SENATE

SEN02-M7

Minutes of the 354th (Ordinary) Meeting of Senate held on Wednesday 27 November 2002.

Apologies for Absence were received from Mr Allen, Professor Anumba, Professor Kalawsky, Mr Lewis, Dr Rhodes, Professor Wilson.

02/133 Minutes

It was RESOLVED to confirm the Minutes of the 352nd Meeting held on 23 October 2002 (SEN02-M5).

02/134 Matters Arising from the Minutes

.1 Minute 02/111 – Loughborough Research and Innovation Centre (Advantica Site)

The Bursar reported that the purchase of the Advantica site was proceeding on course, albeit at a slow pace. Acquisition was expected in January 2003. Senate was reminded that the purchase was still subject to contract. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor informed Senate that the project’s Space Management Group, of which he was Chair, had adopted the following criteria in its task to allocate the space:

· the quality of research and research income would be enhanced as a consequence of movement to the site

· as much space should be vacated on campus as would be taken up on the site

· as far as possible, all departments should benefit directly or indirectly

· the overall shape of the University should be borne in mind.

The top candidates at present were the Systems Engineering Innovation Centre, which incorporated the new Department of Systems Engineering, Conference and Events activity (all such activity in the University now to be marketed under the badge of ‘Imago’) and the Research School of Informatics involving the Departments of Information Science and Computer Science. Other bids for space were under consideration, some of which might be accommodated through movements on campus. Business projections would be subject to challenge as the next step in the space allocation procedure. Other capital projects would need to be reviewed on purchase of the Advantica site. Members were informed that the industrial partner wished the SEIC project to remain confidential at this point, so that it could be properly launched at the right time.

.2 Minute 02/108 – Matters for Report by the Vice-Chancellor

In regard to the 2002 Sunday Times league table of UK universities and HE colleges, and the impact of drop-out rate on the University’s position, Senate was informed that the drop-out figure was based on a HEFCE performance indicator and was a projected figure for a student cohort based on past progression rates. The 2002 league table figures were accurate and the University’s graduation rate had been stable at 85%, better than the benchmark, over the four year period the indicators had been produced. The University’s rate for ‘Neither Award nor Transfer’ used by the Sunday Times had shown an increase in the 2002 table. This was a result of the absence of any ‘Other Awards’ made to students leaving early, which had appeared at a rate of 3 or 4%, apparently in error, in previous years. Procedural changes would be made to ensure that students withdrawing early would systematically be awarded a Cert/DipHE if eligible and this might reduce the ‘Neither Award nor Transfer’ from 10% to an estimated 6-7% in future. It was commented that the University should aspire to improve its drop-out rate well above the benchmark, and suggested that review of detailed information on the timing of, and reasons for, student withdrawal would be useful. The University’s poor league table position in regard to staff: student ratio was highlighted.

ACTION: JCN

02/135 Matters for Report by the Vice-Chancellor

The Vice-Chancellor reported that:

.1 He had corrected the statement in the THES that the University was in favour of
top-up fees and had no definite view on the matter at present. There were mixed signals from the Government about their intentions on student finance and the Government’s strategy paper had now been delayed until January 2003.

.2 HRH Princess Anne had opened the new swimming pool on 23 October 2002.

.3 The University had been awarded its fourth Queen’s Anniversary Prize, and was one of only three institutions which had achieved four such awards. All those involved in the award, which was in recognition of the University’s world-leading role in sports education and research, were to be congratulated.

.4 The Bursar had informed Resources and Planning Committee of a projected increase of £2M income on top of budget, from the very successful recruitment of international students and PGT students paying fees. This provided the opportunity to expand academic posts associated with departments in structural surplus, those which had recruited additional UK/EU UG students to ensure the University met its overall target, those which had expanded their intake of fee-paying postgraduates or had increased QR in 2001 RAE. A structured plan for SSH departments was being submitted for consideration by Operations Sub-Committee on 9 December, and other departments were asked to submit any proposals to their Dean. Senate was assured that the possibility of redressing cuts in the Library budget would be considered and some funds had already been set aside for programmes which had shown rapid expansion in 2002/03.

02/136 Matters for Report by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research)

SEN02-P91

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) reported on:

.1 New Research Grants and Contracts and Research Grants and Contracts Applications for the first three months of 2002/03. Additional grants to those shown in the tables were known to have been awarded and the position was satisfactory. Applications figures were broadly comparable to last year’s, excluding a £10M grant for Engineering. A total of 176 applications compared with 108 at the same time last year was encouraging and the high level of activity in the Science Faculty was to be commended.

.2 The University’s return to the HEFCE RAE review, which was available in the Research Office. Loughborough’s response was in line with that from the Royal Society and favoured a refinement of current methodology, retaining an element of expert review and a smoother mechanism for allocation of funds.

02/137 Matters for Report by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching)

SEN02-P92

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching) reported on:

.1 Student recruitment for 2002 and 2003. Under new procedures for 2003, Heads of Department had received Early Planning Targets for all categories of full-time students. Targets would be received and set for business plans in February 2003. Early indications showed undergraduate applications for 2003 to be down by 8.8% compared with a sector increase of 4.4%. It was AGREED that the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching) would circulate to members a comparison of the University’s applications with those of the sector, taking into account the University’s portfolio of programmes.

ACTION: PVC(T)

.2 A review of awards regulations and Codes of Practice being undertaken by the Director of Registry Services to re-order these into more user-friendly material. In addition, a Code of Assessment was under development and would require some tightening of double-marking and moderation practices. The Vice-Chancellor urged that the burden on staff be taken into account in any refinements to quality procedures.

02/138 Learning and Teaching Strategy 2002-05

SEN02-P93

.1 On the recommendation of Learning and Teaching Committee, Senate considered the University’s Learning and Teaching Strategy submitted to HEFCE in July 2002. The Strategy had been accepted by HEFCE and the first tranche of TQEF funds released. It was requested that in future the University’s Learning and Teaching Strategy be considered by Senate prior to its submission to HEFCE, although it was noted that the strategy closely followed policies agreed in the corresponding section of the University’s Strategic Plan.

.2 It was RESOLVED to ratify the University’s Learning and Teaching Strategy, with the exception of Paragraph 7 on Peterborough and other references to partnerships in the Greater Peterborough region, which would be the subject of a later discussion by Senate.

02/139 Structure of the Academic Year

SEN02-P94, SEN02-P95

.1 Senate considered a paper from the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching) on Seeking Efficiency and Effectiveness Gains in Learning and Teaching, with the comments of Learning and Teaching Committee thereon, together with proposals from Learning and Teaching Committee for the relaxation of current guidelines on the Modular Structure of Taught Programmes. Members were supportive of the proposals for the Modular Structure of Taught Programmes in SEN02-P95 as an opportunity to increase flexibility and reduce the assessment burden on staff and students. Programmes with limited formal examinations needed to be structured to make effective use of the examination period. It was considered that the proposals were at the boundary of what could be achieved whilst retaining a semesterised system. Learning and Teaching Committee had noted the concern of students that the proposals might result in assessment pressure increasing in Semester 2 of the final year, especially where a high proportion of the overall programme mark was based on final-year work. It was RESOLVED to approve the proposals for the Modular Structure of Taught Programmes to take effect from 2003/04. The LSU Vice-President was asked to ensure that student representatives on Staff-Student Committees were made aware of potential pressures on Semester 2 assessment in the final year and to encourage dialogue with staff about any potential difficulties which might arise.

ACTION: LSU (VP)

.2 In consideration of paper SEN02-P94, Senate was informed that Learning and Teaching Committee had recommended that a consultative exercise on the structure of the academic year be deferred until after the University’s QAA Institutional Audit in Spring 2004. Senate was supportive of the first six bullet points for a suggested approach to seeking efficiency and effectiveness gains in learning and teaching. It was agreed that the PDQ Team should consider whether guidelines on the appropriate assessment for a given credit load could be developed. Computer-assisted assessment was proving popular with staff and students, but the system was currently overloaded and there were doubts about its integrity which were being urgently addressed.

ACTION: PVC(T)

.3 Members spoke in favour of a consultative exercise at the earliest opportunity, to allow sufficient time for a root and branch review of the structure of the academic year. Whilst appreciating that a good outcome to the Institutional Audit in 2004 was crucial, it was not felt that any exercise underway would be deleterious to the Audit result and could be viewed by the Audit Team in a positive light as evidence of developments in progress. It was AGREED that a Review Panel be established to begin the consultative exercise in early 2003. The proposed membership and Terms of Reference for the Review Panel

would be submitted to Senate at its meeting on 29 January 2003. It was suggested that the Panel membership include an elected member from each Faculty and a lay member of Council. The Panel should view the exercise in the widest context, taking cognisance of the research activity of the University, best educational practice and the interests of students.

ACTION: PVC(T)

02/140 Loughborough University at Peterborough

SEN02-P96

.1 Senate considered a paper from the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching), accompanied by a draft Strategic Plan for LU@P to 2008, which assessed the arguments for and against the University’s continued involvement in LU@P, considered the likely impact on the University’s academic reputation and identified four broad strategic options for the University: the draft Strategic Plan; maintenance of the status quo; withdrawal; and a hybrid strategy for partnership, primarily with Peterborough Regional College.

.2 Senate was informed that Resources and Planning Committee had declined to release funding for further preliminary work on the building project for LU@P at this stage, pending further discussion with HEFCE and the University’s partners in Peterborough concerning who would fund the capital costs. More generally, Resources and Planning was concerned about financial and reputational risks, and operational pressures on staff.

.3 Members welcomed the timely and clearly presented paper from the PVC(T). In discussion, the following points were raised:

(i) The project had been in progress for seven years, represented a major opportunity for the University to be involved in economic development in the Peterborough region and there were strong reputational and ethical reasons for continued participation.

(ii) There were considerable risks associated with each option presented, except for withdrawal. To maintain academic quality, staff would need close involvement which presented a huge opportunity cost. There were substantial reputational risks to the University if Loughborough academics were not engaged with the project.

(iii) If the Strategic Plan as presented proved successful, the new institution would become independent and the long term benefits to the University were therefore unclear. If it proved unsuccessful, the University would have to take responsibility – apparently a ‘lose-lose’ scenario.

(iv) Involvement with Peterborough was presented as key to the University’s strategy for Widening Participation but it was suggested that this was not necessarily a valid argument. The University should look afresh at Widening Participation on campus.

(v) The University had been creditably involved in the development of LU@P, but notwithstanding the difficulty of withdrawal at this stage, further involvement could conflict with ethical obligations to staff and students on the Loughborough campus.

(vi) A high proportion of the new programmes planned for 2004 involved subject areas covered by Loughborough University Business School and the School would therefore be one of the departments most affected if LU@P’s Strategic Plan was approved. Involvement of LUBS in LU@P conflicted with the School’s four criteria for development as an internationally recognised, research-led department.

(vii) The proposals did not include a business plan and it was not clear how some of the long term objectives could be achieved on the proposed PRC site.

(viii) The Faculty of Engineering’s experience at Peterborough to date indicated that even with an apparently acceptable business plan, the pressures on staff and difficulties with student recruitment had not resulted in a viable activity. Split site teaching was costly on staff time and did not offer long-term rewards.

(ix) The University’s circumstances were now different to those during the early years of the project and Peterborough represented a serious distraction from the opportunities and challenges to be managed with the expected expansion of the Loughborough campus itself, through the planned acquisition of the Advantica site.

(x) If the University decided to withdraw, it was crucial that this was handled gracefully and that any adverse impact on staff and students at Peterborough was minimised. The University’s responsibilities to the students already registered on Loughborough programmes and to Loughborough staff at Peterborough must be fully acknowledged and fulfilled.

(xi) The proposals were in line with HEFCE and DfES strategy for the expansion of higher education and current participation rates in the region demonstrated that the project had the potential to contribute significantly to Widening Participation.

(xii) Time should be given to allow the development of the hybrid strategy for the expansion of HE involving Peterborough Regional College with a view to mitigating the reputational and financial risks.

(xiii) There were financial and other benefits to be gained by the University from a successful venture. Opportunity costs ought to be manageable.

.4 The PVC(T)’s paper identified two major strategic questions:

· Was the University prepared to re-commit itself to the allocation of significant time and effort to the development of a major HE Centre at Peterborough?

· Was the University prepared to see an increasing number of HE programmes delivered at Peterborough in its name?

The arguments presented so far had not convinced Senate to answer in the affirmative to these questions.

.5 Senate AGREED to reject the option for LU@P presented in the draft Strategic Plan and it further AGREED that maintenance of the status quo was not viable. Senate concluded that the only possible ways forward were withdrawal or the hybrid strategy, and that an acceptable plan would be needed if the latter were to be pursued.

.6 It was AGREED that the PVC(T) would work with the existing Peterborough project team and bring forward more detailed proposals for the hybrid strategy for consideration at the next meeting of Senate. Consultation with the Heads of Departments likely to be significantly affected by expansion at Peterborough would take place before the proposals to Senate were finalised.

ACTION: PVC(T)

02/141 Centenary Campaign

SEN02-P97

Mr Jon Walker, Director of External Relations (designate), presented proposals for a Centenary Campaign of fundraising. The importance of full support across the University for the Campaign was emphasised. The External Relations Office would work with departments to support their own initiatives under the Campaign, but departments undertaking their own fundraising in total isolation was not desirable. Heads of Department and LSU were asked to forward suggestions for the Campaign to Mr Walker following discussions with colleagues, bearing in mind the need for projects and activities which would attract the interest and commitment of potential supporters.

ACTION: HoDs, LSU

02/142 Programme Proposals

SEN02-P98

.1 On the recommendation of Learning and Teaching Committee, on the advice of Curriculum Sub-Committee, it was RESOLVED to recommend to Council as appropriate:

(i) New Programmes for introduction in the 2003/04 session:

MSc Sociology of Sport

(ii) Major programme changes from the 2002/03 session:

MSc Engineering Management
Professional Certificate/Diploma in Management (Ford) (see also .2 below)

(iii) Discontinuation of the following programmes (last intake shown in brackets):

BSc/MChem Chemistry with Materials (October 2001)

BSc/MChem Chemistry with Environmental Science (October 2001)

MSc Computer Integrated Manufacture (October 2001)

MSc Microbial Technology (no recruitment)

MSc Process Chemical Engineering (October 2000)

.2 It was RESOLVED to ratify the action of the Chair in recommending to the Chair of Council the following changes to programme titles for the 2002 intake:

BEng/MEng Electronic & Computer Systems Engineering

to Computer Systems Engineering

MEng Communications Engineering

to Wireless Communications Engineering

MEng Renewable Energy Systems Engineering

to Electrical and Renewable Energy Systems Engineering

BA History of Art and Design with Studio Practice

to History of Art and Design

BSc Retail Automotive Management (Ford)

to Retail Automotive Management

MSc Retail Automotive Management (Ford)

to Retail Automotive Management

Professional Certificate/Diploma in Automotive Retailing (Ford)

to Automotive Retailing

Professional Certificate/Diploma in Management (Ford)

to Retail Automotive Management

02/143 Learning and Teaching Committee

On the recommendation of Learning and Teaching Committee, it was RESOLVED: -

.1 Teaching Quality Enhancement Fund

SEN02-P99

To ratify action plans submitted to HEFCE in July 2002 for TQEF funding in 2002-03 to help implement the Learning and Teaching Strategy.

.2 Annual and Periodic Programme Review

SEN02-P100

To approve proposals for revised procedures.

.3 Policy on Collaborative Programmes

SEN02-P101

Further to Minute 02/43 of the 350^th meeting on 26 June 2002, to approve a Policy on Collaborative Programmes.

.4 Code of Practice on Placement Learning

SEN02-P102

To approve a new Code of Practice on Placement Learning in line with the QAA Code of Practice, to replace the University’s Code of Practice on Industrial/Professional Training, with immediate effect.

02/144 Ordinances and Regulations Committee

On the recommendation of Ordinances and Regulations Committee, it was RESOLVED:

Regulation I: Library

SEN02-P103

To approve an amendment concerning loan periods, with immediate effect.

02/145 Research Committee

On the recommendation of Research Committee, it was RESOLVED: -

Conduct of Research Degree Examinations

SEN02-P104

To approve proposals concerning pre-viva reports by Examiners.

02/146 Prizes Committee

SEN02-P105

On the recommendation of Prizes Committee, it was RESOLVED to recommend to Council the establishment of prizes and altered conditions to existing prizes.

02/147 Ethical Advisory Committee

SEN02-P106

.1 Further to Minute 02/59 of Senate’s 350^th meeting on 26 June 2002, Senate received the final report of the review of the Ethical Advisory Committee and RESOLVED to recommend to Council the following recommendations:

(i) Introduction of a compulsory “Ethical Clearance Checklist” for all investigations involving human participants.

(ii) Establishment of a Sub-Committee of the Ethical Advisory Committee

(iii) Provision of additional resource to support the implementation of the Review Panel’s recommendations.

.2 It was RESOLVED to recommend to Council a change in the Ethical Advisory Committee’s constitution to include a member of the Health, Safety and Environment Office.

02/148 Engineering Teaching and Learning Support Centre

On the recommendation of the Engineering Faculty Board, it was RESOLVED to recommend to Council that the Engineering Teaching and Learning Support Centre be re-designated the Engineering Education Centre, with immediate effect.

02/149 QAA Visits

Senate noted the following dates arranged with QAA:

.1 Discipline – Level Developmental Engagements

· Chemistry: week beginning 17 March 2003

· Computer Science: week beginning 12 May 2003

.2 Institutional Audit

Week beginning either 15 March or 22 March 2004.

02/150 ASN Bids

Senate noted that the University had submitted bids for Additional Student Numbers for 2003/04 in the following areas. Phasing over three years had been requested as indicated:

· Sport and Exercise Sciences (a) 120 UG FTEs (40:40:40)

(b) 34 UG FTEs (13:21) for Honours degree top-ups for Foundation Degree students from Loughborough College (26 places at 1.3 FTE including a 1.3 FTE including a bridging element)

· Information Science 48 UG FTEs (16:16:16)

· English and Drama 90 UG FTEs (20:35:35)

· Mathematics Education Centre/Engineering Education Centre/Learning and Teaching Development 15 UG FTEs for a Summer School for Engineering
students (60 places at 0.25 FTE)

02/151 Degree Congregations in 2003 and 2004

Senate noted the dates of degree congregations in 2003 and 2004 as follows:

Summer 2003 Thursday, 10 July 2003

Friday, 11 July 2003

Monday, 14 July 2003

Tuesday, 15 July 2003

Winter 2003 Monday, 15 December 2003

Summer 2004 Thursday, 8 July 2004

Friday, 9 July 2004

Monday, 12 July 2004

Tuesday, 13 July 2004

Winter 2004 Monday 20 December 2004

Summer 2005 Thursday, 14 July 2005

Friday, 15 July 2005

Monday, 18 July 2005

Tuesday, 19 July 2005

02/152 Reports from Committees

Senate received reports from the following committees:

*.1 SEN02-P107 Research Committee of 31 October 2002

*.2 SEN02-P108 Ordinances and Regulations Committee of 1 November 2002

*.3 SEN02-P109 Learning and Teaching Committee of 7 November 2002

*.4 SEN02-P110 Resources and Planning Committee of 4 October, 8 November 2002

*.5 SEN02-P111 Student Services Committee of 6 November 2002

*.6 SEN02-P112 Prizes Committee of 13 November 2002

02/153 Date of Next Meeting

Wednesday 29 January 2003 am (if necessary)

Wednesday 5 March 2003 am

Author – Jennie Elliott

Date – December 2002

Professor D J Wallace

Dr M Acar

Ms Y Alexander
Mr D J Allen (ab)

Professor J L Alty

Professor C J Anumba (ab)
Professor C J Backhouse

Dr J V Beaverstock
Professor M Bell
Professor S J H Biddle

Professor W R Bowman

Professor I C Davidson
Mr S Gibson
Professor P Golding
Professor T J Gordon (ab)

Professor J B Griffiths
Dr H Gross
Professor N A Halliwell
Mr J F Harper
Miss G Jackson
Professor R Kalawsky (ab)
Professor T Kavanagh (ab)

Dr D Kerr
Dr R Kinna (ab)
Dr J Leaman (ab)
Mr P G Lewis (ab)

Mr W P Maunder

Professor T C Mills

Professor I C Morison
Mrs M D Morley
Mr G Murdock
Dr P N Murgatroyd
Dr A H Osbaldestin
Professor P C B Page (ab)
Professor K C Parsons
Professor J M Porter
Professor A C Pugh

Dr P Render
Dr C D Rhodes (ab)
Professor P H Roberts

Dr S J Rothberg
Dr J F Rowland
Professor P R Smith
Professor R Summers
Dr G M Swallowe (ab)
Dr E Theodoraki
Professor A Thorpe
Professor R J Wakeman
Dr G D Wilcox
Professor J M Wilson (ab)
Professor N Wood
Professor B Woodward

In attendance:

Dr J E M Elliott

Dr J C Nutkins
Mr H M Pearson (for Minute 02/134)

Mr J M Town

Mr J Walker (for Minute 02/141)