9 April 2014

The Board of Trustees met on 9 April 2014 in the Board of Trustees Room, Building EZ, Parramatta Campus. A summary of matters discussed in the open session of the Board meeting is provided below.

Confirmation of Minutes

The minutes of the 26 February 2014 meeting (PDF, 238.33 KB) of the Board of Trustees were confirmed and can be downloaded from this page.

Main items considered by the Board

Chancellor’s Report

The Chancellor welcomed new board member Elizabeth Dibbs to her first Board meeting. The Chancellor reported on the media campaign Fair Go for the West being conducted by the Daily Telegraph, aimed at boosting the region’s services, facilities and economic viability, and the role that UWS has played as a key supporter of the campaign. Additional engagement opportunities for the University may include the annual Zest Awards, which recognise achievements of community sector groups and individuals in Western Sydney.

Vice-Chancellor’s Report

The Vice-Chancellor reported on significant Federal Government activities that may impact upon the HE sector, including the “Review of the Demand Driven System” and the “Commission of Audit”. Student load figures indicate that Summer session is proving popular and will be expanded to include more unit offerings in 2014/15.

The Vice-Chancellor reported on his recent trip to China and Vietnam, where he met with university presidents, government agencies and industry partners in the area of complementary medicine.

Parramatta CBD

The Board discussed the importance of securing a longer-term and substantial presence for UWS in the Parramatta CBD and the associated development options. Several development sites are being considered, with proximity to transport hubs a key criterion. The Board approved the proposal in-principle for final consideration and approval at the June meeting.

Audited Financial Statement for the Year Ended 31 December 2013

Representatives from the NSW Audit Office attended the meeting for the consideration of the 2013 Audited Financial Statement. The University agreed to adopt the accounting treatment of the student residences transaction as recommended by the Audit Office, resulting in a write-down of $34m in assets.

The Audit Office representatives thanked the CFO team for their professionalism and commended the University on consistently delivering high quality accounts.

Annual Report and Board Report

The Board authorised the Chancellor to sign the Annual Report statement, providing assurances on compliance with a range of State and Federal accountabilities.

UWS Relationship with Regional Sporting Bodies

The Director of Marketing and Communications presented on the range of engagement and marketing activities that the University is nurturing with western Sydney sporting codes and clubs, with particular emphasis on the University’s relationship with the Western Sydney Wanderers and GWS Giants

Other reports and items considered by the Board 

  • Our Future Action Program – Status Report
  • 100 Academics Recruitment Campaign Update
  • Pathways to Success
  • Reports from Committees and Advisory Council of the Board
  • Staffing Matters

The Board’s next meeting will be its strategy day to be held on Tuesday 3 June 2014, followed by the Board meeting on Wednesday 4 June 2014.