Council News – 30 September 2016

Philanthropy

The strategic focus of the September meeting of the Council was on philanthropy, and the 2016 ANU Advancement Plan. Priorities for the year have focussed on:

1 - Developing a compelling, concise and distinctive Case for Support for ANU, ensuring that the University's fundraising objectives and priorities align with the new strategic plan.

2 - Strengthening the gift pipeline in collaboration with Colleges and Research Schools to enable the University to increase the number of prospective donors at all levels of potential gift.

3 - Enhancing Advancement infrastructure, expertise and resources by implementing structural changes within the Alumni Relations and Philanthropy team and across ANU, to build a motivated workforce, extend capability and capacity, improve coordination and strengthen reporting.

4 - Cementing Academic and Volunteer Confidence and Buy-In by identifying and working with the academic leadership and champions within ANU to support the fundraising and engagement effort.

5 - Enhancing Alumni and Stakeholder Engagement, following the merger of the alumni and donor relations teams, and adopting new ways of systematically engaging with our alumni.

6 - Embedding the Philanthropic Voice with a focus on donor relations, ensuring that resource effort and activity is spread across campus and moves the University towards the model of a 'philanthropic university'.

Student accommodation transaction

The Council received an update on the transition to the new 30-year concession agreement with Morrison and Co over nine student residences, which was entered into in July. The long-term arrangement ensures the University retains ownership of the residences and continued responsibility for student accommodation operations, but will give the University the opportunity to upgrade and improve its student accommodation, and will help meet the strong demand for student accommodation on campus. The University is currently focused on ensuring a smooth transition into the new arrangements, with planning underway for the provision of hard facilities maintenance services and to start the initial works program.

Union Court redevelopment

The Council received further updates on the revitalisation of Union Court and University Avenue. Following Council's approval of the project back in April, the project has now entered Phase 6 - which requires development of an Investment Proposal for the project.  This Phase will enable the project team to focus on further design refinement; development of the 'Pop-up Village' (for the construction period); detailed project budgets and investment plans, construction approach, and finalising the selection of signature projects for the precinct.

The University has selected the architectural team who will begin the design documentation. The design briefs for each of the nine major elements of the redevelopment have been progressed by the design working groups (comprised of ANU community representatives), and are currently being finalised.

ANU Students' Association Constitution

The Council has approved changes to the ANU Students' Association constitution, as approved by a meeting of the undergraduate students, held on 23 September 2016. The key changes include:

• Separation of the election of the Undergraduate Member of Council and the ANUSA President, to achieve the recommendations of the 2014 Walker Review.
• Introduction of an Ethnocultural Department, a body charged with supporting and furthering the interests of students of colour.
• Clarification of the capacity of the Association to revoke membership rights.
• Introduction of a Student Club Council to replace the existing Grants & Affiliation Committee (GAC).

Professor the Hon Gareth Evans AC QC

Chancellor