UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
CORPORATE PLANNING STATEMENT 2010
Strategic Priorities and Areas of Activity 2010-11
with update for 2009-10
MISSION STATEMENT
UCL – London’s Global University
We are
! a world-class centre of research and teaching, dedicated to developing and
disseminating original knowledge to benefit the world of the future.
We believe
! in engaging fully with the world around us
! in breaking new ground through challenging convention
! in progress through partnership.
We value
! creativity and innovation
! independent thought
! integrity
! energy
! perseverance.
We are committed
! to pursuit of excellence and sustainability
! to maintaining rich academic diversity embracing the Arts and Sciences
! to equality of opportunity and fulfilment of potential for all our staff and students.
We strive always
! to lead
! to inspire
! to achieve.
ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENTS: TEACHING AND RESEARCH
2009-10
General
! As London’s Beacon of Public Engagement, produce and implement a strategy to embed
engagement as a core activity across UCL
! Promote public engagement through recognition, training, provision of grants and
fellowships and introduce new Awards scheme
! Prepare an over-arching UK/EU UCL student recruitment strategy
! Commence piloting of criteria-based selection by dedicated admissions professionals
across undergraduate degree programmes
! Achieve strategic enhancement of prospective student communications, particularly
those focused on the graduate and international markets
! Review the range of postgraduate pathways through UCL
-1-
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Formalise the process for the approval of all research degree supervisors
Pilot an online application for students to record their skills development throughout their
studies; to be integrated with UCL Student Records System (Portico)
Introduce the Common Timetable with a web-based, on-line interface for administrators,
staff and students
Implement and promote UCL’s Cultural Property Policy, developing a register of UCL’s
cultural and heritage assets
Develop and begin to implement vision for UCL public realm, including museums and
spaces for exhibitions and events
Market testing of planned Liberal Arts Degree
Further Grand Challenge development in the area of Intercultural Interactions specifically
in Human Wellbeing
A second Lancet Commission on Healthy Cities
Develop mentorship and monitoring programmes to further enhance UCL's research
grant capability
Develop UCL's Research Impact agenda for the Research Councils and the REF
Continued dialogue with the Institute of Zoology to develop a closer relationship,
especially with the Faculty of Life Sciences (Genetics, Evolution and Environment) and
with the Natural History Museum to consider further collaborations
Further develop UCL's relationship with Academic Analytics and Elsevier to facilitate
greater understanding of our academic research capabilities and outputs (publications).
Arts and Social Sciences
! Launch of Centre for Trans-National History keynote lecture series and round table
! Develop new MSc programme in Economic Policy (to commence September 2010),
aiming to provide high-level training for economist careers in the civil service and the
wider public policy community
! Development and submission of Doctoral Training Centre bid to ESRC
! Develop a new portfolio of MSc programmes in aspects of physical geography, drawing
on strengths in climate change and environmental modelling
! Further develop teaching and research links between Archaeology and Anthropology
! Develop a new undergraduate programme BSc(Econ) in Economics with a Year Abroad,
based on collaboration with leading institutions in the US, to prepare students for work in
the global economy
! Develop an innovative MRes in Economic Research, providing a clearly-defined
sequence of high-level training for Economics PhD students
! Develop a two-year Masters programme in Public Administration, to be taught in
partnership with New York University
! Start of major research programme on the history of British slave ownership
! Implement first phase of Modern Languages Review, bringing changes to administration
and to graduate provision within the Faculty of Arts & Humanities
! Programme of events, grants and training sessions resulting from a donation to the
Humanities for Business scheme from SHM Productions
! Develop the Digital Humanities initiative following the successful application to the
Provost’s Strategic Development Fund
! Further collaborative work towards the launch of the European Institute as part of the
Intercultural Interactions Grand Challenge in October 2010
! The early stages of the possible development of a Digital Journalism initiative
! Review of the long-term future for the CETL Languages of the Wider World project
! Establish the Centre for Ethics and Law, Institute for Human Rights, Centre for Criminal
Law, and Centre for Law and Economics
! Establish UCL student-run Human Rights Programme in Laws.
-2-
Sciences
! Develop an accommodation strategy for the Bartlett to meet the needs of the Faculty’s
current and future operation
! Establish the Centre for Medical Image Computing as a stand-alone interdisciplinary
centre with participation from across Faculties, in particular, Biomedicine and from UCL
Partners and explore development of an over-arching Institute for Translational Medical
Imaging and Bioengineering
! Explore with Biomedicine other areas for possible interdisciplinary research, in particular
in orthopaedics and musculo-skeletal diseases
! Evaluation of the opportunities for establishing a Masters in Management programme at
UCL and, in the longer term, prospects for developing a Management school at UCL
! Harmonisation of the nine EPSRC funded centres for doctoral training programmes at
UCL which includes renewal of four of the previous Engineering Doctorate Centres as
‘Industrial Doctorate Centres’ and extension to concentrations of other doctorate
studentships in key, strategic areas of research
! Implement a continuing professional development (CPD) Engineering Doctorate in
collaboration with a major industrial partner (Arup) and international university partners
! Further develop the UCL Molecular Beam Epitaxy Facility for the growth of novel semiconductor materials in collaboration with university partners to provide a mid-range interuniversity service
! Work with university partners in the UK to establish a Dark Fibre Infrastructure facility for
development of future high-bandwidth communications in digital Britain
! Establish a pilot collaborative project with the Center for Design Research (CDR) at
Stanford University
! Participate in an Erasmus Mundus mobility scheme with Chinese and European partner
universities at postgraduate, research and academic staff level
! Set up (with funding from the British Council) a framework for collaborative projects with
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and with the Kigali Institute of Science and
Technology (KIST) in Rwanda
! Develop proposals for the relocation of the Grant Museum of Zoology, and move the
museum to interim accommodation.
Biomedicine
The following high level strategic aims for SLMS will guide the development of Faculty
strategies and operational objectives:
! The overarching objective of the School is to harness academic excellence in pursuit of
health, economic and social gain for the benefit of humanity - regionally, nationally and
internationally
! We aim to be the best institution nationally in terms of Biomedical and Life Science
research and education, and comparable with the best institutions in the world
! Whilst fostering a culture of investigator-led research excellence and a commitment to
fundamental research we will establish an optimal fusion of basic and applied research,
and ensure the most effective translation of scientific knowledge into health, wealth and
social gain in conjunction with health service and industrial partners
! We will be the premium location for the education and training of the next generation of
clinical and non-clinical scientists, equipped to drive forward the strategic agenda above.
Faculty of Life Sciences - specific strategic aims:
! Identify and support excellent investigator-led research
! Align our strengths in teaching, both undergraduate and postgraduate, with our strengths
in research to their mutual advantage
! Promote strategic teaching and research developments, including inter-disciplinary
research across UCL
-3-
!
Ensure provision of appropriate services and facilities to support world class teaching
and research.
Faculty of Biomedical Sciences - specific objectives:
! Implement Taskforce 2, analysing the academic and financial performance of academic
groups within the Faculty’s 14 Divisions and Institutes
! Continue progress towards development of a performance management tool that takes
into account the full range of staff activities
! Develop funding and support for the proposed Institute for Population Health
! Continue to develop new academic programmes for formal consideration and recognition
by UCL Partners
! Continue the implementation of the FBS Estates re-structuring exercise
! Continue the establishment of the Advanced IT Support Centre, integrating IT support
staff across the Faculty
! Progress plans for the refurbishment of the Rayne Institute in University Street.
2010-11
General
! Partnership with Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan to support development and
delivery of NU School of Engineering and the Centre for Preparatory Programmes
! Establish a research-led campus in the Middle East specialising in cultural heritage
! Implement revised overarching Admission Structures and Selection Processes:
" Develop and pilot criteria-based selection for UG and PGT programmes with
selection templates prepared by academics but implemented by admissions
professionals
" Establishment of a single centrally-managed team of admissions professionals
" Introduction of a web-based electronic admissions system that interfaces with the
student records system for PGT then UG applications
! As London’s Beacon of Public Engagement, produce a strategy to embed engagement
as a core activity across UCL
! Implement proposals for 2010-11 outlined in revised UCL Learning and Teaching
Strategy
! Implement new structure for the support of learning and teaching following review of the
Centre for the Advancement of Learning and Teaching
! Develop plans for a UCL Summer School Programme
! Identify suitable space for an exhibitions gallery for UCL and produce business plan for
operation
! Re-launch Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology in existing accommodation and
identify suitable space for re-housing
! Re-open the Grant Museum of Zoology in the Rockefeller Building
! Develop the external profile and cross-UCL activities of the UCL European Institute in its
first year
! Build on the successful launch of the European Institute with a full programme of events
and activities
! Widen the collaboration with Yale University to extend beyond the biomedical sphere to
Arts and Humanities, Laws, Engineering and Social Sciences etc
! Further develop the Grand Challenges of Intercultural Interactions and Wellbeing to the
same level of maturity as Global Health and Sustainable Cities
! Explore and develop strategic industrial partnerships in the areas of the Grand
Challenges and the environment
! Implement the UCL strategy on Public Policy
-4-
!
!
Explore and expand funding opportunities from areas not yet fully exploited by UCL
researchers
Look to develop areas of collaboration between UCL and other appropriate institutions in
the SE of England.
Arts and Social Sciences
! Second stage of development of School of European Languages, Culture and Society,
including curricular reform
! Establishment of Arts and Humanities Faculty Institute for Graduate Studies (FIGS) to
foster a planned and coordinated expansion of graduate numbers
! Develop activities of Humanities for Business
! Establish parameters for the new BABSc programme of study, house the BABSc within
the Faculty of Arts and Humanities
! Develop further the work of the Centre for Digital Humanities, including the development
of a degree in Digital Journalism
! Work on establishing a 2+2 degree between UCL’s European Social and Political
Studies Programme and Sciences Po
! Put appropriate interdisciplinary structures in place in readiness for the potential award of
the ESRC Doctoral Training Centre grant
! Continue collaboration between the Faculties of Arts and Humanities, and Social and
Historical Sciences; including the creation of joint administrative posts in the Faculty
Office
! Implement the recommendations of the joint Faculty IT Review, working closely with
Information Services Division
! Contribute to the Library masterplan by developing joint Faculty requirements for the
refurbishment of the library space in the North Junction
! Review the achievements of the Urban Laboratory, and develop subsequent plans
! Develop arrangements to implement the joint Masters in Public Administration with NYU,
and appoint core staff
! Establish UCL Judicial Institute in the Faculty of Laws
! Develop a coordinated approach to grant applications under the new AHRC research
themes (A&H, SHS, SSEES, Laws)
! Continue to locate UCL at the forefront of the debate on modern languages, including
interdisciplinary language-based area studies (A&H, SSEES, Language Centre)
! Further UCL’s internationalisation agenda through reapplication for continuation of the
Erasmus Mundus International Master’s programme IMESS (SSEES)
! Develop Law Without Walls programme with a range of international Law Schools
! Establish post-CETL collaboration with SOAS in Languages of the Wider World.
Sciences
! Implement the accommodation strategy for the Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment
! Develop a new design-led MRes in Architecture, Art and Writing based in the Bartlett
Faculty of the Built Environment
! The Bartlett will take a lead in developing an interdisciplinary understanding of the
actions required to create and operate a built environment appropriate to the increasingly
severe challenges facing it over the next 20-50 years
! The Bartlett will establish an outreach and knowledge transfer network (Bartlett
Associates) to industry and practice to disseminate its learning.
The Faculty of Mathematical & Physical Sciences, comprising the Departments below, will:
! Develop a forward staffing strategy to support strategic developments within the Faculty
! Work to improve the appearance and efficiency of its estate within the context of the
estates masterplan
-5-
!
Develop initiatives targeted on the student experience, particularly exposing our students
to research with the aim of increasing our postgraduate research student numbers
! Review organisation of postgraduate programmes across the Faculty
! Improve the diversification of research funding
! Develop a strategy for interaction with UKCMRI
! Pursue opportunities for cost-saving and streamlining in view of decreased public
funding
! Further pursue interdisciplinarity in teaching and research including the development and
expansion of the Natural Sciences Degree programme
! Establish means of improving the employability of our graduates ie by developing their
transferable skills, particularly focusing on leadership and equipping them to be 'global
citizens'.
The Department of Chemistry will:
! Establish a new master’s course in energy materials coordinated through the Chemistry
Department
! Develop a new initiative/appointments in materials synthesis.
The Department of Science & Technology Studies will:
! Re-establish UCL's provision for teaching and research in the History of Medicine on a
firm and sustainable footing
! Strengthen science communication across UCL.
The Department of Earth Sciences will:
! Further develop the recently established Institute for Risk & Disaster Reduction (IRDR)
that will lead research, knowledge exchange with business and humanitarian agencies,
and advanced teaching in the area of risk and disaster reduction (R&DR). By providing a
focus for UCL’s R&DR activities, with its breadth of disciplinary emphasis, promotion of
novel multidisciplinary research and translation into practice, the Institute aims to
assume leadership in R&DR both in the UK and internationally.
The Department of Mathematics will:
! Re-house or refurbish the Department of Mathematics and develop plans for an Institute
of Mathematical Sciences involving a programme in Financial Mathematics and colocation with the Department of Statistical Sciences.
The Department of Physics & Astronomy will:
! Develop a world class high energy physics theory group to complement our excellence in
experimental work.
! Consolidate MAPS faculty activities in Biological Physics with a view to enhancing
interactions with other areas of UCL.
The Department of Space & Climate Physics will:
! Be selected to provide innovative space hardware on all of the European Space
Agencies next generation of space science satellites
! Deliver space hardware to NASA’s replacement to the Hubble Space Telescope
! Become a partner in the new International Space Innovation Centre.
The London Centre for Nanotechnology will:
! In collaboration with the Department of Chemistry, establish a Centre for Materials
Discovery involving the appointment of new staff and the identification of suitable space
! Develop a translational nanomedicine initiative which will involve collaboration with
UKCMRI and also bring in a major corporate partner (eg Pfizer)
! Novel computation - including quantum and biologically inspired paradigms
! Environmental nanotechnology, including especially nanofluidics, novel filtration,
photocatalysis etc for dealing with water purification.
The Faculty of Engineering Sciences, comprising the Departments below, will:
! Review and develop a new communications strategy
! Broaden engagement of staff with the Faculty as a unified engineering school
-6-
!
!
Develop a forward staffing strategy to support strategic developments outlined below
Work to improve the appearance and efficiency of its estate within the context of the
estates masterplan
! Develop initiatives targeted on the student experience, particularly exposing our students
to research
! Strengthen faculty activities through initiatives in engineering policy and biomedical
engineering
! Review organisation of postgraduate research programmes across Faculty
! Reorganise to secure enhanced direct industrial funding for research
! Pursue opportunities for cost-saving and streamlining in view of decreased public
funding.
The Department of Computer Science will:
! Develop its research presence in the area of financial computing
! Strengthen its activities in the area of biomedical informatics, spanning bioinformatics,
imaging and health informatics
! Revise its undergraduate programmes, specifically developing a problem based learning
approach in undergraduate Years 1 and 2
! Undertake a reorganisation of its Masters degree programmes to take advantage of the
breadth of offerings.
The Department of Medical Physics & Bioengineering will:
! Expand its research activity in the areas of sensors embedded in interventional devices
(eg smart needles and catheters)
! Extend promising research in phase-contrast x-ray imaging
! Develop a distance-learning MSc in Physics and Engineering in Medicine
! Replace its Year 1 and 2 undergraduate modules (with modules covering new topics in
medical physics).
The Department of Management Science & Innovation will:
! Increase its research footprint in operations & technology management and R&D project
management
! Extend interdisciplinary research collaboration with other Departments within the Faculty
of Engineering Sciences
! Increase its offerings of postgraduate programmes in the management of information,
technology, and science
! Strengthen its CPD and executive education activities.
The Department of Chemical Engineering will:
! Continue to upgrade its energy research facilities
! Pursue a plan for advanced chemicals manufacture
! Review and develop its use of problem-based learning especially in undergraduate
Years 1 and 2
! Review and develop its use of virtual learning environments across the curriculum.
The Department of Security and Crime Science will:
! Pursue the establishment of a secure data lab as a means of strengthening research
links with external partners
! Strengthen the cross-disciplinary nature of crime science through collaborations with
other Departments, for example, developing research capacity in e-crime
! Review its postgraduate programmes, with a particular focus on expanding distance
education options
! Explore possibilities of offering undergraduate courses, perhaps beginning by
contributing to cross-UCL programmes.
The Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering will:
! Develop important research directions in the growth of novel quantum dot materials for
integrated photonics on silicon
! Extend research on the development of future wireless access technologies
-7-
!
!
Introduce a new MSc programme in Telecommunications with Business
Support the further development of experimental scenarios teaching in the
undergraduate curriculum.
The Department of Civil and Geomatic Engineering will:
! Strengthen its multidisciplinary capability in enabling wellbeing in an changing
environment
! Strengthen its capabilities in Geotechnical Risk Engineering and interfaces between
ground and structures
! Reinvigorate its taught Masters programmes to make a better fit for society’s needs in
the 21st century
! Develop its industrial engagement activity to ensure appropriate activity to the benefit of
students, researchers and the wider world.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering will:
! In collaboration with other Departments in the Faculty expand its MSc courses portfolio
with programmes having significant elements of finance, management and
entrepreneurship
! Strengthen the Thermofluids research area by completing appointments and seeking
new research opportunities in environment and health-related areas
! Introduce further design-make-test projects in its undergraduate programmes
! Raise the profile of engineering through entries in national and international student
racing competitions such as Formula Student and SolarFox.
The Department of Biochemical Engineering will:
! Develop new UG programmes, one for Life Science the other with a strong management
of medicines innovation
! Play a full role in the new UCL BA programme by providing key material on medical
advances and modules on business entrepreneurship for the life science sector
! Broadening of our small molecules research to embrace more in the industrial
biotechnology area of the synthesis of novel synthetic chemical building blocks
! Move cellular therapy moving closer to a commercial outcome, lead research into the
methods for commercialization funded through TSB grants.
The School of Energy and Resources, Australia will:
! Increase its research profile and outputs in the energy and resources area, with greater
collaboration with UCL London researchers
! Continue to develop and grow its MSc and PhD programme
! Recruit world-class staff in key areas to support its activities
! Develop its executive education offerings.
Biomedicine
! Roll out of ‘SLMS domains’ concept, involving reconfiguration of website, alignment of
external communications activity and publications, and alignment of research
co-ordination activity
! Establishment of Experimental Medicine as a cross-cutting initiative focused on the
Wolfson institute for Biomedical Research but confederated with Institute for Cancer
Research, the Rayne etc
! Establishment of a Population Health cross-cutting initiative embracing the Division of
Population Health, Health Services Research Capacity and Institute of Global Health
! Development of Institute alignment initiatives eg joint studentships, ‘bench-bedsidepopulation’ lecture series, ‘speed dating events’
! Actively promote engagement in Grand Challenges and links with other UCL faculties
! Continue the work on the rationalisation of platform technologies
! Conclude negotiations of the JVA and governance arrangements for UKCMRI that
optimises our ability to act as the academic conduit for UK and international links
-8-
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Progress the pan-London PET scanning consortium and our involvement as a founding
partner
Progress the development of the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and
Behaviour ensuring continuing engagement of the local neuroscience community and the
development of additional capacity in this area through initial recruitment in advance of
Centre opening and the appointment of fixed-term interim director
Pursue exploratory neuroscience links with KCL
Build on our success in the ‘Therapeutic Capability Cluster’ exercise by forging closer
links with GMEC partners in the immuno-inflammation field
Progress the revision of the MBBS programme (and associated intercalated degree
programmes) according to agreed principles to achieve a commencement date of
September 2011
Review undergraduate provision across both SLMS faculties
Create a school community of educational scholars with a common visiting expert
programme and intra and extra-mural support
Review individual distance learning initiatives and develop a coherent strategy and
business plan for development of resources that takes account of UCL’s central activity
in this area
Ensure, through liaison with the Education Board, where appropriate, that research
training for doctoral students is consistently high quality
Celebrate educational excellence through internal and external communication
Ensure all prospectuses reflect our ambition to become the optimal host site for the
development of the next generation of life and biomedical scientists.
LEARNING AND TEACHING AND QUALITY ASSURANCE
2009-10
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Develop and approve an action plan by the Post-Institutional Audit Steering Committee
Review of the Institutional Learning and Teaching Strategy
Incorporate object-based learning into induction and training of new academic staff
Pilot methods of measuring object-based learning impact
Develop Global Citizenship framework to include student careers dimension and further
training for staff
Establish E-examination Project Board
Establish protocol on levels of course information to be held on Moodle
Review of the professional development needs of staff in line with UCL’s aim to further
internationalise the curriculum
Develop on-line resources for academic staff to support education for global citizenship
and the internationalisation of the curriculum
Implement the Personal Tutoring Strategy
Implement Strategy and guidelines on Assessment and Feedback and development of
supporting on-line resources
Hold UCL Teaching and Learning Conference
Undertake Review of Academic Committee and its substructure
Develop and launch some initial distance learning programmes at the MSc level, in
particular to be piloted in health informatics, crime science and medical physics
Explore the extent to which novel programmes developed at UCL, such as Information
Management for Business, might be ‘licensed’ for the development of sister programmes
by other institutions
-9-
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Develop and launch a distance based MSc programme for sustainable facility and
environmental management for delivery in Singapore in collaboration with the Building
and Construction Authority
Develop and launch an MRes in Heritage Science
Launch new MSc taught Masters programme in Energy Materials in 2010
Faculty of Arts & Humanities review of the Year Abroad
Pilot a better legal writing workshop in Law
Writing and learning mentor scheme in Law
Introduce a pre-sessional online course in common law, EU law and international law
on LLM
Graduate Tutor hour: sessions in developing critical analysis skills in law
Initiate teaching Away-days to share best teaching practice in Law
Review structure and content of the UCL Academic Manual
Review the role of students in Internal Quality Review.
2010-11
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Implement outcomes of the Review of Academic Committee and its substructure, which
will rationalise and strengthen the committee structure relating to teaching and learning
Launch revised Academic Manual
Establish Task Force for Innovation in Teaching and Learning
Implement modifications to the IQR process in order to strengthen the role of students
Review of Assessment Strategy and associated policies
Review policy on direct undergraduate entry to second year and transfers between UCL
programmes
Expand use of object-based learning and use of Museums and Collections resources in
teaching
Develop framework for quality assurance and enhancement of e-learning provision
Review policy on Accreditation for Prior Learning
Review policy on Experiential Accreditation for Prior Learning
Continue development of HEAR ready to produce documentation in 2011-12
Implementation of new Personal Tutoring Strategy for UG and PGT students
Scope new structure for student academic activities in the post examination period
Adopt ECTS credits across all courses at UCL and promote a clear understanding of
academic equivalence and credit transfer
Implement standards for student feedback across all courses
Implement minimum standards for the use of Moodle
Review programme diets, especially for PGT
Scope provision of a significant on-line resource for teaching and learning.
WIDENING ACCESS AND PARTICIPATION
2009-10
!
!
!
!
!
!
Develop plans for the UCL Academy
Develop and deliver academic and communications plan to support 2012 introduction of
the GCSE modern language requirement
Delivery of JP Morgan Horizons Programme ‘success’ and ‘achievement’ strands
Launch of renewed and re-focused UCL City and Islington College Partnership
Develop and deliver Black Achievement programme
Implement geodemographic data analysis to identify target schools and colleges for
widening participation activity
- 10 -
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Evaluate primary school object-based outreach activity and promote findings
Develop A level Extended Project offer
Promote UCL’s exhibitions and events policy and guidance, and purchase new
temporary display system
Develop qualitative evaluation measures for public engagement activity
Roll out Transitions Programme across all UCL Departments
City and Islington Laws mentoring scheme
Laws master-class at UCL widening participation summer school
Pathways to law programme.
2010-11
!
!
Review and update UCL Access Agreement
Embed and expand the Transitions Programme for first year students.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
2009-10
Academic and Academic-related
! Initiate Admissions Structures and Selection Processes project
! Develop and part-implement a Public Realm/Public Engagement Vision including UCL
Museums and Collections
! Joint Faculty team In Arts & Humanities and Social & Historical Sciences working
together to provide enhanced, more flexible support to students.
Student Administration
! Implement new arrangements for the UCL “Opening of Session”
! Successful launch and operation of PBIS Tier 4 (Students) Sponsor Management
System and monitoring of attendance arrangements
! Undertake preparatory work to implement new PORTICO functionality for Admissions,
Medical School Student Records and Academic Review, and consolidate and enhance
existing functionalities
! Complete interim phase of the project to create a single, focal location for the delivery of
services to students, including integration of services within Registry
! Review the Scholarships and Student Funding Strategy
! Review child protection procedures in preparation for the introduction of the Independent
Safeguarding Authority.
Student Computing/IT and other teaching facilities
(see also under Information Strategy section)
! Introduce new electronic student-attendance monitoring system in Laws
! Pilot project for electronic forms of assessment in Laws.
Library
! Refurbish the library spaces in the North Junction of the UCL Main Library, in line with
the Library’s Master plan
! Identify a sustainable home for UCL Special Collections
! Complete a new five-year Library Strategy for 2011-2015
! Finance permitting, enhance provision of digitised/born-digital materials for taught course
and research provision, and extend move to e-only delivery for journals and monographs
! Identify and implement plan for self-sustaining remote storage at Belnor House
- 11 -
!
!
!
!
!
Implement FIS throughout the UCL family of libraries
Report on the implementation of the first phase of Key Performance Indicators
Embed the UCL Open Access mandate into UCL’s corporate life, with a consequent
increase in the number of papers deposited in UCL E-Prints
Develop the Library’s presence on iTunes U and other social networking sites
Further review of Opening Hours across all UCL library sites.
Careers
! Continued development of the GradClub programme with HEFCE funding support
! Develop resources and labour market research for international students
(initially focused on PR China and India)
! Further research into the opinions of non-users of the Careers Service and modification
of the careers service and or marketing as appropriate.
Student Residences
! Complete a comprehensive review of student accommodation and residences and
commence implementation of agreed conclusions.
Student Counselling
! Refurbishment of new rooms in progress, expanding facilities for one-to-one sessions
and workshops
! New website fully operative and will be maintained.
Students’ Union facilities
! Existing Medical Students Union facility in Huntley Street to be relocated as a
consequence of the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre project.
2010-11
Academic and Academic-related
! Re-launch and progress Admissions Structures and Selection Processes project
! Roll-out processes for recording Key Skills aspirations and achievement, for taught
students
! Implement UCL-wide personal tutoring systems
! Implement changes and enhancements resulting from the 2009-10 review of the
examination experience
! Revise UCL Scholarships Strategy
! Undertake engagement monitoring for Points Based Immigration System
! Implementation of policy on withdrawal of undersubscribed programmes
! Maintain and enhance the generic skills training for research students and staff
! Implement within Human Resources system the recording of approved research student
supervisor status for staff
! Develop Key Skills support for taught students (undergraduate and Masters) across UCL
to enable students to set personal development objectives and record evidence in
consultation with personal tutors
! Formalise templates for pathways to postgraduate study at UCL.
Student Administration
! Finalise arrangements for, and complete, outsourcing for the dispatch of prospective
student marketing materials to enquirers
! Establish a physical location for the Student Centre, as a core student enquiry point, and
progress the incremental development of a single, focal location for the delivery of
services to students
- 12 -
!
!
!
!
!
!
Consider options to integrate student fees and funding functions and take forward
agreed plans arising from such consideration
Implement arrangements for the collection of an application processing fee for admission
to taught graduate programmes
Operationalise UCL’s Highly Trusted Sponsor status in relation to PBIS
Develop a new Scholarships and Student Funding Strategy, in the light of the 2009-10
review
Implement new PORTICO functionality for Admissions (on-line application, portal and
electronic workflows), Medical School Student Records and Academic Review, the
national Higher Education Achievement Report on-line enrolment for new students and
consolidate and enhance existing functionalities
Develop and implement student enquiries management systems.
Student Computing/IT and other teaching facilities
(see also under Information Strategy section)
! Provide improved computer network access for students using WIFI from a variety of
mobile and personal computer devices
! Upgrade student computer cluster facilities to provide easier access to services when
they want and how they want
! Implement common student applications on smart phones and other mobile devices
! Increase uptake of Moodle VLE system with more course materials and collaboration
opportunities
! Use eLearning technologies to improve assessment and feedback
! Provide an integrated facility in learning spaces with improved audio-visual and related
technology.
Library
! Continue refurbishment programme for library spaces
! Introduce RFID self-issue pod in Learning Laboratory, UCL Science Library
! Introduce new central web search facility/tool to search UCL’s own and UCL-licensed
content
! Pursue and identify solutions to accommodation for UCL Special Collections
! Make active UCL’s membership of UKRR for the relegation of older print journals
! Embed UCL Discovery (formerly UCL Eprints) into UCL’s Research Publications Service
via a new UCL Publications Policy
! Lead on UCL’s contribution to the LERU (League of European Research Universities)
Open Access Roadmap
! Plan and secure implementation of TALIS Aspire for a pan-UCL tool to support Reading
Lists in the UCL VLE.
Careers
! Undergo professional re-accreditation (Matrix Standard) in October 2010
! Set up ‘UCL Talent Pool’ – an online service whereby recruiters and students can be
matched on essential and desirable criteria
! Pilot new international recruiter presentations via both live-weblink and pre-recorded
podcasts (depending on time differences)
! Promote broader range of career options to students and engage with traditional
non-users of the Service
! Develop new careers website
! Develop plan for Departments to integrate at least one annual Careers Service-led,
discipline specific careers session into the timetable for each year of study.
- 13 -
Student Residences
! Complete a strategic review of student accommodation assets and progress
recommendations, including the potential for bringing in private sector management and
capital
! Exploit opportunities to acquire additional accommodation.
Student Counselling
! Provision of more efficient interaction between counsellors and students via newly
refurbished space, including facility for group workshops
! Implement change in working practice to reduce the waiting list for assessment and
treatment
! To further improve waiting time, software has been purchased and will be trialled to
provide online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for students suffering from anxiety
and depression.
Students’ Union facilities
! Construction work is in hand on the new facility located in the Lewis' building on the
corner of Gower Street and Gower Place and should be operational in March 2011.
LINKS WITH BUSINESS
2009-10
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Enhance the range of strategic alliances with business
Further relationships with SMEs in North London
Build an effective relationship with the Technology Strategy Board to further UCL's
relationship with businesses
Appoint a Head of Contracts to improve the identification of opportunities for and
management of relationships with business
Develop a strategy to enhance engagement with business in the built environment sector
Strengthening links with legal practitioners and the judiciary
Law and Ethics Centre links with legal practice and large business enterprises
Carbon capture and storage partnership with business
Expansion of interactions by UCL Centre for Commercial Law with business community.
2010-11
!
!
!
!
!
!
Enhance the range of strategic alliances with business at a global level, in growth
sectors such as telecommunications, space industry, energy and resources
Develop sector-based or interdisciplinary integrated partnerships with industry,
government and funding agencies, which stimulate higher levels of interest and funding
for significant UCL projects
Further develop breadth and scope of relationships with SMEs in London
Develop the contracts process and related activities within UCL to ensure greater
simplicity in operation and more effective outcomes
Work with Faculty of Engineering Sciences and the Faculty of Arts and Humanities,
and external partners, to establish a Future Media Institute that will include facilities for
developing interactions with the commercial sector and incubating initiatives
Develop our organisation and external partnerships in response to the challenges of the
new funding environment for the knowledge transfer, commercial and student skills
agendas
- 14 -
!
!
!
!
!
Promote inward and outward secondment schemes for staff/students to enhance the
competitiveness of local businesses, and in particular to develop and expand the KTP
office
Develop community hub physical space in addition to the virtual collaboration spaces for
business and academics
Develop further support mechanisms for student businesses
SLMS to develop new style academic partnerships with industry focused on Phase 1/
early Phase 2 activity and validation of drug targets becoming the preferred UK Partner
for at least one major international company
Identify KT ‘champions’ within each SLMS division/UCCP theme who can act as a focal
point for identification of IP, development and promulgation of policy and process.
LINKS WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND LONDON REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTS
2009-10
!
!
!
!
Public engagement projects with Beacon and other London Partners, such as
Bloomsbury Festival and Create Kings Cross to strengthen community links
Establish the Voluntary Services Unit as core-funded unit of UCL
Expand the number of students involved in voluntary work on local community projects
Develop co-ordinated pro-bono activities in Laws.
2010-11
!
!
!
!
Expand further the number of UCL students involved in community volunteering
Increase further the number of post-graduate students in volunteering and public
engagement activities through new and existing programmes
Develop further links with not-for-profit organisations within Camden
Establish the Centre for Access to Justice and Community Engagement in the Faculty of
Laws.
INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES
2009-10
!
!
!
!
Develop support for the new international university in Astana with the government of
Kazakhstan
Launch of Masters programme at the UCL School of Energy and Resources, Australia
Disseminate Pro-Provost’s new regional strategies
Develop further targeted international research collaborations in support of UCL Grand
Challenges.
2010-11
!
!
!
Establishment of the Nazarbayev University School of Engineering with UCL as a
mentoring partner and delivery of programmes through the Nazarbayev University
Centre for Preparatory Studies
Establish a research-led campus in the Middle East specialising in archaeology and
cultural heritage
Further development of UCL SERAus to include major industry and government
partnerships and establishment of the International Energy Policy Institute in Australia
- 15 -
!
!
!
!
!
Promotion of research and teaching inter-campus synergies with UCL operations
overseas
Enhance the availability of international management information via the development of
IRIS
Develop proposal to establish UCL as a hub for collaboration with international partners
for teaching exchanges and international teaching fellowships
Prepare a partnership initiative with an Indian Postgraduate Institute of international
standing consistent with collective academic objectives and our commitment to global
Health
Establish the ‘Office of Yale Affairs’ and implement the governance framework.
INFORMATION STRATEGY
2009-10
Strategic Information Services Planning
! Tactical reorganisation of the IS Division to consolidate groups undertaking similar work
and review and implement efficiency savings across the Division
! Undertake Strategic review of UCL information needs, systems and reporting
capabilities.
Governance
! Implement a governance structure to support the newly created Faculty of Biomedical
Sciences IT Division
! Create and implement a revised and consolidated single major incident plan for ISD
! Undertake preliminary work to implement key elements of the ITIL systems management
framework, including:
" a Change Advisory Board to provide quality assurance and risk management on all
changes to the central IT infrastructure
" an ITSM Configuration Management system which will provide a single repository for
information regarding the configuration and interaction of all our systems, making
change management more predictable
" a Service Definition and Risk management exercise which will document all the
services provided by ISD along with the levels of service expected by UCL.
Establishment of key underpinning systems and technologies
! Following extensive remedial work throughout 2008-09 it has not been possible to fully
resolve all the issues inherent with core components of the central desktop (WTS) and
Filestore systems. Replacing these during 2009-10 with a solution that can be adopted
across UCL will be a priority
! Implement a new datacentre in Torrington Place which will provide capacity for growth
over the next two to three years whilst a strategic solution to our needs can be found.
Delivery of key service initiatives
A key priority in 2009-10 is to provide fully integrated systems solutions that will automate
some of the main activities within UCL, providing a much more efficient and effective working
environment, these include:
! A fully on-line, end to end harmonised process and systems to manage both direct and
indirect Admissions to improve the quality of the experience and to make the process
more efficient
! Roll-out a fully automated system to support the requisition, procurement, receipt and
payment of goods and services
! Implement a fully automated, on-line Travel and Expenses claim system
- 16 -
!
!
Introduce a new student email service based on one provided at no charge to UCL by
Microsoft
A further phase of the IRIS research information system which will see the capability to
automatically find and link to publishing and bibliographic information drawn from a
variety of external sources.
Support and expansion of existing services notably
! Research Computing to be significantly enhanced this year, in its first year as a recurrent
funding item within UCL. Particular attention to be paid to less traditional users of
research computing such as bioinformatics, and in providing services in addition to raw
computing power
! Implement Legion phase II which will lead, over three years, to a doubling of power of
the Legion machine
! A central storage facility to be created for up to a Petabyte of research data, which is
rapidly becoming a critical need for UCL.
2010-11
Strategy
! Focus ISD on three strategic aims:
" World class IT enablement of Teaching & Learning and Research
" High quality efficient and effective standardised shared services
" Highly responsive and agile with strong customer orientation.
Organisation and function
! Review and update the ISD organisation to focus on the strategic objectives given above
and also to remove duplication and inefficiency
! Complete reviews with other departments to look at how local IT provision can be
standardised and better integrated with the central standardised services to increase
efficiency and reduce duplication.
Establishment of key underpinning systems and technologies
! Upgrade and where necessary replace infrastructure and related technologies that are
no longer fit for purpose
! Increasing virtualisation of servers to provide a more agile, efficient and effective
capability
! Provide a standardised common desktop facility across the University to improve access
to services, increase reliability and efficiency
! Provide a universal and standardised Microsoft based email facility using a shared
service cloud based delivery model
! Rollout ITIL standardised support processes to cover Incident Management, Problem
Management, Capacity Management and Change Management etc
! Establish a clear data centre strategy aimed at moving from the current fragmented set
of inefficient data centres to two consolidated facilities; one onsite and one offsite. Seek
opportunities for sharing facilities with other HE institutions and to substantially reduce
the environmental impact of our data centre facilities.
Delivery of key service initiatives including
! Undertake review of key administrative finance and HR applications to identify
opportunities for lower costs, increased service and better integration across the
functions
! Improve access to research computing facilities by less traditional users of research
computing such as bioinformatics, by providing consultancy and other services in
addition to raw computing power
- 17 -
!
!
!
!
!
!
Complete the Legion HPC upgrade project and implement Legion phase 3 which will
double the processing capacity of the facility which will go some way to meeting current
demand levels
Implement a much needed petascale research data storage environment that will aid
research collaboration and access to data
Implement technology to enable more effective cross institution research collaboration
both nationally and internationally
Deliver improved Teaching & Learning IT services including the Moodle VLE, audiovisual technology in learning spaces, better wireless connectivity for mobile and fixed
devices and improved facilities for student collaboration
Complete the implementation of improved application processing and admissions
processes
Provide enhanced facilities to increase the efficiency and productivity of the institution,
both in the administrative areas but also within the Teaching domain and Research.
ESTATES AND FACILITIES
2009-10
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Commence a review and implement a plan to improve facility customer service
standards, service integration, processes and communication
Review the Estates Strategy including, space allocation principles, the effectiveness of
estate utilisation, and opportunities for rationalisation and consolidation
Develop clear and transparent metrics for the efficiency and effectiveness of the estate,
and benchmark within and outside the sector
Continue the drive to improve the resilience and condition of the estate through the long
term maintenance programme
Take a leading role in the UCL wide environmental sustainability initiative, driving the
carbon reduction plan and supporting cultural and behavioural change programmes by
encouraging recycling, re-use and waste-reduction
Implement the outcome of the review of the Combined Heat and Power infrastructure
Commence a review of teaching and learning spaces and opportunities for more flexible
learning and multi-use facilities.
2010-11
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Progress implementation of plans to improve facility customer service standards, service
integration and delivery, processes and communication
Following the Estate Utilisation Study, develop a comprehensive new estate strategy, the
core of which will be the report of the Bloomsbury Masterplan
Develop opportunities for more flexible and multi use teaching and learning spaces
Review opportunities to further develop commercial opportunities across the estate,
particularly commercial conferencing
Establish and embed metrics to make transparent the efficiency and effectiveness of the
estate, and benchmarks within and outside the sector
Continue the drive to improve the resilience and condition of the estate through the long
term maintenance programme
Complete a strategic review of estate maintenance requirements and delivery
Take the lead role in driving improved performance across the environmental
sustainability agenda, make further progress with EcoCampus accreditation, develop a
new carbon management plan to deliver challenging targets for carbon reduction by
2020 (34%), and support cultural and behavioural change programmes by encouraging
recycling, re-use and waste-reduction
- 18 -
!
!
!
Take direct control of the UCL’s Combined Heat and Power (CHP) infrastructure and
explore the feasibility of developing CHP capacity
Complete the integration of the Post Graduate Institutes and satellite medical school
estate management operations
Ensure the vacation of the Windeyer Building in preparation for the Sainsbury Wellcome
Centre build occurs with minimum disruption to the excellent research contained therein.
FINANCE
2009-10
!
!
!
!
!
!
Introduction of more detailed three year financial plans at Faculty level and for the
Corporate Support Services
Work with Schools to develop savings plans for next three years to meet anticipated
funding cuts
Initiate 18 month Purchase to Pay Programme to streamline and standardise purchasing
processes across UCL
Integrate Resource Allocation Model with Financial Accounting so that from 2010-11
onwards management reporting can be unified and simplified
Implement more robust multi year research income forecasting
Develop Financial Strategy.
2010-11
!
!
!
!
!
Agree and start to implement actions needed in response to Browne Review and CSR
Complete roll out of P2P project including iExpenses
Move to monthly period ends from quarterly
Implement further procurement initiatives eg online RFQ system, supplier portal
Review UCL Financial Controls Framework to ensure it is fit for purpose to face financial
challenges of next few years.
HUMAN RESOURCES
2009-10
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Coordinate the implementation of an action plan to address areas of concern identified
by the 2009 Staff Survey and lead on four of the initiatives within it regarding training and
policy review
Support the development of management competence and the enabling framework
required for UCL to manage change effectively and remain agile in challenging times
Develop staff with the skills to enable them to contribute effectively to organisational
change
Restructure the organisational and staff development interface with Faculties and
Divisions to build on recent service improvements and better meet the Faculties’ needs
Introduce pension salary exchange arrangements relating to the USS and SAUL
schemes to achieve savings for staff and UCL and re-tender the Child Care Voucher
contract to achieve cost savings and service enhancements
Develop Total Reward Statements to better communicate the value of UCL's pay and
benefits offering
Review the current interfaces between UCL systems for the sharing of people and pay
data, identifying a programme of changes which will improve their effectiveness and
reduce re-keying of data
- 19 -
!
!
!
!
!
Explore the use of an electronic document record system for employment and staffing
records across UCL with a view to establishing a project for implementation 2010-12
Lead the review of UCL’s Corporate Equality Objectives and updating of UCL’s Race
Equality Policy and Action Plan
Review UCL’s mediation needs following the new ACAS guidelines for dealing with
discipline and grievances in the workplace
Review and revise (non professorial) Grade 10 pay arrangements
Facilitate a 'Women into Leadership and Management' project to tackle the underrepresentation of women in senior roles.
2010-11
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Coordinate UCL’s 2011-12 staff survey
Develop the management competency framework to extend to all managers
Commence the project to manage employment records electronically across UCL with
a view to completion in 2012
Implement new Grade 10 pay arrangements for senior managers
Launch Total Reward Statements to better communicate the value of UCL’s pay and
benefits
Review and revise Statute 18 in consultation with the UCU
Provide improved support to managers in enhancing performance and managing change
Facilitate recruitment and secondment to UCL’s overseas initiatives ensuring that staff
are adequately prepared for, and supported in their new working environment
Launch a package of voluntary benefits for UCL employees as part of UCL’s
remuneration strategy and maximise the use of salary sacrifice arrangements where
appropriate
Establish Equality Champions from within UCL Council and the Provost’s SMT to lead
and energise new equality initiatives and devise a Single Equality Scheme to consolidate
UCL’s action plans in this regard
Maximise the uptake of available support services to improve wellbeing at work.
DEVELOPMENT AND CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
2009-10
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Raise awareness of the alumni network amongst the current student body including
student attendance at alumni events (and vice versa) and more alumni included in
student publications
Increase use of email as main form of communication with alumni to better engage with
young alumni and to reduce the substantial costs associated with paper mailings
Continued use of small targeted events to re-engage alumni including professional
networking (eg Women in Leadership), Provost’s Lunches and Breakfast Briefings
Launch of Provost’s Circle, a £1000+ gift club to help motivate increased levels of giving
and donor retention
Promote awareness of UCL’s approach and achievements through stronger relationships
and enhanced communication with key opinion formers with a particular focus
government
Launch of new UCL homepage in October 2009 as a result of the market research
undertaken in 2008-09
Launch of new event listing (in conjunction with ISD) and increased circulation of Brain
Food to continue to raise UCL’s profile as a venue for interesting and cutting-edge
events.
- 20 -
2010-11
DEVELOPMENT AND CORPORATE COMMUNICATONS HAS SPLIT INTO TWO NEW
DIVISIONS:
DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS
!
!
!
Establish a comprehensive programme to engage with current students with the aim of
engaging alumni in student activities and programmes during 2010-11. Establish an
alumni presence and profile in student programmes and activities. Establish an annual
student survey to monitor alumni awareness and engagement with the alumni
community
Build on the existing programme of initiatives and reduce the number of lost alumni by
5% (10,000). Increase the percentage of email addresses held
Develop a more coordinated approach to use of volunteers in fundraising and alumni
engagement activities. Expand the programme of volunteer-led international alumni
activity. Recruit a team of volunteers to undertake peer-to-peer cultivation and
solicitation activities to increase participation in fundraising programmes.
CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
!
!
!
!
Build on results of market research amongst key opinion formers to deliver a targeted
programme of communications to promote awareness of UCL’s approach and
achievements
Continue to develop a social media strategy to ensure innovative communications
channels are exploited effectively
Deliver a series of high quality events, exploiting the appearances of world-renowned
speakers to promote our profile and reputation
Implement comprehensive communications strategies to support developing UCL
priorities, including Environmental Sustainability.
EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE
2009-10
!
!
!
Defining process for the next Council effectiveness review (to be conducted and
completed in 2010-11)
Review of UCL’s procedures for (i) responsible practice in research and (ii) research
misconduct - in light of publication of relevant codes of practice by Research Councils
UK and UK Research Integrity Office
Review of UCL committee structure and system.
2010-11
!
!
!
Review of UCL’s instruments of government (Charter, Statutes and Regulations for
Management)
Phase two of UCL committees reform process – with further review of committees to be
taken forward in conjunction with findings of Council effectiveness review now underway
(and being conducted by external consultants)
Development of enhanced organisation and presentation of online information about
UCL governance and committee processes etc.
November 2010
- 21 -
Key to abbreviations:
A&H
CETL
CPD
ECTS
GMEC
HEFCE
IQR
IRIS
ITIL
ITSM
JVA
KPI
MAPS
REF
RFQ
SHS
SLMS
UCL SERAus
UKCMRI
VLE
WTS
Arts & Humanities
Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
Continuing Professional Development
European Credit Transfer System
Global Medical Excellence Cluster
Higher Education Funding Council for England
Internal Quality Review
Institutional Research Information Service
IT Infrastructure Library
IT Service Management
Joint Venture Agreement
Key Performance Indicator
Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Research Excellence Framework
Request for Quotation
Social & Historical Sciences
School of Life and Medical Sciences
UCL School of Energy and Resources, Australia
UK Centre for Medical Research and Innovation
Virtual Learning Environment
Windows Terminal Service
- 22 -