the
ACADEMIC COUNCIL
SUMMARY MINUTES FROM THE FOURTH MEETING OF 2012 OF ACADEMIC COUNCIL
HELD ON WEDNESDAY 20 JUNE 2012 AT 3.00PM IN THE EDINBURGH ROOM (075)
QUEEN ANNE COURT, GREENWICH CAMPUS
Present:
David Maguire (Chair)
Alev Adil
Liz Bacon
Peter Burt
Iain Cumming
Neil Garrod
Katrina Harradine
Debi Hayes
David Isaac
Pam Maras
Wim Melis
Chris Philpott
Adrian Powell
Yvonne Simpson
Liz West
Christopher Hallas (Secretary)
Patrick Ainley
Tom Barnes
Linda Cording
Samer El-Daher
Sarah Greer
Kazi Haque
Cos Ierotheou
Anneyce Knight
Mary Clare Martin
Suresh R Mudireddy
Lucie Pollard
Jon Sibson
Peter Vlachos
In attendance:
Paul Butler
Denis Crapnell
Eleanor Kehoe
Alan Reed
Wendy Cealey Harrison
Sarah Hills (note taker)
John Orchard
Apologies:
Alan Arokiam
Alex Coutroubis
Andrew Hall
Ann Murphy
Neil Spiller
Andrew Westby
Linda Burke
Ndy Ekere
Simon Jarvis
Martin Snowden
Arun Thakral
12.4.1
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING OF ACADEMIC COUNCIL HELD ON
2 MAY 2012
Item 12.3.4 QAA Institutional Review 2013/14 – minute should read “QAA Indicators”
rather than “QAA Codes of Practice”.
Subject to the above amendment, the Summary Minutes of COUNCIL held on 2 May 2012
were agreed as an accurate record.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES:
Minute 12.3.1 – Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES)
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Enterprise) informed COUNCIL that the training
programme had now been devised and will be operational in the near future.
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Minute 12.3.3 - Review of Academic Council: membership and Committee Operations
It was noted that this item would be covered under agenda item 12.4.3 of the meeting.
Minute 12.3.6 - Academic Framework/Calendar
The Vice-Chancellor informed COUNCIL that two groups have been established to
consider the Academic Framework/Calendar, the outcomes will be reported back to a future
meeting of Academic Council
12.4.2
UNIVERSITY STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENTS
COUNCIL received a paper proposing the introduction of a new academic structure to
support the planned developments within the University Strategic Plan. COUNCIL noted
that the paper had undergone a staff consultation period. The Vice-Chancellor informed
COUNCIL that feedback included the following concerns:
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Representation of NRI within the proposed new structure
Length of the consultation period
Cost implications
Impact of new structure on overall implementation of the University Strategic Plan
Title of individual ‘Colleges’ not representative of the disciplines of the Schools
therein
 The word ‘College’ for the academic units not universally welcomed
Discussion took place regarding the cost implication and role of the proposed new Pro
Vice-Chancellor posts. The Vice-Chancellor informed COUNCIL that the new posts are
intended to introduce a management tier that will enhance university-wide operations and
procedures, to achieve optimum academic performance. The Pro Vice-Chancellors remit
also includes increasing research income and the proportion of research active staff, with
required resources being redirected accordingly.
COUNCIL also supported concerns regarding the titles of the individual academic units
with proposed alternatives including a neutral naming convention for the academic units
and replacement of the word ‘College’ with ‘Faculty’. The Vice-Chancellor advised
COUNCIL that the paper is a consultation document on the overall concept of the proposed
new structure with the fine detail to be determined in the implementation phase.
With the exception of the following members – Patrick Ainley, Katrina Harradine, Mary
Clare Martin – COUNCIL endorsed the introduction of the proposed new academic
structure subject to further consultation and clarification of the title of the academic units.
12.4.3
ACADEMIC COUNCIL REVIEW
Further to recommendations endorsed at the May 2012 meeting of Academic Council,
COUNCIL received a paper proposing a new structure and membership of Academic
Council, and detailed terms of reference and membership for proposed new Academic
Council committees. The paper also included a proposal to amend the membership of
Academic Council.
Discussion focussed on membership and terms of reference for the proposed new
committees. COUNCIL felt that a further opportunity for consultation with Schools would
be beneficial.
COUNCIL did not endorse the proposed changes to the terms of reference and membership
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of Academic Council committees in their current form. COUNCIL agreed that feedback
on committee terms of reference and membership that were matters of drafting should be
incorporated into the proposals. COUNCIL further agreed that feedback of a material
nature should be made to the Director of Student Affairs for consideration by the Academic
Council review group and a revised proposal presented to the next meeting of Academic
Council.
COUNCIL noted the paper and endorsed proposals to amend the membership of
Academic Council.
12.4.4
UNIVERSITY ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK POLICY
COUNCIL received a paper proposing a new University Assessment and Feedback Policy.
The paper, which was considered by the Learning and Quality Committee in May 2011 and
subsequently refined through an extensive process of consultation, is intended to replace
separate School Assessment Policies in order to give increased consistency to the handling
of assessment and feedback across the institution.
COUNCIL discussed the wording of section 4.2 and agreed that minor changes are required
to reflect more clearly the University’s disability and diversity policies. Members were
requested to provide feedback to the Head of the Learning & Quality Unit.
COUNCIL noted the report and endorsed the proposed new Assessment and Feedback
Policy for use from September 2012, subject to the agreed minor amendments. COUNCIL
further agreed that the redrafted paper may be approved via Chairs Action.
12.4.5
UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS POLICY/CODE OF PRACTICE
This agenda item was withdrawn prior to the meeting.
12.4.6
REF 2014: INSTITUTIONAL CODES OF PRACTICE
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Development) presented COUNCIL with a paper
detailing a proposed Code of Practice for the University’s Research Excellence Framework
2014 submission. COUNCIL was informed that the Institutional Codes of Practise, which
has been considered and endorsed by the Research Enterprises Committee, will be
submitted to HEFCE for consideration on 31 July 2012.
COUNCIL noted the report and endorsed the proposed REF2014: Institutional Codes of
Practice.
12.4.7
ACADEMIC REGULATIONS
a) SECTION 6: EXTERNAL EXAMINING
This agenda item was withdrawn prior to the meeting.
b) ACCREDITATION OF PRIOR LEARNING
COUNCIL received a paper proposing that the Academic Regulations for Taught Awards
be amended to provide greater clarity for those involved in claiming and recognising the
accreditation of prior learning. The purpose of the proposed amendments is to provide
greater detail, employ consistent terminology and incorporate a number of common
principles.
Discussion took place regarding the wording of 4.8 (c) Currency of Credit. COUNCIL
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recommended that the wording be amended to allow for exceptions to the five year
maximum where deemed appropriate. COUNCIL also noted potential ambiguity in the
wording of 4.10 (b) with regard to Foundation degree credit.
Council noted the report and endorsed the proposed changes to the Academic Regulations
for Taught Awards subject to the agreed minor amendments. COUNCIL further agreed
that the redrafted paper may be approved via Chairs Action.
c) HNC CREDIT REQUIREMENTS
COUNCIL received a paper from the Director of the Partnership Division proposing
amendment of the University Regulations for Taught Awards in respect of HNC credit
requirements. Currently all University HNC awards require the learner to have achieved
150 credits through a mix of level 4 and 5 units, the proposed amendment reduces the
required qualifying credits to 120 to reflect the national credit framework for HNC
qualifications. The paper also identifies a model of transition for existing HNCs, including
the possible retention of HNCs of 150 credits where schools make a valid case.
COUNCIL noted the report and endorsed the proposed amendments to the Academic
Regulations for Taught Awards subject to the inclusion of a defined timescale for the
transition from 150 to 120 credits HNC programmes of study.
12.4.8
PRELIMINARY 2010-11 DESTINATION OF LEAVERS FROM HIGHER
EDUCATION (DLHE) ACTIVITY CATEGORY RESULTS BY SCHOOL
The Deputy Director of Student Affairs (Student Support) presented COUNCIL with a
preliminary report providing data on the destinations of leavers from the University for the
academic year 2010/11, submitted to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) in
April 2012.
COUNCIL were advised that the first national release of DLHE data for 2010/11 leavers
will be on 28 June 2012 on the HESA website. The first release of institutional level data
will be the Employment Performance Indicator due for publication by HESA on 5 July,
followed by full results in late July 2012. COUNCIL was reminded that DLHE results are
made available via the Business Objects and HEIDI reporting systems, which the Office of
Planning and Statistics provide training on.
COUNCIL noted the report.
12.4.9
SUMMARY REPORTS TO COUNCIL
PARTNER SCRUTINY PANEL
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development) presented COUNCIL with a report
from the Partner Scrutiny Panel concerning the review and discontinuation of existing
partnerships. COUNCIL was asked to note the suspension of approval of City of London
College and the discontinuation of partnerships with: Fajar International College, Borneo;
ALRA, UK; ERCi, Vietnam and IDM Kandy, Sri Lanka.
COUNCIL was asked to ratify the continuation of the LLS Network Colleges as partners of
the University.
COUNCIL considered the report and ratified the recommended partnership continuations
presented.
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ACADEMIC COLLABORATION COMMITTEE
COUNCIL received a paper from the Academic Collaboration Committee detailing the
current status of the work of the Committee.
COUNCIL noted the report.
12.4.10 CONFIRMATION OF RECOMMENDATION OF EXAMINERS: PhD AND EdD
COUNCIL received a report from the Research Degrees Committee confirming the
recommendations of examiners following the Research Degrees Committee meetings held
on 4 April and 16 May 2012.
COUNCIL ratified the awards recommended by the examiners.
12.4.11
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
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FLOW OF MINUTES INTO ACADEMIC COUNCIL
a) CENTRAL COMMITTEES
Partner Scrutiny Panel: 16/04/12
Research Degrees Committee: 4/04/12
Research & Enterprise Committee: 18/04/12
COUNCIL noted the flow of minutes.
b) SCHOOL BOARDS
Architecture, Design & Construction: 28/03/12
Health & Social Care: 29/02/12
Science: 24/11/11
COUNCIL noted the flow of minutes
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DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING OF ACADEMIC COUNCIL: WEDNESDAY 10
OCTOBER 2012 IN BLAKE 028, MEDWAY CAMPUS
12.4.12 ANY OTHER BUSINESS (TO INCLUDE COMMENTS FROM CHAIRS ON
SIGNIFICANT ITEMS FROM BOARDS AND COMMITTEES)
None received
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