09 February 2005 - Heriot-Watt University
09 February 2005 - Heriot-Watt University
09 February 2005 - Heriot-Watt University
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(i) Postgraduate Research Programmes<br />
(BSW)<br />
The new Code had been reviewed by Professor B Wherrett, comparing the Code with the<br />
<strong>University</strong>’s Postgraduate Research Student Code of Practice. Professor Wherrett confirmed that<br />
the <strong>University</strong>’s Code was broadly compliant with the QAA’s Code and that the Research Student<br />
Co-ordinator’s Group would be checking implementation across Schools.<br />
(ii) Flexible and Distance Learning<br />
This Code had been reviewed by Professor P John and the Working Group drafting the<br />
<strong>University</strong>’s Code of Practice on Flexible, Distance and Distributed Learning as detailed in Item<br />
3.<br />
(PJ/KAP/<br />
JF)<br />
The Director of Quality Development confirmed that the Code should be applied to all research<br />
students including students studying for the awards of EngD and DBA.<br />
(iii) External Examining<br />
The new Code had been reviewed by the Deputy Registrar to ensure that the <strong>University</strong>’s<br />
Handbook on External Examining and the External Examiner Report templates remained<br />
compliant. The Committee noted changes which had been made to the <strong>University</strong>’s Handbook for<br />
External Examining and to the Report template which included the following:<br />
• Responsibility of Heads of Schools for briefing Examiners<br />
• Compliance with the Data Protection Act and the Freedom of Information Act<br />
• Voting at Progression Boards<br />
• Experience required by prospective External Examiners.<br />
7.3 It was noted that the <strong>University</strong>’s modified Handbook on External Examining for Taught Courses<br />
would be available in the near future on the web at<br />
http://www.hw.ac.uk/quality/reference/ch7.htm.<br />
(SS)<br />
8. ENHANCEMENT-LED INSTUTIONAL REVIEW<br />
8.1 Noted a briefing paper prepared by the Director of Quality Development of the QAA institutional<br />
review of the <strong>University</strong> which would be taking place in <strong>2005</strong> on the following dates:<br />
• 18 and 19 January – Part 1<br />
• Week commencing 20 <strong>February</strong> – Part 2.<br />
The paper, which had been prepared as a briefing for PME, describes the objectives of the review<br />
process, the procedure of review, the <strong>University</strong>’s preparations for review and particular activities<br />
and areas which will require consideration prior to the review.<br />
8.2 Noted that the process would be managed by a Steering Group under the Chairmanship of the<br />
Vice-Principal with the day to day management of the process being undertaken by the Director<br />
of Quality Development.<br />
9. EXTERNAL EXAMINER REPORTS NOT SUBMITTED<br />
9.1 Noted that despite repeated reminders a small number of External Examiners had not<br />
submitted reports for 2003-4 as detailed in QESC/05/7. Noted that Heads of Schools had been<br />
asked to appoint replacement Examiners in cases where appointments had not expired.<br />
10. STUDENT HANDBOOKS<br />
10.1 The Academic Registrar advised that concerns had been expressed regarding inconsistencies and<br />
inaccuracies which had been found in specific student handbooks. Noted that there was no<br />
standard format or content for such handbooks and that this had led to differences in the contents<br />
and the level of detail of handbooks produced individual Schools.<br />
10.2 Agreed that Schools could be assisted in the production of consistent student handbooks through<br />
the introduction of a template which would list the required contents and style of the handbooks.<br />
Agreed further that a mechanism for the scrutiny of drafts of such handbooks should be<br />
4