2.4 Executive Approval Pathway (SDF1)

1. The ‘Executive’ approval pathway is for proposals which are considered as major changes or restructures, development in an area of new provision, and where there are resource or university-level implications which require sign off by the University Executive.

Proposals should be discussed with the Head of Department and Faculty Pro-Vice Chancellor (FPVC) in the first instance.

The approval timetable and process.

2. Step 1: Planning round
ALL proposals should be considered through the Planning round prior to any business case or scheme development documentation being completed.

3. In exceptional cases only, where it has not been possible to present a proposal as part of the Planning round, the FPVC should discuss the proposal with the Pro Vice-Chancellor (ESE) and Head of Planning prior to any business case or scheme development documentation being completed. The PVC (ESE) and Head of Planning will determine whether a proposal should be approved in principle and proceed to the development of proposal documentation.

4. Step 2: Development and consideration of Business Case
Once the proposal has been considered and approved as part of the Planning round, the department should proceed to the development of the business case, in consultation with the Planning Department. The Business Case will be considered by the University Executive Group which will consider proposals in the context of strategy, business viability including costs, risks (including reputational risks), student numbers and practical considerations and will determine whether the proposal should go forward for academic consideration by the standing Academic Scrutiny Panel. The Planning Department should consult with GMSR, Information Services, the Library, Timetable Office, Estates & Facilities (including Accommodation Office) and the Academic Registrar in order to seek their input into the proposal documentation. Please contact the Planning Department (plastaff@aber.ac.uk) for further information.

5. Step 3: Development of SDF form and supporting documentation
Once the Business Case has been approved by the University Executive Group to proceed to academic scrutiny, the department should proceed to the development of the SDF1 form and remaining proposal documentation:

(i) Committee coversheet

(ii) Programme specification(s), including scheme/module learning outcomes mapped against assessment (SDF9)

(iii) Evidence of external consultation

(iv) Evidence of consultation with current students/ alumni

(v) New/restructured module approval forms, where appropriate, or links to existing modules

(vi) Nomination of an External Assessor Form (SDF7).

6. If the proposal is likely to affect provision in other subject areas, the department should also consult with the other departments.

7. Academic Registry will liaise with the External Assessor who will be required to complete a written report prior to the event for consideration at the Academic Scrutiny Panel: SDF8 External Assessor’s Report. This will be requested by Academic Registry once the External Assessor has accepted the invitation. External Assessors are not invited to attend the Panel unless issues arise from the report which require further discussion, then they may be consulted by video conference.

8. Step 4: Consideration at departmental and Faculty level
The fully completed SDF form, and supporting documentation, should be considered by the departmental Learning & Teaching Committee and the Faculty Executive Committee before being forwarded to the QA Team (qaestaff@aber.ac.uk) for consideration by the standing Academic Scrutiny Panel.

9. Step 5: Consideration by Academic Scrutiny Panel
Detailed consideration of the academic content, curriculum design and delivery, the student experience, learning resources, support, administration arrangements and formal sign-off of the proposal will be undertaken by the Academic Scrutiny Panel. The dates and deadline for papers for the Academic Scrutiny Panel can be found here: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/academic-registry/aqro-coms/academic-scrutiny-panel/#d.en.277088. It is suggested that proposals are submitted to QA in advance of the formal deadline for papers to enable the QA Team to review the proposal documentation and to allow time for any issues to be addressed prior to scrutiny by the Panel.