The Chancellor welcomed Brian Aitken to his first Senate meeting and congratulated Stuart Bradley and Malcolm Bradley on their re-election to Senate for three and one year terms, respectively.

The Chancellor also congratulated Jim Macbeth and Michael Borowitzka on their recent appointments as Associate Professor and Professor, respectively.

The PVC (Strategy) spoke to his report on student enrolment. Key points included:

• Total student load (EFTSL) increased in 2005 by 3%.
• Part-time EFTSL increased by 60%, highlighting a trend of part-time students enrolling mid-semester.
• Undergraduate first preferences reached an all-time high of 17.4%.
• Commonwealth supported places increased by 24% which was reflected in the drop in domestic fee-paying students as these students transferred to Commonwealth supported places.
• Total commencing student load for 2005 was 9,401, the highest ever recorded by the University.
• International post-graduate coursework student numbers dropped from 795 in 2001 to 153 in 2005. The drop in international post-graduate coursework student numbers relates to the closure of certain off-shore programmes previously offered in Hong Kong and China. New courses are being designed and implemented to address this shortfall.
• Semester 1, 2005 saw an 8.9% increase in international onshore undergraduates in Australian universities. The University has an 8% increase in undergraduates, consistent with the national increase.
• The University needs to continue to focus on its product offerings, particularly in the postgraduate area, to ensure that it keeps abreast of international and local developments.

The Senate noted the Chancellor’s recommendations regarding committee memberships. A query was raised regarding student representation on the Environmental Committee.

The Vice Chancellor spoke to his report. Key points included:

• The University’s ARC research grants for 2006 have increased from the 2005 figures.
• In the immediate future the Vice Chancellor will bring a proposal to Senate to establish an endowment/investment fund to be maintained separately from the University’s commercial activities.
• The Senior Executive is commencing work on a review of the University’s strategic plan, which will be discussed across the University community and he and expects to have a working draft in time for Senate’s Retreat in 2006.
• Discussions in relation to Agriculture Research WA and the Agriculture Department’s headquarters continue to progress satisfactorily.
• The Chancellor has been short-listed as the WA nominee for Australian of the Year.
• The University is looking to access Federal funding for an external consultant to undertake an operational efficiency review in conjunction with the review of the University’s strategic plan.
• The Banksia Association will be launched on 30/11/2005. This association will provide a forum for all individuals who have a connection with Murdoch (ex- Senate members, former lecturers) to come together and promote the University.

Resolved: S/69/2005

(i) To congratulate Dr Simon Mallal and Ms Rhonda Marriott on their recent achievements, noting that the Chancellor will write to each. (ii) To appoint Mr Brian Aitken, Professor John Howell, Dr Clyde McGill and Professor Nick Costa as trustees of the Murdoch University Veterinary Trust for a 3 year term commencing on 01/01/2006. (iii) To note the update in relation to progress against Senate’s 2005 priorities.

The PVC (Academic) provided an update on Murdoch’s preparations for the upcoming Whole of Institution Audit (in November) and the AUQA audit (in May 2006).

Preparations for the audit have been progressing very satisfactorily. A tentative date has been set for the May, 2006 AUQA audit and a strong panel has been chosen to oversee the audit. The document deadline for the AUQA audit is January 2006 and the University is on schedule.

The PVC (Academic) acknowledged the excellent work done Mrs Jane Michell.

Senate noted the minutes of the meeting of the Academic Council held on 02/11/2007

Secretary’s note: Recommendations relating to legislative amendments are yet to be considered by the Legislation Committee.

Senate noted the minutes of the meeting of the Audit & Risk Management Committee held on 01/11/2007 and resolved in accordance with the recommendation of the committee as follows:

Senate noted the minutes of the meeting of the Governance & Nominations Committee held on 28/10/2007 and resolved in accordance with the recommendation of the committee as follows:

Senate noted the minutes of the meeting of the Legislation Committee held on 24/10/2007 and resolved in accordance with the recommendation of the committee as follows:

Secretary’s note: In accordance with sub-section 25(1) of the Murdoch University Act, an absolute majority of Senate members voted in favour of the resolution.

Senate noted the minutes of the meeting of the Resources Committee held on 08/11/2007 and resolved in accordance with the recommendation of the committee as follows:

Senate noted the minutes of :

• the Chancellor’s (Merger) Committee meeting held on 17/10/2005 and resolution by circulation, the effective date of which was 07/11/2005; and
• the Chancellor’s Committee resolution by circulation, the effective date of which was 21/11/2005.

There were no recommendations requiring a resolution of Senate.

There was a brief discussion regarding the outcomes of the merger discussions with Curtin University of Technology.

The Vice Chancellor indicated that Murdoch University is well placed to meet the challenges posed by the changing higher education environment, but the University as a whole cannot be complacent and he and the Senior Executive are working on preparing the University for changes required, with the review of the strategic plan referred to earlier being the first stage of that evolution.

Other key comments made included:

• The investment of time and resources was extremely worthwhile, providing the University with valuable insights and a catalyst to adapt as necessary to meet the challenges of the changing higher education environment. The process sets the scene for Murdoch University to refocus on what it must do and change to overcome those challenges.
• Subject to observing the various confidentiality constraints that apply, the University will be able to use a lot of the data gathered in its strategic and operational planning.
• The process adopted for dealing with negotiations, in particular the role played by members of the Chancellor’s (Merger) Committee and the Senior Executives involved, had proved extremely effective and professional. It served the University well.
• The student body were appreciative of the consultation provided by members of the University’s negotiating team subsequent to the last meeting of Senate.
• The University should capitalise on the momentum and energy generated by the negotiations and staff engagement in the process.

Senate commended the Vice Chancellor and Senior Executive for their continuing efforts.