The meeting had a relatively small agenda and was short. Most of the business was routine - regular reports, confirmation of senior academic appointments, approval of recommendations for honorary degrees, etc.
Concern was expressed by one member at the way in which the review of Student Support Services is being implemented. There was a fear that the reclassification of a number of counsellor positions from HEW8 to HEW7 would lead to less one-on-one counselling and that some of the load would fall back to unqualified staff in the Schools, Faculties and Divisions.
The Secretary and Registrar responded that the changes were considered ones that took account of (alleged) best practice observed overseas and elsewhere in Australia. A Change Management Committee was about to get underway in accordance with the General Staff Enterprise Agreement, and had not received many submissions, said Mr Porter.
The Senate member asked how and when the University would review the success of the changes. Mr Porter responded that the EA provided for a review 6 months or so after implementation.
