Part 1
ESTABLISHING A COLLABORATIVE LINK
1
Preamble
1.1
As an awarding institution, UEL has ultimate responsibility for all awards made in its
name including any programme of study delivered collaboratively. It is therefore
important that every effort is made, in collaboration with our partner institutions, to
ensure an appropriate learning environment exists, and is maintained for all our
students studying under collaborative arrangements. This requires UEL to provide
regular ongoing support to our partner organisations.
1.2
The quality assurance procedures which guarantee our collaborative arrangements
are documented in great detail in the Quality Manual. This section of the
collaborations handbook, however, provides a useful summary of these procedures
focusing on the role played by the UEL Link Person in supporting a collaborative
partner in establishing a new collaborative link.
1.3
Each collaborative programme, or in some cases a collection of cognate
programmes, is allocated a UEL Link Person from the responsible school. The role
of the UEL Link Person is to ensure that communication between our University and
the collaborating partner is effective and to help the collaborating partner understand
our University's internal processes and procedures. The UEL Link Person also helps
the collaborating partner with any problems or issues that arise from the day to day
operation of the link.
1.4
This section of the handbook provides you with information to:
 guide you through the stages of the initial/institutional approval and validation
processes;
 outline indicative timings for key stages of the process;
 enable you to make best use of the available information.
2
Models of Collaborations at UEL
2.1
UEL is involved in a range of collaborative relationships with other institutions. The
following range of models defines the ways in which we can collaborate with other
institutions. Any new collaborative proposal will need to be matched with one of the
models:
2.2
Franchise: UEL may license other institutions to deliver whole programmes, or stages
of programmes, designed by UEL staff, leading to an award or the award of credit by
UEL. Core modules will be as set out in the UEL programme specification for the
programme, save that differences in curriculum content in core modules may be
permitted to reflect cultural and regional differences as long as learning outcomes
remain consistent. The partner may be permitted to develop a different set of optional
modules, as long as they enable the programme learning outcomes to be met.
1
Additional optional modules would need to be approved through the UEL approval
procedures;
2.3
Joint: A programme developed jointly with at least one other institution, which may
also have degree awarding powers, leading to a UEL award, or a degree awarded
jointly by the institutions, or a comparable award from another institution;
2.4
Validation: UEL may accredit a programme developed by another institution as
equivalent to a UEL award, or leading to the award of a specific number of credits;
2.5
Distance learning A programme of study whereby a student would not normally
attend a UEL campus or that of a partner institution. Attendance may be required for
residential sessions, for study support or for assessment purposes. Collaborative
programmes offered by distance learning may apply the franchise, validation, joint or
double model. The collaborative partner may manage elements of delivery, support
and/or assessment, as agreed at validation;
2.6
Distributed Delivery (also known as ‘flying faculty’) A programme of study, or part
thereof, leading to a UEL award, whereby programme delivery and assessment is
undertaken by UEL staff at the partner site. The partner may provide certain specialist
resources, as approved by the University;
2.7
Double award: a programme of study leading to the granting of both a UEL award and
that of a partner institution. The programme may be offered under either a franchise or
a validation agreement; or offered as an integrated programme of study, in accordance
with regulations for ACL; or via an articulation arrangement. UEL will be responsible
only for the elements of the programme that contribute to a UEL award;
2.8
Articulation: an arrangement whereby programmes and modules delivered by a
partner institution are formally recognised for the purposes of advanced standing
towards a UEL award (arrangements for articulation are set out in Part 12 of the
Quality Manual).
3
The Validation Process
3.1
Before UEL can offer any programme in collaboration with a partner institution, a
validation process to secure approval of the proposal must be completed.
3.2
Each proposal will need to go through the following stages:


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Initial Approval
Institutional Approval
Programme/Collaborative Link Approval to include a ‘site visit’
Validation by Validation and Review Sub-Committee
4
Initial Approval
4.1
The primary purpose of Initial Approval is to determine that the proposed
collaboration is consistent with UEL's overall policy and planning objectives. The UEL
Link Person must take the lead in helping the collaborating partner understand the
importance of the initial approval process. For example, the UEL Link Person will
need relevant information from the prospective partner to enable the completion of
the initial approval form (Appendix 1) which must be signed by the Dean of School
and School Quality Leader before it is submitted for approval at School and
Institutional level. See Approval Timescales - Appendix 2
2
5
Institutional Approval
5.1
The primary purpose of Institutional Approval is to ensure that the collaborating
institution is of appropriate standing and that it is capable of providing a suitable
learning environment for the delivery of programmes of study leading to an award of
our University, and that the proposed collaboration is financially viable.
5.2
The Quality Manager (Collaborations) will be responsible for co-ordinating the
preliminary investigations for Institutional Approval. This part of the process can run
concurrently with Initial Approval. However, it is important that the UEL Link Person
provides the Quality Manager (Collaborations) with the name of a contact person
from the collaborating institution as soon as possible. The Quality Manager
(Collaborations) will liaise directly with the proposed partner to obtain and collate the
documentation required to determine whether the proposed collaboration is
consistent with our University's overall policy and planning objectives and that it is
likely to be financially viable. Documentation such as the prospective partners
audited accounts, organisational structure, Articles of Association etc will be required,
a proforma for compiling institutional approval information is attached as Appendix 3
5.3
Upon receipt, the documentation will be forwarded to the Chief Management
Accountant and the Head of Governance and Legal Services. They are required to
report on the institution's financial and legal standing to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor will then determine whether the criteria for this stage in
the process have been met and whether the proposal may proceed to the next
stages i.e. planning meeting and approval meeting including a site visit. (Approval
Timescales guide - Appendix 2). Only after institutional approval has been granted
can a proposal with a new collaborative partner proceed to an approval event.
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The Approval Process
6.1
The Planning Meeting
6.1.1
The Planning Meeting is a preliminary meeting following initial/institutional
approval and before the approval event. The purpose of this meeting is to
check the adequacy of the documentation, ensure that agreement to the
financial and commercial terms of the Memorandum of Cooperation has been
secured, and to discuss the programme and membership of the panel.
6.1.1
The UEL Link Person plays a major role in helping the collaborating partner
produce the documentation needed for the planning and approval meetings.
The draft documentation presented to the planning meeting should be
produced in collaboration with the proposed partner.
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6.2
Documentation Requirements
6.2.1
The following documentation is required for both the planning meeting and the
approval event for a collaborative programme. The UEL Link Person is
responsible for ensuring that sufficient copies of all the documentation are
provided. It is recommended that the following documentation is provided in 3
volumes as follows:
Programme Specification (using the standard UEL template, available at
http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/policies/forms/ and from Quality Assurance and
Enhancement); for a franchised programme the most up-to-date version of the
programme specification is required;
Validation document, to include: The context of the proposed programme: the way in
which the proposal meets the objectives of UEL's strategic plan and the School plan;
the academic profile of the School and an assessment of the impact of the proposal
on that profile; and any relationship of the proposal to programmes run by other
Schools within UEL;
The rationale for the proposal: to include evidence of the regional demand for the
proposal; details of consultation with relevant employers and relevant professional
bodies; the relationship of the proposal to similar provision offered elsewhere; the
target student group/expected student profile;
A curriculum vitae for each member of staff;
Statement of Resources: the physical resources are available to support the
programme (e.g. library, computer hardware and software, specialist
accommodation, other specialist equipment).
For validated programmes only, a statement detailing the programme team's
evaluation of their proposal with regard to the Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications, relevant QAA Subject Benchmark
Statement(s) (where applicable), the UK Quality Code, and any
professional accreditation requirements (i.e.: how have they been used
in the development of the programme);
A draft Student handbook which at a minimum must include the following information
Programme structure diagram;
Module Specifications (using the standard UEL template, available at
http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/policies/forms/ and from Quality Assurance
and Enhancement);
Arrangements for the supervision and assessment of any placement element;
Local academic and other counselling/support arrangements for students
6.2.2
6.3
The UEL Link Person is responsible for ensuring amendments required and
identified at the planning meeting are made before the final documentation is
submitted to the Event Officer in QAE for the approval meeting by the agreed
deadline.
The Approval Event
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6.3.1
The purpose of the approval process is to ensure that the academic standard
of a programme is commensurate with the proposed award and that the
quality of the student experience is likely to be appropriate. This is done by
evaluating the proposal against the following documents:







6.3.2
In preparation for the approval event the UEL Link Person is responsible for:



6.4
UEL's Quality Criteria as stated in the Quality Manual;
Description of our University’s awards, as provided in the Manual of
General regulations;
National guidelines on standards such as QAA subject benchmarks and
professional body criteria
The relevant QAA Subject Benchmark Statement
A copy of relevant sections of Chapter B10 of the UK Quality Code (i.e.:
Managing HE Provision with Others)
Relevant documentation articulating professional body accreditation
requirements
Any other information relevant to the proposal.
arranging for the attendance of staff at relevant parts of the event;
arranging for the attendance of any agreed external people, such as
potential students and potential employers;
ensuring that everyone involved is well briefed about the proposal.
The Site Visit
6.4.1
The approval event will usually include a ‘site visit’ to evaluate the suitability
of the learning environment, the availability and use of resources and the
adequacy of the academic and administrative structures.
6.4.2
In addition to relevant programme material, the following areas shall be
considered by the approval panel:

academic infrastructures;

academic and professional achievements and aspirations;

quality of teaching staff;

learning experience of students;

availability and use of resources (including teaching accommodation,
computing, laboratory, library and media facilities);

procedures for assuring quality and arrangements for collaboration.
In practice the ‘site visit’ to the collaborative institution is normally linked in with the
programme approval event.
6.5
Validation by Validation and Review Sub-Committee
6.5.1
The Validation and Review Sub-Committee (VRSC) will formally validate all
collaborative programmes on behalf of the Quality Standards Committee, for the
Academic Board. This means that the VRSC will need to receive and endorse the
report of the approval event and receive confirmation that all conditions of approval
5
set by the approval panel (including the standard conditions of approval (Appendix 4)
and the agreeing and signing the MoC – see paragraph 7 below) have been fulfilled
before the collaborative programme can commence.
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The Memorandum of Co-operation
7.1
Every UEL collaborative arrangement must have an approved and signed
agreement, commonly referred to as a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC). The
Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) is the agreement which governs the formal
relationship between UEL and partner organisation(s) and provides a framework
within which an approved collaborative programme of study will be delivered.
7.2
The Quality Manager (Collaborations) in Quality Assurance and Enhancement (QAE)
will draft and facilitate the process of agreeing the MoC.
7.3
Each MoC is drawn up specific to individual collaborative arrangements(s) and
covers the details of an agreement between UEL and the collaborating institution. It
usually covers standard areas such as duration of agreement, responsibilities for
academic standards including validation processes, assessment boards, programme
committees, administrative and financial arrangements. The MoC is a very important
document and should be used to define and manage the collaborative arrangement.
7.4
Process of approving the MoC

The initial draft is prepared by the Quality Manager (Collaborations) in QAE, and
is sent to the UEL Link Person for comment and approval.

In checking the draft the Link Person must ensure that the document reflects any
informal discussions that might have taken place with the prospective partner,
that the division of responsibilities for academic standards, assessment, teaching
staff, financial arrangements, student matters etc. as listed for the partner
organisation and UEL is accurate.

The UEL Link Person/Dean of School discuss and agree financial arrangements
for the programme(s) with the Chief Management Accountant;
Once the draft document has been agreed internally at UEL, the Link Person and/or the
Dean of School must introduce the draft to appropriate personnel at the partner organisation
to obtain an agreement, in principle, to the commercial terms and conditions of the
document.
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Part 2
MANAGEMENT OF COLLABORATIVE PROGRAMMES
1.
Introduction and the role of the link
All collaborative programmes are located within a UEL School and the management
and administration of collaborative programmes takes place through a ‘Link Person’
structure. The UEL Link Person (see appendix 5) in association with the UEL School
Administrator (see appendix 6) play a vital role in establishing and maintaining the
operation of the programme and partnership.
The link person and school administrator together will provide primary contact
between UEL and a collaborative partner and will be expected to maintain regular
contact, including visiting partners (see appendix 7) in respect of the collaborative
programme(s).
To support the relationship, an operational calendar detailing points of
communication and associated timescales is at appendix 8.
A number of services available to staff and students working and studying oncampus are also available to our partner staff and students. See Appendix 9 for
support provided by UEL services for collaborative activity.
2
Admissions and Applications
2.1
The UEL Link Person guides the collaborative partner to ensure that students are
admitted in accordance with agreed admission criteria as published in the
programme specification and specific guidance would be sought from the UEL Link
Person for any exceptions. The level of involvement of the Link Person in relation to
admissions will vary depending on the nature of the collaboration but it essential
that the UEL Link Person maintains oversight of the admission process.
Therefore, this means that normally the UEL Link Person during the annual visits to
the partner will review admission decisions and processes with partner admission
staff.
2.2
The administrative arrangements relating to enrolment for collaborative programmes
will vary depending on the collaborative model proposed. Nevertheless, it is
important that individual Schools, via UEL School Administrators, put in place
communication systems between the collaborative partner, and Registry Services to
facilitate the checking, as appropriate, of proof of qualifications or other entry
conditions and the provision of a complete listing setting out relevant details for each
applicant accepting an offer of a place - See appendix 10.
2.3
For all undergraduate programmes offered in the UK, application is via UCAS
(http://www.ucas.com/), applicants apply direct to UCAS. Application forms are
forwarded by UCAS to UEL Admissions Office or directly to the partner institutions
with their UCAS programme codes. School Administrators work with Admissions
Officers to ensure that, where relevant, forms are downloaded and forwarded to the
partner institution for consideration. Following which the partner institution will
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forward details of admission decisions to the School Administrator for onward
transmission to UCAS.
2.4
Postgraduate programmes offered in UK and all collaborative programmes offered
overseas, application to programmes is outside the UCAS process. In this case, the
UEL School Administrator is responsible for ensuring completeness of the partner
admission spread sheets (see Appendices 11 A and B) and for onward transmission
of this information to the Admissions Office. This information should be supplied to
the Admissions Office at least four weeks prior to the start date to expedite student
enrolment with UEL.
3
Registration
3.3
Registration: As soon as the Admissions team process and transfer the applicant
data, network accounts and online enrolment tasks are set up individual applicants.
The Registry Systems team emails batches of applicants (usually by programme)
with details of how to log in to UEL Direct and instructions to register online (See
Appendix 12). Where email addresses are not provided, a letter is sent to the
applicant with the same information. On completion of the online enrolment task the
applicants’ statuses automatically change within the database to that of fully
registered students. (See appendix 13 for further information). UEL Student ID Cards
can be made available to collaborative partner students. See Appendix 14 for
information on how to apply for the ID cards.
3.4
Module Registration: UEL School Collaborative Administrators set up collaborative
programme modules on DELTA as soon as the Admissions team transfer the
applicant data and students’ records have been created. School Administrators
would register collaborative students on modules in accordance with the
requirements of the modular regulations (see Appendix 15).
3.4
Re- registration for continuing students: The Student Records Unit (in Registry
Services) will generate re-enrolment records. However, partner institutions should
prepare a list containing details of all students to be re-registered on each
programme. The list should include student numbers, level of study and mode of
attendance for the following year. Where possible, the list should be sent to the UEL
School Administrator for transmission to the Student Records Team Leader at least
four weeks prior to the re-enrolment date.
4
Programme delivery
4.1
For franchised programmes, to support delivery of the programme(s) it is important
that UEL Link Tutors, by creating liaising opportunity with UEL module leaders, as
appropriate, provide partners with access to additional material that enables partner
staff to deliver the curriculum, ensure that the learning outcomes are met, and
understand the level and nature of the assessment required. This is in addition to the
general support that partner staff will require in relation to mapping assessments to
assessment criteria, understanding level descriptors, providing feedback to students,
marking and grading, learning and teaching strategies.
The following material should be provided for franchised modules:
 Module handbook (see Appendix 16)
 Lecture slides and materials, as given to students
 Tutorial questions
 Sample assessments
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Ideally, the above will be made available via access to Moodle. If not, then alternative
arrangements will need to be made for partner access to the material prior to the module
being first taught, and material should be updated as appropriate on an annual basis.
4.2
Supervision provided to students on dissertation modules studied on collaborative
programmes should be in accordance with the UEL Dissertation Supervision Policy in
Appendix 17
5
Assessment
5.1
The UEL Link Person should agree with the collaborative partner a system/process
for approval of coursework, draft examination papers, moderation of assessment,
and sampling methods for examination scripts, coursework etc and a process for
liaison with the external examiner. At a minimum, all summative assessment must be
moderated by UEL and the UEL appointed external examiner prior to students
undertaking such assessment. In addition, the collaborative partner would provide a
sample of 10% of each module or 10 individual pieces from each component of
assessment (whichever is greater) for moderation by external examiners. This
sample would need to cover the full range of marks achieved by the students in the
module. Such a sample would be accompanied by: the module specification, the
mark scheme; clear indication of second marking; module leaders report (see para
6.2.2) and a break-down of marks obtained.
5.2
For collaborative programmes within the Academic Framework students will normally
be assessed at the relevant school Subject and Award Board. The UEL School
Administrator must communicate details of the School academic calendar, including
Subject and Award Board dates to collaborative partners and external examiners at
the start of each academic year. In some circumstances Subject Boards will be held
elsewhere and results brought to the School Award Board for confirmation of awards.
5.3
Assessment Boards will normally be chaired by UEL staff unless delegated
arrangements are in place and documented; all staff chairing Assessment Boards
must attend appropriate training offered by UEL.
5.4
UEL Academic Partnership Office would need to liaise with partners to establish
access to ‘Turnitin’ for appropriate partner staff who will set up required assessments
to allow student submission to ‘Turnitin’ (see Appendix 18 for the application form).
Academic Partnership Office should ensure that completed applications forms are
signed and forwarded to the E-Learning mailbox at - servicedesk@uel.ac.uk.
5.5
The UEL School Administrator is responsible for liaising with partners to ensure that
marks for students on collaborative programmes are entered onto DELTA. Marks can
be entered onto the system either directly via Web Mark Entry (see Appendix 19) or
by completing a marks sheet (see Appendix 20) and importing these sheets on to the
system. The School Administrator will notify partners when marks can be entered
and the deadline by which all marks should be entered. Any details relating to
extenuation claims (see guidance notes in appendix 21) and allegations of breach of
regulations (see Academic Misconduct Regulations http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/policies/manual/) should also be forwarded to the School
Administrator at this stage. Once marks are in, the School Administrator will send
through Module Result Reports for partners to check and notify of any errors or
omissions to ensure correct information is presented to the Board Where assessment
results for programmes are not held on DELTA.
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6
External Examiners
6.1
Appointments: UEL is responsible for appointing external examiners to all our
collaborative programmes. External examiners are appointed to modules, using UEL
external examiner appointment procedures. Where the same module is taught at
more than one location, the same external examiner should be appointed to review
assessed work at each location of delivery. The UEL Head of Subject in collaboration
with the UEL Link Person must complete the appropriate forms.
6.2
Reports and responses: Our quality assurance processes require that external
examiners prepare an annual report and that a formal response is made to all reports
received. External examiner reports are circulated to appropriate UEL staff including
Link Persons and key staff at collaborative partners by the External Examiners
Administrator in Quality Assurance and Enhancement. Care is taken to ensure that
confidential items relating to one partner are not circulated to another. The link
person will work with the partner to ensure that the report is discussed and an action
plan formulated to deal with the recommendations from the external examiner. Head
of Subjects are responsible for ensuring that responses are made to the external
examiner, including a response to comments relating to collaborative partners. The
collaborative partner should expect to have input into the response to the external
examiner report. The Head of Subject will work with the link person to ensure that the
response to the external picks up the matters from collaborative partners. Where an
external examiner is unable to confirm one or more of the statements in Part 1 of the
report, an action plan will be submitted to Quality and Standards Committee,
identifying the actions that will be put in place to address the examiner’s comments.
The School Quality Standing Committee must approve this action plan. Where the
action relates to provision at a collaborative partner, the action plan must be drawn
up in collaboration with the partner. The action plan will be monitored by the School
Quality Standing Committee and Quality and Standards Committee until all actions
are completed
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Student Feedback
7.1
Programme Committee
7.1.1 Programme Committee requirements for collaborative arrangements are
similar to on campus programmes. This means that each programme must
have a programme committee which meets regularly i.e. at least once a
term/semester. The Programme Committee will comprise representatives of
teaching staff and students. The Programme Committee is responsible for
assuring and enhancing the quality of the student experience on the
programme of study delivered through the collaborative arrangement. It is an
important mechanism for students to express their views on the quality of the
education they are receiving. See appendix 22 for the terms of reference of
the Programme Committee.
7.1.2 The UEL Link Person is an ex-officio member of the programme committee
and is responsible for ensuring meetings takes place regularly, issues raised
at meetings are dealt with appropriately and that a proper record is
maintained for the meetings.
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7.2
Feedback at Module Level
7.2.1 Collaborative partner institutions must have in place mechanisms for
collecting student feedback at module level. Such mechanisms should enable
the collection of data that meet the requirements of UEL module feedback –
The UEL module feedback proforma is attached as Appendix 24.
7.2.2 With regards to evaluation of feedback obtained at module level, it is essential
that programme leaders at partner institutions prepare, and include with
sample scripts for external moderation, a brief report, commenting on delivery,
management and key issues affecting the module, at the end of each module.
This report should include an analysis of end-of-module questionnaires and is
required as part of all Review and Enhancement Process Reports (REP).
Sample module report to guide in completing module reports– is attached as
Appendix 25.
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Staffing and Staff Development for collaborative Arrangements
8.1
CVs of staff appointed to teach on the programme will be reviewed at the approval
event. Link Persons should put in place mechanisms to receive from partners, copies
of CVs of staff subsequently appointed to teach on the programme. Partner
organisations should be appraised of agreed criteria to be applied to such staff
appointments.
8.2
The UEL Link Person is expected to assist in identifying and meeting staff
development needs at partner organisations in relation to the delivery of approved
programmes. For new partners, induction is essential, and slides for use are
available from Quality Assurance and Enhancement. Other activities and special
sessions may include introducing UEL policies and procedures, personal tutoring,
programme management etc. Further details of Staff Development Requirements for
Partners – Appendix 26.
8.3
In terms of linking in with activities at UEL, the UEL Link Person should ensure that
partner organisations receive a copy of the UEL Staff Development handbook.
8.4
Peer Enhancement – It is expected that collaborative partners would have in place a
peer enhancement system similar to the UEL “Peer Enhancement in Learning,
Teaching and Assessment" (PE). Individuals whose practice will be considered will
be referred to as 'Staff member' and the persons working with them as 'Peer'. The
two will work in a partnership intended to enhance reflection and practice – a
proforma to assist this process forms Appendix 27.
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Approval of Marketing Material
9.1
It is important that we ensure that all marketing and publicity information present
accurate information about our collaborative arrangements. The Partnerships
Manager, working in collaboration with the UEL Administrator must ensure that there
is an agreed mechanism in place for UEL to approve all manner of marketing,
publicity, prospectus, leaflets and web pages relating to UEL programmes.
9.2
All marketing and publicity material should be approved in accordance with
guidelines from Corporate Marketing. See appendix 28 for Guidelines for approving
marketing and publicity material.
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9.3
The Partnerships Manager must inform the partner organisation of notice required for
approval of marketing material. It is essential that a log is maintained of all marketing
material approved.
10
Review and Enhancement Process (REP)
10.1
Review and Enhancement Process (REP) provides both UEL and partner
organisations with an opportunity to check that the programmes delivered in
collaboration are achieving their stated aims and students are attaining the learning
outcomes stated in programme specifications. Part 7 of the Quality Manual and
School quality assurance procedures will provide general guidance on REP. The
UEL Link Person and the UEL School Administrator should ensure that the partner
organisation receives in good time (See Operational Calendar, Appendix 8 for
deadlines for dispatch of information) the School schedule for REP, the necessary
documentation i.e. quantitative and, if appropriate, qualitative data required to
complete the REP proforma.
A copy of the collaborative REP proforma and guidance notes on preparing a REP
report is available at http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/collaboration/.
10.2
REP reports for collaborative arrangements must be compiled by those directly
involved in the delivery of the programme and the UEL Link Person should be on
hand to provide advice and guidance on completing REP reports, and to provide
support to any follow-up actions emerging from the process.
10.3
The Collaborations Monitoring Sub-Committee (CMSC) would receive and consider
all evidence relating to school level review of REPs reports for programmes
undertaken in collaboration with partners, together with the REP reports themselves.
The CSMC would provide feedback to Schools on its conclusions, and report to Quality
and Standards Committee on the effectiveness of the process, the completeness of
reports submitted and via consideration of all REPs for a partner, the health of
partnerships at an institutional level. SQSCs are expected to provide partner
organisations with formal feedback on each REP considered.
11
Programme Modifications
11.1
Modification to collaborative programmes must be made in accordance with UEL
procedures for modifications. Modifications will not be applied retrospectively and
where modifications proposed affect students currently enrolled on a programme of
study, such students must be consulted. The UEL Link Person will be able to advise
whether a proposed modification can be approved by the School Quality Standing
Committee in accordance with Part 6 of the Quality Manual or requires a full reapproval in accordance with Part 11 of the Quality Manual.
11.2
Where UEL approves modifications to programmes franchised to partner institutions,
the UEL Link Person will discuss and propose with the partner an implementation
plan, to include timescales and arrangements, for introducing the changes to
programme. Such a plan will need to be presented to the School Quality Standing
Committee for approval in accordance with Part 7 of the Quality Manual.
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12
The MoC and the Collaborative Link
12.1
The Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) is the formal agreement that is signed
between UEL and the partner organisation(s). It clarifies the nature of collaborative
activity and provides a framework within which an approved collaborative programme
of study will be delivered. It is essential that it reflects the way in which the
partnership will be managed.
12.3
The MoC is a legal document and both parties must be aware of, and understand
their contractual obligations as required under the agreement. The MoC should be
seen as a handy day-to-day reference document providing clarification on:

Responsibilities and duties in relation to academic standards

Financial arrangements

Duration of the agreement

Marketing and Publicity

Teaching staff

Student Discipline, Appeals and Complaints

Assessment

Awards, Certification, Transcripts

Intellectual Property issues

Management of physical environment
13
Collaborative relationships involving more than one UEL School
13.1
In order to maintain a relatively consistent approach to managing collaborative
relationships involving more than one UEL School, Quality Standards Committee
requires that a Partnership Monitoring Committee be established on approval of a
new collaborative programme(s) with an existing collaborative partner or following a
collaborative review of an existing relationship involving more than one school. The
Partnership Monitoring Committee should have a membership comprising
representation from all UEL Schools/programme teams and relevant partner
representatives. For terms of reference for the partnership monitoring committee, its
constitution, meeting schedule and indicative agenda see Appendix 29.
Additional material
14.1
As mentioned above, this handbook is a brief guide to our quality assurance
processes. In order to be informed about the wider context of our quality assurance
processes at UEL and other regulatory matters, the following are primary additional
resources for reference.
14.2
Quality Manual – You can request for a hardcopy from the QAE office or view on the
web using the following link –
http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/policies/qualitymanual/
14.3
Manual of General Regulations - You can request for a hardcopy from the QAE office
or view on the web using the following link –
http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/policies/manual/
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14.4
Assessment and Feedback policy – Can be viewed on the web via the following link
– http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/policies/assessmentpolicy/
14.5
The UEL Skills curriculum – Details of our Skills Curriculum can be accessed via the
following web link
http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/policies/skills/
14.6
Review and Enhancement Process (REP) – the REP proforma, and guidance notes
on evaluating statistics for REP can be accessed via this link.
http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/collaboration/
14.7
Programme Representative Handbook
http://www.uelunion.org/representation/
14.8
Guidance notes on managing extenuation
http://www.uel.ac.uk/wwwmedia/uel/migratedcontent/qa/documents/ECforCollaborati
ons.doc
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