Faculty Board

4.2     The Associate Dean (Research)

The Board RECEIVED a tabled report. The Board NOTED that The Associate Dean (Research) would comment on item 7 Research Assessment Exercise at the next Board meeting.

ACTION: Associate Dean (Research)

4.3     The Associate Dean (Teaching)

Data giving entry figures for the 2001 Home Applications was tabled. A number of points were raised in discussion.

• As at 2 February 2001 Home Applications for admission to undergraduate programmes were 10% down on the previous year. The numbers appeared to be misleading since LUSAD’s main method of recruitment through route B would not begin until March and their figures were found to be up by 15% in comparison with the previous year.
• Recruitment, particularly in Social Sciences and Humanities, should be more aggressive. There should be more representation by departments at career fairs and it would be advantageous if these were held locally. It was NOTED that departments should follow their own strategies for recruitment.

5.     General Regulations for Undergraduate Awards – Reassessment

(SSH01-P1)

The Board considered, from the PDQ Team, a proposed change to the General Regulations for Undergraduate Awards – Reassessment to Para 19 of GRUA, 2000 edition. This would allow a slight extension to student reassessment rights. The Board RESOLVED to RECOMMEND to Senate that the proposal be accepted.

6.     The Undergraduate Reassessment Code of Practice

(SSH01-P2)

The Board considered, from the PDQ Team, a proposed change to the undergraduate reassessment code of practice which would allow more flexibility in determining eligibility to enter the Special Assessment Period. The Board RESOLVED to RECOMMEND to Senate that the rule be amended.

7.     Matriculation Requirements: English Language

(SSH01-P3)

The Board considered, from the SRA Team, a proposal that revised equivalents between the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) qualification and the British Councils International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) be adopted with immediate effect. This was AGREED.

8.     Registration and Credit Accumulation by the Module

(SSH01-P4)

The Board received proposals from the PDQ Team for the introduction of flexible postgraduate level learning options. In the main these would affect only CHARM, HEROBAC and Peterborough initiatives. The implication of the proposals would be explained to CPD students. The Board AGREED to support these proposals.

9.     Recruitment of International Students

The Director of the International Office, Tony Westaway, gave a presentation on international recruitment issues.

It was NOTED that at Loughborough University, China, the Middle East, Latin America and India were emerging markets for international recruitment. Fourteen percent of the total number of the university's international students had come from China (including Hong Kong) in 2000/01. In the Social Science and Humanities Faculty there had been a growth in both postgraduate and undergraduate international recruitment with the biggest increase in postgraduate training.

It was NOTED that Loughborough appeared to be targeting the right markets but follow-up work would be urgently required. The International Office would pay for lecturers to visit agents on the University’s behalf (during the conduct of appropriate overseas commitments).

A number of points were raised in discussion:

• There was some concern about the varying size of fees paid to agents.
• Some concern was expressed towards the rejection figures since some students might apply for more than one course. It was NOTED that a list of UK schools showing the numbers of international students would be useful.
• Alumni contacts would be a helpful link with international recruitment.
• The precise number of students lost to FE Colleges because of linguistic problems was not known. It was considered that at least one language school should be appointed as a University agent.
• Promoting academic links would maintain regional presence in the market place. It was noted that there were very good links with Malaysia and social link-ups with the Business School in India.
• English language provision would be taken into consideration. Qualifications from other countries would be examined and interpreted carefully.

10.   Curriculum Sub-Committee

10.1 
The Board NOTED that programme proposals as listed were considered by Curriculum Sub-Committee at its meeting on 18th January 2001:

10.2 
The Board NOTED the proposal Curriculum Sub-Committee recommended to the Learning and Teaching Committee:

• a change in the title of the MSc 'Recreation Management' to 'Sport and Leisure Management' with effect from the 2001/2002 entry.

11.   Staff/Student Committees

To note that reports of Staff/Student Committee meetings have been deposited with the Secretary as follows:

12.   Senate

To note that the Minutes of the 338th Ordinary Meeting of Senate held on 29 November 2000 are available on the University Web pages.

13.   Reports of Committees

The Board NOTED that reports of the following Committees are available on the University Web pages:

• Learning and Teaching Committee of 9 November 2000
• Curriculum Sub-Committee of 18 January 200

14.   Discontinuation of Programmes in the Department of Education

The Board NOTED the approval by Sente of the discontinuation of the following programmes with a final intake in 2000/01:

15.   Degree Congregations, July 2001

To note that degrees in the Social Sciences and Humanities Faculty will be awarded at five Degree Congregation ceremonies on 13th, 16th and 17th July 2001.

16.   Date of Next Meeting