University news

(1) Senate – 19 October 2011 

The following items were discussed at the recent meeting of University Senate:

• Individual Mitigating Circumstances & Assessment: Specific Provisions For Extended NFA Programmes: Senate approved specific individual mitigating circumstances and assessment provisions for Foundation Degree, Honours Year and Continuing Professional Development Framework Programmes.
• Individual Mitigating Circumstances & Assessment Operational Review: Senate considered and noted the findings of the operational review of the procedures for dealing with individual mitigating circumstances and assessment. The general indications that the procedures were working as intended were particularly recognised.
• HEFCE Circular 2011/30 Student Number Controls for 2012/13: This Circular set out the decisions of HEFCE on the setting of student number control limits for 2012/13 and invited eligible institutions to bid for a share from the ‘margin’ of up to 20,000 places. Its contents were currently being analysed by the Office of Policy & Planning. The Vice-Chancellor assured Senate that departments would be informed of the outcome in preparation for their forthcoming open days.
• Research Excellence Framework: Senate noted the University’s preparations for its submission to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014. The deadline for submission was 29 November 2013.
• Institutional Review Steering Group: Following recent Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) communications, the University has been advised that it will be subject to Institutional Review in 2012/13. The main and final visit will take place in the week commencing 29 April 2013. Senate noted the establishment of the Institutional Review Steering Group to oversee preparations for the Review.
  The membership is as follows:
   - Chair, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Teaching)
   - Academic Registrar
   - Director of Learning & Teaching Enhancement
   - Head of Student Learning Experience & Quality (Institutional Facilitator)
   - Deputy Director of Policy & Planning
   - Head of Student Services
   - Head of Internal Audit
   - One senior representative from each Faculty/School/Division (Director of Studies, Director of Administration, Director of DfLL, Faculty Assistant Registrar)
   - Students’ Union Chief Executive
   - Students’ Union Vice-President (Education)
   - Students’ Union member of staff (Lead Student Representative)
   - Secretary (LTEO Officer)
• Institutional Code of Ethics: The University’s Institutional Code of Ethics sets out the University’s strategy and corporate responsibility arrangements in relation to ethics. It was first approved in 2000 and has therefore been reviewed to ensure that terminology and nomenclature are up-to-date and to reflect current procedures. Senate approved the revised version of the Institutional Code of Ethics.
• Academic Integrity – Mandatory Skills Training & Test: Senate approved the grant of exemptions for Postgraduate Taught and Research Students from the Academic Integrity: Mandatory Skills and Training Test. This covers exemption of students on taught programmes with a scheduled completion date on or before 31 December 2011 and students submitting their thesis/portfolio for examination on or before 31 December 2011.
• Continuing Professional Development Quality Assurance Code Of Practice Statement: On the recommendation of University Learning, Teaching & Quality Committee, Senate approved the development of a Quality Assurance Code of Practice Statement on Continuing Professional Development. This will cover all accredited CPD provision and will capture the specific QA arrangements already approved within the Professional Development Scheme and guidance on specific QA issues which have emerged from operation of the Professional Development Scheme or which have been identified as potential future issues.
• Motion From Academic Assembly: The Chair of Academic Assembly presented a motion entitled ‘Withdrawal of Degrees and QA Procedures’ which had been passed by Academic Assembly nem con on 12 October 2011. The formal response to the motion was then considered. Senate noted the position and agreed that the relevant documentation and the minute of the its discussion should be made available to all members of Academic Assembly.

(2) Council – 20 October 2011

The following items were discussed at the recent meeting of University Council:

• National Student Survey: Council considered and noted the outcome of the National Student Survey 2011. The University had achieved its best ever results, moving up the national league table from 29th in 2010 to 5th in 2011. Particular attention was drawn to the overall satisfaction rating which had risen from 86% in 2010 to 91% in 2011.
• Saturday Open Day: Council expressed its appreciation of the success of the University’s first Saturday Open Day. The contribution of members of the University who were willing to work beyond their normal scope was particularly commended.
• Trade Union Recognition & Facilities Agreement: Council approved the Trade Union Recognition & Facilities Agreement. This is a single harmonised agreement with the three trade unions recognised by the University. It emphasises the importance of effective working between the University and its trade unions and provides the mechanisms to achieve this.
• Code Of Ethical Fundraising Practice: Council approved the draft Code of Ethical Fundraising Practice for the University. The aim of the Code is to ensure that the University’s mission, sense of personal integrity and the trust of its donors are not violated and to ensure that the University does not expose itself by accepting donations from questionable or inappropriate sources.
• Anti-Bribery Policy: Council approved a draft Anti-Bribery Policy for the University. The aim of this is to set out the University’s approach to monitoring, identifying and ultimately avoiding incidents and/or risks of bribery. The Bribery Act seeks to establish the UK as the front line against commercial bribery, wherever that takes place, by establishing the highest international standards of regulation and by promotion of best practice in the prevention of bribery.
• Effectiveness Review of Council: The next full review of the effectiveness of Council is due to commence this year. Council therefore approved the arrangements for this review. Further details will be published on the University’s website in due course.