Chancellor's Update
Dr Richard Torbay was elected to the office of Chancellor of the University of New England on 11 December 2008.
Dr Torbay was elected as an Independent Member for Northern Tablelands on 27 March 1999 and he was elected as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of NSW on 8 May 2007. He is also the Regional Representative for the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
Contents
LATEST NEWS
Dear colleagues,
I would like to update the University community on the selection process for the next UNE Vice-Chancellor and CEO.
Applications for the position closed on 4 September and these are being collated for the Council Selection Panel by Julie Steiner of Braithwaite Steiner Pretty, the consultants engaged by the University to assist in this important appointment. The Panel will be meeting on Tuesday next week to conduct a short-listing process, and a date for interviews has been set for mid-October.
As you are aware, Professor Pettigrew will finish his term on 31 October. At the Council meeting on Monday this week, the Council appointed Professor Graham Webb as Acting Vice-Chancellor from the end of October until the new appointee takes this position.
I will inform the University of further progress at the earliest opportunity.
Regards
Richard Torbay
Chancellor
Other announcements
Dear Colleagues,I'm pleased to be able to report to the University community on the significant progress that we have made in reviewing and improving governance arrangements at the University.
This is a task that has taken some considerable deliberation and debate on the part of our University Council, and I believe that they are to be congratulated on their willingness to engage wholeheartedly in the process of reform. At all times, the long term interests of the University have been at the forefront of the Council's mind. Their efforts have put UNE in a position where it will be able to consider itself as at the forefront of good governance in the higher education sector. And I believe that a well governed and confident University will be able to achieve great things in this sector.
Following an extensive process of internal review, Council has made a number of resolutions on governance which were informed by the following assumptions:
- The thrust of Australian government direction is towards a professionally managed approach to University governance.
- The Council's responsibility for its commercial activities and controlled entities requires particular focus in terms of process and ensuring accountability and consistency.
- Transparency and accountability requires that the performance of the governing body of a University and of its Chancellor should be subject to monitoring and appraisal, and the governance of a University should constantly strive for best practice.
- To have effective governance that will benefit the whole University community, a partnership approach between the governing body and the Executive is required that is supportive, flexible and robust.
The recommendations approved by Council were also informed by recent higher education reviews and inquiries, and the expectations of the NSW Auditor General. The specific recommendations are listed in brief form below. For those members of the University Community interested in looking further at the rationale for the decisions and the full resolutions, the full set of governance papers are in the Council business paper page 153-261, and the supplementary paper from the July meeting, at http://www.une.edu.au/secretariat/openpapers/councilpapers.php
Regards,
The Hon Richard Torbay, MP
Chancellor,
University of New England
Resolutions of Council
To receive a skills audit of current Council members to identify strengths and suggest gaps in skill sets, to identify skills based training needs, and to guide Council in the recruitment and training of suitable members of the governing body.
To insert a provision in the UNE Bylaws that provides that the Chancellor or Deputy Chancellor shall cease to hold office if the Council decides by resolution passed by a two thirds majority at two consecutive ordinary meetings of the Council that the Chancellor or Deputy Chancellor does not have the confidence of the Council.
To amend ‘Council Policies’ such that the ‘Principal Officer’ is nominated as the Vice-Chancellor and not the Chancellor as currently defined, unless an Act otherwise specifies.
That the terms of reference of the Standing Committee remain as currently in force with the understanding that this Committee is in place to deal with urgent and non-controversial matters. The composition of the Standing Committee will be reviewed such that it is to include a postgraduate student representative and an undergraduate student representative in rotation for one year each.
To establish a Chancellor’s Strategic Task Force for a fixed purpose and for a fixed term to meet in respect of defined strategic issues that require close liaison between Council and management.
That the Terms of Reference for Finance Committee be amended such that Finance Committee is delegated to consider defined strategic issues on an ongoing basis.
That the composition of the Remuneration Committee remain in force but that the Terms of Reference of the Remuneration Committee relating to membership be amended such that it is clear that the Committee may seek to co-opt up to two members, and that it is for Council to approve co-opting such members.
That Council Policies and any associated documents as required be amended such that they reflect the expectation of Council that comprehensive reporting of matters dealt with by the Remuneration Committee is made to Council.
That the Chairs of the committees in consultation with senior management including the University Secretary and Legal Counsel consider workload of the Committees, frequency of meetings, work plans and any other matters arising from these considerations.
To provide for whole of Council education and professional development through a program developed by the University Secretary and Legal Counsel and with the program and budget for the program approved by the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor. In addition, the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor are to agree on additional amounts to be allocated for skills based training for individual Council members as they may occasionally arise, and informed by the outcomes of the skills audit.
To undertake a program of performance evaluation of Council.
That the Chancellor’s performance be considered as part of an agreed performance review process, along with the feedback gained from Council’s annual self-review.
That in respect of controlled entities the Board of a controlled entity should ideally include a member of Council. Recruitment of a Council member for the board of a controlled entity should occur in such a manner that Council is to inquire of a controlled entity as to which skills are required in a Board member.
That with respect to the appointment process to the Boards of controlled entities, such process should be standardized to the extent possible.
That in reviewing Council policies, applicable University policies be assessed to ensure that controlled entities are subject to relevant University policy, that controlled entities are operating in compliance with the broader corporate governance framework of the University, and that consistency of reporting is established where possible.
That controlled entities not be established without prior approval from Council.
That triggers for advice to Council on ongoing commercial activities should be expanded to issues that may affect the University’s reputation or entail loss of control, significant project management issues, and other changes in situation; and that relevant policy be reviewed in respect of establishment and approval of commercial activities and of financial delegations in respect of the approval of commercial activities such that there is provision that reporting to Council occur where there are such issues arising as are outlined above.
That a clear and timely reporting line on commercial activities be established; and that this be achieved by:
I. Designating Finance Committee to oversight reporting on commercial activities; and
II. Requiring Entrepreneurial committee to report to Finance Committee formally on a six monthly basis, and additionally when transactions of a certain nature occur such as are outlined in (21) above, and in addition requiring the Minutes of each meeting of Entrepreneurial Committee to be provided to the next meeting of Finance Committee for notation.
That an annual report to Council be made on international and commercial activities.
That the risk profile of international and commercial activities be reported to Audit and Compliance Committee on a timetable to be determined by that Committee.
That commercial, entrepreneurial and controlled entity policy of the university be amended to reflect any or all of these resolutions in consultation with senior management and submitted to Council for final approval. Such reporting principles should be incorporated into the governance and documentation procedures at the outset of a commercial activity and should constitute a requirement in its regular reporting to Council or a delegate.
To agree in principle to remuneration of Council members, and to consider an appropriate model. This will include analysis of appropriate levels of remuneration having regard to remuneration paid by other universities and comparisons with other sectors.
To provide for sundry out of pocket expenses for all Council members as agreed by the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor and after receiving advice from the University Secretary and Legal Counsel.
Chancellor's Events
Official Launch of the National Centre for Regional Greenhouse Gas Research at UNE, attended by the Hon. Ian MacDonald, NSW Minister for Primary Industry, State Development and Energy
Local Government Mayors’ Roundtable
Chancellor’s Recent Events
The following is the abbreviated text of a speech made by the Chancellor, the Hon. Dr Richard Torbay, at the opening of the Local Government Mayors’ Roundtable on Thursday 9 July 2009 at UNE.
Mayors and General Managers from ADC, Glen Innes Severn, Guyra, Gunnedah, Gwydir, Inverell, Liverpool Plains, Moree Plains, Narrabri, Tamworth, Tenterfield, Uralla and Walcha Councils were on campus for a session of roundtable talks aimed at promoting higher levels of engagement between the University and local government.
Chancellor’s Address
I’d like to officially welcome Mayors and General Managers to this significant event today.
The University of New England is Australia’s oldest regional university and has a long tradition of serving the local region.
Right now, we have a lot of very relevant work happening at this University that will provide tangible benefits, real benefits, to regional communities, and we are making some real headway in coordinating our research efforts into deliverable outcomes.
For over half a century UNE has built significant strength and expertise through attention to a range of regional issues.
The University is promoting the Rural Resurgence Initiative.
This is a research initiative that aims to assist rural people by tackling knowledge disadvantage.
And these knowledge disadvantages arise from lower educational attainment, poor access to life-long learning opportunities, and inadequate access to professional services, and seek to find ways of addressing them.
I’m sure that you, in local government, will agree that these disadvantages have a very real impact in rural and regional areas.
These sorts of initiatives are aimed squarely at meeting needs in rural and regional communities – not just ethereal research, but work directed at addressing very real problems.
We now have some significant capacity in rural medicine, and I’m pleased that you had the chance to see the facilities at the Rural Medical School today.
I’m very pleased to be able to tell you today that we have added to our capacity in rural health care just this past week by introducing a four year undergraduate degree in Pharmacy in 2010.
The introduction of the degree will have a direct impact on meeting regional demand for these courses and providing trained professionals.
It is this university’s aim that the region’s youth will remain in the area to study with the expectation that many will choose to live and practice in regional and rural areas of Australia. I know that this is a concern that many of you share – and again, it will be one of the issues that will be raised this afternoon.
And while I’m touching on particular courses, I want to make mention of another – because it represents, I think, one good example of local government communicating with the University about their needs, and the University responding in an innovative way by designing a course that fills a real gap in professional services.
As of 2007, UNE offers a Bachelor of Engineering Technology with a civil and environmental major.
The degree came about because there were strong industry and local government drivers for it, including the Institute of Public Works.
A very real and pressing need for professional engineers in rural and regional Councils was identified, and our University put together a course that aimed to meet those needs.
The course is structured so that it enables cadetships with employers - this means that Councils can identify appropriate candidates for a long term position while they are on a traineeship.
And I know that many councils here – Liverpool Plains, Gunnedah, Gwydir, Guyra, Inverell and Armidale Dumaresq among them – have trainees that are taking that degree.
It’s a chance for local communities to invest in their own future.
I raise this degree because it represents, in my view, a good model of University collaborating with local government to meet a specific professional skills shortage.
Once again, I’d like to welcome you to the University of New England.
I hope that you find our presentations, and today’s activities, relevant to your interests and your aspirations for your communities.
I want to thank you for the opportunity to listen to your issues and concerns this afternoon.
It is our intention to get some real outcomes from this event, and we will be following up by responding to Councils and indicating what we see to be meaningful initiatives.
And this should be one step in an ongoing dialogue.
Recruitment of the Vice-Chancellor
Dear Colleagues,
I am pleased to report in relation to the recruitment of new Vice-Chancellor, that Ms Julie Steiner, of recruitment firm Braithwaite Steiner Pretty (the firm undertaking the recruitment process), addressed the University Council at its meeting of 3 July 2009.
At that meeting, Ms Steiner spoke with Council members about the recruitment process, and the approach the firm will undertake. Ms Steiner also asked Council questions, and received feedback from Members about how the process should be administered.
I am confident that Braithwaite Steiner Pretty will take into account the feedback provided by Council. As you will recall, I have already sought feedback on the recruitment process by email. Any feedback will remain strictly confidential.
As the recruitment process gets further underway I will keep you informed of further developments.
Best wishes,
The Hon Richard Torbay, MP
Chancellor,
University of New England
Recruitment of the Vice-Chancellor - Posted 25 June 2009
Dear Colleagues,
I wanted to let you know at the earliest opportunity that the University has appointed Braithwaite Steiner Pretty to undertake the recruitment of the next Vice-Chancellor. The principal who will lead the recruitment is Ms Julie Steiner and she has accepted our invitation to attend the Council meeting of 3 July 2009 to introduce herself to Council members and explain the process her firm will undertake.
This extremely experienced firm in placement of Vice-Chancellor and other Higher Education Sector senior positions will lead an effective and detailed process of recruitment for this critical appointment.
I am happy to receive confidential feedback from members of the University community and ask that you forward any suggestions to me at chancellor@une.edu.au I would appreciate any feedback prior to 31 July 2009.
I will keep you advised of developments.
Best wishes,
The Hon Richard Torbay, MP
Chancellor
University of New England
Consuls General Roundtable
Thursday, 11 June 2009
The following is the abbreviated text of a speech made by the Chancellor, the Hon. Dr Richard Torbay, at the opening of the inaugural Chancellor’s International Education Partnership Roundtable on Thursday June 11 2009. The Roundtable was attended by Consuls General and consular personnel from Canada, the United States, Japan, the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Ghana, Vietnam, the Republic of Korea, the Argentine Republic and the Republic of Indonesia.
Welcome to the University of New England.
I intend that this historic day will provide, both the University and each of you as representatives of your respective nations, a chance to forge close relationships, build a mutual understanding of needs, and develop opportunities for your students.
By gathering together this critical group of Consuls-General on-campus we have the unique opportunity to discuss potential partnerships in education, research and investment.
UNE has recognized for some time now that we are increasingly impacted by global events. In turn, we also need to contribute to and enrich the development of a humane world. We can do this in many ways.
We can internationalize our curriculum.
We can internationalize our learning experience.
We can have productive exchanges with students and staff from around the world.
And we can develop collaborations and partnerships with institutions and researchers from around the world to put us, and them, on a more secure footing.
UNE has taken steps in recent years to realize its goal of achieving a regional and global impact. This University is in earnest about fulfilling the priorities that it has developed in its International Plan. These include, in particular, enhancing our international research activities, including by engaging with target countries and continuing to build our own capacities.
We recognize that with globalization comes the globalization of research programs and teaching programs. Most research programs have – or should have – an international dimension. They should be internationally relevant. And that means the development of research outcomes and partnerships that are increasingly beneficial outside the borders of this University and this country.
UNE has strong credentials. We are a major recipient of competitive research grants from industry and government bodies in Australia. The University of New England enjoys an outstanding reputation for its existing International Partnerships. I might also add that UNE has won five stars in the Good Universities Guide for student educational experience for nine out of the last 10 years.
UNE has cooperative teaching and pathway programs with institutions across the world. These pathway programs range from partner delivery of UNE programs to short courses offered on-campus in Armidale and specific articulation agreements. We have a strong culture of excellence in research, and we have developed a significant comparative advantage in education, agricultural and environmental science, and health.
UNE pioneered distance education in Australia and has retained a reputation for the close relationships it develops with students – as close to on campus experience as possible for external students. The new challenges offered by technology will be added to this unique UNE brand of external education.
Today, you will be becoming familiar with some of our facilities and our expertise across research areas, and you will have the opportunity to meet with and discuss issues with some of the academic staff and other members of the University community, including some of our international students that have an abiding interest in collaborating with and developing opportunities with your countries. I encourage you to discuss opportunities and ways they can be developed. I hope that the result of today’s talks will lead to follow up discussions and stronger relationships.
I would like you to share with us, to the fullest extent, your insights into what might constitute a mutually beneficial partnership or opportunity – something that we can develop for the future.
What I, as Chancellor, would like to see emerge from today is a clear understanding of activities that this University can engage in that will further open the way for better international collaboration and international partnerships. I would also like today to be the first day in a continuing relationship. Once you have returned to your consulates in Sydney, I would like you to remember the University of New England as a University with a determination to capitalize on opportunities to engage with the world.
I welcome you all to our wonderful campus and thank you all for your attendance at this important day for UNE.
Mon, 25 May 2009 - Official Launch of the National Centre for Regional Greenhouse Gas Research at UNE, attended by the Hon. Ian MacDonald, NSW Minister for Primary Industry, State Development and Energy:
First may I congratulate this outstanding team, lead by Professor Bob Martin and Professor Anne Cowie, and recognize the tremendous effort made by them in bringing this research initiative to life through the launch of the centre today.
I understand that the successes of the Primary Industries Innovation Centre in areas of climate change research laid the foundations for this research centre to become a reality. What an achievement to have such an outstanding facility come to fruition as a result of many years of commitment to the cause.This research centre combines the resources of the Department of Primary Industries with UNE to enable development of large scale collaborative projects that involve DPI, UNE and a range of organizations, industry groups and rural communities.
This is another example of the success UNE has in engaging in partnerships that lead to greater opportunities for the region. To me, climate change, and the solutions to such a formidable problem should remain a primary focus for all governments - locally, at the State level, federally and globally. A holistic approach is the only approach.Today’s launch makes me so proud that the New England region, and indeed this University, has once again taken the lead in tackling one of the key issues of our time.Reducing greenhouse emissions from agricultural sources as well as exploring methods of carbon soil sequestration is an example of addressing climate change through a solutions-focussed lens.
Launching the National Centre for Regional Greenhouse Gas Research drives significant benefits to the region.Not only does this research centre grow the New England and North West region’s reputation as a leader in the field of climate research and solutions.
But the proactive approach of the NSW Government in funding this centre brings considerable economic stimulation and activity to the region as new industry initiatives are developed and introduced here;
We have access to more than $500, 000 from NSW DPI to assist the University in equipping the facility, of which UNE invested the initial 2.9 million dollars;
And we have engaged 6 new PhD students as a result of the centres’ existing reputation for excellence.
Friday, 22 May the Chancellor spoke at the Mary White Chancellor's Dinner on the invitation of the Acting Head of the Mary White College, Ms Phillipa Moon:
I was elected as Chancellor at a critical time for the University of New England when the role itself had become controversial. As a member of the UNE Council for some years it has always been my view that the Chancellor and the UNE Council should work closely with the Vice-Chancellor and senior staff to promote the best interests of the University as its primary aim.
The reason we have a Council, comprised of representatives from within and outside the University is to provide an objective focus on current activities and to work on the best strategies for the University’s future. The Chancellor has a leadership role and together with Council, the Vice-Chancellor and senior management is responsible for planning the strategic direction of the institution.
That being said, in the 20 years I worked on campus for the UNE Union and the years since I have served on Council I have experienced a number of Chancellors and they have all had a different style. If I were to single out any of them for special mention it would be Dr Rob Robertson-Cunninghame. Dr Rob had such a long association with UNE and he worked for it tirelessly with belief and total dedication. His passion, commitment, shrewd commonsense, integrity, dignity, modesty and interest in all aspects of university life were inspiring. He was an excellent example of how an outsider can bring a breath of fresh air to an institution that always needs to look outside itself for regeneration and growth.
I learned a lot from Dr Rob but the one thing that stands out is that his focus was always in the best interests of the University and was not side-tracked by vested interests or political power plays. I see my role as Chancellor as a time to institute closer engagement with the wider community in our region. For that purpose I have invited 14 regional mayors and general managers to visit the campus on July 9 for a day of seminars, tours of facilities and discussions with academics and students.
To expand our international focus I have arranged for the Consul Generals of Canada, the United States, Japan, China, Ghana, Vietnam, India, Korea, Argentina, and Indonesia to come to the campus on June 11 for briefings and discussions with senior management, academic staff and students. It has impressed me how enthusiastically senior staff and academics have embrace this unique opportunity.
I have also instigated closer communication between the UNE Council and the academic and general staff. We have managed our meetings to allow time for breaks over tea and coffee to meet academics and general staff members and hear directly about their ventures, their issues and their concerns. I make a point of talking with students and with college heads, with general staff and with the people who tend the grounds. Why? Because I believe that to act in the best interests of an institution, such as UNE, I should be well briefed and well informed.
Every single member of the UNE team plays their part in our shared success and I believe in the power of networking and friendships. Looking outward is just as important as looking inward. Personal experience has taught me that while good leaders must have good judgment and the courage to make decisions and are often appointed to lofty positions and plied with privilege, they make a big mistake if they consider themselves above the people they serve. In terms of service to UNE at present, that tends marvelously to focus the mind. I am pleased to have had such a long association with the University and carry with me memories of its past successes and some of its darkest times.
We can all learn from both. We should be proud of our successes, both past and present. UNE excels in its core business - that is teaching students and offering them the best possible learning environment and offering outstanding opportunities to explore further development in research. We’ve rated five stars in the Good Universities Guide for nine of the last 10 years for providing that excellent learning experience. We also rate highly for providing access to students from lower socio-economic backgrounds and assisting those students to be successful with their studies through some very innovative programs.We are still pre-eminent in the provision of distance education.
What makes study at UNE unique is the way it nurtures its students. The support and feedback they receive is phenomenal and I would like to congratulate our academics for the time they take and the dedication they give to our students. UNE pioneered distance education in Australia but it is no longer the only provider. Since we began, the whole information technology revolution has occurred, encouraging new players into the market.
We are currently leading a $3.5 million e-learning project with plans to collaborate with Charles Sturt, Central Queensland, and the Southern Queensland Universities. This DEHub project will focus on innovative new technologies to deliver distance education. UNE will be the central location for this project with the aim of building on the University’s existing strength and expertise. It should equip us to perform even better in what has become a very competitive market place.
Establishing the Rural Medical School in conjunction with the University of Newcastle has been an outstanding success. Now in its second year it is attracting students from across the eastern states, many from rural and regional areas. We are now looking to launch additional programs such as Pharmacy, Sports and Exercise Science and developing our Allied Health Program to include Occupational Therapy and Medical Imaging. These will be developed into the future.
Our new Bachelor of Social Work degree taps into the shortage of social workers in regional areas and in its first year has attracted strong enrolments and interest from students and the profession. It is programs like these that focus on the needs of the regional and the wider community. It is programs like these that must be encouraged and fostered. Despite my stated objection to the voluntary student unionism legislation brought in by the previous Federal Government, Sport UNE has received $5 million to expand its facilities as part of a compensation package. I would like to see more resources to maintain and expand the facilities for students on our campus – and indeed across the entire higher education sector.
One of our strengths is our vibrant college system. However, many of our colleges are now in need of upgrades which is why the Residential Facilities Safeguard Fund was established, with $1.7 million allocated annually for this purpose. There is currently approval for a $3.5 million refit of the Wright Village and Mary White is to receive $5 million for a much needed upgrade. An advantage of being Australia’s oldest regional university is our record of achievement in research. In 2006 academic staff at the University contributed to more than 500 higher education forums including publications in academic literature, presentation at conferences, and journal submissions.
For the same year, UNE was able to gain additional competitive funding to support research, with a total income to the tune of almost $19 million. We need to build on this to develop new partnerships with other universities and the private sector.
My approach to management is to work with people’s strengths and to focus on solutions rather than problems. If we can harness all the talent and brainpower at UNE and work together positively and constructively with goodwill, I have no doubt we will thrive. In my view we have no other alternative. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the support shown to me Professor Alan Pettigrew since I have been elected to the position of Chancellor.
From the Secretary to Council - Outcomes of Council Meeting, Friday 1 May 2009
The University of New England Council meeting on Friday 1 May addressed several important matters including papers on improved governance of UNE. Council also resolved to establish a Selection Committee for the recruitment of a new Vice-Chancellor. The Committee consists of the Chancellor and Deputy Chancellor, the Chair of the University’s Academic Board, an academic member of the Council and one of Council’s external Ministerial appointments. An independent member of the Panel has also been appointed. The Chancellor of UNE, The Hon Dr Richard Torbay MP stated;“The Council has identified relevant committee members for the Selection Committee in order to recruit a suitable replacement for the current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alan Pettigrew. We have been most fortunate to have the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wollongong, Professor Gerard Sutton, agree to sit on the committee as the external member. I welcome his valuable input and that of the Committee as a whole. Progress on this matter will be provided in future updates.”
Chancellor’s Reports
1 May 2009
So much has occurred since the March meeting it is difficult to know where to begin my report. I need to say, however, how genuinely affected I was by the ceremony installing me as Chancellor in March. Even more overwhelming was the energy and excitement of presenting the testamurs to the students at the four graduation ceremonies.
The comraderie, goodwill and vitality was palpable and I wish to again thank all involved from Facilities Management Services and their grounds staff, the Student Centre and Directorate of Student Administration, the Secretariat team, Services UNE, the University Printery and of course the graduates.
The graduation ceremonies typify all that is deeply rooted and impressive at UNE; its history, professionalism and the deep attachment to the institution shared by so many. Through all of this I would again like to express gratitude to the academic and general staff, and students, for their continued support and positive feedback about the forward progress of the University.In light of the above, I outline some of the challenges and the opportunities ahead for UNE:-
1. Retirement of our Vice ChancellorOn behalf of the Council of UNE, I extend my sincere thanks and very best wishes to Professor Alan Pettigrew and his wife Ann for their significant contribution and concern for this University. In the face of considerable challenge Alan has worked for the best interests of our organisation in recent years and as I have publicly stated I hope he and Ann enjoy their return to Canberra and his retirement. Alan and I had been discussing his decision to retire and the announcement on April 17 brings to a close one chapter of UNE history as we make plans for a new phase. Many thanks, Alan, for your contribution and support.
2. Recent publicity for UNEWith the many steps that are underway to meet our Strategic Plan objectives and to develop exciting new paths for the University, a number in collaboration with other partners, it is disappointing to see recent negative media about the University. This ill-informed, sensational material could not be further from reality. The steps being taken in respect of governance arrangements, sound financial planning, joint ventures and other exciting collaborations puts paid to any suggestion that this University is not extremely well placed to meet the challenges of the Bradley Review and the difficult economic times. In addition the cohesion of our current Council and its close working relationship with senior management will play a significant role in taking UNE through the next phase of its evolution.
I am now taking steps to immediately recruit a new Vice Chancellor and during this period will work closely with our current Vice Chancellor, his staff, and our Council to find the best candidate to lead this organization. It is imperative that we continue the momentum of 2009 and I will put as much time and effort as required to ensure we progress the many initiatives that are underway.
3. I am delighted Council is today receiving a presentation from Associate Professor David Lamb in respect of Geospatial and Precision Agriculture (an innovative programme underway). As part of our efforts to understand all aspects of UNE it is refreshing to hear from people undertaking significant work such as Associate Professor Lamb's for the benefit of this University and the wider community.
It is also rewarding to see that Council has the opportunity to meet with a wide range of staff and students through its attendance at the "Prevent Bullying" launch today at lunch time (over a sausage sizzle), as well as our new regular morning teas with a selection of staff members - this meeting with the School of Behavioural Cognitive & Social Sciences and the directorates of Information Technology, Marketing & Public Affairs and Planning & Institutional Research.
4. Council members will note in the new correspondence section of their papers that I have invited Sir Laurence Street to attend our September meeting. I suggest, subject to his availability, that this meeting might be an appropriate one to hold in Sydney. Work is also underway to enable those Council members who wish to attend to travel to Warialda for a site visit of part of our rural properties. The University Secretary can speak to this.
5. Governance Papers & Council ProcessAs these matters are dealt with in detail in the papers, I will only comment that I am pleased to see the reworked Order of Business to provide a more focused and informed Agenda for our meetings. This can be modified as required but it seems to me it is an important step in raising the awareness of our roles and responsibilities so that the Council can contribute in the way it should in the proper discharge of our responsibilities.
6. Legal ServicesI have asked the University Secretary and Legal Counsel, as part of the Report she intends to bring to Council, in respect of the provision of legal services to UNE to also include an analysis of the costs of outsourcing by the University over the past two financial years and also up to 30 April 2009. The significant delay and cost that has occurred with a number of matters is regrettable and cannot continue into the future.
7. MediaA sample of media activity over the past few weeks is included for Council information. This is provided as a first step towards a comprehensive media update forming part of our Council Papers as detailed in the Governance "Council and Committee Process" paper. I make the observation that I do not consider UNE as an organization is responding in a strategic and timely manner in respect of the media. We have a long way to go in this regard and I will be talking to the Vice Chancellor about this issue and possible solutions moving forward.
8. Upcoming Diary matters a. Teserario Bequest Lectureship - 24th April 2009UNE was most fortunate in receiving an extremely generous bequest of $1million to establish the Charles Teseriero Lectureship in Latin. The Launch of this lectureship will occur on 24 April 2009. The Vice Chancellor will join me in meeting members of Mr Teserario's family, friends, University and community members as we proudly launch the lectureship. I will report on the event to Council at our meeting in May.
b. Regional Councils Roundtable - 1st June 2009As referred to in my March Report, I am keen to engage UNE with the broader community, recognizing key stakeholders and the opportunities they present for UNE as an institution. To this end, plans are confirmed to invite a team of Mayors' and General Managers from local government areas in the New England and North West districts.
The Mayors and their General Managers will be invited to bring to the roundtable their thoughts on opportunities for their own communities and how UNE might collaborate with them in the future, as well as how we might best continue to serve their prospective students. The day will include a tour of significant and relevant faculties and facilities, illustrations of local projects already underway, as well as a forum for the Councillors to meet students of the University that have come from their LGAs.
c. United States Consul-General's Guest Lecture - 10th June 2009I have also confirmed the attendance of the current Consul-General to the United States, Mrs Judith Fergin to visit the University in Armidale on 10 June 2009. Mrs Fergin will be offering a guest lecture on the afternoon of the 10th for the benefit of students in the School of Political Science and International Studies, as well as for the whole community to which the lecture will be opened freely to hear specifically about the current and projected trends of the US-Australian Alliance under Barack Obama. It will also provide an excellent opportunity for me, the Vice Chancellor and members of the Executive team to engage with her regarding future opportunities for International Partnerships between the University and the United States.
d. Invitations have been sent to eighteen Consul-Generals to meet in Armidale on 11 June 2009 to explore partnerships and projects underway and prospective future partnership opportunities in their own countries or here in Australia. Council members will be invited to this event in due course.
9. Meeting attendances:I express my gratitude to Ms Kay Hempsall who represented me at the UNE/NSW Farmers Association Rural Careers Expo and to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for his attendance on my behalf at the Duval College Commencement Dinner. I detail below my other attendances during March and April:
|
Date |
Function |
| 16/3/09 | Launch of the Bachelor of Social Work |
| 27/3/09 | Graduation - Sciences, Medicine and Health Awards |
| Graduation Luncheon | |
| 28/3/09 | Graduation - Education Awards |
| Graduation Luncheon | |
| 3/4/09 | Graduation - Economics, Business and Law Awards |
| Graduation Luncheon | |
| 4/4/09 | Graduation - Arts Awards |
| Graduation Luncheon (guest: Mr Steve Whan MP) | |
| 6/4/09 | Launch of Cooperation between UNE and Top Education in Research Projects |
| 9/4/09 | Launch of UNE/NSW Parliament Internship Program |
| 24/4/09 | Tesoriero Bequest event |