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Quality Handbook
AQH-I3-3 Operations Manual Guidelines – Model C Version 4.0 October 2010
Operations Manualfor programmes approved
to be offered in partnership betweenthe University of Sunderland (the University)
and[PARTNER NAME] (the Partner)
in accordance with the University’s Collaborative Model C (Joint)
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Version History of Template (for QAE use only):
Version Occasion of Change
Change author
Date of modification
Modifications made
1.0 Original placed in Academic Quality Handbook
S Sutcliffe September 2008 Mainly references to new University structure
2.0 Updates to University collaborative processes
C GardnerO Palimeris
October 2009 – June 2010
Various, to reflect the new CP processes implemented 2009
3.0 Staff Changes S Patience September 2010 Section 2.1.3 updated
4.0 QMSC approved Roles of APLs Sept 2010
C Gardner 20.10.2010 Introduction updated
Implementation and Modification History (for Faculty use only):
Version Occasion of Change
Change author
Date of modification
Modifications made
Version signed off by Faculty (date & details)
EXAMPLE Issued to Partner on approval to run programme
xxxxxxxxx 20.1.10 Template annotated to incorporate more details of specific arrangements
FQMSC (minutes 15.02.10 refer)
1.0
Your support and co-operation will be very much appreciated, and any feedback you can provide on the effectiveness of the Operations Manual template would be gratefully received. Please contact Quality Assurance and Enhancement at the University of Sunderland.
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CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION..............................................................................42.0 MANAGEMENT OF THE PARTNERSHIP......................................43.0 DETAILS OF THE PROGRAMME & MODES OF DELIVERY........64.0 CONTACTS INFORMATION...........................................................65.0 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES..................................................86.0 LEARNING AND TEACHING..........................................................97.0 PUBLIC INFORMATION..................................................................98.0 ALLOCATION OF STUDENT NUMBERS.....................................109.0 RECRUITMENT AND ADMISSIONS.............................................1010.0 STUDENT INDUCTION.................................................................1211.0 PROGRAMME DELIVERY............................................................1312.0 ASSESSMENT...............................................................................1613.0 EXTERNAL EXAMINERS..............................................................1814.0 PROGRAMME & PARTNER REVIEW..........................................1815.0 STAFF DEVELOPMENT...............................................................1916.0 LEARNING RESOURCES.............................................................2017.0 HUMAN RESOURCES..................................................................2018.0 STUDENT SUPPORT....................................................................2119.0 STUDENT COMPLAINTS, APPEALS AND DISCIPLINARY
PROCEDURES..............................................................................2120.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE PROCEDURES & PROCESSES...........2221.0 EQUALITY & DIVERSITY..............................................................2222.0 TERMINATION..............................................................................2223.0 GLOSSARY OF TERMS..................................................................124.0 USEFUL LINKS.............................................................................38
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 This operations manual has been designed to promote common understandings about the respective roles and responsibilities of the Partner and University staff involved in the delivery, management, quality assurance, and co-ordination of the University’s collaborative programmes. Mutual understandings are essential to assure parity of the student experience, regardless of the site of delivery.
1.2 It is designed by the University in consultation with the Partner. The University and the Partner are jointly responsible for ensuring that this is issued to all staff who contribute towards programme delivery.
1.3 It amplifies the roles that staff in each organisation are expected to fulfil as laid down in the Memorandum of Agreement that governs this collaboration. Clauses from the Agreement are included as italicised sections throughout the Manual, beneath which the requirements are explained in more detail. It may also be useful to refer to the University’s Guidelines on the Role of Assistant Programme Leaders at Partner Institutions accessible through:https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-6167/AQH-I1-4a+Role+of+Assistant+Programme+Leader+at+Partner+Institutions.docThe Agreement has been drawn up to reflect the University of Sunderland’s Collaborative Processes - see: https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-5273/AQH-I1+Collaborative+approval+and+review+processes.doc
together with its Collaborative Models of Provision paper and relevant sections from the Quality Assurance Agency’s Code of Practice (e.g. Collaborative Provision & Flexible and distributed learning (including E-Learning) (published September 2004)). These Agreements are normally reviewed every six years. Please refer to the University’s Academic Quality Handbook for all guidelines referred to in this manual, see:http://services.sunderland.ac.uk/academic-services/academic-quality-handbook/
1.4 To optimise effective communications it is important that appropriate mechanisms are in place; e.g. for contacting relevant staff and to resolve issues in a timely manner. The University will produce a clear schedule of activities each year including the date and time etc of student induction sessions, Centre Leader Visits and relevant Board/meeting dates. For University guidance on the Roles of Centre Leaders please refer to https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-5250/AQH-I1-4+APPENDIX+4+The+Role+of+the+Centre+Leader.doc
2.0 MANAGEMENT OF THE PARTNERSHIP
2.1 In order to ensure appropriate liaison and management of the University programmes, the Partner will provide, as a minimum, appropriate administrative support and will ensure that an appropriate number and range of academic staff is attributed to the delivery of each programme covered by the Memorandum of Agreement. A maximum number of modules that an
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individual member of Partner academic staff may lead will normally be agreed by the appropriate University Faculty.
2.1.1 Management Structure: University Of Sunderland
Please refer to: http://services.sunderland.ac.uk/hr/staffdevelopment/induction/abouttheuniversity/
universitystructure/
for details of the University of Sunderland Management Structure.
2.1.2 Management Structure: The Partner [To Be Inserted]
2.1.3 Faculty Structure: University of Sunderland
The Faculty of Applied Sciences
Head of Department
Dean Associate Dean – Student Experience
Associate Dean – Resources, Research & External Engage-ment
Associate Dean – Recruitment & Development
Department of Computing, Engineering & Technology
Mr Alistair Irons
Prof John MacIntyre
Dr David Blackwell
Prof Tony Alabaster
Prof Rob Trimble
Department of Pharmacy, Health & Well-being
Dr Jim Smith
Department of Psychology
Dr David Sanders
Department of Sport & Exercise Sciences
Mr Bill Sheldon
The Faculty of Education and Society
Head of Department
Dean Associate Dean – Student Experience
Associate Dean – Resources, Research & External Engage-ment
Associate Dean – Recruitment & Development
Department of Education
Ms Christine Farnsworth
Prof Gary Holmes
Ms Maggie Stephenson
Mr Ian Neal Mrs Linda Wilson
Department of Social Sciences
Mr Kevin Morris
Department of Culture
Dr Felicity Breet
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The Faculty of Business and Law
Head of Department
Dean Associate Dean – Student Experience
Associate Dean – Resources, Research & External Engage-ment
Associate Dean – Recruitment & Development
Sunderland Business School
Mr Chris Marshall
Ms Viv Kinnaird
Mr Mike Wyvill
Dr Sonal Minocha
Mrs Sue Stirk
Department of Law
Dr Karen Hadley
Centre for Flexible Learning
Ms Pauline Wonders
The Faculty of Arts, Design and Media
Head of Department
Dean Associate Dean – Student Experience
Associate Dean – Resources, Research & External Engagement
Associate Dean – Recruitment & Development
Department of Arts & Design
Dr T Brennan Mr Graeme Thompson
Mr Phil Whiston
Prof Brian Thompson
Ms Judith Hills
Department of Media
Guy Starkey
3.0 DETAILS OF THE PROGRAMME & MODES OF DELIVERY
3.1 The AGREED University programmes (as defined by the relevant programme specification produced and approved by the University) will be offered at approved sites by Model C. For a full list of programmes/sites covered by this manual please refer to the Memorandum of Agreement – Quality Assurance and Schedule of Programmes Annexes, available on request from Quality Assurance and Enhancement.
4.0 CONTACTS INFORMATION
4.1 ‘Central’ and key Faculty University of Sunderland contacts (current as at March 2010)
Atkinson, Ms Shirley - Deputy Vice Chancellor
[email protected] tel: 0191 515 2460
Elliott, Mr Peter - Educational Partnerships Administrator,
[email protected] tel:: 0191 515 3892
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Recruitment and Business PartnershipsFidler, Professor Peter - Vice Chancellor
[email protected] tel: 0191 515 2036
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Gardner, Ms Carol - Senior Quality Assurance & Enhancement Officer, Officer to Higher Education in Further Education Practitioner’s Group and central contact for Foundation Degree Forward
[email protected] tel: 0191 515 2065
Greene, Ms Carole - Educational Partnerships Administrator, Recruitment and Business Partnerships
[email protected]: 0191 515 2806
Mennell, Professor Julie Deputy Vice Chancellor (from 1st September 2010)
To be advised
Ollerenshaw, Ms Beatrice – Director of Academic Services
[email protected] tel: 0191 515 2060
Patience, Ms Sue – Collaborative Provision Manager
[email protected] tel: 0191 515 2063
Pritchard, Mr Oliver – Assistant Director (Student & Learning Support)
[email protected] tel: 0191 515 2903
Reece, Ms Sue – Director of Student Recruitment and Business Partnerships
[email protected] tel: 0191 515 3803
Robertson, Ms Susie – Senior Quality Assurance & Enhancement Officer and Officer for Collaborative Practitioner’s Group
[email protected]: 0191 515 2069
Rowan, Mr Iain – Assistant Director of Academic Services
[email protected]: 0191 515 2433
Walters, Ms Andrea – Director of Human Resources
[email protected] tel: 0191 515 3427
4.2 Faculty, Department, And Programme University Of Sunderland Contacts:[WILL NEED EXPANDING IF PARTNER HAS RELATIONSHIPS WITH MORE THAN ONE FACULTY AND ALSO IN RESPECT OF EACH PROGRAMME COVERED BY THE MANUAL]
Dean of Faculty xxxxxxxxxxxxFaculty Associate Dean (Student Experience)
xxxxxxxxxxxx
Faculty Quality Management Sub-Committee Chair
xxxxxxxxxxxx
Centre Leader xxxxxxxxxxxxHE in FE Group nominee# xxxxxxxxxxxxProgramme Assessment Board Chair xxxxxxxxxxxxProgramme Board of Studies Chair xxxxxxxxxxxxModule Assessment Board Chair xxxxxxxxxxxxModule Board of Studies Chair xxxxxxxxxxxxProgramme Leader xxxxxxxxxxxxAdministrative staff? xxxxxxxxxxxxGeneral Enquiry Telephone number for the Faculty
xxxxxxxxxxxx
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4.3 Partner Contacts
HE in FE Group nominee#
# HE and FE Practitioner’s Group nominees (of the HE in FE Group) have agreed to act as a central channel of communication for their College/Faculty; e.g. to facilitate submission by the University (via the Faculty Quality Officer) of external examiner’s reports to relevant College staff via this named nominee.
5.0 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
5.1 The University has responsibility for:
The Award Quality assurance of the programmes and the quality of the student
experience The provision of the University Centre Leader and Programme and Module
Leaders at the University The quality assurance of the partnership The approval of Partner teaching staff Supporting staff development of Partner teaching staff The approval of public information including marketing materials Programme admission decisions and the registration of students to the
University’s student records system (SITS) The issuing of offer letters to students Information services support (providing any agreed access to the University’s
Library services) The appointment external examiners The organisation, management and operation of Assessment and Studies
Boards Amendment and discontinuation of programmes with agreed notice Provision of transcripts of results and final award parchments
5.2 The Partner has responsibility for:
Adhering to University policy and procedures The appointment of the Associate Programme Leader and other staff
attributed to teaching on the provision (in accordance with University criteria and approval), and related administrative staff
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Provision of staff/tutor induction and development at each Partner site of delivery
The co-ordination of student applications Student records management The marketing of the programme for local recruitment The submission of reports to the University and other, timely, information on
registered students as may be required The submission of public information including marketing materials to the
University for approval following any in-house Partner approval
5.3 The Partner and the University have responsibility for:
Programme planning, design and review (including proposing modifications to modules/programme and curriculum development for University approval)
Day-to-day management and coordination of operation of the provision across the approved site(s) of delivery
Information services support, e.g. ensuring agreed levels of library facilities at each site of delivery together with any other agreed specialist resources
Student Induction for University Programmes. Student academic and pastoral support. The co-ordination of staff and student feedback from each Partner site of
delivery
6.0 LEARNING AND TEACHING
6.1 Learning and teaching of the programme will be as described in the student handbook and programme and module guides
7.0 PUBLIC INFORMATION
7.1 General
The University reserves the right to publicise its collaborative programmes in its own publicity materials and in other publicity materials agreed with its partners.
7.2 Marketing and Promotion
7.2.1 The University will be responsible for: receiving and approving the accuracy of publicity materials prior to their implementation and regularly monitoring these and other information issued to registered or prospective students in respect of the collaborative provision.
7.2.2 The Partner will be responsible for:a) submitting to the University, publicity materials in respect of the
collaborative provision, for approval prior to their implementation;b) publicising locally the availability of the programme(s) and the
recruitment and admission arrangements.
7.3 Approval of Promotional and Marketing Materials – Process overview
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Partner Assistant Programme Leader seeks in-house approval of the proposed materials as appropriate.
Partner submits proposed materials to the University, via the Centre Leader, for approval, prior to implementation.
Centre Leader confirms University approval of materials to the Partner.
University Centre leader reviews materials, including web-based ones, in accordance with the University’s Collaborative Processes, drawing inaccuracies to Partner staff in the first instance and taking any remedial actions.
8.0 ALLOCATION OF STUDENT NUMBERS
8.1 The number of student places per annum will be agreed with the University in accordance with the Financial Annex to the Memorandum of Agreement.
9.0 RECRUITMENT AND ADMISSIONS
9.1 General
The University will be responsible for:a) liaison between the Partner and the University regarding the offering of
conditional (and, subsequently, unconditional) places on the programme(s);
b) issuing conditional and unconditional place offers, including admissions Terms and Conditions, (and, where appropriate, to specify the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score requirements) to student applicants in accordance with University programme regulations;
c) approving/declining non-standard entry applications in accordance with the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) procedures of the University.
The Partner will be responsible for:a) forwarding completed student application forms to the University prior
to the programme start date;b) communicating with the University regarding University approval of
non-standard entry applications.
All non-standard applications will be considered by the University. Students may not be admitted if these have not been approved by the University.
9.2 Entry Criteria
The normal entry criteria for admission to the agreed University programmes are detailed in the relevant University programme specifications and University of Sunderland academic regulations accessible through: https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-2781.
Any articulation routes will also need to be approved by the relevant University Faculty Quality Management Sub-Committee (FQMSC).
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9.3 The Application and Registration process
Please refer to the Faculty for further specific information and refer to University of Sunderland guidelines on submitting student applications accessible on:
http://services.sunderland.ac.uk/facilities/residentialservices/applyonline/guidancenotes/
9.4 Enrolment and Registration
9.4.1 The University will be responsible for:a) providing student registration forms to the Partner;b) ensuring that students are registered at the start of their programme
and accurately inputting student information onto the Student Records System (SITS);
c) generating a University student ID for all registered students and issue of a welcome pack to include an email account that will allow access to the University website;
d) designing data reports drawn from the University Student Records System (SITS) as necessary, e.g. to inform monitoring reports.
9.4.2 The Partner will be responsible for:a) returning completed student registration forms to the University;b) providing the University with accurate student progress information as
necessary in a timely fashion.
Attached to each offer letter will be a University New Student Enrolment Form that must be completed by the student as formal acceptance of their offer. The student must formally accept the offer, complete the enrolment form, and return it to the Partner for onward transmission to the University, via the University Centre Leader, for processing before the programme commences.
For September/October starts, students must be enrolled by 5 th October of that year. The University must have received a hard copy of the student’s Application Form by this date. Failure to do so will result in the student not being registered as a student of the University and not being able to commence his/her study; furthermore this means he/she will not be able to register for assessment, have access to library facilities and the Student Union.
9.5 Re-enrolment
All students whose studies cover more than one academic year will be required to re-enrol at the beginning of the subsequent year, once progression is confirmed by the University Programme Assessment Board.
The University will send “Re-enrolment” forms to the Partner, from where they will be forwarded to students as appropriate with instructions for completion. The Partner will ensure that Re-enrolment forms are completed by students and returned to the University via the Centre Leader in accordance with the deadline specified by the University.
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10.0 STUDENT INDUCTION
10.1 General
The University will be responsible for: inducting registered students as University of Sunderland students.
The Partner will be responsible for: inducting registered students to their programme of study.
10.2 Information to be provided for students
A student handbook should be issued to students at inductions that will be developed by the Partner following University guidelines but should include as a minimum:
Contact details for students (to be completed by the Partner and the University)
Study skills information Information about pastoral support Programme Regulations Procedures and Administration Information on student and learning support including careers advice Information on the University’s Library services and those of the Partner An assessment cover sheet A mitigation form Assignment extensions Changes to personal details Withdrawal from the programme Leave of absence Appeals and complaints procedures Health and safety information
This handbook will be updated as necessary by the Partner, in consultation with the University via the Centre Leader. It should be agreed with the University, via the Centre Leader, before distribution to students. All students will also be provided with appropriate information on their programme of study as specified by the University.
10.3 Student Induction programme content
Student induction will typically include:
Introduction to the Partner and the University – roles, access to facilities, contact details
Information regarding pastoral support An overview of programme structures and assessments Discussions on study and assignment writing skills The opportunity to discuss expectations and what students want to achieve
from the programme Advice on reading material Details on what students can expect from their tutors
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An overview of the programme regulations on re-assessment and mitigation, plagiarism etc
Administration information such as how to access the University of Sunderland Library services including on-line resources (where access to these is permissible)
Networking and introduction – sharing work experiences/expectations Election of representatives for the Partner staff/student liaison committee Student feedback mechanisms Schedule of assessment Consideration of results Procedure for publication of results
Further, more tailored induction, should be provided when students are transferring to the University to complete a higher level award.
11.0 PROGRAMME DELIVERY
11.1 The University will be responsible for:a) approving alterations to programme and/or module content, mode of
delivery and assessments;b) establishing, Chairing and managing Programme and Module Boards
of Studies as required for the programme and the associated modules;c) day-to-day management, co-ordination of operation and delivery of the
approved programme including any agreed teaching that will be based at the University.
11.2 The University and the Partner will be responsible for:a) designing and developing the structure and curriculum of the programme
and the associated modules approved to be delivered by the University and/or the Partner;
b) designing and issuing to all staff an Operations Manual detailing the precise arrangements to facilitate the delivery, quality assurance and management of the programme;
c) producing handbooks for students relevant to the programme of study;d) establishing a technology assisted learning environment for the
programme(s), e.g., to facilitate access to on-line facilities by registered students.
11.3 The Partner will be responsible for:a) day-to-day management, co-ordination of operation and delivery of the
approved programme including teaching that will be based at the Partner’s premises;
b) supervising work-based assessments, appropriate training for mentors and the risk assessment of practice placements where appropriate;
c) ensuring that all appropriate guides and handbooks are issued to students.
11.4 More broadly, the University is responsible for the day to day management, co-ordination of operation and delivery of the approved programme and its associated modules including any agreed teaching of full-time/part-time/full-time notional (as appropriate) sessions that may be based at the University. The Partner will be responsible for day to day management, co-ordination of operation and delivery of the programme (and its associated modules),
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including the teaching of full-time/part-time/full-time notional sessions that will be based at the partner’s premises.
11.4.1 Where appropriate, the Partner will be responsible for the supervision of work-based assessments, appropriate training for student mentors, and the risk assessment of practice placements.
11.4.2 The structure of the programme is included in the programme specification approved by the University. The University is responsible for the design and development of the structure of the programme and its composite modules. The University Academic Board (via the Faculty Quality Management Sub Committee) is responsible for approving any modifications to the programme. The University Programme Leader/Centre Leader will ensure that Partner staff, including the Assistant Programme Leader, are consulted should modifications to modules or the overall programme be proposed by the University during the year. Partner staff must be made aware of any changes to the University modules/programme so that any potential issues can be identified and addressed in advance of operation of the revised module. Should the Assistant Programme Leader wish to propose a modification this should be discussed in the first instance with the University Programme Leader/Centre Leader. (It would be useful if such changes could also be communicated to the University Library – particularly if these could affect the University’s library provision).
11.4.3 In addition, the University, via the Programme/Centre Leader will normally approve the module guides produced (in accordance with University guidelines) by each Partner Assistant Module Leader. Each module guide contains a breakdown of the total student learning hours. These are normally 200 for a 20 credit module, 100 for a 10 credit module etc. It is important that delivery of University programmes and modules is conducted in accordance with this module guide; e.g. in terms of student contact time. Any proposed deviations from this must be agreed by the University (via the University Programme/Centre Leader) in advance. Learning materials, technology assisted learning facilities including lesson plans will also be produced by the partner.
11.5 Calendar of Activities
The University Faculty administrative staff will normally advise partner staff as early as possible of the proposed dates of Programme and Module Boards. The dates of such Boards should be incorporated within an annual plan of operations so that all staff are aware of these at the start of each year. The following template should be annotated, applied and updated annually:
Note: This grid (into which approximate dates have been inserted) is intended to provide an overview of typical activities involving collaborative provision that take place during each year. Exact dates and specific activities e.g. the type and frequency of Development Day Sessions and the timing of programme boards will be determined by each Faculty and the grid below annotated accordingly.
Date/time University Meeting/Activity Faculty meeting/activity Location01/07/2009 Collaborative annual monitoring
report guidelines for Models A, B and C issued to partners by Quality Assurance and Enhancement (QAE)
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01/08/2009 Student Handbooks for 2009-10 students finalised and approved as necessary
01/08/2009 Operations Manual updated as necessary for 2009-10 issued to all Partner and University staff who contribute to the provision
01/09/2009 Guidelines for Strategic Partner Overview Reports issued to partners by QAE
01/09/2009 Student Induction Sessions08/09/2009 Development Day between
Partner & University teaching staff
21/09/2009 Autumn Term begins (new students)
24/09/2009 Programme Refer/Defer Board 28/09/2009 Autumn Term begins (returning
students)15/10/2009 Development Day between
Partner & University teaching staff
31/10/2009 Annual Monitoring Reports for Models B and C programmes received by QAE
19/11/2009 Development DayIncluding Programme Studies Board
20/11/2009 University of Sunderland HEFEPG meeting including enhancement session 1
30/11/2009 Annual Monitoring Reports for Model A programmes received by QAE
03/12/2009 University Graduation Ceremony04/12/2009 University Graduation Ceremony17/12/2009 Development Day between
Partner & University teaching staff (Faculty of Education & Society)
18/12/2009 Autumn Term Ends31/12/2009 Strategic Partner Overview
Reports received by QAE11/01/2010 Spring Term Begins21/01/2010 Moderation of assessment
meeting
01/02/2010 Programme Assessment Board
18/02/2010 Partner Cluster Development Day
20/02/2010 University Open Day05/03/2010 University Open Day18/03/2010 Partner Cluster Feedback day,
Sharing Good Practice
23/03/2010 University of Sunderland HEFEPG meeting including enhancement session 2
26/03/2010 Spring Term Ends19/04/2010 Summer Term Begins
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22/04/2010 Moderation of Assessment 20/05/2010 Development Day
and Programme Studies Board
09/06/2010 University Open Day10/06/2010 Moderation of Assessment 11/06/2010 University Open Day24/06/2010 University of Sunderland
Collaborative Conference24/06/2010 University of Sunderland
HEFEPG meeting including enhancement session 3
02/07/2010 Summer Term Ends12/07/2010 University Graduation Ceremony21/08/2010 University Open Day
Similarly, the partner should inform University staff in advance of ‘in-house’ meetings taking place that require input from the University. Partners are invited to attend University boards in studies mode but it is particularly important that they attend Assessment Boards given this is where student grades are agreed. The constitution of University boards is laid out in University guidelines in its Academic Quality Handbook available on the University’s website. Partner and University staff, particularly the Programme Leader, Centre Leader and Assistant Programme Leader, should ensure they understand the implications of the Memorandum of Agreement for the operation of the provision.
12.0 ASSESSMENT
Note: Students will be subject to the rules, procedures, and regulations of the University governing appeals in relation to assessment decisions.
12.1 The University will be responsible for:
a) establishing, Chairing and managing Programme and Module Assessment Boards;
b) approving and moderating course assessments;c) assuring the recording of and notification of assessment results to
students; d) issuing award parchments and transcripts to students. The award
parchment produced for successful students by the University shall state that the student has achieved the award as specified in the Memorandum of Agreement.
12.2 The University and the Partner will be responsible for: setting and marking course assessments.
12.3 The Partner will be responsible for:a) conducting assessments in accordance with the relevant University
guidelines such as those for invigilation procedures;b) ensuring that best practice is followed to guarantee the security of
assessment processes and to minimise the risk of any forms of malpractice on the part of the candidates including processes for verification of the authenticity of the work submitted;
c) ensuring that appropriate examination venues are provided which meet academic requirements and comply with health and safety legislation;
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d) notifying students of assessment arrangements including time and date, venue and behaviour protocols;
e) notifying students of course assignment deadlines and ensuring the secure receipt of coursework.
12.4 Assessment Policy
Students studying University programmes will be assessed in accordance with the University’s Assessment Policy. This and the University’s Generic Assessment Criteria are accessible on: (Assessment Policy) https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-2999/AQH-F6++Assessment+Policy+2008.pdf
(Generic Assessment Criteria) https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-3101/
AQH- B5+Generic+Assessment+Criteria.pdf
12.5 Model of assessment
12.5.1 The processes by which University and Partner staff will assess and moderate the assessed work of students will be in accordance with the model agreed between the University and Partner and the University’s minimum threshold standards articulated within the University’s Marking Policy accessible on https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-2986/AQH-F6-4+Marking+Policy.pdf. The precise means by which this will be applied for the provision is as follows: [BELOW IS AN EXAMPLE WHICH NEEDS TO BE WORKED UP IN RESPECT OF THE SPECIFIC PARTNER – THE SAMPLE BELOW IS FOR A PARTNER NEW TO OFFERING A FOUNDATION DEGREE]
Levels 1 and 2
(i) The University will provide all assessments tasks (including examinations) and marking schemes (for level 1 and 2) for all assessed work (to be reviewed after the first year of operation).
(ii) Module Leaders at the University will write assessments for all modules whilst also providing Partner with sample assessment questions for each module.
(iii) Partner will mark assignments and examinations (for level 1 and 2) according to the approved marking schemes.
(iv) In the first year of operation, the University will undertake 100% moderation of assessment (coursework and examinations) marked by Partner staff for levels 1 and 2.
12.5.2 All assessments will be submitted in line with dates agreed by the University and in accordance with University regulations.
12.5.3 The Partner is responsible for managing the assessment submission process for the programmes operating at their centre, for enforcing University mitigating circumstances policies and for ensuring all relevant information in this regard is communicated to the appropriate Assessment Board at the University.
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12.6 Timing and Delivery of Assessment
12.6.1 The University will publish an assessment schedule which will be reviewed as part of the Programme Annual Monitoring process. Assessment will take place at approved Partner sites. Where the assessment is an examination it will be held under conditions laid down by the University.
12.6.2. The Partner is required to comply with the University’s Assessment Policy, e.g. with regard to invigilation procedures and safeguarding processes – see link above at 12.3.
12.7 Transcripts and Parchments
12.7.1 The University will be responsible for producing transcripts and parchments for successful students. Students who successfully complete their studies will be issued with a transcript which states that the student has been awarded a University of Sunderland award studied at the Partner site, and the award parchment they are issued with will make reference to that transcript. The University retains the right to make amendments to the parchment in the event of the introduction of any future requirements of the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).
13.0 EXTERNAL EXAMINERS
13.1 The University will be responsible for:a) appointing external examiners for the programme;b) issuing completed external examiner reports to the partner;c) progressing actions arising from the reports, in consultation with the
partner where applicable.
13.2 The Partner will be responsible for:a) providing access to information, students and staff if required to enable
the External Examiners to fulfil their role in accordance with University guidelines;
b) co-operating in actioning the recommendations of the external examiner as required.
13.3 The University Quality Assurance and Enhancement Office receives all external examiner reports and submits these to relevant Faculty Quality Officers upon receipt.
13.4 The Faculty Quality Officer submits the External Examiner Reports to the named central contact at the Partner upon receipt (i.e. the nominated individual of the Higher Education in Further Education Practitioner’s Group).
13.5 Named Partner central contact organises Partner level scrutiny of the
External Examiner Reports and submits these to relevant teaching staff as soon as possible.
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14.0 PROGRAMME & PARTNER REVIEW
14.1 The University will be responsible for:a) organising review panel membership for partner and programme
reviews;b) establishing the review requirements and the schedule of review visits;c) advising the Partner of requirements for the review process, including
documentation, meeting arrangements and access to facilities.
14.2 The Partner will be responsible for:a) providing documentation required by the University for reviews within
the timeframe specified;b) providing access for individuals and review teams to meet with staff
and students either in person or by electronic means, and to premises to review any resources which support the programme(s) concerned.
14.3 Each programme and the partnership as a whole will be subject to review by the University at intervals and in accordance with processes that will be determined by the University. The review cycle for the partnership will include annual review, periodic review (on a six-yearly cycle prior to the expiry of the Memorandum of Agreement) and an interim three-yearly review.
14.4 Each partner will inform the other in advance of forthcoming external inspection visits (e.g. by Quality Assurance Agency or the British Accreditation Council) and of the outcomes of these once they are completed.
14.5 In relation to the annual monitoring of the provision:
14.5.1 The University will be responsible for:a) issuing annual monitoring guidelines and forms to the Partner;b) receiving and reviewing completed annual reports from the Partner;c) producing an overall monitoring report for the programme which will
be provided to the partner and progressed in accordance with the University’s programme annual monitoring arrangements.
14.5.2 The Partner will be responsible for:a) submitting to the University annual reports in accordance with University
guidelines in a timely fashion covering the programme(s) delivered and the partnership;
b) providing and analysing any data required to support the reporting process which is in the possession of the partner organisation.
14.5.3 The University and the Partner will be responsible for: progressing any actions identified to enhance the quality of the provision.
15.0 STAFF DEVELOPMENT
15.1 The University will be responsible for: Inviting Partner staff to attend certain staff development activities organised by the University, e.g. collaborative conferences.
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15.2 The Partner will be responsible for: ensuring that Partner staff assigned to teaching on the programme(s) engage in continuous professional development or scholarly activity/research to maintain the currency of their knowledge at an academic level above that which they are responsible for delivering to students.
15.3 It is useful if dates of specific staff development sessions are included in the annual plan of operations (see sample at 11.5 above)
16.0 LEARNING RESOURCES
16.1 Registered students are entitled to full membership of the University Student’s Union and will have access to the Partner and University libraries including electronic access to the University’s library resources in respect of students who are included in the University’s return to HEFCE.
16.2 The Partner will be responsible for: ensuring local information services support and library facilities and maintaining agreed levels of core materials.
16.3 The Partner’s policies in relation to the provision of learning resources will apply to students whilst they remain studying on their programme at the Partner site.
17.0 HUMAN RESOURCES
17.1 The University will be responsible for: approving the appointment of staff teaching on the programme(s) in accordance with University criteria in advance of their commencing to teach on the programme(s).
17.2 The Partner will be responsible for:a) providing to the University the CVs of staff whom it proposes to
engage to support delivery of the programme for approval by the University in advance of their appointment;
b) submitting details of proposed changes to teaching staff to the University for approval in advance of their implementation;
c) recording any teaching staff changes in the annual monitoring report;d) maintaining a team of a suitable number and range of staff teaching
on the programme(s).
17.3 Approval of Staff, Induction, and Development
17.3.1 The Partner will put forward the CVs of staff whom it is proposed will teach on the agreed University programmes. The Partner will also submit to the University for approval, via the Centre Leader, a Matrix for each programme to be delivered at that Partner site, detailing the names of tutors whom it proposes will lead each programme and teach each of the programme modules.
17.3.2 Tutors recruited to teach on the approved programmes are expected to have at least one year’s experience of teaching at higher education level at a level above that for which they will be responsible for delivering.
17.3.3 Where staff are appointed subsequent to the initial validation, the above procedure should be followed. Approved staff changes should be recorded in
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the annual monitoring report produced by the Partner. All staff appointed should undergo an approved process of staff induction/development.
17.3.4 The Faculty will provide on request a curriculum vitae checklist and essential and desirable criteria.
18.0 STUDENT SUPPORT
18.1 The University will be responsible for: approving, and having oversight of, the arrangements which the Partner implements for the welfare of students on a general, and on an individual basis.
18.2 The Partner will normally be responsible for: providing support to students on the programme, including appropriate levels of support for disabled students, careers advice and guidance, pastoral support, counselling and study skills advice, as appropriate.
18.3 The Partner will be the first point of contact for all student queries regarding academic and pastoral support which will be directed through the relevant contact person as detailed in the Partner specific student handbook.
18.4 It is the Partner’s responsibility to ensure that students are fully aware of who the relevant contact at the Partner is for their queries.
19.0 STUDENT COMPLAINTS, APPEALS AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
19.1 All complaints should be progressed in the first instance through the complaints procedure of the Partner. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of the complaint at this stage he/she may complain to the University in relation to issues concerning the delivery or assessment of the programme or the resources provided directly to support study on the programme. Other issues including non-academic matters may not be referred to the University.
19.2 Appeals against an assessment decision must be made to the University using its procedures.
19.3 Students are subject to the rules, procedures, and regulations governing conduct and Discipline of the Partner institution at which they are studying. However, where a disciplinary matter has implications for academic quality and standards (for example, in the case of assessment irregularities), the Partner must refer this to the University and address the issue in consultation with the University through the University’s processes. In such a case the University has the right to exercise the ultimate sanction of withdrawing a student from the programme.
19.4 The University is responsible for:a) giving the Partner access to its process documentation;b) approving the processes managed by the Partner.
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19.5 The Partner is responsible for:a) maintaining robust but fair and transparent complaints and disciplinary
processes; b) ensuring that students understand the Complaints and Appeals
procedures open to them and the disciplinary rules which apply, and that they have easy access to the relevant processes and associated documentation.
20.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE PROCEDURES & PROCESSES
20.1 Quality Visits
20.1.1 The University will undertake an agreed programme of visits to the Partner as specified in the University’s Collaborative Processes: Roles of Centre Leaders Section, see:
https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-5273/AQH-I1+Collaborative+approval+and+review+processes.doc.
20.2 Staff Induction and Development
20.2.1 The exact issues to cover in staff induction will vary for each Partner, however, issues to cover will typically include:
Learning and teaching issues; learning outcomes etc Academic regulations Academic support for students Assessment/feedback on assessment Quality Assurance issues/annual monitoring requirements etc Collection of student feedback Plagiarism and cheating Complaints procedure Access to University on line library facilities
20.3 Athens Accounts for Model C tutors
20.3.1 Approved tutors who teach on Model C programmes may be eligible to apply for a University of Sunderland Associate Lecturer Athens Account. The Athens Account will provide access to certain University e-resources for the purpose of supporting University of Sunderland students.
20.3.2 To apply for an Athens Account, tutors should print, complete, and sign the registration forms available from the Academic Staff at Partner Partners area of the library web pages (Library Services at https://my.sunderland.ac.uk). If tutors require any assistance please contact: [email protected]
21.0 EQUALITY & DIVERSITY
21.1 The University of Sunderland operates a strict equality and diversity policy. The University values the promotion of equality and diversity and will therefore not tolerate discriminatory practices. Copies of the University’s position policies on this is available on the University’s Equality and Diversity website:http://services.sunderland.ac.uk/hr/equalityanddiversity/
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22.0 TERMINATION
22.1 Should a programme cease to operate at the Partner, the University may invoke its Termination Procedures as specified in the Memorandum of Agreement.
22.2 If the Partner fails to recruit within two years of approval, or thereafter temporarily fails to operate for two academic years, the Partner should contact the University Centre Leader who will discuss the re-approval processes that will be applied before the lapsed programme can recommence to operate with Quality Assurance and Enhancement.
23.0 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
This section defines the terms used in collaborative delivery in the University and other terms commonly associated with quality assurance in higher education. Most of this terminology is based on that used by the CVU and the QAA in its Code Of Practice for the assurance of academic quality and standards in higher education. Some terms are derived from those employed by other higher education organisations with particular expertise in their field.
ADC Academic Development Committee (University of Sunderland)AEC Academic Experience Committee (University of Sunderland)AFC Academic Futures Committee (University of Sunderland)Annual monitoring
is a process whereby staff and students (and possibly others) annually assemble and evaluate data on the operation of the partnership and or the programme, or part thereof, and provide analytical comments on the data and relevant events relating to the operation of the provision.
APL Accreditation of Prior LearningAssessment is a process whereby formal judgement can be made by examiners of the
achievement of students against the learning outcomes established in the approved curriculum, using the assessment scheme approved when the programme was validated.
Assessment Criteria
describe how well a student has to be able to achieve the intended learning outcome, either in order to pass (in a simple pass/fail system) or in order to be awarded a particular grade.
Award denotes a degree, diploma, certificate, or other similar formal mark of recognition of successful completion of a programme of study. Some awards also qualify their holders in more specific ways: for example, a degree may permit or facilitate entry to a particular vocation or profession, or exempt the holder from part or all of a professional examination. In these circumstances an award may also be a qualification.
Awarding institution
means a university or other higher education institution empowered to award degrees, diplomas, certificates, or credits by virtue of authority given to it by statute, Royal charter or the Privy Council or under licence from another body. (The Department for Education and Employment publishes official lists of those UK universities and colleges with degree-awarding powers and also of those colleges which offer courses leading to the degrees of other institutions).
Cohort describes a group of students or learners who start their period of study together and, subject to satisfying assessment requirements, progress in tandem through the programme.
Collaborative provision
refers to the relationships between higher education institutions, with power to award degrees and diplomas (awarding institutions) and the institutions or organisations providing the tuition or support to the students (partner organisations).
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Core module is a module which all students taking a particular programme are required to pass.
CPD Continuing Professional DevelopmentCredit provides a means of quantifying assessed learning outcomes achievable in a
given number of notional learning hours and at a given level.Delivery of a programme
embraces teaching, management, administration, and assessment of a programme of study.
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Double marking
is where an assessment is marked twice by two different people. This may be done blind where neither person knows each other’s mark and this is the normal practice with projects/dissertations/theses.
EFL English as a Foreign LanguageElective/Option module
is a module undertaken as a free choice which may be outside the primary area of study
External Adviser
Appointed by the University of Sunderland to inform approval and periodic review of partnerships (see University collaborative processes in the Academic Services section of the University’s website for further details)
External Examiner
is a cognate subject specialist from another institution or from practice, of suitable academic standing, appointed by the University Academic Board to serve for a defined period, to confirm the standards of student performance within programmes leading to a specified award. In modular programmes, an external examiner responsible for the standards of the award as a whole might not be expert in the specific subjects concerned, but be expert in the quality assurance of awards.
Formative Assessment
is an assessment which is intended to be informative only, with the prime purpose of helping students to improve.
FQMSC Faculty Quality Management Sub-CommitteeFTE Full-time EquivalentHEA Higher Education AcademyHEFCE Higher Education Funding Council for EnglandHESA Higher Education Statistics Agency which is the national UK body responsible
for collecting statistical data relating to all aspects of higher education, including students.
IIP Investors in PeopleIQER Integrative Quality Enhancement Review of FE Colleges where its HE
provision is funded by HEFCE – conducted by Quality Assurance AgencyJANET Joint Academic NetworkJISC Joint Information Systems CommitteeLearning materials
are materials produced in one of a number of media that designed to engage the learner in active participation in the learning process. These would normally be activity based and quality assured for learning design and subject content.
Learning outcome
is an assessed result of a programme, module or unit of assessment which all successful students will have achieved. An intended learning outcome is an assessed result of a programme, module or unit of assessment which all successful students should have achieved.
Learning resources
are a range of material accessible to the learner in print, CD ROM, video, audio or on line format. Sources include libraries and web sites.
Learning support
is support provided by a tutor either face to face or electronically mediated that specifically facilitates student learning in their own subject and performance in assessment. Skills gained may be transferable to other situations.
Memorandum of Agreement
is a document agreed by an awarding institution and a partner organisation which covers those matters which govern the formal relationship between the two institutions and provides a framework within which programmes of study can be approved and/or delivered.
Moderation of assessment (internal and external)
is where a moderator takes samples (usually about 10%) of marked assessments from the whole range of achievement and verifies the first marker’s conclusions.
Module is a discrete unit of assessed learning with coherent aims and learning outcomes.
Notional learning time
refers to the length of learning time which it is estimated will be taken on average to achieve the specified learning outcomes
NUS National Union of StudentsOFSTED Office for Standards in EducationPathway is used to describe a recognised route through a programme of study.
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PDAP Partnership Development and Approval Panel (University of Sunderland)PI Performance IndicatorPre-requisite module
is a module which students are required to pass, or be credited with, prior to proceeding to a specific module. Pre-requisites are not permitted within a level.
Professional, Regulatory and Statutory Bodies (PSRBs)
are organisations which approve or recognise specific programmes in the context of the requirements for professional qualification. Some such organisations have a prescribed statutory responsibility to approve or recognise programmes and/or to determine the academic standards and professional or vocational components of such programmes.
Programme is a complete study route with its own aims and learning outcomes made up from combinations of modules and which leads to a recognised and approved academic award.
Periodic Partnership Review
Is the process by which the University conducts a review of the Partnership, normally every six years.
Periodic Programme review
is the process whereby internal and external academic and professional peers and students (and possible others) evaluate the operation of the programme and achievements of the students over a period of years. It provides for greater reflection on the operation of the programme than any single annual monitoring activity.
Programme specification
provides a concise statement about the intended learning outcomes from a particular programme, information about the teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable the learning outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated, and shows how the modules and units of study which make up a programme will relate to levels of achievement recognised in the qualification frameworks.
QAA Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education QAE Quality Assurance & EnhancementQMSC Quality Management Sub-CommitteeQualifications frameworks
describe the structures being developed by QAA within which it is intended that all UK higher education qualifications and awards should be located.
Quality assurance
is the means through which an institution confirms that the conditions are in place for students to achieve the standards set by the institution or other awarding body.
SLA Service Level AgreementStudent Transcript
is a record of the credits achieved by a student and may include other aspects of the student experience (e.g., language and location of study and assessment). It is issued as quantitative evidence to support an award certificate.
Subject benchmark information
is a term used to define explicit national statements of academic standards or outcomes, at subject level. Subject benchmark information of this type provides a reference point against which outcomes can be measured.
Summative assessment
sums up a student’s achievement and is largely concerned with making evaluative judgements
TQM Total Quality ManagementTDA Training and Development Agency for Schools UCAS Universities & Colleges Admissions ServiceVFM Value for MoneyVirtual Learning Environment (VLE)
is a piece of software comprising a number of features that together deliver content, communicate with learners, and track student interaction.
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24.0 USEFUL LINKSPlease advise Quality Assurance & Enhancement of any broken links.
Organisation/Link Web AddressAim Higher http://www.aimhigher.ac.uk/home/British Council, The http://www.britcoun.org/Department for Education http://www.education.co.uk/Foundation Degree Website http://www.foundationdegree.org.uk/Edexcel (e.g. for HND/C information) www. edexcel .org.uk Foundation Degree Forward http://www.fdf.ac.uk/Foundation Degree Forward Journal http://www.fdf.ac.uk/FDFjournal2.pdfHigher Education Academy http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency) http://www.hesa.ac.uk/Higher Education Funding Council forEngland (HEFCE)
http://www.hefce.ac.uk/
Learning Skills Council (LSC) www. lsc .gov.uk/ LSC inspectorate reports http://lsc.wwt.co.uk/documents/inspectionreports/Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted). http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/QAA – Home Page http://www.qaa.ac.uk/QAA – Academic Infrastructure http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/
default.aspQualifications Curriculum Authority (QCA) http://www.qca.org.uk/Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) website http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Quality Assurance Agency Code of Practice:Disabled Students section
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/codeOfPractice/section3/Section3Disabilities2010.pdf
Scottish Qualifications Authority www. sqa .org.uk Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS) http://www.ucas.ac.uk/Universities UK http://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/University of Sunderland home page http://www.sunderland.ac.uk/University of Sunderland Learning Matters website http://services.sunderland.ac.uk/learningmatters/University of Sunderland Academic Services: Academic Quality Handbook website link
http://services.sunderland.ac.uk/academic-services/academic-quality-handbook/
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