29 February 2012

The Board of Trustees met on Wednesday 29 February 2012, in the Boardroom, Building AD, Werrington North campus.  A summary of matters discussed is provided below.

Confirmation of Minutes
The minutes (PDF, 74Kb)(opens in a new window) of the 7 December 2011 meeting of the Board of Trustees were confirmed and can be downloaded from this page.

The minute of a rotary circulation approving the appointment of Mr Danny Gilbert as Chair of the UWS Foundation was confirmed.

MAIN ITEMS CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD

Chancellor’s Report

The Chancellor, Professor Peter Shergold, reported to the Board about his recent activities which included officiating at Graduation Ceremonies held in December, and a speaking tour of Canada (including the MaRS Innovation Centre in Toronto).

Vice-Chancellor’s Report
The Vice-Chancellor's regular report to the Board included the following items:

  • the Vice-Chancellor’s’ study tour as visiting scholar and guest of Green Templeton College, Oxford University
  • successful bid for Federal Government funding of $29.8m to allow expansion of UWSCollege activities at Bankstown and Penrith, and establishment at Lithgow
  • National Institute of Complementary Medicine
  • TEQSA assuming full regulatory functions to become the national regulator of higher education in Australia
  • School of Medicine graduations
  • PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions) Program success in 2011
  • election of Professor Edmund Fung, School of Humanities and Communication Arts, as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities
  • the development of a relationship with News Ltd which would benefit students in communication, design and marketing courses
  • recognition of two students for journalistic excellence at the 2011 Ossie Awards for student journalism
  • the excellent work of staff from Capital Works and Facilities and Security overnight on 9th to 10th February 2012 in dealing with the aftermath of a major rain event at Penrith
  • the Vice-Chancellor has been appointed for two years to the NSW Innovation and Productivity Council.

Suspension of Bachelor of Natural Science (Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security)
The Board noted the reluctant decision to suspend the new Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security program of the Bachelor of Natural Science due to there being only six qualified applicants, and the concerns that had been expressed. The University acknowledged the enormous affection and loyalty that former students of agriculture at Hawkesbury held for the institution and each other, and was committed to offering an agriculture program provided it could be done in a form that was attractive to students. Following a review the Board is to be further briefed.

2012-2014 Budget
The Board noted the revised budget for 2012-2014 incorporating the SAF/EIF grants and that the financial situation was challenging for 2012 due to the lower than expected increase in student numbers. Whilst UWS remains in a strong financial position, it will be necessary to manage the risks associated with increased market competition prudently.

UWS Student Load Trends
The Board noted the paper on UWS student load trends in the first year of fully uncapped funding for Commonwealth Grants Scheme (CGS) places, and received a presentation from the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Corporate Strategy and Service), Ms Rhonda Hawkins.

Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
The Board received a paper on the consultation process with students relating to the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). The Vice-Chancellor gave a presentation covering the situation in the decade before the introduction of the SSAF, and the costs incurred by UWS on services for students. A report including the results of the consultation process and priorities for funding would be discussed at the April Board meeting. It was noted that discussions with the SRC had been encouraging.

Gender and Diversity of UWS Staff
The Board noted a report on the current gender pay equity gap at UWS. Whilst the gap was reasonable, and below the national average, there was a need to further career opportunities for female staff members.

Cooperative Research Centre
The Board resolved that UWS should become a member of the company to be formed by the Cooperative Research Centre for Young People, Technology and Wellbeing CRC Ltd.

Other Reports and Items Considered by the Board

  • Finance and Investment Committee Report – report of 16 February 2012 meeting including the Executive Management Report and controlled entities’ financial performance for the period ending 31 December 2011, and changes to the investment strategy.
  • Campus Development Committee – report of 10 February 2012 meeting.
  • Audit and Risk Management Committee – report of 24 January 2012 meeting including an OH&S report and the 2012 work plan for the Audit and Risk Management Unit.
  • Academic Senate – report of 9 December 2011 and subsequent electronic meetings including the reconstitution of Academic Senate, approval of a revised Academic Senate Standing Committees Policy, and changes to a range of academic policies to take account of revised leadership and management arrangements.
  • Report of the Indigenous Advisory Council meeting held on 6 December 2011.
  • Staffing Matters
  • UWS Cycle 2 AUQA Audit Action Plan
  • Media coverage reports.

Date of Next Meeting

The Board’s next meeting will be held at 9am on 11 April 2012 at the University’s Werrington North Campus.

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