Summary notes of the Executive Committee held on 27 September 2006
- 2006/07 Student Induction
Induction of new students was reported as proceeding without significant problems.
- Information for Students
The Director of Computing Services reported that mouse mats listing telephone numbers of various University services for students been placed in the Library and Learning Centre.
- Further proposals on the allocation of University Research Studentships
In accordance with the decision of the last meeting that University Research Studentships should be allocated in a more strategic and targeted fashion, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) outlined revised proposals containing two elements. Firstly, that a total of 15 Studentships should be ring-fenced to provide support for ORS award-holders and to contribute to large research grant applications. Secondly, that allocation of the other 40 Studentships should be based on the strategic value of departmental/School research priorities and plans, assessed against a refocused University Strategy for Research as part of the Annual Planning Cycle. This would provide the most systematic and transparent methodology.
Given that there would be insufficient time to introduce this methodology for the 2007/08 academic year, it was proposed that a competition to identify strategic areas should be held as an interim measure.
- Student Experience Survey 2005/06
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching) summarised the findings of the University's own Student Experience Survey. This used similar questions to the National Student Survey, some adjusted from the last SES to allow more direct comparison, others focused more on assessment and feedback. The results were also similar to those for the NSS, including the rankings of satisfaction scores for departments.
- Strategy to review academic practice in response to the National Student Survey and Student Experience Survey
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching) outlined a strategy for engaging with academic departments in the evaluation and enhancement of those areas of academic practice highlighted for particular attention as a result of the Student Experience Survey and the National Student Survey. The aim of the strategy was to ensure that the University continued to have proper mechanisms for the enhancement of academic practice and the maintenance of academic standards.
- Proposal to create a University Recruitment and Admissions Committee
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching) said that the current sub-division of responsibility for student recruitment and admissions between academic departments and the Academic Registry had worked well, but believed that changing conditions now required greater co-ordination at an institutional level. Student recruitment was of crucial strategic importance to the University. Competition for the most able students was increasing, as was the complexity of the admissions process itself. It was therefore proposed that a University Recruitment and Admissions Committee be formed to have oversight of and to give a strategic steer to recruitment and admissions. Provision of high-level market and competitor analysis would be a key task for the Committee. The core membership would be drawn from Faculties and Schools, with each Board of Study nominating academic representatives. Representation of other parts of the University was still to be decided.
- Draft Disability Equality Scheme
Dr Skidmore explained that the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 imposed a number of obligations on public bodies to oppose discrimination against disabled people, together with a positive duty to promote equality of opportunity. As a public body, the University was obliged to publish a Disability Equality Scheme by the end of the calendar year. The Reference Group established to undertake this task, led by Dr Skidmore, had produced a draft for consideration, following consultation with a number of people within and outside the University. The draft had been reviewed and revised under the supervision of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Strategic Developments), in her capacity as chair of the Equalities and Diversity Committee.
The draft outlined a statement of corporate responsibility and the broad themes of good practice within the University for both students and staff. This was set within a legal and general context. An action plan for the period 2006 to 2009 was also provided. It was proposed that a Project Management Group should be established to oversee implementation of the Scheme, subject to its final approval by Council.
- Safeguarding Children in HE
The Executive Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor reported that the Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education had written directly to HEIs to seek assurance that they had appropriate policies and procedures to deal with children (minors under the age of 18). Although UUK was likely to co-ordinate a response on behalf of the sector, a preliminary internal review had indicated that activity in various University departments involved significant contact with minors, but that a raft of protective policies and procedures were already in place in different functional areas. These would now be reviewed in more detail to assess whether they conformed to the guidelines referred to by the Minister, and, if necessary, to put forward recommendations for their formalization or enhancement.
- Capital Projects: Quarterly update - September 2006
The Director of Estates summarised work on various capital projects.
Westwood/Eastwood Residences: Refurbishment of Westwood bedrooms, bathrooms and common areas, and Eastwood kitchens, was now complete. Some useful lessons had been learnt from the project. Proposals would be put forward for further refurbishment in summer 2007. The Committee noted that dramatic improvement in the quality of the both Residences. Staff involved in the project were to be congratulated.
University Hall and Foyer: Refurbishment was due to completed on 15 September but was now likely for tomorrow (28 September). Landscaping and commissioning of AV equipment would take place in the period remaining until the start of the new semester.
Library and Learning Centre: Access improvements and external improvements were due to be finished by 22 September. A new supplier for the doors had had to be found following liquidation of the original sub-contractor. Delivery of the doors was now scheduled by the end of December.
2 East/4 East refurbishment: Some preparatory work had been undertaken, but further work would now take place, in liaison with the academic departments concerned.
Creative Arts Building : More detailed proposals would be put forward for consideration shortly.
Westwood refurbishment: A programme was being devised to refurbish the remaining four Westwood blocks and Brendon Court . This would be phased, with work confined to summer vacation periods.
- Risk Register: Progress Report on Improvement Actions - September 2006
The Executive Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor gave a progress report on actions taken to address KT1 (Failure to capitalise on intellectual property) and SP2 (Failure to identify and capitalise on strategic alliances).
With regard to KT1, the signing of a long-term contract with the IP Group would make available to the University an initial investment fund and external expertise to aid formation of spin-out companies. In return, the IP Group would receive an equity stake in these companies. Support would also be provided for the development of licensing opportunities, in return for a percentage of derived income.
On SP2, the University's leading role in the Western Vocational Lifelong Learning Network had provided a platform for a consortium bid co-ordinated through HERDA-SW, the Higher Level Skills Pathfinder for the South West region. This project was designed to enable employers to source all their training and development needs through a single broker. The south west project was due to be launched in January 2007, with HEFCE funding of £4 million. Additional support would be required from academic employers to meet employer expectations.
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