Senate

SEN99-P68

Subject:

The Terms of Reference and Research Committee membership

The Supervision of part-time Research Students based overseas

Origin: Unconfirmed Minutes of 4^th November 1999

1. The Terms of Reference/Committee membership

On 4^th November, the Terms of Reference/Committee membership were reviewed and discussed by the Committee, and a revised draft copy prepared for circulation amongst the Committee prior to submission to Senate. It was reported that the Chairman of Council was considering a nomination for membership.

Appendix 1: Revised Terms of Reference.

Senate is requested to approve the attached revised Terms of Reference for the Research Committee.

2. Supervision of part-time research students based overseas

On the 4^th November, Dr Brigette Vale was welcomed to the group to provide her input on the above-mentioned topic following original discussions that had taken place at the previous Research Team meeting. She explained that it was her objective to formulate a policy that could be applied to all students who are remotely based both in the UK and abroad. As this would be a new policy it will need the further agreement of Senate in order that this policy may then be enforced.

The main issues that she had highlighted in her discussion paper were then systematically discussed:

External Supervisor – It was agreed that in normal cases an External Supervisor should be appointed and that the nomination should also include the submission of a CV.

Research facilities – It was also agreed that the quality of research facilities where research takes place outside the University should also be vetted and that this aspect should form part of the agreement of a programme proposal which is also linked to the ability of the student to carry out the research.

Attendance – Debate ensued about the means of monitoring a student’s work and progress, and whether a minimum attendance at Loughborough should be prescribed. At the moment the regulations are very open and therefore there is a quality issue at stake here.

Finally, it was agreed that there should be a minimal physical presence here on an annual basis although it was also agreed that there should be flexibility within the programme that is agreed with the student at the outset of the research activity. Such a programme would also make provision for the submission of regular reports in order that progress could be monitored.

Appendix 2: Revised guidance notes produced by Dr B. P. Vale.

Senate is requested to approve the attached guidance notes.

Appendix 1

Research Committee

1. Terms of Reference

The joint committee of the Council and the Senate on research shall be required to act in an executive and advisory capacity in the initiation, promotion and development of research in the University in accordance with the current Strategic Plan, and in particular:

To develop and support a co-ordinated strategy for the growth of high quality research in the University and make recommendations via Operations Sub-Committee, to Resources and Planning Committee on the resource and budget implications of this strategy.
To identify new areas of potential growth, especially in multi-disciplinary activity and to build upon existing strengths in high quality research.
To monitor and evaluate research performance across the University, and to take action to ensure quality improvement.
To keep under review the external influences on the development of research, including HEFCE, Research Council and European Union policies on the funding of research in order to take maximum advantage of funding opportunities and initiatives.
Via the AD(R)s, to communicate and to facilitate a dialogue with Faculty Directorates and Faculty Boards and to promote awareness within the wider research community of the University.
To report to Senate and Council after each meeting

2. Constitution and Membership - 1999/2000

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research)	Professor J V Dawkins
Vice-Chancellor (ex officio)	Professor D J Wallace
Chair of Council or nominee (ex officio)	Dr D. H. Clark, Director Engineering and Science, EPSRC
The Associate Dean (R) from each Faculty	Professor R Wakeman (ENG) Professor D.J. Hourston (Science) Professor P Taylor (SSH)
Invited Members with experience relevant to issues under discussions.

Appendix 2

SENATE

Origin: Dr B P Vale, Postgraduate Office

Subject : Supervision of Research Students Based Overseas

The arrangements concerning the supervision of part time students based overseas has come under review by Research Committee following a recommendation from an Appeal Body concerned with a successful appeal against the Examiners’ decision to fail a PhD submission in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities.

The current situation is that, there are no prescribed minimum periods of attendance at the University for the purposes of supervision and that all arrangements are variable and largely at the discretion of Departments. Paragraph D1(i) of the Notes for the Guidance of Research Students, Directors of Research, Supervisors and Examiners prescribes supervisory arrangements for all students namely:-

‘At the commencement of the research the Supervisor should agree with the research students a written timetable for the conduct of the research and the completion of written work. Regular meetings to monitor and review progress should be scheduled in advance and the Supervisor should keep a brief written record of the meetings and outcomes.’

In the case of students who are based outside the UK it was agreed that additional guidelines were required to supplement these requirements.

The following Guidelines are proposed and should apply to all students normally resident outside the UK:-

An external research supervisor should normally be appointed in conjunction with the Loughborough University Supervisor. The external supervisor should provide a curriculum vitae when their appointment is proposed, prior to an offer being made to a candidate.
The Loughborough University supervisor should ensure in person that any external research facilities to be used by the candidate are adequate and appropriate.
A programme of study shall be agreed in writing at the outset with the candidate and shall be forwarded to the Associate Director (Research) of the Faculty via the Postgraduate Office for approval prior to an offer being issued to a candidate. Candidates shall be required to attend the University on a regular basis at least annually and wherever possible at the annual review stage. The precise periods of attendance shall be identified by the department together with a schedule for written reports. The fee arrangements relating to a candidate’s attendance at the University shall also be agreed at the outset.