ASTON UNIVERSITY



ASTON UNIVERSITYTHE SENATEMinutes of the 323rd meeting of the Senate, held on Wednesday, 6 June 2012PRESENT:Professor Julia King - The Vice-Chancellor (Chair)Professor Steve AndersonDr Amanda BeattieProfessor Robert BerryDr Roslyn BillDr Marc EberhardProfessor John EdwardsMr Robert GoddardProfessor Martin GriffinProfessor Helen GriffithsProfessor Helen HigsonDr Anna Hine Mr Mega IbrahimProfessor Chris LangleyProfessor Alan Lowe Professor Pam MooresDr Carole ParkesProfessor Jill PooleProfessor Gina RipponProfessor Joel TalcottDr Paul Topham Prof James WolffsohnAPOLOGIES:Dr Omneya Abd-ElsalamProfessor Sahar Al-Malaika Professor Gargi BhattacharyyaProfessor Tim BainesDr Judith BaxterMr David CarpenterProfessor Mike Coleman Dr John ElgyDr Frank EperjesiDr Phil ExtanceProfessor Simon GreenDr Gareth Griffiths Professor Alison HalsteadMr Alastair HewgillProfessor Andreas HornungMs Agnes Jacobs Ms Adèle MacKinlayMs Amy ParsonsMr Ben SmithDr Ian StanfordDr Andrew SutherlandProfessor Sergei TuritsynIN ATTENDANCE:Dr Sandy CopeMs Heather WhitehouseMr John Walter CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERSSenate Membership 2012/1312/55The Senate membership list for 2012/13 (REG/12/278) was received. It was noted that the terms of office for elected staff representatives to Senate were due to end on 31 July 2012. Elections were in progress for the new set of representatives for the two year period commencing 1 August 2014. Elections had been completed for ABS’s professorial and non-professorial representatives, and for the Academic Assembly representatives. The Vice-Chancellor thanked all retiring members for their contribution to the work of the Senate and the University.New Guild Officers12/56Senate noted that following the recent Students’ Guild elections the following executive officers would be serving on the Senate next year: Maximillian Pullen - President (elect) Agnes Jacobs - Vice-President (Education & Welfare) (elect).MINUTES12/57The minutes of the 322nd meeting held on 14 March 2012 were approved.MATTERS ARISINGRecording and Monitoring of Research Esteem Factors (M12/6)12/58Senate received a report that it was possible to record on PURE (the new Research management information system) esteem-related factors such as international collaboration, collaborative funding, publications with international partners, contribution to the research base (eg fellowships and special prizes/awards, editorship of prestigious journals ie 3*or4* journals), etc. Senior colleagues involved in research would next need to agree a protocol for collection, validation and entry of data. Action: PVC Research, Head of Research Support Office and Associate Deans Research to agree a protocol for collection, validation and entry of research esteem-related data.Terms of Reference and Membership of the Research Committee (M12/7)12/59Senate received a report that the University Executive Team had recently endorsed some changes to the terms of reference, modus operandi and membership of the Research Committee for implementation in the next academic year, subject to a review of their effectiveness after one year. It was also agreed that the minutes of the Research Executive Think Tank should be submitted to the Senate to ensure that its members were informed of the on-going preparations for the Research Excellence Framework (REF). Aston Values (M12/17)12/60Senate received a report that Human Resources (HR) had initiated the process of facilitating discussions on values across the University in which teams were exploring expected behaviours associated with each of the six values. This was an important step in Aston’s new HR Strategy, Aston People 2020: engaging all staff with Aston’s culture change. If there was significant feedback throughout the year that fairness and respect should be explicit rather than implied values, then these would be included during future revisions of the HR Strategy.Student Membership of the International Strategy Committee (M12/22)12/61Senate noted that it had been agreed that the student representatives on the International Strategy Committee would be the Guild President and either the International Student Officer or the postgraduate student representative (depending on availability). Referred Assessments for Final Stage Undergraduates12/62Senate received a report that revised General Regulations for Undergraduate Programmes, including some new regulations relating to referred examinations for final year undergraduates, had been agreed by all Schools. The revised Regulations had taken the key concerns of Schools into account. No Schools had requested to be exempted from the revised Regulations, although that option was offered by The Senate. At the annual briefing session for Chairs and Secretaries of Undergraduate Boards of Examiners (21 May 2012), the new facility for undergraduate final year referrals was a major topic and each School gave a progress report on efforts to ensure that the necessary administrative systems were in place. Earlier Publication of Personalised Examination Timetables (M12/24)12/63Senate received a report that a process review would be undertaken to improve and expedite the processes leading up to the publication of personalised timetables in time for next year’s examinations sessions.Action: Director of Registry and Student Planning to initiate a process review and improvement exercise on the publication of personalised examination timetables Internet Access in the Student Residences (M12/38)12/64Senate received a report that University Officers had raised concerns about the quality of service with the provider of the internet service in the student residences and agreed actions to improve matters. The University would establish additional monitoring facilities to monitor independently the speed and quality of service in future. The University and Aston Student Villages had agreed to subsidise the internet service fee and students next year would only have to pay an annual subscription of ?9.99. Procedures for Temporary Exclusions (M12/52)12/65Senate received a report that Officers would be attending a briefing with the University Solicitors on the use of precautionary suspension in student discipline and fitness to practice cases to be held on 27 June 2012. Following the briefing a review of current policy and practice will be undertaken, and if necessary appropriate changes will be adopted.STRATEGY AWAY-DAYS12/66Senate received a summary of the joint Council-Senate Strategy Away Day held on 9 May 2012. It was noted that the important recommendations arising from the Strategy Away Day would inform Aston’s strategy development and future actions.Following discussion on the continued value and purpose of the Senate Away Half Day, the Senate agreed that next year the Senate Away Half Day should be scheduled shortly after the joint Council-Senate Away Day and focus on taking forward the recommendations from the Joint Away Day.VICE-CHANCELLOR'S REPORT12/67An oral report was received from the Vice-Chancellor highlighting aspects of a written report that that was tabled at the meeting. Issues highlighted at the meeting included:Recent League Table RankingsThe Senate was pleased to note that Aston had improved its ranking in the Guardian University Guide from 34th place last year to 27th this year, with top ten performances in Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Optometry, Sociology, and Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Unfortunately, Aston’s position had fallen from 25th to 34th in The Complete University Guide. Despite improvements in six of the nine dimensions measured, Aston’s ranking had fallen because this table gave prominent weighting to a three-year average for capital expenditure. Having been accounted for from 2009, Aston’s major capital expenditure programme had now dropped out of the averages, causing the University’s ranking to fall.The Guardian, in partnership with the leading international rankings agency QS, had published the first ever global league table of ‘next generation’ universities founded in the last 50 years. Aston was ranked 47th. The Guardian described the Top 50 as “where the next Harvard will spring from”.Times Higher Education (THE) had also released a survey, 100 under 50, with the headline ‘All hail the new breed’, identifying the most ‘flexible and dynamic’ universities around the world which were less than fifty years old. Aston was ranked 83rd. Chief Financial OfficerSenate noted that Mr Alastair Hewgill, Chief Financial Officer, would be leaving the University at the end of July 2012. The Vice-Chancellor thanked Mr Hewgill for his significant contributions to the University over the last two year. Mr Mark Hodgson, Vice President Finance at Thermo Fisher Scientific, had been appointed as Chief Financial Officer with effect from 2 July 2012. University Placements TeamSenate noted that the reorganisation of the cross-University placement team was proving particularly successful. As at 10th May, 561 students had been placed for 2012-13 compared to 477 at the same stage last year.Research IncomeSenate was pleased to note that, to the end of April 2012, the University had received ?11m for 122 research awards compared to ?8.7m (excluding the EBRI capital grant) at the same point last year. Aston also had ?5m of EU and Research Council awards under contract negotiation, and was therefore on track to at least meet the ?15m KPI target for this year.Aston Presence in Brussels EventSenate noted that the first ‘Aston presence in Brussels’ event had been successfully staged to coincide with the launch of the next FP7 call for proposals in the Health area. The event was coordinated by the Research Support Office (RSO) to raise the profile within the EC of LHS research in the strategically important area of Brain and Behaviour, and also to set up new collaborative research partnerships. The Vice-Chancellor encouraged the other Schools, in liaison with the RSO, to consider staging similar events to raise their European profiles.Vietnam-UK International Research-led University (VNUK)Senate noted that Professor Ian Gow, Consultant for the British Council in Vietnam, had spent four days at Aston to brief and discuss with Executive Deans and key staff in the Schools and CLIPP an exciting opportunity sponsored by the British Council and the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) to develop a Vietnam-UK international research-led University (VNUK) with a small elite undergraduate intake, within the University of Danang. MOET had confirmed its continued interest in an Aston-Danang University, and further feedback was expected by the end of June. Professor Alison Halstead, the Executive-lead on this initiative, together with colleagues from across the University, was exploring the feasibility and business model of the project.International Student BarometerSenate noted that the results of the International Student Barometer for the Autumn Wave 2011 had been received. Outcomes from the survey included:?Aston responded quickly and helpfully to applications and queries?Aston was rated highly on visa advice, accommodation, arrival arrangements and opening a bank account?Aston performed particularly well in offering work experience (2nd in the UK) and careers advice?most learning areas had shown improvement, although some learning and teaching issues remained to be addressed, eg language support and understanding some lectures?there was significant concern about internet access – cost and service issues.Senate noted that considerable efforts were being expended to address the issues raised by the international students as quickly as possible.Proposed Redevelopment of the Former Fire StationSenate was pleased to note that the Birmingham City Council’s Planning Committee had recently rejected their officers’ recommendation for the resubmitted application to build a 23-storey tower block on the site of the former Fire Station site. The developers, Watkin Jones, had committed to return with a ‘low rise solution’. Letter to the Prime Minister concerning International University StudentsSenate noted that the Chancellor and the Pro-Chancellor had joined a list of signatories, drawn from distinguished Chancellors and Chairs of University Councils from across the UK, to a letter urging the Prime Minister to support universities in their efforts to recruit genuine international students. In particular, it was requested that international university students be removed from the net migration statistics for policy purposes bringing the UK into line with its major competitors. STRATEGIC ISSUESStrategies for Growth 12/68Senate received a report that the recommendations from the joint Council-Senate Away Day concerning strategies for growth had been discussed by a Council Sub-Group on 21 May 2012. Following this meeting, the Vice-Chancellor was in the process of preparing a paper for consideration by Council which would propose a limited number of strategic and ambitious initiatives that would stimulate future growth, investment and differentiation for Aston. In the increasingly competitive market, in which students’ expectations would be rising, it would be essential for Schools, with the assistance of colleagues in Marketing, to focus on their highest quality and most successful programmes, and to consider whether less successful programmes could be adapted and improved or replaced by new higher quality and more attractive/distinctive offerings. Efforts should be made to internationalise further Aston’s most successful research centres which would help to raise their profiles and attract further funding. A strategic fund would be identified for the next financial year which would help to finance initiatives at both institutional and School levels. League Table Rankings12/69Senate received a presentation from the Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor on Aston’s position in the main league tables and the most influential factors affecting the University’s ranking. Different league tables employed different methodologies and weightings for individual factors. Aston had been focusing on improving in areas where it was possible to make a difference in terms of its league table position, including: National Student Survey, student progression and achievement, graduate employability, and spend on facilities. However, competitor universities were also striving to improve their rankings and it was often necessary to improve performance in the individual factors merely to retain an overall league table position. Aston’s performance in the REF was critical to the future well-being of the University, in terms of its impact on funding, resources, staff and prestige that would in turn influence its position in league tables. Members noted that Aston had consistently lower proportions of students achieving First and Upper Second Class Honours degrees than did competitors, despite the improving quality of its student intake. The Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor had written to all Examination Board Chairs reminding them that External Examiners have indicated that Aston’s Boards appear to be less generous than those in other universities in terms of promoting borderline candidates. Members of Senate felt that there was considerable variation in marking policy and practice across the University, which could be contributing to the relatively low percentage of higher classifications. Other universities used techniques to reduce statistical errors which could arise through variations in marking practice, which helped to improve their students’ classifications. Some members suggested that students’ poor essay writing skills contributed to their underachievement and that more should be done to help them to improve such skills. It was agreed that the Learning and Teaching Committee should undertake a review into marking policy and practice across the University, having regard to current best practice in the HE sector, and to submit recommendations thereon to the first meeting of Senate next year.Action: Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor to instigate a review of marking policy and practice.Research Excellence Framework 201412/70Senate received a presentation from the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) which provided an overview of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 and associated schedule of key dates, and Aston’s preparations for the REF to-date, including a mock exercise on impact. All Schools had submitted multiple impact case studies and supporting statements detailing their approach to achieving impact from their research, and these were to be assessed by two external reviewers, with results published by the end of July 2012. Senate agreed that maximizing Aston’s performance in the REF should be a major priority in the months ahead. Academic staff should be encouraged to submit any outstanding papers and to maximise research spend before the REF cut-off dates.Aston’s Access Agreement 2013/1412/71Senate received copies of the Access Agreement for 2013/14 which had been submitted to the Office for Fair Access by its deadline of 31 May 2012. It would not have been prudent to make substantial changes to the current tuition fees and bursary policy until after it had been implemented and evaluated in 2012/13. The only change made was to increase the number of National Scholarship Programme (NSP) awards in line with the increase in the Government’s matched contribution. A draft version of the document had been circulated to members of the Senate and Council and only positive feedback had been received. The document had also been discussed with Guild Officers who were supportive of the increase in NSP awards. Senate endorsed the Access Agreement for 2013/14.Senate noted that, after 2013/14, the HEFCE core and margin methodology was likely to be discontinued which would mean that Aston would not need to maintain an average tuition fee below ?7,500 in order to be able to bid for additional students from the margin. If this were to occur, Aston could consider changing some scholarships from fee waivers to accommodation fee waivers or financial awards which could be more attractive to potential students and their parents.Academic and Financial Planning12/72An oral report was received from the Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor and the following points were noted:Detailed scholarship and tuition fee procedures and guidelines for 2012/13 had been produced and published on the intranet. Staff training sessions on the use of these procedures was on-going.Aston had recently submitted a response to HEFCE consultation questions on student number controls and teaching funding for 2013/14 and subsequently.Preparation of the five year financial forecast for submission to HEFCE was on track to meet the 20 June 2012 HEFCE submission deadline. In view of the considerable uncertainties arising from the changing HE environment, it had been agreed to prepare the forecasts using high level institutional data and assumptions. The draft forecast would be submitted to the June meetings of the Finance Committee and Council.MEASURES TO EXPEDITE DECISION-MAKING AND REDUCE BUREAUCRACY Proposal to Discontinue School Boards12/73Senate received paper REG/12/291 containing a proposal to discontinue School Boards, which had been prepared in the light of concerns expressed by senior School staff concerning the effectiveness and value of School Board meetings, and the associated unnecessary bureaucracy and delays in decision-making. The Executive Deans had been consulted and they had confirmed that they could see no business rationale to continue with School Boards. The Deans had stressed that it was important that all staff and students should retain a voice in strategy development and decision-making, which could be achieved from representation on other School Committees/Task Groups or attendance at regular School Meetings. 12/74Senate members made the following comments:LSS School Board whilst agreeing that there were sufficient other opportunities for staff to participate in School strategy development and decision-making, had expressed some reservations at the withdrawal of School Boards in relation to the loss of opportunity for student participation, particularly as a forum in which undergraduate, taught postgraduate and research students were present. It was suggested that an open forum for all LSS students to meet staff and peers could be set up in an informal setting, in order to allow general School issues to be discussed. Some members were concerned that opportunity to debate School strategy could be diminished without School Boards. Other members suggested that Schools already provided these opportunities, for example via the Strategy Forum for senior staff and the Strategy Insight Forum for junior staff operated by ABS.Other members were strongly in favour of discontinuing School Boards as they felt they were principally concerned with rubber stamping decisions made elsewhere, caused unnecessary bureaucracy and wasted staff time.12/75Senate resolved to approve the following recommendations:That School Boards be discontinued with effect from 1 August 2012 with their responsibilities and functions transferred to the School Management Teams, School Research Committees and Learning and Teaching Committees as appropriate.That Schools should ensure that all School staff and students continue to have the opportunity to comment on the operation and management of the School, and to play a proactive role in the development and implementation of School policy and strategy. To this end Schools should commit to holding termly School meetings with all staff. The membership of the School Research Committee and School Learning and Teaching Committees should be extended to include at least two elected members. That the minutes of all major School Committees should be accessible to all School staff, who should have the right to raise any matter arising from those minutes at a School Meeting. That the Minutes of the School Research Committees and School Learning and Teaching Committees be received respectively by the University’s Research Committee and Learning and Teaching Committee. The Executive Deans should continue to raise any relevant strategic issues arising from the work of School Committees with the University Executive Team.That Schools should consider appropriate fora in which students from different levels could participate in School strategy development.That a Task and Finish Group be established to prepare revised Statutes, Ordinances and Terms of Reference/Constitutions of School Committees to reflect the above recommendations. (Group to Comprise Deputy Secretary and the Heads of School Administration)Action: Deputy Secretary to convene Task and Finish Group.Other Measures to Reduce Bureaucracy12/76The Vice-Chancellor invited members to identify other areas of University activity which were over-bureaucratic or wasted-staff time, and the following areas were identified:Programme Reviews – the production of documentation for these reviews was felt to be over-bureaucratic, onerous and time-consuming for senior academic staff. Action: Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor to instigate a review of Programme ReviewsConduct of Examination Boards – there was considerable variation in practice across the University, with some Boards requiring a large number of staff to attend lengthy meetings without appearing to engage in any purposeful dialogue. Other Boards had well-oiled procedures for dealing fairly but efficiently with very large numbers of candidates, including paperless Boards and Board meetings being scheduled well in advance. Action: Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor to instigate a review of the procedures for the Conduct of Examination Boards to ensure that current best practice from within Aston and the HE Sector is used consistently across the University.Provision of Staff Update Training – members felt that it should not be necessary for staff to attend half-day sessions for training to up-date their skills. Action: Staff and Graduate Development to consider how update training can be delivered more efficiently and conveniently for MITTEES AND MATTERS ARISINGCouncil12/77The minutes of the Council meeting of 28 March 2012 were received.Business and Community Engagement Committee12/78The minutes of the Business and Community Engagement Committee meeting of 17 May 2012 were received.International Strategy Committee12/79The minutes of the International Strategy Committee meeting of 16 May 2012 were received.Learning and Teaching Committee 12/80Senate received the minutes of the Learning and Teaching Committee (LTC) meeting of 8 May 2012 and a summary of items referred by LTC and its sub-committees to the Senate in paper REG/12/279. Postgraduate Annual Monitoring Reports for 2010-11 12/81The Senate approved the following annual monitoring reports:ABS Postgraduate report and action plan, REG/12/254(a)EAS Postgraduate report and action plan, REG/12/257(a)LHS Postgraduate action plans and report, REG/12/256(a)LSS Postgraduate report and action plan, REG/12/255(a).Library Regulations12/82Senate approved proposed revisions to the Library Regulations for 2012-13 (in paper REG/11/232).New Programme Proposal12/83Senate approved the proposed Graduate Diploma in Law (full-time, part-time and distance learning modes) from the 2012-13 academic year, subject to remaining conditions of Programme Approval Sub-Committee (PASC) and Regulation Sub-Committee (RSC) being met.University Awards12/84Senate recommended to Council the following changes to Ordinance VIII - University Awards:(c)Integrated Masters Degrees:Add “Master of Biology (MBiol)”(d)Higher Degrees:Delete “Ophthalmic Doctorate (OD)” and add the following:“Doctor of Ophthalmic Science (DOphSc)” and “Doctor of Optometry (DOptom)”Aston Credit and Qualifications Frameworks12/85Senate agreed to include the following established principles in the Aston Credit and Qualifications Frameworks to aid dissemination and understanding:‘1MA/MSc/MBA dissertation should not normally be larger than 80 credits or smaller than 60 credits. If a dissertation is worth greater than 60 credits adequate provision must be made for students to exit with a Postgraduate Diploma.2Master’s (Level 7) modules should have a 50% pass mark when part of an integrated Master’s programme or when available as an option on an undergraduate programme.’General Regulations for Undergraduate Taught Programmes12/86Senate approved proposed revisions to the General Regulations for Undergraduate Taught Programmes with effect from 2012-13 as detailed in paper REG/12/279.General Regulations for Postgraduate Taught Programmes12/87Senate approved proposed revisions to the General Regulations for Postgraduate Taught Programmes with effect from 2012-13 as detailed in paper REG/12/279.General Regulations for Research Degrees for Staff and Graduates of Aston University 12/88Senate approved a new set of General Regulations for Research Degrees for Staff and Graduates of Aston University comprising an up-date of the previous regulations for academic staff candidates for PhDs, the Doctor of Science (DSc) and the PhD by published work. Approval was subject to further consideration being given to the requirement for the submission of loose bound copies of published work for DSc/DLitt and whether it should also be possible make an electronic submission.ACTION: Director of Registry and Student Planning to consider feasibility of accepting electronic submission of published workGeneral Regulations for Degrees by Research and Thesis12/89Senate approved amendments to the General Regulations for Degrees by Research and Thesis as detailed in paper REG/12/279.General Regulations for the Presentation of Theses12/91Senate approved amendments to the General Regulations for Presentation of Theses as detailed in paper REG/12/279.Conduct of Boards of Examiners12/92Senate approved a proposal to include the revised jeopardy letter, which has been used this year, as an appendix to the General Regulations for the Conduct of Boards of Examiners.Examination Regulations for Candidates12/93Senate approved amendments to the Examination Regulations for Candidates as detailed in paper REG/12/279.Annual Briefings for Chairs, Deputy Chairs and Secretaries of Board of Examiners12/94Senate noted that briefing meetings had been held for Postgraduate Boards of Examiners (all Schools 24 October 2011 & LHS only 15 May 2012) and Undergraduate Boards of Examiners (21 May 2012). Programme Specifications 12/95Senate approved updated guidance notes on programmes specifications, in paper REG/12/264, which were required to ensure that Aston complied with HEFCE’s requirements in relation to Key Information Sets (KIS). Changes reflecting closure of Combined Honours and other up-dating (all Regulations)12/96Senate noted that references to Combined Honours would be removed from General Regulations; a supplement on relevant Regulations would be produced for continuing Combined Honours Students; and Regulations were subject to other minor clarifications, formatting and up-dating (e.g. to reflect changes in academic titles or department names).Personal Tutoring Policy12/97Senate noted that the Learning and Teaching Committee had approved a revised Personal Tutoring Policy in paper REG/12/249.Aston CPD Framework for Learning and Teaching Excellence12/98Senate received a proposed Aston CPD Framework for Learning and Teaching Excellence in paper REG/12/292 for submission to the Higher Education Academy for consideration by its accreditation panel. If the Framework were to be accredited it would assist Aston to achieve one of its strategic objectives: a high proportion of professionally qualified teaching staff. It was noted that the submission was scheduled to be considered by the HEA accreditation panel on 25 July 2012. Members were invited to submit comments on the draft Framework to the Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor or Dr Sandy Cope, from CLIPP, prior to the submission deadline of 15 June 2012.Research Executive Think Tank12/99The minutes of the Research Executive Think Tank of 8 May 2012 were received.Aston Business School Board 12/100The minutes of the Aston Business School Board meeting of 16 May 2012 were received.Engineering and Applied Science School Board 12/101The minutes of the Engineering and Applied Science School Board meeting of 15 May 2012 were received.Languages and Social Sciences School Board12/102The minutes of the Languages and Social Sciences School Board meeting of 30 May 2012 were received.Life and Health Sciences School Board12/103The minutes of the Life and Health Sciences School Board meeting of 26 January 2012 were received.Guild Senate12/104A report of Senate issues raised at the Guild Senate meeting of 9 May 2012 was received and the following points were noted:12/105Library Opening HoursSenate noted that discussions were on-going between Officer of the Guild and Library staff concerning the optimum opening hours for the Library, balancing the needs of students and the staffing costs for periods of low demand.Blackboard Issues12/106Senate was disappointed to note that there were still some students who had empty Blackboard modules and reading lists for the next academic year as lecturers had not yet uploaded content. Action: Associate Deans to urge their colleagues to ensure that as soon as possible blackboard modules and booklists are uploaded for the next academic year.Feedback on Coursework12/107Senate was concerned to note that some students were still awaiting results for assessments undertaken in December in one subject area. The students had raised this through the Staff Student Consultative Committee meetings and Guild Officers had brought this to the attention of Subject Tutors. However, Senate was reassured that on the whole, feedback had been provided to students within the 4 week period.Action: In future, Guild Officers also to inform the relevant Executive Deans if there are delays in providing feedback to students, so that they can ensure that appropriate action is taken to resolve the matter.Student Engagement in Guild Activity12/108Senate was pleased to note that, for the third consecutive year, there had been a substantial increase in engagement with Guild Senate. Since 2009, the number of registered course representatives had risen from 63 to 169. Library Director’s Report12/109The Senate received a report from the Library Director.REPORTS AND SCHEDULES FOR APPROVALSchedule of Research Grants and Contracts12/110Senate recommended to Council that the Schedule of Research Grants and Contracts (in paper REG/12/281) be approved and that the following members of staff be congratulated on attracting substantial awards:Dr J Brammer, Prof A HornungE.C.?493,135.7Dr H Ye E.C.?245,234.76Prof H Griffiths E.C.?235,882.68Dr S Generalis E.C.?223,045.92Dr M Booth Low Carbon Networks Fund?213,345Prof S Al-Malaika E.C.?204,362.3Prof L Zhang E.C.?176,244Dr D Webb E.C.?176,244Schedule of Appointment of Academic and Academic-Related Staff12/111A Schedule of Appointment of Academic and Academic-Related Staff (in paper REG/12/282 was received.What’s Not Working12/112A member of Senate reported that from time-to-time the support systems for teaching undertaken outside the normal teaching day were not effective, for example classrooms locked and/or support for audio-visual aids not available.ACTION: Executive Director of Capital Development to undertake a review of support services for out-of-hours teaching to ensure that staff are always properly supported.Schedule of Matters Approved by Chair or Vice-Chair of Senate12/113Senate ratified the action taken by the Chair and Vice-Chair on behalf of the Senate as (in paper REG/12/283). DATES OF SENATE MEETINGS IN 2012/13 12/114Wednesday, 28 November 2012 at 2:00 pmWednesday, 13 March 2013 at 2:00 pm Wednesday, 5 June 2013 at 2:00 pmJoint Council/Senate Away Day: Wednesday, 17 April 2013 (12:30 pm to 6:00 pm followed by dinner Senate Half Away Day: Wednesday, 24 April 2013 (starts with lunch at 12:30)STUDENT MEMBERS12/115Senate thanked the following retiring student representatives for their contribution to the work of the Senate and the University: Merghani Ibrahim (President), Ben Smith (Vice-President (Education and Welfare)), Amy Parsons (postgraduate student representative) and Agnes Jacobs (undergraduate student representative).PROFESSOR JOHN EDWARDS 12/116Senate noted that Professor John Edwards, Executive Dean for ABS, would be retiring at the end of this academic year. Senate thanked John for his outstanding contribution to the work of ABS, the Senate, Council and the University. John was an outstanding example of a “good citizen” who had contributed a great deal to the development and operation of Aston, by for example taking an active part in a wide variety of strategy sub groups and important University committees (eg Chair of the Regulation Sub-Committee). He provided exceptional academic and pastoral support to his students and staff colleagues. Registry/JGW/8.6.12 ................
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