MINUTE of the SCHOOL MANAGEMENT GROUP
held in Room 407, 1 University Gardens on 26th November 2014
PRESENT: Jeremy Huggett, Lynn Abrams, Thomas Clancy, Karin Bowie, Pauline McLachlan, Ann Gow, Ian Ruffell, Steve Marritt Fiona Macpherson
APOLOGIES: Nyree Finlay, Peter Jackson, Michael Murray
Table of Contents
Minute of the meeting held 12th November 2014 1
Matters arising 1
Head of School Update 1
Head of Subject Update 2
School Committees 2
Any Other Business 3
Action:
1. /Minute of the meeting held 12th November 2014
The minute was approved. PMcL will circulate to all School colleagues. / PMcL2. / Matters arising
2.1 Industrial Action
JWH confirmed he had emailed students as agreed.
2.2 2.2 Gender Equality Seminar RHS
LA reported that the seminar had gone extremely well and had been very engaging. LA and Gillian Shaw are meeting regarding the Gender Equality Mark (GEM) to discuss the possibility of Humanities developing an application. It was agreed that this would be useful to pursue and feeds into issues raised in the staff survey.
2.3 2.3 E-Learning / VLE Support
JWH had discussed at the monthly Head of School/Head of College meeting and there had been some agreement from other School heads. JWH is meeting with Kerr Gardiner (Head of Learning and Technology Unit) on 3 December 2014. The Director post is currently vacant. JWH would report back following the meeting.
1.1. 2.4 Process Improvement
JWH reported that the School had an opportunity to engage an intern to support Process Improvement. MM is liaising with the candidate (Business School).
1.2. 2.5 PG Scholarship Applications
SM and Christelle Le Riguer (CLeR) had been in contact with each subject area. The deadline for applications to subjects is 7 January 2015; the College deadline is 28 January 2015 and the AHRC deadline is 9 February 2015 (a confirmed offer is required by this date). TC reported on issues experienced with applications, for example, subjects may not have been aware of applications as they had been held up at RIO due to references pending. A College meeting had been held on 25 November 2014 with two AHRC panel members in attendance. It was suggested that crucial measures to address included the fit of the applicant with proposed supervisor and the institutional support statements. SM reported that PG Convenors have a set of model applications from 2013. The Scottish Graduate School website details key information for compiling applications and SM encouraged colleagues to make use of it. SM will raise a proposal to make the College deadline later at the next College Graduate Studies meeting. SM confirmed that students are allowed to accept one offer, whilst another is being considered. / JWH
SM
3. /
Head of School Update
3.1 3.1 Post Industrial ActionJWH reported that it is expected that examination papers for May 2015 should be underway by January 2015.
1.1. 3.2 Transforming Research Management (TRM)
Catherine Martin was unable to attend SCMG. The project was seeking approval from Court in December. Subject to approval, it is anticipated that the project will result in additional resources and support for research. The anticipated roll-out would begin in May 2015, with Arts in Phase 1.
1.2. 3.3 Ancestral Studies
MM had produced an updated document and JWH provided some background to the project, the engagement of an external consultant and the outcomes of discussion.
JWH suggested that the opportunities and implications be considered, including the development of a PG programme, perhaps building on what is already on offer and the development of a CPD summer school. Suggestions included:
Ancestral Studies Summer School at School level with each subject area covering one day.
JWH would circulate the original proposal that was submitted to CoA. The consultant reported that there was no similar activity being offered elsewhere, although others offered elements of Ancestral Studies, e.g., genealogy, tourism and CPD/summer schools.
JWH suggested that he, TC, NF and LA form a working group to progress and refine the proposal, including a representative from each subject area. It was agreed to proceed on that basis. AG suggested that Maria Economou (HATII) be involved. JWH suggested that any further nominations from subject areas be sent to him and he would arrange a meeting for January 2015.
1.3. 3.4 HATII Leadership role
A shortlist of names to approach has been developed and agreed with the Head of College in advance of the job description being developed. JWH would make contact in the next few weeks to gauge interest.
1.4. 3.5 College of Arts Strategic Plan
A draft version had been circulated. As a result, there would be a request to produce a School Strategic Plan. JWH suggested a SMG session in late January, to be finished off with social event/drinks. It was agreed to circulate the current School Strategic Plan, updates and perhaps plans from other schools. It was suggested that staff engagement should feature in the School plan. / JWH
JWH/PMcL
JWH
JWH/PMcL
4. / Head of Subject Update
4.1 History
Grant Applications – LA reported that HoSubs may not be aware of grant applications being submitted by colleagues in their subject as they don’t see the application or PAFs, which can cause issues, particularly with regards to teaching buy-outs. JWH would discuss the process with MM, although the implementation of an approval system in the TRM may address this.
Researcher Mentoring – LA is keen to implement in History. JWH reported that a GU scheme launched recently and researchers can apply.
4.2 Classics
Probation – IR reported that for temporary staff, the process is not clear, and can sometimes be too late. Regarding ECDP, IR also reported that there has been a lack of information and guidance provided. JWH suggested that there appears to be a breakdown in communications with regard to University Teachers (teaching only) rather than Research & Teaching and would discuss with Gillian Shaw.
4.3 Philosophy
Curriculum Review – FMacp reported that this was progressing well.
MW bids – FMacp had met with Estates representatives and contractors.
Wellcome Trust – Jennifer Corns’ application had been unsuccessful.
Kelvin Scholar – The applicant had progressed to the second stage. / JWH/MM
JWH
5. / School Committees
5.1 Learning & Teaching Committee
KB reported on recent Learning and Teaching activity.
5.1.1 EvaSys – KB reported that the system is being implemented for course questionnaires, with consideration of utilising the system for examinations (EvaExam) ongoing and a webinar had been held on 24 November 2014. History 1C would trial EvaExam in Semester 2, 2014-15. KB would discuss at College Learning & Teaching. MM had discussed with Don Spaeth and agreed that it should be brought to the attention of Frank Coton for future funding/support.
5.2 Graduate Studies
SM reported on recent Graduate Studies activity.
5.2.1 EvaSys – Also being trialled in Archaeology and History PGT at course, rather than programme level.
5.2.2 PhD Exams – It had been reported that dates of vivas are not always known and circulated. It had been agreed at Graduate Studies that CLeR be informed of dates when arranged. CLeR can also assist with arrangements and preparations.
5.2.3 PGR Student Webpage – SM reported that CLeR had set up a webpage for each student. A moodle site for PGR’s had also been developed, which details information; guidance and forms that they may require. SM asked colleagues to encourage students to engage and utilise the resources.
5.2.4 GTA Policy – A proposed College GTA policy would be discussed at Learning & Teaching Committee on 26 November 2014, including proposals in relation to recruitment, training and development. KB would return feedback at the next meeting. KB and SM would also discuss further, particularly any implications for the School.
5. Research Committee
PJ was not in attendance. / KB
KB
6.
/Any Other Business
6.1 Action Reporting – actions agreed
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