Council Meeting 13 March 2024

Historic university building

Vice-Chancellor’s Report

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

  • An update on the release of the Universities Accord Report by the Federal Government.
  • A commendation for the program offerings at the STEM Centre of Excellence at Science Gallery Melbourne, noting its valuable work with disadvantaged schools..
  • Advice that the sale of the Hawthorn Campus has settled, with proceeds to part fund the University’s capital contribution to the Australian Institute of Infectious Disease (AIID) project.

President of Academic Board’s Report

The President of the Academic Board reported to Council noting that a review of the academic governance landscape had commenced, as had a project to uplift the academic policy framework and ensure it continues to be fit for purpose. She noted that policies subject to detailed review included: the Graduate Research Training Policy; Establishment and Award of Student Awards Policy; and the Student Academic Integrity Policy.

Financial Matters

Council approved the 2023 Financial Statements for inclusion in the Annual Report and submission to the Victorian Government. The Financial Statements had been endorsed by both the Finance Committee and the Audit and Risk Committee of Council.

2023 Annual Report

Council approved the 2023 Annual Report of the University of Melbourne.

Strategic Plan Updates

Advancing Melbourne Globally

Council noted the University’s global plan to 2030, Advancing Melbourne Globally, which sets out how the University intends to achieve the objectives specific to the global pillar in Advancing Melbourne 2030. Advancing Melbourne Globally contains four global commitments in relation to Global Place, Global Reach, Global Perspectives and Global Community.

Advancing Students and Education Strategy Implementation Update

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) provided a briefing to Council on the ASE Strategy implementation noting good progress in relation to the Narrm Scholarship Program and the positive feedback that the University’s enrichment programs, including the Dhumbali camp, had received. A framework for educational excellence has been developed in conjunction with the Melbourne Centre for the Study of Higher Education (CSHE) and a comprehensive audit of every undergraduate program and major has been undertaken as part of the ‘Curriculum quality and relevance’ ASE Strategy theme.

Committee Business

Council Committee reports from the Finance, Gift, Governance and Nominations, and Audit and Risk Committees were noted.

The next Council meeting will be held on 1 May 2024.

Jane Hansen AO
Chancellor