Brief description of the paper

An examination of the recommendations made by DPTLA Review Panels in Session 2008-09 has been undertaken with the aim of identifying themes or issues that might require attention at a broader level, either across a faculty or the University as a whole or which should feed into University strategies such as Learning and Teaching or Estates. Two main themes have been identified, as follows: Assessment; Feedback and Achievement and Resources for Learning and Teaching (staff related). Seven other broader categories have also been identified: curriculum design, development and content; student progression; retention and support; assuring and enhancing the quality of the students’ learning experience; the quality of learning opportunities; internationalisation; communication; and strategy and planning.

Action Requested

Academic Standards Committee is asked to note that requests to take forward individual recommendations have been made by the Senate Office following the Committee's consideration of the individual DPTLA reports. University level action is already in progress in relation to some of the key areas and is noted in the report.

Academic Standards Committee is asked to consider whether further University-wide action is required as follows:

• A review of the Guidelines for Writing Aims and Intended Learning Outcomes at the Programme and Course Level (see paragraph 2.1i above)

Action: Head of the Academic Development Unit, Learning and Teaching Centre;

• A review of University policy in relation to workload models to determine what is required of Faculties and Departments (see paragraph 2.2 ii above).

Action: Vice Principal (Strategy & Resources);

• Issuing a reminder to Heads of Departments, to ensure that probationary staff members’ allocated workloads are cognisant of the demands of the required training (see paragraph 2.2ii above).

Action: Director of Human Resources.

Academic Standards Committee is also asked to consider how to bridge the apparent gap at the departmental level in terms of awareness of, and engagement with, the University’s Learning and Teaching Strategic priorities (see paragraph 3.7, DPTLA Reviews 2008-09: Summary of Recommendations).

Recommended Person/s responsible for taking action(s) forward

As identified above.

Resource implications

None identified.

Timescale for Implementation

It is anticipated that actions will be undertaken within the course of session 2009-10.

Equality implications

None identified.