Council Meeting 27 August 2025

Aerial view of the university and Melbourne Connect

Chancellor’s Report

Council received updates on the ongoing government inquiries and consultations into university governance.

Vice-Chancellor’s Report

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

  • The Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) commencing interim operations
  • The re-opening of the Potter Museum of Art and the launch of 65,000 Years: A Short History of Australian Art
  • The appointment of Professor Jane Gunn AO as Interim Provost

President of Academic Board’s Report

The President of the Academic Board reported on the most recent meeting of Academic Board and provided an update on the Academic Board membership model review.

Committee Business

Council Committee reports were received from the Finance Committee, Gift Committee, and the Governance and Nominations Committee. Council discussed the draft 2026 Budget for the University.

Strategic Plans

Council received a presentation from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) on the University’s updated research strategy, Advancing Research 2030: Excellence for Impact.

Faculty of Education

Council discussed a presentation from the Dean of the Faculty of Education providing an overview of the Faculty’s activities and strategic objectives.

Other Business

Council approved appointments to the Board of the Melbourne Theatre Company, a department of the University.

Amendments to the Alumni Council Charter were also approved.

Council noted the release of the Enterprising Melbourne Review Report 2024.

Council noted minutes of appreciation for departing Council members, Professor Lou Harms, the staff elected member of Council, and for Mr Kee Wong, Governor-in-Council appointee, thanking them for their service as Council members.

The next Council meeting will be held on 15 October 2025.

Jane Hansen AO
Chancellor