Dear Colleagues,

With apologies for this Update being late, here is a summary of matters that are currently being discussed or considered at Executive meetings, noting that because of various absences, there have not been as many regular Exec meetings in recent weeks.

• The main item of discussion over the past few meetings was planning for the Retreat which was held on Wednesday 2 November.  We have met to look at the composition of a working group that will look into the details of the two options that were being discussed at the end of the Retreat.  More details to come soon.
• Work with the University’s Finance Office, and with the Executive Director, Administration and Planning (EDAP) on a clear understanding of our financial situation has continued.
• Plans for the renovation of the Law Building have now been cleared by the Campus Development Committee (and its Design Review Sub-Committee), and final costings are now being prepared for submission to EDAP for approval by the University Executive.
• Planning is underway for an end-of-year review of the JDO on 8-9 December.
• Changes to ERA 18 – we will have to report on open access publications and no longer have to report on ‘esteem measures’.

Finally, Don Rothwell and I will be in Wellington (NZ) next Monday/Tuesday, as part of an ANU visit, to continue conversations with Victoria University Wellington about the possibility of exchange connections.  Miriam Gani has accepted the job of Acting Dean over those two days – be kind to her.

Regards, Stephen