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Murdoch University Senate

 

 

26 April 2007 - Senate Minutes

Present:

Mr Terry Budge (Chair)
Prof. John Yovich (Vice Chancellor)
Mr Brian Aitken
Ms Janice Bowra
Prof. Stuart Bradley
Prof. Nick Costa
Ms Alison Gaines
Mr Gerry Georgatos
Mr Philip Hocking
Mr Garry Hunt
Mr Lloyd Johnson
Assoc. Prof. Jim Macbeth
Judge Kate O’Brien
Dr Lyndy Scott
Secretary: Mr Jeremy Rigg
Observers:

Mr Ian Callahan (DVC – Corporate)
Prof. Jim Reynoldson (DVC – Research)
Prof. Michael Borowitzka (President Academic Council)
Prof. Arnold Depickere
Ms Stefanie Dobro
Mr Reece Harley
Dr Marion Kemp
Mr John Pike
Ms Samantha Summerton
Apologies

Mr Tony Iannello, Ms Shirley McPherson, Dr Stewart Washer

  1. MEMBERSHIP
  2. APOLOGIES
  3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST (MURDOCH UNIVERSITY ACT s17A)
  4. VICE CHANCELLOR’S REPORT
  5. STRATEGIC PLAN 2007-2011
  6. BUDGET UPDATE
  7. OUTCOMES FROM RETREAT
  8. UNIVERSITY COMPANY DIRECTORS
  9. APPLICATION FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CENTRE IN HAEMOPHILIA AND THROMBOSIS RESEARCH
  10. RATIFICATION OF STATUTE AMENDMENTS
  11. CONFIRMATION OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
  12. ACADEMIC COUNCIL
  13. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE
  14. GOVERNANCE & NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE
  15. HONORARY AWARDS AND CEREMONIAL COMMITTEE
  16. RESOURCES COMMITTEE
  17. OFFICIAL SEAL
  18. SENATE MEETING DATES 2007

1.MEMBERSHIP

1.1 At the Senate Retreat on 9 & 10/03/2007, Senate members agreed with a proposal to co-opt Dr Stewart Washer to Senate for a term of three years starting on 26/04/2007. Senate formally ratified this decision by resolution.
1.3 On the recommendation of the Governance & Nominations Committee, Senate agreed to request the Minister for Education appoint Mr Steve Harris to Senate.
1.4 The Chancellor advised Senate, in the absence of the Chair of the Resources Committee, that a decision had been made by the Committee to co-opt Mr Ross Hughes, Chief Financial Officer of the Water Corporation. Senate endorsed this decision.
1.5

The Chancellor also noted that the term of Mr Garry Hunt expires on 26/05/2007. Mr Hunt has agreed to sit on Senate for a further term of three years. Senate resolved to appoint Mr Hunt for a three year term beginning on 26/05/2007.

Secretary’s note: Mr Hunt abstained from voting on this issue.
1.6 Senate congratulated Prof. Jim Reynoldson on his appointment to the role of Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research and wished him well in his new position.
S/12/2007

That Senate:

(i) approve the co-opting of Dr Stewart Washer to Senate for a term of three years beginning on 26/04/2007;
(ii) request the Minister of Education appoint Mr Steve Harris to Senate for a term of three years;
(iii) endorse the decision to co-opt Mr Ross Hughes to the Resources Committee; and
(iv) request the Minister of Education to re-appoint Mr Garry Hunt to Senate for a further term of three years beginning on 26/05/2007

2.APOLOGIES

Mr Tony Iannello, Ms Shirley McPherson, Dr Stewart Washer.

3.DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST (MURDOCH UNIVERSITY ACT s17A)

Nil

4.VICE CHANCELLOR&8217;S REPORT

The Vice Chancellor spoke to his report. Key points made during discussion included the following:

  • Senate was advised of the resignation of Professor Andris Stelbovics. The Vice Chancellor spoke of the significant contribution that Prof Stelbovics has made to the University over the past 23 years, including as a Head of School and as DVC (Research). Senate resolved to send a formal letter of recognition to Prof Stelbovics, thanking him for his contribution to the University;
  • Associate Professor Carol Warren has been appointed to the Humanities and Creative Arts Panel of the ARC College of Experts. Senate resolved to convey its congratulations to Assoc Prof Warren;
  • The Murdoch University Veterinary Trust met on 23/04/2007, and resolved to request Senate approval of the appointment of both Dr Mark Hopwood and Dr Vanessa Guthrie as trustees, for a two year and three year term respectively. Senate resolved to approve these appointments.
  • The Federal Budget is due to be handed down on 08/05/2007, and will be watched with interest by both the Higher Education sector and Murdoch University. The University is hoping to hear news of its request for funding of the Centre for Clinical Immunology and Biomedical Statistics building construction.
  • The State Budget is also due to be handed down in May, and the VC advised he will be involved in a ceremony with the Department of Agriculture, to mark the allocation of funds for the building to house the relocation of the Department here at the University.
  • On 20/04/2007, the first meeting of the Investment Committee (a subcommittee of the Resources Committee) was held to discuss the management of the University’s newly established endowment investment fund. Proceeds from both the recent sale of the Forrestdale land and the continuing St Ives developments have been used to establish the fund. The University is now in good position to grow its endowment, and provide an additional source of funds for core activities, teaching and research at Murdoch University.
  • Ms Deborah Robertson, lecturer in English in the Arts Department has been nominated for the Miles Franklin Award for her novel Careless. Senate congratulates her on her nomination and wishes her well for the upcoming judging.

Senate resolved as follows:

S/13/2007 The Chancellor, on behalf of Senate, to write to Professor Andris Stelbovics and thank him for the outstanding contribution he has made to Murdoch University over the past 23 years.
S/14/2007

The Chancellor, on behalf of Senate to send letters of congratulations to the following individuals:

(i) Associate Professor Carol Warren for her admittance to the Humanities and Creative Arts Panel of ARC College of Experts
(ii) Ms Deborah Robertson, for her nomination for the Miles Franklin Award for her novel Careless.
S/15/2007 To approve the appointment of both Dr Mark Hopwood (for a 2 year term) and Dr Vanessa Guthrie (for a 3 year term) to the Murdoch University Veterinary Trust as trustees.

5.STRATEGIC PLAN 2007-2011

The Vice Chancellor spoke to the final draft of the Strategic Plan Overview and related documents. It was noted that some comments on the documents had been received from members of Senate in advance of the meeting, particularly in relation to aspects of the wording of the plan. There was general discussion in relation to the wording and layout of the documents, and the VC asked that if Senate members have any further comments that these be emailed to him by the end of the week.

The VC commented that in terms of the operational aspects of the plan, the costing of the various initiatives could be affected by the outcomes of the Federal budget, and the University’s proposed review of academic structures and workplace productivity review projects. While there are ambitious strategies detailed in the Plan to address future challenges to sustainability, there is a need to ensure that adjustments are made to any long term forecasts in accordance with changes to the operating environment.

Senate endorsed the approach taken to the Strategic Plan, and resolved to ratify the plan, and to authorise the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor to sign off on the final wording.

Senate resolved as follows:

S/16/2007 To ratify the Murdoch University Strategic Plan 2007-2011, and authorise the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor to sign off on the final content of the Plan.

6.BUDGET UPDATE

The Chancellor proposed to Senate that the budget update be conducted in camera with Mr Ian Callahan, DVC (Corporate) in attendance, and Senate agreed to this proposal. See the separate confidential minute on this item.

7.OUTCOMES FROM RETREAT

The Chancellor spoke to his written report. He advised that work was continuing on the draft scorecard for reporting of overall University KPIs to Senate, with the aim of tabling the first such report at the 13/06/2007 meeting. Senate noted the report on the outcomes of the 2007 Senate Retreat.

8.UNIVERSITY COMPANY DIRECTORS

Senate noted the report on the current directors of each of the companies controlled by the University.

9.APPLICATION FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CENTRE IN HAEMOPHILIA AND THROMBOSIS RESEARCH

Senate was advised in advance of the meeting that the agenda incorrectly suggested the Senate approval was required for this item. In accordance with the relevant University policy, Centres are established with the approval of the Vice Chancellor and DVC (Research) and tabled before Senate for noting. Senate noted the establishment of this Centre on the terms of the application.

10.RATIFICATION OF STATUTE AMENDMENTS

Subject to the correction of a minor typographical error identified in clause 7(6), Senate, by unanimous vote of the members present, resolved to ratify the amendments to Statute 17 – Guild of Students.

S/17/2007 To ratify the amendments to Statute 17 – Guild of Students in the terms attached (changes marked up), subject to correcting typographical errors identified.

11.CONFIRMATION OF PREVIOUS MINUTES

Senate confirmed:

11.1 the minutes of the meeting held on 21/02/2007;
11.2 the minute of the decision by circulation effective as of 19/03/2007;
11.3 the minute of the decision by circulation effective as of 11/04/2007; and noted the report of action on resolutions passed at the previous meeting.

12.ACADEMIC COUNCIL

Senate noted the minutes of the Academic Council meeting held on 28/02/2007 and resolved:

S/18/2007 To approve the attached ‘Review of Academic Council and its Subordinate Bodies’ policy.

13.ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE

Senate noted the minutes of the Environmental Committee meeting held on 12/04/2007.

14.GOVERNANCE & NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE

14.1 Senate noted the minute of decision by circular resolution effective on 09/03/2007 and resolved:
S/19/2007 To approve the Statement of Governance Principles documents as attached in mark up.
14.2 Senate noted the minutes of the Governance & Nominations Committee meeting held on 10/04/2007 and resolved;
S/20/2007 To approve the attached amendments to Standing Order 4.13 in relation to presence of observers.
S/21/2007 To adopt the attached 2007 Workplan.
14.3 Senate noted the minute of decision by circular resolution effective on16/04/2007. The requested resolution was considered under Item 1 of the agenda, and is minuted above.

15.HONORARY AWARDS AND CEREMONIAL COMMITTEE

Senate noted the minute of the Honorary Awards and Ceremonial Committee decision by circulation effective as of 05/04/2007.

16.RESOURCES COMMITTEE

Senate noted the minutes of the Resources Committee meeting held on 27/03/2007 and resolved:

S/22/2007 To approve the attached payments for the period 05/12/2006 to 15/03/2007 inclusive.

17.OFFICIAL SEAL

Senate noted the report on the official seal, provided in accordance with resolution S/54/2004.

18.SENATE MEETING DATES 2007

Senate noted the meeting dates for 2007.
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