Unapproved
UNIVERSITY OF ESSEX
EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Wednesday 18 December 2013
2pm – 4.40pm
MINUTES
(Unreserved)
Chair
Professor Jane Wright
Present
Professor Fox O’Mahony, Mr Johnson, Dr Jones, Professor Landman, Dr Luther, Dr
Micklewright, Professor Norval, Dr Penman, Mr Potter, Professor Underwood
Apologies
Dr Andrews, Ms Fisher, Ms Houlihan, Mr McAuliffe, Ms Padurariu
Secretary
Mr Stock
In attendance
Ms Clifton-Sprigg, Dr Lashley, Dr Robinson, Mr Stevenson, Mr Williams
STARRING OF AGENDA ITEMS
Noted
Items in Section A of the agenda relating to Education Strategy and Policy
were starred automatically for discussion.
EC/13/34
Item 15(e), Report from the Academic Standards and Quality Committee, was
also starred in addition to those items already starred for discussion on the
agenda.
EC/13/35
BUSINESS TAKEN WITHOUT DISCUSSION
Approved
Without discussion, those items not already starred on the agenda or indicated
at the meeting
EC/13/36
MINUTES FROM THE MEETING HELD ON 16 OCTOBER 2013 (EC/13/11)
Approved
EC/13/37
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
Noted
EC/13/38
REPORT ON CHAIR’S ACTION
Noted
EC/13/39
1
EDUCATION ACTION PLAN 2013-14: PROGRESS REPORT(EC/13/13)
Noted
Professor Wright reported on the various activities under way to implement the
items contained in the Action Plan for the 2013-14 academic year. The
Committee welcomed the progress made and agreed that a revised version of
the Action Plan would be considered at its February meeting, which would
include details on timescales and expected delivery dates.
EC/13/40
REVIEW OF ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK STRATEGIES (EC/13/14)
Received
A paper prepared by Dr Joanne Andrews (Head of Learning & Development) to
initiate discussion in support of the review of assessment and feedback and to
seek feedback from Education Committee on the supporting frameworks set
out in the paper, which could be developed for potential use at Essex.
EC/13/41
Noted
Introducing the paper on behalf of Dr Andrews, Dr Maxwell Stevenson
(Learning & Development Adviser) stated that the work to develop the paper
had considered practice elsewhere in the HE sector. There were three main
aspects covered: assessment at module level, course or programme level
review (using the TESTA methodology) and the development of a Universitywide statement about its overall assessment framework.
EC/13/42
During discussion, Committee members expressed strong support for the
paper and the ideas it presented. The following issues were covered:
Resolved

It was suggested that much of what was proposed was likely to be
happening already but may not be described as such, although it was
reiterated that ensuring that the ideas set out the paper led to the
creation of a strategy to support learning rather than facilitating a
mapping exercise of existing practice was important.
EC/13/43

It was acknowledged that not all the Nicol principles contained in the
paper would be desirable or appropriate for Essex, specifically in
relation to permitting student choice around the topics, methods,
criteria, weighting and/or timing of learning and assessment tasks.
EC/13/44

There was discussion about the role of formative assessment,
particularly in preparing the groundwork for success in summative
assessment. The Committee also noted the need to monitor the overall
assessment load to ensure it was not creating barriers to student
achievement and success, perhaps by undertaking a review of
assessment by credit weighting and ensuring that, where new
elements of formative assessment were introduced, they replaced
summative assessment to ensure the overall load was not too great.
EC/13/45

It was reported that the feedback from the Faculty Education
Committees had been very positive, although questions had been
raised about next steps and the timescale for implementation.
EC/13/46
That the Committee should recommend to Senate that Departments be
required to ensure that all assessment criteria were communicated clearly to
students so that they are able to understand expectations in relation to
assessment tasks.
EC/13/47
That Dr Andrews work with relevant colleagues to consider and agree a set of
principles for implementation at Essex in relation to module level assessment
for submission to the Education Committee before the end of the 2013-14
EC/13/48
2
academic year.
That the TESTA methodology be approved as the standard method for
reviewing assessment at programme level and should be used to inform the
planned curriculum review.
EC/13/49
That, once the principles for module level assessment were agreed, work
would be undertaken to develop a University-wide statement about the overall
assessment framework.
EC/13/50
OPERATION OF UNDERGRADUATE EXAMINATION BOARDS AND THE RULES
OF ASSESSMENT (EC/13/15)
Received
A paper prepared by Deanna Walker (Senior Education Manager, Academic
Section), which set out the way in which the Rules of Assessment operated
and the process by which marks and results were confirmed by Boards of
Examiners.
EC/13/51
Noted
The Committee noted that the paper sought to address some of the queries
raised in the summer of 2013 in relation to students who narrowly missed
achieving a higher class of degree and considered the proposal for the
University to re-introduce a system whereby staff would be required to review
the status of x9 module aggregate marks. It was reiterated that, if approved, it
would be the performance in the module only that would be considered and
any final mark would reflect the standard attained in the module concerned and
would not be altered change the overall degree class. The Committee was
generally supportive of the proposal, noting the potential for additional work to
ensure that all marks were considered ahead of the main Board of Examiners
meetings.
EC/13/52
Resolved
That the proposal set out in paper EC/13/16 be approved and recommended to
Senate for approval, to come into effect for the 2013-14 Boards of Examiners
meetings.
EC/13/53
ACTION PLAN TO IMPROVE POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH STUDENT
COMPLETION AND AWARD RATES (EC/13/16)
Received
A paper prepared by Professor Aletta Norval (Dean of the Graduate School)
providing an updated version of the action plan to improve postgraduate
research student completion and award rates and associated proposals.
EC/13/54
Noted
Following consideration of the action plan by the Education Committee in
October 2013 and subsequent consideration by the Faculty Education
Committee in December 2013, members were supportive of the latest version,
which would be submitted to Senate in January 2014.
EC/13/55
During discussion, the Committee agreed that paragraph 3.2 relating to
supervisor training would be amended to ensure it was clear that the offer of
online training was only one element of a broader package of training activities
for supervisors. It was also agreed that paragraph 2.5 would be amended to
remove the following sentence: “Notwithstanding this, students who are ready
for confirmation at an earlier date will be allowed to be confirmed earlier.” It
was also clarified that students in the Faculty of Science and Health would
normally be confirmed at the end of the first, not second, term of Year 2.
EC/13/56
3
Resolved
That the proposals and action plan set out in paper EC/13/16 be recommended
to Senate for approval, subject to the minor changes described above.
EC/13/57
TASK AND FINISH GROUP ON THE FUTURE OF THE GRADUATE SCHOOL AND
RESEARCH STUDENT PROVISION (EC/13/17)
Received
A paper prepared by Professor Aletta Norval (Dean of the Graduate School),
which provided a summary of the issues considered by the Task and Finish
Group and set out recommendations for the future of the Graduate School and
provision of support for research students.
EC/13/58
Noted
During discussion, Committee members were very supportive of the proposals.
It was noted that the mainstreaming of postgraduate research student
progression casework would impact on the workload of the Deputy Deans
(Education).
EC/13/59
Resolved
That the proposals set out in paper EC/13/17 be recommended to Senate for
approval.
EC/13/60
MONITORING OF STUDENT PROGRESS AND ATTENDANCE (EC/13/18)
Received
A paper prepared by Ms Wendy Clifton-Sprigg (Deputy Academic Registrar
and Secretary, Attendance Monitoring Steering Group), which set out proposed
changes to the University’s Progress Procedures and to related policy and
practice on student attendance.
EC/13/61
Noted
Leading the discussion, Dr Tracy Robinson (Chair, Attendance Monitoring
Steering Group) summarised the changes, which were scheduled for
introduction from 2014-15 onwards, and welcomed the support of the Students’
Union. Dr Robinson highlighted the proposals for earlier intervention in relation
to non-attendance by students and the removal of the two census points with a
view to monitoring of all teaching events in all terms.
EC/13/62
During discussion, the Committee was supportive of the proposed changes.
Members noted the potential for an increase in the workload of the Deputy
Deans (Education), although it was hoped that earlier intervention at
departmental level would prevent an increase in cases referred to the Deputy
Deans. It was agreed that data should be collected on referrals to ensure the
impact on workload could be monitored. The Committee also agreed that,
before submission to Senate, the wording in recommendation 2 regarding the
definition of unsatisfactory attendance should be clarified.
EC/13/63
That the proposals set out in paper EC/13/18 be recommended to Senate for
approval, subject to the amendments in relation to recommendation 2.
EC/13/64
Resolved
ESSEX SPORT SUB-STRATEGY: 2013-14 ACTION PLAN (EC/13/19)
Received
Following approval of the Essex Sport Sub-strategy by Senate in July 2013, a
paper prepared by Peter Church (Director of Campus Services) and David
Williams (Director of Sport), which provided the Action Plan for 2013-14 and
identified how the objectives would be delivered in the current academic year.
EC/13/65
Noted
Committee members expressed support for the action plan, noting that it was
part of a broader agenda to support extra-curricular activity by students. It was
noted that, in future years, the annual action plans would be developed for
EC/13/66
4
approval in the summer terms preceding each academic year. There was
discussion about the role of the Student Experience Committee and it was
agreed that, as a sub-committee of Education Committee with a remit to
maintain oversight of policy in support of the extra-curricular elements of the
student experience, it should consider the annual action plans in future before
submission to Education Committee for approval.
Resolved
That the action plan set out in paper EC/13/19 be approved.
EC/13/67
That, in future years, in line with its published terms of reference regarding cocurricular and extra-curricular activities, the Student Experience Committee
should consider the Action Plan and make recommendations to Education
Committee as appropriate.
EC/13/68
STUDENT PERFORMANCE: COHORT ANALYSIS BY TARIFF BANDS (EC/13/20)
Received
A paper prepared by Dr Ray Lashley (Head of Planning and Performance
Information), which presented student completion and degree performance
data broken down by tariff bands.
EC/13/69
Noted
Introducing the paper, Dr Lashley highlighted the clear link between a high
tariff score and better performance but noted that there were several counter
examples to demonstrate that good student performance was not solely
determined by tariff. The Committee discussed the relationship between lower
performance and international students and the fact that non-home students
from the European Union (EU) often outperformed non-EU students.
EC/13/70
The Committee agreed that the work being undertaken by the University Skills
Centre to review the existing academic support arrangements should be
guided by the data contained in the report. The Committee also noted work
that was already under way to establish support for students, for whom English
was not their first language, e.g. online initiatives relating to maths and English.
It was acknowledged that cultural as well as language barriers needed to be
addressed to ensure that students who had not been through the UK education
system were not disadvantaged by the University’s approach to education and
assessment.
EC/13/71
That the work being undertaken to review academic skills support should take
into account the data provided in paper EC/13/20, with an important focus on
students who had not been educated in the UK system before undertaking
study at the University.
EC/13/72
Resolved
DRAFT EDUCATION STRATEGY (EC/13/21)
Received
A paper prepared by Professor Jane Wright and Dr Richard Harrison (Head of
Strategic Projects and Change) setting out the draft Education Strategy, which
had been developed by a Task and Finish Group chaired by Professor Wright,
and which included senior academic and Professional Services representation.
EC/13/73
Noted
Committee members were generally very positive about the latest draft of the
Strategy and welcomed the changes that had been incorporated following
recent consideration by the Faculty Education Committees. There was strong
support from the Students’ Union.
EC/13/74
The majority of the discussion focused on the proposal for all honours and
masters courses to include a requirement for students to undertake a
EC/13/75
5
“significant research project relevant to the discipline(s) they are studying”. The
Committee agreed that the inclusion of the project was part of the University’s
commitment to research-led education and that it should be a capstone in the
final year of study. It was acknowledged though that the term ‘project’ had
different meanings in different contexts and may cause confusion. Further
thought was required to ensure the Strategy defined properly the principal aim
of the proposal, which was to require students to undertake a significant piece
of research work. The Committee agreed that definitions of terminology would
be a useful way to make clear the intentions of the strategy, specifically in
relation to the terms ‘research’ and ‘project’, the former to ensure
understanding around the type of the research activity students would be
expected to do, and the latter to clarify the meaning of ‘project’ within the
context of the Strategy and its aims. It was agreed that any definition should
make it clear that the project should be implemented in a way that was
appropriate to the discipline.
The importance of ensuring the Strategy encompassed all levels of study was
also acknowledged. It was confirmed that the Strategy would apply to all
University of Essex degrees and should not be restricted by any single learning
environment.
EC/13/76
It was confirmed that a finalised draft would be considered by the University
Steering Group and Senate in January 2014, taking into account the views of
the Education Committee, followed by a University-wide consultation process
during the Spring Term 2014 and consideration by Senate for final approval in
April 2014.
EC/13/77
FACULTY EDUCATION COMMITTEE (HUMANITIES) (EC/13/22)
Received
A paper prepared by Mr Dan de Sousa (Education Manager, Humanities)
providing the standard termly report from Faculty Education Committee on the
Committee’s discussion and activities.
EC/13/78
Noted
The Committee noted the information provided in relation to the annual review
of courses.
EC/13/79
FACULTY EDUCATION COMMITTEE (SCIENCE AND HEALTH) (EC/13/23)
Received
A paper prepared by Ms Kirstie Sceats (Education Manager, Science and
Health) providing the standard termly report from Faculty Education Committee
on the Committee’s discussion and activities.
EC/13/80
Noted
The Committee discussed the information provided in relation to the annual
review of courses. The good practice regarding study abroad tutors in the
School of Biological Sciences was highlighted.
EC/13/81
FACULTY EDUCATION COMMITTEE (SOCIAL SCIENCES) (EC/13/24)
Received
A paper prepared by Ms Heather Tracey (Education Manager, Social
Sciences) providing the standard termly report from Faculty Education
Committee on the Committee’s discussion and activities.
EC/13/82
Noted
The Committee discussed the information provided in relation to the annual
review of courses. The anomaly regarding the max rule in the Department of
Economics was noted and would be discussed at the forthcoming Periodic
Review scheduled for the Spring Term 2014.
EC/13/83
6
PARTNERSHIPS EDUCATION COMMITTEE (EC/13/25)
Noted
EC/13/84
ACADEMIC QUALITY AND STANDARDS COMMITTEE (EC/13/26)
Noted
Dr Penman clarified that there were two separate issues in relation to the
approval of Sports Therapy. Approval of the Professional, Statutory and
Regulatory Body (PSRB) accreditation was still outstanding, as noted in paper
EC/13/26, but the proposed assessment for a number of modules was likely to
require a variation to the Rules of Assessment, which was not directly related
to the PSRB accreditation.
EC/13/85
Resolved
That the proposals set out in paper EC/13/26 be recommended to Senate for
approval.
EC/13/86
That the membership of the Academic Quality and Standards Committee be
amended and recommended for approval by Senate as below:

Mr Richard Harrison
(Head of Strategic Projects and Change) be appointed as a co-opted
member, as a member of staff with experience of the Quality
Assurance Agency, in accordance with the Committee’s approved
membership structure.

Mr Paul Abernethy
(Impact and Engagement Manager, Students’ Union) be appointed as
a co-opted member, in order to provide continuity and support for the
Students’ Union Vice-President (Education).
EC/13/87
EC/13/88
STUDENT EXPERIENCE COMMITTEE (EC/13/27)
Resolved
That the proposals set out in paper EC/13/27 be approved.
EC/13/89
UNIVERSITY CAMPUS SUFFOLK JOINT ACADEMIC COMMITTEE (EC/13/28)
Resolved
That the proposals set out in paper EC/13/28 be recommended to Senate for
approval.
EC/13/90
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES STUDENT SATISFACTION ACTION PLAN (EC/13/29)
Noted
EC/13/91
STUDENTS’ UNION STUDENT SATISFACTION ACTION PLAN (EC/13/30)
Noted
The paper would be submitted to the February meeting of Education
Committee
EC/13/92
STUDENT SURVEYS 2014 (EC/13/31)
EC/13/93
Noted
Richard Stock, Deputy Academic Registrar
Secretary, Education Committee
Academic Section
7
18 December 2013
8