Constitution of the centre
Approved by Academic Board
14 September 2011
PREAMBLE
The Centre for Dialogue was established by Academic Board in September 2005. Its overarching mission is to examine the scope and limitations of the theory and method of dialogue as a response to the tensions that periodically characterize relations between different communities, cultures, religions, nations and civilizations.
While pursuing both pure and applied research, the Centre is concerned to maximize the social impact of its research, as reflected in education-centred and training programs, policy development, and inter-cultural dialogues.
The Centre’s research examines the relevance of dialogue for: a) education, citizenship, social cohesion, and world order; b) the contentious relationship between Islam and the West; c) Australia’s engagement with Asia; and d) interethnic conflict in local, national and international settings where religion and culture play an important role. Geographically, the Centre’s research focuses on Australia and three major regions: Europe, the Middle East and Asia. In developing the thematic and geographical focus of its research programme the Centre seeks to harness the expertise not only of Centre staff but also of other University staff whose areas of research are germane to the Centre’s aims. A high priority is also attached to developing research partnerships with other Australian and international academic institutions as well as with governments, international agencies and community organisations.
The Centre for Dialogue is a University Centre. While its work is most closely aligned with the research interests of the Faculty or Humanities and Social Sciences, it also pursues active collaboration with staff in three other faculties: Law and Management; Education; and Health Sciences as well as with other parts of the University, including La Trobe International, the Centre for China Studies, the Equality and Diversity Centre, Alumni and Advancement, and Media and Communications.
The Centre is affiliated with the Institute for Human security. Although the research of the Centre is planned, managed, funded and reported through its own structure and processes as outlined in this Constitution, the Centre seeks to develop cooperative arrangements with the Institute and its other affiliates, and to foster, wherever possible, joint research projects and activities in areas where research interests and expertise converge or complement each other.
Oversight of the Centre is located in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, specifically with the Dean of the Faculty.
1 Interpretation
“Academic Board” means the Academic Board of the University.
“Advisory Committee” means the governing body of the Centre referred to in clause 4 of this Constitution.
“Centre” means Centre for Dialogue
“Dean” means the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
“Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)” means the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) of the University.
“Director” means the person appointed pursuant to clause 5 of this Constitution.
“Executive Committee” means the committee referred to in clause 5 of this Constitution
“Faculty” means the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
“Members” means the foundation members nominated in this Constitution and any individuals subsequently admitted to membership by the Dean or Academic Board.
“University” means La Trobe University.
“Vice-Chancellor” means the Vice-Chancellor of the University.
2 Statement of aims
2.1 The aims of the Centre are:
(1) To significantly expand the scope for pure and applied research of international standing that addresses the challenges of and opportunities for dialogue presented by cultural, religious and political diversity – locally, nationally and internationally;
(2) To build upon the University’s research expertise in such fields as Politics and International Relations, International Law, Australian Studies, Asian Studies, European Studies, Political Economy, Cultural and Religious Studies, Media Studies, Public Health and Education;
(3) To forge partnerships, including exchanges and collaborative projects, with leading research institutions in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America;
(4) To develop a supportive environment for visiting fellowships and postgraduate research, including more extensive use of scholarship opportunities and other awards;
(5) To maximize the social impact of research by designing courses that advance cultural literacy in the community and conducting consultations, policy briefings, evaluations and other services for government (local, State and Federal), educational institutions, religious and community organisations, media, the professions, industry, philanthropy, and international organisations;
(6) To do all such things as are incidental to the attainment of the above aims.
3 Structure of the centre
The structure of the Centre will be as set out in this Constitution.
4 Advisory board
4.1 The Advisory Board will be strictly bound to conduct itself according to the provisions of this Constitution always subject to the existing legislation, policies and procedures of the University.
4.2 Without limiting clause 4.1, the Advisory Board will assist the Director, Dean and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) by:
(1) advising on policy and strategy to meet the aims of the Centre;
(2) participating in the appointment and advising on the administration of the Director;
(3) advising, and assisting in reporting, on the management of Centre resources
(4) identifying potential new sources of funding for the Centre;
(5) receiving and endorsing the annual report of the Centre and submitting it to the Academic Board through the Dean and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research).
4.3 Subject to clause 4.1 the Advisory Board will conduct its own proceedings and may hold meetings at two or more venues using any technology that allows all members of the Advisory Board at the meeting an opportunity to participate therein.
4.4 Membership of the Advisory Board will be as follows.
(1) The Director
(2) The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) or nominee
(3) The Dean or nominee
(4) Up to 5 other members of staff or students of the University (at least one of the members will be elected by the student members and Centre staff on fixed term appointments), and
(5) Up to 14 people who are not members of staff and will be appointed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) on the recommendation of the Director and Dean.
(6) The Chairperson will be appointed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) on advice from the Advisory Board.
4.5 The Advisory Board will submit an Annual Report to the Academic Board via the Dean and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) on the operations of the Centre for the previous calendar year. The annual report will be submitted each year by the date given in the Procedure for Annual Operational Report – Research Centres and will include a financial statement of funds received and expended.
4.6 The term of membership for each Board Member will be initially two years, but the term may be extended for another two years.
4.7 The Advisory Board will be accountable to and report to the Academic Board through the Dean and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research).
4.8 The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) shall have the power to terminate the appointment of a member of the Advisory Board where the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) considers it necessary and in the interests of the Centre.
5 Director and executive committee
5.1 The management of the Centre will be assisted by an Executive Committee comprising:
(1) Chairperson
(2) The Director
(3) The Deputy Director
(4) At least two other members of academic staff
(5) at least one representative from Centre staff with fixed term appointments and Student Members
5.2 The membership of the Executive Committee will be determined by the Dean on advice from the Director.
5.3 The Director will be accountable to the Dean and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research). The Dean will be the supervisor of the Director unless otherwise indicated at appointment.
5.4 The Director will be appointed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) on advice from the Dean and the Advisory Board.
5.5 The Director, advised by the Executive Committee, will be responsible to the Dean for the overall financial and academic administration of the Centre and for the day to day activities of the Centre in accordance with the legislation, policies and procedures of the University and the academic and research objectives of the University. The Director will be responsible to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) via the Dean for planning, reporting and the fulfilment of the objectives and plans of the Centre.
5.6 Without limiting clause 5.5, the Executive Committee will assist the Director in:
5.6.1 managing the day to day functioning and administration of the Centre;
5.6.2 administering the funds available to the Centre;
5.6.3 preparing the Annual Report of the Centre and other relevant reports.
5.7 The Director may delegate any power, function or authority pertaining to the operation of the Centre to an appropriately qualified person or committee but may not delegate his/her power of delegation.
6. Financing
6.1 Finance for the Centre will derive either from funds available to the Faculty or University or from outside sources such as private, corporate or philanthropic bodies and government bodies or agencies as well as donations.
6.2 The financial management of the Centre will be governed and controlled by the legislation, policies and procedures of the University.
6.3 Any variation of financial procedures will be subject to and conditional upon the approval of the Vice-Chancellor.
7. Membership
7.1 Ordinary Members
Members of staff of the University who are engaged in research or community outreach in areas related to the aims of the Centre may apply in writing to the Executive Committee to become Ordinary Members. The Dean will decide on the application on advice from the Executive Committee.
7.2 Student Members
Post-graduate students supervised by Members of the Centre of any category will be Student Members of the Centre.
7.3 Honorary Members
The Dean on advice of the Executive Committee may from time to time invite such persons as it considers would assist the Centre to further its objectives to be honorary members.
7.4 Research Associates
7.4.1 On advice from the Director the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) may appoint Research Associates (these will be either scholars drawn either from La Trobe University and other Australian and international universities or leading practitioners) who are expected to make a significant contribution to the Centre’s research priorities.
7.4.2 Research Associates, who will be appointed in an honorary capacity, will have access to all the facilities of the Centre.
7.4.3 Research Associates will initially be appointed for a two-year term, which may, however, be extended in the light of their contribution to the Centre’s research program.
8 Obligations of the members of the centre
8.1 Every member (whether ordinary, student or honorary) of the Centre upon being admitted to membership of the Centre agrees to use his/her best endeavours:
8.1.1 To comply with the terms of this Constitution;
8.1.2 To comply with the University’s legislation, policies and procedures;
8.1.3 To arrange, promote, coordinate and co-operate in programmes for research in the Centre;
8.1.4 To engage in joint research programmes carried out by members of the Centre;
8.1.5 To apply for, tender for funding for research in the Centre in Australia and overseas.
8.2 A member may be expelled or suspended by the Dean, on advice of the Executive Committee if, in its opinion the member has engaged in conduct which is prejudicial to the activities of the Centre or is in breach of this Constitution.
9 Quorum
9.1 The quorum for a meeting of the Advisory Committee will be three members at least two of whom will be Ordinary Members.
9.2 The quorum for a special meeting or an Annual General Meeting will consist of 25% of the membership of which at least 50% must be Ordinary Members.
10 Meetings
10.1 The Advisory Board will meet at least twice in each calendar year.
10.2 There will be an Annual General Meeting of all members to discuss the Annual Report prior to its submission to the Academic Board through the Dean.
10.3 A Special Meeting of the Advisory Board will be held within 14 days of receipt by the Dean of a written request setting out the reasons and signed by at least 50% of the members.
11 Intellectual property
11.1 Any intellectual property in material developed by the Centre will be owned by the University or as otherwise agreed to by the University in writing provided that nothing in this clause will affect the rights of staff or the University under the University’s legislation, policies or procedures relating to intellectual property.
11.2 Any assets acquired under the auspices of the Centre will vest in the University.
12 Categories of membership
12.1 The Academic Board, on advice from the Executive Committee, the Dean and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), may create different categories of membership and conditions of membership of the Centre and Academic Board by resolution appoint members to the Centre.
12.2 A member may be appointed by the Executive Committee to act as a representative of the Centre to obtain research projects or funds for the Centre or for any other purpose specified by the Executive Committee.
13 Changes to constitution
13.1 Any change to this Constitution must be recommended by the Executive Committee to the Dean and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) for approval before submission to the Academic Board through the Research and Graduate Studies Committee of the University.
13.2 A change to this Constitution will have effect only when the written approval of the Academic Board has been obtained.
14 Appointment of staff, consultants
14.1 Any person appointed to work for the Centre will be either staff employed by the University or persons employed as consultants consistent with University policy.
14.2 Any person appointed to work for the Centre will follow normal University procedures according to the basis of their engagement as set out in clause 14.1.
15 Contracts
15.1 Members of the Centre have no authority to enter into contracts which purport to bind the University unless the members have complied with all relevant legislation, policies and procedures of the University.
16 Ethics approvals
16.1 A Member of the Centre conducting research must obtain approval from the La Trobe University Human Ethics Committee and/or Animal Ethics Committee and/or Genetic Manipulation Supervisory Committee as may be required by the University’s legislation, policies and procedures.
