Council Meeting 4 December 2024

View of Old Arts entryway through an arch

Chancellor’s Report

Council recorded minutes of appreciation to departing Council members: the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Duncan Maskell; the President of the Academic Board, Professor Karen Farquarson; and Deputy Chancellor, Wendy Stops AO. The outcome of the Deputy Chancellor Elections was noted.

Vice-Chancellor’s Report

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

  • Legislative changes affecting the higher education sector.
  • The renaming of Wilam Hall (formerly Medley Hall), a University-owned residential college, which was celebrated at an event recognising the new name – meaning ‘home’ – gifted by the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.

President of Academic Board’s Report

The President of the Academic Board reported on the last meeting of Academic Board. The President noted that the academic governance landscape review report has been received which calls for an uplift in the quality of insights and analysis in reports to the Board and recommends changes to the membership of the Board.

Faculty of Arts

The Dean of the Faculty of Arts presented to Council, providing an overview of the Faculty’s activities and strategic objectives.

Strategic Plans

Council received updates on the implementation of the University’s strategy, Advancing Melbourne 2030, the People Strategy 2023-2030, and the Murmuk Djerring Indigenous Strategy 2023-2027.

Committee Business

Council Committee reports from the Finance Committee was received, with the major items of business being the University’s 2025 Operating Budget and Capital Plan. Council approved amendments to the University Naming and Memorial Policy recommended by the Governance and Nominations Committee.

The next Council meeting will be held on 19 March 2025.

Jane Hansen AO
Chancellor