Minute 03/73: Programme Proposals

SEN03-M7

Information Services Committee: Terms of Reference

SENATE

Minutes of the 362nd (Ordinary) Meeting of Senate held on Wednesday 26 November 2003.

Apologies for Absence were received from Dr Kinna, Ms McDonagh, Professor Thorpe and Professor Wakeman

03/121 Business of the Agenda

Item 12 had been unstarred.

03/122 Minutes

It was RESOLVED to confirm the Minutes of the 360^th meeting held on 25 June 2003 (SEN03-M5), subject to the following amendments:

MSc Water and Environmental Health to read MSc Water and Environmental Management

MSc Environmental Dynamics to read MSc Environmental Dynamics: Monitoring, Evaluation and Management.

03/123 Matters Arising from the Minutes

Minute 03/67.1 – Holywell Park

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor reported that all space at Holywell Park was being pursued without need for marketing and all moves to the site were on track. Plans were underway to fill the space vacated elsewhere on campus as a result of moves.

03/124 Matters for Report by the Vice-Chancellor

(i) Sunday Times League Table

The Vice-Chancellor reported that the University’s move from 27^th to 13^th place in the Sunday Times League Table was most pleasing. The University’s position regarding Student:Staff Ratios was puzzling however, with the University appearing out of line with its competitors. The Planning Office had undertaken investigations suggesting that the two permitted ways of returning aggregate staff data to HEFCE might be the root cause, one of those methods disadvantaging SSRs. Investigations were continuing and would be reported to Senate’s next meeting. Members were reminded that data within newspapers league tables were not peer reviewed.

ACTION: RAF

(ii) Letter to HEFCE’s Chief Executive

SEN03-P71

Senate received a letter sent by the Vice-Chancellor to HEFCE’s Chief Executive, who had responded positively.

(iii) Patterns for Higher Education in the UK: Third Report

SEN03-P72

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor outlined the University’s position in the Report, showing us comfortably placed in comparison with the 1994 Group which included Bath, UMIST, Surrey, Warwick and York. The Report was based on 2000/01 data, so the University’s position in regard to international students, for example, might well have changed. The next stage would involve analysis of later data on a subject basis.

(iv) The Vice-Chancellor reported on HM The Queen’s recent visit to open the National Cricket Academy, and the visit by the Head of the MIT side of the Cambridge MIT Institute, who had been impressed by the University’s business links. HRH Prince Philip had agreed to open the Sir Denis Rooke Building in March 2004 which would be an excellent launch for Holywell Park.

(v) The Vice-Chancellor reported that the Loughborough Innovation Centre had been awarded the UK Business Incubation Ltd’s Best Newcomer Award. Such an award was important to the University in progressing its internationalisation.

03/125 Matters for Report by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research)

(i) New Research Grants and Contracts

SEN03-P73

An updated version of SEN03-P73 had been circulated to members showing research grant and contract income for the first quarter of 2003/04 at £6.9m. The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) congratulated departments on this achievement, which put the University on track to increase its annual research grant and contract income.

(ii) Research Grants and Contracts applications

SEN03-P74

An updated version SEN03-P74 had been circulated to members showing 186 applications totalling £20.1M for the first quarter of 2003/04. The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) congratulated the Department of Chemistry on having submitted 30 applications totalling £1.9M in that period. EU Contracts worth £5.8m were under negotiation. The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) informed Senate that the University’s success rates from research grant and contract applications from the EU and EPSRC were above the sector average.

A tabled paper of the University’s RGC income targets up to 2006/07 for Sociology (UoA 42) showed this to be ahead of the average for 5* rated departments. Such targets were being produced for all departments to serve as a benchmark for research funding to be sought based on a success rate for applications of 3 : 1. A member commented that success rates of applications varied and EPSRC would prefer less applications and the resulting ability to fund more. The Vice-Chancellor emphasised the need for HoDs to provide support to staff to achieve a higher success rate with RGC applications. Senate was reminded that the research income metric was but one component of research excellence and was insignificant compared to the quality of research output.

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) referred to a letter to Vice-Chancellors from the Minister of Science and Innovation and the Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education on Higher Education Research which had been circulated to members. The letter had been a disappointment, reinforcing as it did the dual-support system of research funding. The Vice-Chancellor informed Senate that he would continue to press for a thorough review of HE research funding. It was noted from the letter that reforms to ensure that institutions recovered the full economic cost of research had now been deferred to September 2005.

(iii) Responses to Consultation Exercises

SEN03-P75

Senate received a Statement by the UK HE Funding bodies on the Review of Research Assessment. The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) highlighted that there had been support for producing ratings expressed as quality profiles. It was not the intention to grade individuals but their work and he re-emphasised the importance of staff publishing their work in internationally leading outlets. Preferably all staff would be submitted in the next RAE, but sufficient output would be vital. An audit of research output was being conducted by the Research Office and help would be provided to departments as necessary.

03/126 Matters for Report by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching)

(i) Student Recruitment

SEN03-P76

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching) reported on the successful outcome of the 2002/03 recruitment process. Congratulations were extended to Admissions Tutors for their efforts in this regard. It was commented that data on LUSAD’s Foundation Year recruitment had not been included in the figures and the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching) undertook to ensure that such data would be included in future analyses.

ACTION: PVC(T)

(ii) Institutional Audit

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching) reported that since Senate’s last meeting the QAA Assistant Director responsible for the University’s Audit had visited to discuss the overall planning and timetable for the visit on 22-26 March 2004. The University’s Self Evaluation Document had been submitted to QAA by the deadline and Mr Bowyer, Senior Assistant Registrar, was to be congratulated on producing the document. The five departments to undergo Discipline Audit Trails would be known by 15 December. An Audit intranet site had been set up, which included the Self Evaluation Document and other information, including the paperwork that departments should review in preparation for the audit (https://internal.lboro.ac.uk/admin/registry/uniwide/audit/index.htm). It was suggested that HoDs would find useful a list of QAA trained reviewers within the University.

ACTION: PVC (T)

(iii) Committee to Review the Structure of the Academic Year

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching) reported that proposals from the Working Group were now out for consultation. The Group was due to submit its final report to Senate in June 2004.

(iv) HEFCE’s Consultation on the Teaching Funding Model

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching) reported that the University’s response to the consultation on the modification of price bands had been submitted to HEFCE. Departments’ comments had been taken into account and the response would be made available on the intranet. There was uncertainty as to when the changes would take effect. To enable appropriate planning, HoDs requested guidance on whether/how internal funding allocations might be affected.

ACTION: DVC

(Secretary’s Note: The document entitled Final HEFCE T Fund 12 Nov 03 is available at: https://internal.lboro.ac.uk/admin/registry/uniwide/)

03/127 Higher Tuition Fees for UK and EU Full-time Undergraduates

SEN03-P77

Senate received a paper from the Bursar and noted the establishment of a small working party to assess the implications of government proposals and prepare plans and recommend structures to enable decisions to be made by the relevant bodies in the University, contingent upon the legislation being passed.

03/128 Motion for Senate: Pay Structures

Senate considered the following motion proposed by Professor Bowman and seconded by Dr Berry:

‘Senate views with concern the possible breakdown of national pay bargaining arrangements for academic and academic-related staff. Senate notes that such staff are recruited in national and international markets and believes that nationally-agreed pay structures are the fairest and also the most efficient way to enable this University to recruit the staff it needs. Senate therefore urges the officers of the University to use all their influence to attempt to maintain national pay bargaining and thus prevent the time-consuming and wasteful process of negotiating pay structures at local level.’

Professor Bowman presented the case, identifying Senate as the appropriate body for its discussion in view of the implications on academic life and staff recruitment that would result from negotiating pay structures at local level. There was some confusion amongst members as to what was meant by ‘negotiating pay structures at local level’, since UCEA was not arguing for local pay bargaining and some aspects of pay structures were already locally determined. It was suggested that such a matter would be more appropriately discussed by the Academic and Related Staff Negotiating Sub-Committee. Following comments from members in support of national pay bargaining, it was AGREED to vote on the following revised motion, which removed reference to negotiating pay structures at the local level:

The motion was carried by 29 votes to 1 with 10 abstentions. The Vice-Chancellor agreed to write to the Head of UCEA with Senate’s resolution.

ACTION: VC

03/129 Annual Report of Student Discipline Committee

SEN03-P78

.1 Senate received the Report of the Student Discipline Committee for 2002/03 and a tabled paper from the Student Discipline Committee proposing changes to Ordinance XVII. Dr Davies, Chair of the Student Discipline Committee, presented the papers in the Registrar’s absence. He outlined the increase in violent offences by students, the difficulties resulting from delayed consideration of cases outside the University’s control, the need to be fair to victims and the bad image resulting for the University from the poor behaviour of some students and the University’s apparent inability to deal with it in some cases. He informed Senate that dealing with major offences was resource intensive in terms of investigation and presentation. Co-operation from LSU was good. The proposed changes to Ordinance XVII were intended to alleviate some of the difficulties.

.2 Comments on the papers were invited from members and the following were amongst those received:

· Interfering with fire equipment was listed as a minor offence but should be considered a major offence.

· The Appeals procedure for minor offences should require evidence from the University Officer imposing the penalty.

· The data on ethnicity were intended to ensure that the disciplinary procedure was not discriminatory.

· The balance of students in Halls, with more first years and fewer finalists, was likely to be a contributory factor to poorer behaviour. Short- and medium-term measures were being taken to improve that balance.

· The appointment of a Community Warden had proved beneficial. Hall Wardens had an important role and should be better supported. A Director of Wardens had recently been appointed and this should aid dialogue with Wardens.

· There was a wide range in the number of penalties imposed by Wardens, probably reflecting the different Hall structures. It was suggested that this observation be forwarded to the Director of Wardens for further consideration.

· LSU continued its efforts to educate students on alcohol abuse, often the cause of students’ violent behaviour.

· Students were often confused about what was expected from them when arriving at University. Addressing both academic and social behaviour at induction might lead towards a better behavioural culture.

· Reports from the Student Discipline Committee in future years should present a statistical analysis showing trends.

.3 Addressing the particular amendments proposed to Ordinance XVII, concern was expressed that such important decisions were being expected on a tabled paper, and that the proposals should be viewed by the University’s solicitor to ensure no legal inconsistencies or contravention of any legislation. Senate was informed of LSU’s support for the proposals, but concern regarding the proposed automatic suspension of a student on receiving a criminal conviction or caution, which the Union would wish to be further considered in discussion with the police.

.4 In order to expedite matters so that the proposals could be received by Council in December, it was AGREED that members of Senate be asked to consider the proposed revised wording of Ordinance XVII and forward any comments to Dr Davies by the end of the week. It was suggested that in order to avoid delay members of Ordinances & Regulations Committee should consider the document by correspondence. It was also AGREED that Dr Davies would ensure the absence of legal inconsistencies in the draft, taking account of LSU’s concerns.

ACTION: JED/JMT, JEME

03/130 Programme Proposals

SEN03-P79

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

Masters level programme in Chemical Sciences, incorporating:

- MSc Analytical and Pharmaceutical Science

- MSc Analytical Chemistry (new title)

- MSc Pharmaceutical Science and Medicinal Chemistry (new title)

- MSc Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Science (new title)

MSc Mobile Communications

MSc Networked Communications

(ii) New Programme Structure for introduction in the 2004/05 session:

Undergraduate programme in Chemical Sciences, incorporating the existing titles:

- BSc/MChem Chemistry

- BSc/MChem Chemistry with Analytical Chemistry

- BSc/MChem Chemistry with Forensic Analysis

- BSc/MChem Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry

(iii) Major programme changes from the 2003/04 session:

MMath Mathematics – introduction of DPS Award

Professional Certificate/Diploma in Retail Automotive Management – change of award and title to LPC/LPD in Automotive Retail Management

(iv) Discontinuation of the following programmes:

BEng Mathematical Engineering (last intake October 2002)

MA Design Studies (no current students)

03/131 Ordinances and Regulations Committee

Regulations for Higher Degrees by Research: Regulations for the Degree of Doctor of Engineering (Eng D)

SEN03-P80

On the recommendation of Ordinances and Regulations Committee and Research Committee it was RESOLVED to amend para 19.20 of RHDR to raise the limit on the number of words for the discourse on research work undertaken, with immediate effect.

03/132 Research Committee

Criteria for the Appointment of External Examiners for Research Degrees

SEN03-P81

On the recommendation of Research Committee, Senate considered revised criteria. The view was expressed, with support, that the proposals represented an additional and unnecessary bureaucratic burden. Whilst expressing some sympathy for this view, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) informed Senate that from 2005/06 the funding of research students would be dependent upon the University satisfying threshold standards, in this case that External Examiners should be demonstrably research active. It was commented that with guidance provided by AD(R)s the proposed criteria could in effect reduce bureaucracy, by removing the need to argue cases not meeting current criteria. It was RESOLVED to approve the revised criteria subject to the understanding that AD(R)s would accept a brief note from a HoD in cases where a proposed External Examiner’s research status could not be in doubt.

03/133 Resources and Planning Committee

Professor D J Wallace

Dr B S Acar

Professor D J Allen
Professor C J Anumba
Professor C J Backhouse

Dr J V Beaverstock
Professor M Bell
Dr D G Berry

Dr M C Best

Professor S J H Biddle

Professor W R Bowman

Dr E D Brown

Dr S E Dann (ab)

Professor I C Davidson
Professor J P Feather

Mr M Gallagher (ab)
Dr D Gillingwater
Professor P Golding
Professor T J Gordon (ab)

Professor N A Halliwell
Mr J F Harper

Dr R A Haslam
Mr R Holman (ab)
Mr M Hutton

Dr A Jashapara

Professor R Kalawsky
Professor T Kavanagh

Dr R Kinna (ab)
Professor F Kusmartsev (ab)

Professor M W Lansdale

Dr C M Linton

Ms A J Maclaurin

Dr G Mason

Ms D C McDonagh (ab)

Mr M A Minichiello
Mrs M D Morley
Mr G Murdock (ab)
Dr P N Murgatroyd
Professor K C Parsons
Professor J M Porter
Professor I Reid

Dr P Render
Professor C D Rhodes
Professor P H Roberts

Dr S J Rothberg
Dr J F Rowland (ab)
Professor P R Smith
Professor A Thorpe (ab)
Professor R J Wakeman (ab)
Miss R Warren

Professor P Warwick

Miss J Wassall (ab)

Professor T G Weyman-Jones

Dr G D Wilcox

Professor N Wood

Professor B Woodward

By Invitation:

In attendance:

Professor R H Thring

Dr J E Davies (for Minute 03/129)

Dr J E M Elliott

SEN03-P82

On the recommendation of Resources & Planning Committee it was RESOLVED to approve revised Terms of Reference for Information Services Committee.

03/134 Prizes Committee

SEN03-P83

.1 Senate noted the action of the Registrar on behalf of Senate in recommending to Council the establishment of new prizes.

SEN03-P84

.2 It was RESOLVED to recommend to Council the establishment of new prizes, amendments to prizes and the discontinuation of prizes.

03/135 PVC Innovation Centre

SEN03-P85

Senate noted the action of the Vice-Chancellor on behalf of Senate in recommending to the Chair of Council on behalf of Council the establishment of the PVC Innovation Centre in IPTME from November 2003.

03/136 Centre for Olympic Studies

SEN03-P86

It was RESOLVED to recommend to Council the establishment of the Centre for Olympic Studies in the School of Sport & Exercise Sciences, with effect from 1 January 2004.

03/137 Department of European and International Studies: Change of Name

Senate noted the action of the Vice-Chancellor on behalf of Senate in recommending to the Chair of Council on behalf of Council a change in the name of the Department of European and International Studies to the Department of Politics, International Relations and European Studies, with immediate effect.

(Senate’s approval of this recommendation was sought via the Vice-Chancellor’s email dated 7 August 2003).

03/138 MSc Risk and Reliability Methods: Transfer to Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering

Further to Minute 03/79 of Senate’s 360^th meeting on 25 June 2003, Senate noted the action of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor on behalf of Senate in approving the further transfer of responsibility for the MSc in Risk and Reliability Methods to the Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering, with effect from 1 August 2003.

03/139 Membership of Senate 2003/04

SEN03-P87

Noted.

03/140 Corporate Planning Statement 2003

SEN03-P88

Senate noted the Corporate Planning Statement 2003, approved by Council at its meeting on 15 July 2003.

03/141 Executive Management Group Responsibilities and Organisational Chart

SEN03-P89

Noted.

03/142 Librarian’s Annual Report 2002/03

SEN03-P90

Senate received the Annual Report for 2002/03 from the Librarian.

03/143 Graduation Ceremonies: 2004 to 2005

Senate noted the dates of graduation ceremonies from 2004 to 2005 as follows:

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

Winter 2005 Monday 19 December 2005

The date of the Winter graduation ceremony in 2003 was Monday 15 December 2003.

03/144 Reports from Committees

Senate received reports from the following committees:

.1 SEN03-P91 Research Committee of 30 October 2003

.2 SEN03-P92 Ordinances and Regulations Committee of 31 October 2003

.3 SEN03-P93 Learning and Teaching Committee of 6 November 2003

.4 SEN03-P94 Resources and Planning Committee of 30 October and

7 November 2003

.5 SEN03-P95 Student Services Committee of 5 November 2003

.6 SEN03-P96 Prizes Committees of 12 November 2003

03/145 Date of Next Meeting

Wednesday 28 January 2004 at 9.15 am (if necessary).

Wednesday 3 March 2004 at 9.15am.

Author – Jennie Elliott

Date –November 2003