Minutes of the 247th Meeting of the University Council held on 17 December
1997.
Dr S C Miller
Mr. H. Barber (ab) Professor D.J. Hourston
Mr. G. Barfield Professor M. Hutchinson (ab)
Mr. J.B.C. Blood Mr. M. Joyce
Mr. R.H. Boissier Mr. E.O. Maxwell
Dr. W.R. Bowman Professor R. McCaffer
Dr. T.G.M. Brooks Mr. A. Milne
Professor L.M. Cantor Mr. M. Moghal (ab)
Professor S.J. Cox Professor I.C. Morison
Professor J.V. Dawkins Mr. W.M. Moss
Dr. A.M. Duncan Mr. D'A.T.N. Payne
Dr. D.W. Edwards Dr. A.C. Pugh
Dr. A.N. Fairbairn Professor P.H. Roberts (ab)
Professor J.P. Feather Sir Denis Rooke
Mr. G.P. Fothergill Professor M. Shaw
Dr. M. Gilbert Mr. M. Shuker (ab)
Mr. S.J. Gorton Ven. I. Stanes
Dr. J.K. Green Mrs. C. Stephens (ab)
Professor N.A. Halliwell Mrs. J.A.M. Strong (ab)
Mr. P.W. Harrisson (ab) Mr. E. Waite (ab)
Miss J.E.L. Harvatt (ab) Professor D.J. Wallace
Dr. R.A. Haskins Professor C. Williams
Dr. T. Higgins Ms. J. Willmott
Professor J.R. Hough
By invitation: Professor H. Thomason
In attendance: Dr. J.E.M. Elliott
Dr. D.E. Fletcher
Ms. E.A. Howarth
Mr. H.M. Pearson
Apologies for absence were received from Mr. Harrisson, Miss Harvatt,
Professor Hutchinson, Mr Moghal, Professor Roberts, Mr Shuker and Mrs.
Stephens.
It was RESOLVED to confirm the Minutes of the 244th and 246th Meetings of the
Council held on 16 July 1997 and 24 October 1997 respectively [COUN 97:M3,
COUN97:M5].
It was RESOLVED to confirm a Special Resolution for changes to Statute XIII.
Council congratulated the Chancellor, Sir Denis Rooke, on his appointment as a
member of the Order of Merit, following a distinguished career with British Gas
and contributions to national life since his retirement including his position
as Chancellor of the University. The Council and the University very much
valued his support and advice and hoped this would continue for many more years
to come.
- .1
- On behalf of Council, the Vice-Chancellor congratulated the Chair on being
awarded an honorary degree from UMIST and on the award of the James Clayton
Prize by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
- .2
- The International Olympic Committee President's Prize had this year been
awarded to Dr Rod Thorpe, Director of the Centre for Sports Development, and Dr
Sue Campbell, Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust, who would receive the
award from the President in March 1998.
- .3
- The Government had announced additional funding for Higher Education in
1998/99, which it was anticipated would contain the funding cut to no more than
1%. Funding in subsequent years would be dependent on the outcome of the
Government's comprehensive funding review. Without additional funding the
total cut from 1998/99 to 1999/2000 would approach 6%.
- .4
- In recent Teaching Quality Assessments by the new Quality Assurance Agency
in Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Drama , and Civil and Building
Engineering, the University had achieved 22, 23, and 22 points respectively
from a possible total of 24. In the six assessments to which the University
has been subjected under the new procedure, the assessed areas of Curriculum
Design, Content and Organisation and of Student Support and Guidance had
consistently achieved the maximum mark of 4. An analysis of average scores
achieved by other institutions showed the University to have the highest
average save that of the Open University which achieved a maximum mark from
only one assessment visit. These results were very encouraging and would prove
valuable in terms of student recruitment both home and overseas.
- .5
- An analysis of completion rates of research students funded by EPSRC showed
the University to be third in terms of the least number of imposed sanctions as
a percentage of total studentships, with only 4 students failing to complete
within the Research Council's threshold of 4 years from a total of 21
studentships in 1997. The Research Council's sanction was to impose a clawing
back of one studentship for every 4 research students not completing within 4
years.
- .6
- New grants and contracts awarded in the first quarter of this year had
reached £5.1M compared to £3M in the same period last year and £4.2M the
previous year, which was very encouraging.
- .7
- UCAS had not yet released interim figures on undergraduate applications.
Leaked evidence at 28 November 1997 showed a national drop in applications of
8%, compared with a rise in the University's applications of 3%. Latest
information suggested these figures to be 2% and 4.5% respectively.
Applications to the Science Faculty were particularly buoyant, bucking the
national trend. The University still faced the challenge, however, of
converting applications to confirmed choices.
- .8
- In response to questions on the promotional benefits to be gained from the
positive developments reported, particularly in regard to .4 and .7 above, the
Vice-Chancellor informed Council that the University's TQA position was being
heavily promoted through the University's Web page and through a Press Release
and promotional leaflets. It was suggested that for promotion purposes locally
it would be useful to compare TQA results and undergraduate applications with
other local universities.
- .9
- A member drew attention to a newspaper report of increasing drop-out rates,
due primarily to students finding their subjects, particularly Engineering and
Medicine, too difficult. Council was informed that the University's withdrawal
rate was less than 5%, with the largest single reason being financial hardship
and few students withdrawing for academic reasons. It was suggested that this
was an additional factor which the University should be promoting.
- .10
- A member reported on adverse comments he had received on the external
colour scheme of the new Business School/Economics Building. Council was
informed that the design of the building, including the colour scheme, had been
very carefully considered. The interior of the building was particularly well
designed, the concept incorporating the exterior colours. There had been many
complimentary comments on the building and whilst the colours were by necessity
quite sharp at this stage, they would tone down. It was suggested that any
further comment on the building should await the completion of the building and
the landscaping of the site. In terms of finance for the building, the project
was being funded by the University's reserves. The raising of external funds
was not proving easy, though there was some hope of external funds for IT
activities in the building and most of the VAT on the building amounting to
approximately £600K had been recovered. As a result of the improved facilities
the Business School should be able to generate increased revenue through
outside activities and particularly self-financing courses.
- .1
- Council received the University Accounts for the year ended 31 July 1997,
together with the comments of the Treasurer's Committee and the Financial
Statistics for 1996-97. The Treasurer reported on the thoroughly professional
work of the new auditors and the joint meeting that had been held with the
auditors and members of both the Treasurer's Committee and Audit Committee. The
Bursar and Finance Officer highlighted the statement on Corporate Governance
and the report thereon by the auditors, and the compliance of the Accounts with
the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting in UK HE institutions and
the HEFCE's Accounts Direction.
- .2
- The Treasurer and the Bursar and Finance Officer then reported on the key
statements in the Accounts. No one statement revealed the financial state of
the University on its own. The amount receivable from HEFCE went down in cash
terms and whilst there were accounting technicalities behind this reduction,
the squeeze on the University's funding was clearly illustrated. No
compensation was received for increased costs. Income from research grants and
contracts increased marginally, but other areas showed welcome growth. Staff
costs rose significantly, although this was partly offset by a reduction in
other operating expenses as more staff were given contracts of employment
instead of working on a casual basis. The significant increase in depreciation
resulted partly from a change in accounting policy in recent years and from
growth of the building programme.
- .3
- The surplus for the year, whilst reassuring, did not represent an operating
surplus. Factors leading to its increase in presentational terms included the
requirement to treat donated equipment as income without deferral, a tighter
policy of provision for long-term maintenance and the outstanding performance
of subsidiary companies. The Treasurer expressed his view that the University
should seek to achieve 3-5% of real surplus on its ordinary income. The
University's capital reserve was effectively invested in buildings, whose
market value was difficult to ascertain. Net current assets declined slightly
as money was used up on the building programme. Future new buildings could be
funded from reserves or from loans. If from reserves there should be a clear
plan of how to replenish the reserves and avoid their depletion over the long
term. Council had set the target, contained within the University's Strategic
Plan, that reserves should not fall below £10.5M, adjusted annually for
inflation.
- .4
- The cash-flow statement showed a net cash out-flow of £1.3M, the major
cause being a technical accounting change resulting from a new accounting
standard for cash-flow statements. The out-flow was well within the
University's capacity to sustain but there would be the challenge of the
Engineering building project to meet. Yorkshire Bank plc, to which the
University had last year moved its debt on very good terms, had agreed to
provide additional loans to assist with that project.
- .5
- Attention was drawn to the substantial increase in research funding from
industry and commerce and the achievement of the Department of Aeronautical and
Automotive Engineering and Transport Studies in achieving the highest external
earnings.
- .6
- In response to questions from members, it was reported that the management
of liquid resources as shown in the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
represented current assets affected by the BES scheme and offset by in-flow
from the scheme. Interest payable by Residences, Catering and Conferences in
Note 8 was on money borrowed to build new Halls of Residence in the early 1990s.
- .7
- A member welcomed the move away from casualisation of staff and hoped for a
move towards permanent rather than temporary contracts which would ensure a
more committed workforce. It was noted that though staffing costs had
increased pension costs were down. This had resulted from a reduction in the
employer's contribution following an actuarial evaluation.
- .8
- The importance of long-term maintenance provision was highlighted. Annual
allocations were felt to be inappropriate where large expenditure might be
concentrated in one year. A fresh accounting standard on long-term maintenance
provision was expected and such provision was likely not to be possible.
- .9
- Council RESOLVED to approve the adoption of the Accounts.
- .1
- The Vice-Chancellor reported that the Midlands Consortium had not been
successful in its bid and the UK Sports Institute had been awarded to
Sheffield. The Consortium bid had recently been reshaped following new advice,
but the advice had not made clear that a `cohesive' bid should relate to a
single site. The University was developing its fall-back position to take the
University forward and retain its position as the premier University for sport,
building on its excellent staff and link with major sports bodies. The
University would need to continue to invest in sport, including coaches and an
increase in sports scholarships, and in the infrastructure to retain the
ability to attract international athletes. Support was still being sought for
a new swimming pool and gymnastics centre through lottery bids, which may
require a £2M capital input from the University. Charnwood Borough Council had
been alerted that the University remained interested in the Garendon Estate for
these potential new developments.
- .2
- On behalf of Council the Chair thanked the Vice-Chancellor and Professor
Williams and other colleagues for their tremendous efforts in pursuing this
opportunity. The University would not be deterred by this
disappointment.
- .1
- Council considered a paper from the Bursar and Finance Officer. The Senior
Pro-Vice-Chancellor reported that the Engineering project was now ready to seek
planning permission and was being finalised with a value engineering exercise
which it was hoped would be completed in January. Firmer proposals would then
come forward. The project had been particularly complicated, involving the
integration of the six Departments in the Engineering Faculty.
- .2
- A member highlighted the need to ensure the maximum use of existing space,
and was assured that much attention had already been paid to this. In response
to a query as to whether the University had the services of a landscape
consultant, the Vice-Chancellor informed Council that the University had an
independent and very active Campus Development Consultant to ensure that the
campus developed coherently. It was suggested that Professor Hutchinson,
member of Council and Past President of RIBA, should also be consulted on such
matters.
- (i)
- Further to Minute 97/79 of the 246th Meeting, it was RESOLVED to approve
the appointments of Mr G P Fothergill to the vacancy on the Careers Advisory
Board and Mr J B C Blood to the vacancy on the Academic and Related Staff
Negotiating Sub-Committee.
- (ii)
- It was RESOLVED to approve nominations by the Students' Union to membership
of Council and its Committees and Joint Committees with Senate.
It was RESOLVED to approve the following recommendations referred by the
Health, Safety and Environmental Committee at its 68th meeting on 13 November
1997:
- Health and Safety Policy
- Membership and Terms of Reference
- .1
- It was RESOLVED to approve the following recommendation referred by the
Resources and Planning Committee at its 100th meeting on 7 November 1997:
Part-time UK/EU Tuition Fees 1998/99
- .2
- It was RESOLVED to ratify Chair's action in approving, on behalf of
Council:
Tuition Fees for 1997/98
It was RESOLVED to approve the following recommendations referred by Senate at
its 316th meeting on 26 November 1997:
(a) BSc in Mathematics and Accounting and Financial Management, new programme
from 1998/99
(b) MSc in Retail Automotive Management (self-financing), new programme from
1997/98
(c) Professional Certificate/Diploma in Management (for Ford Dealership
employees: self-financing), new programme from 1997/98
(d) MBA in Sport and Leisure Management (self-financing), new programme from
1998/99
(e) MBA in Information and Library Management (self-financing), revised
programme from 1998/99
(f) BA in European Business, change in title to International Business from the
October 1999 intake
(g) BA in English and Drama, discontinuation from June 1997
(h) Award of Diploma in Professional Studies rather than Diploma in Industrial
Studies to Business School students on placement in 1997/98 and thereafter
(i) Ordinance XIX - Amendment
(j) Research and Development Centre for Career Information and Guidance -
Establishment
In fulfilment of the requirements of Ordinance XXXVIII, established at the
229th meeting of Council on 29 March 1995, it was RESOLVED to appoint the
following members to the Student Grievance Committee for 1997-98:
Members: Mr H Barber Alternate Members: Dr N Fairbairn
Dr M Bell Mr J R Hinds
Dr T Higgins (Chair) Mr D Howes
Mr H E Jones Professor P H Roberts
Mr A Newton Ven. I Stanes
Pursuant Statute XVIII, on the recommendation of Senate and with the advice of
the Honorary Degrees Committee, it was RESOLVED to approve the issuing of
invitations to persons to receive honorary degrees at Degree Congregations to
be held in 1998.
It was RESOLVED to ratify the action of the Registrar in affixing the
University Seal to the documents listed.
Council noted the position.
Council received a report of the Joint Steering Committee.
Council received the Report of the Alumni Office for 1997.
Council received reports of the following committees:
(i) Audit Committee of 23 October 1997
(ii) Health, Safety and Environmental Committee of 13 November 1997
(iii) Residential and Catering Services Committee of 30 September 1997
(iv) Treasurer's Committee of 27 November 1997
(v) Information Services Committee of 17 October 1997
(vi) Research Committee of 30 October 1997
(vii) Resources and Planning Committee of 7 November 1997
(viii) Student Services Committee of 12 November 1997
(ix) Senate of 26 November 1997
With reference to the report of the Health, Safety and Environmental Committee
in regard to Cyclists on Campus, a member expressed his concern at the number
of cyclists on campus riding without lights and the great danger to which
everyone was exposed from this. There was the need for stronger action against
such cyclists than had been proposed by Health, Safety and Environmental
Committee. Council was informed that during discussions with LSU the
University's Security Manager had declared his intention to issue a fine of £10
to cyclists riding without lights at night, following advance warning of this
new sanction. Council considered this to be an appropriate move towards
controlling this serious problem and requested that the Health, Safety and
Environmental Committee consider the development of a stronger policy to
enforce the use of lights by cyclists at night.
Council noted the dates of Degree Congregations to be held in Summer 1998 as
follows:
- Thursday 9 July 1998
- Friday 10 July 1998
- Monday 13 July 1998
- Tuesday 14 July 1998
- *Wednesday 11 February 1998 - at 2.15 pm
- Wednesday 25 March 1998 - at 10.45 am
- Wednesday 15 July 1998 - at 10.45 am
(*Only if required: at least two weeks notice to be given)
Author - Dr J E M Elliott
Date - December 1997
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