Approved
UNIVERSITY OF ESSEX
EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Wednesday 10 December 2014
2pm –4.30pm
MINUTES
(Unreserved)
Chair
Professor Aletta Norval
Present
Dr Andrews, Ms Berntsen, Professor Colbeck, Professor Landman, Ms Le
Carpentier, Professor Fox O’Mahony (until 3.30pm), Dr Luther, Professor Main,
Mr McAuliffe, Dr Micklewright, Dr Penman, Mr Petcu, Mr Spencer, Mr Thomas,
Professor Underwood
Apologies
Ms Johnson-James
Secretary
Mr Stock
In
attendance
Ms Earle, Mrs Nixon
EDUCATION COMMITTEE – MEMBERSHIP AND TERMS OF REFERENCE 2014-15
(EC/14/68)
Noted
EC/187/14
BUSINESS TAKEN WITHOUT DISCUSSION
Approved
Without discussion, those items not already starred on the agenda or
indicated at the meeting
EC/188/14
MINUTES FROM THE MEETING HELD ON 18 JUNE 2014 (EC/14/69)
Approved
EC/189/14
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
Noted
EC/190/14
REPORT ON CHAIR’S ACTION (EC/14/70)
Noted
Professor Norval welcomed the new members of the Committee.
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EC/191/14
The Committee noted the changes in entry requirements that had
been approved by the Chair’s action. There was discussion and
clarification around the factors taken into account when proposing and
considering entry requirement changes, which included departmental
benchmarking analysis, information provided by the recruitment team
and mapping against UCAS data.
EC/192/14
CHAIR’S VERBAL REPORT
Noted
Student Attendance Recording and Monitoring
The Committee noted the introduction from the start of the 2014-15
academic year of the electronic recording of student attendance.
There had been delays in the delivery of the new attendance
monitoring software and interim arrangements were in place for 201415 to ensure monitoring continued effectively.
The Committee discussed and approved for recommendation to
Senate a proposal from the Attendance Monitoring Steering Group an
amendment to the definition of unsatisfactory attendance, as set out in
the Progress and Appeals Procedures for Taught Programmes of
Study. It was noted that the change would only be effective during
2014-15 and would revert back from 2015-16 onwards to the definition
approved by Senate in January 2014 when the revised procedures
were agreed. The revised definition is set out below:

No attendance at any teaching event for a two-week period
(thereafter continued non-attendance for a further one-week
period would be considered to be ‘unsatisfactory’) (described in
the Progress Procedures as ‘non-attendance’)

Absence from more than 50 per cent of the timetabled events
for the same module in a 2-week period (described in the
Progress Procedures as ‘unsatisfactory level of attendance’)

Absence from more than 50 per cent of the timetabled events
for the course in a 2-week period (described in the Progress
Procedures as ‘unsatisfactory level of attendance’).
EC/193/14
EC/194/14
Resolved
That the amendments to the definition of unsatisfactory attendance, as
set out in the Progress and Appeals Procedures for Taught
Programmes of Study, be recommended for approval by Senate.
EC/195/14
Noted
Work-Based Learning
The Committee received an update on the work to introduce workbased learning into the curriculum. A steering group had been
established for 2014-15, chaired by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor
(Education), to establish a framework for consideration by the
Education Committee and Senate in the summer term 2015. Three
task and finish groups would support the work of the steering group,
which would cover curriculum development, resource modelling and IT
infrastructure.
EC/196/14
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External Examiners
The Chair confirmed that the Faculty Education Committees had
considered External Examiner reports in November 2014, the
outcomes of which would be reported to the Academic Quality and
Standards Committee and then to the Education Committee in the
Spring term 2015.
EC/197/14
Kaplan Hong Kong
The Committee noted that there were plans to consider the extension
of the University’s partnership with Kaplan for the delivery of University
programmes of study in Hong Kong. A paper would be circulated for
virtual consideration and discussion by the Education Committee in
due course with a view to its submission to the January 2015 meeting
of Senate for discussion.
EC/198/14
EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY FRAMEWORK AND SUB-STRATEGY 2015-18
(EC/14/71)
Received
A paper prepared by Karen Bush (Head of Equality and Diversity),
which provided members with an opportunity to comment on the
University’s proposed new Equality Framework and Sub-Strategy and
accompanying Codes of Practice.
EC/199/14
Noted
Within the context of the Committee’s terms of reference, which
included a responsibility for oversight of equality and diversity matters,
the paper had been provided as part of the wider consultation on the
new strategy. The Committee noted the draft strategy’s four key
themes: promoting equality and diversity; the student experience; the
staff experience; and putting equality and diversity at the heart of all
we do. The proposed actions contained in the draft strategy covered
the full four year strategy period and would have to be embedded in
the Education and Research Action Plans as appropriate to ensure
alignment with the delivery of the University’s Strategic Plan.
EC/200/14
During discussion, members noted the process by which the
indicators in the strategy had been developed. There was clarification
that the staff recruitment process would remain criteria-based. The
ethnicity gap in relation to attainment was a national issue and not
specific solely to the University of Essex, although it was an issue
taken seriously by the University and a range of activities were being
undertaken to address it. Equality and diversity matters were being
considered as part of the curriculum review, which included review of
assessment strategy.
EC/201/14
QUALITY ASSURANCE AGENCY HIGHER EDUCATION REVIEW (VERBAL
UPDATE)
Received
Professor Norval provided a verbal update on the Quality Assurance
Agency (QAA) Higher Education Review (HER), particularly following
the HER visit, which had taken place during the week of 1 December
2014.
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EC/202/14
Noted
The Committee noted that the initial findings letter was expected on 19
December 2014 with the draft report scheduled for 15 January 2015
and the final report on 27 February 2015. The Committee would
receive a verbal report at its next meeting and the final report would
be considered on 25 March 2015.
EC/203/14
Professor Norval thanked everyone involved in the preparation for the
HER, including the students, and extended particular thanks to the
hard work and professionalism of the Academic Standards and
Partnerships team.
EC/204/14
EDUCATION ACTION PLAN 2014-15: PROGRESS REPORT (EC/14/72)
Received
A paper prepared by Stephen McAuliffe (Academic Registrar) and
Rich Alderman (Assistant Education Manager, Policy and
Development), which provided the Committee with an update on
progress with the Education Action Plan (EAP) 2014-15.
EC/205/14
Noted
During discussion, the Committee noted that each item contained in
the EAP was on course for delivery as expected. The pilot Faculty for
the Challenge Essex initiative (A7) was still to be determined. The
expectation was that the new system to support Student Assessment
of Modules and Teaching (SAMT) (A8) would be operational in time
for 2015-16, noting the importance of testing and providing
contingency plans to mitigate against any delays. A broad view of
resources should be included in the work on facilities and resources
for doctoral students (item A11) and should encompass lab-based
resources. The important links between A11 and the departmental and
faculty planning processes were highlighted.
EC/206/14
CURRICULUM REVIEW: PROGRESS REPORT (EC/14/73
Received
A paper prepared by Laura Ruddick (Head of Registry), which
provided an interim report on the implementation of Curriculum
Review (CR), including an update on the Departmental Curriculum
Review Reports discussed at the three Faculty Education Committees
on 26 November 2014.
EC/207/14
Noted
The Committee noted that the departmental plans had demonstrated
that the CR was on track, with a number of departments undertaking
reviews of a significant number of modules. Other key areas included
the capstone project, work-based learning, employability and
assessment. A more detailed report would be provided on 25 March
2015. The Committee discussed the plans for the University’s partners
to undertake curriculum review in line with the University’s Education
Strategy. Discussion had taken place at the Partnerships Education
Committee and the partners had indicated that they would be able to
meet the timeline for the CR set out in the Education Strategy. An
event for partners was planned to take the CR forward and the
University’s toolkit had been made available to partners.
EC/208/14
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NATIONAL STUDENT SURVEY OUTCOMES 2014 (EC/14/74) (EC/14/75)
Received
Two papers prepared by Ray Lashley (Planning and Performance
Information Manager) and Ben Smart (Planning and Information
Officer) and Rich Alderman, which provided overviews of the results of
the National Student Survey 2014.
EC/209/14
Noted
The Committee noted that, due to the improvement in its satisfaction
rating, the University had moved into the top 10 (8th position) in the
Times Good University Guide ranking, which was excellent news and
was a testament to the contributions of colleagues across the
institution. The Committee commended the quality and detail of the
papers and agreed they should be circulated to departments after the
meeting for information and in support of the planning process.
EC/210/14
BIENNIAL PEER REVIEW POLICY (EC/14/76)
Received
In line with the Education Action Plan 2014-15, a paper setting out a
proposal for the establishment of a Biennial Peer Review Policy for all
members of academic staff engaged in teaching.
EC/211/14
Noted
The Committee noted that the policy was light touch and set out a
flexible approach towards supporting colleagues to reflect on their
practice and to promote quality enhancement through peer
observation. It was suggested that some of the language relating to
‘requirements’ should be amended to ‘elements’ or ‘components’ in
line with the proposed flexible approach. It was also agreed that the
title should be changed from ‘Biennial Peer Review Policy’ to ‘Peer
Review of Teaching Policy’. There was discussion about the links with
the appraisal process during which there was clarification about the
role of peer review, which related to academic quality enhancement
rather than staff management.
EC/212/14
Resolved
That the Biennial Peer Review Policy be approved and recommended
to Senate as set out in paper EC/14/76, subject to the change of title
described above.
EC/213/14
PARTNERSHIPS STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK (EC/14/77)
Received
A paper prepared by Dr Dominic Micklewright (Dean of Academic
Partnerships) and Claire Nixon (Deputy Academic Registrar,
Academic Standards & Partnerships), which a proposed a strategic
framework for the consideration of University partnerships.
EC/214/14
Noted
The Committee noted that the framework included a set of operating
principles to guide the establishment and management of partnerships
and to ensure they linked with University strategy. Members were very
supportive of the proposed framework and the clarity it would bring to
this area of work.
EC/215/14
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Resolved
That the Partnerships Strategic Framework be approved and
recommended to Senate as set out in paper EC/14/77.
EC/216/14
MARKS RELEASE POLICY (EC/14/78)
Received
A paper prepared by Alex O’Neill (Learning Technologist), which
proposed a way forward in relation to the establishment of a revised
marks release policy.
EC/217/14
Noted
The Committee welcomed the establishment of a policy to ensure
standard practice across the University. During discussion, the
importance of ensuring there was no duplication in the inputting of
marks into University systems was noted. It was agreed that the policy
would be developed in line with the approach described in the paper
with a view to consideration by the Education Committee and Senate
in March and April 2015 respectively.
EC/218/14
Resolved
That the proposed way forward for the establishment of a revised
marks release policy be approved as set out in paper EC/14/78.
EC/219/14
REPORTS FROM EDUCATION COMMITTEE SUB-COMMITTEES
FACULTY EDUCATION COMMITTEE (HUMANITIES) (EC/14/79)
Noted
The Committee noted the enthusiasm with which departments in the
Faculty were undertaking the Curriculum Review.
EC/20/14
FACULTY EDUCATION COMMITTEE (SCIENCE AND HEALTH) (EC/14/80)
Noted
EC/221/14
FACULTY EDUCATION COMMITTEE (SOCIAL SCIENCES) (EC/14/81)
Noted
During discussion, it was noted that feedback from students had
indicated a desire for more use of technology by academic staff and a
more holistic approach to technology. Members welcomed the
appointment of the new educational technologists in early 2015.
EC/222/14
PARTNERSHIPS EDUCATION COMMITTEE (EC/14/82)
Noted
EC/223/14
ACADEMIC QUALITY AND STANDARDS COMMITTEE (EC/14/83)
Noted
EC/224/14
STUDENT EXPERIENCE COMMITTEE (EC/14/84)
Noted
EC/225/14
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Resolved
That the recommendations contained in paper EC/14/84 be approved,
noting that the Student Surveys Task and Finish Group would be
chaired by the Academic Registrar rather than the Executive Dean
(Social Sciences).
EC/226/14
UNIVERSITY CAMPUS SUFFOLK JOINT ACADEMIC COMMITTEE (EC/14/85)
Noted
Resolved
EC/227/14
That the recommendations contained in paper EC/14/85 be approved.
EC/228/14
CURRICULUM REVIEW TOOLKITS (EC/14/86)
Noted
EC/229/14
ACADEMIC FLEXIBILITY POLICY FOR TAUGHT STUDENTS (SPORT) (EC/14/87)
Noted
Resolved
EC/230/14
That the policy be approved and recommended to Senate as set out in
paper EC/14/87, with effect from 2015-16.
EC/231/14
EMPLOYER ADVISORY GROUPS (EC/14/88)
Noted
Resolved
EC/232/14
That the recommendations contained in paper EC/14/88 be approved.
EC/233/14
UPDATED ROLE DESCRIPTORS FOR THE EMPLOYABILITY DEVELOPMENT
DIRECTORS (EC/14/89)
Noted
EC/234/14
SCHEDULE FOR ADMISSIONS ACTIVITY DECISION-MAKING (EC/14/90)
Noted
Resolved
EC/235/14
That the schedule contained in paper EC/14/90 be approved.
EC/236/14
REVIEW OF PROFICIO 2013-14 (EC/14/91)
Noted
EC/237/14
PROCEDURE FOR HANDLING REQUESTS FROM FORMER STUDENTS FOR
READMISSION TO THE UNIVERSITY: RESEARCH DEGREES (EC/14/92)
Noted
Resolved
EC/238/14
That the Procedure be approved and recommended to Senate as set
out in paper EC/14/92.
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EC/239/14
ELECTRONIC REPOSITORY FOR POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH THESES
(EC/14/93)
Noted
The Committee agreed that, as the new policy was being adopted
midway through the academic year, students could only be
encouraged to submit in line with the new approach from March 2015
until the end of 2014-15, after which the policy should be a
requirement from 2015-16 onwards. Members agreed it was important
to ensure the change was communicated effectively to students.
EC/240/14
A minor change was agreed to paragraph 4.2:
EC/241/14
If a student has breached copyright, the student will be liable rather
than the University. If the an alleged breach of copyright has been
brought to the attention of the University, the thesis will be removed
from open-access whilst the claim is investigated, because public
access will not be permitted. Once the claim has been investigated, if
there is no breach, public access can be provided again.
Resolved
That the approach to the electronic submission of postgraduate
research theses be approved and recommended to Senate as set out
in paper EC/14/93, subject to the caveat and amendment described
above.
EC/242/14
PROPOSED CHANGES TO ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
IRELAND: UNDERGRADUATE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS (EC/14/94)
Noted
Resolved
EC/243/14
That the proposed entry requirements be approved as set out in paper
EC/14/94.
EC/244/14
CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH SCALE (EC/14/95)
Noted
Resolved
EC/245/14
That the proposed entry requirements be approved as set out in paper
EC/14/95.
EC/246/14
PROPOSED CHANGES TO RULES OF ASSESSMENT AND PROGRESSION
REQUIREMENTS: TAUGHT AND RESEARCH PROVISION (EC/14/96)
Noted
Resolved
EC/247/14
That the changes to the Rules of Assessment for taught provision and
progression requirements for research provision be approved and
recommended to Senate as set out in paper EC/14/96.
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EC/248/14
STUDENT SURVEYS 2015 (EC/14/97)
Noted
EC/249/14
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Noted
EC/250/14
Richard Stock
Deputy Academic Registrar
Secretary, Education Committee
Academic Section
10 December 2014
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