Higher Education Review in Wales 2016: Action Plan
|
Reference |
Recommendation |
Target Date |
Action taken |
|
(Expectations B5, B1 and B8) |
Ensure the systematic involvement of students as partners in programme approval and review, and the enhancement of the student experience. |
September 2016 |
The Academic Quality Handbook for 2016/17 includes student membership of panels for the following university level QA exercises: - Institute and Department Performance Audit - Periodic Scheme Review - Scheme Approval Panels The Academic Quality and Records Office will be conducting induction/training sessions for student panel members during the course of the year, working with the Students’ Union. The University has also ensured that students are included as members of Learning & Teaching Committees at institute level.
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|
(Expectations B9, B6 and C) |
Ensure that a consistent approach to academic appeals is practised within and across institutes. |
September 2016 |
The University has introduced a new template for all undergraduate departmental student handbooks for 2016/17, including a common section on academic appeals. Final versions have been reviewed by the Academic Quality and Records Office to ensure consistency and adherence to university procedures.
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|
(Expectations B11, B3 and B6) |
Ensure that all postgraduate research students receive appropriate training before undertaking teaching and assessment. |
September 2016 |
A new programme of induction for all postgraduate research students is being introduced in September 2016. Core elements of are compulsory for all students, and the programme will be supplemented by department or subject specific training. The University is also introducing a central register of PGR students who teach.
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|
(Expectations C and B9) |
Ensure consistency of core information provided to students in handbooks within and across institutes. |
September 2016 |
The University has introduced a new template for all undergraduate departmental student handbooks for 2016/17. This includes common sections on key core areas including attendance requirements, gathering student feedback, assessment of coursework and the role of external examiners. Final versions have been reviewed by the Academic Quality and Records Office to ensure consistency and adherence to university procedures.
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|
(Enhancement) |
Consolidate and clearly articulate strategic priorities for the enhancement of learning opportunities at institute level. |
March 2017 |
The University has developed a new enhancement plan entitled ‘Transforming Assessment for Student Success’, which was approved by Academic Board in March 2017. This will focus on assessment & feedback, dovetailing with existing university initiatives and Learning & Teaching committees at Institute level. The enhancement plan will be monitored by Academic Board, which has oversight of the University’s enhancement agenda.
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(Expectation B8) |
The steps being taken to implement formal periodic review processes at programme level.
|
No date |
Following a pilot of the Periodic Scheme Review (PSR) method during 2015, the final procedure has been approved by Academic Board. PSR is now in operation and a schedule of forthcoming reviews has been issued to Institutes |