These included policy changes, reports from Senate committees,update on workplace culture at UQ.
The budget for 2016 is looking healthy. Notably the document points out that productivity has increased and is reflected in the growth in student numbers from 41,000 in 2009 to 51,000 in 2015 (24% increase) and greowth in annual revenues from $1.158b to $1.665b (44% increase), while the FTE staff increase has been only 7.5%.
Rising productivity is good, but there is a limit. The student experience can suffer if student-to-staff ratios get too crazy.
A sizeable sum is budgeted for 2016 for the Enhancing Systems and Services intitiative, with 'savings' anticipated beyond that.
It was good to get an annual report from this committee. Despite a reduction in the resourcing of equity and diversity in UQ, some good work continues to be done, particularly in the areas of disability and gender equity. Progress in the LGBTI inclusiveness area has slipped, as has staff training in equity and diversity. There are plans to address these areas in 2016.
A progress report was given. I asked a question about the Group's proposed changes to the procedures for the Review of Schools and Academic Disciplines, as it is important that the independence of reviews is maintained and that the way they are conducted is not overly influenced by one or an handful of senior executives. The President of the Academic Board replied that the proposed changes are procedural rather than policy-related. A watch will be maintained.
Being the final meeting of the year, a dinner at Customs House followed, with tributes to the outgoing Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer.
