Monash University
Student Experience Network
Meeting 3/2011 held on Friday,
9 September 2011 from 10.00am – 12.00pm, in the Council Room, Building 3A,
Clayton campus.
UNCONFIRMED MINUTES 3/2011
1.
Apologies and Attendance
1.1 Apologies were received from: Christina Branton, David Brodrick,
Jodie Burgess, Janette Burke, Adrian Devey, Kate Duyvestyn, Helen
Fletcher-Kennedy, Kay Gardner, Nicola Giarratana, Sidney Hoffman, Terry
Hogan, Julie Marriott, Vicki Nash, Robert Nelson, Kathleen O’Brien, Alison
Richardson,
Imogen Sturni, Elizabeth Yuriev
1.2 In attendance were: David Copolov (Co-Chair), Gerard Toohey (CoChair), Marion Anderson, Heidi Binghay, David Booth, Max Delany, Therese
Dennis,
Rod Devenish, Judy Duffy, Helen Dunne, Jill Falkland, Alison Glasgow,
Mark Hatwell, Andreia Marques, Thomas Perry, Vladimir Prpich, Kathy
Racunica, Alan Scarlett, Matthew Sheldon-Collins, Lisa Smith, Marcus
Spencer, Laura Swift, Peter Tregear, Sally Trembath, Yvonne Virsik
2.
Confirmation of minutes meeting 1/2011
The Minutes of SEN meeting 2/2011 held on 20 May, 2011 were confirmed. It
was noted that the Gippsland Campus Student Experience Network report
had been forwarded to the Secretary but were not included in the minutes
[copy attached].
3.
Matters Arising
There were no matters arising from the Minutes.
4.
Chairs’ Report
Professor Copolov welcomed attendees and noted that the main focus of the
meeting would be on visual and performing arts.
Since the last meeting, Open Days have been held across all Australian
campuses with approximately 45,000 parents and potential students visiting
Monash. Professor Copolov thanked all those involved and reported that the
Vice-Chancellor and senior management were pleased with the event overall,
and specifically the welcoming attitude displayed by all staff.
It was noted there were more fun activities at Clayton campus this year
compared to other years, and this should continue in future. It was also
suggested that a printed guide of available activities be accessible, however
most campuses do have these, and it was recommended that this be
consistent across all campuses.
Professor Copolov reported on the most recent Student Experience Forum
Student Experience Network 03/2011
SEN Gippsland
Report 24 May 2011.docx
meeting, which is now primarily focussing on
 Student communication
 First year transition issues
 International students
 Postgraduate students
 Infrastructure (via the MasterPlan)
Mr Gerard Toohey has commissioned a report that will be presented to senior
management concerning governance and technical recommendations to
enhance student communications at Monash, and which will improve the
student experience. Gerard confirmed that a great deal of communication
occurs between the university and students however there is no coordinated
approach and an understanding is required of how messages and events can
be communicated more effectively.
5.
The Visual and Performing Arts and the Student Experience
5.1 MUMA: Monash University Museum of Art
Professor David Copolov introduced Mr Max Delany – Director, MUMA, to the
meeting. Mr Delany has been the Director of MUMA since 2004 and has been
directly involved in the recent establishment of MUMA on the Caulfield
campus, having relocated from Clayton campus. MUMA supports the
development of contemporary Australian artists and has grown from being a
departmental gallery within the Faculty of Arts to becoming a noted resource
for purpose built exhibitions, collections and public programs. MUMA has an
important history of exhibitions, including ecological and environmental topics.
A variety of public programs and events provide opportunities for the
community to engage with artists and generates creative partnerships with
other cultural institutions. Network members and staff are encouraged to
subscribe to the MUMA mailing list:
http://www.monash.edu.au/muma/subscribe/
5.2 Academy of Performing Arts
Dr Peter Tregear, Executive Director of the Academy of Performing Arts
provided an overview of MAPA, and confirmed that over 300,000 members of
the public, including schools and current students, visit the major venues
(Robert Blackwood Hall, Alexander Theatre and George Jenkins Theatre)
over any given year. The MAPA Statement of Purpose states that “Monash
University believes that a great University campus is a place where –
alongside and as part of world-leading teaching and research – students, staff
and the wider community can experience, enjoy, and reflect upon the
traditions and practices that create and sustain our cultural life.” Dr Tregear
believes that the ability of producing high class student theatre encourages
the best and most ambitious students to apply to Monash, as not only is
teaching of the highest standard, but also art and cultural activities. There are
current issues with central hiring charges being so high, however it is
anticipated that this will be addressed at senior management meetings.
5.3 Monash University Student Theatre (M.U.S.T.)
Ms Yvonne Virsik, Artistic Director of the Monash University Student Theatre,
spoke enthusiastically about the Theatre’s mission, which is to create
challenging and entertaining theatre for students, by students and the external
public. Ms Virsik stated that Monash was unique in that shows produced are
completely instigated and performed by students, primarily in the small venue
within the Campus Centre, which seats approximately 60. Students involved
also take responsibility for each other and mentor each other, which results in
marked increase in confidence. The students are involved in Orientation
Week activities, providing relevant University information in a fun and
alternative manner. There are current issues with the cost of hiring rehearsal
rooms, however it was noted that a new agreement is being considered where
Student Experience Network 03/2011
centrally controlled venues being used for university activities will be exempt
from charge. There are some complications however and the agreement is
not completely finalised at this stage.
6.
Library User Survey 2011
Ms Heidi Binghay (Communications Manager) and Ms Lisa Smith (Client
Services) from the Library presented statistics relating to the recent library
survey undertaken in conjunction with other Australian libraries. The figures
presented showed sector-wide performance improvements over the last three
years and identified a number of gaps for improvement opportunities, the
majority regarding existing facilities and resources in the libraries. The overall
action plan for improvement includes:
 Computer availability
 Quiet study space
 Ease of catalogue use
 Laptop facilities
 Opening hours
Campus Managers raised the possibility of 24 hour library access, particularly
with the overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding the new learning spaces
which have been established on a number of campuses, however it was noted
that this would create issues such as security, safety and general campus life.
Appendix 1
It was acknowledged that libraries on all campuses are lacking in space, some
seriously, but it was noted that this is being addressed in each campus
MasterPlan.
7.
Campus Student Experience Network Reports (CSENs)
Professor Copolov invited campus reports from Student Association
Presidents and Campus Managers:
 Parkville – Andreia Marques reported that space was a key issue on
the campus and that clubs and student associations have been
working together and setting up working bees to undertake some
physical activities to create some space, including 24 hour study
spaces. It was noted that students are also currently focusing on
strengthening student ambassador and mentor programs on campus.
 Caulfield – Helen Dunne reported that Student Rights are targeting a
number of units regarding exam cheating. The primary issue of the
campus however is also space, and the severe overcrowding in the
library. There are current plans to make extra study spaces and more
computers available to students as soon as possible. While a
temporary space will be set up before Semester 2 exams commence,
a large, permanent space will be available in early 2012.
 Berwick and Peninsula – Kathy Racunica reported that timetabling is
a big issue at Berwick at the moment, in light of new units and extra
students on campus from 2012. Berwick will use the opportunity of
growth to enhance the student experience and retain students on
campus. A new, centrally funded super-clinic is opening on campus
and there are a number of positive community and school
engagement initiatives.
 Gippsland – Alan Scarlett reported that the key campus issue is
surrounding student placement sites, particularly where there is added
pressure for students to juggle part-time work and the placements are
not easily accessible. This is also related to continuing issues with
the lack of public transport. Communication with students is also an
issue, with many students emphasising their concern with information
overload. First year students particularly are being encouraged to
check all emails. A working party has been established to investigate
Student Experience Network 03/2011
Appendix 2
increasing student retention. It was noted that security incidents are
down markedly. It was also noted that Monash Sport have
established a 6 week swimming program, running three times per
week and free of charge in conjunction with the local community
centre, and this has been very successful.
8.
Other Business
There is concern with the recent closure of the Co-Op Bookshop, particularly
from students who have left books there for sale but which are now unable to
be returned in order for them to sell elsewhere before they are out of date. Mr
Marcus Spencer will address this issue with Steve Pollard (Director, Finance &
Business Services).
9.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Friday, 25 November from 10.00am to
12.00pm in the Council Room, 1st Floor, Building 3A, Clayton campus.
Student Experience Network 03/2011
APPENDICES
Appendix 1
Item 6 – Library User Survey 2011
Library user survey
2011-SEN.pptx
Appendix 2
Item 7 – Campus Student Experience Network Reports (CSENs)
Berwick
CSEN3-11.docx
Caulfield
CSEN3-11.doc
Gippsland
CSEN3-11.docx
Peninsula
CSEN3-11.doc
Student Experience Network 03/2011