11 October 2006

The Board of Trustees met on Wednesday 11 October 2006, in the Boardroom,   Building AD, Werrington North.  A summary of matters discussed is provided   below

Confirmation of Minutes
  The minutes (PDF, 377kb) of the August meeting of the Board of Trustees were confirmed   with a minor amendment.

Main Items Considered by the Board

Strategic Planning for UWS Campuses

Professor Kevin Sproats, PVC Campus Development, presented a series of   strategic options for the UWS campuses to enable the reasoned development of a   network of UWS sites to support teaching and research.  Professor Sproats will   propose a range of recommendations to future Board meetings for   consideration.

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UWS-TVS Collaboration

The Board noted the background and the current position of this collaboration   and agreed to further consider the matter when more information is   available.

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UWS College

The Board noted the UWS College Pty Ltd Business Plan Overview (Phase 1),   presented by the Project Director, Mr Mark Howland.  Further research and a risk   management plan will be provided to the Board at a future meeting.

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College of Business

The Board received a report on the progress of SGSM’s transition into the   College of Business, an evaluation of its performance against the agreed aims   for 2006 and its operating principles and objectives for 2007 and beyond. 

Executive Dean Robyn McGuiggan provided a presentation which outlined the   challenges to be addressed and achievements of the College.  The Board noted   that Associate Professor McGuiggan has been encouraged by the dedication,   enthusiasm and participation of the College staff.

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Information Technology Strategy Committee

The Board agreed to the establishment of an Information Technology Strategy   Committee, which will be a standing committee of the University and will have   the following membership:

The Hon Kim Yeadon, MLA (Chair and Board of Trustees   representative)
  Vice-Chancellor or nominee
  Rozanne Frost, Chief   Information Officer, CSIRO
  Alan McMeekin, Executive Director of IT, Monash   University
  Cynthia Hansen, CEO, Higher Education Systems
  One staff   representative

In attendance will be:
  Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and   Services)
  Director Information Technology

The proposed terms of reference of the IT Strategy Committee are:

1. Advise on the development and implementation of the University’s   Information Technology Strategic Plan, ensuring the plan and associated   expenditure are aligned with institutional business and academic   plans.
  2. Provide strategic and planning advice to assist in decision-making   in relation to the adoption of good practice in the University’s IT   services.
  3. Consider and advise on significant IT policy proposals and   information management in terms of e-learning, e-Research, research areas and IT   support.
  4. Ensure clear direction and support for IT security initiatives,   promoting IT security awareness across the University through appropriate   commitment and adequate resourcing.

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Report from the Strategy and Resources Committee

The review of the University Funding Model (UFM), the Financial Reports to 31   August 2006 and the development of the 2007 budget were discussed.  These   matters will be considered further at the Board’s meeting in November.

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Report from the Audit and Risk Management Committee

The Chair of the ARMC spoke to this report and highlighted the Committee’s   decision that, in future, an appropriate representative will be required to   attend each ARMC meeting until the audit recommendation(s) which are more than   12 months old in their area are completed.  The Chancellor reiterated the   importance of ensuring that Audit recommendations are implemented.

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Report from the Chair of Academic Senate

The Board noted this report and that the Chair of Academic Senate and the   University Librarian are working with 2000 students and 11 staff in trialling   the Turnitin text matching software.

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Report from the Board Standing Committee and Remuneration and Nominations   Committee

The Campus Development Committee’s terms of reference have been expanded to   more clearly state its role in master planning and future of the campuses:

1. Provide strategic guidance and oversight to development of the   University’s campuses with three interdependent elements:

1.1 Campus Futures:  Strategic, long-term planning and consolidation of the   multi-campus network, including alternative uses of some campuses and possible   new sites;

1.2 Campus Planning:  Strategic master planning of campuses within the   network, providing a robust structure within which teaching and research can   develop; capital works and facilities can be constructed and managed; commercial   operations undertaken; property development projects undertaken;

1.3 Campus Property Developments: Management of developments to generate   sustainable income streams to the University.

2. Respond, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, to any rezoning issues or   matters where the University would be seeking special approvals at local   government or state government levels.

3. Authorize matters to be brought to the Standing Committee or to the Board   of Trustees at appropriate junctures in the process for decision.

4. Undertake those responsibilities within the delegations established by the   Board of Trustees, acknowledging that these do not include alienation of land as   per Section 24 of the UWS legislation.

The Board approved the expansion of the Campus Development Committee’s   membership to include another external person with relevant skills and   experience and that the PVC Campus Development and the Chief Financial Officer   will be in attendance at CDC meetings.

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Indigenous Advisory Council

The Board renewed the membership of Ms Linda Burney, Aunty Mae Robinson and   Gawaian Bodkin-Andrews on the Indigenous Advisory Council.

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Other Reports and Items Considered by the Board

• The Integrated UWS Strategy
• Post VSU Student Services – progress report
• Vice-Chancellor’s Report
• International Activities Progress
• Campus Development Committee
• Regional Council
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Staffing Matters
• Progress Report of Major Capital Buildings Projects
• AUQA Progress Report
• Open Day 2006
• Research Investment – Progress Report
• Research Investment – Medical School