The following items were discussed at the recent meeting of University Senate:
- Budget 2010: Senate noted that the University was currently considering the opportunities arising from the communication recently received from HEFCE in relation to funding to shift the balance of institutional provision towards strategically important and vulnerable subjects (SIVS) in 2010/11;and funding from the University Modernisation Fund for:
- Review of Postgraduate Education in the UK: Senate noted the publication of ‘One Step Beyond: Making the Most of Postgraduate Education’. A summary of its recommendations is available.
- Associate Deans: Senate noted that the job descriptions for the posts of Associate Dean (Learning & Teaching), (Research) and (Graduate Studies) had been finalised. Members of Senate were thanked for their comments on the early draft. The vacancies had been advertised with a deadline for expressions of interest of 30 April 2010.
- Learning & Teaching Strategy 2009/10 to 2011/12: Senate noted that the Learning & Teaching Strategy for the University had been finalised following consideration at the previous meeting of Senate.
- Research Strategy: Senate approved the Research Strategy for 2009/10 to 2011/12. This will shortly be available on the Office of Policy & Planning website.
- Extending the New Framework for Assessment: Postgraduate Taught Programmes: Senate approved in detail the New Framework for Assessment: Assessment Regulations: Phases 2 and 3 for Postgraduate Taught Programmes. This included the addition of Postgraduate Taught Awards with merit to lie between the meeting of the passing thresholds and the thresholds for awards with distinction. Further guidance will be issued by the Registry in the very near future.
- Individual Mitigating Circumstances and Student Transcripts: Senate approved the proposed arrangements for inclusion of details of mitigation on student transcripts.
- Proposals for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of programme quality management processes and the University’s Learning, Teaching & Quality Committee Structure. These proposals were approved in principle for further development to achieve final approval by Senate in June 2010. Further information on these proposals is available from the Learning & Teaching Enhancement Office.
- Academic Programmes: Senate granted initial approval to the BSc Architecture (Ordinary Degree) and Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture.
- Arts Awards Prizes 2010: Senate approved the award of the Arts Award Prizes for 2010.
- Appointments: Professor Chris Jennison was re-appointed Warden of the Blues for three years from 1 August 2010. Dr Miles Redfern was re-appointed as Marshal for three years from 1 August 2010.