SENATE

SEN07-M3

Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Senate on Wednesday 4 July 2007.

Shirley Pearce

Memis Acar Gemma Godfrey Charles Oppenheim

Jo Aldridge Peter Golding (ab) Ken Parsons

David Allen David Goss Gareth Pritchard

Chris Backhouse Keith Gregory (ab) Peter Render

Anja Baumhoff (ab) Harriet Gross Steve Rothberg

Jon Beaverstock Neil Halliwell Karen Roxborough

Morag Bell Roger Haslam Paul Sobers

David Berry (ab) Elaine Hobby Dennis Smith (ab)

Stuart Biddle Tony Hodgson Tony Thorpe

Jon Binner Sarah Holloway Rob Thring

Zoe Buckingham Ray Jones (ab) Yiannis Vardaxoglou

Paul Chung Terry Kavanagh Richard Wakeman

Sandra Dann (ab) David Kerr Peter Warwick

Ian Davidson Feo Kusmartsev Tom Weyman-Jones (ab)

James Dearnley (ab) Jeremy Leaman (ab) David Whalley

Helen Drake Chris Linton Bryan Woodward

Clive Edwards (ab) Julian Mackenzie (ab) Martha Wőrshing (ab)

Maurice Fitzgerald (ab) Mary Morley Dominic Wring (ab)

In attendance: Chris Dunbobbin, Fidelma Hannah (for item 07/32), Jennifer Nutkins, Robert Parkin, John Town, Vicky Unwin (for item 07/40), Jon Walker, Peter Winter

Apologies for absence were received from: Anja Baumhoff, David Berry, Sandra Dann, James Dearnley, Helen Drake, Clive Edwards, Maurice FitzGerald, Peter Golding, Keith Gregory, Ray Jones, Jeremy Leaman, Marsha Meskimmon, Dennis Smith, Tom Weyman-Jones, Dominic Wring

07/31 Minutes

It was RESOLVED to confirm and sign the Minutes of the Ordinary meeting held on 7 March 2007 (SEN07-M1).

07/32 University Strategy

SEN07-P25

Detailed implementation plans to enable the University to achieve its strategy had been developed, and drafts were available on the intranet. Members were invited to submit comments to Fidelma Hannah by Wednesday 11 July 2007, prior to submission to Council. A paper containing a summary of the priorities and resource framework for the implementation plans was also RECEIVED. Further draft plans covering IT, Human Resources and Finance would be published in the near future.

In discussion, the following points were noted:

i) £100K of additional investment had been set aside for the library, but a desire for further investment in journal resources was noted.

ii) Plans to develop the East Park area of the campus were progressing, and a capital expenditure plan was due to be submitted to Council in July 2007. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor would report to Senate with more details in due course.

07/33 British University in Egypt

(Not available on the web)

07/34 Loughborough Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, Singapore

(Not available on the web)

07/35 Formation of the School of Sport and Human Sciences

SEN07-P32

Senate NOTED the formation of the School of Sport and Human Sciences. It was noted in discussion that the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences was already located in twelve separate buildings, and the creation of the new combined School underlined the importance of addressing the building situation on the East Park.

07/36 Amendments to Ordinance VII The Pro-Vice-Chancellors, Ordinance XXI Appointments of Deans of Faculties and Tenure of Office, and Appointment of Heads of Departments Procedures

Amended versions of the papers below were tabled:

SEN07-P33

36.1 Ordinance VII The Pro-Vice-Chancellors, and Ordinance XXI Appointments of Deans of Faculties and Tenure of Office

On the recommendation of Remuneration Committee and Human Resources Committee, Senate APPROVED amendments to Ordinances VII and XXI to remove restrictions on the number of three year terms the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellors and Deans were permitted to serve.

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36.2 Appointment of Heads of Departments Procedures

On the recommendation of Remuneration Committee and Human Resources Committee, Senate AGREED in principle to approve amendments to the Appointment of Heads of Department Procedures.

The changes were intended to create flexibility, and to avoid the situation where an effective officer, who wished to continue beyond 6 years was prevented from doing so, even where no other suitable candidates were forthcoming. Each successive period of office would be subject to the normal appointment procedures, and it would be important that these were managed effectively, to ensure that the changes did not have the effect of discouraging new applicants from putting themselves forward, particularly where the incumbent was established and performing well.

07/37 Proposed Review Mechanisms for Research Degree Programmes and

the Monitoring of Research Student Progress

SEN07-P35

Senate RECEIVED and welcomed proposed Review Mechanisms for Research Programmes and the Monitoring of Research Student Progress, prompted by a QAA report on the University’s procedures in relation to research degree programmes.

i) Senate APPROVED the recommendation that the conduct of research degree programmes in departments should be reviewed once every three years as part of a Faculty-wide review, subject to the following:

· That once a department provided an initial commentary on its research degree programmes (as per the first box of the ‘Data for Review’ table) it should only be required to report changes as part of subsequent reviews.

ii) Two concerns were raised in relation to the monitoring of the progress of research students:

· The requirement for a minimum of twelve formal supervisory meetings, the outcomes of which would be recorded in writing by the student. There was a great deal of diversity by subject in the way in which students were supervised - frequent, but brief informal interactions were more typical in some disciplines, whilst in others, during some stages of a doctorate, face-to-face meetings could be infrequent, eg. when students were undertaking fieldwork.

· In the case of some departments, the proposed Annual Report on Progress form represented a duplication of effort, as all of the questions (and more) were already asked as part of existing departmental processes.

Senate RESOLVED to ask Research Committee to give further consideration to the above before resubmission for approval.

iii) Senate APPROVED the recommendation that Faculty Boards should co-opt a registered PGR student to their membership.

07/38 Science and Enterprise Park

SEN07-P36

Senate RECEIVED an update on proposals for the establishment of a Science and Enterprise Park. It was noted in discussion that the financial aspects of the project needed to be managed carefully to ensure the University retained substantial control. The Vice-Chancellor noted that the project represented a very important development for the University and looked forward to Senate receiving a more detailed proposal in the Autumn.

07/39 OFFA Annual Report

SEN07-P37

Senate RECEIVED the University’s first formal report to OFFA. Good progress against Access Agreement milestones had been made in some areas, but performance against others was disappointing. It was noted in particular that despite significant efforts to publicise their availability, a large number of students had not claimed bursaries to which they were entitled. Ongoing actions to enhance the University’s outreach activities with a view to improving progress towards certain milestones were highlighted.

In discussion, the following points were noted:

i) Loughborough’s performance was broadly comparable to some of its competitor institutions, but there were large variations across the sector.

ii) There was no evidence yet that the introduction of top-up fees was having a negative effect on applications to higher education nationally.

iii) The University had an opportunity to use its links as the lead partner in NTI Dagenham as part of the focussing of widening participation activities on East London.

iv) The data contained in the report had been used to review the University’s widening participation performance as far as was possible, but activities in this area were longitudinal in nature, and it was often difficult to track participants. The University was, however, working closely with East Midlands AimHigher in this area.

v) The University would continue to monitor closely its progress towards Access Agreement milestones, and would work with Loughborough Students’ Union to ensure that students were fully aware of the support to which they were entitled.

07/40 Advancement

Senate RECEIVED a presentation from the Vice-Chancellor on Advancement, in the context of a new government ‘fund matching’ initiative worth £200M, which aimed to promote a culture of voluntary giving within UK higher education, and which appeared to represent a watershed in relation to fundraising within the sector. (Secretary’s note: A copy of the presentation slides would be circulated to members by the Vice-Chancellor’s Office).

In discussion, the following points were noted:

i) There was enormous potential for fundraising, and for ‘friend-raising,’ given the large number of Loughborough alumni who were known to occupy senior positions in industry and elsewhere.

ii) It was important to involve departments closely in alumni relations and fundraising activities, as former students often felt a strong loyalty to their department as well as to the institution as a whole.

iii) In order to be successful, the concept of Advancement needed to be embedded within the culture of the institution, and opportunities pursued in a carefully co-ordinated way. It followed that appropriate resources needed to be allocated at central and department level.

iv) There were opportunities to link specific fundraising activities to the planned redevelopment of the East Park, and to the University’s internationalisation strategy.

v) The notion of a brand, which went beyond simple visual representations such as logos, and which clearly articulated what made the University special, was crucial in this context. The 2009 centenary represented an excellent opportunity to build on Loughborough’s existing brand identity.

vi) We should expect donors to want to see something in return for their contribution, and it is important to ensure that there is an appropriate match between the University’s aspirations and the donor’s interests. Funds would only be accepted for projects which the University wanted to undertake, and departments were encouraged to begin thinking about key strategic projects which might be appropriate for fundraising. These would need to be embedded in departmental development plans.

vii) There would need to be consideration of the roles of VC/DVC and Deans in particular as the University progressed in this area.

Senate was supportive in principle of the notion that the University should initiate a cautious, co-ordinated and disciplined approach to Advancement as a long-term project, subject to the provision of more detailed proposals in due course.

07/41 Reorganisation of Committees

SEN07-P38

Senate APPROVED a number of revisions to the University’s committee structure, for implementation in 2007-08. A correction to the paper was noted: there were actually six scheduled meetings of Research Committee each year, four of which had been cancelled in 2006-07. The proposed changes meant that there would be three scheduled meetings each year, two of which would be flagged as “if necessary.”

07/42 Senate/Council Dinner

Senate was invited to consider the most appropriate format for future annual Senate/Council Dinners. It was noted that enjoyment of the previous year’s event had been affected by the uncomfortably hot weather. Timing was also a difficulty, and it was suggested that attendance could be maximised in future by rescheduling the event in the period leading up to Christmas (notwithstanding that there were other demands on members’ availability at this time), and by encouraging the invitation of more varied guests, and therefore opportunities for networking.

07/43 Matters for Report by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Enterprise)

SEN07-P39

Senate RECEIVED a report from the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Enterprise). The University’s involvement in a bid for the Energies Technology Institute (ETI) was particularly exciting and even if the bid was not successful, Loughborough’s profile had been substantially raised in an important area with a range of key organisations.

07/44 Matters for Report by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching)

SEN07-P40

44.1 Student Recruitment 2007/08

Senate RECEIVED a progress report from the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Teaching).

44.2 National Student Survey 2007

The University had achieved its best ever response rate (77%), and thanks were given to all involved, especially Loughborough Students’ Union. The University’s response rate ranking within the sector was not yet known, but a top ten placing was anticipated. The NSS was becoming ever more competitive, and it appeared likely that it would continue as an annual event for the foreseeable future.

44.3 Institutional Audit

The Institutional Audit would be taking place in March 2008. It was noted that every effort would be made to minimise the impact on academic departments.

44.4 New Subject Developments

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching) reported on new subject developments in the following areas:

i) The Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering was exploring exciting opportunities in bio-engineering systems.

ii) The Department of Chemistry had conducted a feasibility in relation to pharmacy.

iii) Proposals for the re-introduction of history, within the department of Politics, International Relations and European Studies, had received initial approval in principle. It was intended that the first students would be recruited for the 2009-10 academic year, and that historians from all Faculties would contribute to the programmes.

07/45 Matters for Report by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research)

SEN07-P41

45.1 Research Applications – Quarterly Analysis by Department

Senate NOTED a quarterly analysis of research applications by department.

SEN07-P42

45.2 New Research Grants and Contracts

Senate NOTED an analysis of new research grants and contracts.

SEN07-P43

45.3 RAE 2008 Preparations Report

45.4 Research Outputs

Senate RECEIVED a report on RAE 2008 preparations and on research outputs.

Thanks were offered to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) for developing a very supportive and positive, yet thorough, regime for those involved in the RAE exercise. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor noted that Research Performance Monitoring Group would make the final decision as to which members of LU staff would be entered into the RAE, taking into account the best interests of the University. Further advice on the timing of this process, bearing in mind the need for departments to finalise their submissions shortly, would be provided by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research).

07/46 Matters for Report by the Vice-Chancellor

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor provided an update on progress in relation to a number of senior appointments:

i) Chief Operating Officer: An offer had been made to one of the applicants, and work was ongoing to secure an agreement.

ii) Director of IT: An appointment had been agreed and the successful candidate was due to start on 1 October 2007.

iii) Director of Estates: A very strong shortlist had been reduced to two candidates, who would be meeting with the Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor shortly. It was hoped that an appointment would be made in time to allow for a significant overlap before Roy Hill’s retirement.

iv) Director of Human Resources: Advertisements for this post would be published shortly. It was intended that the new COO would be involved in the recruitment process.

07/47 Programme Proposals

SEN07-P44

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

47.1 New Programmes for introduction in the 2007-08 session

MA English

47.2 Award, Title or Major Programme Changes from the 2007-08 session (unless stated)

MA/MSc Information and Library Management (major changes)

BSc Sport and Leisure Management to BSc Sport Management (October 2008 entry)

BSc Geography and Sport and Leisure Management to BSc Geography and Sport Management (October 2008 entry)

MSc Sport and Leisure Management to MSc Sport Management

MSc Chemistry and Information Technology to MSc Analytical Chemistry and Information Technology

MSc Evidence Based Practice in Occupational Health to Occupational Health

PGCert Mathematics Support for Students with Dyslexia and Dyscalculia in HE/FE to Mathematics Support and Dyslexia/Dyscalculia in HE/FE (with immediate effect) (by Chair’s action)

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

BSc Information Science (October 2007)

MEng Chemical Engineering with Professional Development (October 2006)

MSc Batch Process Engineering (October 2006)

MSc Chemical Product Design (October 2006)

MSc Electronic Publishing (October 2006)

MSc Mathematical Processes in the Environment (October 2007)

MSc Urban Environmental Engineering (2004/05)

07/48 Learning and Teaching Committee

On the recommendation of Learning and Teaching Committee, Senate RESOLVED to approve:

SEN07-P45

48.1 Loughborough College – Validation of additional FD pathways in Sports Performance

Proposals from Loughborough College for new pathways in Athletics, Football, Rugby Union and Swimming to be added to the Foundation Degree (FDSc) programme in Sports Performance, and validated for an initial period of five years from 2007.

SEN07-P46

48.2 External Examiners’ Reports

Proposals from the Programme Quality Team concerning the sharing of External Examiners’ Reports with student representatives.

SEN07-P47

48.3 Employer Engagement

Outline proposals from the AD(T) Engineering concerning a new partnership with industry.

07/49 Amendment to Ordinance XVI Students’ Union

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Senate RESOLVED to recommend to Council an amendment to Ordinance XVI Students’ Union.

07/50 Resources and Planning Committee

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50.1 Senate RECEIVED a report of the meeting of Resources and Planning Committee on 9 March 2007.

SEN07-P50

50.2 Senate RECEIVED a report of the meeting of Resources and Planning Committee on 1 June 2007, and on the recommendation of Estates Management Committee, RESOLVED to recommend to Council that Ordinance XXIII on Traffic and Parking in the University be amended to introduce the registration of staff and student cycles with the University as a proactive crime prevention measure (minute 11 refers).

SEN07-P51

50.3 Senate NOTED an extract from the unconfirmed minutes of the meeting of Resources and Planning Committee on 1 June 2007 relating to the Review of Student Accommodation 2007, and a summary of recommendations. (A full copy of the report is available from the Assistant Secretary).

07/51 Amendments to the Regulations for Higher Degrees by Research and Notes for Guidance

SEN07-P52

On the recommendation of Research Committee, Senate RESOLVED to approve amendments to the Regulations for Higher Degrees by Research and Notes for Guidance.

07/52 Student Discipline Committee

52.1 Senate APPROVED the appointment of Mary Morley as Chair of the Student Discipline Committee with immediate effect.

SEN07-P53

52.2 On the recommendation of Student Discipline Committee, Senate RESOLVED to recommend to Council that Ordinance XVII on the Conduct and Discipline of Students be amended to increase the number of staff available to sit on Disciplinary Panels.

07/53 Prizes Committee

SEN07-P54

On the recommendation of Prizes Committee Senate RESOLVED to approve the establishment of new prizes, amendments to prizes, and the discontinuation of prizes.

07/54 BA in English and Sports Science

Senate NOTED the action of the Vice-Chancellor in approving on behalf of Senate and Council, the reinstatement of the BA in English and Sports Science with immediate effect.

07/55 Membership of Senate 2007-08

SEN07-P55

Senate NOTED the membership of Senate for 2007-08 so far determined.

07/56 Ethical Advisory Committee

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Senate RECEIVED the annual report of the Ethical Advisory Committee.

07/57 Careers Service Advisory Board Annual Report

Senate NOTED the publication of the Careers Service Advisory Board Annual Report for 2005-06.

07/58 Regulation XIV – Student Appeals against Programme Board or Review Board Decisions: Report for 2006

SEN07-P57

Senate RECEIVED a report on the operation of the Regulation XIV appeals procedure in 2006.

07/59 Graduation Ceremonies 2007

Senate NOTED the dates of Graduation Ceremonies in 2007:

Summer: Thursday 19 July 2007 (am and pm)

Friday 20 July 2007 (am and pm)

Monday 23 July 2007 (am and pm)

Tuesday 24 July 2007 (am only)

Winter: Monday 17 December 2007 (am and pm)

07/60 Reports from Committees

Senate RECEIVED reports from the following Committees:

60.1 SEN07-P58 Learning and Teaching Committee of 7 June 2007

60.2 SEN07-P59 Research Committee of 8 June 2007

60.3 SEN07-P60 Student Services Committee of 30 May 2007

07/61 Valedictory

The Vice-Chancellor thanked retiring members for their contributions to Senate, and expressed gratitude to the retiring student members for the way in which they had helped the University to manage a number of very difficult and challenging issues during the year.

07/62 Dates of Meetings in 2007-08

Wednesday 24 October 2007 (am) (if necessary)

Wednesday 21 November 2007 (am)

Wednesday 30 January 2008 (am) (if necessary)

Wednesday 5 March 2008 (am)

Wednesday 2 July 2008 (am)

Author: C Dunbobbin

Date: July 2007

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