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ACADEMIC COUNCIL

SUMMARY MINUTES FROM THE FIRST MEETING OF 2011 OF ACADEMIC COUNCIL, HELD ON THURSDAY 24 MARCH 2011 AT 3PM IN ROOM 063, QUEEN ANNE COURT, GREENWICH CAMPUS

Present:Tessa Blackstone (Chair)Christine Rose (Secretary)

Salam Al MosawiLiz Bacon

Richard BlackburnLinda Cording

Iain CummingJoanne Finkelstein Debi Hayes Avril Hocking

David IsaacSimon Jarvis

Pam MarasRobert Mayor

Liz MeerabeauNigel Newbutt

Chris PhilpottLucie Pollard

Adrian PowellMartin Snowden

Neil SpillerPeter Vlachos

Liz West

In attendance:Christine CouperDionne Glennon

Anne HeansSarahHills Eleanor Kehoe Ann Murphy

Sara RagabSimon Walker

Apologies:Tom BarnesPeter Burt

Maureen CastensWendy Cealey Harrison

John CrowleyNdy Ekere

Neil GarrodSue Golding

Anneyce KnightMary Clare Martin

Maninder SekhonYvonne Simpson

Srinivas UppuAndrew Westby

11.1.1 / MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING OF ACADEMIC COUNCIL HELD ON 25 NOVEMBER 2010
It was reported that apologies should have been recorded for Liz Meerabeau.Otherwise the Summary Minutes of COUNCIL held on 25 November 2010 were agreed as a true and accurate record.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES:
10.6.6 Academic Regulations: COUNCIL agreed that the changes may be distributed to members for approval and endorsed via Chair’s Action.
It was reported that recommended changes were duly made and endorsed via Chair’s Action.
10.6.8 Terms of Reference: School Boards: COUNCIL recommended that a revised paper be brought to a future meeting of COUNCIL.
The revised paper was presented. COUNCIL noted the amendments and endorsed the revised Terms of Reference.
11.1.2. / QUALITY ASSURANCE AGENCY (QAA) COLLABORATIVE PROVISION AUDIT 2011: PROGRESS REPORT
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development) reported on the current position on the Collaborative Provision Audit. All partner college preparation visits had been completed, and a series of mock audits would take place on 24 and 25 March in preparation for the arrival of the QAA auditors on 28 March 2011. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development) was confident that the University and its partners were fully prepared. Adraft written report is expected within two weeks of completion of the audit.
COUNCIL noted the report and wished the team success in the audit.
11.1.3. / APPLICATIONS DATA : 11 MARCH 2011
COUNCIL received a report detailing applications data for the 2011/2012 academic session. The overall number of applications is higher than last session and significantly higher than the UCAS average increase. The overall acceptance rate for full-time home UCAS applicants had increased by over 20% when compared to this time last year, and the University had rejected more UCAS applications from home students. Applications for part time places are down but this is expected to improve in the 2012-13 session when the new loan scheme for part time students is in effect.
Deans of Schools were asked to note that when programmes have reached their home student HEFCE limit, they must advise Recruitment & Admissions whether the programme is to be closed completely or if places are still available to international students.
COUNCIL noted the report. The Chair emphasised the need for Deans to ensure that programme leaders understood the procedures.
11.1.4. / DEGREE CLASSIFICATION STATISTICS: 2009-2010
COUNCIL received a report analysing the number of students in each honours degree classification from 2005/06 to 2009/10. Over the last five sessions there has been an overall increase in the percentage of students achieving either a 2:1 or 1st classification, but the 2009/10 session saw the percentage reducing slightly (-0.9%) compared to the previous session.
Discussion followed about the possible reasons for this decrease. Some members of COUNCILthought that the number of students recruited via clearing may have impacted on final classifications, although it was agreed that this correlation needs further examination to determine its accuracy. The Head of the Educational Development Unit advised that a new assessment policy to include emphasis on the variety of assessment strategies andthe quality of tutor feedback on students’ work is being developed. Further consultation with Schools will be required.
COUNCIL noted the report and recommended that further investigation of the disparity in classifications awarded across Departments be undertaken by Deans and reported back. Schools are requested to discuss Progression and Award Board outcomes annually at their Quality Committees and report back to the Learning and Quality Committee.
11.1.5. / TERM DATES: 2011-2012 AND 2012-2013
COUNCIL noted minor modifications in term dates for 2011-2012 as a result of the shifts in Bank Holidays.
COUNCIL agreed the term dates for 2012-13 and the modifications for 2011-2012.
11.1.6. / NEW ARRIVALS AND TRANSITION: POLICY STATEMENT: MARCH 2011
The Head of the Education Development Unit presented the proposed Policy on New Arrivals and Transition. The first draft of this policy was discussed by COUNCIL in 2009. This new draftincludesa statement of students’ entitlement and a move away from “Induction” terminology. The policy had been considered by the Learning and Quality Committee.
COUNCIL noted the report and endorsedthe policy and proposals.
11.1.7. / POLICY FOR REASONABLE ADJUSTMENTS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITY AND DYSLEXIA
An original draft of this paper was presented to COUNCIL in October 2010. The paper was agreed in principle but COUNCIL recommended that it be revised in line with discussions at the meeting. After extensive review the following amendments to the Reasonable Adjustments Framework were proposed:
  • Section 2.1 Disclosure includes reference to situations when the university may decline an applicant during the applications process
  • Section 2.3.1 and 2 Provides examples where the university may refuse an applicant with a disability
  • Appendix A: includes the full text of Section F. Disability in the Admission Policy & Procedures draft (2011).
  • Appendix B: Exams & Assessment Framework for Additional Time, in conjunction with Marking Guidelines for Students with Dyslexia (the embedded document, Exams & Assessment Regulations, has had minor amendments since the 2009 version approved by Academic Council. Consultation took place between the Disability & Dyslexia team, School Exam officers and OSA Exam officers.)
COUNCIL recommended that the wording in respect of confidentiality of disclosureis strengthened to reflect more precisely how disclosed information is disseminated.
There was discussion about whether students should be given extra time, compensated marking or both. COUNCIL recommended that this needed further review to clarify a university-wide policy of reasonable adjustment differentiated by level of disability.
COUNCILnoted the paper and endorsed the policy subject to further amendments to Appendix B.
11.1.8. / ANNUAL REPORTING: 2009-2010
i) LEARNER SERVICES IN INFORMATION AND LIBRARY SERVICES
COUNCIL received a report detailing the current status of Learner Support in ILS. Key issues included:
  • Stockwell Street – initial discussions considered a fully virtual library. This is not feasible at this time but there will be the most advanced electronic resourcesof all three libraries on the new site.
  • Current electronic systems are not giving full value for money. Resources are increasing but the current number of platforms required to deliver all resources is costly and is being reviewed.
  • Many students need to improve their library skills. The report recommendedthat information skills are further embedded at course level.
  • Staff in ILS believed that a less rigid approach to core reading lists would alleviate the concern expressed by many students that there were not enough core texts in the library.
COUNCIL noted the detailed report.
ii) SERVICES FOR STUDENTS:
a)ACADEMIC APPEALS, STUDENT DISCIPLINARY, FITNESS TO PRACTISE, FORMAL COMPLAINTS AND THE OIA
A full copy of this report was submitted to Learning & Quality Committee on 17 March 2011, at which further information was requested. An executive report will be presented to COUNCIL at a future meeting.
b)STUDENT FINANCE AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Sara Ragab, Head of Student Finance presented COUNCIL with the Student Finance & Financial Support report for 2009-10. COUNCIL were informed that for the first time statistical information had been provided by School. Some of the key objectives for the next two years include moving debt management from a paper based to an electronic delivery, formulation of a business plan, and promoting holistic support services linked to student retention.
COUNCIL noted the report.
11.1.9. / COMMITTEE REPORTING: 2009/2010
i)LEARNING AND QUALITY COMMITTEE
COUNCIL was provided with the 2010/11 summary report to February 2011. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development) advised that there no specific issues to report but drew attention to the new design format, intended to be regular and informative for COUNCIL. It was recommended that other committees adopt this approach.
COUNCIL noted the report and approved the new format. This good practice was recommended to other committees.
ii)PARTNER SCRUTINY PANEL
COUNCIL was presented with a report on the approval, review and discontinuation of partnerships. COUNCIL was asked note the discontinuation of partnerships with the London College of Advanced Studies and CTI, South Africa. COUNCIL was also asked to ratify the following:
  • Approval of ERC, Vietnam as a new partner of the University
  • Continuation of partnerships with the Pioneer Institute of Business and Technology, Sri Lanka and the School of Business & Computer Science, Trinidad
COUNCIL noted the report and approved the proposals.
11.1.10. / CHANGE OF NAME OF A DEPARTMENT IN THE SCHOOL OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE
COUNCIL was requested to approve the change of title of the Department of Health Development to the Department of Social Work and Heath Development following the transfer of Social Work from the Department of Family Care & Mental Health in order to rebalance the size of both departments and build on the links which social work and public health have with local authorities.
COUNCIL approved the change of name of the Department.
11.1.11. / ACADEMIC REGULATIONS
i)SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
The Dean of the School of Education presented a paper to COUNCIL proposing a change to regulations regarding compensation in respect ofBA Hons Primary Education leading to Qualified Teacher Status. From 2011/12, the School proposes to allow compensation only for the option courses at level 5 and 6 referred to as the ‘Strands’. These are 15 credit courses focused on cross curricular aspects of the primary curriculum and a further level 6, 15 credit professional development option course. Compensation will no longer be applied to ‘Core’ courses, which students will be required to pass before they can progress.
COUNCIL noted the report and endorsed the proposed changesfor inclusion in the
Assessment Regulations.
ii)SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
Alec Coutroubis presented a paper to COUNCIL on behalf of the School of Engineering proposing an amendment to Academic Regulations for compensation and condonement criteriain respect of the School’s Civil Engineering provision to meet Civil Engineering professional body requirements. The Academic Regulations for Taught Awards make provision in Sections 5.18 to 5.23 and Section 5.28 (undergraduate awards) for compensation or condonement of up to 30 credits and in Sections 5.41 to 5.43 (postgraduate awards) of compensation of up to 30 credits in any full time programme stage. The School seeks endorsement of a proposal for the maximum amount of credit in relation to the above to be limited to 15 credits for all stages of accredited Civil Engineering provision in accordance with the requirements of the professional body as specified in the report of their April 2010 visit.
COUNCIL noted the report and endorsed the proposed changes for the 2010-11 academic session for inclusion in the Academic Regulations with the proviso that the School ensures that students are fully aware of the changes before the Progression and Award Boards take place.
iii)SCHOOL OF HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE
The Dean of the School of Health & Social Care presented a paper to COUNCIL proposing two amendments to Academic Regulations for Taught Awards as follows:
1)Proposal 1 - a programme-specific regulation in accordance with Reg.5.5 such that students following specified programmes are permitted a ‘Fail, repeat permitted’ decision on, normally, ONE occasion only during their programme of study.
2)Proposal 2 - a programme-specific regulation that normally precludes the application of compensation where resit work or a resit examination has failed to meet the necessary criteria for a ‘pass’. This proposal accords with the ‘component rule’ that applies to many core courses for PSRB-approved programmes and will enable the School to provide clear advice to students regarding the application of compensation.
The Dean of School confirmed that these proposals are not PSRB requirements but PSRB does limit the period of registration allowed on relevant programmes and the current allowance for fail/repeat potentially takes students too near the limit to complete successfully.
Discussion took place as to whether the proposed amendment to limit the number of fail, repeat permitted opportunities should be university-wide. COUNCIL recommended that further discussion takes place at the Learning and Quality Committee with a view to making this a university-wide policy in the future.
COUNCIL noted the report and endorsed the proposed changes for the School of Health and Social Care with the proviso that the School clarifies the time scale for implementation, and informs students where necessary.
11.1.12. / CONFIRMATION OF RECOMMENDATION OF EXAMINERS: PhD AND EdD:
COUNCIL received a report from the Research Degrees Committee confirming the recommendation of examiners following the Research Degrees Committee meeting held on 11 November 2010 of research degree awards (PhD and EdD) for the 2010-11 academic year.
COUNCIL ratified the awards recommended by the examiners.
11.1.13. / ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
  • FLOW OF MINUTES INTO ACADEMIC COUNCIL
(a) CENTRAL COMMITTEES
COUNCIL noted the flow of minutes.
(b) SCHOOL BOARDS
COUNCIL noted the flow of minutes.
  • DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING OF ACADEMIC COUNCIL:
TUESDAY 5 MAY 2011, QUEEN ANNE 075, 3PM
11.1.14. / ANY OTHER BUSINESS (TO INCLUDE COMMENTS FROM CHAIRS ON SIGNIFICANT ITEMS FROM BOARDS AND COMMITTEES)
i)CENTRAL COMMITTEES & SCHOOL BOARDS
Chairs of Committees and Deans of Schools were invited to highlight significant items from their Minutes. No items were raised on this occasion.
ii)The Dean of the School of Education informed COUNCIL that the School has a full Ofsted inspection of their Primary, Secondary and Life Long Learning departments taking place between 23-27 March 2011.
iii)The Students’ Union Vice President informed COUNCIL that the Students’ Union elections have now been concluded.
iv)The Vice-Chancellor informed COUNCIL that this was the last meeting for Christine Rose, Director of Student Affairs due to her imminent retirement. The Vice-Chancellor thanked Christine on behalf of COUNCIL for her contributions as Executive Secretary to COUNCIL and offered best wishes for the future.

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