Quality Handbook

AQH-I3-1 Operations Manual Guidelines– Model AVersion 7.0 August 2013

Operations Manualfor programmes validated by

the University of Sunderland (the University)for delivery by

[PARTNER NAME] (the Partner)in accordance with the University’s Collaborative Model A

(Validated Model)

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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 Updates to University terminology, to provide link to current University faculty staff, and updated links to websites

C Gardner January 2011 Various, to reflect new University terminology, section 2.1.3 replaced with faculty structure + link to current faculty staff details, sections12 & 20 annotated, and links to other sources updated.

5.0 Changes to Services

S Patience April 2011 Change to contact list

6.0 General update C Gardner August 2011 General update7.0 Annual review

of Quality Handbook

A Carlton August 2013 Link update

Implementation and Modification History (for Partner use only):

Version Occasion of Change

Change author

Date of modification

Modifications made

Version signed off by Faculty (date & details)

EXAMPLE Update to University guidelines

xxxxxxxxx 20.1.10 Template annotated to incorporate more details of specific arrangements

Xxx (minutes 15.02.10 refer)

1.0

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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..............................................................................................................4

2.0 MANAGEMENT OF THE PARTNERSHIP......................................................................4

3.0 DETAILS OF THE PROGRAMME & MODES OF DELIVERY........................................5

4.0 CONTACT INFORMATION.............................................................................................6

5.0 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES...................................................................................7

6.0 LEARNING AND TEACHING..........................................................................................8

7.0 PUBLIC INFORMATION..................................................................................................8

8.0 ALLOCATION OF STUDENT NUMBERS.......................................................................8

9.0 STUDENT RECRUITMENT, ADMISSIONS, REGISTRATION AND STUDENT RECORDS......................................................................................................................................... 8

10.0 STUDENT INDUCTION.................................................................................................10

11.0 PROGRAMME DELIVERY............................................................................................10

12.0 ASSESSMENT, PARCHMENTS AND TRANSCRIPTS................................................13

13.0 EXTERNAL EXAMINERS..............................................................................................14

14.0 PROGRAMME & PARTNER REVIEWS INCLUDING ANNUAL MONITORING...........14

15.0 STAFF DEVELOPMENT...............................................................................................15

16.0 LEARNING RESOURCES.............................................................................................16

17.0 HUMAN RESOURCES..................................................................................................16

18.0 STUDENT SUPPORT....................................................................................................18

19.0 STUDENT COMPLAINTS, APPEALS AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES..............18

20.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES...........................................19

21.0 EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY........................................................................................19

22.0 TERMINATION..............................................................................................................20

23.0 GLOSSARY OF TERMS................................................................................................20

24.0 USEFUL LINKS.............................................................................................................23

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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 Partner and University staff involved in the delivery, management, quality assurance, and co-ordination of the University’s validated awards. Mutual understandings are essential to assure parity of the student experience, regardless of the site of delivery or collaborative model.

1.2 It is designed by the University and contextualised by the Partner - in consultation with the University. The Partner is responsible for ensuring that it is accessible to all staff allocated to teaching or supporting the provision.

1.3 It amplifies the roles that staff in each organisation are expected to fulfil as laid down in the Collaborative Provision 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 as appropriate. The 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) (last amplified in October 2010). 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 All students will be issued with a student handbook. This will include information specific to the Partner and the University. It should normally be completed by the Partner (using University guidelines on minimum requirements for such handbooks) to reflect Partner and University specific aspects that make up the student experience of those studying on programmes that are validated by the University but delivered and managed by the Partner. Students should also be informed about how to access information on all modules of their programme, and be issued with a copy of the University programme academic regulations together with a copy of the handbook which will contain the detail of the module descriptors contained within their programme.

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 at least one full-time member of academic staff with appropriate subject expertise for each programme that is currently operating as discussed below. A maximum number of modules that an individual member of Partner academic staff may lead will be agreed by the appropriate University Faculty.

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2.1.1 Management Structure: University Of Sunderland

Please refer to:https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-14/University%20Organisation%20January%202012%20(final).pdf

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

Please refer to http://www.sunderland.ac.uk/faculties/ to access specific individuals/Departments

Each University Faculty includes a Dean, Associate Dean – Student Experience, Associate Dean – Resources, Research and External Engagement, Associate Dean – Recruitment and Development and Heads of Department.

Faculty Departments

Applied Sciences Department of Computing, Engineering & TechnologyDepartment of PsychologyDepartment of Pharmacy, Health & Well-beingDepartment of Sport & Exercise Sciences

Education and Society

Department of EducationDepartment of Social SciencesDepartment of Culture

The Faculty of Business and Law

Sunderland Business SchoolDepartment of LawCentre for Flexible Learning

Arts, Design and Media

Department of Arts & DesignDepartment of Media

Figure 1: University Faculties and Departments

3.0 DETAILS OF THE PROGRAMME(S) & MODES OF DELIVERY

3.1 The AGREED University programme(s) (as defined by the relevant programme specification produced and approved by the University) will be offered at approved Partner sites by Model A.

For a full list of programmes/sites covered by this manual including specific quality assurance and management requirements please refer to the Collaborative Provision Agreement that has been signed between the University and the Partner.(Quality Assurance and Schedule of Programmes Annexes)

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4.0 CONTACT INFORMATION

4.1 ‘Central’ and key Faculty University of Sunderland telephone numbers

Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive tel: 0191 515 2036Deputy Vice Chancellor & Chief Executive (Academic) tel: 0191 515 2039Deputy Vice Chancellor & Chief Executive (Resources) tel: 0191 515 2460Director of Academic Services tel: 0191 515 2060Director of Human Resources tel: 0191 515 3427Assistant Director of Academic Services tel: 0191 515 2433Assistant Director (Marketing and Recruitment) tel: 0191 515 2667Assistant Director (Student & Learning Support) tel: 0191 515 2903Collaborative Provision Manager tel: 0191 515 2063Educational Partnerships Administrators, Marketing and Recruitment

tel: 0191 515 3892tel: 0191 515 2806

Senior Quality Assurance & Enhancement Officer, (Officer to Higher Education in Further Education Practitioner’s Group and central contact for Edexcel)

tel: 0191 515 2065

Senior Quality Assurance & Enhancement Officer (Officer for Collaborative Practitioner’s Group)

tel: 0191 515 2069

Educational Partnerships Officer (Communications), Marketing and Recruitment

tel: 0191 515 3892

Educational Partnerships Officer (Resources, Marketing and Recruitment

tel: 0191 515 2806

4.2 Faculty, Department, and programme University of Sunderland contacts:[to be expanded as appropriate]

Dean of Faculty xxxxxxxxxxxxFaculty Associate Dean (Student Experience) xxxxxxxxxxxxFaculty Quality Management Sub-Committee Chair xxxxxxxxxxxxHE in FE Practitioner’s Group nominee#Centre Leader xxxxxxxxxxxxProgramme Assessment Board Chair xxxxxxxxxxxxProgramme Studies Board representative xxxxxxxxxxxxProgramme Leader xxxxxxxxxxxxAdministrative staff xxxxxxxxxxxxGeneral Enquiry Telephone number for the Faculty xxxxxxxxxxxx

4.3 Partner Contacts (to be completed by Partner)

Programme/Module Assessment Board representativeProgramme/Module Studies Board ChairHE in FE Practitioner’s Group nominee#

# Higher Education and Further Education Practitioner’s Group nominees (of the HE in FE Group) have agreed to act as a central channel of communication for their

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organisation/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

5.0 The points below represent broad responsibilities that are described in more detail in relevant sections of this Manual.

5.1 The University has responsibility for: The Awards, including overall quality assurance of the programmes and of the

partnership, the student experience, periodic review of the partnership and the provision, and amendment/discontinuation of the provision/partnership with agreed notice and specified terms.

The provision of a University Centre Leader. The receipt of details of Partner teaching staff prior to their commencing to teach

on the University programmes and taking any necessary action. Inviting Partner teaching staff to collaborative conferences and/or other staff

development activities. The approval of public information including marketing materials, student and

programme handbooks and this operations manual that is related to the provision.

The registration of students to the University’s student records system (SITS). Information services support (providing agreed access to the University’s Library

services). The appointment and induction of external examiners. The Chairing of Programme and Module Assessment Boards. Provision of final award parchments.

5.2 The Partner has responsibility for: Organising Assessment Boards (Chaired by the University) Organising and Chairing Programme and Module Studies Boards (and inviting

University representative(s) to these. Provision of student transcripts and ensuring University oversight of these. Programme planning and design (including approval of minor modifications to

modules/programme and curriculum development in accordance with University guidelines).

Nominating external examiner appointments to the University for its approval. The appointment of the Programme Leader, Module Leaders, (in accordance

with University guidelines) and related administrative staff to support the delivery of the provision.

Day-to-day management and coordination of operation of the approved programmes across the approved site(s) of delivery.

Administration and management of assessment including the setting of assessments, their marking and moderation and security of examination scripts

The coordination of student applications. Programme admission decisions in accordance with University policies. The issuing of offer letters to students. Co-ordination of staff/tutor induction and development. Student records management The completion of annual monitoring reports as shall be specified by the

University.

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The collection and management of staff and student feedback of those associated with the provision.

Providing specialist resources, computing (hardware and software) resources, library facilities, tutors, and administrators as approved by the University.

Adhering to University policies and procedures. The marketing of the provision for local recruitment. The preparation of local marketing materials, public information materials,

student and programme handbooks together with this manual (to be approved by the University following in-house pre-approval by the Partner).

Student Induction for the University provision. Student academic and pastoral support. The provision of timely information on registered students as the University may

reasonably request.

6.0 LEARNING AND TEACHING

6.1 Learning and teaching of the provision will be as described in the student handbook and programme and module guides.

7.0 PUBLIC INFORMATION

7.1 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 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.

N.B. The University reserves the right to publicise its collaborative programmes in its own publicity materials and in other publicity materials agreed with its partners.

7.3 The University’s revised collaborative processes regarding the checking of public materials produced by partners in relation to University of Sunderland awards; e.g. via the University Centre Leader, will apply – see Collaborative Section of the University’s Quality Handbook accessible through:https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-2785

8.0 ALLOCATION OF STUDENT NUMBERS

8.1 The number of student places per annum will be agreed with the University on an annual basis, and shall be reflected in the Collaborative Provision Agreement.

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9.0 STUDENT RECRUITMENT, ADMISSIONS, REGISTRATION AND STUDENT RECORDS

9.1 General

The Partner will be responsible for:a) 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 requirements (International English Language Testing System) 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;

d) forwarding completed student application forms to the University prior to the programme start date;

e) communicating with the University regarding University approval of non-standard entry applications;

f) ensuring completed student registration information is returned to the University in accordance with University deadlines;

g) providing the University with accurate student progress information as necessary in a timely fashion.

The University will be responsible for:a) providing student registration forms;b) ensuring that students are registered at the start of each stage of their

programme and accurately inputting student information onto the University of Sunderland 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 and facilitate access to the University VLE;

d) providing data reports drawn from the University Student Records System (SITS) as necessary.

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-2779

Any articulation routes will also need to be approved by the relevant University Faculty Quality Management Sub-Committee (FQMSC).

9.3 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.

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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.

10.0 STUDENT INDUCTION

10.1 General

The Partner will be responsible for: inducting registered students as University of Sunderland students and to their programme of study.

10.2 Student induction – minimum thresholds

10.2.1 A student handbook should be issued to students at induction that will be developed by the Partner following University guidelines and should include all information about who to contact for what.

10.2.2 This student 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 should be provided with appropriate information on their programme of study as specified by the University.

10.3 A typical student induction session will include:

Introduction to the Partner and the University pastoral and academic support Information introduction to students services and the Students Union programme structure and assessment overview including programme regulations learning resources access including library resources representation of students (e.g. on Programme Studies Boards) Student feedback mechanisms

11.0 PROGRAMME DELIVERY

11.1 The University will be responsible for:a) ensuring that all appropriate guides and handbooks are issued to students

in accordance with the arrangements specified in the Operations Manual; b) approval by the University Academic Board via the relevant Faculty

Quality Management Sub-Committee of alterations to programme(s) and module syllabi.

11.2 The Partner will be responsible for: a) designing and developing of the structure and curriculum of the

programme(s) and the associated modules approved to be delivered by the Partner;

b) designing (in accordance with University guidelines) and issuing to all teaching staff Operations Manual(s) detailing the precise arrangements that will be in place to facilitate the delivery; quality assurance and management of the programme(s);

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c) establishing and Chairing Programme and Module Boards of Studies for the programme(s) and the associated modules;

d) day-to-day management, co-ordination of operation and delivery of the approved programme(s) in line with the Operations Manual including the delivery of teaching of sessions based at the Partner’s premises and other means to facilitate learning using the materials developed by the Partner. 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;

e) issuing appropriate guidelines and handbooks to students in accordance with arrangements specified in the Operations Manual;

f) establishing a technology assisted learning environment for the programme(s), e.g., to facilitate access to on-line facilities by registered students.

11.3 General Information

11.3.1 More broadly, the Partner is responsible for the day to day management, co-ordination of operation and delivery of the approved programme(s) and its/their associated modules that will be based at the Partner’s premises.

11.3.2 The structure of the programme is included in the programme specification approved by the University. The Partner 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 provision. Should the Partner wish to propose a modification this should be discussed in the first instance with the University Centre Leader to determine what level of approval will be needed.

11.3.3 In addition, the University, via the Centre Leader will normally approve the module guides produced by the Partner in accordance with University guidelines. It is important that delivery of the provision 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 in advance. Learning materials including lesson plans will also be produced by the Partner.

11.4 Calendar of ActivitiesEach party should advise the other as early as possible of the proposed dates of Programme and Module Boards in Assessment/Studies Modes. 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 current University academic calendar is accessible via: https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-50. 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 between the parties and the grid below annotated accordingly.

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Date/time University Meeting/Activity

Partner meeting/activity Location

30th June Collaborative annual monitoring report guidelines issued to partners by University Faculties

31st July Partner Annual Monitoring Reports to be completed and returned to the University via the host University Faculty

1st August Student Handbooks for the coming academic year to be finalised and approved as necessary

1st August Operations Manual updated as necessary, in consultation with University, for the coming academic year to be issued to all staff who contribute to the co-ordination, teaching and administration of the provision

1st September Student Induction SessionsEarly September Development Day for teaching staff Mid September Autumn Term begins (new students) – see

University website for DatesLate September Programme

Refer/Defer Board

Late September Autumn Term begins (returning students)Mid October Development Day Mid November Development Day

Including Programme Studies Board

Mid November or earlier

University of Sunderland HEFEPG meeting including enhancement session 1

Early December University Graduation Ceremonies

See:http://www.sunderland.ac.uk/studentlife/graduation/

Late December Development Day for teaching staff

Late December Autumn Term EndsEarly January Spring Term BeginsEarly February Programme Assessment BoardFebruary/March University Open

DaysSee: http://www.sunderland.ac.uk/opendays/

March Partner Cluster Feedback day, Sharing Good Practice

March University of Sunderland HEFEPG meeting including enhancement session 2

Late March/early April Spring Term EndsApril Summer Term Begins

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Late April Moderation of Assessment

Date/time University Meeting/Activity

Partner meeting/activity Location

May Development Day and Programme Studies Board

June University Open DayJune Moderation of Assessment June University Open DaySummer University of

Sunderland Collaborative Conference

June University of Sunderland HEFEPG meeting including enhancement session 3

July Summer Term EndsJuly University Graduation

CeremoniesAugust University Open Days

12.0 ASSESSMENT, PARCHMENTS AND TRANSCRIPTS

12.0.1 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) ensuring that Programme and Module Assessment Boards, that shall be

chaired by the University and serviced by the Partner, are established by the Partner,

b) assuring the arrangements for approving, setting, marking and moderating course assignments and assessments;

c) assuring the recording of and notification of assessment results to students;

d) issuing award parchments to students. The award parchment produced for successful students by the University shall state that the student has achieved the award as specified in Annexe 1 to the Collaborative Provision Agreement.

12.2 The Partner will be responsible for:a) conducting assessments in accordance with the Assessment Policy of the

University as articulated in the programme regulations and in relevant 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 (this includes 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;

d) setting, marking and moderating course assignments, examinations and other assessments;

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e) notifying students of assessment arrangements including behaviour protocols;

f) notifying students of course assignment deadlines and ensuring the secure receipt of coursework,

g) issuing award transcripts to students.

12.3 The Partner will organise the date of Assessment Boards including informing the University Chair and external examiner(s) of all such dates.

12.4 Assessment Policy and Generic Criteria for Assessment

12.4.1 The University’s Assessment Policy, accessible on https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-7236And the related Generic Assessment Criteria, accessible in section F of the University’s Academic Handbook via:https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-2773will apply to all programmes encompassed by the Collaborative Provision Agreement.

13.0 EXTERNAL EXAMINERS

13.1 The University will be responsible for:a) appointing External Examiners to the programme(s) and modules;b) determining the role and frequency of External Examiner visits to the

Partner;c) issuing completed External Examiner reports to the Partner upon receipt;d) progressing, in consultation with the Partner, actions arising from the

reports.

13.2 The Partner will be responsible for:a) nominating External Examiners for the programme(s) to the University for

its approval in a timely fashion;b) providing access to students, staff and associated facilities as required

so that the External Examiner can fulfil their role in accordance with University Guidelines.

13.3 The Partner will invite the External Examiners to attend the Assessment Boards that it is responsible for organising including the organisation of related domestic arrangements.

13.4 The University will be responsible for inviting External Examiners to induction and training sessions that it shall organise.

13.5 The University Faculty will issue appointment letters to External Examiners.13.6 All external examining of the provision will be conducted in accordance with the

University’s Policy on the Role of External Examiners accessible via https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-2997/AQH-G1+Policy+on+the+Role+of+External+Examiners.pdf

14.0 PROGRAMME & PARTNER REVIEWS INCLUDING ANNUAL MONITORING

14.1 General responsibilities

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14.1.1 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 includes annual review, periodic review (on a six-yearly cycle prior to the expiry of the Collaborative Provision Agreement) and an interim three-yearly review.

14.1.2 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.

14.1.3 Full details of how annual and periodic partner and programme reviews are included in the University’s Academic Quality Handbook, Collaborative Section, accessible on https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-2785

14.2 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.

14.3 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.

14.4 In relation to the Monitoring of the provision:

14.4.1 The University will be responsible for:a) issuing annual monitoring guidelines and templates to the Partner;b) receiving and reviewing completed annual reports from the Partner.

14.4.2 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 its possession;

c) 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.

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.

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15.3 If the Partner is represented on the University’s Higher Education in Further Education Practitioner’s Group invitations to staff development/enhancement sessions will be channelled via the appointed nominee (AMEND WHERE APPROPRIATE).

15.4 Programme specific staff development opportunities should be reflected in the annual plan of operations in section 11 of this Manual and updated each year. In addition, the Partner’s attention is drawn to the University’s Learning Matters Website, http://services.sunderland.ac.uk/learningmatters/. This website includes lots of useful information, tips for staff and links to other sources of guidance.

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: receiving details of teaching staff changes on the programme(s) and taking any necessary action.

17.2 The Partner will be responsible for:a) submitting details of teaching staff changes on the programme(s) to the

University in advance of their implementation;b) reflecting teaching staff changes in the annual monitoring report;c) maintaining a team of a suitable number and range of staff teaching on

the programme(s).

17.2.1 The Partner will put forward the CVs of staff whom it is proposed will teach on the agreed University programmes to the University, who will procure any necessary actions. The Partner will also submit to the University Centre Leader a Matrix for each programme to be delivered at that Partner site, detailing the names of tutors who it proposes will lead each programme and module. The appointment of alternative staff in the future should also be facilitated via this process.

17.2.2 Tutors recruited to teach on the approved programmes are normally expected to have at least one year’s experience of teaching at higher education level. Where a tutor has less than one year’s experience, the Partner staff member with academic responsibility for the programme will ensure that the individual is mentored for at least the first year.

17.3 Curriculum Vitae Checklist and Template

17.3.1 Detailed below are the essential and desirable criteria for those proposing to tutor the University of Sunderland undergraduate programmes at Partner sites. CVs

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should be submitted, following the template below where appropriate, that clearly demonstrates how staff meet the “essential” criteria as a minimum and, ideally, the “desirable” criteria:

Curriculum Vitae Template

Each CV should contain the following information to demonstrate how the “essential” criteria are met:

Name (Surname/first name(s)

Title (e.g. Dr/Ms/Mr)

Academic Qualifications - qualifications including any specialisms, date of achievement, awarding Institution, classification/grade

Professional Qualifications - qualifications including any specialisms, date of achievement, awarding body, classification/grade

Current Post Title (e.g. Lecturer in xxxxxx)

Current Responsibilities

Teaching or training work experience

Subject area professional work experience

Areas of Research Activity/Recent continuing professional development activities engaged in

17.3.2 Essential Criteria

An undergraduate qualification either wholly within, or specialising within, the subject area

Teaching at undergraduate level or relevant training within the subject area Work experience, training or consultancy within the subject area Evidence (in cases where the first language of the applicant is other than

English) of an English language qualification or experience of teaching or training the subject area in the English language.

17.3.3 Desirable Criteria

A postgraduate qualification either wholly within, or specialising within, the specific discipline

Evidence of continuing professional development during the last 3 years A research record of publications A teaching qualification Membership of relevant professional bodies Experience of assessing students in the HE or FE environment

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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 be responsible for: providing all facilities and resources to support students on the programme(s), including appropriate levels of support for disabled students, careers advice, and guidance, pastoral support, counselling and study skills advice.

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 Academic Appeals in relation to assessment 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.

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.

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20.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

20.1 General oversight of the provision, including the maintenance of its academic standards will be maintained by the University through:

a) ensuring that the Partner establishes, operates and manages Programme/Module Assessment Board(s) that shall be Chaired by the University and Serviced by the Partner,

b) appointing External Examiners to the provision in accordance with the procedures detailed in section 13 above,

c) reviewing and monitoring the provision and the partnership in accordance with its Quality Processes available via https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-6062/AQH-I6+Quality+Processes+Doc+final.pdf and with the collaborative section of its Academic Quality Handbook accessible via https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-2773,

d) the University will also undertake an agreed programme of visits to the Partner as specified in the University’s Collaborative Processes: Roles of Centre Leaders Section: https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-5250/AQH-I1-4+APPENDIX+4+The+Role+of+the+Centre+Leader.doc

20.2 The Partner should thus establish, operate and manage Programme/Module Assessment Boards that will be Chaired by the University and Serviced by the Partner.

20.3 The Partner should also establish, operate and manage Programme/Module Studies Boards that shall be Chaired by the Partner and Serviced by the Partner.

20.4 All Programme/Module Assessment/Studies Boards should pay attention to the guidelines on the terms of reference of these of the University accessible via https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-2991/AQH-F6-8+Module+and+Programme+Studies+and+Assessment+Boards+-+Terms+of+Reference.pdf.

20.5 Athens Accounts for model A tutors

20.5.1 Approved tutors who teach on model A programmes are eligible to apply for a University of Sunderland Associate Lecturer Athens Account where students undertaking the provision have this access. The Athens Account will provide access to certain University e-resources for the purpose of supporting University of Sunderland students.

20.5.2 To apply for an Athens Account, tutors should print, complete, and sign the registration forms available from the services for staff area of the University library web pages http://library.sunderland.ac.uk/servicesfor/staff/ Useful library services information for Partners is also accessible via this link.

21.0 EQUALITY AND 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. A copy of the University’s position paper on this

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is available on the University’s website, Human Resources service: https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-3570/Equality+and+Diversity+Statement.pdf

22.0 TERMINATION

22.1 Should a programme cease to operate at the Partner, the University will invoke the University Termination Procedure via the Deputy Vice Chancellor & Chief Executive (Academic). The University will then conduct a termination process in accordance with University guidelines that are available on the University’s website.

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 to discuss the re-approval processes that will be applied before the lapsed programme can recommence to operate.

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.

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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).

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.

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.

Collaborative Provision 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.

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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.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 AgreementSSLC Staff Student Liaison CommitteeStudent 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 LINKS (Please advise Quality Assurance & Enhancement of any broken links)

Organisation/Link Web AddressBritish Council, The http://www.britishcouncil.org/new/Education and Learning, UK: University and Higher Education Site

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/UniversityAndHigherEducation/index.htm

Education Company, The (formerly Education Direct)

http://www.education.co.uk/

Edexcel (e.g. for HND/C information) www.edexcel.org.ukFoundation Degree Forward closed in July 2011, For general information about FDF, its services and resources see the HEFCE website

http://www.hefce.ac.uk/

Higher 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/

Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted).

http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/

Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) - main website

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/

QAA – Academic Infrastructure http://www.qaa.ac.uk/AssuringStandardsAndQuality/Pages/AI-consultation-findings.aspx

Quality Assurance Agency Code of Practice: Disabled Students section

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Pages/Code-of-practice-Section-3.aspx

Scottish Qualifications Authority www.sqa.org.ukSkills Funding Agency http://skillsfundingagency.bis.gov.uk/Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS)

http://www.ucas.ac.uk/

Standards and Testing Agency https://www.gov.uk/government/news/standards-and-testing-agency

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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