2 Approval of Non-Starred Items
The recommendations of the Steering Committee were adopted without discussion for all items other than those starred.
C 2.3 Confidential Items
3 MINUTES
3.1 Minutes of Academic Board Meeting 3/2009
The Minutes of Academic Board Meeting 3/2009, held on Wednesday 17 June 2009, were confirmed.
3.2 Business arising from the Minutes
3.2.1 Schedule of Action Items
Academic Board received and noted the updated Schedule of Action Items.
4 PRESIDENT'S BUSINESS
* 4.1 President's Report
Professor Godfrey addressed Academic Board on a range of issues, including:
- The reaching of another milestone in Academic Board's evolution, namely that this was the first meeting held under the new membership structure. New members were again welcomed, and the President paid tribute to the service of those members who departed on 30 June.
- The second semester member induction session, bringing to approximately two dozen the number of members who had attended such sessions this year.
- Ongoing work to improve the teleconferencing to Board meetings, with particular thanks to Information TechnologyServices for their efforts in upgrading and monitoring the systems.
- The outcomes of Council meetings held since the Board last met, including approval by the July meeting of all Academic Board recommendations and discussion of incidents involving international students and Monash's support for this cohort. At the August meeting, the Vice-Chancellor presented his vision for the University which was approved by Council.
- The period since the last meeting of the Board had been one of celebration and events, including:
- The conduct in July of a successful Indigenous Elders Day
- Award of ALTC citations to Dr Julia Harrison (MHNS), Professor Catriona McLean (MNHS), A/Professor David Paganin (Science) and the Graduate Development Office team led by Ann Turner (BusEco). The Board's congratulations were extended to the recipients.
- The opportunity for showcasing and celebrating our research provided by Research Matters. Members were encouraged to participate and support the remaining events.
- Members were also encouraged to participate in the forthcoming Monash Educate09.
Reporting on several meetings with the new Vice-Chancellor, the President indicated that her perception was one of continued strong support for the work of Academic Board, particularly in strengthening academic standards.
Academic Board received and noted the President's report.
For information: Professor J Godfrey, Mr A McMeekin, Dr Julia Harrison,
Professor Catriona McLean, A/Prof David Paganin, Ms Ann Turner
4.2 Meeting Dates 2010
Academic Board approved the 2010 meeting dates.
For information: Ms R Hinds, Ms H Pavlovski, Mr M Fenaughty
5 VICE-CHANCELLOR'S BUSINESS
5.1 Vice-Chancellor's Report
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ed Byrne AO, presented his vision for Monash's future, commencing by acknowledging the leadership of his predecessor, Professor Richard Larkins AO and the considerable achievements by Monash within a relatively short span of time.
Professor Byrne commented that, in order to continue to move forward, become one of the best universities in the world and position itself to address key global challenges, Monash needed to develop its strategic focus, build on its passions and undergo some structural change. In so doing, Monash would be uniquely placed to transform itself into a new type of Australian university.
Professor Byrne proceeded to outline the range of strategies that were being developed to underpin these aims, including:
- Development of responses to the Federal Government's agenda for education.
- Analysis of Monash's strengths with a view to building on them going forward - this would include using the multi-campus structure and consistently focussing on academic strengthening.
- Strengthening of the Monash Passport would continue and greater efforts would be made to address the gaps in indigenous education and research. Exciting prospective developments included learning spaces, Clayton Innovation Precinct and New Horizons and growth of IITB-Monash.
- Academic strengthening at Monash would be an ongoing, staff-led and faculty-centred process, designed to lead to improved performance in education and research. A key component of this process would be the stakeholder-led realignment of university structures, including development of faculty clusters and revised senior management structure.
Concluding his presentation, Professor Byrne emphasised Monash's potential to become a new type of Australian university. The challenge was to ensure that Monash was best placed to realise this potential.
Academic Board received and noted the Vice-Chancellor's report.
For information: Professor E Byrne AO
6 QUESTIONS ON NOTICE
There were no questions on notice.
B DIRECTION OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
7 PRESENTATION - MONASH UNIVERSITY MUSEUM OF ART (MUMA)
Professor John Redmond presented to Academic Board on the development of a strategic vision for MUMA. Emphasising the themes of engagement and excellence, he explained that the strategic vision - to become a national museum of contemporary art and the Victorian museum of contemporary art - reflected a long-term view consistent with Monash's aspirations.
Key matters highlighted in Professor Redmond's presentation included:
- MUMA's unique positioning in being able to leverage off the international campuses would be a significant factor in its aim to develop an international collection.
- The new galleries at the Caulfield campus would make the collection much more publicly accessible, thus increasing Monash's community engagement.
- There would be opportunities for the University as a whole to leverage off MUMA's collection and the new exhibition spaces.
During discussion, members commended MUMA's vision, noting that a significant opportunity to open up the Caulfield campus had now been presented. Members also noted advice that opportunities for indigenous engagement had increased and that the potential for greater virtual exhibitions would be explored.
Academic Board received and noted Professor Redmond's presentation.
For information: Professor J Redmond
8 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT
Members had before them the 2009 Annual Plan Mid-year Progress Exceptions Report. Professor Merran Evans reminded members that reporting by exception had been requested by an earlier meeting of the Board, and that the Progress Report was a key element of Monash's accountability regime.
During discussion, members were encouraged to continue to disseminate the need for improved research performance amongst their colleagues.
Academic Board received and noted the 2009 Annual Plan Mid-year Progress Exceptions Report.
For information: Professor M Evans, Ms J Vero
9 ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN - VET/HIGHER EDUCATION INTERFACE
Professor Evans introduced the briefing paper on the VET/Higher Education Interface by noting that it was timely, given the Federal Government's agenda and the Bradley Review, to consider the relevant policy environment and undertake benchmarking of pathways from VET to higher education.
Members were advised that of the Go8 Monash had the highest number of ex-VET admissions, though there were faculty and campus variations. Whilst ex-VET entrants were more likely to come from a low SES background, those having achieved Diploma level were of similar profile to other undergraduates. The performance analysis found that, on the whole, ex-VET students performed slightly less well than other enrolments, but again with faculty and campus variations.
Members were also advised that introduction of new reporting requirements would enable more detailed data analysis.
Academic Board agreed that it would:
- Continue to monitor developments in the VET sector that may bear on Monash's operations;
- Support further investigation of comparative performance by ex-VET students and other students in returning (non-commencing) years; and
- Support the development of a centralised database for formal credit and articulation arrangements made between faculties and VET institutions.
For information: Professor M Evans
C SUPERVISION OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
10 ACADEMIC PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND REVIEW
10.1 Review of the Graduate Certificate in Higher Education (GCHE)
Members noted that this item had been deferred to the next meeting of Academic Board.
10.2 Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI) - Accreditation to enrol HDR Students
Academic Board approved the Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute's request for accreditation to enrol HDR candidates subject to probation until 31 December 2010.
For information: Professor M King, Ms M Cook
10.3 Early Offers Pathway into the Diploma of Tertiary Studies (DoTS)
Academic Board:
- Noted the summary detailing the progress of students admitted in 2008 from the DoTS early offers pathway; and
- Approved the proposal that the early offer pathway into the Diploma of Tertiary Studies be extended for another year (2010).
For information: Professor M Evans
11 MAINTENANCE OF ACADEMIC STANDARDS
11.1 Benchmarking Audit
Professor Merran Evans introduced this item by advising members that:
- The audit of Monash benchmarking practices had been undertaken as part of preparations for the 2012 AUQA Audit, given that a focus of the audit would be on institutional benchmarking.
- The paper should be regarded as a work in progress - further comments and feedback were welcomed.
- The Go8 had developed a number of groups within which data and processes were compared. This facilitated learning and sharing of best practice.
Academic Board received and noted the report on auditing of Monash benchmarking processes.
For information: Professor M Evans, Ms S Zanic
11.2 Good Universities Guide Overview
Professor Evans introduced the overview of the Good Universities Guide 2010 edition.
Academic Board received the overview of the Good Universities Guide 2010 edition and noted Professor Evans' advice.
For information: Professor M Evans, Ms J Vero
12 REPORTS FROM THE DEPUTY-VICE CHANCELLORS
12.1 Professor Edwina Cornish, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), reported on preparations for introduction of "compacts", explaining that these would be a way for universities to negotiate distinctive missions and, therefore, funding. She noted that much detail was yet to be settled, however, it was clear that a component of the compacts would be the allocation of Sustainable Research Excellence (SRE) funding which would require universities to demonstrate the quality of their research and enter into a transparent costing exercise. Members were also advised that the Research category EIF proposal was around Green Chemistry, translating green manufacturing techniques into industry.
12.2 Professor Adam Shoemaker, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), reported on conclusion of Enterprise Bargaining negotiations. He also advised members that the Education category EIF proposal was for development of a Berwick Community Health Precinct. Members were also encouraged to publicise the forthcoming Educate 09 amongst their colleagues.
12.3 Professor Stephanie Fahey, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International), reported on the restructure of the Portfolio, involving relocation of Marketing and Student Recruitment. She also noted that Professor Simon Adams, newly-appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) would commence his role at the end of January.
Professor Fahey also updated members on progress in developing partnerships with key institutions, including the forthcoming signature of an agreement with the University of Warwick. The importance of developing partnerships, especially as they contributed to academic strengthening, was emphasised.
Responding to a member question, Professor Fahey advised that international student numbers for Semester 2 appeared strong, but there was some concern regarding next year's prospects, largely due to agents' perception of availability of places. Work was ongoing to ensure dissemination of accurate information
Academic Board received and note the reports from the Deputy Vice-Chancellors.
For information: Professors E Cornish, A Shoemaker, S Fahey
13 ACADEMIC PROMOTIONS
Academic Board received and noted the 2008 Academic Promotion Round Statistics.
For information: Professor A Shoemaker
D GOVERNANCE
14 LEGISLATION
14.1 Staff PhD Candidature
Academic Board received and noted the amendments to the Doctor of Philosophy Part I - General regulations regarding staff PhD candidature.
For information: Ms M Cook
14.2 Review of Monash Electoral Legislation
Academic Board endorsed for transmission to Council the draft:
For information: Mr A Calder, Ms R Hinds, Mr M Fenaughty
15 POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND REVIEW
15.1 Length of Semesters
Speaking on behalf of the student cohort, Ms Lauren O'Dwyer supported the introduction of the 12 week semester structure. She noted that the Week 0 concept to prepare students for Week 1 classes would facilitate movement into self-learning mode immediately. She also suggested that it would be useful to consider how teachers might be best resourced to integrate and review material on a progressive basis throughout the semester.
Academic Board approved the proposed 12 week semester structure, for introduction in Semester 1, 2011.
For information: Professor A Shoemaker, Dr C Hewlett, Ms L O'Dwyer
15.2 Repeal of Policies
Academic Board approved repeal of the Flexibility of Pedagogy and Relevance of the Curriculum policies.
For information: Mr M Fenaughty, Ms N Mitchell, Mr K Williamson
15.3 Faculty Academic Progress Policy - Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Academic Board approved the Faculty Academic Progress Policy for Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences' students (excluding BEng/BPharmSci students and BPharm/BCom students after they have completed the BPharm component), for implementation from 2010.
For information: Professor A Luff, Ms M Costelloe, Mr K Williamson
15.4 Grading Scale Policy and Procedures
Academic Board approved the:
- Inclusion of the grades NAS (Not Assessed) grade and WI (Withdrawn Incomplete) in the Grading Scale Policy and Procedures.
- Deletion of DISC (Discontinued) from the Grading Scale Policy and Procedures.
Academic Board noted the:
- Inclusion of the proposed GPA and WAM methodologies in the Grading Scale Procedures.
- Deletion of Fail Mark Verification and Unit Hurdle Requirements from the Grading Scale Procedures.
For information: Mr M Fenaughty, Ms N Mitchell, Mr K Williamson
15.5 Deferment Policy and Procedures
Academic Board:
- Approved the amended Deferment Policy.
- Noted the amended Deferment Procedures.
For information: Mr M Fenaughty, Ms N Mitchell, Mr K Williamson
15.6 Internal Course Transfer Policy and Procedures
Academic Board:
- Approved the amended Internal Course Transfer Policy.
- Noted the amended Internal Course Transfer Procedures.
For information: Mr M Fenaughty, Ms N Mitchell, Mr K Williamson
15.7 Course Structure Policy
Academic Board approved the revised Course Structure Policy with the following amendment to section 7:
Delete "Compulsory units offered within professional degrees, or generic degrees with major and minor sequences, must be offered at least once each academic year".
Insert "Compulsory units offered within degrees, or in major and minor sequences within degrees, must be offered at least once each academic year".
For information: Professor M Evans, Mr M Fenaughty, Ms N Mitchell, Mr K Williamson
16 ACADEMIC BOARD MEMBERSHIP
16.1 Special Leave
Academic Board granted special leave from attendance at meetings of the Board to:
Prof. Arie Freiberg Law Meetings 4-5/2009
Dr Joy Lyneham MN&HS Meetings 4-6/2009
For information: Professor A Freiberg, Dr J Lyneham
16.2 Elections to Steering Committee of Academic Board
Academic Board:
- Received and noted the Declaration of Results.
- Confirmed the nomination of the following members to Steering Committee of Academic Board:
Assoc Prof. Cristina Varsavksy Head of Academic Unit member
Professor Graham Oppy Head of Academic Unit member
Professor John Sheridan Elected Academic Staff member
Professor Geoff Webb Elected Academic Staff member
For information: Professors G Oppy, J Sheridan, G Webb, Assoc Prof. C Varsavsky
16.3 Membership of Academic Board
Academic Board noted that, pursuant to Academic Board Regulation 6.4.2, the following academic staff had been elected to the Board.
Prof. Ilana Snyder Education to 30 June 2011
Dr Philip Riley Education to 30 June 2011
Dr Made Hood Arts to 30 June 2011
Dr Wendy Stubbs Arts to 30 June 2011
Dr Emmanuel Laryea Law to 30 June 2011
Dr Sirko Harder Law to 30 June 2011
For information: Professor I Snyder, Drs P Riley, M Hood, W Stubbs, E Laryea, S Harder
16.4 Proposals to amend aspects of the office of the President and Vice-Presidents
Members had before them proposals to:
-
Amend the terms of office of the President and Vice-Presidents of Academic Board.
-
Amend the eligibility criteria for election to the position of President, Academic Board.
Professor Godfrey vacated the Chair for consideration of this item. Following approval by the meeting, Professor Geoff Webb assumed the chair and invited Associate Professor Cristina Varsavsky to introduce the item.
Associate Professor Varsavsky spoke briefly to the proposals.
Academic Board then:
-
Endorsed for transmission to Council the proposal to amend the terms of office of the President and Vice-President, Academic Board.
-
Endorsed for transmission to Council the proposal to amend the eligibility criteria for election to the position of President, Academic Board.
For information: Professor G Webb, Associate Professor C Varsavsky,
Mr A Calder, Ms R Hinds
17 REPORTS FROMSTANDING COMMITTEES
17.1 Monash University Research Committee Meeting 3/2009
Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 3/2009 of the Monash University Research Committee.
For information: Ms M Soederberg
17.2 Monash University Research Committee Special Meeting 2009 - ARC Centres of Excellence
Academic Board received and noted the Report of the MRC Special Meeting regarding ARC Centres of Excellence.
For information: Ms M Soederberg
17.3 General Library Committee Meeting 2/2009
Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 2/2009 of the General Library Committee.
For information: Ms M Miller
17.4 Research Graduate School Committee Meetings 5 and 6/2009
Academic Board received and noted the Reports of Meetings 5 and 6/2009 of the Research Graduate School Committee.
For information: Ms M Cook
18 FACULTY BOARD REPORTS
18.1 Faculty of Information Technology Meeting 3/2009
Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 3/2009 of the Board of the Faculty of Information Technology.
For information: Ms H Spittle
18.2 Faculty of Arts Meeting 2/2009Academic Board received and noted:
The Report of Meeting 2/2009 of the Board of the Faculty of Arts.
The approval of the Board of the Faculty of Arts of unit and course proposals, amendments and disestablishments.
For information: Ms V Kristofferson
18.3 Faculty of Engineering Meeting 3/2009
Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 3/2009 of the Board of the Faculty of Engineering.
For information: Mr R Smiley
18.4 Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Meetings 2 and 3/2009
Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meetings 2 and 3/2009 of the Board of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.
For information: Ms J Tong
18.5 Faculty of Business and Economics Meeting 3/2009
Academic Board received and noted the Report of Meeting 3/2009 of the Board of the Faculty of Business and Economics.
For information: Ms H Matich
E ITEMS OF OTHER BUSINESS
19 OTHER BUSINESS
20 NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Academic Board for 2009 will be held on Wednesday 21 October 2009 in the Council Chambers, 1st floor, Building 3a, Clayton Campus commencing at 3.30pm.
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