Council appointed Mrs Yvonne Rundle as a member of Remuneration Committee.
Universities Australia
Council endorsed the constitution of Universities Australia to replace the Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee (AVCC), and confirmed that UTAS will be a member of the new body. The AVCC Annual General Meeting adopted the Universities Australia constitution, therefore seeing the disbanding of the AVCC and the formation of Universities Australia as the new peak body for universities in this country. A media release was sent out on 22 May 2007.
State Government / University Partnership Management Group
The Partnership Management Group (PMG) met in late March, and is continuing the direction set after the planning retreat held in October 2006. This moved the focus from a range of individual projects under the auspices of four taskforces, to the PMG providing more strategic direction and support for a smaller number of mutually important strategic projects and issues.
PMG meetings are currently Chaired by the Vice-Chancellor (the Chair and Secretariat alternates on an annual basis) and are attended by the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research), the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Teaching & Learning), the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, the Secretary of the Department of Primary Industries and Water, and the Secretary of the Department of Economic Development.
There are a number of initiatives occurring, including mapping of research priorities, liaison with industry councils and continuing support for the ‘hyoptheticals’ series.
Major projects include:
- new developments with Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, and implications for the joint venture agreement and TAFI.
- Launceston ‘healthy behaviour’ projects
- Participation in the Partners in Heath review (underway)
- Joint venture relationship with TIAR.
The PMG March meeting discussed COAG priorities and the advantages the partnership can bring Tasmania in this context.
The CEO of the Tasmanian ICT Centre, CSIRO has been invited to the next PMG meeting in June to discuss possible collaborations with Government and the University.
Members of the group exchanged updates on some current projects including, from UTAS, the Co-location Project, and from Government, the relocation of the Royal Hobart Hospital.
Review of the EDGE Agenda
The review of the EDGE agenda is continuing with the aim of presenting the reviewed strategic document to the July meeting of Council.
Key dates include the May 18 deadline for submissions from individuals and groups around the University, and the Senior Management Retreat of late June.
Investment Strategy Review
Finance Committee, at its 10 May meeting, received the investment strategy review and agreed to recommend that Council approves the implementation of Mercer’s recommendation to allocate $10M to Alliance Bernstein Global Funds. The committee also asked for an alternative recommendation, having declined to use MGI as a manager given the relationship with Mercer.
Mercer Quarterly Investment Report
At its 10 May meeting, Finance Committee received the March 2007 quarterly investment report and agreed to advise Council that returns for the quarter were 3.3% for the investment fund (0.4% above benchmark) and 2.7% for the trust fund (also 0.4% above benchmark). For the 12 months to date the returns for the investment fund were 12.3% (0.8% above benchmark) and for the trust fund 9.1% (0.2% above benchmark).
Federal Budget 2007/08
The Federal Budget released on 9 May contained some significant policy initiatives for the university sector. A detailed summary is attached.
The major points for the university sector are:
Higher Education Endowment Fund of $5 billion. Dividends (of perhaps $300m a year) are to be distributed to universities via competitive tender for capital and research facilities. UTAS has a strong record in winning strategic funding for capital and we will be putting forward considered business cases in our key areas.
$556.9 million over four years to simplify university funding structures, and provide additional funding for key disciplines in areas of skills need. UTAS expects to receive around $4 million in additional funding from the revising of cluster funding.
$221.2 million over four years to give universities the ability to adjust student numbers and course mixes to respond to student demand and address skills needs. This will give UTAS more flexibility in our Commonwealth load targets.
$208.6 million over four years for the ‘Diversity and Structural Adjustment Fund’. Priority to be given to regional and smaller metropolitan universities which can demonstrate the greatest need for structural reform. Clearly this will benefit UTAS in the process of integrating with the AMC and other aspects of our structure.
$77 million over four years to help teacher education students gain more practical experience. No doubt this will benefit UTAS in terms of the way in which the Faculty of Education relates to the new approach to in-school teacher training.
$218 million in increased education and training funding to support Indigenous Australians. Again there are opportunities here for UTAS to work more closely with the Tasmanian Aboriginal communities, through Riawunna. Additional funding support will certainly help our cause here.
$222 million to improve access, through increasing Commonwealth Scholarships, and adjusting rules with regards to Rent Assistance for Austudy recipients and extending eligibility of Young Allowance and Austudy. Clearly this benefits UTAS greatly given our mix of students, especially the group from low SES section of the Tasmanian community.
$101.7 million over four years for Australian Government Summer Schools for Teachers. Again, UTAS through the Faculty of Education will have a major opportunity to apply to this fund and lead in the area of continuing professional development for practising teachers.
The budget documents also contain a number of points over which the University should keep a watching brief until more detail emerges, including State and Federal Government reporting requirements, and the offer for individual university endowment funds to be managed within the HEEF.
As noted in the Project Unity report, legislation covering the transfer of the AMC’s assets to the University has been included in the Budget papers.
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) Appointment
As Council members are aware, an announcement was made in early April regarding the appointment of Professor Johanna Laybourn-Parry as the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research).
Professor Laybourn-Parry has extensive experience of leadership roles in the management of research, the administration of research grants and development programs. Her experience in implementing government research strategies in the United Kingdom will be invaluable as UTAS heads into the Research Quality Framework.
Currently Executive Dean of Natural Sciences at Keele University, Professor Laybourn-Parry’s research background is as a polar scientist working on carbon cycling in lakes and glaciers. Her Antarctic research has been conducted with the Australian Antarctic program at Davis Station in the Vestfold Hills and with the United States Long Term Ecosystem Research Program in the McMurdo Dry Valleys. She obtained her first degree in Zoology from Reading University in the UK and a masters in Animal Parasitology at the University of Wales at Bangor. Her PhD was in protozoan ecological energetics from Stirling University.
Professor Laybourn-Parry will take up her appointment on 1 October.
In the meantime, Professor Allan Canty will continue his much valued work as the Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research).
Report from Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research)
Centre for Renewable Power and Energy Systems
At its meeting on 20 November 2006, the Research College Board gave conditional approval to the setting up of a new research centre in the School of Engineering, to be known as the Centre for Renewable Power and Energy Systems. Final approval rested on support from the incoming Head of School, Prof Chris Letchford, which was given in February 2007. The new Centre builds on the existing strengths of the School, and will help to consolidate the positive relationship with Hydro Tasmania. The Centre Director will be Professor Michael Negnevitsky.
No additional institutional funds or resources have been requested.
Centre for Astrophysics of Compact Objects
At its meeting on 14 February 2007, the Research College Board approved the setting up of a new research centre in the School of Maths and Physics, to be known as the Centre for Astrophysics of Compact Objects. This research centre builds on the existing research strengths in astronomy and will coordinate UTAS participation in the NCRIS project “Structure and Evolution of the Australian Continent”. The Centre Director will be Professor John Dickey.
No additional institutional funds or resources have been requested.
CRC for Sheep Industry Innovation
The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) has provided a report on the Co-operative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation.
Report from Pro Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning)
UTAS to Host Cross-Campus Teaching Forum
The University has submitted a successful proposal to the Carrick Institute for Learning and Teaching in Higher Education to host a national Cross-Campus Teaching Forum. The purpose of the forum will be to bring together those with primary responsibility for cross-campus teaching; initiate dialogue between institutions with the view to establishing ongoing fora for supporting, improving and further developing cross-campus teaching practice; identify effective practices, knowledge and resources that can be developed and shared amongst participants; and identify gaps in practices, knowledge and resources that can be further developed. The forum, which will be coordinated by the Awards and Grants Coordinator in the office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Teaching & Learning), will be held on the Launceston campus on 14 September 2007.
Nine UTAS Finalists for Carrick Institute Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning.
The UTAS Carrick Awards Committee met in April to consider thirteen nominations for Carrick Institute Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning. The Committee felt that applications received from the following nine staff were of sufficient merit to be forwarded to the Carrick Institute for consideration for the national awards. Winners will be announced in early July.
Ms Simone Bingham, Accounting and Corporate Governance- For outstanding commitment to enhancing international students' experience through developing a supportive, compassionate and scholarly approach to teaching and learning
Dr John Purser, Aquaculture- For facilitating links between the University and aquaculture industry to create high quality work-integrated learning experiences for students
Dr Chris Burke, Aquaculture- For sustained enthusiasm and commitment to student-centred learning of the scientific method in order to achieve positive learning outcomes in undergraduate microbiology
Dr Catriona McLeod, Architecture- For innovative, holistic approaches to student learning in Years 1&5, leading to architecture students demonstrating and applying more sophisticated levels of functioning knowledge
Kellie Brandenburg, Arts Faculty/Student Services- For the successful implementation of a service to support students in their transition to university life
Assoc Prof Pam Allen, Asian Languages and Studies- For exemplary guidance of student learning through the use of authentic and engaging strategies designed to facilitate students' deep understanding and appreciation of culture and language
Dr Kristy de Salas and Ms Leonie Ellis, Information Systems- For developing authentic curricula featuring the innovative use of mentoring and technology to guide Information Systems students' development of critical thinking and discipline knowledge
Assoc Prof Kim Rooney, Assoc Prof Jan Radford, Mrs Jenny Barr, Dr Kath Ogden, Dr Toby Gardner, Launceston Clinical School- For developing and implementing the Patient Partner Program - a learner centred teaching / mentoring program providing high-fidelity simulation and instruction in chronic disease management for senior medical students
Assoc Prof Sue Jones, Zoology- For championing and supporting teaching development and improving the student learning environment at the level of the school, faculty and university.
Report from the Faculty of Business
The Dean and Associate Dean of Teaching and Learning attended and participated in a seminar on "The Business Graduate of Tomorrow" jointly run by the Australian Business Dean's Council and the Business in Higher Education Roundtable, held in Sydney on 15 March.
The Dean and Associate Dean of Teaching and Learning attended and made a presentation to the North West Advisory Board in late March on the Faculty's plans to work with the Cradle Coast business community in identifying and putting into place strategies to improve student numbers at the Cradle Coast.
The Faculty and the Launceston Chamber of Commerce held an Industry Engagement event at Launceston on 17 April, with over 90 people in attendance which saw Faculty members and local businesses liaise to promote placements of corporate internship students and to improve links between business, the LCC and the Faculty.
The Faculty are in discussion with the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Executive Director of Finance and Planning about the development of flexible PG courses to be offered in NSW through our contacts with the Southern Region Health services.
The Australian Innovation Research Centre held their first Management Advisory Board committee in March, with representatives from the Department of Economic Development, the Faculty of Business and the AIRC as members. The committee is chaired by Michael Field, former Premier of Tasmania and the second meeting is due to be held in May. The pioneer Tasmanian Census Innovation project is progressing very well and should be finalised toward the end of the year.
The Faculty held its annual student awards night on April 19 at the University Club. This function provides the opportunity for sponsors and donors of awards to present their prizes to successful students and was attended by over 100 students, their families, staff and sponsors and donors.
The Dean and the Directors of International Services and the TNE are travelling to China in late May to finalise the financial arrangements for the offering of two undergraduate degrees with Shanghai Fisheries University. The courses are due to begin in September 2007, with these students taking their first UTAS units in September 2008.
The Faculty are sponsoring and organising a Community Engagement Event to be held at the Grand Chancellor Hotel in Launceston on 6 June. Over 300 people from the Launceston and Cradle Coast areas have been invited.
The University has approved 2 Carrick Grant applications for 3 Faculty Staff members to be forwarded for submission to the Carrick foundation.
At an administrative level, the Faculty has commenced a restructure of the Faculty office. Amongst other changes designed to reflect current demands and promote greater efficiencies the Faculty has replaced the position of Senior Faculty Executive Officer and has appointed a Business Manager and a Manager of Academic Administration.
Report from the Faculty of Health Science
The Faculty Executive recently held a Strategic Planning Retreat at which the contribution to EDGE 2 was discussed. Other major issues included the responses to the two DHHS plans which will shape the Tasmanian Health System of the future, including decisions about the RHH redevelopment.
The Faculty's contributions to the development of the Clinical Services Plan (CSP) and the Primary Health Services Plan (PHSP) have focused on the importance of teaching and research as core elements of the health service to ensure safety and quality of the service and equip an adequate workforce. The future services defined by the CSP and PHSP will also provide the framework for design and function of the new Royal Hobart Hospital.
The Faculty and DHHS are proceeding with a revision of the Partners in Health agreement which will include affirming the Partnership as the vehicle for supporting teaching and learning for the current and future health workforce necessary for all health services in Tasmania.
Plimsoll Lecture Series
The Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Alexander Downer was the inaugural speaker at the Sir James Plimsoll lecture held at UTAS on 11 May. The lecture, to become an annual event, was an outstanding success with more than 450 people in attendance.
The lecture series honours Sir James Plimsoll. Sir James set the course for Australia’s international diplomatic relations from the darkest days of post Second World War reconstruction, to the Korean War and then the intrigue of the Cold War.
Today, the cold war has been replaced by the war on terrorism, the world economic base is changing rapidly, Asia is one of our major trading partner’s and climate change is an international issue. But some things never change, and it is the skills of adaptability, good judgement, conviction and compassion, that Sir James used to chart Australia through those troubled times which are relevant today.
As Governor of Tasmania, Sir James took a great interest in the University and was awarded an Honorary doctorate in early 1987, not long before he died.
In paying tribute to his mentor, Mr Downer said Sir James played a crucial role in the Department of External Affairs at a time when Australia was redefining its role in the world and the Asia Pacific region.
“He made a remarkable contribution and while the tools might have changed, the skills and qualities of a Sir James Plimsoll are something to which all modern day diplomats could aspire,” Mr Downer said.
Appointments
Council noted that Nathan Bindoff has been appointed Professor of Physical Oceanography.
Council noted that Stephen Guigni has been appointed Adjunct Professor in the School of Information Systems.
Council received the report on the Academic Senate meeting of 4 May 2007.The major items discussed (other than those forwarded separately to Council) were -
Academic Senate Discussion Paper: On Growth and Quality
Student Lifecycle Information Management and Services (SLIMS)
Alumni Representation on the University Council and Constitutional Reform in the University of Tasmania
Implementation of Recommendations – Working Party to Improve Information Flow to Academic Senate Members.
The Vice-Chancellor’s reports on:
Project Unity
University Rankings
Report of the TNE Programs Sub-Committee
E-Learning Media Services (ELMS) Project 2006 – Final Report
Proposed Membership and Terms of Reference of the Review of the Bachelor of Teaching and Bachelor of Teaching (Honours)
Cross Campus Travel
Minutes of Academic Senate and Council Committees
Council received the draft minutes of the meeting of Academic Senate held on 4 May 2007, and the non-confidential minutes of these committees-
These students graduated in absentia at the Council meeting-
Mauricio German Calderon Hernandez (Master of Business Administration (International Business))
Matthew James Flood (Doctor of Philosophy)
Tung Ding Hii (Bachelor of Commerce)
Sunil Sunny Jacob (Master of Computing)
Yajun Kong (Bachelor of Commerce)
Erika Krumins (Bachelor of Laws)
Emily Mary McIntyre (Bachelor of Arts)
David Martin Saffir (Bachelor of Arts in Music)
James Aaron Scott (Bachelor of Teaching)
James Aaron Scott (Bachelor of Music)
Mohd Fauzi Sedon@M. Dom (Doctor of Philosophy)
Xin Li Song (Master of Professional Accounting (Business Management))
Felix David Wilson (Graduate Diploma in Information Management)
Feng Zheng (Bachelor of Information Systems)
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