Introductory Items

The Chancellor welcomed Mr Bernard Lillis to his first meeting since taking up his appointment as Executive Director Finance and Administration.

Declaration of Interest

There were no new declarations of interest.

Other matters from the Chancellor

The Chancellor spoke to members about the University Governance Professional Development program, and in particular, the first online discussion forum (on commercial entities) set up as part of that program.

The Chancellor expressed his appreciation to Council members for attending the reception and public lecture on Thursday 30 June, and also to Megan Cavanagh-Russell and her staff for the organisation of the events.

Presentation on Community Engagement

Council received a presentation from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor on Community Engagement.  The Deputy Vice-Chancellor also updated members on the upcoming AUQA Audit.

Emerging Issues

Council received the Vice-Chancellor's report on emerging issues.
Council asked for its recognition of the CODES achievement in being funded as an ARC Centre of Excellence to be conveyed formally to Professor Large.
Council requested an update to the August meeting on enrolments, together with strategies for meeting the 2005 and 2006 enrolment targets.

Academic Dress for Professional Doctorates

Council approved the proposal for the introduction of a new category of academic dress to cover all professional doctorates and made the ordinance amending Ordinance 33.

Distinguished Service Medal

Council approved the proposal for and the design of the Distinguished Service Medal.

The Tasmanian water plant featured on the medal is nymphaea gigantea.

Governance Framework

Council received a progress report on the governance framework.

State Partnership Agreement

The Vice-Chancellor reported that a recent meeting of the UTAS-State Partnership Management Group received initial reports from the four Taskforces (Our Economy, Our Environment, Our Culture, and Our Community/Our Democracy).  Whilst it is ‘early days', it is pleasing to see the range of potential collaborative projects being developed, and the obvious collegiality between our organisations.  It is expected that a balance will be struck between ‘quick wins' and sustainable action, with several challenges (eg. resourcing) to be tackled and cross-cutting themes (eg. population ageing) emerging.

2004 UTAS Annual Report

The Vice-Chancellor presented the 2004 University of Tasmania Annual Report to the Administrator on Thursday 30 June, as required under the University of Tasmania Act 1992.

2004 Complaints Commissioners' Annual Report

Council received the 2004 Complaints Commissioners' Annual Reports and the management response to it.

Semesterisation of Units

Council received a paper from the Pro Vice-Chancellor (T&L) on the semesterisation of units.

Significant achievements

Council received a report on significant achievements by the University, its staff and students.

Adjunct Professors

In accordance with the Honorary, Visiting, Clinical and Adjunct Appointments Policy, the Vice-Chancellor advised Council that, on the recommendation of the Adjunct Professors Committee, he had appointed-

• Dr David Adams (School of Management)
• Mr Malcolm Wells (School of Management)
• Emeritus Professor Malcolm Skilbeck (School of Education)

as Adjunct Professors for a 3-year period ending 23 May 2008. 

Honorary Appointments

In accordance with the Honorary, Visiting, Clinical and Adjunct Appointments Policy, Council received a list of appointments.

Academic Structure

Council made the Ordinance amending Ordinance 99 (Academic Structure) to change the names of the Faculty of Commerce,  the School of Economics and the School of Accounting and Finance to the Faculty of Business,  the School of Economics and Finance and the School of Accounting and Corporate Governance respectively, as approved by Council at its 8 April 05 meeting.

Rules of Awards

Council made the Rule amending Rule 98 (Rules of Award) (replacement and tabled at the meeting) and resolved that it is to be sealed.

New courses

Council approved in principle the proposals for these new courses -

• Bachelor of Design Teaching
• MBBS: New five-year program
• Bachelor of Health Science and Bachelor of Teaching
• Bachelor of Marine Science
• Bachelor of Adult and Vocational Education
• Bachelor of Environmental Science with Honours
• Master of Contemporary Arts (Specialisation)

and asked the Legislation Committee to draft any necessary amendments to the Rules of Awards.

Significant amendments to existing courses

Council approved significant amendments to existing courses.

Academic Senate meeting – 3 June 2005

Council received the report on the Academic Senate meeting of 3 June 2005.  The major items discussed at Senate were-

• Highlights from the Research Quality Framework National Forum held in Canberra on 2nd June 2005
• Higher Education Workplace Relations Requirements
• Voluntary Student Unionism
• Semesterisation of Units
• Course and Unit Withdrawal Data 2005
• Suggested changes to SETL Policy and Procedures
• MBBS: New five year program
• The procedure for Academic Senate to gain approval of items of importance between meetings.

Council approved the revised Student Evaluation of Teaching and Learning Policy in relation to SETL results on the web, as endorsed by Academic Senate.

Minutes of Academic Senate

Council received the minutes of the meeting of Academic Senate held on 3 June 2005. 

Use of Seal

Council received the report on the use of the seal-

• Ordinance 8 Student Complaints
• Ordinance 112 Council Committees Amendment Ordinance
• Ordinance 113 Academic Structure Amendment Ordinance

Graduation in Absentia

Cynthia Yukiko Hiraga, Doctor of Philosophy, graduated in absentia at the Council meeting.