Approved
UNIVERSITY OF ESSEX
SENATE
Wednesday 28 April 2010
(2.00 pm – 3.30 pm)
MINUTES
(Unreserved)
Chair
Professor Colin Riordan, Vice Chancellor
Present
Ms Ameli, Dr Burnett, Mr Butler, Dr Campbell, Professor Coakley, Dr Cox, Professor
Dorussen, Dr Fasli, Professor Fox, Mr Gul Mohammed, Professor Henson, Professor
Higgins, Professor Hulme, Dr Jones, Mr Krishnamoorthi, Professor Landman, Dr
Laurie, Mr Mack, Dr Mackenzie, Professor Manson, Professor Massara, Dr
Micklewright, Ms Milne, Mr Murphy, Dr Penman, Professor Radford, Professor
Roper, Dr Rowlands, Professor Rubin, Dr Schulze, Dr Scott, Dr Sepulveda, Professor
Sherer, Dr Smith, Professor Temple, Professor Tsang, Professor Underwood, Dr Venn,
Professor Vergo, Dr Wade, Professor Wright
Apologies
Mr Cornes, Professor Downton, Dr Hulme, Professor Lucas, Mr David Marrani, Dr
Martin, Professor Martin, Professor Schurer, Professor South
Secretary
Registrar and Secretary
In attendance
Deputy Academic Registrar (Systems Administration), Director of Communications
and External Relations, Director of Finance, Director of Human Resources, Faculty
Manager (Faculty of Social Sciences), Students’ Union Vice-President (Education)
Elect.
STARRING OF AGENDA ITEMS
Noted
In accordance with Standing Orders, para 5, the following items were starred
for discussion:
Agenda item 10(b)
Quality Assurance and Enhancement
Committee
Agenda item 10(c)
93/10
Undergraduate School Board
MINUTES
Approved
The minutes of the meeting held on 20 January 2010
94/10
BUSINESS TAKEN WITHOUT DISCUSSION
Approved
Without discussion, those items not already starred on the agenda or indicated
in advance of the meeting in accordance with Standing Orders, para 5.
1
95/10
FORMAL BUSINESS (S/10/20)
Appointment of Deans of Faculty
Recommended to Council
that the following be appointed as Deans of Faculty for the periods indicated:
Dr David Pevalin
Dr Katherine Rockett
Science and Engineering
Social Sciences
96/10
1/8/10 – 31/07/13
1/8/10 – 31/07/13
Appointment of Dean of Southend Campus
Recommended to Council
that the following be appointed as Dean for the period indicated:
Professor Stuart Manson
Southend Campus
97/10
1/8/10 – 31/07/13
Appointment of Heads of Department and Directors of Centre
Recommended to Council
(i) that the following be appointed as Heads of Department for the periods
indicated:
Professor Neil Cox
Dr Joanna Jackson
Dr Douglas Arnold
Dr Eamonn Carrabine
Professor Sheina Orbell
Art History and Theory
Health and Human Sciences
Language and Linguistics
Sociology
Psychology
98/10
1/8/10 – 31/07/11
1/8/10 – 31/07/13
1/8/10 – 31/07/13
1/8/10 – 31/07/13
1/8/10 – 31/07/13
(ii) that Professor Neil Cox be appointed as Director of the Centre for the
Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities (CISH) for the period 1/8/10 –
31/07/11
99/10
MATTERS ARISING
None
100/10
VICE CHANCELLOR’S STATEMENT (S/10/21)
Received
The Vice-Chancellor’s written statement to Senate.
2
101/10
Open House
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the forthcoming Open House event, which
would take place on Wednesday 5 May. He urged colleagues to promote the
event and stated that staff attendance would not only support the event but
would enable colleagues to learn about the University and demonstrate to the
public the University as a vibrant and inspiring place.
102/10
Global Alliance
The Vice-Chancellor referred to a recent trip to Delhi, India, part of a series of
two-way visits between Essex and the Jawaharlal Nehru University. He
reported that a formal agreement had been signed between the two institutions
to take the alliance further forward.
103/10
Derek Walcott
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the current two week residency by the
internationally acclaimed poet, Derek Walcott. He pointed to the planned
public reading event on Saturday 3 May, which would be followed by an ‘inconversation’ event with Professor Marina Warner and Maria Cristina
Fumagalli from the Department of Literature, Film and Theatre Studies.
104/10
Square 2
The Vice-Chancellor confirmed that, following a slight delay, the new look
Square 2 would be completed by Monday 10 May 2010. It was noted that new
developments on the University’s campuses created a contrast with older areas,
which highlighted the importance of effective cleaning and maintenance.
105/10
FINANCE MONITOR (S/10/22)
Received
A paper from the Director of Finance setting out the University’s current
financial position and later year forecasts.
106/10
Noted
The following points were covered by the Director of Finance and in
subsequent discussion:
107/10

In a very uncertain external environment, the University was
forecasting a surplus in the coming years but a deficit of £750k for
2012/13, which was £6 million short of the 3.5% target surplus.
108/10

The University’s focus was now moving towards next year. The
funding letter from HEFCE for 2010/11 had been received in March.
Current forecasts took account of the reductions announced in the
Chancellor of the Exchequer’s recent budget, although it was noted
that these calculations were based on estimates rather than confirmed
figures. It was also made clear that the funding outlined in the HEFCE
letter may be subject to change.
109/10

Staff costs as a proportion of overall income were forecast to reduce to
55.1% in 2009/10. This was principally due to the cost reduction
exercise that had started two years ago and the growth in teaching and
research income. The income from three full years of tuition fees was
110/10
3
also having an effect. It was noted that staff costs were forecast to rise
again in the coming years as pay awards and increments continued to
outpace inflation.

The outcome of the impending general election may have a significant
impact on the University’s financial position, as would the outcome of
the Browne Review, which may see a lifting of the tuition fee cap and
increased fee income. The University expected the overall picture to be
clearer by the autumn.
111/10
ESSEX GRADUATE STRATEGY (S/10/23)
Received
An updated paper prepared by Dr Pam Cox, Dean of the Graduate School,
setting out the University’s strategy regarding postgraduate students.
112/10
Noted
Dr Cox reported that the strategy had been considered by various committees
and groups since it was discussed by Senate in January and had been generally
supported. Comments received included that:
113/10

the strategy should be developed in articulation with faculty plans and
the wider University strategy across all campuses;
114/10

the specific needs of PGT and PGR students should be addressed
separately where appropriate;
115/10

departments were particularly concerned that recruitment mechanisms
should focus on the quality as well as the quantity of applicants;
116/10

PGR access to funding should be improved; and
117/10

the University needed wherever possible to invest in postgraduate
infrastructure and facilities across all campuses.
118/10
Dr Cox stated that the focus of the strategy was on postgraduate recruitment,
skills and the student experience. She would continue to facilitate consultation
and discussion to push the strategy forward. She highlighted a forthcoming
session on postgraduate admissions as an example of this. She confirmed that a
Graduate Strategy Group would be established to support and monitor
implementation of the strategy over the next three years.
119/10
There was broad agreement and support for the strategy. The following points
were covered in discussion:
120/10

General developments across the University had to factor in the needs
of postgraduate students, including those relating to appropriate
infrastructure.
121/10

Support for students funded by research grants where only fees were
covered was raised. The current review of University scholarships was
noted as a possible route to securing increased support for these kinds
of scenarios.
122/10
4
Resolved

It was important for postgraduate facilities, such as common rooms, to
be located in appropriate areas of the University in order to ensure
maximum use and effectiveness. The Space Management Group was
already ensuring that postgraduate student needs were factored into its
deliberations and decisions.
123/10

The Vice-Chancellor expressed thanks on behalf of Senate members
for the work that Dr Cox had undertaken and was continuing to do to
take the strategy forward.
124/10
that the Essex Graduate Strategy be approved.
125/10
FACULTY ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW (S/10/24)
Received
A paper prepared by the Senate Agenda Group proposing the establishment of
a Faculty Administrative Review.
126/10
Noted
The Vice-Chancellor stated that the review would consider issues related to the
new faculty structure to ensure that administrative processes across the
University were conducted at the appropriate level. The avoidance of
duplication was highlighted as an important aspect.
127/10
Resolved
that the Faculty Administrative Review be established with immediate effect.
128/10
REVISED PERFORMANCE AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW (S/10/25)
Received
A paper prepared by the Director of Human Resources on the revised
arrangements for Performance and Development Review (PDR), to be known
as the Appraisal and Personal Development Scheme (appraisal).
129/10
Noted
The Vice-Chancellor introduced the paper, highlighting the need for fairness
and equity in this area. Senate members were invited to comment on the
proposed revised arrangements before the paper was submitted to Council for
formal approval.
130/10
The following points were covered in discussion:

Concern was expressed that the approach outlined may be overly
bureaucratic. It was suggested that annual appraisal meetings may be
unnecessary and should take place within the context of an individual’s
career. The Vice-Chancellor noted that the revised process was as light
touch as possible. The Director of Human Resources agreed to visit
individual departments where concerns existed to discuss the appraisal
process.
131/10

The links between the Annual Review for probationary staff and the
appraisal process were noted. It was acknowledged that Heads of
Department should adopt a practical approach and link the two
132/10
5
processes where appropriate, taking account of the arrangements
relating to research plans. It was agreed that the wording in the paper
would be revised to take account of staff on probation.

It was agreed that the ‘Principles and Procedures’ section of the paper
should be amended to remove “primarily” in the following sentence:
“The scheme will support managers and staff in meeting the joint aims
of enhanced effectiveness and job satisfaction and is designed to be
primarily developmental rather than judgmental.”
133/10

There should be no additional or new arrangements put in place for
Graduate Teaching Assistants as long as current provision was in
place. Any such provision should be cross referenced with the
appraisal process.
134/10

There would be no wholesale training for appraisers following the
implementation of the revised process. The individual Faculty-HR link
staff would provide tailored training and awareness as necessary.
Similarly, there would be no central monitoring of individual appraisal
outcomes, although HR would continue to monitor in order to check
that appraisals were taking place. Summaries of training needs would
be expected to continue in order to feed into staff development activity.
HR would work closely with Faculty Pro-Vice-Chancellors and Heads
of Departments to monitor overall progress.
135/10

The new arrangements would come into force following approval by
Council. It was recognised that there would be a transitional period to
take account of the fact that different parts of the University would be
at different stages in the appraisal cycle.
136/10
REVIEW OF THE ICT GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS (S/10/26)
Received
A paper from the Director of Information Systems requesting approval for the
planned changes to the governance arrangements for Information and
Communication Technology (ICT).
137/10
Noted
The Director of Information Systems provided an overview of the scope of ICT
governance, such as monitoring of ICT expenditure, supporting regulatory
compliance and ensuring effective information management. He highlighted
the pervasive nature of ICT and the need to ensure appropriate structures were
in place to prioritise development activity and expenditure. He explained that
the new structure would not include formal sub-committees but that these
groups would be informal and free to address the requirements related to
developments, policy and services in their respective areas in the most
appropriate way. He concluded that the membership of the groups would be
drawn from academic and support staff across the University, with student
representation where appropriate.
138/10
Resolved
that the proposed ICT governance arrangements be approved with effect from
1 August 2010.
139/10
6
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES THAT REPORT TERMLY
Academic Partnerships Board (S/10/27)
i)
Partnership with Kaplan Open Learning
Resolved
the addition of four specialist named pathways to the existing FdA Criminal
Justice programme:
140/10
FdA Criminal Justice (Police)
FdA Criminal Justice (Probation)
FdA Criminal Justice (Custodial Services)
FdA Criminal Justice (Youth Justice)
Resolved
that FdA Leadership and Management be validated for delivery for a period of
two years commencing in April 2010.
141/10
Resolved
that the following courses be discontinued with immediate effect:
142/10
FdA Entrepreneurship
FdA Internet Marketing
ii) Partnership with South Essex College
Resolved
that the following courses be re-validated for a period of five years
commencing September 2010:
143/10
BA (Hons) Business Studies,
FdA Business Studies
FdA Leadership & Management
Diploma of Higher Education Business Studies
Certificate of Higher Education Business Studies
Certificate of Continuing Education in Business Studies
Resolved
that FdSc Engineering be validated for a period of five years commencing
September 2010.
144/10
iii) Partnership with the Writtle College
Resolved
that the following courses be re-validated for a period of five years
commencing September 2010:
BSc (Hons) Equine Studies (Breeding and Reproduction)
BSc (Hons) Equine Studies (Behaviour and Nutrition)
BSc (Hons) Equine Studies (Physical Therapy)
BSc (Hons) Equine Studies (Sports Horse Performance)
BSc (Hons) Equine Studies with Event Management
BSc (Hons) Equine Studies and Business Management
BSc (Hons) Equine Breeding and Stud Management
7
145/10
BSc (Hons) Human and Equine Sports Performance
BSc (Hons) Equine Sports Therapy
BSc (Hons) Equine Science (Behaviour and Welfare)
BSc (Hons) Equine Science (Equitation and Coaching)
BSc (Hons) Equine Science (Reproduction and Breeding)
BSc (Hons) Equine Science with Health and Exercise
BSc (Ord) Equine Studies
FdSc Equine Studies
FdSc Equine Studies (Breeding and Reproduction)
FdSc Equine Studies (Behaviour and Nutrition)
FdSc Equine Studies (Physical Therapy)
FdSc Equine Studies (Sports Horse Performance)
Certificate of Higher Education Equine Studies
Resolved
that the following courses be re-validated for a period of five years
commencing September 2010:
BSc (Hons) Animal Management
BSc (Hons) Animal Management (Companion and Zoo Animals)
BSc (Hons) Animal Management (Equine Studies)
BSc (Hons) Animal Management with Farm Livestock Production
BSc (Hons) Animal Management with Biological Surveying
BSc (Hons) Animal Management with Conservation Management
BSc (Hons) Animal Management with Wildlife Conservation
BSc (Hons) Animal Management with Business Management
BSc (Hons) Animal Management with Event Management
BSc (Hons) Animal Science
BSc (Hons) Animal Science (Companion and Zoo Animals)
BSc (Hons) Animal Science (Equine Studies)
BSc (Hons) Animal Science with Farm Livestock Production
BSc (Hons) Animal Science with Biological Surveying
BSc (Hons) Animal Science with Conservation Management
BSc (Hons) Animal Science with Wildlife Conservation
BSc (Hons) Animal Science with Ecology
BSc (Ord) Animal Management
BSc (Ord) Animal Science
FdSc Animal Management
FdSc Animal Science
Diploma of Higher Education Animal Management
Certificate of Higher Education Animal Studies
146/10
Quality Assurance and Enhancement Committee (S/10/28)
Noted
Concern was expressed by Senate members about the proposed changes to the
time gap between pre-boards and examination boards. It was suggested that a
prescribed timeframe was inappropriate with some Departments preferring a
gap of one day and others preferring longer. It was confirmed that there was a
paper being considered by the next meeting of the QAEC, which would
consider this issue. It was noted that before the procedures were changed for
future years, the matter would be discussed fully with Departments and
Schools.
8
147/10
Undergraduate School Board (S/10/29)
i)
Chair’s Action
Resolved
that the Variation to the Rules of Assessment detailed below be rescinded with
immediate effect:
148/10
In respect of all Writtle courses – requirements for third year projects:
Stage Three
In addition to the standard requirements of the rules of assessment failure in
dissertations and third year projects forming part of undergraduate programmes
delivered at Writtle College cannot be condoned.
ii) Undergraduate Rules of Assessment
a) Amendments to the wording of the Rules of Assessment (UGSB/10/02)
Resolved
that the changes detailed in Annex A of the Undergraduate School Board
Report (S/10/29, copy attached to the file copy of the minutes) be implemented
with effect from 2010/11.
149/10
b) Policy on Variations to the Undergraduate Rules of Assessment (UGSB/10/03)
Resolved
that:
i) the statement relating to the variations to the Rules of Assessment set out in
Undergraduate School Board Report (S/10/29, copy attached to the file copy of
the minutes) be approved for immediate implementation.
150/10
ii) those variations which were based on the need to pass core modules, as set
out in Annex B of the Undergraduate School Board Report (S/10/29, copy
attached to the file copy of the minutes), be removed from the variations to the
Rules of Assessment with effect from 2010/11, as these are now being
published within programme structures.
151/10
c) Reassessment of Final Year Undergraduate students (UGSB/10/04)
Resolved
that:
i)
Summer reassessment for final year students should be introduced with
effect from 2010/11, as detailed in Annex C of the Undergraduate School
Board Report (S/10/29, copy attached to the file copy of the minutes);
152/10
Senate members expressed concern that there would be no requirement for
External Examiners to scrutinise or approve resit exam papers. It was
suggested that practical considerations should not override academic
standards. Senate agreed that, while summer reassessment for final year
students should be introduced as proposed, the particular issue of External
Examiner scrutiny should be reconsidered and returned for consideration at
the next Senate meeting.
153/10
9
ii) Departments or Partners wishing to offer summer reassessment for final
years this summer should be permitted to do so. Departments must notify
the Exams Office and Registry if they intend to offer reassessment for final
years in 2009/10 by the beginning of the Summer Term, in order that the
Examinations Office can make the necessary arrangements.
154/10
d) Request for Variations
Resolved
i)
School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering:
that the variation to the rules of assessment, as presented in Annex D of the
Undergraduate School Board Report (S/10/29, copy attached to the file
copy of the minutes), be approved with effect from 2010/11.
155/10
ii) School of Law:
that the variations to the undergraduate rules of assessment, as presented in
Annex E of the Undergraduate School Board Report (S/10/29, copy
attached to the file copy of the minutes), be approved with immediate
effect.
156/10
Graduate School Board (S/10/30)
i)
Periodic Review
Resolved
that the research degree programmes in the Department of Economics be
continued to the next review cycle.
157/10
ii) Higher Degree Regulations
Resolved
that the Higher Degree Regulations, regulation 4.75, be revised as set out in the
Graduate School Board Report (S/10/30, copy attached to the file copy of the
minutes).
158/10
iii) Variations to the PGT Rules of Assessment/Credit Framework
Resolved
that the variations to the PGT Rules of Assessment/Credit Framework be
approved as set out in the Graduate School Board Report (S/10/30, copy
attached to the file copy of the minutes).
159/10
iv) Change to Research Degree Programme
Resolved
that, with effect from October 2010, the changes to the Doctorate in
Psychoanalytic Psychology and Doctorate in Analytical Psychology as set out
in the Graduate School Board Report (S/10/30, copy attached to the file copy of
the minutes) be approved.
10
160/10
UCS Joint Academic Committee (S/10/31)
Resolved
that the changes set out in the UCS Joint Academic Committee Report
(S/10/31), copy attached to the file copy of the minutes) be approved.
161/10
REPORTS OF FACULTY BOARDS
Humanities and Comparative Studies (S/10/32)
i)
Approval of New Awards
Resolved
that the following degrees be approved with effect from October 2010:
162/10
MA Philosophy, Law, and Human Rights
Full-time and part-time variants of the existing modular MA Art History and
Theory
ii) Discontinuation of Award
Resolved
that the following degrees be discontinued with effect from October 2010:
163/10
BA British and European History (3- and 4-year versions)
BA Contemporary History (3- and 4-year versions)
Social Sciences (S/10/33)
i)
Approval of New Awards
Resolved
i) that the following new awards be approved with effect from October 2010:
164/10
MA Management and Professional Communication (Part-Time)
MA Sociology and Management (Full Time)
MA Sociology and Management (Part Time)
ii) that the following new awards by modular study be approved with effect
from October 2010:
165/10
MA Jungian and Post-Jungian Studies
MA Refugee Care
ii) Periodic Review
Resolved
that the present provision of taught postgraduate programmes in the Department
of Economics should continue for the next five years:
MSc Economics
MSc Economics and Econometrics
11
166/10
MSc Financial Economics
MSc Financial Economics and Econometrics
MSc Financial and Business Economics
MSc International Economics
MSc Accounting and Financial Economics
MSc Applied Economics and Data Analysis
MSc Management Economics
GDip Economics
Science and Engineering (S/10/34)
i)
Approval of New Awards
Resolved
that the following following awards be introduced from October 2010:
167/10
BSc Health Studies
MSc Public Health Care Management
Postgraduate Diploma Public Health Care Management
Postgraduate Certificate Public Health Care Management
MSc Health Care Practice
Postgraduate Diploma Health Care Practice
Postgraduate Certificate Health Care Practice
BSc Computer Science (Year Abroad)
BEng Electronic Engineering (Year Abroad)
MSc High Frequency Finance and Trading (full and part-time versions)
MSc Computer Security (part-time 24 months version)
ii) Amendment to Award Title
Resolved
Resolved
i)
that the following change of title be approved with
immediate effect:
from
to
Postgraduate Certificate in Low Intensity Therapy
Postgraduate Certificate in Psychological Well-being Practitioner (Low
Intensity).
ii)
that the following change of titles be approved with
effect from October 2010:
from
to
PG Cert/ PG Dip/ MSc Primary Health Care (End of Life Care)
PG Cert/ PG Dip/ MSc Health Care Practice (End of Life Care)
from
to
PG Cert/ PG Dip/ MSc Primary Health Care (Respiratory Care)
PG Cert/ PG Dip/ MSc Health Care Practice (Respiratory Care)
from
to
PG Cert/ PG Dip/ MSc Primary Health Care (Long Term Conditions)
PG Cert/ PG Dip/ MSc Health Care Practice (Long Term Conditions)
from
to
PG Cert/ PG Dip/ MSc Mental Health Practice
PG Cert/ PG Dip/ MSc Health Care Practice (Mental Health)
12
168/10
169/10
from
to
PG Cert/ PG Dip/ MSc Health Services Management
PG Cert/ PG Dip/ MSc Health Care Management
iii) Discontinuation of Award
Resolved
i)
that the following award be discontinued with immediate
170/10
effect:
MRes in Biotechnology
Resolved
ii)
that the following awards be discontinued with effect
from entry in October 2010:
171/10
BA Health Studies
BSc Health and Human Sciences
BA Health Studies and Sociology
MSc Agent-Based Computational Economics and E-Markets
Postgraduate Diploma Primary Health Care (Advanced Clinical Practice)
MSc Primary Health Care (Advanced Clinical Practice)
Postgraduate Certificate Primary Health Care (Clinical Practice)
Postgraduate Diploma Supervisory and Reflective Practice
MSc Supervisory and Reflective Practice
Resolved
iii)
that the following awards be discontinued with effect
from entry in October 2011:
172/10
BSc Biodiversity and Conservation (3 and 4 year courses – CD14 & CDC4)
BSc Sports Science and Biology (CC16)
Law and Management (S/10/35)
i)
Approval of New Award
Resolved
that the following new degree course be approved with effect from October
2010:
173/10
Master in Business Administration (MBA)
International Academy (S/10/36)
i)
Approval of New Award
Resolved
that the Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology with English for Academic
Purposes be approved for introduction in October 2010
13
174/10
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES THAT REPORT ANNUALLY TO SENATE
Honorary Degress Committee (S/10/37)
i)
Amendment to the guidelines for Honorary Degree nominations
Resolved
that Senate approve with immediate affect the amendments made to the
Guidelines for Nominations for the Award of Honorary Degrees as set out in
Annex A of the Honorary Degrees Committee Report (S/10/37, copy attached
to the file copy of the minutes).
175/10
Working Group to Review Senate Sub-Committees (S/10/38)
Noted
176/10
Dr Tony Rich
Registrar and Secretary
28 April 2010
14