Extract from Teaching and Learning Committee Minutes: 24

EXTRACT FROM TEACHING AND LEARNING COMMITTEE MINUTES: 24.1.01

01.10 QAA Code of Practice: Student Complaints and Appeals

The Quality Assurance and Enhancement Committee at its meeting on 29 November 2000 had received the analysis of the University’s Complaints and Appeals procedures which had been considered by the Teaching and Learning Committee in October. It was reported at QAEC that the University’s appeals procedure was not applied uniformly in certain cases where Master’s dissertations had been submitted. The candidates had been subsequently permitted to appeal the academic decision, although the RR2 form states that appeals and complaints relating to course delivery and supervision are not permitted after candidates had presented themselves for examination. The Quality Assurance and Enhancement Committee had referred this matter to the Teaching and Learning Committee.

It was noted that complaints about supervision, or any other aspect of course delivery, should be raised as soon as possible by students in order that they might be addressed promptly. This was not however explicitly stated in Regulations. The new Student Handbook was expected to give prominence to this matter in the section dealing with complaints.

The Teaching and Learning Committee also noted that the University’s draft revised Complaints and Appeals procedures were to be considered by the University’s solicitors.

The Chairman and the Chairman of the Research Degrees Committee were discussing the supervisory arrangements for Master’s students.

AGREED:

i)  that it be recommended to Senate that the following clause be added to the University’s General Regulations for Students (new clause 5); Regulations for Examinations (new clause 33) and Guidelines for the Preparation of Dissertations for Master’s Degree Courses (new clause within section 3 Progress):

Students should raise any concerns or complaints about any aspect of course delivery or supervision as soon as they arise.

ii)  that the Research Degrees Committee be asked to consider this matter in respect of regulations for research students;

iii)  that this issue be considered by the University’s solicitors as part of the review of the University’s Complaints and Appeals procedures.

EXTRACT FROM ACADEMIC POLICY COMMITTEE MINUTES: 19.1.96

96.23 Student Complaints Procedure

The Committee received a report from the Working Party on Student Complaints (ACPC/96/5) which had been established to consider the development and introduction of a University-wide student complaints system. The Working Party had undertaken a thorough review of current practice in the UK and Republic of Ireland and within the University. It had agreed a three-stage procedure which took account of the principles of accessibility, simplicity, fairness, confidentiality and effectiveness and would represent a minimal administrative burden.

AGREED that it be recommended to Senate that:

(i) the procedures (revised version at appendix 6) be approved for introduction in 1996/97;