Government Approval of Integration
Advice was received on 8 May that the Australian Government has approved the proposal to integrate AMC with the University. The proposal involves the enactment of Government legislation containing the following provisions:
- repeal of the Maritime College Act 1978;
- transfer of the College’s assets and liabilities to the University;
- transitional arrangements to facilitate integration; and
- conditions to ensure achievement of the Government’s objectives for AMC following integration.
Transfer of the assets and liabilities was announced in the 2007 Budget. The University and AMC are working with the Commonwealth to press for the legislation to be included in the Parliamentary process in 2007, with the integration date to be set for 1 January 2008. A technical working group comprising UTAS, AMC and Commonwealth representatives has been established to advise on drafting the final legislation.
Funding
The Commonwealth has approved second round of funding $2.855 mil from CASR funding for integration activities in 2007. A Workplace Productivity proposal is also being considered to unify marketing, recruitment and admissions procedures.
Negotiations are continuing with the State regarding stamp duty issues on the transfer of assets (except land for which UTAS is exempt) and payroll tax issues.
Academic Working Party
Collaboration between UTAS and AMC has resulted in the introduction of two new business majors in Logistics and Organisational Management from semester 2, 2007.
IPC has approved the formation of three working groups to progress integration initiatives in:
- Engineering,
- Seafaring, and
- Marine Resource Management.
The Marine Resource Management working group is also tasked with the establishment of a National Centre in Marine Resource Management, consolidating activities at Newnham, Point Nepean and Beauty Point.
The Chairs of Academic Senate and the AMC Academic Board have been tasked with finalising protocols for the formation of the AMC Board of Studies, for the next IPC meeting.
A number of positions have been approved for advertising:
- Level D position in curriculum design and course development, and
- Two Learning and Teaching Fellowships at level C.
An additional position for a Senior Lecturer in Teaching Development is currently being finalised.
AMC is developing proposals for the establishment of a Transport Research and Policy Centre within AMC and a unit within AMC to manage VTE programs.
Administration Working Party
A Retreat involving all members of the Administration Working Party and the co-chairs of the Working Groups was held on 1 May. Feedback has been very positive and a strong spirit of goodwill and cooperation has developed over the past 12 months.
A joint meeting of the Administration and Academic Working Parties has been arranged for late May.
Budget and Finance Working Party
The Budget and Finance Working Party is progressing with the development of a budget framework for AMC’s one line budget in 2008. The 2007 AMC and UTAS budgets have been modeled into a common framework which will inform decisions around what savings can be made. A post-integration administrative structure of AMC is currently being developed.
Fee setting procedures will be reviewed with the objective of ensuring compatibility in fee levels between AMC and UTAS in respect to both domestic and international students.
Communication
The AMC President is meeting regularly with staff groups at AMC to inform them on progress. UniTas has featured articles highlighting staffing appointments which have been made to facilitate integration.
An Open Forum is being organised for July to enable the Vice-Chancellor and AMC President to update staff on all areas of integration.
IPC has recommended the appointment of a dedicated resource within the Media Office, providing formal communication on areas of integration to staff, industry and other key stakeholders.
Questions
If you have any queries or questions in regard to the information provided please contact:
Richard Easther, Joint Project Director
Australian Maritime College/University of Tasmania Integration
Telephone 03 6335 4813 (or 86 4813 from within UTAS)/03 6226 2029
Mobile 0418126316
Fax 03 6326 7063/03 6226 2612
e-mail reasther@amc.edu.au/Richard.Easther@utas.edu.au
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