7 December 2016

The Board of Trustees met on 7 December 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 12 October 2016 (PDF, 466.18 KB) (opens in a new window) were confirmed at the meeting.

Main Items Considered by the Board

Chancellor's Report

The Chancellor highlighted aspects of his written report, particularly the success of the inaugural Town and Gown Ball which was held to raise funds for refugee scholarships; meeting student union representatives and participating in speed mentoring for female academic staff. Noting his role as Chair of the Federal Government's Higher Education Standards Panel (HESP), the Chancellor advised that the Government supports the Panel's recommendations.

Vice-Chancellor's Report

The Vice-Chancellor noted that the University is going through a significant period of change, exemplified in the final stages of the EVRS and the start of consultations about the shared services delivery model. While such changes bring challenges to any organisation, staff across the University have displayed commitment to the innovation of new streamlined and student-facing systems, while still ensuring that core activities continue to be carried out in a professional and timely manner.

All 39 Australian universities have completed participation in the Respect.Now.Always Student Survey on Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment. Based on advice from the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), the survey is likely to achieve 25,000 responses, which well exceeds the 10,000 responses needed to generate a national report with statistically robust conclusions.

Vice-Chancellor's Year in Review

The Vice-Chancellor's Year in Review is available, via staff login, from the Board of Trustees web page.  The Board commended the report as comprehensive and transparent.

Securing Success Strategic Plan

The Board approved the inclusion of the University's gender equality priorities and strategies in Section 6 of the Securing Success: 2015-2020 strategic plan, and other minor amendments.

2017-2019 Budget

The Board of Trustees approved the 2017-2019 Budget.

Introduction of Senior Staff

The Board were introduced to Mr Andrew Dawkins, Chief Executive Officer of the College, and Professor Lisa Jackson Pulver, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Engagement and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership.  The Board invited Professor Jackson Pulver and Mr Dawkins to attend meetings in 2017 to speak in more depth about their portfolios.

Foundation and Committee Membership

The Board approved:

  • The appointment of Mr Matt Graham and Mr Mark Sercombe as external members of the Audit and Risk Committee for terms of two years each, commencing 1 January 2017 and ending 31 December 2018
  • The reappointment of Mr Cameron Clyne, Mr Danny Gilbert AM, Mr Matt Graham, Ms Katie Page and Ms Gabrielle Trainor to the Foundation Council for terms of office ending 31 May 2019
  • The reappointment of Mr Danny Gilbert AM as Chair of the Foundation Council

Helen Fleming
University Secretary