The Framework for Academic Collaborations has been developed to provide a comprehensive guide for the development, establishment and management of a range of academic collaborations. The Framework provides the context for academic collaborations, including strategic priorities and quality assurance requirements and responsibilities.

The University had a detailed set of requirements for the approval of academic collaborations, however, it had been identified that there was nothing equivalent available for withdrawal and termination (although the MoA does describe timescales).

The attached paper outlines the proposed termination procedure which will also form part of the Framework for Academic Collaborations. It sets out the possible ways a termination may be initiated; the actions required in each case and suggests who should be responsible for these actions and when. The procedure has been drafted following benchmarking with and research into practices at other institutions. The procedure may be subject to further enhancements as the University's experience develops.

RPSC considered the proposed procedure at its meeting on 17th May 2012 which has been updated to incorporate the views of RPSC. In addition, the views of other key University staff were sought in its development, for example, the Senior Vice-Principal; Vice-Principal Learning and Teaching; College Business Development Managers and representatives from RIO.

Academic Standards Committee is asked to consider and approve the attached procedure and action plan.

Jackie McCluskey and Wendy Muir.

Not applicable.

August 2012.

Equality and diversity issues, including cultural issues, have been taken into account in developing the Framework. The treatment of students on collaborative programmes would be consistent with the closure of a programme at Glasgow.