UNIVERSITY OF WALES INSTITUTE, CARDIFF
LEARNING & TEACHING BOARD – TUESDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2001
MINUTES
Present: Mrs Jacqui Hare (Chair), Prof Allan Birchenough, Mr David Campy,
Mr Tom Cockburn, Mr Phil Coleman, Ms Carol Cooper, Ms Gerry Eland,
Mr Chris George, Ms Kay Howells, Mr Mike James, Mr Gabriel Jezierski,
Ms Alison O’Reilly, Mr Mike Rathkey, Ms Susan Tangney, Mr Richard Tong,
Dr Robert Williams, Mr Steve Young.
1. Apologies: Apologies were received from Dr Geoff Bond, Mr Steve Burnett, Ms Anne Cleverly,
Mrs Bea Cockroft, Ms Joan Crabtree, Dr Neville Gaunt, Ms Annie Grove-White,
Ms Sheilagh Gunston, Dr Barry Hare, Dr Tahseen Rafik, Mr Paul Thomas,
Ms Ellie Watkin.
The Board sent their best wishes for a speedy recovery to the three colleagues who
were away sick at present – Ms Joan Crabtree, Dr Neville Gaunt and
Dr Tahseen Rafkik.
2. Minutes of the Meeting held on 6 December 2000
The Minutes of the meeting held on 6 December 2000 were approved as a correct record subject to the
following amendments:
3.6 Blackboard (Level 2) at top of page 2 should read “...so that he and the Dean of Information
Strategy ...”.
6.2 on page 4 - 20 November 200 should read 20 November 2000.
Also under the Action point for 6.2, and at the request of the Director of Academic Affairs – “Mr
Keith Hackwood” should read “Academic Office”.
The last paragraph, page 7, should read Tuesday 13 February and not Wednesday 13 February.
3. Matters Arising:
3.1 An Institute Wide Modern Foreign Language Policy (IWMFLP)
Elective Modules had been advertised for Semester 2.
3.2 QAA Subject Reviews
The Chair reported that four dates for QAA Workshops had now been planned:
Friday 2 March 9.15 am – 12.45 pm at Cyncoed Campus
Tuesday 6 March 2.00 – 5.00 pm at Fairwater Conference Centre
Tuesday 13 March 2.00 – 5.00 pm at Fairwater Conference Centre
Thursday 22 March 9.15 am – 12.45 pm at Fairwater Conference Centre
Staff Development Unit had circulated details to Schools and Units and to other target
audiences. Any staff wanting more information should contact Ms Alison O’Reilly. These
initial workshops would be followed by more detailed preparations.
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3.3 Examination Boards
Regarding the centralisation of booking arrangements for External Examiners,
Ms Lesley Douglas, Academic Registry, had received responses from six Directors of
Learning & Teaching. Five Schools would opt for central administrative support, one School
wished to continue to make their arrangments via their own office. Mr Steve Young reported
that he had received a positive feedback from the School of Art & Design but thought that the
system should be monitored regularly. Comments were that centralised administration
should be provided from existing resources and that careful consideration should be given to
the management of such an arrangement. An additional suggestion had been made for an e-
mail conferencing facility for external examiners to share comments and ideas. Academic
Registry stated that they would be happy to co-operate with Schools’ requirements.
Action: The Board agreed that the Academic Registry should proceed with a central
system.
3.4 Blackboard (Level 2)/IT Infrastructure
Mr Jezierski reported that meetings were underway with Schools and would be reported to
the next meeting of the Board.
3.5 Student Evaluation
Progress had been made and some software was available that would deliver a form of
student evaluation on-line. Modules should be evaluated in whatever form schools thought
appropriate, there was no UWIC policy as such except that evaluation must take place.
Action: Learning & Teaching Support Unit to report at the Workshop to take place on
2 March 2001.
3.6 Update on Developments – Mr Gabriel Jezierski
With regard to Blackboard, Mr Jezierski reported that the Working Group had been
convened and had had its first meeting. On Flexible and Distributed Learning, Prof Colin
Harrison from the Open Learning Foundation had spoken at the L&T Board Workshop on 15
December.
3.7 Research Ethics Committee
Schools reiterated the need for such a committee and suggested that a common UWIC
committee would be appropriate.
Action: Chair to write to Director of Academic Affairs on behalf of the Board
reiterating concerns and the requirement for sharing good practice and agreement that
a common UWIC wide system be established.
3.8 Library Resourcing
The Chair reiterated the procedure for addressing resource issues ie they should be addressed
via School Management and Planning Teams to Link Directors.
4. Update on Developments – Mr Gabriel Jezierski
4.1 Blackboard (Level 2)
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Mr Jezierski reported that Blackboard was now running and it was hoped that
Ms Colleen Connor’s module would be the first UWIC course using it. The Portal Working
Group had also met. Meetings with Schools were taking place to discuss the identification of
modules to be put on line.
There would be a phased staff development programme. Arrangements were being made
with Blackboard representatives to come to UWIC on 6, 7 and 8 March. Each session could
accommodate 15 members of staff and Mr Jezierski would like three names from each School
of staff who would be prepared to attend. Learning & Teaching Support Unit and Staff
Development Unit staff would be also visiting Schools to give training.
Regarding student development it was felt that staff should be capable of orientating their
own students. However, brief guides could be provided by L&T Support Unit. A
combination of different forms of training would be appropriate. Directorate had requested a
development plan for Blackboard to include all aspects of costings. It was important to bring
the development plan to the Board before it goes to Directorate.
Action: A development plan to be brought to next Learning & Teaching Board.
4.2 Learning & Teaching Development Fund
The Learning Development Sub Group had met to review submissions for Call 3. The
following projects were being funded, subject to some amendments to proposals:
Peer Assessment – Production of a school-based video and workbook on peer assessment in
the School of Sport, PE and Recreation undertaken within the School;
Peer Assessment – Production of a video and workbook on peer assessment with example
teaching practice from a range of schools co-ordinated by the School of Lifelong Learning;
Student search skills online – Production of a package to develop student search skills
online undertaken by the Library Division;
Work Placement – Creation of an information resource (portal) within Blackboard on work
placement.
Professor Allan Birchenough would also be using funding to develop a UWIC-wide MRes
which would be of benefit to all Schools.
A UWIC Innovations in Learning & Teaching event would take place on 6 July.
4.3 Flexible and Distributed Learning
Regarding withdrawal from the Open Learning Foundation (OLF), Prof Colin Harrison had
attended an L&T Workshop to explain the benefits of being a member. Notice of withdrawal
had been given and the Chair asked if this could be an Agenda item for L&T Committees in
Schools. If we did not receive any feedback UWIC would be withdrawing membership from
July this year. Mr David Campy, as our OLF contact, would be happy to speak on this
subject to Schools.
Action: School L&T Committes to discuss membership of OLF and withdrawal of
membership from July.
4.4 Video Conferencing
The Chair referred to the refurbished facility in the Library Block at the Llandaff Campus. It
was felt that locations on the other three sites should be discussed with the Space
Management Committee.
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Action: Chair, Mr Mike James and Mr Gabriel Jezierski to discuss video conferencing
facilities with Space Management Committee.
5. Update on Developments – Mr Steve Burnett
Mr Burnett had been seconded to the European Office to monitor and manage the work in that
particular unit in a short term context until a new appointment could be made.
6. Academic Standards Committee
6.1 Monday 20 November 2000
Mrs Jacqui Hare advised the Board that she had taken Chair’s action regarding the External
Examiner nomination for Mrs N Royles, PGCE Secondary Welsh.
6.2 Wednesday 17 January 2001
The Director of Academic Affairs informed the Board that he had taken Chair’s action
regarding the External Examiner nominations. There was nothing non-standard in the
majority of them but in the case of Ms Payne the Board was asked to note that whilst she does
not have any prior experience of external examining the Chair of Academic Standards
Committee had approved the nomination on the basis that she would be working alongside
an experienced external examiner, Dr S MacDonald, and would receive appropriate
induction.
The Board approved the recommendation to appoint the following individuals as
external examiners:
Dr D Willey (Retired) – HND/C Sports Development/Coaching – franchise to Bridgend &
Neath Port Talbot
The Board noted that Dr Willey was also the current external examiner for UWIC’s BSc
Sports Development.
Mr Irfon Clarke – South Wales Diploma in Social Work
Dr A Sweeney – Diploma in Tourism – franchise to Limerick Senior College
Ms C A Payne – PGCE Art and Design (Secondary)
6.3 Exemption from UWIC Regulations
With regard to the BSc(Hons) Podiatry, the Director of Academic Affairs stated that
following the validation of the new course, the team submitted a request for exemption from
the regulations governing the classification methodology of linear degrees and for approval
of the following weighting:
Part 2.1 40%
Part 2.2 60%
The Board was asked to consider and approve exceptionally the recommendation for
exemption and the proposed methodology for classification. Thorough discussions had taken
place regarding this.
Action: The Board approved the recommendation for exemption, and the proposed
methodology for classification.
7. Papers from the Director of Academic Affairs
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7.1 Draft QAA Framework Policy Document
A QAA Working Group, under the direction of the Director of Academic Affairs, was in the
process of auditing UWIC’s position in relation to the QAA Codes of Practice and actions
which need to be taken in order to align UWIC processes more closely with those
recommended by QAA. Consideration was also being given to staff development
implications. There would be a meeting with Prof Arthur Brown of the QAA on Wednesday
21 February.
Action: The QAA Framework Policy Document was approved by the Board.
7.2 Disability Committee
This paper was presented for the Board’s information. As part of the 1999/2000 Academic
Infrastructure funding, it had been an objective to establish such a Committee during the
current academic year. Staff from several areas would be represented and the Board was
asked to note the report.
7.3 CAMS Initiative
The purpose of the paper was to inform members of the intention to install all UWIC (and
Collaborative Provision) courses on to the CAMS system as a matter of policy. The Director
of Academic Affairs underlined the rationale for this intention.
This document would next be taken to Academic Board and Prof Birchenough asked for the
Learning & Teaching Board’s support.
Action: The Board supported the paper.
7.4 Hardship Funds Committee Review
The purpose of the report was to inform members regarding changes to the approach to
administering and awarding Hardship Funds.
Action: The Board noted this Report.
8. Proforma for the QAA Programme Specifications
To help implant QAA principles UWIC had produced a QAA Programme Specification. The form
would then be trialled and re-evaluated as to its effectiveness and would ultimately be on the web and
relevant to franchised provision. It was felt that a disability issues input would be helpful, to be
provided by Ms Carol Doyle, Accessible Curriculum Officer, and that an employability section should
be added.
9. Overseas Partnership Audit Review – University of Wales Institute, Cardiff and Fundacion
SanValero (QAA)
The Director of Academic Affairs stated that UWIC had recently been audited by the QAA in relation
to Business & Management franchises in Zaragoza, specifically BSc(Hons) Technology Management
and BA(Hons) European Administration with Modern Languages. The findings were
; There was confusion about the title of the European Administration course. This had, however,
been put forward originally by the University of Wales.
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; Certificates were being issued to students with the incorrect title by University of Wales; that the
language of instruction and assessment were English which is not the case. The University
Registry has stated that they would issue replacement certificates.
; Regarding translation, that this is insufficient.
UWIC will be required to produce a report to the QAA to advise them what action we have taken with
regard to these issues.
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10. Widening Access Strategy
The Chair stated that a small Working Group had been meeting to prepare the draft Strategy which
had to be submitted to the Funding Council by 26 February. Unfortunately, due to a change of date,
Academic Board would not be meeting until after that date. The Working Group had tried to
incorporate any feedback and comments it had received and the Chair asked for any further comments
to be given to her as soon as possible and also to allow certain editing allowance for the document to
be prepared in a format suitable for the Funding Council.
Action: Members present supported the draft Widening Access Strategy. There was agreement
that the Working Group continue with their deliberations and complete the task.
11. Information Strategy
The Assistant Principal (Information Strategy) said that this Strategy had been a long time in
gestation and was an expanded form of the original framework document. It had taken on board
information from other Strategies. Basically, its purpose was about changing some of the culture
within UWIC, supporting individual units, and providing systems that answer UWIC’s information
needs. UWIC needed an information audit to show what the needs were and which would provide
reports to the Information Strategy Forum. It was felt that this Forum should be composed of senior
managers who had responsibility for all aspects of UWIC’s activities, and it would therefore be
comprised of the new Directorate who could take priority decisions across UWIC, and would be
chaired by himself.
Process Management Groups would be also formed that would ensure that process needs provide the
drive to the selection of suitable systems and for the support of users. It would be necessary to look at
our processes holistically. Information custodians were also needed to deal with replication and
duplication. It was hoped to get a mechanism into place which would lead to a more detailed Strategy.
There had been consultation regarding the document but it would take time to implement a change of
culture and processes within UWIC. He would like any comments or changes before the document
went to Academic Board. He asked for the Board’s support for the Information Strategy.
Action: The Board agreed that the Information Strategy be channelled to Academic Board and
that any other views or comments should be send direct to the Assistant Principal (Information
Strategy).
12. Audit of Work Experience 1999-2000
Ms Susan Tangney, Employability Officer, reported on the findings of the Audit. The L&T Strategy
had stated that it was important that work placement be offered to all students and it was a big priority
to the Government and QAA. An over-arching policy or procedure and philosopy was needed. There
was a diverse experience across UWIC in particular programmes and issues should be discussed on a
UWIC-wide basis.
Ms Tangney asked for comments from members of the Board.
Action: The Audit of Work Experience to be discussed at School L&T Committees to raise
awareness.
13. Minutes of Learning & Teaching Committees
13.1 School of Art & Design – 1 December 1999, 12 April and 11 October 2000
There were no starred items for the Board’s attention.
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13.2 School of Education – 22 November 2000
There were no starred items for the Board’s attention.
13.3 School of Health & Social Science – 7 and 19 December 2000
The Chair said that starred items, Library, 9-9 culture etc, took us back to the discussion
earlier in the meeting and the need to utilise correct channels for addressing resource issues,
ie School Management & Planning Team to Link Directorate.
Action: L&T Board recommended that this was the correct channel, via MPT to Link
Directorate, as no-one from the Board sat on the Resource Management Forum. The
School Director of Learning & Teaching to progress this.
13.4 School of Sport, PE & Recreation – 29 November 2000
54 – 28.3 UWIC Policy for assessing students with dylexia – This issue concerned the lack
of an overall UWIC policy for assessing students with dyslexia and the lack of information
from the central unit on certification of dyslexia, and delay in sending schools information on
students with disabilities.
Action: Ms Susan Tangney to ask the Disability Services Manager to contact the L&T
Director, School of Sport, PE & Recreation, to clarify this issue and he will then report
back to the L&T Board to inform discussion and future protocols.
24 January 2001
Action point under agendum item 67 should read “...School of Hospitality, Tourism &
Leisure”.
14. Any Other Business
No items were reported to the Board.
The following items on the agenda were for information only and were received by the Board.
15. Collaborative Provision Committee meeting – 15 November 2000
16. University of Surrey – UniS Skills Project Final Report September 2000
The next Learning & Teaching Board will take place at 2.00 p.m. on Wednesday 11 April 2001 in the Boardroom, Central Admin, Llandaff Campus.
JH/JM
20.2.01