Council has decided to focus on four key issues in the year ahead through a series of workshops that will culminate in the October 2007 budget meeting.

The four main themes to emerge from a questionnaire to Council members were the following:

• Ensuring the long-term financial sustainability for UCT;
• Securing the position of the Faculty of Health Sciences in relation to provincial and national health services;
• Allowing Council to engage with student issues; and
• Ensuring that fundraising and the Chancellor's Challenge be given closer attention.

A plan of action was agreed to at the Council's March 8 meeting, including a series of themes that will allow the executive committee to take a more in-depth look at the issues that have been flagged.

Council will also hold a workshop in April to consider some of the issues.

In April, the Council executive will take a more detailed look at staff compensation, the Faculty of Health Sciences and students and governance. In June and July, they will focus on the financial position of UCT, a plan for 2007 to 2009, and fundraising. Also on the agenda will be staff and student housing and a general report on student issues.

In August, fees and financial aid will come under the spotlight, and in September they will look at employment equity and transformation, as well as the capital budget and physical development plans.

After the budget meeting in October, Council will also look at a quality improvement plan, teaching and learning and a second biannual report on student issues.