SENATE
SEN09-M3
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of
Senate on Wednesday 4 March 2009
Jo Aldridge (ab) Simon Austin Chris Backhouse Anja Baumhoff (ab) Morag Bell David Berry Jon Binner Edwin Bowden-Peters (ab) Ed Brown Sandra Dann Ian Davidson (ab) James Dearnley (ab) Phill Dickens Neil Dixon Clive Edwards Peter Golding Neil Halliwell Jon Harper Roger Haslam |
Shirley Pearce Oli Hiscoe Elaine Hobby Tony Hodgson Ray Jones (ab) Terry Kavanagh David Kerr (ab) Feo Kusmartsev (ab) Fiona Levey (ab) Chris Linton Julian Mackenzie Danny McNiece Marsha Meskimmon (ab) Mary Morley Charles Oppenheim Paul Palmer Rob Parkin Ken Parsons Chris Peel (ab) |
Eric Pentecost Iain Phillips Gareth Pritchard Ian Reid Peter Render Chris Rielly Steve Rothberg Dennis Smith Richard Stobart Gerry Swallowe Tony Thorpe David Twigg Yiannis Vardaxoglou Peter Warwick Andrew Watson Mark Webber (ab) David Whalley Dominic Wring |
In attendance: Chris Dunbobbin, Jennifer Nutkins, Will
Spinks, Caroline Walker.
Apologies for absence were received from: Jo Aldridge, Simon
Austin (for late arrival), Anja Baumhoff, James Dearnley, Ray Jones, David
Kerr, Feo Kusmartsev, Marsha Meskimmon, Andrew Watson (for late arrival), Mark
Webber.
09/26 Valedictory
The Vice-Chancellor noted that it
was
09/27 Minutes
Senate RESOLVED to confirm and
sign the Minutes of the Ordinary meeting held on 28 January 2009 (SEN09-M1).
09/28 Matters Arising from the
Minutes
28.1
Senate RECEIVED an update from the Director of
Internationalisation Strategy. After a careful consideration of the anticipated
costs and benefits of the proposed scheme, in the context of the
University’s strategic aims relating to Internationalisation, it had been
decided, at a meeting of the Project Board on 26 February 2009, to close the University’s
involvement in the project. Representatives of KLEC had been informed. Thanks were
given to Royal Holloway,
09/29 Matters
for Report by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research)
29.1Update on RAE Outcome
The financial outcomes of the RAE exercise were due to be
published on 5 March 2009. It was noted that in
his 2009-10 grant letter to HEFCE, the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities
and Skills had indicated that there would be encouragement for research with a
practical economic impact, and that the promotion of STEM disciplines, and
support for world class research would be prioritised.
SEN09-P21
29.2 Update on Research
Excellence Framework (REF) Developments.
Senate RECEIVED a briefing on developments relating to the REF.
The following points were highlighted:
(i)
After
initial proposals for two discrete assessment regimes for science-based and
other subjects, there would now be a single unified framework for the funding
and assessment of research across all subjects.
(ii)
The
Expert Advisory Group established by HEFCE to advise on the development of the
REF included five members from Loughborough.
(iii)
Aspects
of the REF currently under consideration were: (a) the configuration of panels
and subjects; (b) what/who should be submitted; and (c) what is excellence
(including the incorporation of “impact” instead of, or as well as,
“significance”).
(iv)
Preparations
at Loughborough were already underway, and particular reference was made to
Personal Research Plans, and to the Institutional Repository Advisory Group,
which was at an advanced stage in developing a composite repository and
publications database.
SEN09-P22
29.3 Research
Applications – Quarterly Analysis by Department.
Senate RECEIVED data on research
applications for the period 1 August 2008 – 31 January 2009. The total
quantity of applications stood at 57%, and the total value of applications at
56% of the overall totals for 2007-08.
SEN09-P23
29.4 New
Research Grants and Contracts.
Senate RECEIVED data on new
research grants and contracts for the period 1 August 2008 – 31 January
2009. The total value of new grants and contracts was at around 86% of the
overall total value for 2007-08. It was noted, however, that this data could be
lumpy across the academic year, and the position after six months was therefore
to be treated with caution.
It was noted that BAE had
unexpectedly withdrawn from a five year research programme, NECTISE, led by
Loughborough and involving other UK HEI partners, following a scheduled review
after three years. It was emphasised that there had been no criticism of the
work undertaken. The University was
working with BAE and the EPSRC to bring the programme to an orderly conclusion,
and there were no plans for there to be any redundancies from Loughborough as
part of this process. It was emphasised that BAE remained an important partner
for the University, and that the University would continue to work closely with
all of its external partners in both the private and public sector, in dealing
with the impact of the recession.
29.5
Research Outputs.
Senate was informed of the success of Dr Daniel Reidenback
(Computer Science) who had recently received three awards for best research
paper at international conferences.
29.6
Other Matters
The Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research) reminded members that
funding towards the cost of imago hospitality facilities remained available to
staff who wished to facilitate the location of key academic conferences on
campus. The previous cycle of deadlines had been removed, and members were
asked to encourage colleagues to submit applications to the Research Office as
soon as possible.
09/30 Matters
for Report by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching)
SEN09-P24
30.1 Undergraduate
and Taught Postgraduate Recruitment, 2009 Entry.
Senate RECEIVED a report on UG and PGT recruitment
for 2009 entry. The following issues were highlighted:
(i)
There had been a significant growth in UK/EU and
international applications for both UG and PGT admissions, and
Loughborough’s performance was well ahead of the sector average.
(ii)
In relation to UK/EU UG admissions, robust
procedures for interventions in Confirmation Week in August 2009 had been
identified and would be implemented if necessary to avoid over-recruitment. It
was noted in this context that DIUS had indicated that any over-recruitment in
the sector might result in HEFCE being required to return part of its grant. It
remained unclear, however, whether HEFCE intended to penalise individual
institutions.
(iii)
There had been a successful PG Open Day in February
2009; numbers were similar to the
previous year, but attendees had appeared more committed to undertaking
postgraduate study. The Director of the
The following points were noted in discussion:
(iv)
For HEFCE purposes, international UG students did
not count towards the University’s intake quota. Such students were,
however, taken into account as part of the University’s intake planning.
(v)
It was viewed as a positive sign for the University
that Senate was discussing how to manage a large increase in the number of
applications, and there was an excellent opportunity to recruit the best
students to Loughborough for the 2009 intake.
SEN09-P25
30.2 Update
on changes in UCAS Admissions and Post-16 Qualifications.
Senate RECEIVED a report on changes taking place in
UCAS admissions, and in post-16 qualifications. Thanks were given to Wendy
Ferguson for her excellent work in monitoring these developments and assessing
their implications for the University. Senate was asked to note in particular
that a new “Adjustment Period” would run from the publication of A
level results on 20 August until 31 August 2009, and would allow applicants
achieving better results than their offer to approach other institutions. Full details were due to be released shortly,
and Loughborough’s response would be discussed and agreed with
departments at that stage.
30.3
National Student Survey.
The 2009 NSS was in its fifth week, and the response
rate was so far disappointing at 30%, compared to 35% at the same stage in
2008. Only three full weeks of term-time remained until the end of the survey,
and it would be important to energise all involved in order to maintain the
University’s excellent record. It was noted that an early appearance by
the relevant Head of Department helped to underline the importance of the
survey, and that it was possible for all staff involved in teaching and
project/dissertation supervision to play a role in encouraging students to
participate. Student groups and associations within departments could also be
enlisted to promote the survey. It was noted finally that campaigning for the
LSU Executive elections had ended, and the Students’ Union would now be
able to turn its full attention to encouraging finalist students to complete
the survey.
09/31 Matters for Report by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor
(
SEN09-P26
Senate RECEIVED a report from the Pro-Vice Chancellor (
(i)
The
Midlands Energy Consortium had been successful in securing around £3M of SDF
funding to establish a
(ii)
Plans
for the University to seek a private sector partner to enter into an agreement
to jointly develop the Science and
(iii)
Item
1.4 should have referred to the Manufacturing Technology Centre. A
government announcement in relation to this project was expected at the end of
March 2009.
(iv)
The
Enterprise Office had submitted a bid to HEFCE for just under £0.5M under the Economic Challenge Investment Fund scheme.
(v)
The
University had been unsuccessful in a bid to emda for £300K to fund remodelling
works and upgrades to, and the creation of new units within, the Innovation Centre.
However, emda funding of around £900K had been secured for the conversion of
(vi)
The
Enterprise Board had approved, subject to some negotiated detail, a proposal to
increase the share of licensing revenue offered to IPSO Ventures to 15%, on a
non-exclusive basis, should they assist in licensing a particular technology.
09/32 Staff
Survey
SEN09-P27
Senate RECEIVED a summary of further actions proposed in
relation to the Staff Survey, including the establishment of seven working
groups (each led by a member of ELT, and with a broad and inclusive membership,
to be determined in each case) to take forward issues highlighted by the data
and elucidated through the feedback sessions. The working groups would present
an interim report to Human Resources Committee in June 2008, and conclude their
activities in September 2009, with a final report to HRC in October/November
2009.
The paper also identified a number of other activities,
outside of the working groups. The importance
of good processes to reward excellent performance, and to deal with
underperformance were highlighted. It was noted in this context that the Human
Resources Implementation Plan, in support of the University Strategy, was due
to be submitted to Senate and Council in July 2009, and this would include reference
to development of the University’s policies and procedures in this area.
09/33 Centre
for Biological Engineering
SEN09-P28
Senate RESOLVED to approve the establishment of the Centre
for Biological Engineering, noting that this was an exciting development which
would integrate the biological engineering work of three distinct research
groups, and would be accessible to other colleagues across the University with
related interests.
09/34 Assessment
Flexibility Policy for Religious Observance
SEN09-P29
On the recommendation of Learning and Teaching Committee, Senate
RECEIVED a proposed assessment flexibility policy for religious observance. The
policy was very similar to that for elite athletes. In particular, the onus
would be on the student seeking assessment flexibility to make their case, and
provide supporting evidence; each case would be treated on its own merits; and
there would be an opportunity for discussion between the department and the
Academic Registrar about the type of flexibility that might be offered.
Senate RESOLVED to approve the policy on the understanding
that it would be reviewed after 12 months of operation. One abstention to this resolution was
recorded (Dr Gerry Swallowe).
Senate also requested that consideration be given to the
feasibility of a single amalgamated assessment flexibility policy, containing a
more general application of the principles on which the policies for elite
athletes and for religious observance were based. This more general policy
should retain as a central maxim, the notion that assessment flexibility should
only be permitted in exceptional circumstances.
It was noted that careful consideration would need to be
given to the promotion of the policy. Senate wished to emphasise that the
University was supportive of all students in pursuing their religious beliefs,
but would not wish to encourage assessment flexibility other than in
exceptional circumstances.
During its discussion of assessment flexibility, Senate also
RESOLVED to approve an amendment to the Assessment Flexibility Policy for Elite
Athletes so that it mirrored the Assessment Flexibility Policy for Religious
Observance in containing the following statement in section 3: “Students should be aware that the
decision to seek Assessment Flexibility may result in them having to take
assessment at a deferred time and that, consequently, any reassessment,
progression or graduation may take place later than for the majority of their
cohort. Students are expected to realise the implications of seeking Assessment
Flexibility and should accept that such flexibility could impact the timescale
of their studies."
09/35 Matters for Report by the
Vice-Chancellor
35.1Impact of the recession.
The University was to some extent
cushioned from the immediate impact of the recession, because much of its
income was secure for the current academic year. Nonetheless, the effects of
the economic downturn were being felt in areas such as graduate recruitment and
student placements. It was noted that the University was committed to ensuring
that students who were unable to secure, or made redundant from placements were
not disadvantaged, and to this end, action would be taken to waive or amend the
requirements of Regulation XI so that such students remained eligible for a DIS
or other placement award. Support from the Careers Service, and from bursary
schemes and hardship funds was also available.
It was emphasised that in a
difficult economic environment, it was important for Loughborough to work hard
to maintain its strong relationships with industrial partners and to help them
wherever possible. It was anticipated
that funding would soon be available through the Economic
Challenge Investment Fund scheme, and other initiatives.
35.2 HEFCE Grant Letter.
The HEFCE Grant letter had been
received, but its contents were embargoed until 5 March 2009, and details could
not therefore be reported. The headline figures would be circulated to
departments on the morning after the meeting.
Clarification was provided that QR
funding would be issued to Loughborough as a single block, and would be
distributed to departments in a fully transparent process intended to best
further the University’s strategic aims.
35.3 Other matters.
Reference was made to the following events taking place as
part of the University’s Centenary celebrations:
·
The
Festival of Science on 7 March 2009. The Dean of Science thanked those members
of staff who were taking part, and the Marketing and Communications and
Development and Alumni Offices for their contributions to the event.
·
Additional
degree ceremonies on 18 July 2009 for the award of Honorary Bachelor Degrees to
certain former students who studied at the University’s constituent
Colleges. The event was proving to be an excellent way in which to engage
alumni, and it was anticipated that there would be around 1000 attendees. It
was agreed that academic departments would be provided, as soon as possible, with
a list of which of their alumni would be attending.
·
The
Centenary Lecture series was due to begin on 12 March 2009.
Senate noted also, that the University would be hosting a
“Japan Day” on 7 March 2009.
09/36 Programme
Proposals
SEN09-P30
On the recommendation of Learning and Teaching Committee, on
the advice of Curriculum Sub-Committee, Senate RESOLVED to recommend to Council
as appropriate:
36.1 New
programmes (with effect from September 2009 unless stated):
BA History and Politics, History and International
Relations, History and Geography, History and English.
BA English and Drama.
BA Textiles: Innovation and Design (with effect from October
2010).
MSc Digital Imaging, Computer Graphics and Vision.
MSc Economics, International Economics, Economics and
Econometrics.
MSc Infrastructure in Emergencies (with effect from July
2009).
36.2 Award,
title or major programme changes (with effect from September 2009 entry unless
stated):
MSc
Building Services Engineering (Major programme changes).
BEng/MEng Product Design and Manufacture to BEng/MEng
Product Design Engineering.
BEng Manufacturing Engineering and Management to BEng
Manufacturing Engineering.
BSc Mathematics and Computing to BSc Computer Science and
Mathematics (with effect from October 2010 entry).
36.3 Discontinuation
of programmes (last intake shown in brackets):
BSc
(DIS/DPS) Chemistry and Information Technology (October 2007).
BA Textile Design (Multi-Media Textiles), BA
Textile Design (Printed Textiles), BA Textile Design (Woven Textiles)
(September 2009)
MSc Advanced Mechanical and
Manufacturing Engineering (no recruitment).
09/37 Learning
and Teaching Committee
On the
recommendation of Learning and Teaching Committee, Senate RESOLVED:
SEN09-P31
37.1 Admissions
Policies
To approve
admissions policies relating to criminal convictions and applicants with
disabilities.
SEN09-P32
37.2 Code of
Practice on Staff/Student Committees
To approve
proposed revisions to the Code of Practice on Staff/Student Committees.
SEN09-P33
37.3 Condonement
To note a
review of the use of condonement for undergraduate students in session 2007-08.
09/38 Student
Discipline Committee
SEN09-P34
38.1 Senate
RECEIVED a report of the meeting of Student Discipline Committee on 10 February
2009, and on the recommendation of Student Discipline Committee, RESOLVED to recommend
to Council an amendment to Ordinance XVII Conduct and Discipline of Students. (Minute
09/6, and Annex A refer).
SEN09-P35
38.2 Senate
RESOLVED to recommend to Council further minor amendments to Ordinance XVII
09/39 Health,
Safety and Environmental Committee
SEN09-P36
Senate RECEIVED a report of the meeting held on 18 February
2009, and RESOLVED to approve:
SEN09-P37
39.1 An
amendment to the composition of Health, Safety and Environmental Committee,
with immediate effect.
09/40 Reports from Committees
Senate
RECEIVED reports from the following Committees:
40.1 SEN09-P38 Advancement Committee of 11 February 2009.
40.2 SEN09-P39
40.3 SEN09-P40 Prizes Committee of 27 January 2009.
40.4 SEN09-P41 Student Experience Committee of 11 February
2009.
09/41 Dates of Future Meetings in 2008-09
Wednesday
1 July 2009, 9.15am.
09.42 Any
Other Business
There were three items of other business:
42.1
Chair of Student Discipline Committee
Senate NOTED that Anne Mumford would succeed Mary Morley as
Chair of the Student Discipline Committee with effect from June 2009.
SEN09-P47
42.2 Estates
Management Committee
Senate RECEIVED the report of the meeting of Estates Management
Committee on 15 January 2009, and on the recommendation of Estates Management Committee:
(i)
RESOLVED
to approve proposed amendments to the composition, membership and terms of
reference for Estates Management Committee, subject to a further amendment to
remove the words “from the Estates Liaison Group” from item (xi) of
the terms of reference.
(ii)
NOTED
the recommendation for the submission of the proposal for the refurbishment of
Towers to Council at Stage 3.
42.3Elections to Senate
Senate noted that an error had occurred, some years
previously, in calculating the allocation between Faculties of the number of
vacancies on Senate for members of the academic staff elected from within their
own number. As a consequence, there had been, in 2007-08 and 2008-09, an
over-allocation of vacancies for the Engineering and Science Faculties, and an
under-allocation for the Social Sciences and Humanities Faculty. The error had occurred
because of an incorrect categorisation of research staff, resulting
from the way staff records were set up following the job evaluation exercise.
This led to some research staff being wrongly included on the electoral roll which was used as
a basis for calculating the number of elected academic staff vacancies for each
Faculty. The Academic Registrar offered her apologies for the error. It was emphasised that the correct
allocation of vacancies across the Faculties had been restored for 2009-10, and
that there did not appear to have been any material consequences; there had
not, for example, been any votes on matters likely to involve a Faculty split
during the period concerned.
Author – Chris Dunbobbin
Date – March 2009
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University. All rights reserved.