9 August 2006

The Board of Trustees met on Wednesday 9 August 2006, in the Boardroom,   Building AD, Werrington North. A summary of matters discussed is provided   below.

Confirmation of Minutes
  The minutes (PDF, 177Kb) of the June meeting of the Board of Trustees were confirmed.

Main items considered by the Board

Strategy and Resources Committee Report

Current projections of full year financial performance are showing a small   underlying operating surplus for the full year to December 2006. Approximately   half of the surplus is attributable to deferred costs and half represents   potentially sustainable expenditure savings. The draft 2007 budget will be   presented to the next Board meeting in October.

The Board approved the International Strategic Plan. The plan outlined a   'whole of University' strategy covering curriculum, student exchange, research,   international marketing and alumni. This plan has been the subject of   consultations with Academic Senate, Heads of Schools and Colleges and other   areas of the University.

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Minor Amendment to UWS Code of Conduct

The Board approved a minor amendment to the University’s Code of Conduct to   make clear that it applies to all University activities whether within Australia   or overseas.

A copy of the revised code can be accessed at Policy DDS.

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Post VSU Student Services

The Board considered the Sub-Committee’s report outlining proposals for the   provision of student services in the voluntary student unionism environment from   2007. The Sub-Committee acknowledged the importance of student services, of   welcoming and vibrant spaces and effective orientation to the attraction and   retention of students and to the quality of their experience at UWS. There was a   significant student representation at the Board meeting and, at the conclusion   of the extensive discussions, the Chancellor thanked those present for their   sensible, prudent and polite contributions to the debate.

Details of the funding arrangements and in-kind support will be available, in   the near future, in a media release at UWS Latest News.

The Board’s formal resolution is set out below:

 
1. That the Board endorses the Sub-Committee’s report and approves the funding   recommendations contained therein.
2. That the Vice-Chancellor, in consultation with UWSSA, advise the Board of   any ‘front of office’ additional funding that might be justified.
3. That UWSSA provide a detailed breakdown to the Vice-Chancellor and the   Sub-Committee on how funds are spent on production and distribution of the   student newspaper to determine whether any case exists for University support to   be given which does not compromise the independence of the newspaper or raise   issues with DEST.
4. That the amount allocated to the student associations in the report be   regarded as a base-line commitment for three years, subject to satisfactory   performance.
5. Approves the write-off of accumulated debt of uwsconnect of $600   000.

Other Reports and Items Considered by the Board 

• An Analysis of Staff Costs: UWS and Sector Comparisons
• Report of 3 August 2006 meeting of the Strategy and Resources Committee 
  
• Report of 19 July 2006 meeting of Audit and Risk Management Committee
• Report from Chair of Academic Senate
• Occupational Health and Safety Report
• Staffing Matters and Staffing Strategy 'Our People 2015'
• Progress Report on Major Capital Buildings Projects
• AUQA Audit of UWS 2006
• Open Day
• Callista
• Research Investment
• UWSSA Deed of Settlement