Council Meeting 4-2009
Meeting 4/2009 of the Monash University Council was held on Monday, 6 July 2009 in the Advancement Meeting Room, Level 9, Building H, at Caulfield Campus.
MINUTES
1 Procedural Matters
At the commencement of the meeting the Chancellor, on behalf of Council, welcomed to their first meeting of Council Ms Christine Nixon and Mr James Fox.
The Chancellor welcomed Professor Ed Byrne, Vice-Chancellor and President, to the meeting noting that this also was Professor Byrne's first day as Vice-Chancellor of Monash University.
1.1 Apologies and in attendance
Dr Carol Williams was an apology.
Professor Adam Shoemaker and Mr Ron Fairchild were unable to attend the meeting.
Mr James Fox and Dr. John Zillman were in attendance as their Council appointments had not been finalised via the Governor in Council process.
Ms Lee-ann Norris, Divisional Director, Marketing and Student Recruitment was in attendance for item 7.3.
1.2 Special Leave
It was noted that at previous meetings of Council Mr Shane Buggle had been granted special leave for meeting 5/2009 (17 August) and Ms Louise Adler had been granted special leave for meeting 6/2009 (12 October).
Dr Charles Curwen requested special leave for meeting 5/2009 (17 August) however noted that this request would be confirmed closer to the date.
1.3 Starring of Items
Items 1.1 Apologies; 1.2 Special Leave; 1.3 Starring of Items; 1.4 Approval of Non-Starred Items; 2.1 Report of the Vice-Chancellor Professor Ed Byrne, 3.1 Minutes of Meeting No. 3/2009, 5.0 Report to Council by the Dean - Faculty of Engineering, 6.1 Chancellor's Report, 6.2 Council visit to Monash South Africa, 6.3 Council Meeting at Gippsland Campus - 19 November 2009, 6.4 Queens Birthday Honors, 7.1 Update on matters relating to Indian students and Swine flu, 7.2 Update on University 2009 Financials (May), 7.3 The Monash Brand - Research Update and Student Recruitment, 8.1 Receipt of the Report of Resources and Finance Committee, Budget Strategy for 2010 - 2012, 8.6 Monash South Africa Long Term Projections: Progress Report, 9.1 Receipt of the Report of Academic Board, 10.0 Report of the Equal Opportunity Committee and 12 Report of Audit Committee were starred for discussion.
1.4 Approval of Non-Starred Items
Council resolved on the motion of the Chancellor that all items on the agenda not starred be adopted without discussion, and the action recommended be taken or the information therein noted.
2 Business in Camera
2.1 Report of Vice-Chancellor Professor Ed Byrne
The Chancellor invited Professor Byrne to address Council.
Professor Byrne thanked Council for the honour of being appointed to the position of Vice-Chancellor of such a wonderful University and noted that his brief report, included with the agenda papers, detailed his early thoughts given the limited opportunity for consultation to-date. Professor Byrne advised Council that he would bring to the August meeting a report outlining some of the changes he proposed to make at an organisational level.
Professor Byrne noted that Monash needed to build on the legacy of retired Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Larkins and continue to strengthen Monash's research, education and international activities in order to become a great University. However, Professor Byrne advised that while recently announced funding initiatives would provide some respite in 3 to 4 years Monash would continue to be dependent on tradition revenue streams for the next two years.
Noting that this was an exciting and pivotal period for Monash, Professor Byrne advised that his report to the August meeting of Council would focus on strategies that would:
further enable focused research delivering tangible benefits to the community while also offering strong support for 'blue skies' research;
facilitate education and research activities moving to the next level;
enable the University to build a sustainable cash surplus to support research and education initiatives;
ensure that the University is able to appropriately remunerate staff; and
refinement of the University's management structure. Areas of focus would include improved integration of the role of Deans with the Vice-Chancellor's Group, encouraging closer cross faculty collaboration and improved sharing of infrastructure.
Professor Byrne thanked Council for placing their confidence in him and advised that he looked forward to working closely with the Chancellor and all members of Council over the coming years.
RESOLUTION CL4/2009/70
Council received the report and note the advice of the Vice-Chancellor.
3 Confirmation of Minutes of Previous Meeting
3.1 Minutes of Meeting No. 3/2009
RESOLUTION CL4/2009/71
Council confirmed the Minutes of Meeting No. 3/2009 held on Monday 25 May 2009.
4 Matters Arising from the Minutes
5 Report to Council by the Dean, Faculty of Engineering
Professor Tam Sridhar, Dean, Faculty of Engineering, provided Council with a presentation on key aspects of the faculty including:
- a key focus of the faculty is on the staff and students - the quality of one reinforcing the quality of the other;
- in Engineering, the role of ENTER scores is a good predictor of how well a student will do;
- the broadening of the student learning experience including the introduction of a student leadership program, an undergraduate student internship within research groups, and the commencement of a Work Ready Program focusing on career development;
- in 2009 females commencing engineering studies increased to 21.8% (2008 = 19.86%);
- overall growth in research indicators continues to be steady; and
- the faculty has improved the staffing age profile.
Professor Sridhar outlined the faculty's key short term objectives noting that research and the quality of teaching programs remained central to the faculty's mission.
In response to questions, Professor Sridhar commented on the need to grow the number of female graduates some of whom would continue on to become staff, the student staff ratio had been impacted by the growth in student numbers, curriculum development was evolutionary to meet the needs of society and the faculty currently had 235 students on equity based scholarships.
The Chancellor thanked Professor Sridhar for his insightful presentation and commended the staff of the faculty for achieving a great deal during challenging times and commended the leadership team for its strategic approach and leadership of the faculty.
RESOLUTION CL4/2009/72
Council received the advice of Professor Tam Sridhar, Dean, Faculty of Engineering.
6 Chancellor's Business
6.1 Chancellor's Report to Council
The Chancellor reported to Council on the following matters:
- welcomed back to the University Professor Byrne and advised Council that as this was Professor Byrne's first day as Vice-Chancellor a strategy paper would be presented to next meeting of Council;
- many notes and letters had been received acknowledging Professor Larkin's significant contribution to Monash and complimenting the University on Professor Larkin's retirement function;
- a report on the establishment of the proposed Estates Committee would be submitted to the next meeting of Council;
- the recent Distinguished Awards function had publicly celebrated the achievements of Monash alumni; and
- an update on the status of the draft Model University Bill.
RESOLUTION CL4/2009/73
Council received the oral report of the Chancellor.
6.2 Council Visit to Monash South Africa
RESOLUTION CL4/2009/74
Council approved the proposed itinerary as detailed in the agenda document.
6.3 Council Meeting at Gippsland Campus - 16 November 2009
Council was advised that appropriate transport arrangements would be made in order for Councillors to attend whole or part day at the Gippsland campus.
RESOLUTION CL4/2009/75
Council noted the advice of the Chancellor.
6.4 Queen's Birthday Honors
Following advice that women were under represented during the nomination process the Chancellor agreed that the terms of reference for the Honorary Degrees be reviewed.
RESOLUTION CL4/2009/76
Council noted, with acclamation, Queen's Birthday Honors awarded to people associated with Monash University as detailed in the paper provided.
7 Vice-Chancellor's Business
7.1 Update on matters relating to Indian students and Swine flu
Dr Craig Blandy, Monash University Chief Medical Officer was present for this item.
Dr Blandy provided Council with an overview of the most recent advice from the World Health Organisation, Monash's generic plan for responding to pandemics, recent measures introduced by some countries in the region and Monash's specific advice to staff and students relating to overseas travel.
Mr Marshall outlined to Council the University's response to recent media reports relating to incidents involving assaults on international students external to Monash campuses.
Mr Marshall informed Council that the University had provided safety briefing sessions on all campuses however the sessions were poorly attended and that the University was continuing to look at capacity issues re on-campus accommodation. Further, Council was advised that the University would continue to monitor the situation and enhance strategies to improve the international student experience.
RESOLUTION CL4/2009/77
Council received the advice of Mr Peter Marshall and Dr Craig Blandy.
7.2 Update on University 2009 Financials
Mr David Pitt provided Council with an update on the University's finances. Key aspects of the presentation were:
- the cash forecast to the end of 2009 remains a deficit however management and Resources and Finance Committee continues to carefully monitor the situation;
- research revenues are below target and donations have levelled out;
- the University has bought out the Parkville lease further impacting the cash flow result;
- as at the 30 June the University advised the developer that it would not be proceeding with the Monash Village development;
Further aspects of the University's financial performance were detailed in the Report of the Resources and Finance Report to Council.
RESOLUTION CL4/2009/78
Council received the Financial Report for the period ending May 2009.
7.3 The Monash Brand - Research Update and Student Recruitment
Ms Lee-ann Norris, Divisional Director, Marketing and Student Recruitment was in attendance for this item.
Key aspects of Ms. Norris' report to Council included:
- student choice of Universities was now more heavily influenced by parental views;
- 50% of the sample undergraduate students intended further study;
- Monash's brand reputation was very strong supported by a strong reputation for quality outcomes amongst key decision makers;
- Monash continued to enhance its reputation as a Prestigious and Innovative and Creative University;
- The University's web site is increasingly a critical source of information for prospective students; and
- International student commencements in 2009 exceeded forecasts.
Responding to questions, Ms. Norris advised Council that her Division worked closely with both faculties and finance staff to ensure that each course was appropriately priced, that recruitment of indigenous students outcomes had not improved and that her Division would review the issue of staff ranking the University lower than students and other influencers.
The Chancellor thanked Ms Norris for her informative presentation.
RESOLUTION CL4/2009/79
Council received the advice of Ms Lee-ann Norris, Divisional Director, Marketing and Student Recruitment.
8 Resources and Finance Committee
8.1 Receipt of Report of Resources and Finance Committee
RESOLUTION CL4/2009/80
Council received the Report of Meeting No. 3/2009 of the Resources and Finance Committee held on Thursday 18 June 2009.
8.2 Monash University Financial Reports: May 2009
RESOLUTION CL4/2009/81
Council noted:
- the University's position and performance as presented in the May 2009 paper; and
- the Committee's comments on management's current course of action.
8.3 Update on Fees 2010
RESOLUTION CL4/2009/82
Council noted the fees update.
8.4 Budget Strategy for 2010-2012
Mr David Pitt provided Council with an overview of the major financial objectives to guide the University's outlook for the next three years. Major aspects of the presentation included:
- A major objective was to achieve, as a minimum, a cash break even position that was not dependent on further borrowings nor cash contributions from the Foundation;
- Projected revenues are significantly impacted by low funding per student and projected lower ‘one off' grants such as EIF funding;
- Cashflow projections remain the major concern. The University's salary expense increases by $55m each year due to salary growth not accounting for any increase in staff numbers;
- Possible adjustments required to achieve a zero cash position in 2009 and beyond; and
- An overview of the revenue, expense and capital assumptions built into the base projections.
During discussion, Council was advised that the projections built into the budget model were largely conservative and the university was still negotiating a revised Enterprise Bargaining Agreement.
RESOLUTION CL4/2009/83
Council noted the University's progress toward the 2010 Budget and projections for 2011 and 2012.
8.5 Data Centre Replacement
RESOLUTION CL4/2009/84
Council approved the University entering into leasing of a data centre facility rather than continue with current plans to build, subject to RMIT also approving entering into the leasing option (The University of Melbourne has already approved the leasing option).
8.6 Monash South Africa Long Term Projections: Progress Report
8.7 Proceedings of Resource and Finance Committee
RESOLUTION CL4/2009/86
Council noted the proceedings of meeting 3/2009 of the Resources and Finance Committee.
9 Academic Board
9.1 Receipt of Report of Academic Board
RESOLUTION CL4/2009/87
Council received and noted the Report of Meeting No. 3/2009 of the Academic Board held on Wednesday 17 June 2009. Monash University Council Meeting 4/2009 - vii - F:\Minutes 04-2009.doc 27 August 2009
9.2 Faculty of Engineering - Dual Award PhD Programs
RESOLUTION CL4/2009/88
That Council approved execution of the Memoranda of Understanding between:
- Monash University and Fudan University
- Monash University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
9.3 Faculty of Information Technology - Dual Award PhD Programs
RESOLUTION CL4/2009/89
Council approved execution of the Memoranda of Agreement between:
- Monash University and Lulea University of Technology
- Monash University and The University of Bologna.
9.4 University Academic Structure - Establishment of the Graduate School of Jewish Studies
RESOLUTION CL4/2009/90
Council approved the establishment of the Graduate School of Jewish Studies within the Centre for Jewish Civilisation, Faculty of Arts.
9.5 Faculties Regulations
RESOLUTION CL4/2009/91
Council made the Faculties Regulations (Amendment No.1 2009).
9.6 Statute 6.2 - Exclusion for unsatisfactory progress or inability to progress and the Regulations pursuant to Statute 6.2
RESOLUTION CL4/2009/92
Council made Statute 6.2 - Exclusion for unsatisfactory progress or inability to progress (Amendment No.1 2009).
Council made the Exclusion for Unsatisfactory progress or inability to progress regulations (Amendment No.1 2009).
9.7 Statute 6.1.5 - Examinations
RESOLUTION CL4/2009/93
Council made Statute 6.1.5 - Examinations (Substitution) 2009.
9.8 Membership of the Board of the Faculty of Law
RESOLUTION CL4/2009/94
Council approved the reappointment of Mr Mark Hayes on the Board of the Faculty of Law for three years commencing April 2009.
10 Report of the Equal Opportunity Committee
Professor Bourke highlighted to Council the following matters:
- Recent changes to the Equal Opportunity landscape included provisions whereby employers must not unreasonably refuse to accommodate requests for flexible workplace arrangements;
- The Higher Education Equity Support Fund had been replaced by new initiatives to increase participation of students from low socio-economic backgrounds;
- All Councillors had received an invitation to attend the Indigenous Elders Day - 16 July 2009; and
- KPI's indicated that Monash had not improved the access of students from low socio-economic backgrounds between 2004 and 2008.
RESOLUTION CL4/2009/95
Council received the report of the Equal Opportunity Committee held on 15 June 2009.
11 General Business
11.1 Advancement Portfolio Report
RESOLUTION CL4/2009/96
Council received the report titled Advancement Report to Monash University Council June 2009.
11.2 Student Loan Regulations (Amendment No. 1 2009)
RESOLUTION CL4/2009/97
Council made the Student Loan Regulations (Amendment No. 1 2009).
11.3 Monash University Foundation Pty Ltd - Board Appointment
RESOLUTION CL4/2009/98
Council approved the appointment of Professor Ed Byrne to the Board of Monash University Foundation Pty Ltd.
11.4 Use of University Seal
RESOLUTION CL4/2009/99
Council noted the report of the Vice-Chancellor dated 14 May 2009 on the affixing of the Common Seal to documents executed under Seal pursuant to Statute 8.1, Section 2.1.5.
12 Report of Audit Committee
RESOLUTION CL4/2009/100
Council noted the Report of Audit Committee held on 12 June 2009.
13 Next meeting
The next meeting of Council is scheduled to be held on Monday, 17 August 2009 in the Advancement Meeting Room, Level 9, Building H, Caulfield Campus.
Further Information
Inquiries about any of the business listed above, or on Council matters in general, may be directed to Mr Tony Calder, Executive Services, Room G06, Administration Building 3a, Clayton Campus, telephone 9905-2010 or via email to: tony.calder@adm.monash.edu.au
|
