3 December 2008

The Board of Trustees met on Wednesday 3 December 2008, in the Boardroom, Building AD, Werrington North. A summary of matters discussed is provided below.

Confirmation of Minutes

The minutes of the October 2008 meeting of the Board of Trustees were confirmed and can be downloaded from this page.

Main Items Considered by the Board

The Year in Review: Vice-Chancellor’s End of Year Report
Report from Strategy and Resources Committee
New Student Organisation
Student Services Fee
Audit and Risk Management Committee
Academic Senate
Other Reports and Items Considered by the Board
Date of Next Meeting

The Year in Review: Vice-Chancellor’s End of Year Report

The Vice-Chancellor provided an overview of the University’s progress in key priority areas during 2008.

The University continued in 2008 to mature and to focus on its strategic priorities. It now has a settled and productive structure and a growing momentum and sense of optimism. In reports to each Board meeting this year an array of achievements of staff and of the University was reported. UWS is now seen in the sector as an institution “on the move”. There are some key achievements which demonstrate the progress the University has made and its position within the sector and community:

1. The quality, experience and contributions of a raft of new staff in both academic and professional areas.
2. The public profile of UWS academic staff has increased significantly.
3. The Medical School accreditation and new building are testaments to the quality, commitment and dedication of the Medical School staff and the Capital Works and Facilities team. It is also in large part due to the insight, strategic leadership and efforts of the Dean, Professor Neville Yeomans. The School has, very quickly, earned the respect and support of the medical fraternity, the community and government.
4. The University has maintained its good performance and focus on improvement in research in terms of strategy, external grants, publications and the completion of PhD students.
5. The successful transition of UWSCollege to a pathways college for aspiring University students.
6. The recognition of UWS academic staff by the Australian Learning and Teaching Council in which nine staff received citations for excellent teaching is a promising sign that the focus on learning and teaching is beginning to make a difference.
7. The decision of the Solar Hydrogen research group to join UWS is an important sign of the University’s position in the sector as well as a demonstration of the flexibility and responsiveness that may be necessary in the increasingly competitive research environment.
8. Early work in the Development area is now starting to achieve results. While it is still in the building stage the University is now much better placed to be able to generate revenue to support its key strategic initiatives.
9. The budget process for 2009 conducted throughout 2008 has been much more strategically focused and linked better to the overall University strategy.

Report from Strategy and Resources Committee

The Board noted that the 2008 year-end operating surplus is forecast at $4.1m. The 2009 Budget projects an operating surplus of $13m and features sustainable revenue growth and tightly managed operating budgets. Following discussion, the Board approved the UWS 2009 Budget and Capital Works Plan 2009-2011. The Board commended the work of the SRC and University.

The Board also approved the new UWS Strategy 2009 “Making the Difference”. The major change is that Engagement is now embedded in all aspects of the strategy and not separated out as a stand alone initiative.

The Board considered the funding for construction of additional student residences at Campbelltown and Penrith campuses.

New Student Organisation

The Board noted the progress on the establishment of the New Student Organisation.

Student Services Fee

The Board noted the Commonwealth Government’s proposed Student Services Fee of up to $250 per annum from 1 July 2009 for use on student support and amenities.

Audit and Risk Management Committee

The Board noted the Committee’s concern about excessive untaken annual leave balances. The Board approved the revision of the delegations for research project expenditure as proposed, with the concomitant revisions to the Administrative Delegations policy, process and responsibility to apply from 1 January 2009.

Academic Senate

The Board approved the implementation Guidelines and Support for Reviews of Academic Senate and its Committees and the UWS Academic Governance Review Process as appendices to the Academic Governance Policy.

Other Reports and Items Considered by the Board

• Board Standing Committee and Remuneration & Nominations Committee
• Campus Development Committee
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Staffing Matters
• UWS Bookshop Services
• Enrolment Strategy
• Inaugural UWS Green Expo

Date of Next Meeting

The next Board meeting will be held on Wednesday 25 February 2009.

^ Back to top