SENATE
SEN09-M7
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of
Senate on
|
Jo Aldridge Simon Austin Chris Backhouse Alan Bairner Morag Bell David Berry (ab) Richard Bibb Jon Binner Ed Brown (ab) James Carroll Jim Chandler Mike Cropper Sandra Dann David Deacon (ab) Jack Demaine Phill Dickens Neil Dixon Alistair Gibb (ab) Neil Halliwell Jon Harper (ab) |
Shirley Pearce Daniel Harris Janet Harrison (ab) Roger Haslam Elaine Hobby Tony Hodgson Phil Hubbard Ruth Jenkins (ab) Terry Kavanagh Ruth Kinna Feo Kusmartsev (ab) Chris Linton Ruth Lister Graham Matthews Julian Mackenzie (ab) Marsha Meskimmon Paul Palmer (ab) Rob Parkin Brian Parkinson Ken Parsons |
Chris Peel Eric Pentecost Iain Phillips Ian Reid (ab) Stephen Rice (ab) Chris Rielly Carol Robinson Richard Stobart (ab) Elizabeth Stokoe Gerry Swallowe (ab) Tony Thorpe David Twigg (ab) Yiannis Vardaxoglou (ab) Scott Vickers Peter Warwick Andrew Watson Mark Webber (ab) John Whittaker Huaizhong Zhao |
In attendance: Rob Allan, Chris Dunbobbin, Jennifer Nutkins,
Caroline Walker.
Apologies for absence were received from: Dave Berry, Ed
Brown, David Deacon, John Harper, Janet Harrison, Ruth Jenkins, Feo Kusmartsev,
Paul Palmer, Ian Reid, Stephen Rice, Richard Stobart, Gerry Swallowe, Dave
Twigg, Yiannis Vardaxoglou.
The Vice-Chancellor welcomed new
members to the meeting.
09/107 Minutes
Senate RESOLVED to confirm and
sign the Minutes of the Ordinary meeting held on
09/65(ii): “The University was in
detailed discussions with Rolls-Royce, emda, and Advantage West
Midlands with a view to becoming a partner in the Midlands Technology Centre
and others to establish the Manufacturing Technology Centre.”
09/65(iii): “One of the University's spinout
companies, Phase Vision Ltd, had successfully concluded a funding round of £1.1M£1.4M,
which was expected to allow the company to develop to profitability.”
09/84: Should have referred to am and pm Graduation
Ceremonies on
09/108 Powers and Functions of Senate
SEN09-P111
Senate NOTED the powers and functions of Senate.
09/109 University Strategy/Planning
SEN09-P112
Senate considered the outcome of
the Review of University Strategy following the Joint Senate/Council meeting
held on 9 October 2009. Thanks were given to Fidelma Hannah and the Planning
Office team for producing the report, and to all who contributed to the Away
Day.
Discussions at the Away Day had
centred on eight cross-cutting themes, and had been set in the context of an
external environment that had changed significantly since the development of
the Strategy in 2006, and which was likely to continue to be challenging and
uncertain in the foreseeable future. Nonetheless, the discussions indicated
that the overall strategy remained relevant and achievable.
The following points were noted in
discussion:
(i)
Any
proposed changes to the organisational structure would be brought to Senate for
consideration and approval.
(ii)
It
would be important (in the context of references to the University’s
large, green campus, in the Reputation and Advancement section of the report),
to maintain a balance between the provision of specialist facilities for
elite-level athletes, and of Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs) for more general
sporting participation.
(iii)
There
was some discussion about where the University currently stood in relation to its
stated aspirations for 2016. Within the
(iv)
There
was an important role for e-learning in the maintenance of the
University’s high-quality and distinctive learning and teaching
experience, as referred to in the Student Learning Experience section of the
report. To this end, a Head of E-Learning, and an E-Learning Advisory Group had
been established, and it was intended that there would be significant student
involvement in this area.
Senate RESOLVED to recommend that
Council approve the outcome of the Review.
09/110 Proposals to establish the
SEN09-P113
Senate RESOLVED to recommend to Council that a proposal to
establish a new academic unit named the
The following points were noted in discussion:
(i)
The
establishment of the School represented an excellent example of interdisciplinary
collaboration, which would have a significant impact on the design community.
(ii)
It
was not intended that the School would be the exclusive provider of
design-based research and teaching at the University. Rather, it would sit
within a broader continuum of design research and interact with other Schools
and Departments across campus.
(iii)
With
regard to the provision of feedback to students on assessments, as well as in
other areas, the School would seek to identify and build upon the best
practices of its constituent members.
(iv)
The
name
09/111 Proposal for a Change to the
name of the
SEN09-P114
Senate RESOLVED to approve a proposal to change the name of
the Loughborough University School of Art and Design (LUSAD) to the
09/112 Matters for Report by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research)
112.1 REF Developments
Work had been ongoing to prepare Loughborough’s
response to the REF consultation document. This would be considered by ELT
prior to being submitted on or before 16 December 2009. Mechanisms were in
place to ensure the University remained in touch with developments, and it was
noted in this context that a delegation from Loughborough would be attending a
meeting at
It was currently being proposed that the REF
would focus on three main elements: Outputs (60%), Impact (25%), and
Environment (15%), and that HEIs would submit portfolios of research in 2012
for assessment in 2013, with results published in December 2013 to determine
funding from 2014. It was also intended that there would be a reduction in the
number of subject panels, as compared to the last RAE. It was emphasised, however,
that it remained possible, through the consultation, to
influence the nature and timing of the process. Specifically, it had been
suggested that a case might be made for moving the above timetable back by one
year. It was also possible that the proportion of the assessment based on
Impact would be reduced. However, given the existing economic climate, it seemed
unlikely that the Impact element would be discarded entirely even if there was
a change of government in 2010. It was noted, in any case, that depending on
exactly how Impact was defined and measured, Loughborough might be expected to perform
well in this area.
SEN09-P115
112.2 Research Applications – Quarterly
Analysis by Department
NOTED.
SEN09-P116
112.3 New Research Grants and Contracts
NOTED.
09/113 Matters for Report by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching)
SEN09-P117
113.1 Student Recruitment
Senate RECEIVED a report on full-time undergraduate
and taught postgraduate recruitment outcomes for 2009 entry. It had been a very
successful year, and thanks were given to all involved. The following points
were highlighted in particular:
(i)
At undergraduate level, A level entry grades had
increased across the Faculties, there had been very few concessions, and no
offers to new applicants in Clearing.
(ii)
The new visa system had not impacted negatively
upon recruitment, in part because the visa letters produced by the University
had been exemplary.
(iii)
Recruitment targets for UK/EU taught postgraduate
students had been exceeded, in part because of the impact of the recession, but
also as a result of more vigorous promotional activity, accompanied by
scholarship and bursary schemes.
(iv)
International recruitment remained reliant on
students from
(v)
The new UCAS Adjustment Period had not had any
significant impact; just 9 students had moved from Loughborough to another
institution. (Loughborough had indicated early in the process that it would not
accept any adjustment students).
(vi)
A paper would be submitted to Operations Committee concerning
financial adjustments for Departments that had not met recruitment targets.
SEN09-P118
113.2 National Student Survey (NSS)
The
University had again received a good set of results, albeit that the response
rate was down slightly on 2008. Based on question 22, students’ overall
satisfaction with their course, Loughborough was ranked 4th among
publicly funded institutions in the
It was
noted that since its inception, NSS outcomes had prompted a number of
initiatives at institutional level, and in 2009-10 one of the priorities would
be to seek to clarify student expectations in relation to the supervision and
marking of final year projects and dissertations.
It was
noted finally that some students had given negative feedback about being
repeatedly encouraged to take part in the NSS, and there was concern that this
might translate into less favourable responses to the survey itself. In order
to counter such difficulties, one department had already invited student
representatives to begin asking final year students how they would prefer to be
contacted about the survey. Other suggestions to maximise response rates
included appealing to the competitive nature of students (e.g. by comparing the
response rate of their course/department to others), and providing facilities
to complete the survey (i.e. networked computers) immediately after giving a
reminder.
113.3
Senate
RECEIVED an update on the University’s partnership with the BUE.
Senate
was pleased to note that BUE had graduated its first 113 students in Business
Studies, Economics, Informatics and Computer Science, and Political Science, at
a very successful ceremony on 25 October 2009. However, whilst academic
standards had been maintained, an unexpectedly high level of input had been
required from Loughborough staff during the summer in relation to the operation
of Programme Boards and the administration of student appeals.
Loughborough
was working with BUE to address the issues that had arisen, and the PVC(T) had
set out clearly the principles which would need to apply to the Loughborough
validated programmes in the future. BUE had been asked to confirm, by the end
of November 2009, that it accepted these principles, which should reduce the
demands placed on the Loughborough staff involved. Subject to this acceptance
being given, preparations would begin in earnest for the scheduled revalidation
process in 2010, which would consist of a series of exercises over a period of
several months.
It was
noted in discussion that the BUE partnership provided an excellent opportunity
for Loughborough to raise its profile in the region and engage in collaborative
research links.
09/114 Matters for Report by the
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (
SEN09-P119
Senate RECEIVED a report from the
PVC(E). The following points were highlighted.
(i)
Science
and
(ii)
Manufacturing
Technology Centre: A grant of £40.4M from the Central Projects Review Group had
now been confirmed. Thanks were given to the PVC(E) and his team for their work
on this project.
(iii)
Lachesis
Fund: A £2M bid for ERDF funding had now been finalised.
(iv)
Consultancy:
For the year ending July 2009, over £1M had been returned to University
departments by LUEL. This was the first time that the £1M barrier had been
broken in a single year.
09/115 Matters for Report by the Vice-Chancellor
115.1Recent Developments at the
University
The Vice-Chancelllor reported on
the following matters:
(i) University Challenge: The Loughborough team had put up a spirited
defence in a programme showed on the previous evening, and had achieved the
highest losing score. Thanks were given to the PVC(R) for organising the
involvement of the Loughborough team, and to the team itself, which had
performed so well. Trials for the next series were already underway, and
members were asked to help in identifying potential team members from their
departments.
(ii) Pay Negotiations: UCEA had offered to engage in further talks, but
had indicated that it would not be prepared to increase its offer. It appeared,
therefore, that an impasse had been reached, and further developments were
awaited.
(iii)
(iv) University
Technical Colleges: Lord Baker had recently spoken in support of the
establishment of University Technical Colleges and the Vice-Chancellor had been
quoted as a supporter of the initiative. No commitments had in fact been made,
although the University had undertaken some initial discussions with
SEN09-P120
115.2 Policy Developments for HE in the
Senate RECEIVED a paper highlighting recent developments in
HE policy that would have an impact on the University and on the environment in
which it operated. Members were encouraged to alert the VC’s Office if
they were aware of any additional relevant items.
09/116 Programme Proposals
SEN09-P121
On the recommendation of Learning and Teaching Committee, on
the advice of Curriculum Sub-Committee, Senate RESOLVED to recommend to Council
as appropriate:
116.1 New programmes (with
effect from October 2010 unless stated):
MA Art and the Public Sphere
MRes Art, Design and Performance by Practice
BSc, DPS/DIntS Mathematics with Mathematics Education
MSc Efficient Fossil Energy Technologies (Curriculum-based component of
the EngD) (with effect from October 20009)
PGCert in Management for Engineers (ECITB)
(with effect from September 2009)
116.2 Award, title or major programme changes
Professional Graduate Certificate
in Education: Exit Award for MSc Education with QTS
BSc
Information Technology and Mathematics to
BSc Applied Computing and Mathematics (with effect from October 2007
intake)
MSc Coaching to MSc Sport Coaching (with effect from October 2009 intake)
MSc
Mathematical Processes in Finance to
MSc Mathematical Finance (with effect from October 2010 intake)
116.3 Discontinuation of programmes (last intake
shown in brackets):
MSc
Industrial Sales and Strategic Marketing (October 2004)
MDes Product
Design in Business (October 2008) (MA/MSc routes continue)
MEng
Electrical and Renewable Energy Systems Engineering (October 2009)
MEng
Electronics and Software Engineering (October 2009)
BEng/MEng
Electronic and Electrical Engineering (Control and Power/ Digital
Communications/Microelectronics) (October 2009)
MEng
Electronic and Electrical Engineering (Renewable Energy) (October 2009)
MEng Systems Engineering (Aeronautical/ Control and
Power/Human Factors/Renewable Energy) (October 2009)
BSc
Publishing with E-Business (October 2009)
09/117 Learning and Teaching Committee
On the recommendation of Learning
and Teaching Committee, Senate RESOLVED:
SEN09-P122
117.1 Constitution and Membership
To approve amendments to the Constitution and Membership of
Learning and Teaching Committee.
SEN09-P123
117.2 Terms of Reference
To approve amendments to the Terms of Reference of Learning
and Teaching Committee.
SEN09-P124
117.3 Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts,
To receive the report of a Validation Panel on programmes to
be delivered by NAFA in collaboration with Loughborough University School of
Art and Design, and approve recommendations.
SEN09-P125
117.4 Regulation XXIII
Validated Undergraduate Awards (Higher Education in
To approve the establishment of Regulation XXIII Validated Undergraduate Awards (Higher
Education in UK Further Education Colleges).
SEN09-P126
117.5 Undergraduate Reassessment
To note the impact of changes to the Regulations and
arrangements relating to undergraduate reassessment.
09/118 Amendment to Ordinance XXXIII
SEN09-P127
Senate NOTED the action of the
Chair of Senate, on behalf of Senate, in recommending to Council an amendment
to Ordinance XXXIII (Diplomas
and Certificates), in order to accommodate the award of the Professional
Graduate Certificate in Education as an additional exit award for the MSc in
Education with QTS.
09/119 PhD Programme
in Hydrogen, Fuel Cells and their Applications
SEN09-P128
On the recommendation of Research Committee, Senate RESOLVED
to approve the introduction of a PhD
programme in Hydrogen, Fuel Cells and their Applications with immediate effect,
subject to approval of the taught element of the programme.
09/120 Amendment to the Regulations for Higher Degrees by Research
SEN09-P129
Senate NOTED the action of the Chair of Senate, on behalf of
Senate, in approving a minor amendment to the Regulations for Higher Degrees by
Research.
09/121 Research Performance Monitoring Group
SEN09-P130
Senate RECEIVED reports of the meetings held on 20 April, 7
July, 25 September, and
SEN09-P131
121.1 Amendments to the Terms of Reference of Research Performance
Monitoring Group (minute 3 of the report of the meeting on
09/122 Health, Safety and Environmental Committee
SEN09-P132 (to follow)
Senate RECEIVED a report of the meeting held on
122.1 An amendment to the membership of Health, Safety and Environmental
Committee (the minute on Committee Effectiveness refers).
SEN09-P133
122.2 The Annual Plan for the Health, Safety and Environment
Office.
09/123 Membership of Senate 2009-10
SEN09-P134
The membership of Senate for 2009-10
was NOTED.
09/124 Librarian’s Annual Report 2008-09
Senate
NOTED that the annual report for 2008-09 from the Librarian was available at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/library/about/PDFs/annrep08-09.pdf.
09/125 Reports from Committees
Senate
RECEIVED reports from the following Committees:
125.1 SEN09-P135 Costing
and Pricing Committee of 23 July and
125.2 SEN09-P136
125.3 SEN09-P137 Estates
Management Committee of 28 July and
125.4 SEN09-P138 Performance
Monitoring Group of 26 June.
125.5 SEN09-P139 Research
Committee of
09/126 Dates of Future Meetings in
2009-10
Author – Chris Dunbobbin
Date – November 2009
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