Council Meeting 6 May 2026
A meeting of the University of Melbourne Council was held at 8.30am on Wednesday 6 May 2026 at the University’s Parkville Campus.
STRATEGIC FOCUS
Council’s Strategy Session on 5 May 2026 considered how artificial intelligence can enhance the University’s mission and the outcomes set out in Strategy 2030. Council discussed potential quality and efficiency gains for both students and staff in relation to AI and critically considered risks and key challenges.
Further information: AI in Teaching
KEY MATTERS
Sustainability
Council approved the 2025 Sustainability Report, noting strong progress against targets due in 2025 and recognising sustainability as both a public purpose obligation and a material enterprise risk. Council discussed climate‑related risks, including the growing environmental impact of digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence, and noted that a refresh of the Sustainability Plan is underway to strengthen outcome‑based reporting and priorities to 2030.
Culture and equity
Council noted a progress update against the Murmuk Djerring 2025 Indigenous Strategy and discussed plans to refresh and extend the Strategy in alignment with Strategy 2030.
Council endorsed the submission of the Gender Equality Action Plan 2026–2030 and associated Progress Report under the Gender Equality Act 2020 (Vic). The 2026-2030 Plan sets out 24 actions across the Act's seven workplace gender equality indicators, including gender composition at different levels, pay equity, recruitment and promotion practices, and flexible work.
Council also approved the University’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) targets for 2026–2029, noting progress in reducing the gender pay gap.
Further information: Gender Equity
Risk oversight
Council discussed its oversight of enterprise risk, noting risk oversight is supported by strong Audit and Risk Committee processes that monitor current and emerging risks, and that Council committees oversee enterprise risk relative to their area of focus.
Council considered the emerging financial and operational risks arising from the escalating conflict in the Middle East, together with the University’s ongoing work to assess impacts and develop appropriate responses.
Council was briefed on an emerging sector-wide cyber incident involving Canvas, the University’s learning management system provider, and noted the University was continuing to assess impacts, engage with the vendor, and meet regulatory obligations so as to minimise the disruption to students and staff.
Financial sustainability
To address financial sustainability risks, Council approved a program of step change improvements to guide the University on a path to break-even by the end of 2027 while supporting the delivery of Strategy 2030 and its focus on exceptional education, transformational research and institutional resilience.
Research standards
Council discussed the 2025 Research Performance Summary, noting strong overall performance, including the University’s position in the top 40 of all external university rankings, research grant applications were up 10% with the amount awarded up by 20% in 2025 and the volume of research publications rising. Council discussed the importance of maintaining research quality, integrity and global standing.
Further information: Research at the University of Melbourne and Research Integrity
Educational standards
Council discussed trends in student enrolments, including an update on the implementation of the Admissions Taskforce, led by the Academic Registrar, aimed at improving admissions processes and timeframes for prospective students.
The Interim Vice-Chancellor advised Council on the progress of Melbourne Online with continuing strong demand, noting work underway on admissions processes and accelerating the rollout of new courses.
Stakeholder engagement
In his report, the Interim Vice-Chancellor noted that the first staff forum for 2026, held on 30 April, had included a discussion with the Interim Vice-Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer about the University’s financial position and collective next steps towards financial stability. Attendance online and in person was strong and the response has been positive.
Council received the University’s Arts and Culture Impact Report, recognising the contribution of arts and culture to community engagement and the student experience.
Further information: Arts and Cultural Venues
GOVERNING BODY MATTERS AND PERFORMANCE
Council discussed the report on Higher Education Sector governance inquiries and reforms at the Federal and State level, noting broad compliance with emerging governance obligations.
Council considered progress against the 2024 External Review of Council action plan, designed to support ongoing continuous improvement in the University’s governance processes.
The President of the Academic Board advised Council that the Board had established a Research Committee to improve oversight and quality assurance of research.
Further information: Academic Board
Council considered reports from its Finance Committee and its Human Resources, Remuneration and Employment Compliance Committee.
Further information: Council Committees
Council membership
Council welcomed a second student elected member to Council, Daniel Motika, whose term commenced on 5 May 2026. Council now has one graduate elected student member (Kevin Li) and one undergraduate elected student member (Daniel Motika.
Council received an update from the Chancellor on the appointment of the new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Carolyn Evans. The internal and external response to the appointment has been very positive and transition plans are well advanced with the Interim Vice-Chancellor and senior executive team.
The Chancellor advised that the appointment of Governor-in-Council and Ministerial members are progressing through the final stages.
OTHER MATTERS
Council reappointed Tiriki Onus to the Melbourne Theatre Company (MTC) Board of Management in accordance with its Charter.
The next Council meeting will be held on 24 June 2026.
Jane Hansen AO
Chancellor