At the Special Meeting of the Convocation Alumni Council on 6 May 2026, Council considered matters relating to Council membership and leadership appointments.

Council Business and Governance

Council noted the Acknowledgement of Country, welcome and apologies. No potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest were declared.

Election of Casual Council Member

Council noted that, at the close of nominations for one casual vacancy on the Alumni Council, one nomination had been received.

Dr Angela Evangelinou-Yiannakis was therefore declared elected unopposed as a Casual Alumni Council Member. Her term will conclude at the end of the 2027 Autumn General Meeting.

Council acknowledged Dr Evangelinou-Yiannakis’ longstanding contribution to Convocation, including her commitment, service and careful approach to Council work.

Election of Deputy Warden

Council noted that, at the close of nominations for Deputy Warden, one nomination had been received.

Ms Nee Nee Ong was therefore declared elected unopposed as Deputy Warden of the Alumni Council. Her term will conclude at the end of the 2027 Autumn General Meeting.

Council acknowledged Ms Ong’s sustained contribution to Convocation and her considered approach to Council responsibilities.

At the Convocation Alumni Council meeting on 1 April 2026, chaired by Warden Emeritus Professor Jenny Gregory AM, Council considered a range of matters relating to governance, student engagement, strategic planning, alumni activity and upcoming Council elections.

Council Business and Governance

Council congratulated Mr Matt Budge, Ms Devon Cuneo and Dr Eros Scagnetti on their re-election to the Alumni Council, and acknowledged the contributions of retiring Councillors Ms Harriet Calverley, Dr Angela Evangelinou-Yiannakis and Adjunct Professor Warren Kerr AM. Council also noted that Dr David Griffiths had retired as Deputy Warden but would continue as a Senate ex-officio member of the Alumni Council.

The minutes of the 4 February 2026 meeting were confirmed, and Council reviewed progress on action items, including communications, Council updates and matters relating to the Convocation Reading Wall.

Budget and Council Activities

Council approved the 2026 Alumni Council Budget, including additional funding to support Convocation activities and the Awards Committee.

This included approval to draw down additional funds for Convocation activities, allocate funds from the General Reserve to the General Purpose Account, and provide an additional allocation to the Awards Committee.

Academic and Student Updates

Council received an Academic Board update, including a presentation by Professor Helene de Burgh-Woodman, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research Training.

The Guild President’s update highlighted student-focused initiatives, including the launch of the Platinum Tickets Program, Guild App, unpaid placement hardship grants, advocacy for international students, and the Vampire Cup Blood Drive.

The Postgraduate Students’ Association President’s written report was also included in the meeting papers.

Senate and University Updates

The Convocation Senators’ Report provided updates on key matters considered by Senate, including:

• Annual financial accounts and acquittals
• India campus developments
• Domestic and international enrolment trends
• Capital works, including student accommodation
• University merger discussions
• The Pulse Report
• Codes of Conduct for students and staff

Council also noted that Development and Alumni Relations may share alumni and philanthropy information with Council as a standing report.

Strategic Planning and Branding

Council received an update from the Strategic Planning Committee, with discussion focused on governance sustainability, leadership structure, workload sharing, international alumni engagement, branding updates and memorabilia.

Council also discussed the scope of the Convocation name change and future branding work. An action was noted for the scope of the name change to be prepared for discussion with UWA Brand, Marketing and Recruitment.

Joint Committee and Council Elections

Council noted that the next Joint Committee meeting would be held on 15 April 2026, with Councillors invited to express interest in four Alumni Council positions on the Committee.

Council also noted a casual vacancy following the resignation of Emerita Professor Billie Giles-Corti, as well as the vacancy in the Deputy Warden position. These vacancies will be posted on the Convocation website. Council approved the appointment of Juanita Perez, Convocation Officer, as Returning Officer for the election of one casual Council position and the Deputy Warden election to be held on 6 May 2026.

Other Business and Upcoming Activity

Council noted several items for communication, including the Warden’s Report, Executive Committee minutes, Strategic Planning meeting minutes, the Creator-in-Residence Reading Wall Appeal update, and the 2026 Convocation Calendar of Events.

Council also noted the proposed donation of a stained-glass window by Professor Terry Woodings, with Development and Alumni Relations to follow up.

The next meeting of the Convocation Alumni Council is scheduled for 6 May 2026.

At the Convocation Alumni Council meeting on 5 February 2026, chaired by Warden Emeritus Professor Jenny Gregory AM, Council considered a range of matters relating to alumni engagement, governance, student representation and upcoming Convocation activities.

Council Business and Governance

Council confirmed the minutes of the previous meeting and acknowledged the service of retiring Councillors, thanking them for their contributions to Convocation and the University.

The meeting also reviewed progress on key action items, including online Council summaries, Convocation web presence, future communications, and opportunities to streamline Council processes following changes to the Council structure. Council also discussed the value of event feedback mechanisms, noting that a more holistic annual survey may be more effective than routine surveys after every event.

Student and Academic Updates

Council received updates from the UWA Student Guild and Postgraduate Students’ Association on upcoming student activities, student support initiatives and postgraduate engagement.

The Academic Board update highlighted ongoing work across academic integrity, artificial intelligence in assessment, Work Integrated Learning, honorary and emeriti recognition, and the increasing regulatory complexity facing universities.

Alumni and Philanthropy

Council received a presentation on the UWA Alumni and Philanthropy Strategy 2026–2030, which focuses on strengthening alumni engagement, philanthropy and campus-wide integration.

The strategy forms part of broader work to enhance UWA’s long-term relationship with its alumni community and better connect alumni activity with the University’s strategic priorities.

Senate and Strategic Planning

The Convocation Senators’ Report noted several key Senate matters, including approval of the University budget, the Strategic Plan to the 2030s, and the Alumni and Philanthropy Strategy 2026–2030.

Council also noted Senate’s acceptance of the operational naming “Convocation: UWA Alumni Association” and a broader definition of alumni, while confirming that Convocation’s statutory membership and voting rights remain unchanged.

Future Planning and Engagement

Council discussed strategic planning and the need to align Convocation’s work with broader University and alumni engagement priorities.

Council also resolved to invite Ms Nikhita Talluri to join as a co-opted Council member representing more recent alumni, supporting broader generational representation in Council discussions.

Awards and Upcoming Activities

Council noted preparations for the 2026 Convocation awards round, with applications opening on 1 April 2026 and closing on 29 May 2026.

Other upcoming activities noted included:

• Convocation Day on 8 March 2026
• Chancellor’s Alumni Recognition Reception on 19 March 2026
• Autumn General Meeting on 26 March 2026
• 2026 Convocation Elections

The next Council meeting is scheduled for 1 April 2026.

At the Convocation Alumni Council meeting on 1 October 2025, chaired by Warden Emeritus Professor Jenny Gregory AM, business included the following:

Governance & Presentations

• Presentation from Professor Guy Littlefair and Professor Zach Aman on Experiential Education (WIL), India campuses, and AI impacts on higher education:
  • Two India campuses approved (Chennai – STEM; Mumbai – business), launching August 2026 with Masters programs.
  • Experiential Education model approved for rollout in 2026 with new preparatory and internship units.
  • AI impacts:
    • Rapid adoption compared to earlier technologies.
    • Rising youth mental health hospitalisations linked to social media; AI expected to intensify impacts.
    • Employers prioritise critical thinking and AI literacy.
    • Curriculum must rebalance critical thinking, cognitive load, human interaction.
• Minutes of the 6 August 2025 meeting confirmed.
• Email circular decision (25 August 2025) to fund the UWA Historical Society publication on UWA and WWI was formally ratified.

Guild & PSA Reports

• No written reports submitted for October.

Senate Updates

• Dr Bob Olivier elected Pro-Chancellor.
• Senate focusing on India campus developments, budget, and strategic planning.
• Domestic enrolment growth remains challenging.
• Dental School and Optometry School highlighted for significant community service contributions.

Strategic Planning & Governance

• Council’s Strategic Plan must align with Senate and SAC strategic plans; progress dependent on their timelines.
• 2026 Convocation Elections:
  • Positions: Warden and three Councillors.
  • Nominations open 3–28 November.
  • Promotion scheduled across newsletters, website and West Australian advertisement.
• Statute Transition (2026) will gradually reduce elected members to 14 in 2028 with major implications for committee structure.
  • Emphasis on portfolios, documented processes, KPIs, succession planning.
  • Special meeting scheduled for 5 November to discuss and review structure.

At the Convocation Alumni Council meeting on 6 August 2025, chaired by Warden Emeritus Professor Jenny Gregory AM, business included the following:

Governance & Administration

• Minutes of the 4 June 2025 Council Meeting and 2 July 2025 Special Council Meeting confirmed.
• Council provided feedback on proposed graduation ceremony date changes for the University.

Business Arising & Action Items

• Work continues with the Celebrating Our Graduates Working Party on engagement events and possible Alumni Weekend planning.

Guild & PSA Reports

• Food Pantry Appeal highly successful; improved tracking and recording of results recommended.
• O-Day 2, campus activities, Tavern renovation and period product dispensers noted.
• PSA finalised first round of grants and will attend the national CAPA conference.

Academic & Senate Updates

• Progress on UWA’s India campuses (Chennai & Mumbai) with 2026 enrolments expected.
• Senate priorities include the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, student hardship fund, cybersecurity, branding, and WA university merger discussions.

Key Decisions

• Approval of dual title: “Convocation: UWA Alumni Association”
• Recommendation to Senate to expand Convocation (voting Alumni) eligibility
• Award regulations revised and endorsed for the Postgraduate Research Travel Awards and Matilda Award for Cultural Excellence.

At the Special Convocation Alumni Council meeting on 2 July 2025, chaired by Warden Emeritus Professor Jenny Gregory AM, business included the following:

Finance

• Financial Statements for year ended 31 December 2024 approved.

Facilities & Equipment

• Proposal to fund upgrade of the Convocation Monitor at University Club ($1,408 + GST) withdrawn following committee discussion; referred to IT Committee for review and possible university-led options.

Awards

• 2025 Matilda Award for Cultural Excellence awarded to Limina: A Journal of Historical and Cultural Studies.
• 2025 Convocation Postgraduate Research Travel Awards granted to 14 recipients across multiple categories, with awards recorded in academic transcripts.
• Awards Ceremony for invited guests scheduled for Thursday 21 August 2025.
• Awards Committee to review regulations later in 2025, including updating terminology (e.g., “Convocation Council” to “Alumni Council” as per UWA Statute changes).

Student Support Initiatives

• Council to assist UWA Student Guild by jointly hosting Mid-Winter Food Drive for disadvantaged students and communicating details to members.

Branding & Identity

• Discussion of draft dual title: “Convocation: the UWA Alumni Association” (subject to legal review).
• Suggestion to refresh logo design periodically and develop a naming strategy by collating existing branded collateral.

Other business

• Senate Advancement Committee Planning Day confirmed for Friday 4 July 2025.

Next meeting: 6 August 2025 (documents due 15 July 2025).

At the Convocation Alumni Council meeting on 4 June 2025, chaired by Warden Emeritus Professor Jenny Gregory AM, business included the following:

Membership matters

• Approved the application of a member for non-graduate Convocation membership, to be recommended to Senate.

Guild President’s report

• Cost-of-living initiatives implemented for students (free dinners, discounted breakfasts)
• New EVA Policy with a 2-day waiver then 15% penalty for late assessment.
• $1.50 daily parking cap for postgraduates using parking at Claremont campus.
• Consultation role in proposed Ferry Service to UWA

Postgraduate Students’ Association report

• Restructure to create dedicated welfare portfolio; free library study snacks well received.
• Uptake of parking permits noted but low usage - communication improvements needed.
• Early planning for HDR Festival underway.

Convocation Senators report

• Strategic planning for next five years underway, prioritising student experience.
• Suggestion to invite Chief Marketing Officer to present future brand strategy to Council.

Finance Committee report

• Annual audit progressing

Council Committees forward planning

• Increased Convocation Connecting mailing list engagement from 4,000 to 10,000.
• Planning support for Awards Ceremony (21 Aug), Spring General Meeting (18 Sep), and annual Senate-Council Dinner (20 Oct).
• Website updates for awards, honours, fundraising appeals and potentially memorabilia.
• Exploration of UWA presence at WA Citizen of the Year Awards.

Strategic plan portfolio assignments

• Councillors allocated portfolios aligned with schools, clubs, or societies to strengthen networking and collaboration.

Next meeting: 2 July 2025