Vice-Chancellor’s report

The Vice-Chancellor presented his formal report on key issues facing the University. He thanked everyone involved in all the work undertaken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: academic colleagues, Registry staff and other colleagues across the University. He discussed the groups which had been set up to manage elements of this work, specifically the Resilient Bath Curriculum Project Team, Student Engagement Project Team and Carrying Capacity Project Team. These were being co-ordinated by a Programme Board. There was a discussion about the academic workload model, the balance between teaching and research, and work/life balance; Heads of Department were responsible for individuals’ workloads. He also acknowledged the effect on the community of the death of George Floyd in the US; a new staff group was being set up to consider in detail and address minority issues, and he thanked the SU for the forum they had organised.

COVID-19 Business Continuity Responses

Senate received an update on the changes to teaching and learning made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Further provision was agreed regarding registration arrangements for continuing doctoral students. Senate agreed to establish a new Curriculum Committee to speed up the process for managing changes required over the coming year.

Degree Outcomes Statement

Senate discussed the initial findings of the University’s review of degree outcomes and commented on the draft Degree Outcomes Statement in advance of consideration by Council.

Annual Statement on Research Integrity

Senate considered the draft annual statement and recommended it for Council’s approval.

Governance matters

  • Regulations

Senate approved changes to Regulation 7 – Student Discipline – with effect from 1 August 2020. Regulation 7 will be formally reviewed before the end of the next academic year. The web pages will be updated in due course.

  • Statutes

Senate gave formal consideration to proposed changes to Statutes, for recommending to Council.

  • Ordinances

Senate gave formal consideration to proposed changes to Ordinances, including Ordinance 22.8 and 22.9 regarding Intellectual Property.

Senate agreed an addition to item 7 to about disclosure of individual interests.

Senate Effectiveness Review

Senate approved a series of initial recommendations from its Effectiveness Review and agreed an outline action plan. The report can be found here.

Other recommendations will be considered at the next Senate meeting.