10 August 2016

The Board of Trustees met on 10 August 2016 in the Chancellery Boardroom, EB 2.23, Parramatta Campus. A summary of matters discussed in the open session of the Board meeting is provided below.

The minutes of the meeting held on 14 June 2016 (PDF, 178.79 KB) (opens in a new window)  were confirmed at the meeting.

Main Items Considered by the Board

Chancellor's Report

The Chancellor noted highlights in his report and started by thanking Peeyush and Shubhra Gupta for hosting a successful dinner to raise funds for refugees scholarships. The Chancellor's Cup was held on 25 June and the Western Sydney University Giants team won against the team from the University of Sydney. Female netball and AFL teams affiliated with the GWS Giants are being developed and will provide an opportunity for the University to extend its support for women's sport.

The Board discussed the issue of ethical investments and agreed that this will be considered as part of the investment strategy being developed through the Board's Finance and Investment Committee.

Vice-Chancellor's Report

The Vice-Chancellor provided an update on the Higher Education policy landscape following the election, including the likely status of proposed major legislative reforms and budget cuts to research grants and HEP funding. The Vice-Chancellor noted that FEE-HELP reform seems to have wide support  and may be passed by the Senate.

The Vice-Chancellor noted the University's intention to transition the University's MBBS medical program to a Masters level MD in line with sector trends. The ten year review is scheduled for 2017 and the University will seek to increase the number of places in the program to keep pace with workforce demand.

The EVRS (Early Voluntary Retirement Scheme) is awaiting Australian Taxation Office approval and detailed briefings will be provided to staff as soon as possible after approval is received.

The Workplace Surveillance Policy will be released to the University community for consultation toward the end of August and re-affirms the previously stated position that staff and student emails and internet usage will not be monitored as a matter of routine business practice.

Matters relating to the Office of the Deputy Chancellor

The Board held an election for the position of Deputy Chancellor in accordance with the University's By-Law, and declared Michael Pratt elected for his second term in this position. The Board plans to increase the number of Deputy Chancellors in order to cover the chairing of the Board's sub-committees.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) - presentation

Professor Denise Kirkpatrick presented on the portfolio of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic). This portfolio has undergone change in the past 18 months and the recent recruitment of key senior leadership roles in the areas of digital futures and learning transformation has cemented a talented and experienced team.  Major challenges facing the Division include limitations on the resourcing of projects and the magnitude of cultural change that is required through the Transforming Western Sydney University plan.

University Seal

The Board noted that the name of the University has now been formally changed and approved the design of the new University Seal. The seal is used to execute and authenticate documents in the University's name, including graduation testamurs and legal contracts.

Unveiling of the Chancellor's Portrait

The Chancellor's portrait was unveiled during the morning tea break and the University's Art Curator attended to speak about the artist, Marcus Callum and the process of the selection of the artist and the execution of the work.

Helen Fleming
University Secretary