Introductory Items

The Chancellor welcomed Mr Peter Davis to his first meeting since taking up his appointment as Executive Director Finance and Administration.

Declaration of Interest

There were no new declarations of interest.

Other matters from the Chancellor

Council agreed to a trial a University Governance Professional Development course on Council involvement in strategic planning, to be held following the Council meeting in Hobart on 30 September 2005.

Presentation on Community Engagement

Council received a presentation from the Vice-Chancellor on University development, including Foundation, Alumni etc. 

Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA) Audit

Council received the Vice-Chancellor's report on the visit of the AUQA audit panel to UTAS, noting that the report is expected within 2-3 months.

Governance Framework

Council received a progress report on the governance framework and approved these documents-

• Employment Principle
• Academic Standards Principle
• Academic Senate Ordinance

Council noted that the operation of the Academic Senate Ordinance would be reviewed after 12 months, with a report coming to the November 2006 meeting of Council.

Council Performance Review Policy

Council approved the policy on Council performance review.

Financial Management report - 30 June 2005

Council received the summary financial management reports as at 30 June 2005, noting that the 2005 forecast as at 30 June 2005 was $9.63Million.

Menzies Research Institute (MRI) Report

Council received the report of the Menzies Research Institute and commended the MRI on the quality of the report, noting that in future Council would only need a summary of the report.

Council noted that arrangements in place for the MRI appeared to be working well and should be used a model for other University entities.

Council noted that the Vice-Chancellor would bring a paper to a future meeting of the relationship of Schools and Institutes, covering the impact on Schools of losing research to Institutes and of recognising Institutes as the research arm of the relevant Schools.

Mid-Year Enrolments and Commonwealth Targets

Council received the report of the Executive Director Planning and Development on mid-year enrolments and Commonwealth targets.

UTAS Contribution to the Tasmanian Economy

Council received the report of the Executive Director Planning and Development on the UTAS contribution to the Tasmanian economy, noting that management should publicise the findings of this report wherever possible.

Student:Staff Ratios

Council received the Executive Director Planning and Development's report on student:staff ratios