[Minutes]
Minutes of the 316th (Ordinary) Meeting of Senate held on Wednesday
26 November 1997
Professor D J Wallace
Dr M Acar Professor J J McGuirk
Dr C Backhouse Dr M P McIver
Dr V J Black (ab) Dr C McKnight
Dr P L Byrne Professor I C Morison
Mr J S Chadwick (ab) Mrs M D Morley
Mr C J Chamberlain (ab) Dr A Morris (ab)
Professor S Cox (ab) Dr P N Murgatroyd
Dr R K Dart Mr A Newton
Professor J V Dawkins Professor K C Parsons
Mr A Dumbuya Dr A D Price (ab)
Dr D W Edwards Dr A C Pugh
Professor J P Feather Professor I Reid
Dr M Gilbert Professor P H Roberts
Dr H Gross Mr J F Rowland
Professor N A Halliwell Professor H Schröder
Professor V I Hanby (ab) Professor M Shaw
Professor A G Hargreaves Mr I K Smout
Professor D J Hourston Professor M Streat
Mr T P Jones Dr G M Swallowe
Professor M J Kearney Professor R J Wakeman (ab)
Professor M King (ab) Mr D R F Walker
Mr P G Lewis Professor T G Weyman-Jones (ab)
Professor R Lister Dr P Wild (ab)
Mrs W Llewellyn Professor F Wilkinson
Dr D Mack (ab) Professor C Williams (ab)
Dr G Mason Ms J Wilmott
Professor R McCaffer Professor K R A Ziebeck (ab)
In attendance: Mr R A Bowyer
Dr D E Fletcher
Ms L Howarth
Dr B P Vale
Apologies
for absence were received from Dr V J Black, Professor V I Hanby, Dr D Mack, Dr
A Morris, Professor R J Wakeman, Professor T G Weyman-Jones, Dr P Wild,
Professor C Williams, Professor K R A Ziebeck.
Items 11 and 16 were unstarred.
The Minutes of the 314th Meeting held on 27 June 1997 (SEN 97:M3) were
confirmed and signed.
There were no matters arising.
The following matters were reported by the Vice-Chancellor:
- i)
- The implementation of the merger with LCAD was progressing very well and an
application had been made via HEFCE to the Privy Council for its incorporation
into the University.
- ii)
- It was expected that an announcement regarding the establishment of a UK
Sports Institute within a wider network would be made before Christmas.
- iii)
- There had been a delay on the completion of the Economics/LUBS building but
it remained within budget. Planning was proceeding with respect to the
Engineering complex and a completion date of 1999 was the target. The
relocation of two Engineering departments from the central site would lead to
the release of space which potentially could be used to create an Information
Sciences Institute.
- iv)
- Sir Denis Rooke had been awarded the Order of Merit which was a very great
distinction. Senate offered its warmest congratulations to Sir Denis.
- v)
- Same rapid progress had been made with respect to the Peterborough
initiative, with postgraduate programmes in Education and LUBS on stream for
October 1998. An undergraduate programme in the Business School was also
proposed, subject to a bid for funded student numbers to HEFCE. If the bid
were unsuccessful it would be unlikely that the initiative would proceed at
undergraduate level.
The Pro-Vice-Teaching reported that:
- i)
- The University was performing extremely well in the league table of
national scores produced by the Teaching Quality Assessments. Recent results
gave Electrical Engineering a score of 22 and Drama 23 making the University
second overall nationally.
-
- A member of Senate reported that the TQA team in Electrical Engineering had
expressed concern about the apparent increase in the number of First Class
degrees awarded. It was felt that there had been a tendency towards this
across campus and it might have been the indirect outcome of the modular system
which permitted assessment throughout a programme and set clear learning
objectives. It was requested that data be made available to enable an
evaluation of any such trend to be made.
- ii)
- A new funding model for teaching had been adopted by HEFCE. All subjects
were now being classified into four bands relating to the cost of delivery.
The three bands of relevance at Loughborough were Laboratory based, Part
Laboratory based and Library based subjects. Funding would be based on
undergraduate numbers within the bands. If our total calculated income
remained within +/- 5% of current numbers our income from teaching would remain
stable. It was not yet clear how the outcome of the TQAs would be recognised
in the funding model and it was noted that excellence in teaching was rewarded
by additional funded numbers in Scotland. It was felt that the University must
market itself more positively with respect to the outcome of the TQAs.
-
- In terms of student recruitment the situation for next year would be
unprecedented because of the new funding arrangements for tuition fees and
maintenance awards. UCAS figures indicated a drop of perhaps 10% in terms of
applications nationally. Applications to Loughborough, however, had increased.
If a favourable conversion rate could be secured the University would reach its
target. Directorates had been given greater powers of virement across subject
areas to aid recruitment.
-
- The financial difficulties candidates were likely to encounter were noted
and it was felt that it would be useful to have any data on the possible
regionalisation of applications. The University was currently analysing the
areas of financial assistance available to candidates. In particular the costs
of attending Open Days were noted and the need for departments to draw up
schedules to enable travel at off peak rates.
-
- The University had already built in some leeway in its recruitment targets
to protect against financial loss through failure to meet targets and
withdrawals. The value and significance of the sandwich year in financial
terms was highlighted and could help eligible students with financial
difficulties.
- iii)
- The first of two consultation documents on the RAE had been received and
significant changes in the next exercise were forecast.
- iv)
- Concern had previously been expressed about the reduction in the amount of
research income announced in the first quarter of last year from £16M to £14M.
The indications for this year however were more positive with £5.1M announced
to date. The final measure of income for last year had been £16.2M which had
represented an increase on the previous year as a result of the inclusion of
equipment donations for the first time. Members of Senate were reminded that
donations of equipment must be reported to the Finance office for inclusion in
the income figures.
- v)
- In terms of EPSRC awards the University was in the top 20 nationally in
terms of numbers of quota research studentship awards and ranked third in terms
of submission rates which was most encouraging. PhD completion rates would
continue to be monitored closely and improved by the University. On the basis
of a number of indicators the University was very buoyant in terms of
research.
(SEN97-P52)
- .1
- Senate noted the Government's fee proposals arising from the Dearing
Report. The introduction of the means tested contribution of £1,000 towards
tuition fees would fall unevenly on the student body. It was not to be applied
to part-time undergraduates, postgraduates nor retrospectively to existing
students. The extent to which the additional monies would benefit the HE
Sector was not clear, but it was estimated that the efficiency gain to be made
for 1998/99 would be no more than 1%. There was no guarantee, however, that
this would be maintained for 1999/2000, where the sector was presently facing a
cut of around 6%.
- .2
- It was noted that the University would be responsible for the collection of
the £1K tuition fee. It was anticipated that arrangements would be made for
payment by instalments in appropriate cases and that Access monies would be
made available to those students in demonstrable financial hardship. It was
felt that it was widely perceived that this was a liability for all students
and that the University sector was substantially benefiting from this fee,
whereas in fact the block grant from HEFCE would be reduced in respect of this
income and the administrative burden on the Universities would be significant.
-
- It was agreed that it would be useful to provide an information sheet for
students with some examples explaining who would be liable for these
contributions. It was further agreed that the Vice-Chancellor should ask the
CVCP to make the implications and nature of the fees proposals clearer to the
public and that MPs, especially our local MPs, were fully briefed.
- .3
- Given that the problems with the proposals were apparent and that students
who also faced the abolition of the maintenance grant, would be facing
hardship, it was not clear why more resistance was not being mounted. The
Vice-Chancellor reported that quality could not be maintained in the face of
the current funding model. Additional monies for the sector via taxation were
not politically realistic.
- .4
- Student expectations of the University were likely to change once a
proportion of them were expected to contribute towards tuition fees. This was
felt to be a positive change and the University felt well placed to meet
student expectations.
- .5
- The proposals regarding funding and student support envisaged the abolition
of the maintenance grant for all students to be replaced by a loan by
1999/2000. To support its recruitment and alleviate student hardship the
University was reviewing and expanding its current scholarship and bursary
schemes. It was noted that £28K had been raised from the Alumni Fund for
Scholarships, which would include sports scholarships and IT support
scholarships. The University was successful in attracting external funding for
taught programmes and individual research projects. It offered many types of
support ranging from Sub Wardenships to army and airforce Scholarships and
Access funds. Nevertheless it was felt that there was additional scope for
assistance. It was noted that tuition fees for part-time postgraduate students
were to increase to a more realistic level and that Faculties should therefore
introduce scholarship schemes. There was some discussion on the level of
tuition fees to be charged to part-time undergraduate students. It was
suggested that the fee to be levied should be based on £1K per annum on a
credit unit basis.
-
- It was suggested that any scholarship scheme should consider targeting
overseas students. Incentives, however, to attract such students must
nevertheless be linked to academic quality or they might be considered with
suspicion overseas. It was agreed that the recruitment of research students
was likely to be very hard and that it might be necessary to consider schemes
to attract high quality students from overseas. Individual departments
reported their experiences of offering bursaries to support student recruitment
in their areas. All departments were asked to contact their AD(R) and
Professor Feather with details of any schemes in operation.
- .6
- The establishment of Regional Development Agencies by 1999 highlighted the
importance of collaboration at regional level between HE institutions. Since
Loughborough was at the geographical centre of the East Midlands HEIs, it was
poised to take up any opportunities which might arise. Members felt that
regionalisation was a very significant development. There were no plans yet to
rationalise provision at regional level. It was noted, however, that there
could be a conflict of interest within the region with respect to student
recruitment.
(SEN97-P53)
It was RESOLVED on the recommendation of the Teaching and Learning Committee
and on the advice of the Curriculum Sub-Committee to approve or recommend to
Council as appropriate the following:
- i)
- New programmes, for introduction in the 1998/99 session except where
otherwise stated:
- BSc in Mathematics and Accounting and Financial Management
- MSc in Retail Automotive Management (self financing) - for introduction in
1997/98
- Professional Certificate/Diploma in Management (for Ford Dealership
employees - self-financing) - for introduction in 1997/98
- MBA in Sport and Leisure Management (self-financing)
- MBA in Information and Library Management (self-financing) - revised
proposal
- ii)
- Change of title of the BA in European Business to International Business
from the October 1999 intake.
- iii)
- Discontinuation of the BA in English and Drama from June 1997.
- iv)
- Award of Diploma in Professional Studies rather than Diploma in Industrial
Studies to Business School students on placement in 1997/98 and
thereafter.
(SEN97-P54)
On the recommendation of the Information Services Committee the Annual Report
for 1996/97 from the Librarian was received.
(SEN97-55)
It was RESOLVED on the recommendation of Resources and Planning Committee to
approve UK/EU Undergraduate intakes for 1998/99.
(SEN97-56)
It was RESOLVED pursuant to Statute XVIII and with the advice of the Honorary
Degrees Committee to make a recommendation to Council regarding persons to be
invited to receive Honorary Degrees at Degree Congregations in 1998. Members
were reminded that these recommendations were confidential at this stage
(SEN97-P57)
Appointment of Research Supervisors as Joint Internal Examiners and
Observers at Oral Examinations for Research Degrees
It was reported to Senate that there was some concern with
respect to the proposal from Research Committee that students' research
supervisors should not act as joint Internal Examiners for research theses nor
attend oral examinations as Observers. After some discussion it was agreed
that supervisors should no longer be permitted to act as joint Internal
Examiners for research degrees. Research Committee was, however, asked to
reconsider the proposal that supervisors should not attend viva voce
examinations as Observers and was requested to consult widely on this matter
and to provide a brief rationale for the proposal.
It was RESOLVED on the recommendation of the Teaching and Learning Committee
and where appropriate on the advice of the Curriculum Sub-Committee:
- i)
- Code of Practice on Undergraduate Modular Assessment
(SEN97-P58)
-
- Consequent upon Senate's decision at its previous meeting that Module
Boards for undergraduate programmes be abolished and in conjunction with
changes in relevant Ordinances and Regulations (item 13(i) refers), to approve
a Code of Practice on Undergraduate Modular Assessment.
- ii)
- Code of Practice on Viva Voce Examinations (SEN97-P59)
-
- To approve a Code of Practice on Viva Voce examinations.
- iii)
- Internal Audit: Periodic Programme Reviews (SEN97-P60)
-
- To approve a procedure for internal audit involving further development of
Periodic Programme Review.
- iv)
- DLC Conversions
-
- To approve a recommendation, in response to a request from the Alumni
Office, that the procedure for the conversion of a Diploma of Loughborough
College to a degree of the University should not be revived.
- v)
- Assessment Practices for Group Work
-
- To approve the requirement that: the rules for the assessment of Group Work
should be made explicit to students and sufficiently flexible to take into
account contributions of individuals where this is appropriate.
- vi)
- Terms of Reference (SEN97-P61)
-
- To approve revised terms of reference for the Committee.
- vii)
- Postgraduate Programmes: Change in Modular Weightings
-
- To approve the setting of minimum study requirements for the Loughborough
University Postgraduate Certificate and the Loughborough University
Postgraduate Diploma at a total modular weighting of 60 and 120 respectively,
in conjunction with the change in modular weighting for Master's programmes
from 120 to 180 with effect from 1998/99.
It was RESOLVED on the recommendation of Ordinances and Regulations Committee:
- i)
- Amendments to GRUA, ARUA and Ordinance XIX (SEN97-P62)
-
- To approve and to recommend to Council as appropriate amendments to the
GRUA, ARUA and Ordinance XIX, to give effect to the abolition of undergraduate
Module Boards, for implementation forthwith.
- ii)
- Amendments to General Regulations for the Professional Certificate
and Professional Diploma in Management
(SEN97-P63)
-
- To approve amendments to the General Regulations for the Professional
Certificate and Professional Diploma in Management relating to their assessment
and award.
- iii)
- Amendment of Regulation VII, repeal of General Regulations for Higher
Awards by Course and associated amendments
- To ratify the action of the Vice-Chancellor on behalf of Senate in
approving amendments to Regulation VII, the repeal of GRHAC and associated
editorial amendments.
(SEN97-P64)
It was RESOLVED on the recommendation of Resources and Planning Committee and
with the advice of the Academic and Commercial Enterprises Monitoring
Sub-Committee to recommend to Council the establishment of the above Centre.
Reports from the following Committees were received:
- SEN97-P65 Information Services Committee of 17 October 1997
- SEN97-P66 Resources and Planning Committee of 7 November 1997
- SEN97-P67 Teaching and Learning Committee of 6 November 1997
- SEN97-P68 Research Committee of 30 October 1997
- SEN97-P69 Student Services Committee of 12 November 1997
- SEN97-P70 Ordinances and Regulations Committee of 31 October 1997
(SEN97-P71)
It was drawn to Senate's attention that Dr I Wright, Head of the Department of
Mechanical Engineering was not included in the Senate Membership list. It was
confirmed that this was because the new School of Manufacturing and Mechanical
Engineering was represented by its Director Dr C Backhouse. It was reported
that this arrangement was acceptable to all parties and had been discussed with
Dr Wright and the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Nevertheless, the
Department of Mechanical Engineering had not been formally dissolved and
technically the Head should be a member of Senate notwithstanding the creation
of the new School. It was agreed that a paper would be submitted to the next
meeting of Senate to clarify the matter and that Dr Wright would be invited to
attend.
(SEN97-P72)
Dates of Semesters for the next three academic years, derived from the
recommendations on the structure of the academic year approved by Senate at its
previous meeting were noted.
Wednesday 28 January 1998 am (if required).
Wednesday 4 March 1998 am.
Dr D E Fletcher
December 1997
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