DEPARTMENT OF GERMAN STUDIES
MINTUES OF SSLC MEETING: WEDNESDAY 4 November 2015
1.00-2.00 PM IN ROOM H2.03
Students:
Hanna Schuhmacher (PG), Maria Roca Lizarazu (PG), Joseph Lewsey (Fr&Ger), Rachael
Dickinson (Ger w Sp), Alex Ball (Eng&Ger), Ciara Lawrence (Ger&His), Lucy Meakin
(Fr&Ger), Danielle Baker (Ger w Rus), Marta Cappozzo (Ger&Eng), Fiona Brewis (Ger w
Chi), Jess Walker (Ger&Eng), Kat Burdon (Ger&Eng), Elizabeth Thorpe (Ger&Eng), Luke
Vince (Ger&Bus), Conor Godsall (Ger&His), Emily Powell (Ger),
Staff:
Clare Halldren (Careers Advisor), Christine Achinger, Grit Brendecke, Richard Perkins
(Library)
1) Apologies for Absence:
None
2) Minutes of the last meeting:
The minutes were accepted as an accurate record.
3) Constitution
The constitution was acknowledged.
4) Election of Chair and Secretary
Conor Godsall was elected as Chair
Danielle Baker was elected as secretary.
The meeting thanked Conor and Denise.
5) German SSLC Annual Report 2014-15 (att)
The SSLC Annual Report for 2014-15 was accepted as an accurate record.
CA pointed out that the fact that finally the University had provided PGR working space in the Humanities demonstrated that the SSLC system actually produces results.

6) Chair’s business i) First year
No business ii) Second year
Some 2 nd year students feel that it would be good to have the exams for 15 CATS modules running I term 1 at the beginning of term 2 (January), rather than having to wait until the summer. CA pointed out the difficulties that would produce given that exams are centrally managed and there simply is no exam period during that time for the Arts Faculty.
Action: The matter will be raised at staff meeting.
There was dissatisfaction about the fact that there is not enough time in translation classes to discuss the entire text. Student reps suggested to move to a structure where different groups prepare different sections of the text which are then discussed in the plenary to ensure better coverage.
Action: The matter will be raised at staff meeting. iii) Final Year
Not enough choice for exams for 15 CATS modules (exam/ essay)
Action: The matter will be raised at staff meeting.
H2.02 is not a good room for lectures (difficult to write, deep chairs do not promote alertness).
Action: The matter will be raised at staff meeting.
There are conflicting deadlines for language work between different language departments, especially between French and German.
Action: The matter will be raised at staff meeting.
Group applications for on-campus accommodation is no longer possible, which creates problems for 4 th year students returning from their year abroad, as people now often end up in unsuitable living arrangements (noisy neighbours, problems with shared kitchens etc.) that are inimical for concentrated work.
Action: The matter will be raised with the Senior Tutor
The quiet workspace for undergraduates in the Transnational Resources Centre has disappeared and should be reinstated. This is also a problem for recruitment because the availability of such spaces plays an important role in the decision of students to come to Warwick. Several Student Reps confirmed that the offers of the TRC played an important role when they made the decision where to study.

H0.42 – formerly a working space - also disappeared. [? – H0.42 was a PG space anyway]
Action: The matter will be taken to the Staff meeting / School of Modern Languages iv) Postgraduates
There is now a School-wide PG SSLC, even though the PG reps present would like to preserve PG presence in the departmental SSLC. The question was raised if departmental UG SSLCs will also be superseded by a School-wide SSLC. Students present
(UG and PG) expressed a strong preference for keeping the departmental SSLC, but would support the introduction of an additional School-wide SSLC with a smaller number of representatives, or a comparable committee, to deal with issues concerning the School as a whole, or issues coming out of the individual language sections that cannot be dealt with at section level.
Action: GB is in communication with the Head of School about the question, but no clear results yet.
7) External Examiners Report from Professor Allyson Fiddler (att)
Acknowledged by the meeting, no issues arising.
8) Humanities Building update: GB reported on the ongoing Consultation Process regarding the new Humanities Building
9) Final Year translation – length (Elizabeth Thorpe)
Several Final year reps felt that there was not enough time in the translation classes to discuss the texts in sufficient detail. Many students agreed. Given that we will not be able to extend overall teaching hours, students suggested that it would be preferable to move to bigger translation classes, but then extend class time.
Action: The matter will be raised at staff meeting.
10) TRC – weekend opening
Students across all years would like to see longer TRC opening hours. GB: There is currently a feasibility study under way.
11) Any other business
NSS Action plan deferred to the next SSLC meeting
Minutes: Christine Achinger