The following items were considered at the recent meeting of University Senate:
- Individual Mitigating Circumstances and Assessment: Senate approved the new principles and procedures for individual mitigating circumstances for implementation with effect from 2 November 2009. Material is being prepared for publication on the website from the effective date for the new arrangements. This will, at that point, replace the old information at:
www.bath.ac.uk/registry/imc/
A general announcement will be sent from the Registry to all students by email to draw their attention to the new information, definitions and procedures. Additional more specific information will be sent to appropriate groups of staff. In the meantime, some questions and answers for staff are still available in the IMC-Transition wiki:
http://wiki.bath.ac.uk/x/NocfAg - Academic Re-organisation Update: It has been determined by consultation that the current title of the Department of Social & Policy Sciences will be retained. Working groups have been established to progress the graduate schools and the re-designation of the School for Health as an academic department. Generic job descriptions are being drafted for the roles of Dean and Head of Department.
- Corporate Plan 2009/10 to 2013/14: Senate considered the Corporate Plan for the University. The final version of the Plan will be submitted to the next meeting of Council for approval.
- Student Surveys: Senate considered the performance of the University in the National Student Survey 2009, the Student Experience Survey 2008/09 and the International Student Barometer.
- Vice-Chancellor’s Research Medal: Senate approved the establishment of the Vice-Chancellor’s Research Medal. This will be awarded in recognition of the research contribution of senior academic members of the University on the basis of a record of sustained research excellence and impact. It is intended that the Medal will be awarded on an annual basis.
- Academic Key Performance Indicators Update: Senate considered and noted the annual report of Academic Key Performance Indicators for the University.
- Awards and Prizes: A procedure for the establishment, award and amendment of Faculty/School and University awards and prizes was approved by Senate.
- Dictionary Provision in Exams: Regulation 15.6 was amended to permit access to English (only) dictionaries in appropriate examinations for all students.
www.bath.ac.uk/regulations/pdf/15.pdf - Deputy Research Postgraduate Ombudsman: Dr Irene Turner was appointed as the first Deputy Research Postgraduate Ombudsman from 22 October 2009 to 31 July 2012.
www.bath.ac.uk/postgrads/pg-ombudsman.html - New Principles and Framework for Academic Staff Progression: Senate noted the outcome of the first annual review of the academic staff progression principles and framework. The overall conclusion was that the new arrangements were operating effectively.
- Academic Programmes: Initial approval was granted to the Postgraduate Certificate in Electrical Power Systems (full time).
- Further information about Senate is available here:
www.bath.ac.uk/internal/senate/committee/