30 November 2005

The Board of Trustees met on Wednesday 30 November 2005, in the Boardroom, Building AD, Werrington North campus.  A summary of resolutions and other items is provided below.

Confirmation of Minutes

The minutes of the October meeting were confirmed.. 

MAIN ITEMS CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD

UWS Budget 2006

The Board examined the financial outcomes for 2005, the estimates for 2006 and approved the draft budget.  The budget will become a public document once the detail of the supporting text contained within the budget document has been finalised.

Remuneration and Nominations Committee Report

The Board approved the revised Honorary Awards and Emeritus Professor policies, which will replace those currently published and will take effect from the date of approval.

The revised Honorary Awards policy defines more precisely the awards to be conferred by the University:  Doctor of Letters; Doctor of Science and Honorary Fellowship.  Honorary Doctorates, as provided for in the revised policy, will focus on contributions to the broader society while the Fellowships are focused on contributions to the University. 

The revised Emeritus Professor Policy changes the minimum requirement of service with the University from 3 years to 5.

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Board Membership

The Board noted the outcomes of the recent elections for academic and general staff members and the undergraduate student member.  The outgoing members were thanked for their contributions.

The Board reappointed Ms Mary Foley, Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee, for a further four year term.  The Ministerial appointments are subject to determination by the Minister in the near future.

Television Sydney (TVS)

TVS began transmission on 21 November 2005, in keeping with the requirements of its licence.  Programming is currently being developed and a full programming schedule is expected by early 2006.

Social Justice Review

Danielle Spokes addressed the Board on the outcomes of the review of the Social Justice Unit.  Her presentation detailed the review process; feedback from the review; the model recommended to guide the future and proposed focus areas; the rationale of the proposed model; an action plan for 2006-2008 and the path to resolution.

The Board discussed the meaning of ‘social justice’ within the University context and agreed that there is a need to ensure the name of the Unit charged with promoting equity and diversity across the University clearly reflects its role.

Vice-Chancellor’s Report – Recent Developments

The Vice-Chancellor’s regular report to the Board was presented.

Vice-Chancellor’s Annual Report – the Year in Review – 2005

The Vice-Chancellor spoke to the Annual Report - the Year in Review - 2005.

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Risk Management Committee Report

The Board approved the Risk Management Policy, which will take effect immediately.  It will be available from the University’s Policies and Procedures Directory as soon as possible.

UWS Academic Governance 2006+ The Realignment of Colleges and Schools

The Chair of Academic Senate spoke to this detailed report, which will be available on the Academic Senate web site.

Deed of Settlement between the University and Student Associations

The Chancellor formally acknowledged the co-operative work between University staff and representatives of the student associations which enabled the Deed of Settlement to be signed recently.

VSU Progress Report and Student Activities Fee 2006

Given the delay in the passage of the VSU legislation and the concession by the Minister that it could not be implemented for the full year in 2006, the Board approved:

  • the continuance of the Student Activities Fee for 2006 at the level set in 2005; and
  • the application and distribution of the 2006 fee be determined by the Board Standing Committee subject to the further consideration, advice and discussion with the three entities.
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UWS Delegations 2006

The Board reviewed and approved the revised UWS Delegations Policy, which will take effect from 1 January 2006, with specific exceptions pending the appointment of the Chief Financial Officer.  The revised Delegations Policy will be available from the University’s Policies and Procedures Directory in due course.

OTHER REPORTS AND ITEMS CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD

  • Realignment of the Colleges and Schools – progress report
  • Postgraduate Coursework Offerings
  • Learning and Teaching Action Plan 2006-2008
  • On-Time UAC Applications for UWS:  2006 Intake
  • Campus Development Committee Report of 11 November 2005 meeting
  • Academic Senate Report of 28 October 2005 meeting
  • Board Standing Committee Report
  • Strategy and Resources Committee Report of 3 November 2005 meeting
  • UWS Regional Council Report of 10 November 2005 meeting
  • 2005 Media Coverage Summary
  • University of Western Sydney Act 1997 – Minor Amendment
  • Occupational Health and Safety Overview
  • Staffing Matters
  • UWS Medical School
  • Further Developments on Callista
  • Report on Outcome of Recent Elections
  • Uses of the University Seal  

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