2.5 Non-Executive Approval Pathway (SDF2 / SDF4)

1. The ‘Non-Executive’ approval pathway is for proposals where there are no resource implications and therefore sign off is not required by the University Executive Group. Proposals considered via the non-executive approval pathway should include:

(i) New provision in an existing area (drawn from existing module provision) (SDF2)

(ii) New Major/Minor combinations and Joint Honours schemes (SDF4): please note that this route should only be followed to join two pre-existing approved major, minor or joint elements. Departments should follow the New Provision in an Existing Area or the Executive approval route to create new major, minor or joint elements.

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

3. Step 1: Approval in principle by PVC (ESE) and Head of Planning
The FPVC should discuss the proposal with the Pro Vice-Chancellor (ESE) and Head of Planning prior to 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 of SDF form and supporting documentation
Once the proposal has been approved by the PVC (ESE) and Head of Planning to proceed to academic scrutiny, the department should proceed to the development of the SDF form and remaining proposal documentation:

(i) Committee coversheet

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

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

5. Departments should consult with the Planning Department, 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; these services will be required to supply a short statement within the SDF form. Contact details for each of these departments can be found in the SDF form. Forms will not be accepted where it is clear that the department has completed these sections. It is imperative that the central service departments identified in the SDF forms have sight of the proposal at the development stage. If the proposal is likely to affect provision in other subject areas, the department should also consult with the other departments.

6. Step 3: Consideration at departmental and Faculty level
The fully completed SDF form, and supporting documentation, should be considered by the departmental Learning & Teaching Committee and Faculty Executive Committee before being forwarded to the QA Team (qaestaff@aber.ac.uk) for consideration by the standing Academic Scrutiny Panel.

7. Step 4: Consideration by Academic Scrutiny Panel
Detailed consideration of the academic content, curriculum design and delivery, the student experience, learning resources, support and 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.