Senate welcomed Dr Lyndy Scott’s election to Senate by Convocation for a term of three years commencing on 01/01/2007, and Mr Lloyd Johnson’s election to Senate by the student body for a term of one year commencing on 01/01/2007. Senate also congratulated Mr Gerry Georgatos for his re-election to Senate by the student body for a further term of one year commencing on 01/01/2007.

Senate thanked Ms Carolyn Jakobsen and Mr Mal Bradley for their contributions to Senate over the past 4 years and wished them both well in the future.

Senate also bid farewell to Assoc. Prof Mick Campion who has finished his term on as President of the NTEU (Murdoch Branch). Senate thanked him for his good work and wished him well for the future.

The Deputy Chancellor spoke to Senate, detailing the achievements of Emeritus Professor Geoffrey Bolton and his outstanding contribution to the University.

Prof Bolton was a member of the Murdoch University Planning Board and a member of the inaugural Vice Chancellor Selection Committee from 1970-1973. He was the foundation Professor of History from 1973 to 1989 and has written the history of Murdoch University. Prof Bolton has also been the recipient of 2 honorary degrees from the University.

Prof Bolton has had a distinguished academic career with a BA and MA from the University of Western Australia and a BA, MA and PhD from Oxford University. He has written 15 books, including the Oxford History of Australia.

Prof Bolton has been Professor of History at the University of London, UWA, ECU and Murdoch Universities. He is a trustee of Murdoch Foundation, received an OA in 1984, a Centenary medal in 2001, Citizen of WA in 2003 and West Australian of the Year in 2006.

Senate members thanked Prof Bolton for his profound wisdom and humanity, and for his contribution to a harmonious and cohesive Senate, which has been stimulated by the commitment he has shown over his term as Chancellor. Prof Bolton has “ruled the roost with articulate gentle humour and elegance” and has been a privilege to work with.

The Deputy Chancellor moved the following resolution from the Chair:

The Deputy Chancellor moved a motion from the Chair confirming Mr Terry Budge as Chancellor, which was wholly endorsed by Senate. The retiring Chancellor, Emeritus Prof Geoffrey Bolton ceremonially handed the Senate gavel to the incoming Chancellor, Mr Terry Budge.

Mr Budge spoke to Senate, thanking them for their endorsement. He told Senate of the privilege and honour to be the Chancellor of Murdoch. Mr Budge thanked his fellow Senate members and the academic and executive staff for their support. He acknowledged the challenges ahead for the University and that he looked forward to leading the Senate and supporting the University in achieving its goals.

Mr Budge welcomed feedback from the University community, inviting individuals to discuss their feeling about the University, what they would like to see the University do and what they would like to do within the University.

Secretary’s note: Mr Budge chaired the meeting from this point on.

On 28/11/2006 the Resources Committee approved the recommendation that the 2007 University budget be presented to Senate, in a decision by circular resolution. The DVC (Corporate) spoke to his presentation to Senate on the key areas of the budget.

The DVC (Corporate) explained that the 2007 Budget would be a deficit budget and that, as an ongoing deficit is not sustainable, this is indicative of 2007 being a year of transition for Murdoch. Important environmental context for the budget includes that the indexation of funding is not matching cost growth, demand for places is softening and competition for students is increasing, and the challenge of updating the University’s ageing infrastructure.

A significant capital works programme is planned for 2007, including expansion of the Peel campus, commencement of the CCIBS building construction and works related to the MIT feeder college. Student load forecast for 2007 shows a significant increase in places against the 2006 actual load, in a declining market. The University will be increasing its spend in branding and advertising, in line with the strategic plan. Contingency measures have been made within the budget to address the impact if forecast is not met.

The 2007 Budget is a budget that aligns with the University’s strategic plan and is focused on the longer term, investing in key opportunities for the future at what appears to be a critical time for the tertiary education sector.

The Senate resolved as follow:

The Vice Chancellor opened the presentation on the 2007-2010 Strategic Plan and invited each of the Deputy Vice Chancellors to speak briefly to the presentation.
Key points from the strategic plan include:

• The need to respond to changes in funding frameworks, and to increased levels of competition in the sector.
• Increasing the University’s levels of engagement with its stakeholders.
• Developing and defining areas of research focus, prioritising funding to these areas.
• Developing alternative, diverse sources of funding and income.
• Establishing a university wide approach to a future course profile and focus resources towards our intended areas of strength.
• Identifying, developing and rewarding through effective use of resources, excellence in teaching and scholarship.
• Increasing the number of students choosing to study in Murdoch’s undergraduate and postgraduate courses, both onshore and offshore.
• Establishing clear and simple decision making processes, and linking accountabilities to individual responsibilities and report on operational and financial performance.
• Developing clear and focused brand promotion plans, to aid in communication with stakeholders and in student recruitment.
• Establishing and growing an endowment fund.
• Investing in upgrading capabilities and use of information technology
• Enhancing human resource management practices which support the development and performance of all staff.

Senate agreed that the most appropriate forum for further discussion of the Strategic Plan, the setting of University goals and the reporting of performance as against the plan will be the Senate Retreat in March 2007. Senate resolved as follows:

The Director, Public Relations & Brand Marketing Mr John LeCras, introduced Mr Ronnie Duncan, Managing Partner for Meerkats marketing company. Mr Duncan explained the job for Meerkats was to ensure that Murdoch’s successes and positive attributes were being communicated to the outside world.

Historically, only allocated limited marketing spend has been allocated to promoting the University. Given the trend of increasing competition in the higher education market, it is imperative the University consolidate its brand position to strengthen its place in this market. Mr Duncan talked Senate through the methods Meerkats used to arrive at the University’s brand position. He then expanded on the methods that the University will use to sell the Murdoch brand.

Senate resolved as follows:

The Vice Chancellor spoke briefly to his report, with key points being:

• The recent launch on campus of the Ningaloo Collaboration Cluster with CSIRO was a significant milestone in an important research project.
• Assoc. Prof Lorraine Marshall was recognised by way of a Carrick award for her innovation, sustained refinement and leadership in the integration of generic skills and content in first year Foundation Units.
• The University was successful in each of its applications for NCRIS infrastructure funds.

Senate resolved as follows:

Senate noted the Statute 23 - Student Discipline requirement that the Chair of the Board of Discipline shall be appointed by the Senate after recommendation from the Chair of Legislation Committee and recommended as follows:

Senate noted the minute of the Legislation Committee resolved by circular resolution on 20/11/2006 and recommended as follows:

Senate noted the request to appoint Mr Tony Ianello as Chair of the Resources Committee, replacing Mr Terry Budge and resolved as follows:

Senate noted the requirement of a Summer Committee for the 2006/2007 summer period and resolved as follows:

Emeritus Professor Geoffrey Bolton retired as Chancellor at this meeting on 29/11/2006. However, his presence is required on the Remuneration Committee, which was unable to complete its deliberations before this meeting of Senate. Senate resolved as follows:

Senate noted the minutes of the Resources Committee meeting held on 14/11/2007 and made resolved as follows: