15 July 2008 - Senate Minutes

1.MEMBERSHIP

Senate noted that with the expiry of Ms Alison Gaines’s third term as a member of Senate, there is now a vacancy that will be attended to in due course.

2.APOLOGIES

Mr Russell Gibbs, Mr Steve Harris, Mr Garry Hunt, Mr Tony Iannello, Dr Marion Kemp, were each granted leave of absence for the meeting. Dr Lyndy Scott and Dr Stewart Washer also sent through apologies.

3.DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST (MURDOCH UNIVERSITY ACT s17A)

There were no declarations of interest. 

4.VICE CHANCELLOR'S REPORT

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

• The new research institutes are now well entrenched within the University and provide a platform which will focus resources on areas of relative strength and competitive advantage;
• The new IIID building is on schedule and on budget.  The ability of to complete such a project in this manner has created a good impression with government agencies that have recently inspected progress and will elevate Murdoch’s standing in a competitive health sciences area;
• The Vice Chancellor confirmed the University will develop its Faculties in line with the strategic plan.  The recent appointees to the new Research Institute Director roles had been made based on the best candidates available and as a personal development opportunity for outstanding individuals;
• Research income for May was in excess of $6 million and a record for May.  However, this sector is becoming increasingly competitive following the withdrawal of Comet and ComReady funding programs.  Research grants by their very nature are subject to periods of funding lags and consequently are lumpy rather than consistent in nature.  The new research institute model allows the University to apply its resources to only target grants and income streams in its areas of research strength.  Research income is tracking slightly ahead of budget.
• The review of Higher Education is ongoing.  University management has attended briefings on the review.  The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) is leading a management group to prepare a submission.  The Vice Chancellor has also been called upon to submit an application on behalf of IRUA.  Murdoch is planning to differentiate its submission concentrating on core matters and issues central to its strategic direction rather than generic issues that most if not al Universities will cover.  The intent is to provide a succinct commentary on what Murdoch stands for and to be very specific about its requirements.  Greater flexibility to deal with government funding to ensure it is directed strategically to identified areas of competitive advantage will be a key component.  It was agreed an executive summary of Murdoch’s submission to Government should be circulated to Senators.
• Expressions of interest will be lodged for funding under the Federal Government’s Education Investment Fund.  It is intended to request funds for the veterinary school projects, refurbishing some social sciences buildings as well as education based projects that identifies with the Government’s attempts to counter teacher shortages.
• The establishment of the Royal Institution Australia (“RiAus”) has been formalised and various linkages, associations and bridges will begin to permeate across Murdoch and RiAus communities.      

In response to a question, the Vice Chancellor advised the withdrawal of Macquarie University from RiAus was not of a particular concern.  RiAus is entirely a voluntary association with no contractual arrangements to bind members.

• Progress has been made to meet some of the fundraising targets mentioned at the Senate Retreat and Resources Committee meeting. An example has been the receipt of a total of $625,000 from ttwo individuals. Senate was also reminded the financial gap did not only related to human resources but equipment and capital works, and everyone can play a role in helping to fund purchases or identify philanthropists

5.APPOINTMENT OF A NEW DEPUTY CHANCELLOR

Secretary’s note: Ms Skira was not present during discussion of this item.

The Chancellor reported he had initiated a review of potential candidates for the role of Deputy Chancellor vacated by Senator Alison Gaines. After due consideration and sounding out with several Senators there was strong support for Ms Eva Skira to fill the position. Ms Skira has expressed an interest in becoming more involved with the University’s affairs and has consented to be nominated. The meeting unanimously approved the nomination.

Resolved: S/16/2008

To appoint Ms Eva Skira to the role of Deputy Chancellor for a term of two years commencing 15 July 2008

6.STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN

The 2008 Strategic Risk Management Plan was tabled.  The Chair of the Audit & Risk Management Committee, Ms Eva Skira, spoke to the paper and outlined the basis upon which the plan is formulated highlighting the fact that management has responsibility to manage the plan.
In response to queries, Senate noted :

• records management had been identified as a risk (number 18 on the tabled plan) but it had been given a low impact rating as it was not considered that an incident would expose the University to any significant degree;
• the annual open day may have been considered by management and not merited a mention and that enquiries would be made of the Director, Audit & Risk Management and management to establish the exact situation.

7.APPROVAL OF STATUTE AMENDMENTS

Proposed amendments to Statute No 5 – Academic Council were tabled. The University Secretary advised the proposed changes were relatively minor and reflected recommendations flowing from the recent joint review of Academic Council approved by Senate at the last meeting on 30 April 2008. The opportunity has also been taken to make some housekeeping changes to recognise recent or planned changes to the University’s regime and removal of expired dates relating to elections of certain officeholders.

Resolved: S/18/2008

(i)

To approve the amendments to Statute 5 – Academic Council in the terms attached (changes marked up).

8.SENATE RETREAT 2008 – REPORT ON OUTCOMES

Senate reviewed the paper summarising the various outcomes of the retreat held on 23 and 24 May 2008. Members emphasised the need for management to focus on the five main imperatives they had identified as imperatives for the university, namely;

• Creation of innovative projects or property developments for financial return;
• Demonstrate exceptional value in all our interactions (ie deliver excellent service delivery at all levels);
• Strategically plan our partnerships for the longer term;
• Focus on alumni and philanthropy;
• Community integration

Senate agreed there was no particular need to demonstrate adherence to these objectives as it was felt this was already well evidenced through the Vice Chancellor’s and other specific reports that come to Senate from time to time.

The Chancellor referenced the University performance indicators which had been circulated ahead of the meeting. The proposed indicators reflect Murdoch’s ability to readily extract current and relevant information for executive and Senate review.

It was agreed the report could be truncated to a one page high level summation. It was further agreed that the University’s Executive Manager should organise a workshop with interested Senators to firstly brief them on how the indicators are developed, then matched against the performance of each school before consolidation. A reporting template for Senate to review on a regular basis will be developed with help of the Senators.

9.2007 ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT

Due to the unavoidable absence of the Chairman of the Environmental Committee, Professor Nick Costa spoke to the paper.

The report highlights some significant improvements over the past twelve months and the Chair asked to place on record his thanks to the staff members who worked so diligently on the data capture in relation to electricity and water consumption. While the University has a number of challenges ahead of it members were advised a number of major improvements had taken place during the last calendar year as highlighted on pages 2 and 3 of the report.

Prof Costa advised the task of the Committee was never ending and was ever vigilant to highlight areas of concern to management. A key theme is that colour and shade is a primary consideration in all initiatives. In response to a question, Prof Costa pointed out that the Committee had considered reducing the University’s carbon footprint and a paper had been brought to the Committee late last year. However there are issues in terms of the ability to accurately measure emissions and consumption. Additionally there was significant cost involved and the University’s current financial constraints prevented significant investment in this area although there was ongoing work at the margins where it was feasible.

Murdoch has recently applied for a government grant to hire an expert to assist an investigation into carbon neutrality but this was unsuccessful. Ideas such as the provision of its own power grid and installation of solar panels are similarly costly exercises and will need to wait for appropriate sponsors or specific funding.

The Vice Chancellor advised Senate that an agreement was to be signed tomorrow which effectively provided 15% of green energy from Synergy. It was though this was likely to be the highest level of green energy from any Australian University to date. Senate noted that the power and other restrictions the University had enacted following the Varanus Island gas explosion has resulted in a 10% power saving to date. It was agreed this should be highlighted to staff when the announcement about the Synergy initiative is announced.

10.MINUTES

Senate confirmed the revised extracts of the meeting minutes of 27 February 2008.  Similarly the minutes of the meeting held on 30/04/2008 were also approved.  The minute of a decision by circulation effective 23/05/2008 was confirmed. It also noted a report of action taken to implement previous resolutions of Senate.

In respect to the 27 February 2008 meeting, there were further queries raised in relation to the University’s internal governance processes to agree the remuneration of the Vice Chancellor.  The Chancellor noted that he had detailed the process earlier in the year and believed the process is well established.  It was agreed that any additional concerns should be discussed at Governance & Nominations Committee, rather than being raised for discussion at Senate without notice.

11.ACADEMIC COUNCIL

Senate noted the minutes of the meetings of the Academic Council held on 16/04/2008,14/05/2008 and 18/06/2008 and resolved in accordance with their recommendations

Secretary’s note: All legislative amendments are dealt with under the Legislation Committee item. Council’s affirmations and recommendations of the review report were not included with the agenda pack, and will be considered at a subsequent meeting.

In response to the question on notice to the Vice Chancellor (Item 4, p5 of the 18 June 2008 meeting) the Vice Chancellor advised the Learning & Teaching Performance Fund provided funds without the necessity to formally report the expenditure to government or return surplus funds. 

Resolved: S/19/2008

to endorse the report and recommendations from the Joint Senate and Academic Council Review of Academic Council

12.AUDIT & RISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Senate noted the minutes of the meeting of the Audit & Risk Management Committee held on 27/05/2008. The only resolution requiring Senate approval was dealt with at Item 6 on the agenda above. Senate noted the $30 million maintenance backlog reflected the lack of maintenance by previous administrations and presented a challenge but there is a plan in place which prioritises the work programme. The age of the infrastructure is beginning to highlight new areas requiring repairs or remediation.

13.GOVERNANCE & NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE

The minute of a decision by circulation effective 27/06/2008 re-appointing Mr Brian Aitken for a further term was confirmed.

14.LEGISLATION COMMITTEE

Senate noted the minute of the Legislation Committee in a decision by circulation resolution effective on 07/05/2008 and resolved in accordance with the recommendation of the committee as follows:

Resolved: S/20/2008	(i)	to recommend to Senate to approve the attached amendments to the Standing Orders for Academic Council and Sub-ordinate Bodies (AC/64/2008)
	(ii)	to recommend to Senate to approve the attached amendments to Bachelor Degree Regulations 1.(1) (AC/67/2008)(xvi)
	(iii)	to recommend to Senate to approve the attached amendments to Postgraduate Coursework Regulations 1.(1) (AC/67/2008)(xvi)

Secretary’s Note:  The resolution relating to changes to Statute 5 were dealt with under Item 7 of the Agenda above. The circular resolution LC/04/2008 was held over pending the return of the President of Academic Council.

15.RESOURCES COMMITTEE (PAPERS & DISCUSSION COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE)

Senate noted the minutes of the meeting of the Resources Committee held on 07/05/2008 and resolved in accordance with the recommendation of the committee as follows:

Resolved: S/21/2008

To recommend that Senate approves the following payments for the period 09/02/2008 to 25/04/2008 inclusive

Senate noted that an update of the current cash forecast would be provided at the next Senate and Resources Committee meetings but there has been no material deterioration detected in the projected $16.5M gap expected in 2010 as based on current assumptions. 

16.OFFICIAL SEAL

Senate noted the official seal report provided in accordance with resolution S/51/2007.

17.SENATE MEETING DATES 2008 & CHRISTMAS DINNER

The dates for the remaining meetings for 2008 were noted.

Senators were reminded to reserve the night of 3rd December for the Christmas dinner which will be at Mead’s Restaurant in Mosman Bay. Further details will be forthcoming.

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The meeting concluded at 6:20pm