LTC13-P29 25 April 2013 Learning and Teaching Committee Subject: Annual Programme Review – Update on Institutional Actions: 2011/12 Origin: Programme Quality and Teaching Partnerships, Academic Registry 1. Introduction The Annual Programme Review (APR) process identifies actions for the institution to address, in addition to School-specific actions. Learning and Teaching Committee is asked to note the following update on actions taken in response to institutional issues following the 2011/12. An update on actions taken in response to institutional issues following the 2012/13 APRs will be presented to the June 2013 meeting. 2. 2011/12 APR Institutional Actions Institutional actions A-level tariffs There was concern that the method used by the University to report A-level entry grades to HESA puts the University at a disadvantage in comparison to some other institutions. Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering Marking conventions It was reported that some Departments appeared to be marking to an average of 55%. The School was reviewing marking conventions and requested the University provides assistance by producing an overview of marking averages across the institution. Science Social Spaces There was consensus that the Maths and Physics building would benefit from development of a shared student social space. Science Joint degrees There was concern that that the timetabling system may constrain student optional module choices for joint degree students. Science It was reported that processes should be Update This was referred to a subgroup of the University’s Data Management Group, which has reviewed reporting to HESA. To note, marks should be assigned in relation to clearly defined assessment criteria, not in relation to an average or ‘norm’. This will be addressed within a Student Office project looking at classification boundaries, with the intention to report back early in 2013/14. This was referred to Caroline Pepper. Referred to Mike Earle. LTC will be asked to approve joint degree developed to facilitate the routine sharing of module information for modules taken by the Schools’ students but delivered by other Schools. This was important to allow the student home Schools have a holistic view of the student experience and due to the potential impact of modules from outside the School on the home School NSS scores. Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering and Science framework and Code of Practice in June 2013. IP claims There was concern at the volume of claims and that they are often submitted for small coursework elements. It was felt that these ‘low tariff’ IP claims result in a high administrative workload but have no or little noticeable effect on degree outcomes. Loughborough Design School The Student Office are leading a project to look at the IP process, with the intention to report back early in 2013/14. It was recommended that the University should review whether the practice of adding marks in response to IP claims was beneficial to students (especially for finalists who may / may not wish to defer graduation in order to resit an exam). One suggestion was to allow student to state their preferred permissible course of action on their IP claim. Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering Contentious reasonable adjustments The School raised concerns about the rise and acceptance of ‘stress’ as a just cause for the replacement of exams with coursework. Loughborough Design School Manuel Alonso will be addressing this in a review of the assessment policy for students with a disability (discussed at the April LTC). Group coursework policy The School recommended that the University revised its guidance on group coursework, especially where peer review was used. Loughborough Design School This is to be addressed as part of the review of assessment policy and guidance in the AQPH. This review will begin once the QAA have published their revised Quality Code on Assessment (due for publication in October 2013). Anonymous marking In light of external examiner comments, the University was encouraged to consider best practice in regard to anonymity of students in assessment. Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering As above. Registration The School reported concerns about delays in This was discussed with Student Office, and 2 the processing of student registration transfers at the beginning of semester 1 in 2011/12, particularly for BEng to MEng transfers. The School sought assurances that the delays would not happen in future years. Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering assurances were received that this should not occur again. IT performance / developments It was reported that a slow boot-up time for machines was having a negative impact on the time available for teaching. Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering Referred to Director of IT Services The School recommended University IT developments to enable the provision of an electronic personalised timetable for all students (preferably downloadable to mobile devices), that would include provision for Schools to specify deadlines for coursework submission and return. Civil and Building Engineering Personalised timetables are now available for students (and staff). A phone app is in development. IT access issues had been raised at SSC, in particular about out of hours access. Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering Referred to Director of IT Services Timetabling / pool rooms Central timetabling had presented some rooming problems that were reflecting badly on the School. The timetabling team had been supportive, but the School was concerned about the effect on the student experience. Sport, Exercise and Health Science Referred to Caroline Pepper and Mike Earle. Timetabling issues due to a need to travel across campus because of limited room size and availability at that west end of the campus. Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering SSC concerns about the poor condition of some pool teaching rooms. Business and Economics Merit Awards for Masters programmes The School feel there is considerable student and The Merit Award was introduced from 2012/13 academic support for the introduction of a Merit award at Masters level. Business and Economics Central support for placements The School would welcome greater central There will be a report from the Placement Group advice and support in providing placements and to LTC in June, which will address this issue. supporting students on placements. Sport, 3 Exercise and Health Sciences Periodic Programme Review LTC should be asked to postpone the timing of the School PPR until after a major accreditation visit in 2014. Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering The PPR was postponed until 2014. 4