Council News – Meeting: 6 December 2024
Council News
Meeting 8/2024
6 December
Council held its 8th meeting of 2024 in person in the RC Mills Room, Chancelry.
Council Membership
Council welcomed Will Burfoot and Brenna Barker-Lamb as the incoming undergraduate and postgraduate student members respectively, attending their first formal meeting.
Council noted the departure of Professor Sarah Pearson, recently appointed as Chancellor of the University of New England and recorded their appreciation for her term on Council.
Chancellor’s Report
Council noted the Chancellor’s report, which included an update on attendance at the annual Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor awards ceremony, chairing the University’s Honorary Committee and planned work with the Nominations Committee to address upcoming vacancies on the Council. The Chancellor thanked Council for their work throughout 2024.
Vice-Chancellor’s Report
Council noted a report from the Vice-Chancellor. This included a new PDR process being rolled out across the University, Senate Estimates appearances, consideration of the potential impact of ESOS legislation, recent engagement work in the Northern Territory and engagement with Indigenous Australians in Western Sydney. The VC emphasised a focus on staff wellbeing as a key priority during Renew ANU. The VC also provided an update on the building naming project announced on International Women’s Day.
2025 Budget
Council approved a draft 2025 Budget and Forward Estimates for 2026 ahead of budget finalisation in February 2025. Council discussed the restrictions in place on some of the University’s assets that prevent their use to alleviate current budget pressures (e.g. insurance and investments).
Socially Responsible Investment Positive Screens
Council was provided with an update on efforts to develop positive investment screens as per the recently announced implementation changes to the Socially Responsible Investment policy. While developing positive screen has been challenging the University is confident that their implementation will not adversely impact investment performance.
Student Safety and Wellbeing
Council received an update on the work of the Student Safety & Wellbeing Committee. Council discussed the provided Dashboard of relevant safety trends and requested additional information on how Affiliated Residential Colleges are participating in student safety focused activities.
Corporate Plan Framework
Council noted the proposed framework and ongoing efforts to develop the 2025-28 Corporate Plan, a requirement of the PGPA Act. Council supported the framework and positively noted the frameworks enhanced approach to accountability and verifiable measures and KPIs.
Next Meeting
Council next meets on Friday 14 February 2025.
