Approved Minutes
UNIVERSITY OF ESSEX
QUALITY COMMITTEE
Wednesday 31st October 2007
2:00pm to 4:00pm
MINUTES
Chair
Present
Apologies
Secretary
In attendance
By invitation
Professor Busfield
Academic Registrar, Professor Burnett, , Miss Cox, Mr Cottrell Dr Jones, Professor
Mackenzie, Professor Manson, Dr Scott.
Professor Andy Downton, Mr Bob Mack, Mrs Gill Statham
Assistant Registrar (Quality)
Miss Francis, Mrs Tallentire
Mrs Symons (MM.77-99/07), Ms Colbeck (MM.77-99/07), Mr Land ((MM. 77-109/07),
MEMBERSHIP AND TERMS OF REFERENCE
Noted
This was the first meeting of the new academic year, 2007-08. Member’s
observed the committee’s membership and terms of reference.
77/07
MATTERS ARISING
Noted
There were no matters arising not covered elsewhere on the agenda.
78/07
CHAIRS ACTION (QAC/07/20)
Noted
The Pro-Vice Chancellor (Learning and Teaching) had taken Chair’s Action on
behalf of the Quality Assurance Committee to approve the Fitness to Practice
issues for the Training Doctorate in Clinical Psychology as detailed in paper
QAC/07/20.
79/07
COMMITTEE WORKING PARTIES
a) Scheme Approval Review Group and Credit Recognition Accumulation
Working Party (QAC/07/21)
Noted
Both the Scheme Approval Review Group and the Credit Recognition and
Accumulation Woking Party had concluded their business. The groups’ final
proposals had been approved by the Undergraduate School Board at its summer
2007 meeting.
80/07
b) Admissions Qualifications Review Group (QAC/07/22)
Noted
The Vice-Chancellors Advisory Group (now the University Steering Group) had
requested QAC form a sub-committee; the Admissions Qualifications Review
Group’s (AQRG). The proposed membership and terms of reference were
presented to the Committee for approval.
81/07
Resolved
Members were not altogether satisfied with the proposed terms of reference,
particularly in relation to the apparent lack of consultation inherent in both the
terms of reference and the proposed reporting lines. In addition, it was felt that
the terms of reference should make explicit reference to the QAA’s Code of
Practice and that the precise role of the group in determining accepted English
Language qualifications and English Language requirements should be clarified.
82/07
That the Quality Assurance Committee could not approve the membership and
terms of reference for the AQRG as they stood. The Committee therefore
requested that revised terms of reference be submitted for approval.
83/07
VERBAL REPORT FROM DEANS ON DISCUSSIONS OF STATISTICS PROVIDED FOR
FACULTY BOARDS
Noted
The last Quality Assurance Committee had requested that Deans should discuss
statistics relating to progression and achievement (undergraduate and
postgraduate taught level) at the summer term meetings of the Faculty Boards
and report back regarding the outcomes of these discussions.
84/07
a) Humanities and Comparative Studies
Reported
The Humanities and Comparative Studies Faculty Board discussed statistical
data relating to progression and achievement at its meeting on 23 May 2007.
Concern was expressed regarding the high proportion of good degrees that were
awarded, for example 18.4% first class degrees were awarded to Art History and
Literature, Film and Theatre Studies students, between 2003-06, in comparison
to 4% of students in the Department of Philosophy. The External Examiner,
however, did not highlight a high proportionate of first degrees awarded in their
annual report.
85/07
b) Social Sciences
Reported
Students in the Department of Economics and Language and Linguistics were
awarded a high level of first class degrees (on average 20%) in comparison to
Sociology and Government (5%) between 2003-06. Between 2006-07, however,
the number of first class degrees awarded in Government rose to 10-20%. In
addition, the Sociology department was reluctant to use marks above 70 and that
a strong correlation between A-Level grades and degree classifications existed.
86/07
c) Science and Engineering
Reported
In order to make a more meaningful interpretation of the statistics comparative
data was needed. The presentation of the results could also be improved to make
them easier to read.
87/07
Disparities existed between the proportion of degrees awarded by departments in
the Science and Engineering Faculty. In particular, mathematical departments
awarded a greater number of higher marks, as well as lower marks.
88/07
The discussion of Maths results identified broader issues in relation to the use of
the full marking scale. Psychology had sort to address the reluctance of markers
to use the full range of marks by introducing a categorical marking scheme. This
approach might be of interest to other departments outside the Science and
Engineering Faculty. It was suggested that the University needed to revisit the
89/07
issue of marking approaches, especially in light of the new Rules of Assessment.
The University might wish to consider the adoption of a university wide of a
university wide approach to marking.
Resolved
that Faculty Boards should, at the most available opportunity:



90/07
Discuss marking strategies at the next available meeting;
Investigate the discrepancies between departments in relation to degree
classifications in more detail;
Encourage departments to compare themselves with their competitors in
Annual Monitoring Reports using TQI comparative data.
ANNUAL QUALITY REPORT (QAC/07/23)
Approved
The recommendations for action as outlined in the Annual Quality Report –
2006/07.
91/07
STATISTICS
a) Employability
Received
The report from the Careers Advisory Service concerning the results of the
Destination of Leavers from Higher Education Survey (DLHE) 2005-06 and the
employability league tables prepared by the Sunday Times, the Times Higher
Education Supplement and the Guardian.
92/07
Reported
The University’s performance and position in the employability league table has
stayed at a similar level in comparison with 2004-05.
93/07
Noted
The Committee was interested to know why the University of York had moved
up to 7th place in the employability league.
94/07
Resolved
That the Head of Careers and Advisory Service would investigate the strategies
the University of York had employed to boast graduate employment.
95/07
Noted
A slight improvement in graduate response rates could help to enhance the
University’s position in the employability league considerably. There was some
discussion regarding how best to maintain links with graduates. By far the most
effective means of maintaining links was considered to be the students’ essex
email account. While the length of time the account remained open post
graduation had been extended to six months, this was not adequate for the CAS,
since the DLHE survey was carried out after the point the email accounts were
terminated. While in the longer term it was hoped that the Alumni Portal would
provide an ongoing mechanism for communication with graduates, on the
shorter term it would be helpful if alumni access to email was extended.
96/07
Resolved
That:
97/07


Noted
ISS should be encouraged to extend the life of a student email account to
one year after graduation;
ISS should be asked to provide the committee with a brief update
regarding progress in relation to the Alumni portal.
The Committee discussed the issue of ‘questionnaire fatigue’ and whether this
phenomenon impacted the graduate response rate. Members felt that students
98/07
enjoyed carrying out surveys, and that third year students should be given the
opportunity to take part in the university’s Student Satisfaction Survey.
Resolved
That the Pro-Vice Chancellor for Learning and Teaching should be made aware
of the Committees view concerning the involvement of third year students in the
University’s Student Satisfaction Survey.
99/07
b) National Student Survey/ Student Satisfaction Survey (QAC/07/25)
Received
A paper outlining the details of the NSS and SSS survey outcomes for Essex for
2006/07.
100/07
Noted
The NSS and SSS survey outcomes had been distributed to the Heads of
Sections, Heads of Departments and Deans for review.
101/07
The Senior Academic Registrar informed the committee how the University had
the opportunity to add an additional five groups of questions to the 2007 NSS
and chose questions relating to the student experience rather than academic
concerns. The data obtained from the additional questions had been reviewed by
the Heads of Section group and would be circulated to Deans for information.
102/07
A draft University level action plan would be composed by the Senior Academic
Registrar outlining the university’s response to the NSS and SSS data for
summer 2008.
103/07
The University was working with the Student’s Union to help improve publicity
for the NSS and SSS; encourage positive engagement with the questionnaires
and agree a strategy for future internal surveys.
104/07
It was agreed that the NSS and SSS outcomes would be discussed at the next
Faculty Board, with a view to promoting the dissemination of good practice and
encouraging departments to investigate the links between survey outcomes,
thematic review themes and recommendations, and other relevant data.
Consideration of these matters at Faculty Boards should assist departments in the
production of their Annual Monitoring Reports.
105/07
That the Deans would take the NSS and SSS outcomes forward to the next
Faculty Board and remind members of the need to review the outcomes at the
departmental level in advance of the Faculty Board meeting.
106/07
Resolved
MODES OF ASSESSMENT
School of Accounting, Finance and Management (QAC/07/26)
Received
A Paper from the School of Accounting, Finance and Management regarding
assessment by coursework only.
107/07
Noted
The paper raised University wide issues in relation to its rules and related
guidelines in respect of assessment processes.
108/07
Resolved
That:
109/07

The Dean of Law and Management should not consider the Accounting,
Finance and Management new course proposals until new University
guidelines had been discussed and agreed;

A small working group should be formed to discuss and review current
policy and bring forward recommendations for change. The group
should include a member from the Learning and Teaching Group, and
report back to the next meeting of the Committee.
PROBLEMS IN EXAM PAPERS AND PROPOSED GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE
Received
A report outlining the scale and nature of Exam Paper incidents that occurred
during the 2007 exam period and a set of suggested precepts and guidelines for
departments to follow during the exam paper setting process.
110/07
Noted
The suggested precepts and guidelines the exam paper setting process were
endorsed by the Committee. Members emphasised the benefits of holding group
moderating meetings, as highlighted in Precept 4.
111/07
Resolved
That:
112/07


The precepts and guidelines for the exam paper setting process be
approved with immediate effect and that the report be circulated to
Heads of Departments for action;
The Committee should receive an annual report outlining all exam
paper incidents.
THEMATIC REVIEW UPDATE (QAC/07/29)
Received
An Interim Report concerning the main findings of the Thematic Review of
Academic and Careers Support.
113/07
Noted
The full report will be submitted to QAC and Learning and Teaching Committee
next term.
114/07
INSTITUTIONAL AUDIT SPRING 2008
Reported
The Assistant Registrar (Quality) updated the Committee concerning preparation
for the Institutional Audit.
115/07
The Institutional Audit Briefing Paper had been published internally for
consultation. The Core Audit Team would appreciate any comments by 15
November in advance of the special meeting of the Committee to approve the
final draft.
116/07
REVISED RESERCH DEGREE PROGRAMME REVIEW FORM (QAC/07/30)
Noted
The revised research degree programme review questionnaire for 2007.
117/07
GUIDELINES FOR WORK-BASED AND PLACEMENT LEARNING (QAC/07/31)
Received
The revised work-based and placement learning guidelines which had been
amended in anticipation of the revised QAA Code of Practice, Section 9.
Departments and Partners would be expected to operate in line with the revised
guidelines from 2008/09.
118/07
Resolved
That the revised guidelines for work-based and placement learning are approved
with immediate affect, for implementation from 2008/09.
119/07
QAA CODE OF PRACTICE
a) Programme Design, Approval, Monitoring and Review (QAC/07/32)
Noted
The analysis of University policy and procedure in relation to the QAA Code of
Practice, Section 7: Programme design, approval, monitoring and review.
120/07
b) Admissions and Recruitment (QAC/07/33)
Noted
The analysis of University policy and procedure in relation to the QAA Code of
Practice, Section 10: Admissions to higher education.
121/07
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
a) External Examiner Issues (QAC/07/34)
Received
A paper drafted by the Dean of Humanities and Comparative Studies outlining
two issues raised by External Examiners in 2006/07.
122/07
Noted
Comments expressed by the external examiner for undergraduate History
Schemes concerning the issue of extenuating circumstances and the late
diagnosis of dyslexia. Members emphasised that students were required to
submit medical evidence in support of their extenuating performance claim,
which should authenticate the professional diagnosis made.
123/07
Resolved
that the Academic Registrar should inform the Disability Team about the issue
of extenuating circumstances and the late diagnosis of dyslexia, and discuss
how future situations could be managed more effectively.
124/07
Noted
Comments expressed by the external examiner for undergraduate Literature
schemes, concerning the External Examiner report proforma. The proforma was
under review and the comments would be considered as part of the review
process.
125/07
b) Appointment of External Examiners from University of Essex
Noted
The University’s position regarding the appointment of External Examiners from
UEA. The Committee reaffirmed, as appropriate, the University’s criteria for
appointments that meant that the University of Essex could not appoint external
Examiners from the UEA for taught provision. Further consultation was needed
with the Pro-Vice Chancellor for Learning and Teaching regarding External
Examiners for postgraduate research provision.
Assistant Registrar (Quality)
05 November 2007
126/07