Consultation on the Timing of the Academic Year

Following recommendations from the Committee to Review the Structure of the Academic Year, Senate and Council have approved in principle the introduction of four week vacations at Christmas and Easter. As this will result in the academic year being one week longer than under the present arrangements, a consultation has been undertaken as to how this is to be implemented in practice, and from which academic year the new pattern should be introduced. The two possible alternatives were either to start the academic year one week earlier, or to finish the year one week later.

Having consulted with the Faculties, Departmental administrators, the Division of Information Services and Systems, Student Guidance and Welfare, Imago and the Students’ Union, the majority opinion is in favour of finishing the year one week later. This will ensure that there is sufficient time for processing admissions after the release of A-level results, pre-sessional courses and participation in September conferences. Introduction of the new arrangements from 2006/07 was also widely supported.

As the new arrangements will result in the academic year finishing two weeks after the end of the state school term in Leicestershire, the impact of staff availability on graduation ceremonies may need to be monitored.

In the light of the consultation, Senate is invited to ENDORSE the recommendation that the academic year finish one week later, starting in 2006/07.