10 October 2007

The Board of Trustees met on Wednesday 10 October 2007, in the Boardroom, Building AD, Werrington North. A summary of matters discussed is provided below.

Confirmation of Minutes
The minutes (PDF, 44Kb) of the July meeting of the Board of Trustees were confirmed and can be downloaded from this page.

Vice-Chancellor’s Report
UWSSA
Professor Ien Ang, ARC Professorial Fellow, Centre for Cultural Research
Professor Phillip O’Neill, Director, Urban Research Centre
Arts Education at UWS
UWS Environmental Management System Progress Report
Report from the Chair of Academic Senate
Elections
Other Reports and Items Considered by the Board
Date of Next Meeting

Vice-Chancellor’s Report

In addition to the matters identified in her report, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted:

the University’s recent success in the 2008 round of ARC grants – the Board agreed the University should be commended on this outstanding ARC result
the University’s success in gaining Commonwealth funding grants over the past year is an indication of the impact and success of the research investment strategy
the outcomes of the Learning and Teaching Performance Fund process in 2007 and steps the University is taking in response
that UWS is increasingly attracting highly regarded academics to work here
the recent appointment of Melissa Williams as Director, Indigenous Employment.

^ Back to top

UWSSA

The Board noted the actions taken and commended UWSSA, the Board Sub-Committee and University staff on the agreements reached.

On the basis of the agreement between UWS and UWSSA:

The welfare services currently provided by UWSSA be transferred permanently into the University.
The UWSSA welfare staff be offered positions within UWS, on terms and conditions negotiated between the staff and the University.
A review be commissioned and funded by the University to provide advice on the most effective way to ensure a viable and vibrant model for student representation and advocacy. This review would include wide consultation with the student body and be conducted in collaboration with UWSSA.
The Board of Trustees also formally acknowledged the cooperative response by UWSSA to the audit and post-audit processes.

^ Back to top

Professor Ien Ang, ARC Professorial Fellow, Centre for Cultural Research

In recognition of her outstanding research record, her eminence as an ARC Professorial Fellow and the conferral of the title of Distinguished Professor, Professor Ien Ang was introduced to the Board. She provided a brief overview of her current activities, research and interests.

^ Back to top

Professor Phillip O’Neill, Director, Urban Research Centre

Professor O’Neill spoke to the Board, advising of the developments and activities of the Urban Research Centre.

^ Back to top

Arts Education at UWS

Professor Wayne McKenna spoke to the Board about changes to Fine Arts, Electronic Arts and Performance degrees; he advised that the Music area is doing very well with high demand for its courses; and the University continues to invest in high quality research in the arts.

^ Back to top

UWS Environmental Management System Progress Report

The Board praised the scope and clarity of the UWS Sustainability Framework and, in particular, the Environmental Management Plan and commended the University staff who’d been involved in its development.

The UWS Environmental Management System (EMS) is focussed primarily on addressing the compliance issues related to environmental management and the ‘Greening UWS’ initiative is largely project-based and addresses broader sustainability initiatives that go beyond statutory compliance. These complementary agendas are being integrated into the UWS Sustainability Framework. The Board noted the progress report on the development and implementation of the UWS Environmental Management System and endorsed: the approach adopted for the UWS Sustainability Strategic Framework; the formation of the Greening UWS Task Force; and the Environmental Management Plan.

^ Back to top

Report from the Chair of Academic Senate

The Board resolved that:

in view of the fact that the Chair of Academic Senate has initiated a Review of Academic Governance Policy and Arrangements, likely to extend to 30 April 2008, the Board of Trustees agrees to suspend elections to Academic Senate and its school and college committees, scheduled to take place in October and November of 2007, and that the Board agrees to extend the term of office of the present elected members until an appropriate date, early in 2008, and
that the Academic Registrar, as Returning Officer for Senate elections, will, in consultation with the Chair of Academic Senate, give notice of elections for a new Senate and relevant committees as soon as possible in 2008 and advise the Board of details.

^ Back to top

Elections

Nominations have been called for the Academic and General Staff members to serve from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2009. Elections are currently underway for the new Undergraduate Student member, whose term will also be from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2009. Given the current vacancy in the Undergraduate student member role, the Board resolved (in accordance with clause 43 of the UWS By-law 2005) to appoint the student who is elected to the undergraduate student position to also fill the current casual vacancy in that position from the date of election until 31 December 2007 (subject to the successful candidate being willing to serve).

^ Back to top