Council Meeting 1 May 2024

Students walking past an historic university building

Vice-Chancellor’s Report

Council noted the Vice-Chancellor’s Report, which included updates on:

  • The passing of the Defence Trade Controls Amendment Bill.
  • Several international engagement activities, including a meeting of the Education Joint Working Group of the Australia-India CEO Forum.
  • The appointment or Professor Jennifer Balint as Dean of the Faculty of Arts, from 13 July 2024.

President of Academic Board’s Report

The President of the Academic Board reported that the Board had received a presentation on the establishment of Melbourne Online and that a review of Student Equity and Disability Services had been completed with recommendations to improve services, particularly in relation to academic adjustment plans.

Prevention and Response to Sexual Misconduct

Council noted and discussed the 2023 Sexual Misconduct Annual Report together with a progress update on the prevention and response to Sexual Misconduct at the University of Melbourne. The annual report is published to provide transparency to the University community to build trust and create a deeper understanding of the seriousness of this issue. The 2023 Report has been well received and is seen by other organisations as a benchmark for reporting.

Update on Sustainability including the Sustainability Report 2023

Council noted the 2023 Sustainability Report, having had an in-depth discussion on the report at its Strategy Session the previous day.  The Report had also been endorsed by University Executive for the Vice-Chancellor’s approval.

Committee Business

Council Committee reports from the Finance, Gift, and the Human Resources and Remuneration Committees were noted.

The next Council meeting will be held on 19 June 2024.

Jane Hansen AO
Chancellor