Murdoch University Senate

The Pro Chancellor welcomed the Acting Vice Chancellor (Professor Mal Nairn) to Senate after an absence of many years. He also advised Senate that the Chancellor was unable to attend due to unexpected illness. Senate asked that its warm good wishes of a speedy recovery be conveyed to the Chancellor.

Assoc Prof Harrison and Dr Macbeth declared an interest in the item on union status at Senate, as they are members of the NTEU.

3. STATE OF THE UNIVERSITY

The Acting Vice Chancellor gave a PowerPoint presentation on the State of the University, summarising the University’s overall performance and identifying issues to focus on in 2002. These issues are developing and maintaining strong relationships with government at all levels and with national bodies (AVCC, ARC); developing corporate contacts within a fundraising framework; finalising the University’s Strategic Plan; developing our international market; consider the merits of internationalisation; ensuring that senior positions are filled and administrative structures are sound; and plan for improved student amenities, including general progress on student issues. He also tabled an updated analysis of issues affecting the University’s external environment.

Several points were raised in discussion: the very low and declining percentage of females among senior academic staff in BITL; the discipline mix of senior executives; whether the globalisation working party should be reconvened to help with developing international markets; and whether the data on participation rates of indigenous students should be expressed as a percentage of eligible people rather than of the total indigenous population.

4. STRATEGIC PLAN

The Deputy Vice Chancellor gave a presentation on the status of development of the new Strategic Plan, reporting mostly on the outcomes of the 2-day senior executive planning retreat held in late November. He believed that guiding values, effective teamwork, understanding of contemporary problems and future-preparedness will become increasingly important student needs. Building on the larger October workshop, they had identified three issues of increasing importance: sustainability, global responsibility, and equity and social justice. A draft vision statement had been prepared. Subsequently this had been modified to read:

The greatest challenge of our time is to find ways in which natural resources and human talent can be used to create a just and sustainable society.

Murdoch University will respond to this challenge by engaging in high quality teaching and research that incorporate the principles of sustainability, global responsibility, and social justice.

This vision was seen to link with a high ideal

•  build on the University’s strengths

•  involve all parts of the University

•  have practical application

•  be outward looking

and defines a niche.

The following points arose during discussion: the term globalisation is best avoided because of its strong negative connotations; strategy 9 about Aboriginal culture should be listed under academic objectives; the Vision statement seems too technical and science-oriented, missing the cultural and social context; strategy 2 (awareness of sustainability as a graduate attribute) is a wimp; the vision statement is pithy and capable of being unbundled; the second version of the vision statement is preferable to the first one. The meeting gave general support to the draft vision statement, strategies and process.

Stemming from the review of Senate last year, Senate considered its priorities for the coming year, i.e. goals for Senate, in addition to any for the University. The following seven priorities were identified:

· Appointment of an excellent Vice Chancellor

· Ways to improve the funding of the University

· Avoid unpleasant surprises at Audit Committee

· Complete the work on Senate processes, including the review of Academic Council

· Improved communication with alumni

· Finalisation of the Strategic Plan and Vision

· Develop a vibrant campus life

The Acting Vice Chancellor offered to report to each Senate meeting on progress on these priorities, and over time papers could be brought to Senate addressing them. He was asked to consider the possibility of a joint meeting of Senate and Academic Council, and to report back to the next Senate meeting on this. A member suggested that the joint meeting could include a presentation on student vouchers and how Murdoch could position itself for that possibility. Another Senator commented that the staff impression of Senate has improved dramatically over the last eighteen months, helped by the Senate processes report and increased links with academic staff.

The meeting noted the Acting Vice Chancellor’s written report, and recorded its good wishes for Prof Alder’s speedy recovery. Introducing the report, Prof Nairn congratulated the Orientation organisers, and advised that an announcement of who has been appointed DSE Executive Dean should be made within a few days. Some Senators expressed concern about the cost of the imminent hearing of the Board of Discipline, where the student had engaged a QC so the University has had to engage legal representation also.

The meeting considered the following four recommendations contained in the report:

6.1 Guild of Students - External Auditor

Guild Regulation 110 states that "The Secretariat shall, upon approval by the Senate, appoint an independent external auditor for a period of three years to complete the annual audit of the Guild financial statements." The Guild Secretariat had resolved that the Guild reappoint Hall-Chadwick as the independent auditors for a three-year period.

RESOLVED S/1/2002

to approve the re-appointment of Hall-Chadwick as Guild auditors for the years 2002-4.

6.2 Murdoch University Veterinary Trust

The appointment of one of the Trustees had expired.

RESOLVED S/2/2002

to re-appoint Dr Clyde McGill to the Murdoch University Veterinary Trust for a three year term, expiring on 25 February 2005.

6.3 City Campus

In July 2001 Senate authorised the Vice Chancellor to sign agreements with the Alexander Education Group for Murdoch University to occupy 95 St George’s Terrace as a city campus. Despite the best efforts of Murdoch and Alexander staff, it has proven impossible to reach agreement on dates for a trimester teaching timetable. Murdoch and Alexander have agreed not to proceed, at this time, with Part A of the proposed Agreement in which Murdoch undertakes quality assurance of students enrolled in the Alexander entity (Murdoch Institute of Management and Technology). Both organisations will continue to collaborate on other ventures of mutual interest.

Some Senators suggested that the University could learn from this experience, and that broader consultations with staff might have identified this problem at an earlier stage of the negotiations. A Senator commented that it is still desirable for the University to have a city campus one day.

RESOLVED S/3/2002

to rescind resolution S/31(e)/2001 [that designated 95 St George's Terrace Perth as a campus of Murdoch University and named the campus Murdoch University Perth City Campus].

6.4 Company Directors Appointed by the University

As the list of University directors included some persons no longer employed by the University, it was agreed to hold the item over to the next meeting. An updated list will be provided to the next meeting.

Last year Senate agreed to annually review the University’s performance in each of nine key areas. In accordance with the Senate resolution, the meeting considered any issues it wishes to be included in the discussion paper on research, which will come to the April meeting. The following issues were identified:

· How research fits in with the focus priorities in the Vice Chancellor’s report

· How to strike a balance between consultancy and research

· The time-frame for accounting for investment in research

· How to decide what proportion of external research grants are retained for administrative overheads

The meeting noted that the review of the University’s financial performance has been held over till the April meeting, as the annual financial statements for 2001 are not ready yet.

8.1 Academic Audit Report

As preparation for the compulsory audits of universities to be conducted every five years by the new Australian Universities Quality Agency, last year the New Zealand Universities Academic Audit Unit was commissioned by the Vice Chancellor to conduct an academic audit of this University. Senate noted a progress report from the Academic Quality Audit Committee, concerning implementation of the recommendations of that report.

8.2 Review of Academic Council

One of the recommendations of the NZ audit team was that "Murdoch clarify its expectations of Academic Council, and then reflect on whether these would be better served by a different composition". The Council President proposed that Senate and Academic Council agree to establish a joint working party to review Academic Council. The meeting made some small changes to the suggested membership and terms of reference. It was suggested the review could await the new Vice Chancellor, but the meeting felt that to be unnecessary.

RESOLVED S/4/2002	(a)	to establish, in conjunction with Academic Council, a joint working party to review Academic Council;
	(b)	that its terms of reference be:
		To review the role and functions, membership and committee system of Academic Council, links between Council and Senate, and links with the senior executive, and recommend any changes to these which it believes will benefit the University (including any consequential changes to Statutes and Regulations); To consider the issues and suggestions raised in s.1.2 of the report of the academic quality audit of the University; To consult widely within the University community, including an email to all staff inviting their comments and suggestions.
	(c)	that its membership be:
		Assoc Prof Stephen Thurgate, outgoing President of Academic Council (chair) Ms Pat Allen (general staff Senator and former Council member) Dr Peta Bowden (a former member of Council) Jeremy Buxton (lay Senator) Judge Kate O’Brien/Alison Gaines (lay Senators), sharing the position Alisha Ryans-Taylor (Guild President, and a member of both Council and Senate)
	(d)	that the working party be requested to report to the 22 May or 19 June 2002 meeting of Council, with the report and Council’s recommendations on it to be submitted to the following meeting of Senate.

Senate noted that the President of Academic Council expects to be able to report to Senate’s April meeting on the outcome of last year’s academic restructuring process.

The meeting noted developments concerning the State Government’s plans to repeal voluntary student unionism. The current proposal is for a compulsory student services and amenities fee collected by the University and for Guild membership to be voluntary (there would be no Guild membership fee). The Minister’s preferred option is that the Guilds be guaranteed 50% of the fee, or a proportion equal to the percentage of students who are Guild members, whichever is the greater. The Minister says that he will not proceed with any legislation unless the Universities and Guilds agree on the details. The Acting Vice Chancellor and the President of the Murdoch Guild of Students had negotiated a mutually acceptable agreement. Prof Nairn advised that he did not expect many students to opt out of Guild membership, which may be close to 100%. The meeting briefly discussed the administrative arrangements and costs associated with collection of the amenities fee, and reimbursement by the Guild for these costs. The Guild President advised that the Guild is happy to pay the cost of fee collection.

On their joint recommendation, Senate

RESOLVED S/5/2002	(a)	if the Murdoch University Act is amended to introduce a compulsory student amenities and services fee, the fee income be transmitted to the Guild in full, except for the fees derived from those students who opt out of Guild membership;
	(b)	to note that the University and the Guild of Students each have a part to play in identifying needs and priorities for improved student amenities and facilities, with each also making a financial contribution towards the development of such amenities and facilities;
	(c)	to welcome the joint decision of the Guild of Students and the University Administration, acting in a spirit of cooperation and commercial partnership, to establish a University Amenities Working Group to advise Senate on: Student amenities and facilities that are needed on the University Campuses over the next 5 years, with student opinions to be surveyed before reaching conclusions on this; The financial contributions to be made by the Guild of Students and the University in providing these amenities, which might vary for different projects; Which amenities will be wholly managed by the Guild, which will be managed by the University administration, and which will be jointly managed; The sharing of profits/losses on these facilities between the parties, based on their respective contributions.

Mr Buxton recorded his dissent from the motion. The Guild President made a statement about the Guild Secretariat view on last year’s VSU negotiations.

The Senate moved into committee for discussion of this item. The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Executive Dean of BITL and President of Academic Council were invited to join the meeting.

The meeting noted a confidential report from the Acting Vice Chancellor on matters listed in the working party’s report.

RESOLVED S/6/2002	(a)	that Senate note with support the Vice Chancellor’s action in approving the Policy for Determining the Employment Status of Consultant/ Independent Contractor, and confirm its application to all staff teaching in courses leading to a Murdoch University award, either in Australia or offshore;
	(b)	to accept the recommendations in the Acting Vice Chancellor’s report.

Academic Council had recommended amendments to Statutes and Regulations to accommodate changes in University terminology from "programme" to "major". These had been approved at the November meeting of Senate, but the Statute changes were resubmitted for approval as the interval between Senate meetings for approval and ratification was greater than the ten weeks specified in the Murdoch University Act. Senate noted that an amendment to this clause, increasing the interval to 16 weeks, is contained in the Statutes (Repeals and Minor Amendments) Bill 2001, which has yet to complete its passage through State Parliament.

RESOLVED S/7/2002	to approve the following changes to Statutes:
	Statute No. 5 – Academic Council The Academic Council shall be a committee constituted by this Statute for the purposes of section 18(1) of the Act and is the principal academic body of the University. Subject to the authority of the Senate, the functions of the Academic Council are:
	(b)	to determine the programmes of study courses and majors to be offered by the University, subject to the authority of the Vice Chancellor as academic principal and chief executive officer of the University;
	Statute No. 11 – Admissions The Academic Council shall be responsible for determining: (a) policy on the academic aspects of admission of students to the University, and (b) which programmes of study courses and majors shall have a quota limiting the total number of students who may be admitted. The Council may delegate this authority to a committee of the University. Every such delegation shall be revocable by the Council, and no delegation shall prevent the Council carrying out the responsibilities imposed on it by this Statute.
	Statute No. 20 – Examinations Notwithstanding the other terms of this Statute, a student may be appointed to a Board or Committee to consider an appeal by another student
	(a)	against a final assessment where the grounds of appeal include grounds other than only a request for a second assessment of the student’s performance;
	(b)	against exclusion from a programme of study course or major or from the University due to unsatisfactory academic progress.

The Pro Chancellor declared that in accordance with s.25 of the Murdoch University Act, the resolution had been carried by an absolute majority of members of the Senate.

The NTEU (Murdoch Branch) has requested that its representative be given the same status as the President of Academic Council at Senate meetings. The Deputy Vice Chancellor recommended an intermediate option, which Senate accepted.

RESOLVED S/8/2002	(a)	that a new category of ‘invited observer’ at Senate be created. An ‘invited observer’ would
		receive Senate agenda and minutes (apart from confidential items) attend Senate meetings (other than confidential items) sit with other observers be entitled to ask the Chancellor in advance for permission to address Senate or enter into the debate on specific agenda items. Such requests must be made at least 2 working days before the relevant Senate meeting and would be granted at the absolute discretion of the Chancellor be invited by the Chancellor to speak during the course of Senate debate without prior notice, if the Chancellor believes that would assist the Senate
	(b)	to amend Senate Standing Order 25 by insertion of the following, with the existing 25(2) renumbered as 25(3):
			(2)	The NTEU (Murdoch Branch), the CPSU, and the ALHMWU may each have one representative attend Senate meetings as an invited observer. They are entitled to ask the Chancellor in advance for permission to address Senate or enter into the debate on specific agenda items. Such requests must be made at least two working days before the relevant Senate meeting, and may be granted at the absolute discretion of the Chancellor. They may also be invited by the Chancellor to speak during the course of Senate debate without prior notice, if the Chancellor believes that would assist the Senate.

The Pro Chancellor reported orally that the Committee had met earlier that day, and had decided to award one Senate Medal for 2001, to Mrs Jennifer Searcy. Mrs Searcy had a long history of support for the university in the provision of prizes and honorary teaching support.

Senate confirmed the minutes of the meeting held 26 November 2001, subject to the addition of Ms Shurven and Ms West to the list of apologies. It also noted action taken to implement the resolutions of that meeting.

Senate noted a progress report on the selection process. The Search and Selection Committee was impressed with the strength of the field, which bodes well for the future of the University. The Committee has prepared a short list of candidates to be interviewed. It hopes to be able to bring forward a recommendation to Senate in March or April. One of the lay members of the Committee (Mr Macpherson) is overseas for several months on extended leave. The Chancellor therefore had invited Sir William Heseltine to join the committee in his place.

RESOLVED S/9/2002

to endorse the Chancellor’s action in appointing Sir William Heseltine to the Vice Chancellor Search and Selection Committee, on the understanding that if Mr Macpherson would like to continue with the Committee after his return from overseas, Sir William and Mr Macpherson both serve on the Committee.

Senate noted the minutes of the meeting of the Academic Council held on 30 January 2002. The following recommendations required the Senate’s attention.

16.1 Joint Badging of Collaborative Awards

Discussions had taken place with the other three public universities about the proposed cross-institutional Master of Medical Engineering (MME). In 2002 Murdoch’s participation will be via the provision of units on a cross-institutional basis to students enrolled in the course at Curtin, ECU or UWA. Although Murdoch is not a full partner in the MME at this time, the University had been asked if the Murdoch crest can be used on MME testamurs issued by Curtin, ECU or UWA. The President of Council had requested Academic Policy Committee and Committee on University Entrance to establish a joint Working Party to consider various models for collaborative awards and develop policy in this area. Council supported in-principle the development of collaborative awards and the notion that in the case of approved awards, testamurs include the crest of the home institution awarding the degree and crest(s) of other collaborating institution(s). However, Council felt it was premature to make a decision in the case of the MME.

RESOLVED: S/10/2002

to approve use of the Murdoch crest on testamurs issued by other universities for approved collaborative awards that comply with approved policy.

16.2 Master By Coursework Degree Regulations - Personal Program of Study

Council had recommended reintroduction of a regulation permitting personal programs at Masters level. There is a market for such programs among prospective masters students. Legislation Committee had endorsed by circulation the form of the proposed regulation.

RESOLVED: S/11/2002

to re-instate Master by Coursework Degree Regulation 14A to read: Personal Program of Study 14A. The Executive Dean of a Division, after consultation with the Head of the relevant School(s), may approve for a student a personal program of study, in accordance with guidelines approved by Academic Council. The Executive Dean shall then appoint a program supervisor who shall be responsible for exercising the power and responsibilities of a Program Chair. Any change of the approved personal program requires the approval of the Executive Dean.

The meeting received the minutes of the meeting of the Audit Committee held on 6 February 2002. There were no recommendations to Senate.

Senate noted the minutes of the meeting of the Executive Committee held on 19 December 2001, and minutes of two matters the Committee subsequently resolved by circulation.

18.1 Chair of the Board of Discipline

RESOLVED: S/12/2002

to endorse the decision taken by Executive Committee to delegate to the Deputy Vice Chancellor authority to determine the term of the Chair of the Board of Discipline.

18.2 Executive Dean and Professorial Selection Committees

The meeting noted with concern that one of the professorial selection committees was all male. [Note: subsequently it was established that the unnamed student member is female.] Senate therefore added a female to that committee.

RESOLVED: S/13/2002	to endorse the following decisions taken by Executive Committee:
	(a)	to appoint Prof Mike Dilworth as an additional member of the selection committee for the position of Executive Dean of Science and Engineering;
	(b)	to approve the following membership for the two professorial positions shown:
		Head of Murdoch Business School · Vice Chancellor · Professor Catherine Smith - Executive Dean, Division of Business, Information Technology & Law · Associate Professor Greg Tower, associate professor in accounting - senior person with knowledge of the academic area · Professor Steve Hannah, Adjunct Professor, School of Information Technology · Professor Ralph Simmonds, Dean, School of Law · Professor John Yovich, Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) · Ms Janet Chew - nominated by the Student Guild and selected by the Acting Vice-Chancellor
		Director of Centre for High Throughput Agricultural Genetic Analysis [CHAGA] Vice Chancellor Professor Stuart Bradley - Acting Executive Dean, Division of Science & Engineering Associate Professor Max Cake - Acting Head of School Professor Mike Jones - Director, State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre Professor Rudi Appels, Director, Western node of Molecular Plant Breeding CRC, Murdoch University Professor Simon Carroll, Director, WA Biomedical Research Institute Professor John Yovich, Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) A student representative (to be nominated by the Student Guild and selected by the Vice-Chancellor - name to be confirmed)
	(c)	to add Dr Sue Sutherland (Manager of Biotechnology, Agriculture WA) to the selection committee for the CHAGA Director.

The meeting considered whether the resolution on the constitution of professorial selection committees should be amended to require at least one person of each gender. It was agreed to hold that over to the next meeting.

The meeting received the minutes of the meeting of the Nominating Committee held on 12 February 2002. The following recommendation required the Senate’s attention.

19.1 Environmental Committee

At the November meeting of Senate, the Chancellor withdrew for further consideration the recommendation concerning membership of Environmental Committee. The revised membership makes greater use of the environmental expertise of the academic staff.

RESOLVED: S/14/2002	(a)	to rescind resolution S/84/2001(b) and in its place approve the following constitution for the Environmental Committee:
		Two members of Senate (one as Chair) Four members of the academic staff with environmental expertise A member of general staff with environmental expertise Vice Chancellor ex officio Guild President ex officio with the Director of Facilities Management having a standing invitation to attend and speak at the Committee
	(b)	to approve the following appointments to Senate Environmental Committee for 2002:
		Dr Michael McCall (chair) Dr Peter Dingle, Senior Lecturer in Pollution and Toxicology Prof Richard Hobbs, Head of School of Environmental Science Prof Phil Jennings, professor of energy studies Mr Ron Pease, Facilities Manager, Rockingham Campus Dr Pratap Pullammanappallil, Director, Centre for Organic Waste Management Mr Kevin White (Senator, environmental science student) Vice Chancellor ex officio Guild President ex officio

The Guild Secretariat had requested that the Guild Statute be amended to allow it to establish a subsidiary Council with responsibility for students with disabilities, and for its head to be a member of the Secretariat. The current Statute limits the Guild to having no more than seven members of the Secretariat who are elected officers or representatives of subsidiary Councils of the Guild. There are already seven subsidiary Councils. Legislation Committee had endorsed the form of these changes by circulation.

RESOLVED S/15/2002	to approve the following changes to Statute No. 17 – Guild of Students:
	7. Guild Secretariat
		(1)	The Guild shall be administered by a Secretariat comprising -
			(a)	the President of the Guild;
			(b)	eight members (in this section referred to as the ‘Guild Members of the Secretariat’); and
			(c)	not more than seven ten representative members as described in sub-section (4) of this section (in this section referred to as the ‘Representative Members’) no person shall hold office as the President of the Guild or as a member of the Secretariat unless that person is a member.
			(4)	The Guild may by Guild Regulation provide for the nomination of not more than seven ten persons as representative members who shall be elected officers or representatives of subsidiary councils of the Guild or of Student Societies.

The Pro Chancellor declared that in accordance with s.25 of the Murdoch University Act, the resolution had been carried by an absolute majority of members of the Senate.

Senate noted the report on academic staff granted promotion with effect from January 2002. Senate congratulated Prof McComb on her promotion, by acclamation.

22. RETIRING SENATORS

The Pro Chancellor noted that this is the last meeting for Ms Helen Shurven and Ms Mara West, and, on behalf of Senate, expressed appreciation for their services to the Senate during their terms.