21 October 2009 - Senate Minutes

Present:	Mr Terry Budge (Chair) Prof John Yovich (Vice Chancellor) Mr Brian Aitken Prof Nick Costa Assoc Prof Lance Fung Mr Garry Hunt Mr Tony Iannello Dr Marian Kemp Mr Darren Munday Ms Maxine Murray Ms Courtney Robertson Ms Eva Skira Ms Basha Stasak
Secretary:	Mr Jeremy Rigg
Observers:	Mr Ian Callahan (DVC – Corporate) Prof. Jan Thomas (DVC – Academic) Assoc. Prof. Bev Thiele (President Academic Council) Mr John Pike Ms Trudi McGlade
Invitees:	Dr Lianne Cretney-Barnes , Director, PR & Brand Marketing, for Item 6 Mr Ronnie Duncan from Meerkats Marketing Company, for Item 6 Ms Helen Moorhead, Senior Manager, Brand and Marketing for Item 6.Mr Brodie Lewis Guild Education Vice President, for Items 1 to 7.

1. MEMBERSHIP
2. APOLOGIES
3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST (MURDOCH UNIVERSITY ACT s17A)
4. CONFIRMATION OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
5. VICE CHANCELLOR'S REPORT
6. BRAND STRATEGY
7. REPORT FROM THE GUILD OF STUDENTS
8. SENATE MEMBERSHIP
9. SENATE REVIEW OF GOVERNANCE
10. MURDOCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION BOARD
11. RATIFICATION OF STATUTE AMENDMENTS
12. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY REGARDING MIGRATION OF CURRENT UNIVERSITY POLICIES TO THE NEW POLICY AND PROCEDURES DATABASE
13. REGISTER OF INTERESTS
14. STUDENT BAD DEBT WRITE-OFFS
15. ACADEMIC COUNCIL
16. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE
17. GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE
18. LEGISLATION COMMITTEE
19. RESOURCES COMMITTEE
20. OFFICIAL SEAL
21. FUTURE SENATE MEETING DATES FOR 2009

Meeting commenced at 4:39pm and ended at 6:05pm

1.MEMBERSHIP

The Chancellor welcomed members and observers to the meeting.  He noted that the terms of office for Ms Courtney Robertson and Ms Basha Stasak expire on 31 December 2009.  An election to appoint replacement members from the students of the University had been held, with Ms Basha Stasak and Mr Brodie Lewis elected for the term 1 January to 31 December 2010.  The Chancellor went on to thank Ms Robertson for her contribution to the Senate during 2009.  Ms Robertson replied saying that it had been an enjoyable and valuable experience for her.

He also noted that Professor Nick Costa’s term on Senate expired on 22 October 2009.  Professor Costa had served three terms on Senate 1997 to 1999, 2003 to 2006 and 2006 to 2009.  The Chancellor thanked Professor Costa for his long term service to Senate and the University.  He noted that an election to fill this position was currently underway.  In response Professor Costa said that it had been a privilege to serve as a member of Senate and to assist with the strategic direction of the University over this period. 

2.APOLOGIES

2.1	Ms Janice Bowra, Mr Russell Gibbs,  Dr Lyndy Scott and  Dr Stewart Washer (see 2.2).
2.2	Dr Stewart Washer sought leave of absence for this meeting due to unavoidable work commitments.

Resolved: S/36/2009

To grant leave of absence for this meeting to Dr Stewart Washer.

3.DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST (MURDOCH UNIVERSITY ACT s17A)

Ms Basha Stasak, Guild President, declared an interest in respect of the Report from the Guild of Students.

4.CONFIRMATION OF PREVIOUS MINUTES

Senate confirmed the minutes of the meeting held on 26 August 2009, subject to a minor correction to the heading for Item 10, and noted the report of action on resolutions passed at that meeting.

Ms Eva Skira joined the meeting at this point. 

5.VICE CHANCELLOR'S REPORT

The Vice Chancellor addressed the following matters which were not included in his written report:

• The Murdoch University Draft Strategic Plan 2010-2015 had been circulated to members of Senate on 12 October and to all staff on 20 October for comment.  Senate will be updated as the planning process progresses.

• Updated TISC preferences were available, that showed Murdoch posting the largest growth of the local Universities in school leaver first and total preferences (19% and 21% respectively).  Competition is strong for mature age applications.

• Discussions are commencing with Federal government representatives in relation to the implementation of compacts with individual Universities, with no clear understanding as yet as to how the compacts relate to the existing funding pools for the sector.

• The State government has pledged to provide $30m in funding to support the Agri-Innovation building if Murdoch is successful in its EIF application for $32m for this project.

• Offshore graduations are scheduled for next week, with the first graduates from the Dubai centre and over 400 graduates from the Singapore centre.

The Vice Chancellor spoke to his report to Senate highlighting the following:

• Murdoch’s Open Day was held on 30 August, and was a tremendous success, with over 600 volunteers from staff and student involved in the event.

• Murdoch’s participation in the 2009 Australian University Games was its most successful yet, with an overall placing of 14th out of 46 participating Universities.

• Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Jan Thomas, has been appointed to the Indicator Development Group established by the Federal government to develop the performance metrics to be used in the compacts entered into with individual Universities.

• Murdoch’s marketing and branding efforts have again been recognised with two prestigious awards at the 2009 WA Australian Marketing Institute Awards, in the Education category, and in the new Experiential and Brand Experience category.

• Associate Professor Robert Mead is the recipient of a 2009 ALTC Award for University Teaching.

• Dr Mike Bunce and Dr Vedi Hediz have received ARC Future Fellowships under the new scheme aimed at addressing the lack of opportunities within Australia for mid-career researchers.

Senate also noted that Associate Professor Brad Pettitt, Dean of the School of Sustainability, was elected to the office of Mayor of Fremantle on 18 October 2009.  Senate resolved to pass on its congratulations to A/Prof Mead, A/Prof Pettitt, Dr Bunce and Dr Hediz on their achievements.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Corporate), Mr Ian Callahan, was invited to speak to the Budget Strategy Summary which had been tabled (attached).  The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Corporate) noted that the 2010 budget faces a familiar challenge as cost growth continues to outstrip the rate of indexation of Commonwealth funding. Continued growth of student numbers is also putting pressure on the budget in terms of the existing infrastructure moving closer to capacity. The University is still aiming to bring the operating budget to as close as break even as possible while achieving a consolidated surplus.

Resolved: S/37/2009	That the Chancellor, on behalf of Senate write to each of:
	(i)	Associate Professor Robert Mead;
	(ii)	Associate Professor Bradley Pettitt;
	(iii)	Dr Michael Bunce; and
	(iv)	Associate Professor Vedi Hedi
	to congratulate them on their achievements

Tony Iannello joined the meeting at this point

6.BRAND STRATEGY

The Chair welcomed Mr Ronnie Duncan, Managing Partner, Meerkats marketing company and Dr Lianne Cretney-Barnes, Director PR and Brand Marketing to present on the brand strategy.
Dr Cretney-Barnes provided a brief overview of the role and functions of the Office of Corporate Communications and Public Relations, and the Office objectives fro 2008-2010. 

Members noted that Meerkats had been involved in the development of the “Discoverers Welcome” branding campaign from its commencement.  Mr Duncan provided an overview of the development of the theme underlying the Discoverers brand.  It was noted that in essence, the brand campaign has been about creating greater awareness of existing stories about Murdoch, rather than the brand driving any changes to what Murdoch is about.

Mr Duncan also highlighted the significant increase in spending by the WA Universities on advertising. An increase of 15% in each of 2007 and 2008, and 12% for the first half of 2009.  It was also noted that expenditure by each of Curtin University and ECU is approximately double that of Murdoch.

Dr Marian Kemp and Ms Courtney Robertson left the meeting at this point. 

7.REPORT FROM THE GUILD OF STUDENTS

The Chancellor invited the Guild President, Ms Basha Stasak, and the Guild Education Vice President, Mr Brodie Lewis, to present a report on Guild activities for 2009.

It was reported that the Guild is currently considering a review of its mission and vision statements.  Highlights and achievements in relation to Guild services, operations were outlined. It was noted that a survey of international students suggested that racism was generally not seen by them as an “on campus” problem.  It was also apparent that the current economic circumstances the impact of student poverty was increasing the demand for Guild services that address this need.

The Guild identified that in 2010 they hope to increase the levels of engagement between groups of international and domestic students, and to increase the number of Guild clubs and societies contributing to campus life.

8. SENATE MEMBERSHIP

Members were advised that at its meeting held on 5 October 2009, the Governance & Nominations Committee had considered the matter of providing a mentor for new Senate members.  By GNC/4/2009 it was resolved to recommend to Senate that new Senate members be assigned an experienced external senator as mentor.

Members were asked to consider approving the recommendations of the Governance & Nominations Committee as set out in Resolution GNC/4/2009.

Resolved: S/38/2009

that new Senate members be assigned an experienced external senator as mentor.

9.SENATE REVIEW OF GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK

9.1 REVIEW OF SENATE STATEMENT OF GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLES

Members recalled noting at the last Senate meeting that the Governance & Nominations Committee, by GNC/2/2009, had resolved that the Senate Statement of Governance Principles be updated and bought through the Governance & Nominations Committee, to Senate for approval at the October Senate meeting. 

At the meeting of Governance & Nominations Committee held on 5 October members had considered a revised Senate Statement of Governance Principles and recommended the revised Statement to Senate.  Accepting this recommendation, Senate resolved:

Resolved: S/39/2009	(i)	to approve the Statement of Governance Principles as attached to the agenda papers, with the insertion of “material” before Shareholding in 3.2.16; and
	(ii)	to rescind the Senate resolutions as set out in the footnotes to the Statement of Governance Principles - Edition 3 2007 and resolutions S/36/2004, S/53/2002 and S/52/2002.

9.2 REVIEW OF SENATE GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK

Members had before them two briefing papers prepared by the Office of Legal & Governance to aid in scoping the Senate Governance review and setting its terms of reference.  These papers had been considered by the Governance & Nominations Committee at its meeting held on 5 October 2009.  Senate Members approved the recommendations as set out in Resolution GNC/6/2009.

Resolved: S/40/2009	(i)	that a comprehensive governance review be undertaken with the broad term of reference (which will be refined and expanded) being: ‘To review the role and functions, membership and committee system of the Senate in order to update and optimise the framework for the governance of Murdoch University in the future’;
	(ii)	that the review be run as a Senate review of performance, reporting to Senate through the Governance and Nominations Committee; and
	(iii)	that Maxine Murray be given carriage of the review and engage appropriate Senate members, staff and consulting support as required.

10.MURDOCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION BOARD

Members were advised that the Murdoch University Foundation Board had resolved as follows:

Resolved: MF/5/2009	To invite Ms Karen Brown, Mr Richard Alder and Ms Kateryna Longley to extend their term as Trustees for a further term and then to nominate them to the University Senate for endorsement.
Resolved: S/41/2009	to appoint Ms Karen Brown, Mr Richard Alder and Emeritus Professor Kateryna Longley, to the Murdoch University Foundation Board, as Trustees, for a further term of 2 years, starting on 1 September 2009 and expiring on 31 August 2011.

11.RATIFICATION OF STATUTE AMENDMENTS

Members recalled that at the Senate meeting on 26 August, the Senate had resolved to approved the following amendments to the University’s legislation:

(i)	To rescind Statute 23 – Student Discipline (S/25(i)/2009)
(ii)	To establish Statute 26 – Student Misconduct (S/25(ii)/2009)
(iii)	To amend Statute 4 – Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates (S/25(iv)/2009)
(iv)	To rescind Statute 24 – Research and Development Board (S/31(i)/2009)
(v)	To amend Statute 5 – Academic Council (S/31(ii)/2009)

Members were advised that as per section 25 of the Murdoch Act, the amendments to these statutes had been “displayed in a conspicuous place within the University for a period of not less than 3 weeks”.     

Resolved: S/42/2009

to ratify the amendments to Statutes 4,5,23,24 and 26 as attached to the agenda papers.

12.DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY REGARDING MIGRATION OF CURRENT UNIVERSITY POLICIES TO THE NEW POLICY AND PROCEDURES DATABASE

Members were advised that the University had been reviewing its policies as part of a University-wide policies project.  This involved the implementation of a new policy and procedures database. 

Resolved: S/43/2009

to delegate to the General Counsel & University Secretary the authority to make minor amendments to existing policies as required prior to migration to the new database.

13.REGISTER OF INTERESTS

Members were advised that at the meeting of the Governance & Nominations Committee held on 5 October 2009, members of that Committee had heard that in all their activities as members of the Senate, individual Senators were expected to act in the best interests of the University, regardless of personal interest or the interests of other bodies with which they are associated.  Schedule 1, Division 2 of the Murdoch University Act explicitly requires Senators who have a material personal interest in a matter being or about to be considered to disclose the nature and extent of the interest at a meeting of the Senate, and to abstain from voting or being present during consideration or voting on the matter.

In order to provide for transparency and also to protect Senators, the use of a Disclosure of Interests proforma had been proposed in order to facilitate the compilation by the General Counsel & University Secretary of a Register of Interests in which standing or ongoing declarations of interests can be recorded.  This is in addition to the standing agenda item which invites Senators to declare conflicts in relation to items on the particular meeting agenda.

Members had before them the papers considered by the Governance & Nominations Committee:

(i)	an explanatory memorandum about the Register of Interests; and
(ii)	a Senate Disclosure of Interests Proforma

and noted that it was intended that the information be collected on an annual basis with Senators asked to update their details as appropriate.

Senate Members approved the recommendations as set out in Resolution GNC/7/2009.

Resolved: S/44/2009

that a Register of Interests be established for Senate members and that information for this Register be gathered through the use of the “Disclosure of Interests Proforma” as attached to the agenda papers.

14.STUDENT BAD DEBT WRITE-OFFS

Members were advised that at its meeting held on 14 October 2009, by RC/19/2009, the Resources Committee recommended to Senate a proposal to write off student debts as submitted to that Committee by the Director, Student Life and Learning.

Resolved: S/45/2009

to approve the write off of bad student debts as set out in the attachment to the agenda papers.

15.ACADEMIC COUNCIL

Members noted the minutes of the Academic Council meetings held on 11 August, 2009 and 24 September, 2009. 

16.ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE

Members noted the minutes of the meeting of the Environmental Committee held on 24 September 2009.

17.GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE

Members noted the minutes of the meeting of the Governance and Nominations Committee held on 5 October 2009.

18.LEGISLATION COMMITTEE

Members noted the minutes of the Legislation Committee decision by circular resolution effective as of 14 October 2009. They also noted that the below legislation amendments were the necessary follow on amendments from items discussed at meetings of Academic Council.  These amendments had been recommended by Legislation Committee resolutions LC/14/2009, LC/15/2009 and LC/16/2009. 

Resolved: S/46/2009	to approve the  amendments to the following legislation:
	(i)	Bachelor Degree Resolutions 37(2) and (3) (AC/95/2009)
	(ii)	Academic Progress Rules for Bachelor Degrees 9, 13(a) and 13(a)(1) (AC/95/2009)
	(iii)	Postgraduate Coursework Regulations 32.3.
	(iv)	Academic Progress Rules for Postgraduate Coursework Qualifications 7.5, 7.5(a)
	as set out in the attachments to the agenda papers.
Resolved: S/47/2009	to recommend that Senate approve the amendment to insert s18 to the Faculty Regulations, as set out in the attachment to the agenda papers. (AC/96/2009(iii))
Resolved: S/48/2009	(i)	to recommend that Senate approve the amendments to 19(2)(a), 20(2) and 21(2) of the Faculty Regulations, as set out in the document tabled (attached). (AC/97/2009)
	(ii)	to recommend that Senate approve the amendments to Schedule 2 of the Post-Graduate Coursework regulations as set out in the attachment to the agenda papers. (AC/99/2009(iv)),(AC/100/2009(iii)),(AC/116/2009(iii))

19.RESOURCES COMMITTEE

Members noted the minutes of the Resources Committee meeting held on 14 October 2009 which were tabled at the meeting. 

20.OFFICIAL SEAL

Members noted the official seal report in accordance with Senate Resolution S/51/2007.

21.FUTURE SENATE MEETING DATES FOR 2009

Members noted that the final Senate meeting for 2009 will be held on Wednesday 2 December.  This meeting will be followed by drinks.

Also noted was that the Senate Christmas Dinner will take place on Wednesday 9 December 2009 at a time and venue to be confirmed.

The list of scheduled dates for Senate meetings for 2010 was tabled.  Members were asked to insert these dates in their diaries

The meeting closed at 6:40pm