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  Meeting 5, 24 August 2007

The University Council met in the Council room, Sandy Bay Campus on Friday 24 August 2007. This is a report from that meeting.

Agenda items included-

Integration of AMC and UTAS

Council noted the Vice-Chancellor’s advice that there had been significant improvement in the AMC’s relationships with government and industry since the appointment of Professor Malek Pourzanjani and congratulated Professor Pourzanjani on that improvement.

Investment Policies

Council approved the changes to the General Funds Investment Policy and Trust Funds Investment Policy. In considering the policies, Finance Committee noted that Mercer’s role was that of independent advisor and that the committee would not authorise investments into Mercer funds for that reason. Finance Committee recommends that Council approves the revised policies.

Delegations to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and Provost

Council approved the revised delegations package. Delegations to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and Provost and the rest of the Senior Management Team have been reviewed to give effect to the role of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and Provost as “chief operating officer”.

2008 Meeting Dates

Council (while noting that some dates might move, given Council’s desire to reduce the time allowed at end of year and end of quarter for the preparation of financial reports) noted these 2008 meeting dates-

  • 15 February
  • 11 April
  • 6 June
  • 18 July
  • 5 September
  • 17 October
  • 5 December.

Council also noted that–

  • Members will be advised of final dates and meeting venues as soon as possible
  • The Council Appreciation dinner will be held on Thursday 14 February 2008
  • The Council Conference will follow immediately after the February meeting and continue over Saturday 16 February
  • There will generally be a dinner with local community leaders and/or an informal Council dinner on the evening before each Council meeting
  • It is intended to have the annual dinner with the State Cabinet next year.

National Governance Protocols

In order to gain access to the part of the Commonwealth’s Capital Grant for 2008 that is dependent on compliance with the NGPs and workplace relations reforms, each University must report to DEST by 14 September 2007 on compliance as at 31 August 2007 with the NGPs. Council approved the draft 2007 UTAS report against the National Governance Protocols.

Governance Framework – IMOS Delegations

Council approved the delegations to the Director and Executive Officer of the Integrated Marine Observing System.

Financial Management Report – 30 June 2007

Council received the summary financial management report as at 30 June 2007, noting the potential negative impact on the operating result of failure to reach Commonwealth enrolment targets together with the possibility of a continuing adverse investment environment.
Council noted the timing of Finance and Audit Committee meetings for 2008 and requested management to do what is possible to contract the timeframes, particularly in the light of the Auditor-General’s flagged timetable for final signoff on the 2007 financial statements by mid-February 2008.
Council discussed the setting of enrolment targets generally, including whether the existing targets are realistic, noting that many targets were not met and that failure to meet Commonwealth load targets is the major risk for UTAS in financial terms.

Enrolment Load Report

Council received an enrolment load report (as at 14 August) showing progress against 2007 targets and a comparison with enrolment load at the same point last year.

Merger of Schools of Information Systems and Computing

The School of Information Systems and the School of Computing are combining from 1 January 2008 to become the School of Computing and Information Systems in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology. Council approved the ordinance amending Ordinance 99 (Academic Structure) to reflect that change.

Mercer Quarterly Investment Report

Council noted that returns for the quarter were 3.0% for the Investment Fund (against the benchmark of 2.7%) and 2.6% for the Trust fund (benchmark 2.5%). For the year to date the returns were 15.5% (14.3%) for the Investment Fund and 11.3% (10.5%) for the Trust Fund.

Intercampus travel

The intercampus bus service recommenced on 16 July with some modifications to the morning Charter schedule. Numbers in the first two weeks of semester have been very encouraging.

Tasmania Tomorrow / University College

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) & Provost and the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) prepared a discussion paper for the Senior Management Team meeting on 30 July, introducing some possible models for the University College concept. SMT agreed to establish a University College Proposal working party to continue investigation and developing pathways into the University, enhancing University distinctiveness and that will increase Tasmania’s attractiveness as an education destination.

Appointments

  • Council noted that TUU Student President Rikki Mawad has been selected as one of two student representatives on the national Carrick Awards for Australian University Teaching selection committee. Rikki was selected from numerous nominations put forward by Universities around Australia.
  • Council also noted that University Librarian, Linda Luther, has been appointed as Chair of the Libraries Australia Advisory Committee.
    Libraries Australia is an online search service which enables users to search across the combined catalogues of Australian libraries – national, state, public, university, TAFE and government – in one search. The Libraries Australia Advisory Committee provides advice on strategic and policy issues affecting the delivery of the Libraries Australia service, the broad direction of service development, and changes occurring in the library community which are likely to affect services.
  • Council received the Vice-Chancellor’s report on the appointment of Professor Andrew Robinson as Professor of Aged Care Nursing.
  • Council received the Vice-Chancellor’s report on honorary appointments

 

HERDSA Fellowships

Assoc Prof Susan Jones from the School of Zoology and Dr Noel Meyers from the Faculty of Business have both been awarded HERDSA (Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australia) Fellowships.

HERDSA places an emphasis on the development and improvement of higher education teaching, leadership, learning and practice. Scholarly teaching and the encouragement of scholarship in teaching are fundamental values on which the Fellowship Scheme is based.

 

Teaching and Learning

Implementation of the Common Undergraduate Course Structure
Academic Senate has supported the implementation of a common undergraduate course structure by 2010. A working party has been established to direct this important activity, with the University Teaching and Learning Committee acting as an executive steering committee.

Common course structure working group members are:

  • Prof Gail Hart, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Teaching & Learning)
  • Mr Nigel Ewan, Student and Academic Services
  • A/Prof Rob White, Faculty of Science, Engineering & Technology
  • Prof David Johnston, Centre for the Advancement of Learning and Teaching
  • Dr Kim Beswick, Faculty of Education
  • Dr Kim Atkins, Faculty of Arts
  • A/Prof Judy Sankey, Faculty of Health Science

The working party expects to present a set of definitions, specifications and guidelines to support the implementation of the common course structure to the September meeting of the University Teaching and Learning Committee. The Centre for the Advancement of Learning and Teaching (CALT) is providing academic support in the development of common nomenclature, definitions and guidelines for such things as the nature of the learning objectives, expectations around assessment and measures of workload for introductory, intermediate and advanced units.

Carrick Institute Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning
Five University of Tasmania staff have been awarded Carrick Institute Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning.

The Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning recognise and reward the diverse contributions that individuals and teams make to the quality of student learning. The Citations are open to both Academic and General staff, with each winner receiving $10,000.

Awardees

School/Section

Citation

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 John Purser

Aquaculture

For facilitating links between the University and aquaculture industry to create high quality work-integrated learning experiences for students

Dr Catriona McLeod

Architecture

For innovative, holistic approaches to student learning in Years 1 and 5, leading to architecture students demonstrating and applying more sophisticated levels of functioning knowledge

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

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

Awardees were presented with their Citations at a ceremony in Melbourne on 8 August.

Round 1 Carrick Institute Grant Results
As a result of the first round of invitations to submit full grant proposals and expressions of interest, UTAS is involved in the following Carrick projects approved in 2007:

Project

Carrick Grant Category

UTAS Role: Lead, Partner or Participating Institution

Cross Campus Teaching Forum


Discipline Based Initiatives

Lead

Extension of CATS initiative


Discipline Based Initiatives

Lead

Rewarding and recognising quality teaching in higher education through systematic implementation of indicators and metrics on teaching and teacher effectiveness

Teaching Quality Indicators

Partner

Work integrated learning: A national framework for initiatives to support best practice

Discipline Based Initiatives: Common Curriculum Issues

Partner

Measuring the Student Experience: An investigation into the relationship between the Teaching Quality Instrument (TQI) and the Course Experience Questionnaire (CEQ)

Grant Scheme: Competitive Grants

Partner

Scoping Common Curriculum Issues: Studio Teaching

Discipline Based Initiatives: Discipline –Based Investigation Funds

Partner

Paramedic education: developing depth through networks and evidence-based research

Discipline-Based Initiatives

Partner

Recognition, development and enhancement of the contribution of sessional teachers to teaching and learning

Discipline Based Initiatives

Participating

The Carrick Institute has invited the development of full proposals as a result of the following expressions of interest. Notifications of success will be received during September.

Project

Carrick Grant Category

UTAS Role: Lead, Partner or Participating Institution

Australian literature teaching survey (invited to resubmit EOI in August 2007)

Discipline Based Initiatives: Discipline-Based Investigation Funds

Lead

A cross-disciplinary approach to language support for first year students in the science discipline

Grant Scheme: Competitive Grants

Partner

Peer Review of Online Learning and Teaching

Grant Scheme: Priority Projects

Participating

Leading rich media implementation collaboratively: Mobilising international, national and business expertise

Grant Scheme: Leadership for Excellence

Participating

The following projects which were successful in 2006 continue into 2007:

Project

Carrick Grant Category

UTAS Role: Lead, Partner or Participating Institution

Distributive leadership for learning and teaching: Developing the faculty scholar model

Grant Scheme: Leadership for Excellence

Partner

Identification of Teaching and Instructional Issues and Opportunities for the Architecture and Associated disciplines


Discipline Based Initiatives: Discipline-Based Investigation funds

Partner

Bridging gaps in music teacher education: developing exemplary practice models using peer collaboration


Grant Scheme: Competitive Grants

Partner

 

News from the Faculty of Business

1. The first meeting of the external advisory council of the Australian Innovation Research Centre took place on 19 July and this was followed by a reception at Government House. External members of the advisory council in attendance included the Honourable Michael Field, AC, former Premier of Tasmania; Mr. Clem Doherty, Chairman of Like Minded Individuals Pty Ltd; Mr Hugh Morgan AC Principal of First Charnock; a Director of the Board of the Reserve Bank of Australia; immediate-past President of the Business Council of Australia and Mr. Steven Skala, Vice Chairman, Australia and New Zealand of Deutsche Bank AG, Chairman of Film Australia Limited, Hexima Limited, and Live Events Wireless Pty Limited, and director of Max Re Capital Ltd, Wilson HTM Investment Group Limited, the Centre for Independent Studies, and the Australian Ballet.

2. The Faculty held two flexible education expos; in Launceston on 13 July and Hobart on 20 July. The purpose of the expos was to showcase the excellent work being produced by the Faculty on interactive CD and web based teaching and to launch a sample promotional CD showcasing the Faculty's flexible units.

3. The Faculty sponsored an award presented during the recent Australian Business Week initiative, organised by the Northern Tasmania Development Board and held in the first week of July. Australian Business Week offers a two-way conduit that enables students to learn from business people while the business people hone their management skills working with young people.

4. A number of Faculty staff recently attended the 2nd graduation ceremony at Shanghai Fisheries University, where over 350 students graduated from the Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Information Systems programs. The Faculty also co-sponsored an alumni function with over 60 graduands from the 2006 graduation attending.

5. Staff from the Australian College of Kuwait (ACK) visited Tasmania in late July to participate in a joint management committee meeting. The Faculty started teaching a Bachelor of Business program in Kuwait with ACK in February this year, the first Faculty in the University to teach into the Middle East.

6. The Faculty welcomes the addition of research officers, Dr. Natasha Cica (Hobart) and Dr. Angela Sparrow (Launceston) who have recently joined the University to assist staff in the Faculties of Business, Law, Arts and Education in improving research grant applications and networks.

News from the Faculty of Education

School Review
The School of Education is undergoing a major review according to the policy and procedure outlined in the Quality Assurance Manual. The Faculty of Education Teaching and Learning Committee (FETLC), Faculty Executive and Academic Senate have now endorsed the membership and terms of reference for the School of Education Review, which is confirmed to take place from 21 - 23 November, 2007.

The Chair of the School Review is Professor Barbara van Ernst the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Community Engagement) from Swinburne University. Professor van Ernst is highly regarded in the profession of teacher education and will bring a deep knowledge and understanding of University structures and leadership, along with a full experience of the discipline of Education to the Review. Professor van Ernst will be joined by six other panel members for the Review including Mr John Smyth, Secretary of the Department of Education. Mr Smyth is a key stakeholder of the Faculty and will make a critical contribution to the review from the perspective of the profession.

Bachelor of Teaching and Bachelor of Teaching Honours Review
The internal Review of the Bachelor of Teaching and Bachelor of Teaching (Honours) is progressing well. The external Review Panel is scheduled to meet on the 26 August for four days in Launceston and Hobart. The Review Panel will be chaired by Professor Peter Freebody of the University of Sydney.

Cradle Coast Launch of Bachelor of Education Year 3 and 4
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and Provost Professor David Rich, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) Professor Gail Hart, and Megan Cavanagh-Russell (Dean) will launch the Faculty’s offering of Years 3 and 4 of the Bachelor of Education on the Cradle Coast on Wednesday 26 September 2007.

Teachers Registration Board
A meeting is scheduled in early August between the Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) Associate Professor Rigmor George, Director of Practicum Dr Margot Boardman, the Chair of the Teachers Registration Board (TRB) Mr Greg Suitor and Secretary Ms Penny Cocker. The meeting will progress discussions around developments in Practicum, Course approvals process, and the establishment of the Course Advisory Committee.

Careers Advice Days
Careers Advice Days were held for final year students of B.Teach, B.Ed and B.Ed (In-Service) in Launceston on Tuesday 10 July and in Hobart on Wednesday 11 July. The Launceston event was particularly successful, drawing an attendance of 115 people.

2006 Annual Reports

Council received these 2006 Annual Reports-

  • Tasmania University Union Inc
  • Student Association Inc
  • ARC Centre of Excellence

Academic Senate meeting – 27 July 2007

Council received the report on the Academic Senate meeting of 27 July 2007. The major items discussed at Academic Senate (other than those forwarded separately to Council) were -

  • AMC Board of Studies
  • Report from the Chair on Graduation Ceremonies in China
  • The Vice-Chancellor’s reports on:
    • University College System
    • Federal Election
    • EDGE Agenda
    • Masterplan
    • 2007 Load Report
  • Implementation of “On Growth and Quality” Recommendations
    • Admissions Policy Statement
    • University Entry, Offer and Transitional Procedures
    • Membership & Terms of Reference of the Admissions Policy Committee
    • First Year Teaching Issues and Implications for Student Diversity
  • Review of the School of Education
  • Workplace Learning Placements for Students
  • CEQ Focus Group Report
  • Service Provider Responses to 2006 International Students Survey

In addition, Mr John Smyth, Secretary, Department of Education gave a presentation on the State Government’s Tasmania Tomorrow initiative.

Minutes of Academic Senate

Council received the draft minutes of Academic Senate meeting held on 27 June 2007.

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Last Modified: 06-Sep-2007