21 February 2007

The Board of Trustees met on Wednesday 21 February 2007, in the Boardroom, Building AD, Werrington North. A summary of matters discussed is provided below.

Confirmation of Minutes
The minutes (PDF, 53Kb) of the November 2006 meeting of the Board of Trustees were confirmed.

Main items considered by the Board

Membership

The Chancellor welcomed Ms Vivienne James (Ministerial appointment) and Ms Jennifer Brown (graduate member) who attended their first meeting as members.

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The Integrated UWS Strategy

The Board endorsed the UWS integrated strategy and implementation plan for 2007 and onwards, also noting the key priority areas of senior officers in 2007.

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Property Development Income (Board Resolutions)

The Board noted information on previous discussion and decisions by the Board on the issue of the use of funds realised from property development and resolved:

1. to reaffirm its intention to invest funds arising from property development and sales inter alia in approved capital development projects and other strategic investment projects approved by the Board of Trustees on the recommendation of the Vice-Chancellor which are demonstrably aligned with the University’s strategy but are not part of the normal recurrent expenditure lines of the University
2. that the Vice-Chancellor examine and propose options to ensure these funds are sequestered and invested for purposes outlined above and to build an endowment for the University.

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2007 Budget

The Board approved minor amendments to the 2007 budget document including a notation that there will be further development of performance indicators related to engagement.

The Board had previously decided that the unallocated Student Activities Fees would be used for development of student facilities and these funds are held in the 2007 budget.

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Vice-Chancellor's Report

The Vice-Chancellor spoke to her report and highlighted the following:

• The appointment of Professor John Ingleson, who is soon to commence as Deputy Vice-Chancellor International and Development.
• Recent changes to the Executive structure include Executive Deans will report to the Vice-Chancellor and are now members of the Executive, with Pro-Vice-Chancellors and the Chair of Academic Senate attending Executive meetings as required. The senior staff forum has become a broader management and discussion forum chaired by the Vice-Chancellor and now includes Executive, Pro-Vice-Chancellors and the Chair of Academic Senate.
• The staff of the Office of Academic Registrar were commended for their work in successfully implementing the online enrolment system.
• The University has been granted an additional $10m in Federal funding in recognition of its compliance with the second stage of the Higher Education Workplace Relations Requirements (HEWRR) and the National Governance Protocols. The negotiating teams were commended for their work and goodwill during the HEWRR process.

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2007 Enrolment Trends and Issues

The Board noted the overview of trends in student demand and projected enrolments for UWS in 2007. The Vice-Chancellor advised that UWS expects to be on target for funding and places and, even excluding Medicine, UWS has exceeded the sector average increase in first and third preferences for Commonwealth-supported places. The Chair of Academic Senate commended the contributions of the Office of Planning and Quality and the Academic and Services Division in achieving this for the University. Retention rates, particularly of first year students, will be closely monitored.

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Learning and Teaching Performance Fund

The Board noted that UWS has received no funding from the 2007 Learning and Teaching Performance Fund (L&TPF). While the L&TPF is a lagging indicator, i.e. the results in the 2007 exercise are based on the performance of students who for the most part enrolled in or before 2002, completed their study in 2004 and graduated in 2005 (a period during which major restructuring was still underway and many courses were being taught out), the result needs to be addressed systematically. UWS is not likely to expect a radical improvement in the next round, given that changes now being implemented will take time to achieve significant improvement. Key indicators from 2004 onwards show that UWS is on an improvement trajectory.

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National Governance Protocols

The Board noted the requirements of the National Governance Protocols and the University’s compliance with them and noted the roles and responsibilities of Board members.

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UWS By-Law and Electronic Elections

The Board approved the drafting of amendments to the By-Law to provide the option of conducting Board elections via the internet.

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Universities Australia

The Board noted the progress in the establishment of Universities Australia (the body proposed to replace the current Australian Vice-Chancellors’ Committee) and resolved to delegate to the Vice-Chancellor and the Chancellor the authority to develop the University’s response to the proposals, noting that the formal decision to join Universities Australia will rest with the Board.

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College of Health and Sciences - Presentation by Executive Dean

Professor Beryl Hesketh gave the Board a briefing about priorities and directions for the College of Health and Science. She also gave the Board a perspective on her first impressions of UWS.

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Campus Development Committee

The Board approved the appointment of Mr Barry Jennings and Mr Lee Pinder as external members to the Campus Development Committee for two-year terms.

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Board Standing Committee and Remuneration and Nominations Committee

The Board approved two Emeritus Professor nominations and the appointment of Ms Genevieve Gregor as an external member of the Strategy and Resources Committee for a two-year term.

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Corporate DVD

Board members viewed the new corporate DVD promoting UWS. If staff believe they have a relevant function where the DVD could be played, they should contact the Director of Marketing to discuss.

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Acknowledgement of Professor Rob Coombes

On behalf of the Board, the Chancellor thanked Professor Coombes for his contributions to the University and the Board as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC).
 
The Vice-Chancellor warmly echoed the Chancellor’s comments: Professor Coombes became DVC in the very early stages of the unified UWS and has been a consistently hardworking and thoughtful member of the Executive; his portfolio has included supervising the colleges and deans and communicating across the community and he has been a valued member of the University.

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Other Reports and Items Considered by the Board

• Strategy to Address AUQA Recommendations
• TVS/UWS Relationship
• UWS College
• Strategy for Campus Network
• Student Organisation Fee Distribution 2005-2007
• Post-VSU Student Services
• 2006 Performance Review Self-Assessment Survey Report
• Professional Development for the Board and Board Members
• Strategy and Resources Committee
• Audit and Risk Management Committee
• Academic Senate
• Indigenous Advisory Council
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Staffing Matters
• Infrastructure Development - New School of Medicine, Campbelltown Campus

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