FACULTY OF HISTORICAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Department of Economics
Departmental Staff-Student Consultative Committee (DSSCC) Meeting
Wednesday 14 November 2012 – Minutes
Student Members present: Fabian Eckert (Economics, Year 3); Rachel Er
(Economics, Year 3); Sacha Alvarez (Economics with a Year Abroad, Year 2); Dhesh
Padiachey (Economics with a Year Abroad, Year 1); Tina Chen (Affiliate Economics);
Olya Vasilenko (Economics & Geography, Year 2)
Staff Members present: Viv Crockford (UG Studies Administrator); Paula Moore
(Secretary); Ian Preston (Deputy Head of Department); Christian Spielmann
(Teaching Fellow); Frank Witte (Chair)
Apologies: Keshvi Gandesha (Economics, Year 1); Valerie Lechene (BSc Director);
Morten Ravn (Head of Department)
1.
Welcome and Introduction
FW opened the meeting and members of the Committee introduced themselves.
2.
Terms of Reference
FW encouraged students to look at the Terms of Reference published on the SSCC
pages of the departmental website.
3.
Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday 07 March 2012
The minutes of the meeting were approved.
4.
Matters Arising
4.1 It was noted that the print quota was still an issue for students.
Action: FW to investigate as per the last meeting
4.2 FB commented that the new, extended UCL library opening hours was a very
positive development, much welcomed by students.
No further matters arose from the last minutes.
5. StARs Scheme – Training
The opportunity to take part in the training scheme for StARs, run by UCLU, was
highlighted to student representatives. FE noted this year’s elections had been very
successful with higher student participation.
6.
DEOLO
FW informed students about the Departmental Equal Opportunities Liaison Officer.
7.
Chair’s Report – Board of Examiners
IP introduced the report and its main theme covering procedural issues.
It was clarified that resit papers are different to deferred assessment papers and
candidates do not sit the same paper more than once.
It was noted that the report highlighted the considerable effort required in order to
process exams to meet rigorous quality control standards.
IP clarified that very high fail or pass rates in modules are monitored at Exam Board
meetings but that marking to a distribution was avoided.
It was observed that although the report is in the public domain for all students to
read, students should be cautious about making course choices based on the pass
rate information in modules as this was not a reliable indicator of failure or success.
8.
Finalists Exit Questionnaire/Course Evaluations
VC reported a summary of the results.
FW stressed that perceived weaknesses highlighted in student feedback are
addressed at the Departmental Teaching Committee (DTC).
It was agreed that a summary of results of the questionnaire could be displayed on
the departmental website.
FE commented that the social trips for first years during induction week, organised by
the Economist’s Society, had been very successful and would most likely contribute
to overall student satisfaction.
9. Research option (BSc Economics)
FE put forward the case for a research option to be included in the BSc Economics
programme for a select number of students interested in pursuing a career in
academia.
The following points were suggested as inclusions such students might find helpful:
a) Two maths options allowed in the second year rather than just the one at
present;
b) The opportunity to write a UG thesis - an option offered at LSE - which would
assist students interested in applying for graduate programmes, especially to
programmes in the USA;
c) Yr 3 students be permitted to take some Masters-level modules.
FW confirmed that he expected a proposal concerning a research option would be
put forward at the next DTC meeting.
FW invited students to let him know if they felt more guidance on options outside the
department would be welcome. IP confirmed that students were always encouraged
to take outside options.
Discussion followed.
Action: FW to investigate the possibility of UG students taking Masters-level
modules
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10. Any Other Business
10.1 FE raised the following issues:
-
Students would appreciate a printer for use in Drayton House.
-
The Economist’s Society would likely organise something to celebrate
graduation in addition to the graduation ceremony and reception organised by
UCL - a dinner with parents was one suggestion.
Following discussion, it was agreed that students’ achievements, including prize
winners’ success could be publicised more widely on the website or in a Year Book.
10.2 DP explained that not all lecturers published office hours, causing difficulties for
students and enquired as to whether a different system could be put in place.
Discussion followed concerning appointment scheduling and calendars in Moodle.
VC confirmed that some developments are underway but that considerable
administration work was involved because of the lack of fully integrated database
systems within UCL.
10.3 DP explained that students would find it helpful if all lecturers could use
microphones and the Lecture-cast system during lectures.
Discussion followed. FW recommended talking direct to the lecturer involved and
then himself should the situation not improve. It was agreed that the current
departmental recommendation was for all lecturers to use Lecture-cast where
possible but that it was not productive to insist all staff adopt the technology at this
stage.
10.4 SA enquired as to whether there was any departmental guidance for students
when TA’s office hours clashed with another classes, therefore making it difficult to
attend.
Discussion followed. FW confirmed that this was an issue that must be resolved by
the individuals concerned.
10.5 SA enquired as to whether problem-set solutions could be published on Moodle
as there was often insufficient time to work through all problems during tutorial
classes.
Discussion followed. It was confirmed that departmental policy is solutions do not
have to be published and that a universal approach across all modules would, in any
case, be unlikely to work successfully.
10.6 DP enquired as to the availability of revision and sample exams.
It was confirmed that these are available – sample exams for all modules are
available online and revision sessions, where lecturers provide them, in the third
term.
10.7 FW briefly explained the Samsung internship and indicated he would be
interested in encouraging smaller and non-financial companies to develop similar
initiatives with the department.
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FW thanked members for attending. Meeting closed.
Date of the next meeting: Wednesday 20 February 2013
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