University of Glasgow

Academic Standards Committee

Draft Minute of Meeting held on Friday 2 October 2015 at 10:00 AM in the Melville Room

Present:

Professor John Briggs, Ms Helen Butcher, Ms Gemma Gratton, Professor Neil Evans, Professor Tom Guthrie (Convener), Mr Matthew Hastings, Mr Fred Hay (vice Mr John Marsh), Professor Bob Hill, Dr Maria Jackson, Dr Raymond McCluskey, Dr Niall MacFarlane, Professor Douglas Macgregor, Dr Charlotte Methuen, Dr Anna Morgan-Thomas, Dr Anna O'Neill, Dr Allison Orr. 

In Attendance:

Mrs Lesley Fielding, Ms Jane Broad.

Apologies:

Dr Jack Aitken, Professor Frank Coton, Dr Gordon Curry, Dr Martin Macauley, Ms Dawn McKenzie, Ms Anna Phelan, Dr Bryony Randall, Dr Helen Stoddart. 

 
ASC/2015/1 Minutes of the Meeting held on Thursday 21 May 2015 

The minutes of the previous meeting of 21 May 2015 were approved as a correct record. 

ASC/2015/2 Matters Arising 

 

ASC/2015/2.1 ASC/2015/2.1 Update on Translation of Grades from Study Abroad (ASC/2014/68) 

The Convener advised members that a meeting to discuss the further development of the translation of grades from study had been arranged for week beginning 5 October 2015. 

ASC/2015/3 Convener's Business 

There were no items of Convener's business. 

ASC/2015/4 Report from the Meeting of Academic Regulations Sub-Committee held on 9 September 2015 

The Convener of the Academic Regulations Sub-Committee (ARSC) talked to the report which presented two issues for consideration.

Reassessment opportunities for visiting students

ASC considered ARSC's view on reassessment opportunities for visiting students. ARSC had considered whether it would be appropriate to offer reassessment opportunities to visiting students to the University whose curriculum included Honours courses, particularly as, generally, reassessment papers were not available at Honours level.

ARSC proposed that students should be made aware, at the commencement of their course, that on Honours courses there was no guarantee that a reassessment opportunity could be made available. If a further assessment opportunity was made available (for example, where a Glasgow University student received MV at first diet) a visiting student who had not achieved the relevant threshold grade should be offered this reassessment. In the event that the visiting student had returned home, the reassessment opportunity would be offered at the home institution. In the event that the home institution required the student's situation to be resolved sooner, staff at Glasgow would submit a report on the student's performance to the home institution.

ASC agreed that it was important that the situation regarding the absence of reassessment opportunities at Honours was communicated clearly to visiting students at the outset of their courses. Additionally, the students should be informed of the reassessment opportunities for half courses taken in semester one where there would be an assessment for the full course in the April/May diet.

ASC confirmed agreement with the position put forward by ARSC. However, in order to ensure that it was compliant with the University's agreements with partner institutions it was agreed that the Convener of ASC should meet with the Dean for International Mobility.

Action: Clerk, Convener of ASC

Attendance requirements and award of credit

ASC noted that this issue had been previously discussed at ARSC in 2014 and the decision had been made that in order to refuse credit for non-attendance, the requirement for attendance had to be clearly and directly linked to Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) for a course. ASC noted that some professional degrees were subject to the requirements of Accrediting Bodies, which in some cases required a minimum level of attendance. ASC concurred that professional degrees subject to such requirements were an exception and that there should be a caveat to the regulations to accommodate this.

Action: Senate Office

The Convener of ARSC advised members that the proposals to take forward the combination of Schedules A and B would be presented to the next meeting of ASC together with the review pertaining to full-time and part-time students.

ASC/2015/5 Periodic Subject Review 

 

ASC/2015/5.1 Summary Reports 

ASC/2015/5.1.1 2014-15: Summary of Recommendations

ASC noted the summary of recommendations which had been prepared following a review of the PSR reports for 2014-15. From seven reviews, a total of 75 recommendations had been made. It was noted that there had been a reduction in the main areas of concern reported for session 2013-14. Three main areas were identified: Supporting staff, Curriculum design and development and Strategic Approach. The Convener informed members that a further issue identified from PSRs considered under Summer Powers, related to poor attendance of students at the student meetings with the review panels. ASC noted that this had been considered by the Senate Office and SRC and a revised strategy would be implemented for future PSRs.

One of the issues identified under 'Supporting staff' was the need for the introduction of formal induction events and staff handbooks. Members concurred that a mechanism for inducting new staff and handbooks was required. In the event that staff induction and handbooks were to be addressed in the PSR process, it was essential that these expectations were made clear to all participants prior to the new PSR cycle. ASC agreed that it would be beneficial for information on this issue and expectation to be disseminated to staff, schools and subjects.

ASC was reminded that central guidance was available on student handbooks and that perhaps this information was not reaching the wider University. ASC agreed that it would be useful for the Senate Office to send a reminder to staff and students with details of this resource.

Action: Senate Office

ASC/2015/5.1.2 2014-15: Summary of Good Practice / Key Strengths 

ASC considered the summary of good practice and key strengths which identified 16 areas which had potential for wider distribution across the University. Members agreed that it would be useful to filter this information further which would also present the opportunity to identify examples of good practice in relation to staff induction and handbooks.

It was agreed that the Convener and Clerk would compile a list of good practice for wider dissemination throughout the University.

Action: Convener and Clerk

ASC/2015/5.2 Full Review Reports Approved under Summer Powers 

ASC noted that five PSR reports were considered under Summer Powers for Session 2014-15. The Convener expressed some concern at this number, highlighting the importance of PSR reports being submitted to the scheduled meetings of ASC, which permitted the Committee to fully consider the reports and comments of the two PSR reviewers prior to approval. It was agreed that clerks to the PSR panels should be reminded of the importance of submitting the PSR reports to the scheduled meetings of ASC.

Action: Senate Office

ASC/2015/5.2.1 Economics

The PSR review of Economics was approved with the following amendments:

  • 12 month update requested on the implementation of the recruitment strategy and work model referred to in para 3.1.1, including updates addressing the gender imbalance (4.2.1) and any plans to address this.
  • Recommendation 1 to be amended by deleting all after Head of Subject and replacing with: 'and the reasons for variation in teaching delivery should be clearly explained to students.'

It was agreed that an update, with regard to the issue of gender imbalance, should be requested in six months.

Action: Senate Office

ASC/2015/5.2.2 Geographical & Earth Sciences

The PSR review of Geographical & Earth Sciences was approved with no amendments. It was noted that Recommendation 9 had been marked for action by ASC. The recommendation queried whether the School should reinstate the use of the full range of secondary bands within all primary grades for each piece of assessment which is marked within the School. This issue had been raised at the previous DPTLA review in 2008 and the decision had been that the Code of Assessment was appropriate. ASC agreed to refer this issue for consideration by ARSC. ARSC should consult with the School as to why this approach was perceived as being preferable and whether it was necessary.

Action: Clerk to ARSC

ASC/2015/5.2.3 History

The PSR review of History was approved with some amendments including:

  • Recommendation 1 should reworded to ask the subject to consider a wider range of assessment patterns for undergraduate courses This amendment would remove what appeared to be a very prescriptive requirement set out in the original draft report and to better reflect the associated paragraph in the Report

Action: Senate Office

[Clerks' note: Recommendation 1 has been reworded with the approval of the Convener of the Review Panel and will be circulated to the Subject Area]

ASC/2015/5.2.4 Theatre, Film & Television Studies and Centre for Cultural Policy Research

The PSR review of Theatre, Film & Television Studies and Centre for Cultural Policy Research was approved with no amendments. 

ASC/2015/5.2.5 Urban Studies

The PSR review of Urban Studies was approved with the following amendment:

  • Recommendation 6 to be addressed also to the College Mobility Officer and the Dean of International Mobility.
ASC/2015/5.3 Update Reports 2013-14 

ASC/2015/5.3.1 Economic & Social History

ASC received the update report from the review of Economic and Social History. The Convener of the review panel had requested confirmation that the Subject Area had implemented a process for verifying that Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) had received statutory training, however, ASC judged that, from the response, a clear process had been introduced to ensure GTAs attended compulsory training and no further update would be necessary. 

ASC/2015/5.3.2 Open Studies

ASC received the update report from the review of Open Studies. ASC noted that Recommendations 4 and 17 referred to accommodation issues and were unlikely to be concluded in the short term. With regard to recommendation 7 concerning the Strategy Advisory Group, members noted that, due to developments, this recommendation was no longer deemed urgent. Therefore, ASC agreed that these three recommendations should be explicitly addressed in the next PSR, due in 2017-18 and that the review panel for the next PSR should be informed accordingly.

With regard to Recommendation 4, ASC requested an update when the timescale, referred to in the October 2015 response, was made available.

Action: Senate Office

ASC expressed concern at the length of time that issues, such as the disabled access to the Art Room, took to be addressed. Members also discussed the challenges that room allocation within different parts of the campus presented, with students and staff being expected to commute substantial distances between lecture halls. Whilst it was noted that many of these problems were attributable to the limitations of the software utilised by Central Timetabling, ASC was concerned that these situations could impact negatively on Equal Opportunities and the Student Experience. ASC agreed that it was important that Schools, Research Institutes and subject areas addressed these concerns directly with Central Timetabling.

Action: Senate Office

ASC/2015/5.3.3 School of Education - Community Development & Adult Education

ASC received the update report from the review of Community Development & Adult Education. The Vice Principal (Academic and Educational Innovation), who reviewed the responses due to the retirement of the Convener of the Review Panel, confirmed that, in view of the changes to the STRADA programme which was now redundant, he was satisfied with all responses. ASC noted that the Subject Area had undertaken a significant amount of work post review and hence had addressed all responses satisfactorily. 

ASC/2015/5.3.4 Sociology

ASC received the update report from the review of Sociology. ASC noted that there had been adequate progress with Recommendation 7 relating to the PGR Generic research course. ASC requested a further update from the Subject Area on the progress of the student mobility strategy, as outlined in the response to Recommendation 15.

Action: Senate Office

ASC/2015/5.4 Update Reports 2012-13 

ASC/2015/5.4.1 Celtic & Gaelic

ASC received the update report from the review of Celtic and Gaelic which detailed the responses and the progress made to date in implementing the recommendations. ASC agreed that the response to Recommendation 6, which requested the School to reflect on how the Gaelic-speaking environment continued to be adequately supported, had been satisfactorily addressed.  

ASC/2015/6 Deans of Graduate Studies / Deans of Learning and Teaching - Special Meeting to Discuss Graduate Teaching Assistants 

ASC received the report from the second special meeting of Deans of Graduate Studies (DoGS) and Deans of Learning and Teaching (DoLTs) to consider the issue of GTAs' training and induction raised in a number of PSRs. The meeting had identified a number of issues including the lack of consistency in training among Schools/Subject Areas and HR issues, such as limitations on working hours and eligibility. ASC noted that the College of Art had developed a GTA policy which the other Colleges had agreed to review with a possible view to implementation. The Special Meeting identified two key principles:

  • Undertaking work as a GTA is an important training and development opportunity but it should not impede progress on the PhD.
  • A change in culture is required and staff should be encouraged to see GTAs as valuable and integral members of the teaching team who should be encouraged to participate more fully.

ASC concurred with the findings of the DoLTs and DoGS, however, members were unclear on how the two key principles identified could be further developed. Members discussed the various challenges presented in addressing the training and monetary conditions for GTAs. The Convener concluded that the aim was not to develop a resource intensive system but one that addressed the training for GTAs at generic, subject and course levels. To achieve this, it was essential that tutors met with GTAs at the start of the academic year and on a weekly basis to provide reassurance and guidance on how to meet the requirements of their role. Members discussed the merits of the introduction of a certificate of training, similar to the extra-curricular statement on students' transcripts. It was agreed that this could be an effective way of ensuring consistency in GTA training. Dr McCluskey advised members that the requirements of some Professional Bodies would restrict such a development. For example, in the School of Education, PhD students were excluded from taking tutorials with students as they were not registered with the General Teaching Council (GTC). ASC acknowledged that such restrictions would have to be considered when drafting future strategy.

There was consensus among members that this recurring issue required further deliberation and ASC agreed to request that the DoLTS and DoGS reflect further on how to develop a clear and consistent policy for GTA support and training.

Action: Clerk

ASC/2015/7 Report of the Academic Review of Glasgow International College (GIC) 

ASC received the report of the Academic Review of Glasgow International College (GIC) held on 26 March 2015. The Report identified 11 Recommendations. ASC noted two issues in particular, Recommendation 2 which addressed: the need for data sharing between GIC and the University and the admittance of students with lower level qualifications or grades than stated in the published entrance requirements. ASC concurred that there was a need for improved data sharing between the two institutions and that it was not acceptable that students had gained entry with lower level qualifications or grades.

With regard to Recommendation 9 which proposed the review of the current three Boards, Collegiate Board of Studies (CBoS), Joint Academic Management Board (JAMB) and Joint Strategic Management Board (JSMB). It was proposed that JAMB be dissolved, with CBoS reporting directly to ASC. CBoS would undertake the operational work of the JAMB and the more strategic issues would be assumed by JSMB. ASC requested that more detailed information on this proposal be provided, prior to any implementation.

ASC agreed to the extension of the standard six months response period to one year to permit time for KIC Management structure and processes to be followed.

Action: Academic Collaboration Office

ASC/2015/8 The Glasgow School of Art: Programme Proposal for the MDes Silversmithing & Jewellery 

ASC considered the Glasgow School of Art (GSA) proposal to broaden the scope of the undergraduate programme in Silversmithing and Jewellery to an MDes Silversmithing & Jewellery, building on existing expertise and research interests. The Convener informed members that the difference in IELTS requirements between the University and GSA was permitted under the validation arrangements and consistent with the GSA's other provision. No others areas of concern were identified and ASC approved in principle the programme proposal for the MDes Silversmithing & Jewellery. 

ASC/2015/9 Remit, Composition and Membership 2015-16 

 

ASC/2015/9.1 Remit and Composition 

ASC agreed to recommend to EdPSC the proposed remit and composition for 2015-16 as detailed in Appendix 1

ASC/2015/9.2 Membership 

ASC agreed to recommend to EdPSC the proposed membership for 2015-16 as detailed in Appendix 2, with an amendment to the Student Lifecycle Support & Development Team representative from Ms Dawn McKenzie to Ms Jane Broad.

Action: Senate Office

ASC/2015/10 Programme Approval Groups Membership and Dates for 2015-16 

The PAGs for session 2015-16 were approved as follows:

PAG 1 - College of Arts

Dr A O'Neill (Convener)

Dr N MacFarlane

Dr A Morgan-Thomas

SRC Representative

PAG 2 - College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences

Professor R Hill (Convener)

Dr R McCluskey

Professor D Macgregor

Dr B Randall

SRC Representative

PAG 3 - College of Science & Engineering

Professor N Evans (Convener)

Dr A Orr

Dr H Stoddart

SRC Representative

PAG 4 - College of Social Sciences

Dr G Curry (Convener)

Dr M Jackson

Dr C Methuen

SRC Representative

ASC/2015/11 Items Referred from Scotlands Rural College 

 

ASC/2015/11.1 Report of the Validation Meeting of the MSc Agricultural Professional Practice 

ASC noted that the conditions relating to the Agricultural Professional Practice programmes had been met and that responses to seven of the nine advisory recommendations were considered to be appropriate with two to be amended as follows:

  • Recommendation c): The development of learning materials to allow completion of all modules at a distance should be clearly considered as part of the five-year development plan which was included in response to recommendation d)
  • Recommendation g): The programme framework should be amended to make clear that only a single 'Additional Elective' (15 credits) could be included in the programme of study.
ASC/2015/11.2 Report of the Revalidation Meeting of the BA Sports Coaching & Development 

ASC noted the conditions relating to the revalidated conditions and recommendations of the BA Sport Coaching & Development programme had been met. 

ASC/2015/11.3 Report of the Revalidation Meeting of the BSc Countryside Management 

ASC received the report of SRUC's responses to conditions relating to the revalidation of the BSc in Countryside Management. ASC noted SRUC's comment that there would be ongoing action against some of the recommendations and further progress would be reported to the Academic Board in due course. 

ASC/2015/12 Report on Items Approved under Summer Powers 

ASC noted the programme proposals that had been approved under summer powers.

1. College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences

BSc/BSc[Hons]/MSci in Veterinary Biosciences - Major change

MSc Human Nutrition/MSc Clinical Nutrition/PG Diploma Human Nutrition - Major change

MSc Stratified Medicine and Pharmacological Innovation - Major change

College of Social Sciences

MSc in International Security, Intelligence and Strategic Studies - New

LLM International Economic Law - New

MRes Management - New

MSc in Intellectual Property, Innovation & the Creative Economy - New

PG Certificate Into Headship - New

2. Items Carried Forward from 2014-15 Programme Approval Groups

ASC noted the following new programme approved under Summer Powers for introduction in September 2015 following completion of actions requested by the relevant Semester 2 PAG:

College of Social Sciences

New programme

MAcc Professional Pathway I

3. Items Referred from The Glasgow School of Art

3.1 Diploma in Architecture

ASC noted that approval was given under Summer Powers for the following change to the Diploma in Architecture regulations for admission:

From

1. a) A candidate for the Diploma in Architecture must have passed or obtained exemption from Part 1 of the Examination in Architecture of the ARB/RIBA, and submit a portfolio of architectural design project work of a standard approved by the Head of the Mackintosh School of Architecture.

To

1. a) A candidate for the Diploma in Architecture must have obtained as a minimum a second class Bachelor's Degree in Architecture and submit a portfolio of architectural design project work of a standard approved by the Head of the Mackintosh School of Architecture.

4. Fast-Track Approval Groups - Summer 2015

The membership and dates of the individual Fast-Track Approval Group meetings which considered the proposals outlined in section 1 are noted below for information:

Fast-Track Approval Group for the College of Social Sciences - Meeting held on 12 February 2015

Membership

Professor Kevin O'Dell (Convener), Dr Gordon Curry, Dr Charlotte Methuen

Proposals considered:

MEd in Catholic School Leadership

MSc in International Security Intelligence and Strategic Studies

Fast-Track Approval Group for the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences - Meeting held on 24 July 2015

Membership

Professor Bob Hill (Convener), Professor Douglas Macgregor, Dr Bryony Randall

Proposals considered:

BSc/BSc[Hons]/MSci in Veterinary Biosciences

MSc Human Nutrition / MSc Clinical Nutrition / PG Diploma Human Nutrition

MSc Stratified Medicine and Pharmacological Innovation

Fast-Track Approval Group for the College of Social Sciences - Meeting held on 27 July 2015

Membership

Professor Christine Edwards (Convener), Dr Gordon Curry, Dr Charlotte Methuen

Proposals considered:

LLM International Economic Law

MRes Management

MSc in Intellectual Property, Innovation & the Creative Economy

PG Certificate Into Headship

ASC/2015/13 Report on New Courses and Course Amendments Approved by Schools during 2014-15 

ASC received and noted the above report detailing course proposal activity on PIP. The number of new courses has decreased in two of the Colleges in the last year, particularly in Science and Engineering. However, it was noted that the move to a common curriculum at Years 1 and 2 within Engineering accounted for the high number of changes and withdrawals in the College, with this year's figures reflecting a more typical position. A large number of new programme proposals were submitted by the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, accounting for the larger than usual number of new courses and courses changes in the College. 

ASC/2015/14 Any Other Business 

There was no other business. 

ASC/2015/15 Date of Next Meeting 

The next meeting of the Academic Standards Committee will be held on Friday 13 November 2015 at 9.30am in the Melville Room

 

Created by: Mrs Lesley Fielding