[ Murdoch University logo and link to homepage ]
SEARCH| MURDOCH| INDEX| PEOPLE

Murdoch University Senate

 

 

22 February 2006 - Senate Minutes

Present:

Em. Prof. Geoffrey Bolton (Chair)
Judge Kate O'Brien
Mr Dick Lester
Mr Garry Hunt
Mr Brian Aitken
Mr Terry Budge
Sir William Heseltine
Mr Philip Hocking
Prof. Stuart Bradley
Assoc. Prof. Jim Macbeth
Mr Mal Bradley
Mr Gerry Georgatos
Ms Janice Bowra
Secretary: John Pease
Observers:

Mr Ian Callahan (PVC - Corporate Services)
Prof. Gary Martin (PVC - Strategy)
Prof. Andris Stelbovics (PVC - Research)
Prof. Jan Thomas (PVC - Academic)
Prof. Michael Borowitzka (President, Academic Council)
Prof. Jim Reynoldson
Prof. Yianni Attikiouzel
Prof. Arnold Depickere
Assoc. Prof. Michael Campion

  1. MEMBERSHIP AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
  2. APOLOGIES
  3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST (MURDOCH UNIVERSITY ACT S17A)
  4. DRAFT 2005 ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
  5. ANNUAL REPORT ON THE UNIVERSITY ENVIRONMENT
  6. SENATE PRIORITIES
  7. RATIFICATION OF STATUTE AMENDMENTS
  8. AUQA AUDIT UPDATE
  9. MINUTES
  10. ACADEMIC COUNCIL
  11. GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE
  12. LEGISLATION COMMITTEE
  13. RESOURCES COMMITTEE (PAPERS AND DISCUSSION COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE)
  14. OFFICIAL SEAL

1.MEMBERSHIP AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The Chancellor informed Senate of the passing of Mrs Edna Blackshaw, the oldest Murdoch graduate. A letter of condolence has been sent to Mrs Blackshaw’s family.

Senate thanked Allison Hymus and John Pease for their contributions over the past 7 years and 2 years, respectively and wished them both well in the future.

Resolved:
S/01/2006
(i) To send Allison Hymus formal communications of thanks from Senate for her work over the past 7 years and well wishes for the birth of her first child in March.
(ii) To express to John Pease Senate’s warm appreciation of his work and assistance as General Counsel & University Secretary over the past 2 years.

2.APOLOGIES

Prof. John Yovich, Prof. Nick Costa, Mr Malcolm Macpherson, Ms Alison Gaines, Ms Carolyn Jakobsen

3.DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST (MURDOCH UNIVERSITY ACT S17A)

Nil.

4.DRAFT 2005 ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The PVC (Corporate) briefed Senate on the changes to the preparation of the University’s annual report and financial statements. The financial statements have moved from compliance with the Australian Accounting Standards to the International Accounting Standards. The main changes to the accounts have been in the timing of disclosure and reporting of R&D revenue. All branches of the University, such as the Vet Trust, are now part of the consolidated group.

Senate resolved to approve the draft 2005 annual report and financial statements (see item 13, Resources Committee).

5.ANNUAL REPORT ON THE UNIVERSITY ENVIRONMENT

The Chair of the Environmental Committee spoke to the 2005 Environmental Report. Key issues included:

  • 2005 has been a watershed year with several changes of personnel in the membership of the Committee and in its support staff. It is expected that a period of stability and consolidation will now ensue;
  • Thanks to the excellent assistance of Prof. Phil Jennings, the committee has set its priorities and has the challenge in 2006 to revisit these priorities;
  • The two key issues to be addressed by the committee are the masterplan for the University’s sites and the large tract of land at Beeliar and linking it into the teaching environment.
  • The Senate requested that the Environmental Committee brief Senate on its status midway through 2006.

6.SENATE PRIORITIES

The PVC (Corporate) briefed Senate on the modest increase in risk to the University’s investment portfolio. Senate discussed the requirement of further and more regular information on the Senate Priorities and their relationship with the University’s strategic plan. This topic has been referred to the agenda for the Senate retreat.

7.RATIFICATION OF STATUTE AMENDMENTS

An absolute majority of Senate ratified amendments to Statute 17 – Guild of Students in the terms attached (changes marked up).

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.

8.AUQA AUDIT UPDATE

The PVC (Academic) provided an update on Murdoch’s preparations for the upcoming AUQA audits. The portfolio has been submitted to Melbourne and the University awaits the details of the audit in May. The PVC (Academic) thanked the involved Senate members for their assistance in the November audit.

9.MINUTES

Senate confirmed the minutes of the meeting held on 13/12/2005. It also noted a report of action taken to implement previous resolutions of Senate.

10.ACADEMIC COUNCIL

Senate noted the minutes of the meeting of the Academic Council held on 21/01/2006. Other than with regard to legislative amendments, there were no recommendations requiring a Senate resolution.

Secretary’s note: All legislative amendments are dealt with under the Legislation Committee item 12.

11.GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE

Senate noted the minutes of the meeting of the Governance & Nominations Committee held on 14/02/2006 and resolved in accordance with the recommendation of the committee as follows:

Resolved:
S/02/2006
(i)

To co-opt Ms Shirley McPherson as a member of Senate

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.
(ii) To adopt the process for dealing with statutory amendments necessitated by the Higher Education Support Amendment (Abolition of Compulsory Up-front Student Union Fees) Act 2005 (C’th).
(ii) To change the Senate’s standing orders (attached changes marked up)

12.LEGISLATION COMMITTEE

Senate noted the minutes of the Legislation Committee (on a decision by circulation) dated 13/02/2006 and resolved in accordance with the recommendation of the committee as follows:

Resolved:
S/03/2006
(i) Diploma Regulation 1(1)(b) (changes marked up attached)
(ii) Diploma Regulation 1(1)(c) (changes marked up attached)
(iii) Bachelor Degree Regulation 1 (1) (changes marked up attached)
(iv) Master by Coursework Degree Regulation 1(1) (changes marked up attached)

(v)

 Master by Coursework Degree Regulation 2(1) (changes marked up attached)
(vi) Student Appeals Committee Regulation 4 (changes marked up attached)
(vii) Division Regulation 15(1) (changes marked up attached)
(viii) Statute 5-Academic Council (changes marked up attached)

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.

13.RESOURCES COMMITTEE (PAPERS AND DISCUSSION COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE)

Senate noted the minutes of the meeting of the Resources Committee held on 13/02/2007 and resolved in accordance with the recommendation of the committee as follows:

Resolved:
S/04/2006
 To approve the University’s financial statements for the year ended 31/12/2005 and authorisation of the Chancellor, Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer to sign the certification of financial statements (see agenda item 4).
Resolved:
S/05/2006

To approve the Veterinary Teaching Hospital writing-off the attached debts for the period to 31/12/2005.

(i) To approve, subject to (ii), the request for Academic Council to report in accordance with clause 5 of Statute no. 21 (Affiliated Institutions) in relation to Murdoch Institute of Technology and Murdoch College.
(ii)

Any grant of affiliated status to either or both of Murdoch Institute of Technology or Murdoch College will be subject to the following conditions:

(a) The grant of affiliated status will expire on 31/01/2011, or on expiry or earlier termination of the existing agreements between the University and each applicant, whichever occurs first.
(b) To the extent that either applicant in any way publishes or markets the fact that it holds affiliated status, it must comply with clauses 16.1, 16.2 and 16.3 of the feeder college agreement dated 03/08/2005 between the University and Catona Pty Ltd in terms of use of the University’s name, trade marks or other trade indicia.

To approve the attached payments for the period 29/10/2005 to 01/12/2005 inclusive.
Resolved:
S/06/2006

To approve the University’s annual report for the year ended 31/12/2005 and authorisation of the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor to sign the statement of compliance (see agenda item 4).

To approve the key performance indicators for the year ended 31/12/2005 and authorisation of the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor to sign the certificate of performance indicators for inclusion in the 2005 annual report (see agenda item 4).
Resolved:
S/07/2006
 To approve the University to use a fixed price negotiated building contract with a nominated builder for the construction of a new tavern, subject to probity and conflict of interest measures being implemented and authorisation of the Vice Chancellor to execute a fixed price building contract.

14.OFFICIAL SEAL

Senate noted the attached report provided in accordance with resolution S/54/2004.
© 2006 Murdoch University | Copyright & Disclaimer | CRICOS Code: 00125J | Page Information