Annual Report 1997 Report of the Council of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology for the period 1 January to 31 December 1997 To the Honourable Phil Honeywood MLA, Minister for Tertiary Education and Training: In pursuance of the provisions of the Financial Management Act 1984, the Council of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology has the honour to transmit to you RMIT's annual report for the year ended 31 December 1997. Sam Smorgon AO Chancellor 9 April 1998
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A n n u a l R e p o r t 1 9 9 7
Report of the Councilof the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technologyfor the period 1 January to 31 December 1997
To the Honourable Phil Honeywood MLA, Minister for Tertiary Education and Training:
In pursuance of the provisions of the Financial Management Act 1984, the Council of the RoyalMelbourne Institute of Technology has the honour to transmit to you RMIT's annual report for the yearended 31 December 1997.
Sam Smorgon AOChancellor
9 April 1998
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Contents
INTRODUCTION 4
1997 AT RMIT UNIVERSITY 4
JANUARY 4
FEBRUARY 5
MARCH 5
APRIL 6
MAY 6
JUNE 7
JULY 7
AUGUST 8
SEPTEMBER 9
OCTOBER 10
NOVEMBER 11
DECEMBER 12
RMIT UNIVERSITY IN THE NORTH 12
NORTHERN PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM 13
DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUNDOORA CAMPUS 14
THE BUNDOORA EAST SITE 15
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE 15
MISSION, GOALS AND VALUES 15
CHANCELLOR 17
UNIVERSITY COUNCIL AND COMMITTEES 18
VICE-CHANCELLOR 23
QUALITY DEVELOPMENT 25
EDUCATION AND TRAINING DIVISION 26
FACULTY OF APPLIED SCIENCE 27
FACULTY OF ART, DESIGN AND COMMUNICATION 29
FACULTY OF BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES 31
FACULTY OF BUSINESS 33
FACULTY OF THE CONSTRUCTED ENVIRONMENT 34
FACULTY OF EDUCATION, LANGUAGE AND COMMUNITY SERVICES 36
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING 38
FACULTY OF NURSING 40
RESOURCES DIVISION 42
CORPORATE PUBLICATIONS 42
ASSET MANAGEMENT GROUP 43
COMMERCIAL AND LEGAL SERVICES 44
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HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT GROUP 45
INTERNAL AUDIT GROUP 46
LIBRARIES 46
OFFICE OF STRATEGIC INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 48
STRATEGIC AND FINANCIAL PLANNING GROUP 48
STUDENT AFFAIRS GROUP 49
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION 50
KEY RESEARCH ACTIVITIES 51
CENTRES AND INSTITUTES 52
INTERNATIONAL DIVISION 53
INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES 55
OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVES 56
STUDENT LOAD 56
PERFORMANCE AGAINST TARGETS 56
EQUITY AND ACCESS 58
ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER EDUCATION STRATEGY 59
DISABILITY LIAISON UNIT 60
NEW COURSES IN 1997 60
CREDIT TRANSFER AND ARTICULATION 62
INDUSTRY-FUNDED TRAINING 63
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION 64
CATEGORIES OF DOCUMENT 64
MATERIAL PREPARED BY THE UNIVERSITY UNDER PART 2 OF THE FOI ACT 64
APPLICATION PROCEDURE 65
EMPLOYEE RELATIONS 65
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY 65
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 65
ACADEMIC PROMOTIONS 67
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON REQUEST 68
COMPLIANCE INDEX TO DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS 70
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Introduction
RMIT University emphasises education for employment, and does research that uses technology tosolve real-world problems. RMIT offers a fully integrated range of courses from VET apprenticeships,certificates and diplomas to bachelor degrees, graduate certificate and diplomas, masters by researchor course work, and professional or research doctorates. With around forty-five thousand students, RMITis Australia’s largest multi-level university.
RMIT University is a leader in the export of education and training services. Its campus in Penang,Malaysia, is the first of its kind in Asia. Links with universities and colleges around the world allow RMITstaff and students to participate in exchanges, study-abroad programs, and co-operative teaching andlearning programs. By 2002 at least one-quarter of all students will complete part of their RMIT courseoverseas.
The city campus is located at the northern end of Swanston Walk, next to Melbourne Central Stationand the State Library of Victoria. The main body of the campus occupies two whole city blocks, thoughseveral faculties are located in buildings elsewhere in the city centre.
The Bundoora campus is about twenty-five kilometres north-east of the city centre, on the fringe ofsuburban Melbourne. In contrast to the city campus, RMIT Bundoora is set in extensive parkland. Theuniversity has invested more than eighteen million dollars in developing the Bundoora campus(acquired in 1992) to fulfil RMIT's commitment to education in the northern metropolitan region.
RMIT University has Co-operative Research Centres for advanced composite structures, intelligentdecision systems, intelligent manufacturing systems, polymer blends, and water quality andtreatment. It hosts national Key Centres for applied and nutritional toxicology and knowledge-basedsystems, the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI), and the eMERGE Co-operativeMultimedia Centre.
Established as the Working Men's College in 1887, RMIT became a university on 1 July 1992 under theRoyal Melbourne Institute of Technology Act 1992.
1997 at RMIT University
January
The exhibition 'Images of Korea' is opened byProfessor Bill Gregory, Dean of the Faculty ofArt, Design and Communication, at RMIT’sBuilding 94. This is a collection of illustrationsfrom the Seoul Illustrators’ Council. This monthRMIT University is also curator of 'Aurora', anexhibition of wood, metal, glass, fibre andceramic work by sixteen artists.
The Strategic and Financial Planning Groupimplements a new chart of accounts and otherfinancial reforms. A new travel policy andrelated accounting system through AmericanExpress allows better management analysis ofstaff travel activities.
The Human Resources Management Group's'alignment project' commences. The projectwill identify how key human resourcemanagement practices and policies align with
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RMIT University's strategic objectives anddirections.
February
A twinning agreement with the Civil AviationFlying College of China and a memorandum ofunderstanding (MOU) with the Civil AviationAuthority of China (CAAC) are signed at theinternational air show held at Laverton airportnear Geelong. Under the twinning agreementthirty Chinese pilots will attend RMITUniversity’s Point Cook flight training centre,starting in August 1997. Under the MOUgroups of twenty CAAC employees will enrol inthe RMIT University Master of AviationManagement program, starting in March 1998.
Over one hundred senior students and staff,including the Vice-Chancellor, gather in RMITStorey Hall to welcome four hundred and fiftynew international students to RMIT University.The event, part of a three week program co-ordinated by the Centre for InternationalStudents and Scholars, is the first formalwelcome of its kind held at RMIT and is wellreceived by students and staff.
Sue Earl, a 1996 graduate of the GraduateDiploma in Animation and InteractiveMultimedia, wins the 'best student film' awardat the Australian Effects and Animation Festivalin Sydney.
An improved management reporting system inthe Strategic and Financial Planning Groupstarts delivering monthly finance reports tocost centres and the University Council.
March
RMIT Business launches 'Services Marketing',the first Open Learning Australia subject to betaught entirely on the Internet.
The Faculty of Art, Design and Communication,in conjunction with Arts Project Australia,
curates a group exhibition resulting from theirjoint project to improve opportunities forartists with intellectual disabilities. Under thejoint program, artists from Arts ProjectAustralia regularly attend drawing classes atRMIT. The 'Nexus' exhibition in RMITBuilding 94's 'Project Space' is opened by SirJames Gobbo AC, Victorian Governor-designate.
Twenty students from the Faculty of Art,Design and Communication attend theNational Screenwriters' Conference inMelbourne. RMIT's Advanced Diploma inScreenwriting is launched and receives strongindustry support as the first program of itskind dedicated solely to the written word foruse in electronic media.
The Faculty of the Constructed Environmentjoins in celebrating the opening of the QueenVictoria Women's Centre with a seminar onwomen in architecture. Women architectspresent their work to an enthusiastic audienceof architects, students and interested membersof the public, and Associate Professor SandHelsel launches guest of honour FrancescaHughes’ book, The Architect: Reconstructing HerPractice (MIT Press).
The West Melbourne Primary School's closuremeans the Eades Place Children's Centre, inwhich RMIT University is a partner, must moveout of its West Melbourne premises thismonth. The centre relocates temporarily to Kidson Collins, 600 Collins Street, Melbourne, whilea permanent site is prepared. Eades Place offersfull time and part time care for children of RMITstaff and students.
Thirty-eight third-year undergraduate civilengineering students and two staff membersfrom Trisakti University in Jakarta, Indonesia,visit RMIT to compare Australian universitieswith their own.
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Two thousand staff and students are relocatedfrom the closed Coburg campus to Bundoora.Operating hours of the computer accesslaboratory at Bundoora are expanded, and thenumber of student work-stations is doubled toforty-four.
April
The International Co-operation House, a jointventure between RMIT University and theVietnam National University, opens in Hanoi.
The Chinese Vice-Minister of Construction visitsRMIT University in Melbourne and is thekeynote speaker at a building and constructionseminar. Renowned Cuban-born New York-based interior designer Vicente Wolf presentshis recent work to VET built environmentstudents.
RMIT University's submission is forwarded tothe Commonwealth government's 'WestCommittee' reviewing higher educationfinancing and policy.
For the first time RMIT University participatesin the National Trust's annual VictorianHeritage Festival. Five buildings on the citycampus are opened to the public on a Saturdayafternoon, with archival displays and studentguides from the Department of Tourism andHospitality. Dr Tony Dare, co-author of The Tech,presents an audio-visual history of RMIT.
The Vice-Chancellor joins a party of chiefexecutive officers of Victorian universities andTAFEs accompanying the Minister for TertiaryEducation and Training, Hon. Phil Honeywood,to Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong andVietnam.
May
The Treasurer of Victoria, Hon. Alan Stockdale,opens the renovated RMIT Building 108 at239 Bourke Street, Melbourne. The building
houses the RMIT Business faculty, RMITTraining and RMIT Resources companies, theinternational services and projects offices, abusiness library, bookshop, cafeteria, copycentre, student computer centre, and arecreation and services centre operated byRMIT Union and the Student Union.
A central 'help desk' service is introduced bythe Information Technology Services Group toprovide customer service for all ITS activities.
RMIT University staff join over 4,500 delegatesattending the NAFSA international educatorsconference in Vancouver, Canada. RMIT shares abooth with the University of Melbourne,promoting study opportunities in Melbourne.RMIT University organises an Australianreception at the conference, show-casing thecountry's commitment to internationalisation.
The first issue of 'RMIT Publishing News'appears, having grown out of the Informitnewsletter. The university has broughttogether its electronic and print publishinghouses with Informit, RMIT Press and TAFEPublishing combining to form RMIT Publishing.Sandra Oxley is director.
A revised, integrated planning and budgetcycle is implemented by the Strategic andFinancial Planning Group, bringing greatercohesion to the components of RMITUniversity's strategic and business plans. TheSFP Group forwards statutory statistics on firstsemester student enrolments and HECSenrolments to the federal Department ofEmployment, Education, Training and YouthAffairs (DEETYA).
A new probation policy for general and VETteaching staff is released by the HumanResources Management Group.
Japanese architect Kazuyo Sejima, a guest of theDepartment of Architecture, gives a lecture inRMIT Storey Hall on her work.
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The first RMIT soccer cup tournament is held atthe Bundoora campus and enthusiasticallycontested by nine teams from local secondaryschools. In a round-robin competitionemphasising participation and fun, LalorSecondary College defeats ThomastownSecondary College 2-1 to take out the girls' cup.In the boys' division Thomastown defeatFawkner Secondary College 2-0. Gary Moran,careers co-ordinator at Lalor Secondary College,says the soccer program is "a big hit with thestudents".
RMIT awards an honorary doctorate to Dr MaKam Ming in recognition of his achievementsin business, education and community service.Dr Ma has been a director, chairman and boardmember of some of Hong Kong’s mostinfluential banking, property and investmentcompanies.
A scientist by training and a librarian bydesign, Ainslie Dewe is appointed as universitylibrarian. She comes to RMIT from her positionas director of academic associated services atLincoln University New Zealand, where sheplayed a key role in transforming the Lincolnlibrary into a modern, information-ageresource centre oriented to student self-learning. The people who thrive in theinformation age are those who know how tofind the information they need. "What reallymatters," says Ms Dewe, "are the libraries' skillsin managing that information."
June
Students Andrew Jones, Adam Rose and MurrayWhite from the RMIT Bachelor of Arts(Advertising) course win first prize in thetelevision and cinema category of the BritishDesign and Art Direction Student Awards. TheDepartment of Visual Communication fliesthem to London to collect the prize. Actingcourse co-ordinator Peter Sorenson says "to win
this award is the pinnacle. It shows that theircreative communication ability is world-classand it reflects the quality of the course."
Two students from the Professional Writingand Editing course are interviewed on ABC-TV'sliterature program 'Between the Lines'. Theprogram produces three segments followingthe students through the first year of theircourse.
At the National Wool Week awards, studentsfrom the Bachelor of Arts (Textile Design)course win first and second prizes in fivecategories. RMIT University is the overallinstitution winner. Gavin Davis, an RMIT publicrelations student, is selected as the onlyVictorian to represent Australia in the under-21Australian hockey team.
RMIT's educational profile for the 1998-2000triennium is submitted to DEETYA.
July
The second RMIT International Conference isheld 14-16 July, providing a stage for discussionon key issues that affect university teachingand learning in a global community as weapproach the twenty-first century. Followingthis conference, RMIT hosts the eighth 'YouthBuilding the Future' conference, celebrating adecade of YBF student gatherings around theworld.
Professor David Beanland and Professor YangFujia, president of Fudan University inShanghai, China, sign an agreementformalising the establishment of thecollaborative Ma Kam Ming InternationalManagement Centre for education, trainingand research initiatives.
The Faculty of the Constructed Environmenthas a busy month for conferences, hostinggatherings on 'Re-Working the Australian City','Managing Projects', 'The City in History' and
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'Viewing the Landscape, Making theLandscape'.
On 1 July the Human Resources ManagementGroup launches the RMIT Employee AssistanceProgram. EAP will provides staff at all levels ofRMIT, and their families, with free, confidentialcounselling off-campus. The service offers helpwith problems that affect clients' psychologicaland/or emotional well-being. In the first sixmonths 121 people use the service. Additionalsessions are provided on campus to help staffundergoing change in work areas or followinga major incident.
The Australian Quality Council ranks RMITtwelfth out of 114 participants in its financialbest practices bench-marking report. Thissurvey focuses on the financial operations ofvaried Australian organisations.
RMIT launches Australia’s first universityproject directed at investigating wasteminimisation principles in all areas of itscourses. The four discipline areas are nursing,accountancy, building and constructioneconomics.
Fuji Xerox Australia Pty Ltd, the SydneyInstitute of Technology and RMIT Universityannounce a new joint course to update theprinting and publishing industry with newtechnological developments. A furtherexpansion of training is expected with theintroduction of colour digital printing in 1998.
August
A graduation ceremony is held for studentscompleting RMIT-Singapore Institute ofManagement courses. This year marks thetenth anniversary of the RMIT Bachelor ofBusiness (Business Administration) programwith SIM. The La Salle-SIA convocation is heldin Singapore.
The RMIT Foundation Studies program opens atLP3I in Jakarta, Indonesia, with a reception forstudents, parents and staff. Thirteen studentshave enrolled in the program which is co-ordinated by Liz Nixon of RMIT's Department ofLaw and Economics. Back in Melbourne, theannual Foundation Studies graduationceremony is held in RMIT Storey Hall. Over fourhundred students attend with their family,friends and university staff.
A forum on 'Men as Workers, Men as Fathers' isheld as the first stage of an integrated workand family strategy which will help ensureRMIT is a family friendly workplace. Trainingprograms for senior managers will beconducted throughout 1998.
A nine-month 'Women In Leadership' programconcludes. Set up in 1996, and aimed at womenat the lower end of the academic and generalstaff structures, this was a joint venture withSwinburne University financed by theCommonwealth Staff Development Fund. Oncompletion of the initial program, RMITUniversity establishes a two-year Women inLeadership project open to all womenemployed at RMIT.
The Ma Kam Ming Charitable Foundationdonates one million dollars in support of theestablishment of the Ma Kam MingInternational Management Centre.
Karen Verbeek, a third year Bachelor of Arts(Textile Design) student, wins the studentcategory of the Victorian Design Awards. Theyoung designer award goes to Alison Landy, a1996 graduate of RMIT in textile design. AndreaMcNamara, a lecturer in textile design at RMITUniversity, wins the major textile designsection and the international specialist skillsaward.
The Strategic and Financial Planning Groupparticipates in NACUBO bench-marking to help
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with quality improvement in administrativeoperations. Preparations begin for formulatingthe 1998 budget, and RMIT's 1998 VET profiledocumentation is submitted to the Victoriangovernment Office for Technical and FurtherEducation (OTFE).
Students occupy the Strategic and FinancialPlanning Group's offices at 449 SwanstonStreet, city campus, protesting against theUniversity Council's decision to make fee-basedplaces available to Australian undergraduatestudents commencing in 1998. The illegaloccupation lasts nineteen days and is resolvedpeacefully.
A leading Singaporean architect, and adjunctprofessor in the Faculty of the ConstructedEnvironment, William Lim gives a publiclecture in the faculty's Design Talk series, 'FromCorb to Pluralism: reflections of a Singaporeanarchitect'. Adjunct Professor Lim also leads astudent seminar on development in the Asianregion.
Melburnians have a rare chance to see theworld’s fastest solar car, Aurora, as it glidesalong Swanston Walk from RMIT's city campusto the Melbourne Town Hall, delivering aninvitation to the Lord Mayor, Ivan Deveson AO,to attend RMIT’s Open Day. RMIT providestechnical and scientific support for the Aurorasolar car consortium.
Bob Bangay retires as Director of TAFE and ProVice-Chancellor (Vocational Education andTraining) after four decades at RMIT. "Teachinghas very significant rewards in seeing studentsdo well," he says. "One of the strongest rewardsis to see some of your students return asteachers... One would hope that the way youtaught and the way you felt about teachingwere influences in their aspiration to becometeachers."
The fourth annual World Week celebratescultural diversity among students and staff.Activities include lunch-time entertainment,an international ball, movies and games. WorldWeek is organised by volunteers from the RMITAssociation of International Students withsupport from various university departments.
Incentive grants are awarded to research teamsunder RMIT’s national competitive grantsupport program.
September
RMIT TAFE graduate Leroy Eggmolesse receivesthe Victorian Training Award for Aboriginaland Torres Strait Islander student of the year. Aformer labourer, 31-year-old Mr Eggmolessecompleted an RMIT course in home communitycare and is now a support worker with theCoomealla Aboriginal Housing Company.
The Internal Audit Group is represented at theforty-first annual conference of the Associationof College and University Auditors in Norfolk,Virginia, USA. Heads of internal audit from fourhundred and sixty universities around theworld attend. RMIT University’s Internal AuditGroup is nominated for an excellence award atthe conference.
A new suite of student load-based resourceallocation models is adopted for use by theStrategic and Financial Planning Group informulating the 1998 budget. Senior executivesof the university attend a Department ofEmployment, Education, Training and YouthAffairs (DEETYA) meeting in Canberra to discussRMIT University's educational profile andfuture funding.
Professor Tony Adams, Dean of InternationalPrograms, receives an IDP Education Australiaaward for his outstanding contribution tointernational education in Australia. IDP wasestablished by Australian universities to
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promote Australian education overseas. IDP'schief executive, Dr Denis Blight, says ProfessorAdams has "led or fostered initiatives at RMITwhich have set bench-marks for otherAustralian institutions".
Current students, alumni, editors and agents ofsome of Melbourne's largest publishing housesgather for a triple book launch by the RMITDepartment of Creative Media. In the past yearthirty-six students from the department'sprofessional writing and editing courses havehad novels or stories published nationally and,in some cases, overseas. Books launched at thismonth's function are Orlando's Sleep by Jen Spry,Second Storey Sally by Meg Caraher andWatching Seagulls by Sue Saliba. The VictorianPremier and Minister for the Arts, Hon. JeffKennett, writes a letter of commendationsaying that "the department is clearly anincubator for some of this country's mostbrilliant literary minds... and demonstrates theextraordinary impact that gifted youngVictorians are making on the national arts andcultural scene."
The Faculty of the Constructed Environmentand the Royal Australian Institute of Architectspresent a lecture in Storey Hall by PeterDavidson, Don Bates and Tim Hurburgh,winners of the international architecturalcompetition for redevelopment of Melbourne'sFederation Square on the corner of Flinders andSwanston streets.
October
Two counsellors from the Student Affairs Groupvisit the Penang campus to give advice onmatters raised by students, and to gain someexperience of conditions in off-shore locations.
Family, friends and RMIT staff attend thepresentation to ten students of John StoreyMemorial Scholarships. The scholarships will
help students undertake overseas exchangeprograms.
James Cole, a student of the RMIT corporatevideo course, wins first place in the AustralianCinematographers Society awards for 1997.
A three-day conference, jointly sponsored byRMIT University and Deakin University,discusses 'Truth: writing courses and theimagination'. More than one hundred writers,students and teachers of creative writingattend to hear papers by Thomas Keneally,Morris Gleitzman and Jan Sardi, among others.
Statutory statistics are submitted to DEETYA,reporting on student enrolments and HECSliabilities for second semester 1997.
The Centre for Design hosts a public lecture inRMIT Storey Hall by American curator and criticPatricia Phillips, titled 'Provocative Partners:art, architecture and public life'.
RMIT’s Textile Resource Centre receives a$100,000 donation in memory of Dr FrancesMary Burke MBE, a distinguished textiledesigner and former teacher at RMIT. Dr Burkereceived RMIT's first honorary doctorate of artsin 1987. Her lifetime companion, Miss FabieChamberlin, attends an official ceremony on22 October to rename the Frances Burke TextileResource Centre. Speaking at the ceremony,RMIT Chancellor Sam Smorgon AO says MissChamberlin's support "will enable FrancesBurke's contributions to the textiles industriesto be recognised in an important and enduringway... At a time of great change in the textileindustries we need more people like FrancesBurke. People with inspiration and ideas and acapacity to translate those ideas into productsthat capture the imagination of the Australianmarket-place."
Victorian Treasurer and Minister forMultimedia, Hon. Alan Stockdale, opens RMIT’sInteractive Information Institute on
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23 October. 'I-Cubed' represents a collaborationbetween academia, government and globalmultimedia and information technologyindustries.
Bachelor of Engineering student KarlBerthelsen wins a ten thousand dollar travelprize provided by the Advanced EngineeringCentre for Manufacturing, recognising hisoutstanding academic performance, leadershipand communication skills demonstratedduring the first three years of his studies. Theprize will fund a European study tour.
The RMIT Centre for Workplace Culture Changehosts its first conference, 'Workplace 97'. Thispractical workshop encourages participants tofind new methods that suit their businessinstead of following the latest managerial fads.The conference is the venue for the launch ofWhen Too Much Change is Never Enough byAnna Bodi, Glenn Maggs and Don Edgar(ISBN 1 875680 45 5).
November
Leroy Eggmolesse is named Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander student of the year in theAustralian Training Awards presented inCanberra by the Prime Minister, Mr JohnHoward. Mr Eggmolesse's return to study, anddesire to help the Aboriginal community, wasinspired by the suicide of his young brother-in-law. "You can make a difference. I hope I can be arole model for the younger ones and get themthinking 'if he can do this, I can do it too'," MrEggmolesse said (Herald Sun, 20 November,page 22).
Graduation ceremonies for RMIT students areheld in Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.
Around sixty RMIT students attend theEducation Abroad Centre's pre-departureprogram for outgoing exchange students. Theyare encouraged to act as ambassadors for the
university and Australia, and given adviceabout studying and travelling.
Three hundred and eighty Foundation Studiesstudents celebrate the end of the year with abanquet in a Little Bourke Street restaurant. Abasketball trophy and lucky door prizes arepresented, and the Foundation Studiesyearbook is launched.
The Tower, created by four RMIT Universitystudents, is named 'best virtual reality product'at the Australian Teachers of Media (ATOM)international awards ceremony. The award is inthe professional international category, anadded coup. Mark Guglielmetti, ChrisHenschke, Sergio Montalban and Glen Taylorare students of the RMIT Advanced Diploma ofArts (Electronic Design and Interactive Media).Alyssa Rothwell's interactive CD-ROM ThreeMile Creek also receives an ATOM award for bestuse of sound. Ms Rothwell completed herGraduate Diploma in Animation andInteractive Media at RMIT University.
The prestigious Cicely and Colin Rigg CraftAward exhibition this year concentrates onmetalwork, and is dominated by RMIT-trainedcraft practitioners. The $35,000 prize goes toRMIT University lecturer Robert Baines for hisseries 'A Vesseled History', in which he usedtechniques he researched during his recentSenior Fulbright Scholarship in the UnitedStates.
During November and December the Faculty ofArt, Design and Communication holds overtwenty end-of-year graduate exhibitions oncampus and throughout the city of Melbourne.
The RMIT Council approves the university's1998-2002 strategic plan. 'Second referencedate' student data files on RMIT's VET sectorenrolments are submitted to the VictorianOffice for Technical and Further Education(OTFE).
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The affirmative action consultative committeeis re-formed and adopts new terms of referenceaimed at facilitating the university'saffirmative action strategies. Voluntarydeparture packages are offered to eligible staff.
The architectural practice Ashton RaggattMcDougall wins the competition for the designof Australia's new National Museum inCanberra. The partners in Ashton RaggattMcDougall are adjunct professors in RMITUniversity's Faculty of the ConstructedEnvironment, and were architects of the RMITStorey Hall renovation and extension.
Professor David Beanland opens the HewlettPackard Enterprise Innovation Unit establishedby the Department of InformationManagement in RMIT's business faculty toadvance development in electronic documentsand work-flows.
December
A preliminary version of the university's 1998budget and operational plan is approved,pending finalisation in February 1998. (Thedelay was caused by time lost during and afterthe student occupation of building 48 inAugust.)
The RMIT enterprise agreement is certified bythe Australian Industrial RelationsCommission. The agreement applies until July1999 and provides an 11.5 percent salaryincrease phased in over this period (cumulative12 percent from May 1997 to July 1999).
The University Council approves a code of ethicsfor university staff and activities. This, and
policies on equal opportunity, child care andsexual harassment, will be implemented in1998.
A celebration of innovation and research atRMIT is held on 2 December and includes aninvited lecture by Fulbright Senior ScholarRobert Baines on gold technology in classicalantiquity. Other guests discuss why good ideasfail to come to fruition in their native land, andrecent developments in the application ofelectrical signals generated by the brain. Theannual RMIT Innovation and Research Awardsare presented, and the RMIT Raiders robotsoccer team plays an exhibition match freshfrom its success in the international RoboCupcompetition in Nagoya, Japan.
In the same month as RMIT acquires the OldMelbourne Magistrates' Court, city watch-house and police garage, plans are alsoannounced for construction of a new sportscomplex on Swanston Street. Designed by LyonArchitects and Perrott Lyon Mathieson, thecentre will have a multipurpose stadium withseating for 2,750 people plus a gym and healthcentre, sports medicine clinics, a cafe andteaching spaces. The twenty-six million dollarcentre should be completed by the end of 1999.Writing in The Age on 17 December (page C7),Joe Rollo says the plans "signal theentrenchment of the university as Australia'spre-eminent patron of bold and dramaticarchitecture. In a masterstroke, the universityhas commissioned the kind of building thatwill put its campus and Melbourne on thearchitectural map."
RMIT University in the northThe 1992 Act establishing RMIT as a university calls for "the development and provision of educational,professional, technical and vocational services to the community and in particular, the fostering of
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participation as a university of technology of persons living or working in the northern metropolitanregion of Melbourne."
RMIT University has interpreted this as a call to develop a particular mission of community service inMelbourne's north. RMIT University is a major organisation in the region and the community looks toRMIT University to make a particular contribution to the development of the region. For RMIT, responseis an imperative: in its strategic planning, RMIT University has defined "contribution to the economicand social development of the northern metropolitan region of Melbourne" as one of the "main areaswhere the needs of the community are particularly relevant to the mission of RMIT and to RMIT’scapacity to respond".
Northern Partnerships program
In 1994 RMIT University established its Northern Partnerships program to further develop its service to,and partnership with, the community of the north of Melbourne. The director of this program,Professor Graham Mulroney, manages RMIT's regional role in Melbourne's north and leads the co-operative establishment of projects and programs by RMIT and community groups.
The goal of the Northern Partnerships programis to contribute to economic, cultural and socialdevelopment of the northern metropolitanregion of Melbourne by adding value toindustry, enhancing school education,contributing to the provision of health andcommunity services; providing services tomunicipal government; and assistingcommunity groups. The program aims todevelop a co-operative approach to theprovision of education and training in theregion; develop the Bundoora campus as amajor node of provision of service to theregional community; improve equity andaccess for participation in RMIT University ofpeople living or working in the region; andensure quality management of RMIT’scommunity service in the region.
Examples of Northern Partnerships in actioninclude:
• support for economic development of theregion through 'North Link', the region’seconomic development organisation;
• formation of the RMIT 'Research Networkfor the North' to focus research in northernregion settings;
• support for employment programsthrough the Northern Area ConsultativeCommittee and the regional Office ofLabour Market Adjustment committee;
• support for enterprise development in theregion through Northern IndustryEducation and Training Link (NIETL);
• response to the needs of manufacturingindustry in the north through a majoreffort in offering training and researchprograms;
• close links between the Faculty ofEducation, Language and CommunityServices and local schools for education oftrainee teachers, professional developmentprograms for teachers and principals, linksto industry, and research and postgraduateprograms for teachers in the region;
• contributions to school education ofNorthern Interactive Education Co-ordinated Area Program (NIECAP), apartnership of RMIT with local schools,industry and others—during 1994-97, fourthousand secondary students from fiftynorthern region schools used RMIT
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laboratories, a quarterly science andtechnology magazine was produced anddistributed to 550 secondary and primaryschool campuses, school-to-work programswere supported, and local industry-schoollinks were assisted;
• a new partnership with the AustralianMulticultural Foundation to establish aMulticultural Aged Care Training Instituteat the Assisi Centre in Rosanna;
• and programs where RMIT Universitystudents work and learn in northernregion community settings.
Northern Partnerships has provided anextensive range of health services to thecommunity including: nursing programseducation and training, research andconsultancy in collaboration with regionalhealth providers; chiropractic, osteopathic andcomplementary health services to thecommunity through the clinic on the Bundooracampus where three hundred patients aretreated each week and the service is widelyused by pensioners and students; and thepsychology clinic on the Bundoora campuswhich treats children and adolescents withservices provided to more than a hundred localfamilies each year.
Development of the Bundoora campus
As part of its commitment to the region, RMIT University is actively developing its Bundoora campus toworld-class standard. This development includes:
• a student population of at least six thousand equivalent full-time by the year 2000;
• an increasing proportion of international students;
• other international activities including visiting experts, conferences and intensive trainingprograms;
• disciplines, courses, research and other programs which respond to needs and aspirations of thecommunities of the northern metropolitan region of Melbourne;
• location for the university’s Research and Development Division and Deputy Vice-Chancellor(Research and Development);
• emphasis on equity and access for people living and working in the region;
• a genuinely open campus with easy and normal access to the local community, to commuters usingthe new transport interchange and to the northern region community generally;
• partnerships with the community to develop activities and services for the benefit of the RMITcommunity and of the diverse communities of the region;
• active contribution by RMIT to the economic, cultural and social development of the northernmetropolitan region;
• and a particular contribution to the enhancement of manufacturing and other industries andemployment opportunities in the region.
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The Bundoora East site
Programs are being developed at RMIT University’s Bundoora East site which relate to the primaryneeds of industry in the northern metropolitan region of Melbourne and which have an Australia-wideimpact in areas of national priority.
In addition to world-class education of new professional industry personnel both at undergraduateand postgraduate levels the site will also play major roles in upgrading the skills of existingprofessional and technical employees in industry; transfer and development of new technologies toexisting industries; assistance with the development and support of existing and new manufacturingindustries; and major research of international significance.
Organisational structure
Mission, goals and valuesRMIT’s mission and purpose is to provide technical and professional education that develops people forleadership and employment, and undertake research programs that address real world issues.
Our goal is to create and sustain a world class university at the forefront of technical and professionaleducation and real world research, through continuous quality improvement and with all staffcommitted to total quality management. We define a world-class university as one that is recognisedby the university community, stakeholders, and other knowledgeable organisations, as a leader in itsteaching and learning processes, research activities, and other community services by:
• the performance and reputation of its graduates and staff;
• the innovative developments in teaching and learning;
• the significance and rigour of its research and development undertakings, and both the qualityand quantity of its research publications;
• the importance of the types of community services provided and the quality and quantity ofoutcomes;
• its cultural activities, international dimensions, self-discipline and high ethical standards in thepursuit of excellence; and
• developing new products and procedures.
RMIT University will be characterised as an organisation, and in the conduct of its individual members,by practicality, relevance, environmental care, technological innovation, enterprise, fairness to all,creative orientation and client focus.
RMIT organisation summary 1997
Council
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Vice-Chancellor
Director Quality Development
Deputy Vice-ChancellorEducation and Training
Deputy Vice-ChancellorResearch and Development
Deputy Vice-ChancellorInternational
Deputy Vice-ChancellorResources
Pro Vice-Chancellor (VET)and Director TAFE
Pro Vice-Chancellor(Higher Education)
Dean Applied Science
Dean Art, Design andCommunication
Dean Biomedicaland Health Sciences
Dean Business
Dean ConstructedEnvironment
Dean Education, Languageand Community Services
Dean Engineering
Dean Nursing
Director EducationalProgram ImprovementGroup
Pro Vice-Chancellor(Academic Services andEquity)
Director Student Affairs and Academic RegistrarUniversity Librarian
General ManagerRMIT Training Pty Ltd
DirectorStrategic Research Planning
Director Community Servicesand Northern Partnerships
DirectorIndustry and Innovation
DirectorInstitute-Industry Initiatives
DirectorInteractive InformationInstitute
General ManagerRMIT Innovation Ltd
Dean InternationalPrograms
Academic DirectorAdorna Institute ofTechnology
Director InternationalProjects
Director InternationalServices
Director European Office
Managing DirectorRMIT International Pty LtdRMIT Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Pro Vice-Chancellor(Resources Projects)
Pro Vice-Chancellor(Development)
Director FundraisingUniversity Secretary
Director Asset Managemen
Director Commercial andLegal Service
Director RMIT Print
Director Corporate Affairs
Director Human ResourcesManagement
Director InformationTechnology Services
Director Internal Audit
Director Strategic andFinancial Planning
Director StrategicInformation Technology
General ManagerRMIT Resources Ltd
A review of the university's senior management structure was undertaken toward the end of the year.This resulted in the creation of a new Deputy Vice-Chancellor position and consequent changes to theresponsibilities of some other senior managers. The new structure takes effect on 1 January 1998.
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Chancellorn the area of governance, this year theVictorian government amended the RMITAct to give effect to the recommendations
of the Ministerial Committee of Advice onUniversity Governance in Victoria. Thecomposition of the RMIT University Council willchange by the discontinuation of theappointment of three members of parliamentand by the addition of four other membersincluding the chair of the Academic Board andthe chair of the Board of Technical Studies.
Members of Council in 1997 continued to makean important and invaluable contribution tothe university. A major issue for most of theyear was that of full-fee places for localundergraduates in award courses. Faced withsevere financial constraints Council agreed,subject to many conditions, to authorise theenrolment of such students.
One of the consequences of the decision toallow enrolment of local full-fee payingundergraduate students in award courses wasthe illegal occupation of a university buildingin August. A protracted, expensive anddestructive occupation of the Strategic andFinancial Planning Group's facilities wasundertaken by a group that included RMITstudents. The Vice-Chancellor is to becommended for negotiating a peaceful end tothe occupation. There is now a challenge toensure that dialogue within the university issuch that there will never again be theoccupation of an RMIT facility.
In April 1997 the university recognised one ofits most distinguished alumni, Mr Jac Nasser,with the award of an honorary Doctor ofTechnology. This conferring took place at aceremony in RMIT Storey Hall.
RMIT Storey Hall continues to provide animportant interface between the university
and the City of Melbourne. The RMIT Gallery,located in the original part of the building,continued to build its reputation as a gallery ofinternational standing during 1997 by hostingmany important exhibitions from Europe andAsia. These, together with exhibitionsinvolving the work of students, attractedthousands of visitors to the university.
RMIT University's research and developmentand community services activities also continueto expand.
The start of the year saw the smooth closure ofthe Coburg campus and the transfer of theremaining activities to Bundoora, primarily,and the city campus. At Bundoora newpurpose-built buildings and upgradedfacilities were provided to house the ex-Coburgactivities.
In July RMIT University hosted its secondinternational conference, which had the theme'The Global University: a twenty-first centuryview'. This successful event saw three hundreddelegates gather to discuss a range of issuesrelevant to the future of universities. This wasfollowed by the eighth 'Youth Building theFuture' conference at which RMIT Universityhosted student delegates from more thantwenty countries.
Later in the year, the members of the 1987 RMITCentenary Commission reconvened to receive areport from the university on the progress thathas been made over the past decade withimplementing their recommendations.
After some years of negotiation, RMITUniversity bought from the Victoriangovernment the former Magistrates' Courtcomplex. Except for the Old Melbourne Gaoloperated by the National Trust, this purchase
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gives RMIT control over the entire city blockthat accommodates the core of the city campus.
The university also acquired a one hundredhectare site in Bundoora abutting theBundoora East site. Council established amanagement committee to oversee thedevelopment of the property as the RMITTechnology Estate. This project will combinesome of RMIT's education and research anddevelopment activities with high-technologyindustries to create a world-class technology-based research and development precinct
which generates substantial long-termbenefits for the university, its industrypartners and the local community. It is alsointended to provide some student housing andretail facilities on part of the site.
Important works have commenced on the citycampus to improve facilities for students andstaff. An ambitious landscaping program isunder way that will transform much of theexternal environment. This complements anextensive renewal program for teaching andservice areas on the city campus.
Following lengthy negotiations an enterprise agreement was reached, giving staff a significant salaryincrease. For the first time the Commonwealth government will not fund the increase and theuniversity has been planning how to cope with this added financial burden without diminishing thequality of its programs.
Despite the many challenges of the year, RMIT University continues to make excellent progress towardits goal of becoming a world-class university. This progress would not have been possible without thefine leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, the dedication of the staff and the enthusiasm and commitmentof the students."
Chancellor Sam Smorgon AO acts as a high-profile link between the university and external community,business and government organisations. The Chancellor is the titular head of the university and chairs theUniversity Council.
University Council and committees
People whose major sphere of activity lies outside the RMIT University community participate in boththe formulation of policy and monitoring of the university's performance.
This participation takes place through specific categories of membership of the University Council andits committees, and through specialist membership of course advisory committees. RMIT studentsparticipate through student membership of university committees.
All Council members have completed disclosure of director-related transaction declarations for 1997.
University Council membership in 1997
Gerald B. Ashman MLCMember of the Legislative CouncilAppointed by the Governor-in-Council
David G. BeanlandVice-Chancellor
BE Melb, MSc, PhD Salf, ASwTC, TITC, FTSE, FIEAust,FIREE AustVice-ChancellorEx officio
Peter BarkerPresident, Student Union CouncilEx officio
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Ron Best MLCMember of the Legislative CouncilAppointed by the Governor-in-Council
John BurgessAppointed 11 August 1997BE, ME Ncle, PhD Edin, DEng Ncle, FTSE, FIEAust,FICLECorporate General Manager, Safety Environmentand Research, BHPAppointed by RMIT Council
Peter ChewMA OxonCattle breeder (retired), Shell directorAppointed by RMIT Council
Rita ComptonResigned 30 June 1997BSc(Hons) BrunelCompany directorAppointed by the Governor-in-Council
Colleen CouttsGradDip (Industrial Relations) RMITFaculty Executive Officer, Faculty of Biomedicaland Health SciencesElected by the general staff
Patricia CrossBS GeorgetownCompany directorAppointed by the Governor-in-Council
Evelyn DanosBSc, LLB MonashDirector, James Richardson Corp Pty LtdAppointed by RMIT Council
Grant HannanBA(Hons) Tas, MA Qld, DipHistArt EdinHead, Department of Fine Art, Faculty of Art,Design and CommunicationElected by the academic staff (higher educationsector)
Ross G. HepburnDeputy ChancellorBE Melb, MAdmin MonashManaging director, Aberdeen Hire ServiceAppointed by RMIT Council
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Eli GianniniAppointed 2 September 1997BArch, MArch RMITDirector, McGauran Soon Pty Ltd ArchitectsAppointed by the Governor-in-Council
Sue JohnstonBA Melb, DipEd Monash, BEd LaT, Dip Lond Int FilmSchoolVideo-multimedia manager, Educational ProgramImprovement GroupElected by the academic staff (VET sector)
Cecilia LeungElected by the students
James E. LewisResigned 30 January 1997BA UNE, BE(Hons), PhDExecutive general manager, Corporate Planningand Administration, BHP LtdAppointed by RMIT Council
John MitchamDeputy ChancellorDipAppChem, Cert M'ment RMITDirector and general manager, ManufacturingDivision, Kodak (Australasia) Pty LtdAppointed by RMIT Council
Barry Pullen MLCDipCE RMITMember of the Legislative CouncilAppointed by the Governor-in-Council
Garry RingwoodBCom NSW, FSCPAExecutive director operations, Amcor LtdAppointed by the Governor-in-Council
Sam Smorgon AOChancellorElected by RMIT Council
Geoff SpringTCC, BA, MEd, FACE, FAIMSecretary, Department of EducationAppointed by the Minister
Aija ThomasResigned 11 June 1997AAPTC(Arch), ARIADirector, Silver Thomas Hanley ArchitectsAppointed by the Governor-in-Council
Jane TongsHonorary TreasurerAppointed 25 February 1997BBus RMIT, MBA Melb, ICA, ICDPartner, Price WaterhouseAppointed by the Governor-in-Council
Secretary: M. David Knight, BA(Hons) Melb
In attendance
Robert J. BangayRetired 26 June 1997ARMIT, TTrlC, MIREE(Aust)Director (VET)Pro Vice-Chancellor (Vocational Education andTraining)
Margaret BennettBSc(Hons), PhD Monash, DipEd, RN, RMDean, Faculty of NursingChair, Academic Board
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Ruth DunkinBA(Hons) Melb, GradDipMgmt CIAE, MPubAd HarvDeputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Training)
Peter FrostBA LaT, BLitt UNE, MEd, PhD HarvDeputy Vice-Chancellor (Resources)
Ann Henderson-SellersBSc(Hons) Brist, PhD Leic, DipInfoTech C&G,GradManQual UNSWDeputy Vice-Chancellor (Research andDevelopment)
Bruce WatsonBAppSc Vic, DipAppSc BCAE, GradDipEd SCV, MEdStMonash, MACE, AIMMDeputy Dean, Faculty of Biomedical and HealthSciencesChair, Board of Technical Studies
David WilmothBEc(Hons) Qld, MTCP Syd, PhD UC Berkeley, MRAPIDeputy Vice-Chancellor (International)
Major committees
RMIT University has a significant number of major committees which contribute to the effectivegovernance of the university and to the effective review of its activities.
In 1997 the University Council operated the following committees:
• Honorary Awards Committee;
• Audit Committee;
• Education and Training Division Committee;
• Human Research Ethics Committee;
• International Division Committee;
• Legislation Committee;
• Membership Committee;
• Remuneration Committee;
• Research and Development Division Committee;
• and the Resources Division Committee.
Academic supervision of the university's academic programs is provided by the Academic Board andthe Board of Technical Studies, and these are assisted by faculty boards.
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Another important group is the course advisory committees. These committees, of which there arescores, bring together experts from relevant industries, professions and employer groups to review andmonitor the relevance of all courses offered by the university.
Terms of reference and membership lists for all Council committees are available from the universitysecretary, e-mail <[email protected]>.
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Vice-Chancellor
here has been a great deal ofattention to the RMIT Council’sdecision to allow fee paying
domestic students in undergraduate awardcourses from 1998. The results of the staff andstudent referendum confirmed that theuniversity community, like the Australianpublic at large, is strongly supportive of aproperly funded tertiary education system and,if given the choice, would prefer thatuniversities were not forced to accept fee-paying students to compensate for shrinkinggovernment funds. The results have provedhelpful in informing the debate, at nationaland local levels, on the funding of highereducation.
We are all aware that the competition amonguniversities for students (both local andoverseas) is increasing. It is critical to our on-going development as a successful institutionthat we are pro-active in attracting highquality students to study at RMIT, at all levels,and that we attract and retain high calibrestaff. As part of our strategy in these areas, inJuly this year we embarked upon a marketingcampaign designed to position RMIT as adifferent type of university, emphasising ourreal-world approach to education, training,research and development. Early indicationsare that the campaign has been well receivedby the target markets.
Another strategy introduced this year was the‘Virtual Open Day’ run on the RMIT World WideWeb site, which enabled people from far andwide to access information on RMIT Universitywithout needing actually to come to any of ourcampuses. This was offered as an adjunct to thetraditional Open Day which attracted overthirty-five thousand visitors to our Melbournecampuses and sites.
Several state and federal government reviewswere undertaken this year. Among other issues,the reviews are examining the roles ofinstitutes of technical and further educationand the extent to which those roles shouldoverlap with universities; higher educationfunding and policy; several different models forthe organisation of TAFE; research anddevelopment; and science, engineering andtechnology education. The outcomes of thesereviews will affect RMIT and we must be readyto deal with the opportunities and challengeswith which they will present us.
At RMIT we have reviewed the 1 January 1996restructure that integrated higher educationand TAFE sectors into single faculties.Substantial progress has been made with thereorganisation, but a number of issues wereidentified that have impeded progress in someareas. We will now take steps to address thevarious issues that were raised.
To increase internal awareness of our researchand development potential, an 'R&D roadshow'visited RMIT departments during the year. Thisinvolved a series of presentations by senior staffof the Research and Development Division andthe acting general manager of RMIT InnovationLtd, focusing on how the Research andDevelopment Division can help RMIT staff withtheir research and development projects. Therehas been a significant increase in the numberof departments actively working with theResearch and Development Division to enhanceincome and beneficial outcomes in our researchand development activities.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education andTraining) and I visited faculties throughout theyear to discuss their goals, strategies andfinancial plans for the next three years. Inaddition I have visited a number of
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departments to meet staff and discuss issues ofparticular interest to them.
I firmly believe the path that RMIT Universityhas set for itself, of providing practicaleducation that produces employablegraduates, and of having research programsthat respond to the needs of industry, is theappropriate one for a university going into the
next century. We have a leadership position ininternational education and we are developingprograms that will be delivered through avariety of modes, to cater to the needs of thecommunity. With the co-operation of all thoseassociated with RMIT University, we canachieve our goals."
RMIT's chief executive officer is Professor David Beanland. In 1997 he was assisted by four Deputy Vice-Chancellors.
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Quality development
RMIT University has a strong commitment to improving the quality of its outcomes and processes asreflected in the university's strategic goal "...to create and sustain a distinctive world-class university atthe forefront of technical and professional education and real-world research, through continuousimprovement and with all staff committed to quality management processes".
This commitment is backed by commitment from senior levels of the university to provide significantcorporate resourcing including a Quality Development Unit as part of the Vice-Chancellor's office,which provides leadership and facilitation of quality improvement across all parts of the university.
Mechanisms are also in place to draw on the expertise of other organisations that have achievedbusiness success through quality management.
Quality improvement is strongly integrated into RMIT University's core business and support areas. Allcourses are subject to an internal quality assurance process which has received international acclaim.The quality of RMIT's initiatives in community service was recognised as a national exemplar in reviewsof the Australian university system by the Commonwealth. RMIT University has developed a qualitymanagement system that is being applied systematically across the entire organisation to includeareas not traditionally incorporated in quality systems, including academic research and development.
International Standards Organisation (ISO) certification has been obtained for parts of the organisationand this is being progressively extended to other business areas. International operations and all ofRMIT University's associated commercial entities have ISO-certified quality management systems.
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Education and Training Divisionur graduates know that RMIT is auniversity that works—a universitythat gives students the skills and
the insight employers look for.
The vocationally-relevant education andtraining we provide at RMIT Universityremains as critically important as ever. In atime of high unemployment, it is almostessential. Before they graduate, most of ourstudents have gained work experience orparticipated in an industry-linked researchproject during their RMIT course. Armed withthat experience, many find their first post-graduation job, in Australia or overseas, beforegraduation. As RMIT University graduates, ourstudents start the next phase of their lives withthe advantage of a practical, hands-oneducation with an international dimension.
RMIT University has chosen to internationaliseits educational programs for the benefit of bothAustralian and overseas students. With overfive thousand international students inMelbourne, and thousands more in Asia, thisglobal outlook enables us to contributepositively to our own and other communities.
We work constantly on improving the qualityof our teaching and learning processes, and theimpressive number and diversity of awardswon by RMIT students and staff during 1997 is atribute to the efforts of individuals and groups.Dr Nick Vardaxis of the Department of MedicalLaboratory Science won the inauguralAustralian university teaching award forhealth science, judged partly on feedback fromhis students, and Bob Lord's experience as anABC Science Media Fellow will benefit not onlyhis communication and electronic engineeringdepartment but other staff and students whowant to tell a non-scientific audience abouttheir work. Students also have recorded someremarkable achievements in multimedia,
design, technological innovation, communityservice and politics this year. Visit our'accolades' web site <http://www.ip.rmit.edu.au/>to learn more about these outstanding people.
The career of Bob Bangay, who retired in 1997after forty years of service, is a fine example ofthe commitment to practical education andtraining for which RMIT is renowned. Bobbegan his career at RMIT as a cadet technicianand progressed through many roles to his finalappointment as Pro Vice-Chancellor (VET) andDirector TAFE. Bob’s understanding andknowledge of both RMIT and the TAFE sectorwill be missed, and I am sure all at RMIT wishhim well in the next phase of his life.
It is almost impossible to predict what thetwenty-first century will bring. In 1997 we sawpictures from Mars and successful cloning of aliving animal—achievements that ten yearsago could only be dreamed of. As we near theend of the second millennium, we arewitnesses to a period of remarkable creativity,innovation and uncertainty. Today's graduandswill have to be open to change—wherepossible, they need to be the agent of changerather than responding to changes imposed byothers, to be pro-active rather than reactive.RMIT University courses are designed toprepare students to meet these challengeshead-on, and triumph.
Learning does not end at graduation. RMITUniversity has a long history of providing life-long educational opportunities. From itsbeginnings over a century ago, RMIT Universityhas been committed to providing continuingeducation for people in the work-force, formature-age students, for people wanting achange of direction or needing to upgradetheir skills.
When our students graduate they becomeRMIT alumni, with all the benefits that entails.
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They are always able to keep in touch withformer class-mates and the university throughour alumni association's magazine and website. They will always carry with them theprofessional advantages of an RMITqualification, and the associated reputation ofthis university's close and productive links withindustry.
And they will always be welcome to return totheir university community. There are manyways to do this: as a member of a courseadvisory committee, as a mentor or guestspeaker; as a visitor to our annual Open Day orHeritage Festival; as a business-person with aresearch problem that needs to be solved; oreven as a student in a short course or a higherdegree program."
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Training) Ruth Dunkin is responsible for Vocational Education andTraining (TAFE), undergraduate and postgraduate programs. In 1997 she was assisted by Pro Vice-Chancellor(Higher Education) Professor Helen Praetz, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Vocational Education and Training) andDirector (TAFE) Bob Bangay and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic Services and Equity) Associate Professor RobertGray. RMIT Training Pty Ltd is the commercial arm of the Education and Training Division.
Faculty of Applied ScienceDepartment of Applied and Environmental SciencesDepartment of Applied ChemistryDepartment of Applied PhysicsDepartment of Computer ScienceDepartment of Food ScienceDepartment of Land InformationDepartment of MathematicsDepartment of Psychology and Intellectual
Disability StudiesDepartment of Statistics and Operations Research
Key Centre for Knowledge Based SystemsRMIT Centre for Remote Sensing and Geographic
Information SystemsSoftware Engineering Research CentreMultimedia Database Systems GroupSir Lawrence Wackett Centre for Aerospace Design
Technology (with the Faculty of Engineering)
During 1997 the Faculty of Applied Science noted a number of achievements and events, among whichwas the successful implementation of a new multi-major applied science degree. This was one of arange of new and revised courses, including double degrees and dual TAFE/degree awards, developedand approved during the year.
Promotion of the faculty's courses and activitiesthrough the faculty marketing and publicitycommittee was a major activity in 1997. Thefaculty continued its involvement in the CRANational Youth Forum, the Siemens SummerScience School, the Chemistry EnrichmentPrograms and the National Science andMathematics Talent Search, and made aconcerted effort in liaising with selectedschools and attending careers fairs.
The faculty met its student target numbers inthe higher education undergraduate and
postgraduate course work areas, and wasmarginally under-enrolled in the research loadon the 31 August census date. In the VET sector,the faculty was over-enrolled in all areas andcontinued its program of encouraging itsFoundation Studies students to proceed toformal award courses at RMIT University.
Professor Bill Appelbe was appointed as head ofthe Department of Computer Science; ProfessorMike Adams as head of the Department ofApplied Chemistry and Associate ProfessorNorm Edwards as head of the Department of
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Land Information. Many staff continued toupgrade their qualifications, and twenty of thefaculty's academic staff obtained promotion toa higher level.
During the year the faculty developed a'strategy plan' as part of its business plan, andsigned three significant agreements:
• with the Faculty of Business andInformatics Holdings (Singapore) for thedelivery of off-shore courses in informationtechnology;
• with the Department of Natural Resourcesand Environment to support theestablishment of a Chair in SpatialInformation Science;
• and a three year partnership with the RMITDepartment of Psychology and IntellectualDisability Studies, the Royal Children's'Hospital and the Tweedle Parenting Centreto study and research parenting issues anddifficulties.
A revised agreement with the SoftwareEngineering Research Group (SERC) andEricsson Australia was also negotiated.
Some important items of teaching and researchequipment were acquired during the year, andarrangements were completed for part of thefaculty to relocate from Bundoora West to theBundoora East site.
The faculty received four of RMIT's five largeAustralian Research Council grants in 1997 andobtained a number of large ARC collaborativegrants, including one with Alcoa Australia andthe RMIT Department of Applied Chemistry.
The faculty ended 1997 with small operatingsurpluses in both its higher education and VETsectors.
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Faculty of Art, Design and CommunicationDepartment of Communication StudiesDepartment of Creative MediaDepartment of Fashion and Textile DesignDepartment of Fine Art
Department of PrintingDepartment of Visual Arts and DisplayDepartment of Visual Communication
From 1 January 1997 the faculty took a new name, adding 'communication' to its title to give a betterindication of its core business after its restructure the previous year. Two VET departments weremerged to become the Department of Printing. The faculty's policy and advisory group continued tomeet to further integrate the VET and higher education sectors along discipline lines. This group nowprimarily meets in sub-committees to consider specific discipline areas (for example multimedia) orparticular areas such as Foundation Studies.
The research profile of the faculty continues togrow in new technologies, and continues itstradition of excellence in the traditionaldisciplines. Robert Baines, from the gold- andsilver-smithing area of the Department of FineArt, won Australia’s richest craft prize, theCicely and Colin Rigg Craft Award worth$30,000. RMIT University has been invited torepresent Australia at an internationalexhibition of metalwork at the Victoria andAlbert Museum in London. In the VET area, theDepartment of Creative Media hosted asuccessful writing conference featuring TomKeneally, Morris Gleitzman and Jan Sardi. The'RMIT On-line' multimedia project was set upby the Vice-Chancellor in the second half of1997, and is run by the faculty with input fromboth higher education and VET areas.
Students from many areas won awards in 1997.Three students from the Bachelor of Arts(Advertising) course were the first Australiansto win one of the most prestigiousinternational advertising prizes, the BritishDesign and Art Direction Student Award. Anhonours student from the Bachelor of Arts(Fashion) course was presented with theChallenges of Plastic-Crespi Award during theMilano collezioni at the Fiera Milano, winning aweek’s visit to Milan for herself and her head ofdepartment. RMIT University fashion and
textile design students dominated in theircategories at the Victorian Design awards.Three gold- and silver-smithing students wereselected to exhibit at the Talente contemporarycraft award in Munich in 1998. Four studentsfrom the VET department of Creative Mediawon the ATOM award for best virtual realityproduct in the international category. TheDepartment of Communication Studies saw itspublic relations students successfully organiseand host their annual PR forum.
The Medici Society, the faculty’s fundraisingbody, continues to increase its membership. InDecember the society hosted the launch of thefaculty’s program for its end of year exhibitionsacross RMIT University and the city.
The faculty continued to run courses at La Salle-SIA in Singapore and Limkokwing Institute ofCreative Technology (LICT) in Malaysia.Following its success in 1997, the AdvancedDiploma in Electronic Design and Multimedia,jointly delivered by RMIT University and LICT,will be delivered to about sixty students in1998. Co-operative memorandums ofunderstanding have been signed with SeoulNational University and Kang Won Universityschool of design in Korea, and the facultyhosted an exhibition of the Korean WomenArtists Association in Melbourne. TheDepartment of Fine Art now has an association
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with Hong Kong Arts Centre to deliver degreesin ceramics and painting. The Department ofVisual Arts and Display has developed analliance with the Trident School of Design inJapan, and ran short courses for Japanesestudents in Melbourne. This will continue into1998.
In 1997 the total EFTSU for the faculty was4,650, comprising 2,303 in higher education
and 2,347 in VET. International EFTSU were 996in total, 503 for higher education and 493 VET.In budgetary terms, the actual total income tothe greater faculty was $20.839 million,comprising $14.130 million in the highereducation sector and $6.708 million in the VETsector.
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Faculty of Biomedical and Health SciencesDepartment of Anatomy and PhysiologyDepartment of Applied Biology and BiotechnologyDepartment of Chiropractic, Osteopathy and
Complementary MedicineDepartment of Health and Clinical SciencesDepartment of Human Movement Science
Department of Medical Laboratory ScienceDepartment of Medical Radiations Science
Key Centre for Applied and Nutritional ToxicologyIndustry Training and Consultancy Unit
In 1997 the faculty addressed the decline in operating grant funding by focusing on cost-effectivemeans of delivering its programs, and by targeting commercial and research opportunities. Thirtypercent of the faculty's income was from sources other than government operating grant. Although thefaculty experienced a net reduction in funds in 1997, it continues to seek ways to support its activitieswhilst maintaining quality in an environment of tighter financial constraints.
The faculty built on its research activity, withincome from industry and governmentresearch funding bodies of approximately$1.5 million in the 1997 financial year. Thefaculty's research was concentrated in the areasof drug research, toxicology, ecotoxicology,vaccine development, antibiotic production,cardiovascular research and diabetes. Grantsattracted included national competitive grantsfrom the National Health and Medical ResearchCouncil and the Australian Research Council formore strategic research. Considerable fundingwas also received from major research anddevelopment boards and industry partners forprojects of commercial significance.
The Industry Training and Consultancy Unitachieved income of over $750,000 fromsuccessful government tenders, and from theprovision of short courses. It entered its secondyear of operation by broadening its scope toinclude the Faculty of Nursing, in preparationfor the merger of the two faculties from1 January 1998. The ITC Unit continued to havea high success rate with tenders for majorcurriculum projects.
The linkages with international exchangefellows and postgraduate exchange studentsfrom such countries as Holland, Austria,Denmark and Italy have continued. The
faculty's successful off-shore activity brought inincome of over $300,000 from initiatives suchas the provision of chiropractic courses in Japanand Korea and postgraduate osteopathycourses in New Zealand, both by theDepartment of Chiropractic, Osteopathy andComplementary Medicine. Off-shore activity isexpected to grow in 1998 and beyond.
The faculty, in conjunction with the AustralianMulticultural Foundation (AMF), providedtraining in multicultural aged-care at theAssisi Centre, Rosanna. This was funded by theVictorian Office of Training and Education(OTFE). The alliance with the AMF continues tostrengthen and further joint projects are beingdeveloped.
A pilot project for the delivery of VET programswas undertaken at Bundoora West. One groupof twenty-four students commenced theCertificate 4 in Health (Nursing) in March 1997under a co-operative arrangement with theFaculty of Nursing. Tenders for NewApprenticeships were successful and thefaculty continues to maintain delivery of VETcourses that are unique in the State of Victoria.This has helped address long-standing fundinganomalies.
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There has been a significant new developmentin the delivery of on-line education in thefaculty. During 1998 the faculty will commenceoperation of its 'city campus learning centre'.This facility establishes a new paradigm for thedelivery of tertiary education, and deliberatelymoves away from the common 'computer-laboratory' model. By constructing a spacepredicated on learning, with the informationtechnology explicitly in a supporting role,collaborative and flexible student learning canbe more readily facilitated.
Associate Professor Nick Vardaxis was therecipient of a national award for excellence inteaching in health. Associate Professor MarianDobos was one of four RMIT University staff tobe successful in gaining a CommonwealthUniversity Teaching Staff Development(CUTSD) grant. This grant will extend workalready being undertaken on peer grouptutoring in biochemistry and which haspreviously been supported by RMIT funding.
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Faculty of BusinessDepartment of AccountancyDepartment of Business ComputingDepartment of Business Information TechnologyDepartment of Business LawDepartment of Business ManagementDepartment of Economics and FinanceDepartment of Financial StudiesDepartment of Information ManagementDepartment of Law and Economics
Department of ManagementDepartment of Marketing and International TradeDepartment of Marketing, Logistics and PropertyGraduate School of Business
Centre in FinanceCentre for Workplace Culture ChangeTransport Research Centre
RMIT Business is now the largest business education, research and consulting entity in Australia,comprising VET and higher education sectors and the Graduate School of Business. RMIT Businessserves a wide range of clients including over fourteen thousand students throughout Australia and theAsia-Pacific region.
Operating from its central city location inBourke Street, Melbourne, RMIT Business iswell placed to cater for diverse technical,education and training needs in business, fromshort courses to fully accredited master anddoctoral degree programs. The on-goingintegration of VET and higher education sectorsis enhancing co-operation, articulation, cross-teaching and the development of off-shorecourses.
The higher education sector of the facultycontinued to maintain a sound financial basefrom which it has pursued various academicand commercial ventures both within Australiaand overseas. Significant expertise has beendeveloped in the area of managing cross-cultural diversity; a new Graduate Certificatein Business (Managing for Diversity) has beendeveloped in conjunction with partners in theAustralian Technology Network. The newCentre for Workplace Culture Change joinedRMIT Business 1997 and will provide researchand consulting services to industry groups,corporations, organisations and government.
The co-operative education program continuedits successful track record of placing a greatmany business students in over two hundredcompanies including Hewlett Packard, Ford
Australia, ANZ Bank, BHP Transport and BMWAustralia.
New programs commenced during the yearincluded the Master of Business (CorporateGovernance); the Master of Business andGraduate Diploma in Document Management,which is the first course of its kind in Australiato be available exclusively on-line; and theBachelor of Business (Financial Planning), theonly degree of its type in this country, which isoffered at RMIT Business and through OpenLearning Australia.
The number of postgraduate research studentsin the faculty increased to 127, consistent with agrowth in the number of theses completed andan improved publication rate amongst staff. Inthe VET sector, RMIT Business met or exceededmost targets for 1997 and continues tomaintain a sound financial position. Itcontinued to be the only TAFE business entityin Victoria to register tertiary entrance ranks(TERs) for all of its major courses.
During 1997 several major initiatives werebrought to fruition in VET. These includedaccreditation of five new advanceddiplomas—in international trade, marketing,information technology, management andadministrative management—to which RMIT
34
University holds the copyright. Articulationagreements were established for these courses.All VET business computer laboratories wereupgraded to the same standard as those usedby students in the higher education sector, andthe 'language pathway' program wasestablished by the faculty's InternationalStudent Unit. Open Learning business courseswere introduced to enable flexible delivery ofVET programs; the operation of the faculty'sbusiness training and consultancy services unitwas integrated with the 'call centre' operatedby RMIT Training; and winter and summerschools were established for VET students inthe metropolitan area. RMIT Business (VET)
continued to be the major destination forinternational TAFE students in Australia. Thefaculty conducted teaching in Penang(Malaysia), Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia andWuhan (central China) as well as Shanghai(China).
Industry-based training was delivered topublic and private organisations such as thestate Department of Human Services, BunningsBuilding Supplies Pty Ltd, Ericsson, the SaigonCosmetics Company and the Beijing TaxationBureau as well as many overseas delegationsfrom Vietnam, Indonesia and China.Multimedia and satellite delivery capabilitywas enhanced as a result of successful tenders.
Faculty of the Constructed EnvironmentDepartment of ArchitectureDepartment of Building and Construction
EconomicsDepartment of Built EnvironmentDepartment of Interior DesignDepartment of Landscape, Environment and
PlanningDepartment of Social Sciences and Social WorkDepartment of Industrial Design
Australian Housing and Urban Research InstituteCentre for Applied Social ResearchConstruction Industry Research and Development
CentreKey Centre for Design
Nineteen ninety-seven was an exceptionally busy inaugural year for the Faculty of the ConstructedEnvironment. Management structures were put in place; issues relating to course structure, commoncourse architecture and course delivery were tackled; the mission of the new faculty was articulated;and a set of strategic, business and research management plans was developed, based on a newlyarticulated strategic vision of the faculty as a leading provider of senior professionals in internationalurban and environmental design, policy and management.
The above activities were undertaken withinthe context of, and ensuring significantprogress towards, the faculty's stated bench-marks which relate to provision of a richeducational environment; research-ledteaching; simple structures; course patterning;and 'pursuing the difference' or developing thefaculty's unique capabilities and advantages.
The VET Department of the Built Environment,which joined the new faculty in 1997, has
brought a valuable industry training andcommercial focus to the faculty and someexciting joint VET/higher education initiatives,such as the Diploma of Vehicle DesignDevelopment, have already emerged.
Significant restructuring and developmentcosts, combined with declining governmentfunding and increased salary costs, resulted ina negative budget outcome for the faculty in1997. With further funding cuts and salary
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increases in 1998 and 1999, the faculty had totake decisive action to ensure its continuingfinancial viability.
With three research centres attached to it, theFaculty of the Constructed Environment has astrong research base on which to build. TheCentre for Applied Social Research, inconjunction with the Australian Housing andUrban Research Institute (AHURI), provides thenew faculty with a powerful presence in thefield of policy studies. The Centre for AppliedSocial Research enjoyed particular success in1997 with the receipt of three collaborativegrants from the Australian Research Council.
Despite budgetary stringencies the faculty wasable to support a rich educational environmentwith a strong interface to the widerprofessional and general community. This wasachieved through a full program of exhibitions,public lectures and forums, publications,community and festival projects, conferencesand seminars involving local, national andinternational guests. The value of this activityboth to students and the community cannot beover-estimated and will continue to be animportant bench-mark in measuring thesuccess of the new faculty in coming years.
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Faculty of Education, Language and Community ServicesDepartment of Access and Preparatory StudiesDepartment of Hospitality, Tourism and LeisureDepartment of Industry, Professional and Adult
EducationDepartment of Justice and Youth StudiesDepartment of Language and Cultural StudiesDepartment of Language and Interpreting
Department of School and Early ChildhoodEducation
Department of Social and Community Services
Centre for Youth Affairs Research andDevelopment
The Faculty of Education, Language and Community Services came into existence on 1 January 1997following the 1996 University Council decision to merge the then Faculty of Education and Trainingwith parts of the then Faculty of Social Sciences and Communications. In addition to entering a newfaculty, four departments were relocated from Coburg to the Bundoora campus. With the departmentsforming the faculty coming from a diverse range of backgrounds and discipline areas, the major taskduring 1997 was creation of a sense of faculty.
During the year two key leadershipappointments were made. In May, Helen Smithbecame the faculty's first deputy dean. Thefaculty's foundation dean, Professor MaryKalantzis, took up her appointment inSeptember.
In October the University Council approved thecreation of the first cross-sectoral departmentin RMIT University. This approval will see thecreation of a strong Department of Languageand International Studies. The department willbe able to offer programs from certificatethrough to PhD level in the areas of appliedlanguages, interpreting, cross-cultural studies,international studies and teaching English tospeakers of other languages (TESOL).
The faculty achieved a satisfactory budgetoutcome in 1997, with a budget surplusreported for the faculty as a whole. The facultyis in a sound financial position with continuedgrowth expected in income generated fromnon-operating grant sources.
Both the VET and the higher education sectorsachieved their student load targets. In the VETsector the strength of demand for placesresulted in a small increase in the studentcontact hours allocated to the faculty. In the
higher education sector demand was strongestfor undergraduate and research degreeprograms.
Several new courses were introduced in 1997.The Professional Doctorate (EdD) programenrolled its first students at the beginning ofsecond semester. The program, which caters forprofessionals working in a range of disciplineareas covered by the faculty, has receivedstrong acceptance from the field. Other newprograms introduced during 1997 include theBachelor of Applied Science (HospitalityManagement), the Bachelor of Applied Science(Tourism Management), a GraduateCertificate/Diploma in TESOL and pre-serviceGraduate Diplomas in Education (EarlyChildhood Education, Primary and Secondary).The quality of course design in the hospitalityand tourism degrees was recognised by theuniversity through the presentation to staff inthe Department of Hospitality, Tourism andLeisure of an RMIT University quality award forteaching and learning.
A student from the Department of Social andCommunity Services, Leroy Eggmolesse,received Victorian and National TrainingAwards for Student of the Year (Aboriginal and
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Torres Strait Islander) and was namedWentworth Shire Citizen of the Year. MrEggmolesse was a student in the customisedHome and Community Care Program under aflexible delivery arrangement to the DaretonAboriginal community in rural Victoria. Thesuccess of this program has led to a continuinginvolvement with the Dareton community andthe allocation of six thousand student contacthours from the Victorian Office for Technicaland Further Education (OTFE) specifically forprograms in this community.
From February to March, Professor Mou Dai wasa visiting fellow with the Department of Justiceand Youth Studies. He worked with thedepartment's staff on preparing for publishinga range of articles in the criminal justice field.
The development of a framework forestablishing and supporting the faculty'sresearch and consultancy profile was achievedduring 1997. Over $60,000 was allocated inresearch seeding grants to eight projects inareas of strategic importance to the faculty.
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Faculty of EngineeringDepartment of Aerospace EngineeringDepartment of Aerospace TechnologyDepartment of Building Services and RefrigerationDepartment of Chemical and Metallurgical
EngineeringDepartment of Civil and Geological EngineeringDepartment of Communication and Electronic
EngineeringDepartment of Computer Systems EngineeringDepartment of Construction and SurveyingDepartment of Electrical and Control TechnologyDepartment of Electrical EngineeringDepartment of Electronics TechnologyDepartment of Manufacturing Mechanical and
Marine TechnologyDepartment of Manufacturing Systems EngineeringDepartment of Mechanical EngineeringDepartment of Metal TechnologiesDepartment of Technician Electronics
Advanced Engineering Centre for ManufacturingCentre for Advanced Technology in
TelecommunicationsCentre for High Performance Computer SystemsCo-operative Research centre for Advanced
Composite StructuresCo-operative Research Centre for Intelligent
Manufacturing Systems and TechnologiesCo-operative Research Centre for Polymer BlendsCo-operative Research Centre for Water Quality
and TreatmentGraduate School of EngineeringMicroelectronics and Materials Technology
CentrePolymer Technology CentreRheology and Materials Processing CentreSeismology Research CentreSir Lawrence Wackett Centre for Aerospace Design
Technology (joint centre with Faculty of AppliedScience)
During 1997 the Faculty of Engineering made strong progress towards its goal of being the leadingprovider of engineering education in Australia. Following an intensive review of the VET sector, thefaculty embraced a new structure for its TAFE operations. Three 'technology centres' will replace theprevious system of nine departments. The resulting improvements in flexibility, responsiveness toindustry and quality of service will see the faculty well-placed to take advantage of new opportunitiesin 1998, particularly in expanding the range of industry services on offer. Achievements in research anddevelopment and awards to engineering students reflected the depth of talent in the faculty and thecontinuing commitment of staff to excellence in their profession.
The new configuration for TAFE engineeringconsists of the Centre for InfrastructureTechnology, the Centre forTelecommunications, Computing andElectrotechnology and the Centre forManufacturing, Mechanical and Materials.Combined with flexible delivery methods andclose industry partnerships, TAFE engineeringoffers exceptional flexibility and experiencewith cutting-edge technology. RMITengineering courses are designed inpartnership with industry to meet the needs ofa sector undergoing rapid technologicalchange. Employers and graduates can be
assured of flexible, leading-edge training.During 1997 the faculty expanded its range ofindustry services and short courses.
The move from the city campus to Bundoora ofthe Department of Mechanical Engineeringcomplements the move last year by theDepartment of Manufacturing SystemsEngineering. With new facilities and a spaciousnew campus, these departments are well-situated to expand their range of industryservices.
This engagement of the Faculty of Engineeringwith the latest technology and ground-
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breaking research was highlighted at the RMITInnovation presentation at RMIT Storey Hall inNovember. The soccer-playing robotsdeveloped by a team led by Andrew Priceattracted great interest for their novel designand international success. Likewise, thedevelopment of the Astor-Boeing 737 aileron bythe aerospace co-operative research centre,with significant input from the RMITengineering team led by Professor MurrayWhite, exemplified the practical and industryfocused nature of the research anddevelopment work carried out by the faculty.
The installation of a new Reifenstall plasticextrusion machine in the Polymer TechnologyCentre opens up important new possibilitiesfor partnerships with the chemicalengineering industry. The Reifenstall extruderis the only one of its kind in an Australianuniversity.
Students of the Faculty of Engineeringcontinued to demonstrate excellentachievements. In particular, Bevan Damm andRini Akmeliawati were awarded two of RMITUniversity's four top prizes for outstandingstudents.
Bevan Damm won the J.N. McNichol Prize for outstanding undergraduate student. A member of theRoyal Australian Navy, Mr Damm completed his double degree in communication engineering(honours) and mathematics (distinction); was chief organiser of the 1996 Open Day activities for twodepartments in the faculty; and is active in various community and sporting organisations.
International student Rini Akmeliawati won the Patricia Guthrie Award for outstanding femalestudent. Ms Akmeliawati completed her Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) at RMIT with anoutstanding academic record and is now undertaking master degree studies in the same field. Duringher time at RMIT University she regularly contributed to orientation and Open Day programs, theannual RMIT World Week festival, the APEC youth summit and the Indonesian Aerospace Students inEurope (IASE) conference. She continues to be active in the RMIT Muslim student community.
The Faculty of Engineering operates at the city, Bundoora, Fishermens Bend and Penang campuses ofRMIT University. Actual income for 1997 comprised $28.43 million of government operating grants and$16.72 million from other sources.
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Faculty of NursingDepartment of Nursing Inquiry, Practice and ManagementDepartment of Public Health, Family and Mental Health
Nineteen ninety-seven saw the Faculty of Nursing further develop and strengthen relationships withthe health care, and rural and international sectors and with other faculties within RMIT University.
The multidisciplinary Master of Creative ArtsTherapy course continued to generateenthusiasm among students and significantinterest from other Australian and overseasuniversities. A collaborative link was formedbetween Lesley College in Boston, USA, andRMIT University, culminating in a visit toMelbourne by expressive arts therapistProfessor Julia Byers who conducted a weekendworkshop.
Collaboration with other faculties is evidencedby the successful completion, with the VETsector, of an Educational Program ImprovementGroup-funded internationalisation project todevelop a culturally sensitive curriculum foroverseas-trained enrolled nurses to enablethem to register in Victoria.
The faculty’s commitment to education in ruralareas continues. When the Bachelor of Nursingprogram at East Gippsland Institute of TAFEcommenced, it was intended that only the firstyear would be conducted at Bairnsdale;however following the successful completion offirst year, second year was also delivered awayfrom the RMIT University campus. Access andequity funds enabled the rural students totravel to Bundoora to meet their peers.
Funded by a tender from CURHEV, theDepartment of Nursing Inquiry, Practice andManagement is developing a precentorshiptraining program for registered rural healthpractitioners.
Off-shore activities included the running of theMaster of Health Science (Psychiatric Nursing)program in Hong Kong and an agreement with
the Shell-Panaga Hospital in Brunei. Bothcontributed to an increase in enrolments offull-fee students.
International linkage arrangements betweenthe faculty and Chiang-Mai University enabledfinal-year students to learn about andexperience nursing, health and health systemsin a developing country through a successfulstudy abroad program. Professor Carol Morse’sappointment to the editorial board of theBritain-based 'International MenopauseSociety Journal' is another example of thegrowth of the faculty’s international profile.
The faculty moved closer to the establishmentof a clinical school of nursing with theappointment of a chair in clinical nursing. Thechair will be located primarily at the Austinand Repatriation Medical Centre and is to befunded jointly by RMIT University and theAustin.
The faculty continues to pursue industry-basedtraining and consultancy opportunities. Themidwifery team developed and delivered forSt George’s Hospital a series of innovative,customer-focused childbirth sessions.
Considerable emphasis was placed ondeveloping distance education and flexiblelearning approaches. Maternal and childhealth nurses presented their distanceeducation project at a ministerial launch. Theself-directed learning package involves aroundfifty teams across Victoria and allows childhealth nurses to incorporate continuousquality improvement into their daily practice.
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The faculty was awarded $200,000 from theRMIT strategic investment fund to developmultimedia packages for the Bachelor ofNursing for offering in 1998. This will allowgreater flexibility in the program offerings anddelivery mode, particularly in relation to theconversion program and Bachelor of Nursing
program in East Gippsland. Innovativemultimedia approaches to learning by staffinclude the release of a CD-ROM which teachesthe use of the otoscope and stethoscope.Another CAUT-funded project nearingcompletion is the development of a simulatedpregnancy model.
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Resources Division decade after RMIT’s centenarycelebrations, this year we undertookand published a review of how we
have implemented the 133 recommendationsmade by the RMIT Centenary Commissioners in1987. While some of the recommendations areless relevant today than they were ten yearsago—when RMIT was a single-campus instituteof technology—the large majority remainhighly applicable. The report on the progressmade over the last ten years was presented tothe RMIT Centenary Commissioners inSeptember, and provides a valuable addition toour records which chart the progress of thisinstitution over its 110-year history.
Over many months this year, negotiations withthe various staff unions resulted inendorsement of new enterprise agreementscovering academic and general (PACCT)employees, and general (trades and services)staff. The 1997 round of voluntary departureapplications was finalised in December.
An agreement has been reached with the stategovernment whereby RMIT acquires the formerMagistrates' Court, city watch-house and policegarage complex in Russell Street, Melbourne.Part of the complex will be reserved for up totwo years for possible use as a museum by theNational Trust. The space will provide us withsome more accommodation, particularly in theformer Magistrates’ Court building, and enablethe extension of the Urban Spaces programthat is creating a more welcoming andpleasant outdoor environment on the citycampus. This is something that students andstaff, and members of the external community,have been telling us for many years that theywanted. The program will make the campus afar more attractive one in which to work orstudy, and further integrate the university intothe heart of Melbourne.
At Bundoora West, new buildings are enablingthe transfer of additional programs from thecity campus and providing enhanced servicesto students and staff."
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Resources) Dr Peter Frost is responsible for providing university infrastructureservices such as human resource management, information technology, and strategic planning and reporting.In 1997 he was assisted by Pro Vice-Chancellor (Resources Projects) Professor David Knowles and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Development) Ian Permezel. RMIT Resources Ltd is the commercial arm of the Resources Division.
Corporate publications
During 1997 the following publications were available from the university:
• the RMIT Annual Report 1996;• an organisational summary;• a strategic plan (summary version);• RMIT Openline, the university’s newspaper;• the RMIT Research and Publications Report
1996;• a general information brochure;• undergraduate course brochures;
• postgraduate course brochures;• a postgraduate course guide;• a bachelor degree course guide;• a VET course guide;• a student diary;• various Open Day publications;• two short course directories;• a staff and student handbook;
"A
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• various faculty short course directories; • and a World Wide Web site<http://www.rmit.edu.au>.
Copies of these publications were available from the Corporate Affairs Group.
Asset Management Group
The Asset Management Group is responsible for enhancing, maintaining and operating all buildingsand grounds owned and leased by RMIT University. The group is responsible for planning, designing,constructing and maintaining the physical infrastructure and environment of all the university'scampuses.
Specific functions of the Asset Management Group include capital works and minor works delivery;property management including leasing; project management from feasibility and planning stages tocommissioning and hand-over; maintenance and engineering management including energymanagement; accommodation planning, including the university's space planning model;environmental co-ordination for university activities; security; cleaning, furniture and contract services.
Some of the Asset Management Group's key achievements in 1997 include consolidation of therestructured group with a property management focus, and development of a space charge-backsystem for implementation in 1998. New cleaning contracts were established, and phase one of asecurity/access system was installed. An energy management policy was completed, under which atender was issued for supply of energy under contract. A standard brief for project works wasdeveloped and implemented. Further developing the group's emphasis on customer service, theoperation of the customer service desk (help-desk) was implemented; a maintenance and worksrequest management system was started for all of the group's activities; and customer serviceagreements were introduced. A significant upgrade of open spaces on the city campus was started in1997, under the 'Urban Spaces' project.
All new projects and maintenance work are carried out in compliance with the Building Act 1993. Workon existing facilities that require regulatory upgrading is funded from the capital managementprogram approved by the University Council in April 1997. The allocation for 1997 was $8.2 million.Work has commenced on the city campus and documentation is proceeding for TAFE facilities and atthe Bundoora campus.
Building works
Type of work 1996 1997
Buildings certified for approval 6 23
Works in construction and the subject of mandatory inspections 2 3
Occupancy permits issued 5 23
Notices issued for rectification of substandard buildings requiring urgentattention
0 0
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Commercial and Legal Services
Commercial and Legal Services (CALS) provides consulting services to internal RMIT University clientson a range of commercial and legal matters. Clients for such work fall into two basic groups:
• deans, deputy deans and heads of department seeking commercial, evaluation or businessplanning advice in relation to a specific contract or proposal;
• and members of the Vice Chancellor’s executive seeking the development or review of financial ormanagement policies or advice on major project proposals.
CALS staff are committed to providing quality, timely and professional service to assist in achievingclients' objectives. The commercial and legal professionals work closely together to provide a seamlessand integrated service.
The demand for objective commercial and legal advice within RMIT University continued to growduring the year, particularly relating to diversification of RMIT’s funding base; international activities;property acquisition and development; student housing; and increasing numbers of unincorporatedassociations and companies in which the university and/or its subsidiary companies participate.Property acquisition and development projects under way included the former Janefield site atBundoora East, purchase of RMIT Building 91 and the associated car park in Victoria Street (city), and theproposal to build a sports complex in Swanston Street (city).
In 1998 CALS will focus on collaboration with industry to develop quality and affordable housing forRMIT students; risk management advice regarding the Janefield development; and continued work ontaxation and national competition policy. The group will also work on gaining a better understandingof RMIT University cost structures at course level and for Co-operative Research Centres.
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Human Resources Management Group
The Human Resources Management Group'sbranches continued improving their servicesthrough incremental change strategies,addressing issues and recommendationsarising from the 1996 review of HRMG. In itsfirst year the new Management ImprovementUnit, replacing the Human ResourceDevelopment and Policy Branch, undertook arange of organisational effectiveness projects.
The VET annual work plan policy was reviewed,and a probation policy for general and VETteaching staff was introduced. Guidelines andprocedures were developed for the university’sinternational activities, specifically addressingissues concerning the employment andrepatriation of expatriate staff. The RMIT codeof ethics was finalised and will beimplemented throughout the university in1998.
A major initiative addressing the developmentneeds of women at RMIT started in mid-1997.The 'RMIT Women in Leadership' program willbe in place for two years. The AustralianTechnology Network's women’s executivedevelopment program—involving fiveuniversities and initiated in 1996—continuedin 1997 within the Women in Leadershipproject, offering senior women a range ofoptions to develop their skills and professionalknowledge.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Branchcontinued its mentoring programs and for thefirst time included men as mentors. Careerplanning workshops and the academicpromotions program proved popular onceagain and a quarterly EEO Branch newsletterwas received well.
An executive health program was piloted withdirectors from the Resources Division. Thisprogram involved a health assessment, fitness
test, supervised exercise and informationsessions on diet, relaxation and the benefits ofregular exercise. The program has achievedimproved levels of fitness for those involvedand will continue in 1998.
The Safety Health and Risk ManagementBranch continued to provide training tomanagers, supervisors and others. The branchwas active in committees dealing with healthand safety across the university and providedfinancial assistance to major projects.
Other HRMG staff development activitiesduring 1997 included two LEAD programs foracademic staff and senior executives.
The Human Resources Management Groupcontinued to expand its work-force planningfunction and provided a range of staffingprofile reports to help cost centres indeveloping their work-force planningstrategies. Employment opportunities at RMITUniversity, including position descriptions, arenow advertised on the HRMG web site. Newweb sites were established for the humanresources policies and procedures manual andfor staff superannuation. Each university staffmember received a copy of the new booklet'Clear', which summarises HRMG policies andprocedures.
In conjunction with the Quality DevelopmentUnit, HRMG commenced a quality alignmentproject to ensure all human resourcesmanagement practices incorporate qualityprinciples, emulate best practice and supportthe achievement of RMIT University’s majorstrategic objectives. This involved developmentof performance management practices,development of a succession planning model, areview of recruitment practices, and a projecton dysfunctionality. Further projects were
46
undertaken and most of these will be completed and implemented in 1998.
Internal Audit Group
The Internal Audit Group provides assurance to RMIT Council and the Vice-Chancellery regarding theefficiency, effectiveness and economy of resource management practices and controls to mitigateorganisational risks. Work undertaken by the group is designed to provide a systematic andindependent review of all activities as a means of adding value and contributing to effectiveness ofuniversity operations.
The group's activities are performed in accordance with an internal audit charter approved by RMITCouncil which encompasses financial, compliance, operational, computer and special audits. Theapproved strategic plan for the group is aligned to the university's overall strategic plan.
A range of initiatives that satisfy RMIT Council’s internal audit requirements were delivered during1997. A risk-based five year strategic internal audit plan for 1997-2001 was approved by the UniversityCouncil’s audit committee.
Internal audit certifications were provided to grant-issuing bodies during the year and auditsencompassing financial, operational, information technology and other matters were completed, withquarterly reports to the audit committee. The group continued its program of follow-up audits toassess implementation of remedial actions by management. The Internal Audit Group provided timelyresponses to requests from the Vice-Chancellor’s executive and other senior management for advice,assistance or special investigations.
The evolving environment within RMIT continues to be characterised by substantial change includinginternationalisation, devolution and organisational restructuring. Along with opportunities, changebrings with it additional risks to the university. The challenge for the Internal Audit Group will be tokeep abreast of the changes occurring, assess the consequential risks to the university, and ensure thatthe major risks are adequately addressed in the strategic internal audit plan.
Opportunities for internal audit in the future revolve around the further development of the group’scomputer-assisted auditing tools, involvement in the university’s risk management process, andadoption of a collaborative approach with management in the execution of internal audit projects.These initiatives are designed to provide a cost-effective internal audit function and further enhancethe group’s focus on satisfying customers' needs and complying with professional auditing standards.
Libraries
RMIT University libraries exist to link staff and students with recorded knowledge in an appropriatetime, place and way, enabling them to achieve excellence in teaching, learning and research. In 1997,the libraries improved service delivery by:
• increasing by ten percent the fundsavailable for the acquisition of informationresources which support the teaching,learning and research programs of theuniversity;
• in partnership with selected academicstaff, identifying, selecting and makingavailable information resources whichsupport innovative curriculum anddelivery modes for course work;
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• extending the hours of library access at thecity campus Business Information Centre toensure that its academic year openinghours cover the VET teaching year; at theBundoora East library service point to fortyhours per week; and at the AerospaceResource Centre (Fishermens Bend) tothirty-five hours per week;
• improving cross-campus loan deliverytimes;
• and expanding the libraries' access to thefull text version of electronic journals toapproximately one thousand titles.
In their drive toward the continuous improvement of services and processes, the libraries used atrained quality team to review a further major library process (items recovery). The recommendationsof the two 1996 quality teams were implemented during 1997, leading to significant improvement intime taken to provide new materials and reshelving time. The libraries participated in thedevelopment of national performance measures for reference and enquiry services, and implemented amaterials availability study as the second national academic library performance indicator.
To improve their response to the changes taking place within the university and in informationservices, the libraries continued the development of their strategic plan by producing specificsupporting statements in the areas of information technology, information resources, human resourcesand marketing and public relations. Commercial operations were reviewed, with the aim of rebuildingthe libraries' non-government revenue base.
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Office of Strategic Information Technology
In 1997 the Office of Strategic Information Technology operated as a small, high-level, advisory andinformation technology planning unit.
A strategic information technology plan was drawn up within the university's overall planningframework, providing the technological background upon which to develop plans that support RMIT'semerging business needs and to define future information technology developments that supportteaching, learning and research.
The information technology plan took account of the demands for more flexible delivery of teaching,consonant with the university's aim to deliver programs which are essentially student-centred.Priorities were set out for short term and long term goals including, for example, projects for 2000compliance, common staff desktop platforms and a common messaging system. Research was alsoundertaken to evaluate information technology developments of potential value to the university infuture.
Strategic and Financial Planning Group
The group had several significantachievements during 1997, continuing theprogram of financial reform (commenced inlate 1996) with a review of the chart of accountsand the abolition of fund accounting. Council,divisional and cost centre managementreporting were improved, as was thebudgeting process which now includes a user-friendly software package to help staff in costcentres with framing their budgets. Thesoftware compiles the budget from a projectbase.
Reviews of processes and policies broughtchanges in several areas. The university'sperformance on objectives and targets wasassessed, and the strategic plan wasconsequently revised. The strategic planningand budget processes now have greatercoherence, and the university has a redesignedplanning and budget cycle. Following a reviewof resource allocation models used in thebudget, all student load-based income in theuniversity will be calculated using a new,simpler and more transparent range of models.
Revised enrolment forecasting models are nowbeing used to develop profiles, and the processis now user-driven. These changes are the firststep in creating a software package for use byfaculties and departments to forecastenrolments. The Strategic and FinancialPlanning Group produced three-yearenrolment profiles by funding source and usedthem in the budget process by applying themin the new resource allocation models.
Progress was made in developing a newfinancial model for the university and using itin 'what if' analyses for the enterprisebargaining process. The group also developedand enhanced a user-friendly data warehouseof financial information to enable more timelyand professional reporting. A complex costingmodel, which demonstrates competitiveneutrality, was developed for faculties to use incompetitive tendering for VET apprenticeshipsand traineeships.
The Strategic and Financial Planning Groupparticipated in the Education and TrainingDivision's academic profile workshops and
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writing of the educational profiledocumentation for the Commonwealth andstate governments, for the higher educationand VET sectors respectively. Strategic andFinancial Planning prepared the university'sresponses to the Higher Education Council'squality assurance requirements and the WestCommittee's review of financing and policy inhigher education.
A restructuring of the group was finalised, withthe last senior appointments in place by
October. Staff were trained to use the newfinancial data warehouse.
Staff, work and services to clients were severelydisrupted by the student occupation of theStrategic and Financial Planning Group's cityoffices in August. Considerable effort went intodisaster recovery of the offices and files,resuming normal services and maintainingstaff morale.
Student Affairs Group
The Student Affairs Group was formed at the end of 1996 by amalgamating the responsibilities of theacademic registrar with those of the Student Services group.
The Student Affairs Group's services are now organised through seven branches: AcademicAdministration; Awards and Examinations; Careers and Employment Services; Counselling; HealthServices; Student Administration; and Support and Advisory Services.
A number of accommodation changes occurred on the city campus during the year. Some of these wereaimed at improving efficiencies by consolidating activities on that campus.
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Research and Development Divisionineteen ninety-seven was a yearin which governments atCommonwealth and state levels
strategically reviewed different aspects ofeffectiveness of research and development toAustralia's national science and technologypriorities, resulting in the Mortimer report onbusiness programs for investment innovationand export and the Goldsworthy report onnational priorities in information technology.
These reviews clearly articulated a need forresearch and development in Australia to beneeds driven, responsive to the end user, andefficient with the client base paying anincreasing share of costs. Such directions areentirely consistent with RMIT University'sstrategic plan to be a different university witha focus on real-world outcome-driven researchlinked to professional education.
The Research and Development Division, withits focus on client-linked research andcommunity service, emphasises not onlytechnology transfer but knowledge transferand its beneficial application—a process we callinnovation. Valued research and developmentis funded. RMIT University has consistently hadthe highest proportion of its research fundscoming directly from industry compared toacademic grants. This figure has approachedtwo-thirds over the last few years indicatingthe strength of RMIT University's industrycollaboration.
RMIT University's strategy for communityservice in the northern sector of Melbourne was
extended in 1997 by the endorsement of 'RMITin the City', the strategic framework for theuniversity's community service in innerMelbourne through partnership with theMelbourne City Council.
The Victorian Treasurer, Hon. Alan Stockdale,officially opened RMIT's Interactive InformationInstitute and welcomed its first industrypartners including Optus, Telstra, Sun, SiliconGraphics and Multimedia Victoria. During 1997the second of RMIT University's initiativesunder its new research institutes program wasformulated in the area of environmental andeconomic sustainability. The 'environmentalenterprise' is under development by theFaculty of Applied Science, Faculty ofEngineering, Faculty of Biomedical and HealthSciences and Nursing, and Faculty of theConstructed Environment.
To reinforce the research experience of RMITUniversity students, an UndergraduateResearch Opportunities Program (UROP) wasdeveloped as a trial across three faculties. Thisinvolved 216 undergraduates and 159 projects.The Academic Board supported making thescheme available to all faculties. The Researchand Development Division also initiated a trialUROP Summer Research Scholarship programsupported financially by RMIT Innovation Ltd.This drew undergraduates from within andoutside RMIT University to work on researchprojects in our centres and groups."
Based at the Bundoora campus, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development) Professor Ann Henderson-Sellers is responsible for managing RMIT’s current research programs, and developing the university’scommunity and industry links. This work is supported by the commercial arm of the division, RMIT InnovationLtd.
"N
ANNUAL REPORT 1997
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Key research activities
RMIT research has resulted in two new patent applications in the important areas of plant productionand food quality. Associate Professor Ann Lawrie developed a unique diagnostic assay for the detectionof club root in agricultural plants. Professor Jorma Ahokas and colleagues in the RMIT Toxicology Centrehave devised processes for the decontamination of food materials by the removal of aflatoxins and theirbinding using natural probiotic products. Interest in internationalising this development within asuite of commercial food additives has already been shown by a European company.
The RMIT-Australian Institute of Sport 'superbike' continues to achieve success on the track. To date thesuperbike has won twenty-four gold medals and three world records.
The Software Engineering Research Centre have had their core research funding increased to $70,000per annum by Ericsson and now form part of their world wide network of associated university researchgroups.
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Sue Ann Ware, of the RMIT Department of Environmental Planning, formulated a concept for theAustralian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies to hold a national designcompetition for a memorial to the stolen generation. This was supported by a number ofCommonwealth reconciliation bodies.
Centres and institutes
Institutes
Interactive Information InstituteEnvironment Enterprise
Centres
Advanced Engineering Centre for ManufacturingAustralian Housing and Urban Research InstituteCentre for Advanced Technology in Telecommunications (CATT)Centre for Applied Social ResearchCentre for DesignCentre for High Performance Computer SystemsCentre for Remote Sensing and Geographic Information SystemsCentre for Youth Affairs Research and DevelopmentCentre in FinanceCo-operative Research Centre (CRC) for Advanced Composite StructuresCRC for Intelligent Manufacturing Systems and TechnologiesCRC for PolymersCRC for Water Quality and TreatmenteMERGE Cooperative Multimedia CentreKey Centre for Applied and Nutritional ToxicologyKey Centre for Knowledge Based SystemsMicroelectronics and Materials Technology CentrePolymer Technology CentreRheology and Materials Processing CentreSeismology Research CentreSir Lawrence Wackett Centre for Aerospace Design TechnologyTransport Research Centre
ANNUAL REPORT 1997
53
International Divisionn a most successful year for RMITinternationally, the university extendedits position of market leadership during
1997 and took steps to assure future growthand protect its position in a difficultenvironment.
The university's major international partnerscontinue to be in Asia. RMIT University is wellrepresented in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesiaand China (including Hong Kong). During theyear strong growth occurred in Japan, Korea,Vietnam, the Philippines, India and Thailand.Around 85 percent of RMIT’s international on-shore students are from the Asian region.Similarly, most RMIT programs delivered off-shore are in these major markets. Theuniversity is actively exploring Europe and theAmericas for new partnerships into the nextcentury, as well as dedicated sites for studentsthroughout eastern Asia.
In 1997 RMIT’s on-shore program attracted over5,200 students, making RMIT UniversityAustralia’s largest provider of direct educationto international students on-shore, and off-shore one of the world’s largest such providers.
The International Division gained ISO 9002accreditation in September 1997. As well as theclear benefits of establishing and maintainingISO standards, certification will furtherenhance the marketing activities of RMITUniversity’s two hundred agents abroad.
Off-shore, a doubling of the number of RMITaward courses to forty-five degrees anddiplomas enabled 4,500 students to beenrolled in ten countries. Agreements weresigned for new courses such as the Master ofAviation Management and Diploma of AviationManagement (Pilot Training) with GeneralAdministration of Civil Aviation of China(CAAC); the Bachelor of Chiropractics with
Hanseo University, Korea; and the Bachelor ofArts (Fine Art) with the Hong Kong Arts Centre.Further development of the joint venturecampus in Penang, with over 350 studentsenrolled, included new courses in tourism andhospitality. Economic conditions in Malaysiacaused some difficulties. An arrangement withthe University of British Columbia in Canadawill license their Certificate in InterculturalStudies to RMIT University for operationthroughout Australia.
Growth in the activities of RMIT University’sjoint centre with the Vietnam NationalUniversity in Hanoi augurs well for furtherprograms in Vietnam. However, a joint ventureEnglish language college in Ho Chi Minh Citywas deferred.
Student exchange and study-abroad programscontinue to grow, with two hundredcorresponding institutions and five hundredstudents in 1997.
The university received a commendation in theGovernor of Victoria Export Award, andProfessor Tony Adams received a personalaward as International Educator of the Yearfrom IDP Education Australia.
RMIT University’s international activities weregreatly enhanced during the year by theestablishment of an International Projects Unitwithin RMIT International Pty Ltd. This unitwill market RMIT’s education, training andconsultancy functions to a growinginternational market for these services.
In 1997 RMIT University expanded its supportservices for students studying in Melbourneand developed policies to implement its standagainst racism. The Intercultural Projects andResources Centre, the Centre for InternationalStudents and Scholars and the International
"I
54
Services unit all helped international studentsthrough a challenging year.
Consistent with the theme of the second RMITinternational conference on 'The globaluniversity', held in July, RMIT University ismoving towards becoming one of the first truly
global higher education institutions. Withplans for the fundamental transformation ofRMIT University’s education, training andresearch and development programsinternationally, the prospect ahead is anexciting one."
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) Professor David Wilmoth is responsible for managing and developingRMIT University’s international operations, both within Australia and overseas. The commercial arm of thisdivision is RMIT International Pty Ltd.
ANNUAL REPORT 1997
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International activities
RMIT University’s international program grew by 5.5 percent for on-shore programs and by 78 percentfor programs offered outside Australia (off-shore). In the on-shore programs, higher education growthwas strong but VET enrolments fell by 2.8 percent. International students represented 18 percent ofon-shore load in 1997, rising from 16.6 percent in 1996. Expansion in VET off-shore programs reflectsgrowth at the RMIT campus in Penang, Malaysia.
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Operational objectivesEach year, in negotiations with the Commonwealth government through the Department ofEmployment Education Training and Youth Affairs (DEETYA) and the Victorian government throughthe Office of Training and Further Education (OTFE), the university sets student load and other targetsfor its higher education and vocational education and training programs respectively. The universityalso sets targets for its international programs, contract research and industry training.
Student load
Total student load outcomes, higher education and VET, 1997
Higher education data a t 31 August 1997 . VET data are full-year for 1997.
Course level Government Australianfee paying
postgraduate
International on-shore
International off-shore
Other Total
Higher education (equivalent full time student units)
Research 838 0 127 5 5 975
Course workpostgraduate
1,158 787 515 298 24 2,781
Undergraduate 13,358 0 2,939 1,494 158 17,949
Higher educationsubtotal
15,354 787 3,581 1,796 187 21,705
Vocational education and training (equivalent full time students)
Diploma 4,963 62 914 357 2 6,299
Advanced certificate 1,393 71 70 0 64 1,598
Apprentice 1,097 27 0 0 0 1,124
Certificate/other 928 57 976 225 280 2,465
VET subtotal 8,382 216 1,960 582 346 11,486
Total RMIT 23,736 1,003 5,540 2,378 533 33,191
Performance against targetsRMIT University's government funded higher education student load exceeded target at 31 March1997. Higher education targets for students articulating from VET courses were also exceeded, for thethird successive year. In the VET sector, targets were not met due to late cancellation of non-continuingenrolments arising from closer auditing of attendance records. This issue will be the subject of a majorproject in 1998.
ANNUAL REPORT 1997
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Performance against government targets, higher education and VET, at 31 August 1997
Target description Target Actual number
Higher education government target (equivalent full time student units) 14, 965 15, 196
VET on -campus target ( student contact hours ) 4, 847 ,569 4,453, 325
VET off -campus target (student contact hours ) 150 ,000 72, 756
VET total target (student contact hours ) 4, 997, 569 4, 526, 080
VET-higher education articulation 447 525
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Equity and accessFaculties have now been provided with datacovering the past four years, on access(commencing students) and participation (allstudents) for four equity groups:
• women;
• non-English speaking background;
• students from a low socio-economicbackground;
• and students from a rural background.
In addition, success (passed subjects enrolledin) data has also been made available for twoyears.
This information is provided at departmentaland course levels to help department headsand course co-ordinators identify problemareas and develop finely-tuned interventionstrategies to improve access, participationand/or success. There were two notablesuccesses in 1997:
• The Faculty of Nursing’s first-yearmentoring scheme has improved bothsuccess and retention (completing courses).
• The combined Faculty of Engineering andFaculty of Applied Science outreachprogram to rural schools promises toincrease access rates, particularly forwomen in non-traditional courses.
University-wide data shows that RMITUniversity’s equity performance, measured interms of the Martin indicators, has improvedcontinuously over the last three years in theparticipation of women in non-traditionalareas; by students from non-English speakingbackgrounds; students with disabilities; andpeople from socio-economically disadvantagedbackgrounds. Participation by rural andisolated students at the university declined in1997 following constant participation patternsfor the last few years.
Equity and access targets and performance in 1997
1997 target 1997 actual
Persons of non-English speaking background
Access 8% 8%
Participation 8% 7%
Retention 1.000 1.010
Low socio-economic status (17-24 years)
Access 21% 20%
Participation 1.000 0.600
Retention 1.000 1.021
Women
Access
Total 50% 54%
Postgraduate research 38% 38%
Higher degree course work 40% 58%
Architecture 42% 44%
Engineering 18% 17%
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Business 47% 49%
Science 45% 44%
Participation
Total 50% 54%
Postgraduate research 38% 36%
Higher degree course work 40% 48%
Architecture 42% 44%
Engineering 18% 18%
Business 47% 48%
Science 45% 43%
Distribution of students’ permanent home residence in 1997
Higher education data is at 31 March 1997. VET data are full-year figures
Location Higher education VET Total Percent
Asia 5, 486 1,966 7,452 16.9%
Victoria 21, 286 13, 207 34 ,493 78.1%
Rest of Australia 693 646 1,339 3.0%
Rest of the world 675 181 856 1.9%
Total 28 ,140 16, 000 44 ,140 100.0%
Higher education and VET student enrolments by sex 1997
1997 higher education data are at 31 March ; VET data are full- year figures
Sex Higher education VET Total
1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997
Female 13,380 13,947 5,597 9,488 18,977 20,435
Male 13,778 14,193 9,832 9,512 23,610 23,705
Total 27,158 28,140 15,429 16,000 42,587 44,140
% female 49.3% 49.6% 36.3% 40.6% 44.6% 46.3%
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education strategy
RMIT University’s commitment to nationalequity goals for indigenous education isdemonstrated in its Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islander (ATSI) education strategy plan,
and progress toward the objectives outlined inthat plan.
The Koori Education Unit plays an importantrole in assisting RMIT University to set and
60
achieve targets closer to the state comparisonvalues.
During 1997 the Koori Education Unit receivedan RMIT University quality award forcommunity services for its involvement withthe National Aboriginal and Islander Day ofCommemoration. NAIDOC is part of an annualweek of national celebration for ATSIcommunities. In Victoria since 1996 there hasbeen a series of ATSI art exhibitions to celebrateour living cultures, and RMIT University hasheld an exhibition on campus each year: in1996 ‘Eh Look Out Now!’ and in 1997 ‘LookinBack, Movin Forwards’.
Another significant achievement in 1997 was aKoori art and design project. The RMIT Kooriliaison officer and Department of Visual Art andDesign, in partnership, have been workingwith the ATSI Artists Community since July1996. This project has produced a VET course inKoori art and design that is relevant to theneeds of Victorian ATSI artists, promoting newtechnologies in visual arts. The course is offeredby the Faculty of Art, Design andCommunication and provides pathways andarticulation into other VET and highereducation art and design courses.
Disability Liaison Unit
The Disability Liaison Unit established a disability resource room in 1997 which was officially opened bythe Vice-Chancellor. This room has adaptive technology for students with disabilities. The process ofdeveloping this resource room earned the Disability Liaison Unit an RMIT University quality award.
The unit has been involved in two research projects on the improvement of student support services.Funding for these projects was secured by the unit from external sources. The unit has also beeninvolved in the organisation of a disability audit. All three projects are due for completion in mid-1998.
The profile of the Disability Liaison Unit within RMIT University has been lifted significantly withinvitations for co-ordinator Martin Fathers to lecture in a variety of classes ranging from VET topostgraduate level. Collaborations between Disability Liaison Unit and other university staff haveresulted in a disability awareness package for secondary schools and a curriculum for a postgraduatecourse in disability studies.
The Disability Liaison Unit has strengthened its ties with external organisations, resulting in a serviceagreement for disability support with Melbourne College of Textiles, a strategic link with anemployment agency that specialises in helping people with disabilities to obtain work, and theprovision of support workers to William Angliss Institute.
New courses in 1997Certificate in Engineering (Basic)Certificate in Engineering Production (Level 1)Certificate in Engineering Production (Level 2)Certificate in Engineering Production (Level 3)
Advanced Certificate in Engineering Studies
Certificate 1 in General Education for Adults
Certificate 1 in Polymer ProcessingCertificate 1 in Pre-vocational PrintingCertificate 1 in Printing (Fibre-board Operations)
Certificate 2 in Computer SystemsCertificate 2 in ElectricalCertificate 2 in ElectronicsCertificate 2 in General Education for Adults
ANNUAL REPORT 1997
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Certificate 2 in General Education for Adults(Further Study)
Certificate 2 in Polymer ProcessingCertificate 2 in Telecommunications Cabling
Certificate 3 in AccountingCertificate 3 in Arts (Applied Photography)Certificate 3 in Education (Integration Aide)Certificate 3 in Education (Language and Literary
Aide)Certificate 3 in Education (Office Support)Certificate 3 in Occupational Health and SafetyCertificate 3 in Polymer ProcessingCertificate 3 in Print FinishingCertificate 3 in Public Administration
(Administration Service Officer)Certificate 3 in Public Administration (Graduate
Administrative Assistant)Certificate 3 in Public Administration (Technical
Officer)Certificate 3 in Telecommunications CablingCertificate 3 in Transport (Master Class 5)
Certificate 4 in Audiovisual TechnologyCertificate 4 in BuildingCertificate 4 in Building DraftingCertificate 4 in Business (Conveyancing Practice)Certificate 4 in Business (International Logistics)Certificate 4 in Business (International Trading)Certificate 4 in Business (Legal Practice)Certificate 4 in Community Services (Disability,
Adult Day Support Services)Certificate 4 in Community Services (Disability,
Employment)Certificate 4 in Community Services (Disability,
Residential)Certificate 4 in Community Services (Youth, Child
and Family)Certificate 4 in Computer SystemsCertificate 4 in ElectricalCertificate 4 in ElectronicsCertificate 4 in Engineering (Technician
Traineeship)Certificate 4 in Laboratory Technology (Biological
Sciences)Certificate 4 in Occupational Health and Safety
Certificate 4 in Printing TechnologyCertificate 4 in Public Administration
(Administration Service Officer)Certificate 4 in Public Administration (Technical
Officer)Certificate 4 in Transport (Master Class 4)
Course in Engineering (Post-Trade)
Diploma of Applied Science (Conservation andEcology)
Diploma of Applied Science (EnvironmentalTechnology)
Diploma of Applied Science (Medical LaboratoryTechnology)
Diploma of Arts (Applied Photography)Diploma of Arts (Furniture Design)Diploma of Audiovisual TechnologyDiploma of BuildingDiploma of Building Design and DraftingDiploma of Building SurveyingDiploma of Business (Conveyancing Practice)Diploma of Business (International Trade)Diploma of Business (Legal Practice)Diploma of Computer SystemsDiploma of ElectricalDiploma of ElectronicsDiploma of EngineeringDiploma of Occupational Health and SafetyDiploma of Printing ManagementDiploma of Public Administration (Administration
Service Officer)Diploma of Public Administration (Technical
Officer)
Associate Diploma of Business (PublicAdministration)
Advanced Diploma in Building Construction(Penang campus)
Advanced Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality(Penang campus)
Advanced Diploma of Building DesignAdvanced Diploma of Business (Advertising)Advanced Diploma of Business (Conveyancing
Practice)
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Advanced Diploma of Business (InformationManagement) (Penang campus)
Advanced Diploma of Business (InternationalTrade)
Advanced Diploma of Business (Legal Practice)Advanced Diploma of Business (Operations
Management) (Penang campus)Advanced Diploma of Business (Public Relations)Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Civil
Engineering) (Penang campus)Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Electronics and
Computing) (Penang campus)Advanced Diploma of Engineering
(Manufacturing) (Penang campus)Advanced Diploma of Marine Transport
Bachelor of Applied ScienceBachelor of Applied Science (Hospitality
Management)Bachelor of Applied Science (Software
Engineering)Bachelor of Applied Science (Textile Technology)Bachelor of Applied Science (Tourism Management)Bachelor of Social Science
Bachelor of Applied Science (Computer Science)with Advanced Certificate in Management Skills
Bachelor of Applied Science (Computer Science)with Bachelor of Applied Science (Geomatics)
Bachelor of Applied Science (ManufacturingSystems) with Bachelor of Applied Science(Computer Science)
Bachelor of Engineering (Communication) withBachelor of Applied Science (Computer Science)
Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Systems) withBachelor of Business (Business Administration)
Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) withBachelor of Business (Business Administration)
Bachelor of Engineering (Electronic) withBachelor of Applied Science (Computer Science)
Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) withBachelor of Business (Business Administration)
Bachelor of Engineering (Metallurgical) withBachelor of Business (Business Administration)
Bachelor of Engineering (Polymer) with Bachelorof Business (Business Administration)
Bachelor of Applied Science (EnvironmentalScience) (Honours)
Bachelor of Nursing (Honours)
Graduate Certificate in Document ManagementGraduate Certificate in Early Childhood TeachingGraduate Certificate in Electronic EngineeringGraduate Certificate in Teaching English for
Speakers of Other LanguagesGraduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching and
LearningGraduate Certificate in Vocational Education and
Training
Graduate Diploma in Document ManagementGraduate Diploma in Early Childhood EducationGraduate Diploma in Early Childhood TeachingGraduate Diploma in Early Childhood (Primary)Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood (Secondary)Graduate Diploma in Electronic EngineeringGraduate Diploma in Teaching English for Speakers
of Other LanguagesGraduate Diploma in Tertiary Teaching and
LearningGraduate Diploma in Vocational Education and
Training
Master of Engineering (Electronic)Master of MidwiferyMaster of Technology (Computing)
Credit transfer and articulationBy the end of 1996, there were eighty-one separate formal agreements in place for articulationbetween cognate higher education and VET courses at RMIT, compared with sixty-nine in 1995. Thenumber of formal agreements in place is not measurable for 1997, though it is expected to bemeasurable in 1998.
ANNUAL REPORT 1997
63
Industry-funded trainingRMIT University provides public and customised short courses and skills up-grades for industry inAustralia and overseas totalling $1.2 million in 1997. The university was highly successful in bids fortendered training, research and curriculum development projects. Key clients included governmentagencies such as the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA), the Office of Technical and FurtherEducation (OTFE) and the Department of Justice; educational organisations such as the AustralianCatholic Education Office and the Victorian Principals Association; and over a hundred companiesincluding BHP, Ford, Ericsson and Kemcor.
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Freedom of informationDuring 1997 five requests were received for information under the Freedom of Information Act 1992.
Access granted in full 3
Access granted in part 2
Access denied Nil
Total 5
Categories of document
The university preserves subject files, personnel files, computer records and archival material.
Subject files
The university's Central Registry filing system contains policy and procedural files arranged bysubject. A decentralised system in the TAFE sector, under a centralised classification systemwith local control, also contains policy and procedural files arranged by subject. Local filingsystems in some faculties and departments and administrative units contain local workingsubject files.
Personnel files
A file for each member of staff, documenting her or his relationship with the university, is heldby the Human Resources Management Group. A file for each student, documenting thestudent's relationship with the university, is held by Student Administration (HigherEducation) or Student Administration (TAFE). Local staff and student files, while notduplicating documents held centrally, are held in relevant academic and administrativesections.
Computer records
Information concerning university administrative functions is held by the Resources Divisionon the database, and supplements the information held in hard copy series.
Archival material
Large numbers of documents dating from the founding of the organisation are preserved inthe university archives.
Material prepared by the university under Part 2 of the FOI Act
Published material (guides, procedures etc.) together with a copy of the university's Part 2 statementmay be inspected at Academic Administration Services on the city campus. Copies of Part 2 statementsmay be bought from that address for $0.20.
ANNUAL REPORT 1997
65
Application procedure
An application under the Freedom of Information Act should be made in writing to:
Freedom of Information OfficerRMIT UniversityGPO Box 2476VMELBOURNE VIC 3001
Documents to which access is granted may be inspected between 8-30 a.m. and 5-30 p.m. Monday toFriday. The freedom of information officer is John Lambrick, e-mail <[email protected]>.
Employee relationsThe university successfully completed negotiations for two enterprise agreements during 1997. Theagreement covering academic and general (PACCT) staff provides a cumulative 12 percent salaryincrease from May 1997 to January 1999. The agreement contains numerous initiatives that willincrease flexibility and efficiency such as introduction of annual work plans, streamlined redundancyprovisions and rationalised leave arrangements. A new agreement covering trade and related staff isexpected to be certified in early 1998 and is essentially identical to the academic and general (PACCT)staff agreement.
Occupational health and safety
In 1997 there were 1,734.50 days lost due toindustrial disputes and workers' compensationaccidents.
During the year 265 work-placeinjuries/incidents were reported, with sixty-sixnew WorkCover claims lodged as a result. Ofthe new claims, thirty-six involved no time lostfrom work. For the second consecutive year, anincrease in stress claims accounted for thehighest proportion of time lost.
A routine inspection by the VictorianWorkCover Authority in October 1997highlighted the need for continualimprovement in the quality of the workenvironment and compliance with health andsafety legislation. The university will continueto co-operate with the WorkCover Authority inan effort to make RMIT University a safer placefor staff, students and visitors.
Equal employment opportunity
In 1997 the RMIT Council adopted an equalopportunity policy and a revised sexualharassment policy which will come intooperation on 1 January 1998. These policiesreflect RMIT’s commitment to equalopportunity and freedom from all forms ofdiscrimination in employment and education.The equal opportunity policy sets out thirteengrounds of discrimination which reflect stateand federal anti-discrimination laws. Bothpolicies are designed around quality principlesand will be reviewed after twelve months ofoperation.
RMIT University's 1997 report to the federalgovernment's Affirmative Action Agencyreceived a rating of three out of five.
During 1997 the Equal Opportunity Branch ofthe Human Resources Management Groupexpanded its role to include providing advice,training and research in matters involving sexdiscrimination, sexual harassment and
66
affirmative action. The branch held seminars onwork and family, aiming to make the RMITUniversity work-place more 'family-friendly'.The affirmative action advisory committee wasrestructured and a new committee wasestablished to redraft the affirmative action
plan for 1998, focusing on cultural changethroughout the university and careeradvancement for women. A brochure outliningRMIT University staffing profiles by gender wasdistributed widely throughout the university.
Total staff: full time equivalent in March 1997
Total Female % female Change from 1996
Academic 990 324 33 -1%
Teaching 435 117 27 +2%
General 1,401 817 58 +1%
Executive 117 24 20 +2%
Total 2,943 1,281 43 +1%
While numbers of women have increased in the executive service, their representation amongacademic staff has dropped 1.3 percent. The total number of staff has dropped by 58 academic and81 general staff.
ANNUAL REPORT 1997
67
Women in management 1996-97
Category 1996 total 1997 total Number of women1997
% women Increase since 1996
Executive service 115 118 24 20% +2%
Organisationalchart February 1997
42 45 10 22% +8%
Professoriate 69 78 13 17% +8%
Associate professor 115 101 28 28% +2%
Head of department(higher educationsector)
50 47 8 17% *
Head of department(VET sector)
24 22 5 23% +11%
Six largest groups,38+ staff
6 6 2 33%
Executive service = Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Dean, Deputy Dean, Head ofDepartment, Director* One female head of department was on leaveTotal number of associate professors is down by 14 from 1996 due largely to promotion and voluntarydeparture packages. There was an increase in female managers in the VET sector.
Academic staff by gender and level, 1997
Level A Level B Level C Level D Level E
Female 43% 37% 28% 27% 16%
Male 57% 63% 72% 73% 84%
Academic promotions
Of the 144 academics who applied for promotion this year, thirty-nine (27 percent) were female. Whilethis is an increase on previous academic promotion rounds, it is still short of the total proportion offemale academics (33 percent).
In 1993, women were 18 percent of those promoted. In 1995 women were 26 percent of applicants and 51percent of those promoted.
General staff by HEW level and gender, 1997
Level HEW 2 HEW 3 HEW4 HEW5 HEW6 HEW7 HEW8 HEW9 HEW10
Female 17% 75% 73% 67% 52% 44% 36% 51% 23%
Male 83% 25% 27% 33% 48% 56% 64% 49% 77%
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Earnings of general staff 1997
Technical <$30,000 Administration<$30,000
Technical >$40,000 Administration>$40,000
Female 51% 87% 0 41%
Male 49% 13% 100% 59%
Classification and number of staff
Number of people Full time equivalent
June 1995 June 1996 June 1997 June 1995 June 1996 June 1997
Academic 1,047 1,128 1,052 991.70 1,064.79 989.66
Teaching 467 475 486 433.34 433.40 439.42
General 1,619 1,707 1,636 1,520.47 1,613.47 1,544.44
Total 3,133 3,310 3,174 2,945.51 3,111.66 2,973.52
Additional information available on requestConsistent with the requirements of the Financial Management Act 1994, RMIT has prepared materialon the following items, details of which are available on request:
• declarations of pecuniary interest;
• shares held beneficially by senior officers as nominees of a statutory authority or subsidiary;
• changes in prices, fees, charges, rates and levies;
• major external reviews;
• major research and development activities;
• overseas visits undertaken;
• corporate publications;
• consultancies;
• and the RMIT University annual report.
Enquiries about these materials should be addressed to:
RegistrarRoyal Melbourne Institute of TechnologyGPO Box 2476VMelbourne Vic 3001
70
Compliance index to disclosure requirementsThe annual report of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology is prepared in accordance with theFinancial Management Act 1994 and the Directions of the Minister for Finance. This index has beenprepared to facilitate identification of compliance with statutory disclosure requirements.
In the list below:
TEA = Tertiary Education Act 1993
PE(EEO)A = Public Authorities (Equal Employment Opportunity) Act 1990
MFD = Directions of the Minister for Finance issued under section 8 of the Financial Management Act
Clause Disclosure Page
Report of operations
MFD 9.1.2(ii) Signature and date of report 1
MFD 9.1.3(i)(a) Manner in which the institute was established 4
MFD 9.1.3(i)(a) Relevant Minister 1
MFD 9.1.3(i)(b) Objectives, functions, powers and duties 12
MFD9.1.3(i)(c) Nature and range of services 4
MFD 9.1.3 (i)(d) Administrative structure 13
MFD9.1.3(i) Members of council and director 15-16
MFD 9.1.3(ii) Senior officers 18, 20, 30, 36, 38
MFD 9.1.3(iii) Organisational chart 13
MFD 9.1.3(i)(e) Work-force data, merit and equity 46-48
MFD 9.1.3(i)(f) Freedom of information 45
MFD 9.1.3(ii)(c) Operational objectives 40
MFD 9.1.3(ii)(d) Factors affecting achievement of operational objectives 40
MFD 9.1.3(ii)(h) Compliance with Building Act 1993 31
MFD 9.1.3(ii)(i) Additional information available on request 48
MFD 9.1.3(iv)(a) Declarations of pecuniary interests 15
MFD 9.1.3(iv)(b) Shares held by senior officers 48
MFD 9.1.3(iv)(c) Publications 30
MFD 9.1.3(iv)(d) Changes in prices, fees, charges, rates and levies 48
MFD 9.1.3(iv)(e) Major external reviews 48
MFD 9.1.3(iv)(f) Major research and development activities 36
MFD 9.1.3(iv)(g) Overseas visits 48
MFD 9.1.3(iv)(h) Promotional activities 4-12
MFD 9.1.3(iv)(i) Occupational health and safety 32, 46
ANNUAL REPORT 1997
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MFD 9.1.3(iv)(k) Major committees 17
s.3(a), s.11 PA(EEO)A Equal employment opportunity 46-47
MFD 9.4.2(i) Names of councillors 15-16
72
Clause Disclosure Page
Statutory accounts
MFD 9.1.3(ii)(a) Summary of financial results 4
MFD 9.1.3(ii)(b) Significant changes in financial position 4
MFD 9.1.3(ii)(e) Events subsequent to balance date 27
s.12I TEA Compulsory non-academic fees 36
MFD 9.2.2(i)(a) Statement of financial operations 4
MFD 9.2.2(i)(b) Financial position at year end 5
MFD 9.2.2(i)(c) Cash flows 6
MFD 9.2.2(i)(d) Notes to financial statements 7-36
MFD 9.2.2(i)(e) Consolidated financial statements 4-6
MFD 9.2.2(ii) Accounting policies and compliance with standards 7
MFD 9.2.2(iii) Rounding of amounts 7
MFD 9.2.2(vi) Statement by president of Council, Vice-Chancellor andprincipal accounting officer
2
MFD 9.2.3(ii)(a) Operating revenue 4
MFD 9.2.3(ii)(b) Investment income 4, 12
MFD 9.2.3(ii)(c) Revenue from assets 4, 12
MFD 9.2.3(ii)(d) Exchanges of goods or services 4
MFD 9.2.3(ii)(e) Depreciation, amortisation, dimunition 4,14
MFD 9.2.3(ii)(f) Bad and doubtful debts 15
MFD 9.2.3(ii)(g) Financing costs 14
MFD 9.2.3(ii)(h) Revaluation of assets 22
MFD 9.2.3(ii)(i) Auditor's fees 14
MFD 9.2.3(ii)(j) Emoluments of Council 15
MFD 9.2.3(iii) Assets, liabilities, capital, reserves and transfers 5
MFD 9.2.3(iv)(a) Secured liabilities 24
MFD 9.2.3(iv)(b) Contingent liabilities 23
MFD 9.2.3(iv)(c) Expenditure commitments 23
MFD 9.2.3(iv)(d) Government grants 10
MFD 9.2.3(iv)(e) Employee superannuation 26
MFD 9.4.2 Councillors' remuneration, loans, superannuation, shares 15-16
ANNUAL REPORT 1997
S t a t u t o r y a c c o u n t s
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