2 March 2016

The Board of Trustees met on 2 March 2016 in the Board of Trustees Room, Parramatta Campus. A summary of matters discussed in the open session of the Board meeting is provided below.

The confirmed minutes of the 2 December 2015 (PDF, 215.76 KB) (opens in a new window) meeting are also now available. 

Main Items Considered by the Board

Chancellor's Report

The Chancellor welcomed new Board members Dr Ben Etherington and Ms Winnie Jobanputra. Professor MaryAnn Bin-Sallik has been appointed to the Board but was an apology for this meeting. This was the final meeting for Deputy Chancellor Gillian Shadwick.
 
The Chancellor recently attended the annual ZEST community awards and presentation of the Chancellor's Unsung Hero Scholarship. These awards showcase the great work of the Community Sector across Greater Western Sydney and many of the nominees and winners are from Western Sydney University.  The Chancellor highlighted the refugee scholarship fund which has been established with funds from the University and the staff giving program, and noted that many other NSW universities are also enhancing their support for refugees. The Higher Education Standards Panel has been asked by the Federal Minister for Education and Training to review student admission schemes and ATARs and to develop a set of principles that will make the admissions process more equitable and transparent.

Vice-Chancellor's Report

The Vice-Chancellor briefed the Board on the University's 2016 admissions. A report will be presented to the Board at its April meeting. A recent media report on ATARs and university admissions failed to adequately explain bonus systems, which provide students who have experienced educational disadvantage with the opportunity to attend university.

The Vice-Chancellor advised that University workplace surveillance policy and procedures are under review.

Election of Chancellor and Deputy Chancellor

The Board considered a paper that describes the process for election of Chancellor (the current Chancellor's term of office expires 31 December 2016) and election of a new Deputy Chancellor, to replace  the outgoing Deputy Chancellor, Ms Gillian Shadwick.

Changes to University of Western Sydney Act 1997

The Board approved a proposal to amend the University of Western Sydney Act 1997 to remove outdated references and provisions and strengthen governance.

School of Medicine: Presentation from the Dean

As part of the regular scheduling of School presentations, the Dean of the School of Medicine reflected on the first ten years of the Medical School and outlined plans for the next ten years. The School has achieved above sector-average results in Indigenous student enrolments and has put in place extensive support programs to assist these students toward successful completion. A new clinical facility on the grounds of the Campbelltown Hospital will provide a world-class training, research and teaching facility and will be able to accommodate up to 300 students per year.

1 Parramatta Square Technology Plan

The Chief Information and Digital Officer presented the technology plan for the new teaching facilities in the Parramatta CBD building. The plan is to deliver technology services that enable student-centred learning and a flexible learning environment.  A prototype has been built on the Kingwood campus to use as a laboratory for the new technology, and which will also allow modifications as required.

10 Year Estate Plan

The Board approved the 10 Year Estate Plan. The Plan establishes a blueprint for identifying short to medium term development activities and longer term opportunities for the University's campuses and broader footprint.

Remuneration (Executive and Senior Managers) Framework Policy

The Board approved the policy framework for the remuneration of Executive and Senior Managers.

Strategy Session

Following the Board meeting the Board of Trustees held a strategy session to discuss the Transforming Western Sydney University plan. The Senior Leadership team will develop a set of initiatives, based on four broad themes, and with students at the centre of all transformation activities. Those initiatives will be discussed in detail at the Board's strategy day in June.

Meeting Close

The Chancellor farewelled the outgoing Deputy Chancellor, Ms Gillian Shadwick. Ms Shadwick has been associated with the University since before the federation of the three member universities and has held many roles during that time. The Chancellor thanked Ms Shadwick sincerely for her valuable contribution to the Board and the University and, in particular, her passion for equity and social justice in matters relating to students and staff.

Helen Fleming
University Secretary