Minutes of the 257th Meeting of the University Council held on 24 March 1999.
Dr. J.K. Green (Chair); Mr. H. Barber (ab); Mr. J.B.C. Blood; Mr. R.H. Boissier (ab); Dr. T.G.M. Brooks; Professor L.M. Cantor; Ms. R. Church (ab); Professor S.J. Cox; Professor J.V. Dawkins; Ms. V. Dhupa (ab); Dr. D.W. Edwards; Dr. A.N. Fairbairn; Professor J.P. Feather; Mr. G.P. Fothergill; Dr. M. Gilbert (ab); Mr. S.J. Gorton (ab); Professor N.A. Halliwell; Mr. P.W. Harrisson (ab); Miss J.E.L. Harvatt (ab); Dr. R.A. Haskins; Dr. T. Higgins; Professor J.R. Hough (ab); Professor D.J. Hourston; Dr. G. Mason; Mr. E.O. Maxwell; Professor R. McCaffer (ab); Dr S C Miller (ab); Mr. A. Milne (ab); Mr. M. Moghal; Mr. W. Moore; Professor I.C. Morison (ab); Mr. W.M. Moss (ab); Mr. D'A.T.N. Payne; Dr. A.C. Pugh (ab); Professor I. Reid; Professor P.H. Roberts; Sir Denis Rooke (ab); Dr. A.W. Rudge (ab); Mr. M. Shuker (ab); Ven. I. Stanes; Mrs. C. Stephens; Mrs. J.A.M. Strong (ab); Professor D.J. Wallace (to item 99/16.6); Ms. E. Wallace; Ms. N. Walthrust.
In attendance: Dr. J.E.M. Elliott; Professor M. Evans; Mrs F M Hannah; Mr. H.M. Pearson; Professor H Thomason; Ms S K Wheelans
Apologies for absence were received from: Mr Boissier; Ms Church; Dr Gilbert; Mr Gorton: Miss Harvatt; Professor McCaffer; Dr Miller; Mr Milne; Professor Morison; Mr Moss; Dr Pugh; Sir Denis Rooke; Dr Rudge
It was RESOLVED to confirm the Minutes of the 254th and 256th Meetings of the Council held on 16 December 1998 and 11 February 1999 respectively [COUN98:M6, COUN99:M1)
.1 Minutes 98/79.6: Vice-Chancellor's Business
In regard to the suggestion that lay members adopt a Department or Departments, the Acting Registrar reported that all but two lay members had responded so far and all but five Departments were covered. He would follow up the remaining lay members and work to ensure that all Departments were covered. Names would then be passed to Heads of Departments and members invited to arrange a visit.
.2 Minute 98/88: Special Resolution
COUN99-P7
It was RESOLVED to confirm a Special Resolution for changes to Statutes XII, XIII, XIV and XV.
.3 Minute 98/91: Treasurer's Committee
The Bursar reported that the problem identified would be subject to review when the financial regulations were rewritten and the University's requirements in relation to documentation supporting travel expense claims would be clarified.
.4 Minute 98/83: Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Information Strategy and Services
The Vice-Chancellor reported that the selection panel for the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Information Strategy and Services) had unanimously agreed that the opportunity costs of making such an appointment were not in the University's interests and an appointment would therefore not be made. Current management efforts in this area would be increased, however, by splitting responsibilities. The Senior-Pro-Vice-Chancellor would be responsible for managing projects and Professor Evans, Dean of Science, would become Director of Information Strategy and Services and the line manager of the services. Consideration would still need to be given to changes to the Charter and Statutes in relation to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (External Relations). Council AGREED with the Vice Chancellor's proposal that submissions to the Privy Council to amend the Charter and Statutes should wait until the new Registrar was in post.
.5 Minute 98/79.7: Vice-Chancellor's Business
The Vice-Chancellor reported that no appointment had been made following interviews for the post of Registrar. This was disappointing in terms of the effort afforded and the resultant delay in an appointment. The remit of the post had now been broadened to better reflect the breadth of duties and the use of a 'head-hunter' was being explored.
.1 With sadness the Vice-Chancellor reported on the tragic death of a student the previous evening from a fatal injury suffered during an intra-mural sporting match. Council expressed its sincere condolences to the student's family.
.2 Recent outcomes of External Subject Reviews by the Quality Assurance Agency had been a superb achievement for those concerned. Human Sciences and Physics had achieved scores of 24 and 23 respectively, the maximum score being 24. The University's accumulation of consistently high scores in External Subject Reviews could probably only be matched by a small number of institutions. These achievements would only slowly percolate into national league tables.
.3 Undergraduate applications for UK/EU students through UCAS were encouraging, with the University being amongst only a handful of institutions with increased applications, bucking the national trend. Overseas applications were down by 25-30% however, in line with the national position. Proposals for improving this position would be submitted to the next meeting of Senate. A member commented that the questionnaire recently sent to international students required restructuring. It was agreed that this be discussed directly with the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching).
ACTION: PVC(T)
.4 The process of installing telephones and data sockets in all Hall rooms on campus was underway. It was important that the quality of Hall accommodation remained competitive. Data infrastructure costs were being met by the University, and the capital cost of telephones and management of the telephone service was being met externally.
.5 The University had been selected as a national network centre for the UK Sports Institute. A final decision on the particular sports to be covered at Loughborough and the amount of Lottery funding was awaited from the English Sports Council, now renamed Sport England.
.6 The University was undertaking preliminary discussions with Loughborough College concerning the possible availability of land for sports pitches.
.7 The Vice-Chancellor reported on national academic awards achieved by students and on recent sporting successes. Loughborough Students had won seven of the eleven BUSA knock-out tournaments to date. Students who had received music bursaries had recently presented a concert with very high-quality performances. The students were to be congratulated on all their achievements.
The Vice-Chancellor reported on the HEFCE recurrent grant for the academic year 1999-2000. Income for 'Widening Participation' was new, reflecting Government policy to increase access. The University was 40th in the list of universities to receive these monies, those at the top of the list being mainly post-1992 universities. The University was placed 14th in the pre-1992 universities and 4th/5th of campus universities, giving the lie to the impression of the University being a middle-class institution based on a public school intake. Total HEFCE income had increased by 2.56%, the first time the University had received an increase above the sector average for six or seven years. Funding for Continuing Education was being phased out, to be replaced by Reach Out funds for which the University would bid, and Teacher Training Agency income had yet to be announced. Overall the income position was more encouraging than had been feared.
COUN99-P9 (and tabled papers) and COUN99-P10
.1 Further to Minute 99/3 of Council's 256th Meeting on 12 February 1999, Council received an initial framework for the Strategic Plan. The opportunity was being given for Council to give further input to the Plan, in particular on targets for the future. The individual lead authors gave presentations on their sections, providing further information on indicators, current performance and targets where available. The sections authored by Professors McCaffer and Morison were presented by Professors Evans and Thomason respectively.
.2 Teaching and Learning:
The University would work to maintain the high quality of its teaching and learning, enhancing this where it can and extending this into other fields. There were theoretically no limits to an extending market once certain kinds of distance learning materials were developed. There was acknowledged conflict in allocating resources to teaching and learning when the University's research activities would be seeking significant resources, but it was important to support the quality of teaching and learning so far achieved. The intention was to build on research-based alliances to develop teaching programmes. A member suggested that the primary objective of the Teaching and Learning Strategy should refer to 'appropriately' qualified students, which would reflect the widening of access to non-traditional students.
Asked about comparative failure rates, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching) reported that the University's failure rate appeared to be relatively low. The University's target should probably be of the order of being in the first quartile of universities. There was a difficulty of direct comparisons across the sector, with sufficiently robust national indicators not yet available. Intake profiles and subject mix were relevant factors to be considered. Likewise Graduate Employment indicators remained non-robust. It was hoped that more reliable comparisons could be made within the next year. It was AGREED that Council be updated when more reliable comparative data became available.
ACTION: PVC(T)
.3 Research:
Council had already expressed its view that the University should work to excel in Research as well as Teaching. The initial framework as presented incorporated two scenarios for an aspired increase in Research Grants and Contracts and two models for projected QR income in relation to the next Research Assessment Exercise (RAE 2001). The QR income model incorporated assumptions including an aggressive grade shift. Weightings related to grades in RAE 2001 were not yet known. There was a recognised risk associated with the QR models, but investment would be needed if only to maintain the University's current position. In addition, Research Council funding tended to be linked to RAE gradings. A decision was needed on the appropriate scenario for an increase in Research Grant and Contract income, before the appropriate enablers were determined. It was recognised, however, that staff were already under pressure and any further aspirations would need to be realistic. It was therefore AGREED that Faculties should be asked to comment on their capability for achieving the scenarios.
ACTION: DEANS
.4 Estates:
It was important that the Estates Strategy should follow the Academic Strategy rather than lead it. The objective of the strategy would be 'To provide facilities for working and living which satisfy the needs, aspirations and values of users and their successors.' The 1999 Review of the Estates Strategy would cover: Academic Strategy; Centre Site; East Site; Student Residences; Maintenance Policies and Value for Money; Land and Facilities; Environmental and Neighbourhood. A member requested that the strategy include a specific statement on safety and environmental quality.
A member requested clarification on the reported unhappiness expressed by some of the University's neighbours. The Bursar responded that there was no one particular cause. Bad behaviour by some students was one factor, but an increasing problem related to car parking. Neighbours were unhappy with the University's policy on car parking which they believed was causing students to park on the roads adjoining the campus. A Working Group had been established with Ashby Road residents which had achieved some success in recent years: a similar arrangement was to be initiated on the southern boundary. A report to be forwarded to Charnwood Borough Council included encouraging comments on students from residents in the Storer Road area of Loughborough where there was a high density of property let to students. Multi-storey car parking was unlikely to be a solution to the car parking problem as costs per vehicle would be high and could exacerbate the off-campus parking problem.
.5 Information Strategy:
The Director of Information Strategy and Services expressed her clear view that a research-led University must have appropriate Library and Computing facilities. The planning focus would include: access and the development of networks; co-operation and collaboration; targetting research needs; and communication. Investment would be required for material development, electronic access and structured provision. Preliminary indicators were identified in a tabled paper. A member commented on students' disappointment with Computing Services, particularly in relation to printers and Internet access. The Director reported that these and other issues would be included in a review to be undertaken of Computing Services.
.6 The University Community:
The issues to be covered, in alignment with CVCP goals, were: values; participation; professionalism; Human Resources development (the key strategic driver); leadership; and staff development. Current performance against identified indicators was presented in a tabled paper. A member suggested that success could be considered to have been achieved when the new Human Resources Committee could be disbanded. A further member referred to the absence of mention of staff input, which appeared to be part of a move away from democratic procedures in institutions. Council was informed that this would be covered under the indicator 'Identification of people issues across all planning aspects'.
.7 The External Community and Cultural Environment:
In many cases problems perceived by the community related to the size of the University in relation to the size of the town. There were misconceptions of the University within the local community and some reluctance to participate in University events. There was a need for greater outreach into the community.
.8 Image and Promotion:
There was currently no co-ordinated marketing strategy. There was a clear need for Public Relations expertise to be available to the University, either in-house or externally. A member requested that crisis management be more positively presented within the Plan; there were some issues of crisis that were not in defence of the University's image but about which the University had a responsibility to inform others. Council was informed by a lay member that behavioural problems of students locally were small in relation to the numbers of students and this should be borne in mind. The town benefited from the presence of students and many problems with the local community were probably related as much as anything to inertia of members of the local population. The University was requested to reverse a rumoured move to close evening classes provided by LUSAD.
ACTION: ACTING REGISTRAR
.9 Bidding for External Funds and General Fund Raising:
Current performance against indicators and targets for 1999/2000 were presented.
.10 Finance:
The Financial Strategy was 'The optimal use of resources to realise this and future Strategic Plans.' The outcome of RAE 2001 was likely to be a watershed in relation to the University's financial position.
.11 Shared Values:
The Venerable Ian Stanes commented on the values that would pervade the Strategic Plan. Whose values were they? Which values would temper conflicting values? When pressing for excellence, support would need to be provided for those put under pressure. Faith values had a role, perhaps as 'conscience.' If there were shared values then who shared them and how was this communicated? It was important that the Strategic Plan be looked at from a value perspective.
.12 The Way Forward:
The need was identified for a statement in the Plan of structural changes needed to deliver the goals of the Plan, and the resource implications: this should be a Strategy rather than just a Strategic Plan. There should be investment in both 'go-getters' and 'deliverers'. Council was assured that the planning process itself was engaging the University in actions. It was AGREED to delegate to the Chairman's Advisory Group consideration of the next draft of the Strategic Plan, including the feedback from Faculties on realistic expectations on increased research income. Discussions by Council on the Strategic Plan should in future be conducted at a meeting specially convened for the purpose.
ACTION: CHAIR
.13 CVCP Paper on Higher Education in the 21st Century: Some Possible Futures
It was AGREED that discussion of the paper be delegated to the Chairman's Advisory Group, with the possibility of future discussion by Council.
COUN99-P11
Council received a briefing paper on the proposed Ford Retail College, noting that the site would now be let to the Company for 15 years. The College planned to open on 1 August 1999, but the proposal was as yet awaiting approval by the Company's Board. Should the proposed additional 150 bedrooms be realised, the likely cost of £3M to the University would become part of the Capital Plan.
COUN99-P12
It was RESOLVED to approve the following recommendation referred by the Audit Committee at its 30th meeting on 25 February 1999:
Anti-Fraud and Corruption Policy
COUN99-P13
It was RESOLVED to approve the following recommendations referred by the Equal Opportunities Committee:
(a) Constitution of Equal Opportunities Committee
(b) Equal Opportunity Strategy and Action Plan
(c) Ordinance XV: Study Leave
A member commented on the welcome progress of the Equal Opportunities Strategy and Action Plan, and highlighted the importance of monitoring developments.
COUN99-P14
.1 It was RESOLVED to approve the following recommendations referred by the Resources and Planning Committee at its 104th meeting on 12 February 1999:
(a) Student Village Redevelopment Phase 2
(b) UK/EU Tuition Fees 1999/2000
.2 On the recommendation of the Vice-Chancellor on behalf of Resources and Planning Committee, it was RESOLVED to ratify the action of the Chair in approving the following recommendation:
Establishment Matters
COUN99-P15
It was RESOLVED to approve the following recommendations referred by Senate at its 326th meeting on 10 March 1999:
(a) BSc in Logistics, new programme from 1999/2000
(b) BSc in Air Transport Management, new programme from 1999/2000
(c) BSc in Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying, three-year version from 1999/2000
(d) Professional Certificate in Management for the Sports Industries Federation (self-funding), new programme from March 1999
(e) BSc in Banking, Finance and Management, change in title from Banking and Finance, for the 2000/01 intake
(f) Renaming of the Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering and Transport Studies to Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering, from 24 March 1999
(g) Renaming of the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering to the Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering from 24 March 1999
(h) Establishment of Materials Characterisation Centre, from 24 March 1999
(i) Amendments to Ordinance X
COUN99-P16
On the recommendation of the Alumni Association Board , it was RESOLVED to approve an amendment to the Alumni Association Constitution.
Further to Minute 98/95 of Council's 254th meeting on 16 December 1998, it was RESOLVED to appoint the following student member to the Student Grievance Committee for 1998-99:
Ms S Adams
COUN99-P17
It was RESOLVED to ratify the action of the Acting Registrar in affixing the University Seal to the documents listed.
Further to Minute 98/37 of Council's 252nd Meeting on 15 July 1998, Council noted that the Nominating Committee had met to review the size of Council and was considering options.
COUN99-P18
Council received the University's Audit Report from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.
COUN99-P19
Council received the Alumni Association Annual Report for 1997/98.
Council noted that the date of the Winter 1999 degree congregation was Tuesday 21 December 1999.
COUN99-P20
To receive reports of the following committees:
(i) Audit Committee of 25 February 1999
(ii) Health, Safety and Environmental Committee of 10 March 1999
(iii) Residential and Catering Services Committee of 9 March 1999
(iv) Research Committee of 11 December 1998 and 4 February 1999
(v) Resources and Planning Committee of 12 February 1999 (including Estimates)
(vi) Student Services Committee of 3 March 1999
(vii) Senate of 27 January and 10 March 1999
Wednesday 14 July 1999 at 10.45 am
Author - Dr J E M Elliott
Date - March 1999
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