AQH-I3-A1 Operations Manual Guidelines for the Joint Franchise Model of Collaboration Version 7.0 February 2016 Programmes* approved to be offered in partnership between the University of Sunderland (the University) and XXXXXXXXXXXXXX) under the Joint Franchise Collaborative Model * The latest Agreement Annexe listing all programmes approved to be delivered through the partnership has been issued to your organisation. document.docx Page 1 of 36
Transcript
AQH-I3-A1 Operations Manual Guidelines for the Joint Franchise Model of Collaboration
Version 7.0 February 2016
Programmes* approved to be offered in partnership betweenthe University of Sunderland (the University)
andXXXXXXXXXXXXXX) under the Joint Franchise Collaborative
Model
* The latest Agreement Annexe listing all programmes approved to be delivered through the partnership has been issued to your organisation.
document.docx Page 1 of 27
NOTES TO AUTHORS: (PLEASE REMOVE THIS TEXT AND ANY OTHER SHADED TEXT REFERRING TO THE AUTHOR ONCE YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE MANUAL)
PLEASE REPLACE ‘PARTNER NAME’ WITH ACTUAL NAME OF PARTNER THROUGHOUT DOCUMENT APART FROM WITHIN THE CORE REQUIREMENTS GRIDS
THE MANUAL SHOULD REFER TO CENTRE LEADERS FOR PRIVATE OR TNE PARTNERS AND TO FACULTY PARTNERSHIP LEADERS FOR FECS
PLEASE LET QAE KNOW ABOUT ANY BROKEN LINKS
PLEASE FILL OUT THE DETAIL UNDER THE RELEVANT HEADINGS TO AMPLIFY WHAT IS STATED IN THE AGREEMENT QUALITY ANNEXEE
PLEASE ASK QAE FOR A COPY OF THE LATEST QUALITY ANNEXEE FOR THE PARTNER YOU ARE DEVELOPING THIS MANUAL FOR.
Implementation and Modification History (Faculty Author to complete):
Version Occasion of Change
Change author
Date of modifi-cation
Modifications made
Version signed off by Faculty (date & details)
Date issued to Partner
Welcome to the University of Sunderland’s Faculty of xxxxxxxxxxx. PARTNER NAME has now been formally approved to offer the programmes listed in the Agreement.
This guide aims to help you get started and lays out various roles. More help, including access to on-line staff development is available on the Partner Pages Website https://my.sunderland.ac.uk/display/partners/PARTNER NAME+Secure– Log-in details have previously been sent to PARTNER NAME, but if you experience any problems please contact [email protected] for help.
Your support and co-operation is very much appreciated, and any feedback you can provide on the effectiveness of the Operations Manual template and/or notification of any broken links is welcome. Please contact Quality Assurance and Enhancement at the University of Sunderland via [email protected]
This document should be issued to the following people:
At the University: Centre Leader/Faculty Partnership Leader Programme Leaders as appropriate Faculty Quality Officer Faculty Administration Support
At PARTNER NAME: Assistant Programme Leaders as appropriate Relevant managers/central co-ordinating staff Administration Support
Appendix One: Quality Annexe to the Collaborative Provision Agreement
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 We have designed this manual to help all staff involved in the delivery, management, quality assurance, and co-ordination of the programmes included in the Collaborative Provision Agreement (CPA) to understand who does what. It is specifically tailored for our Joint Franchise Model of Collaboration. In a nutshell, Joint Franchise programmes are designed and approved by the University, but PARTNER NAME contributes to this to the level specified in the manual.
1.2 It is very important to embed mutual understandings to make sure the student gets a good experience, regardless of the site of delivery. We recognise it is important to avoid jargon and a glossary of terms is available on line via: Introduction to University of Sunderland Quality Processes. A set of useful links to other information sources is also provided in this guide.
1.3 To help promote good communications the faculty will let you know at the start of each year the timing of particular activities. The faculty will also appoint a Centre Leader/Faculty Partnership Leader as the member of staff who takes responsibility for management of the relationship for an agreed subject area and the relevant programmes.
1.4 The faculty contextualises this manual to ensure local relevance. PARTNER NAME can add to this with faculty agreement, particularly to help with communication information. The core sections, relating to the CPA, are presented in grids and may not be altered. The faculty and PARTNER NAME should ensure all relevant staff have access to the manual. It amplifies the roles more briefly described in the CPA. Please also refer to refer to the University’s Guidelines on the Role of Assistant Programme Leaders at Partner Institutions accessible through:https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-6167/AQH-I1-4a+Role+of+Assistant+Programme+Leader+at+Partner+Institutions.docas well as the University’s Guidelines on Roles of Centre Leaders/Faculty Partnership Leaders available on the University website.
. 1.5 CPA’s are normally reviewed by the University every six years. They reflect
including the University’s’ Collaborative Models of Provision paper (https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-7996) and relevant sections from the Quality Assurance Agency’s (QAA) UK Quality Code for Higher Education (e.g. Chapter B10 Managing higher education provision with others 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/
2.1 We value and promote equality and diversity for our staff and students. In line with our strategic aims, we work to ensure that all members of the community treat one another with respect and dignity.
Our Equality and Diversity website:http://services.sunderland.ac.uk/hr/equalityanddiversity/provides details of developments related to equality and diversity within the University, guidance for both staff and students, and information on good practice. The University operates a strict equality and diversity policy and will not tolerate discriminatory practices. Copies of its position policies on this are available on the website via the above link.
3.0 COMMUNICATION CHANNELS
3.1 From the outset, it is important to establish and maintain effective communication channels to assure the successful operation, quality assurance and management of the provision. At the practitioner level, communications between Assistant Programme Leaders at PARTNER NAME and the Centre Leader/Faculty Partnership Leader at the University in particular should be established from the start. Centre Leaders/Faculty Partnership Leaders normally visit PARTNER NAME on a minimum of two occasions per year and write an annual report based on these which informs the annual monitoring exercise (see section 20).
3.2 The current University Management Structure is accessible here.
3.3 Typical Faculty Structure: University of Sunderland
3.3.1 Please refer to http://www.sunderland.ac.uk/faculties/ to access up-to-date details relating to specific individuals/Departments.
A typical University Faculty includes: Dean Associate Dean (AD) – Student Experience (SE) Associate Dean (AD) – Resources, Research and External Engagement Associate Dean (AD) – Recruitment and Development (R&D), and Heads of Department.
The current Faculty of XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX structure is as follows:
Address to which Marketing Materials, web-based entries, any other public information produced by PARTNER NAME referring to the Sunderland programmes should be sent for approval: [email protected] for private/international partners, or [email protected] for UK FE Colleges
Faculty, Department, and programme contacts (ANNOTATE AS APPROPRIATE):
Role Title Contact Name, email address and telephone number
Dean of Faculty Faculty Associate Dean (Student Experience) Faculty Associate Dean (Recruitment and Academic Development)
Faculty Associate Dean (Research and External Engagement)
Centre Leader/Faculty Partnership Leader (s) Programme Assessment Board and Programme Studies Board Chair
3.5.1 The current Management Structure of PARTNER NAME organisation is [To Be Inserted
3.5.2 PARTNER NAME Contact Details:
4.0 WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT
4.1 The University is responsible for approving its awards and ensuring their ongoing quality and enhancement. PARTNER NAME may contribute towards curriculum development and other activities which are finally approved by the faculty. PARTNER NAME writes annual reports which feed into the University’s monitoring system following oversight by your organisation, the Centre Leader/Faculty Partnership Leader also writes reports to inform this exercise. We appoint and pay external examiners and host, chair and manage all assessment boards. The following sections explain in more detail who does what and how it should happen.
5.0 APPOINTMENT OF STAFF
Core Activity/responsibility core requirement: Joint Franchise Model
Consider Partner staff CVs taking into account the expertise of individuals and the balance of expertise across the staff team
University
5. 1 The faculty is responsible for approving the appointment of staff teaching on the programmes offered under the CPA in accordance with University criteria. CVs will be approved by the faculty in advance of staff commencing to teach on a Sunderland programme.
5.2 PARTNER NAME is responsible for: providing to the faculty, via the Centre Leader/Faculty Partnership
Leader, the CVs of staff whom it proposes to engage to support delivery of the programme for approval in advance of their appointment;
maintaining a team of a suitable number and range of staff teaching on the programme submitting details of proposed changes to the number and range of teaching staff to the faculty for approval in advance of implementation;
reflecting on any teaching staff changes in the annual monitoring report.
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5. 3 PARTNER NAME should put forward the CVs of staff proposed to teach on the agreed University programmes and modules. We don’t prescribe the format of teaching staff CVs but do require inclusion of minimum information, to ensure our awareness of their teaching expertise and qualifications, please see:
Guidance on Teaching Staff CVs
5.4 PARTNER NAME should also send to the Centre Leader/Faculty Partnership Leader a Matrix for each programme to be delivered at PARTNER NAME, showing:
the tutor name the modules they will deliver the highest qualification held by each tutor.
The faculty approves the Matrix and notes the date that each tutor CV was approved.
PARTNER NAME should always ensure that an appropriate number and range of academic staff is assigned to each programme covered by the Agreement. A maximum number of modules that an individual member of PARTNER NAME academic staff may lead will normally be agreed by the appropriate University faculty.
6.0 INDUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHING STAFF
Core Activity/ responsibility core requirement: Joint Franchise Model
Provide staff development including pedagogical development, subject-specific development and awareness of UK and University quality and standards requirements.
University and Partner in collaboration. However the Partner is expected to provide subject-specific staff development for their own staff.
6.1 Teaching Staff Induction
6.1.1 All teaching staff appointed should ideally undergo a process of staff induction/development. The exact issues to cover in teaching staff induction will vary but will typically include:
Learning and teaching issues; learning outcomes etc Academic regulations Academic support for students Assessment/feedback on assessment Quality Assurance issues/annual monitoring requirements etc Collection of student feedback Plagiarism and cheating Complaints procedure Access to University on line library facilities
6.1.2 Approved tutors who teach on University ‘Joint Franchise’ programmes may be eligible to apply for a University of Sunderland Associate Lecturer Athens Account. This will provide access to certain University e-resources for the purpose of supporting University of Sunderland students.
6.1.3 To apply for an Athens Account, tutors should print, complete, and sign the registration forms available from the University library web pages and access the following link for further information: http://twitter.com/UoSliboffcampus.
6.2.1 The University will normally be responsible for inviting Partner staff to attend certain staff development activities organised by the University, e.g. collaborative conferences. Academic Development, accessible via: http://services.sunderland.ac.uk/academic-services/academicdevelopment/organises a range of continuing professional development activities throughout the year which are available to off and on-campus staff.
6.2.2 A useful ROADMAP providing links to relevant sources of guidance is also uploaded to the University’s Partner Pages Website. This is password accessible, the log-in details have been issued to you. Faculty staff can access this area using their normal University log-in:
If you have any problems logging in please contact Academic Development at the University (please see contact details above). This area of the Partner Pages Website also includes details of recent activities, such as the outcome of periodic review so that all staff are aware of any actions that may be needed, or to share any examples of good practice that might have been highlighted.
For useful on-line staff development, as well as much other useful information, please access the HOME area of Partner Pages – again this is password accessible, please click:
Here is a screenshot to give you a flavour of what is currently readily available to you NOTE TO AUTHOR – PLEASE DELETE IF NOT APPROPRIATE OR REPLACE BELOW WITH A A RELEVANT EXAMPLE:
6.2.2 PARTNER NAME will normally be responsible for ensuring that its staff assigned to teaching on the Sunderland programmes engage in continuous professional development or scholarly activity/research to maintain the currency of their knowledge at an appropriate academic level. This could include in-house, external or University led activities.
6.2.3 It is really useful if dates of specific staff development sessions and important meetings are included in an annual plan/calendar of operations (see below). Each party should advise the other as early as possible of the proposed dates of any joint activities. The dates of important Boards should be incorporated within the 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 plan is a broad guide but the precise contents will vary from year to year:
Date/time University Meeting/Activity PARTNER NAME meeting/activityApril Collaborative annual monitoring
report guidelines issued to partners by University Faculties
Note: annual monitoring guidelines are also uploaded to Partner Pages Website so are accessible to PARTNER NAME at any time during the year.
July Partner Annual Monitoring Reports for Joint Franchise programmes to be completed by PARTNER NAME and returned to the University via the relevant University faculty for previous academic year
August Marketing and Recruitment to receive up-to-date marketing materials from PARTNER NAME for approval via:[email protected] for private/international partners or [email protected] for UK FE Colleges
PARTNER NAME to send any advertisements proposed for coming year, including web-based entries, and any other new publicity material to Sunderland for approval via:[email protected] for private/international partners or [email protected] for UK FE Colleges
August Student Handbooks and any other new or amended promotional materials, including web-based ones, referring to the Sunderland programme to be finalised by PARTNER NAME and approved by the University
August Operations Manual/schedule of annual activities updated as necessary for coming year and issued to key PARTNER NAME staff.
PARTNER NAME to ensure all updated information is received by all tutors, managers and administrators associated with the Sunderland programmes.
September Student Induction SessionsSeptember Development Day for teaching staff September Programme Refer/Defer BoardSeptember Semester 1 begins – see University
website for DatesNovember Programme Studies BoardsNovember/ December
6.2.4 PARTNER NAME should inform University staff in advance of ‘in-house’ meetings taking place that need input from us.
7.0 PROGRAMME DESIGN AND ONGOING DEVELOPMENT7.1 Introduction
7.1.1 The agreed University programmes (as defined by the relevant programme specifications approved by the University) will be offered at approved PARTNER NAME sites by the Joint Franchise Model of Collaboration. For a full list of programmes/sites covered by this manual please refer to the Schedule of Programmes Annexe to the CPA which has been agreed and signed between the University and PARTNER NAME.
7.1.2 Programme Design and Approval
Core Activity/ responsibility core requirement: Joint Franchise Model
Design of the programme, ensuring the currency of the curriculum (i.e. informed by research and/or scholarship and/or contact with commerce/industry and/or practice-led as applicable)
The University is responsible for the design and approval of the curriculum and ensuring its currency is informed by research, any PSRBs and practice.The Partner should contribute towards the design of the curricula where this is appropriate and providing where appropriate, to the University, information and expertise.
Prepare programme approval and periodic review paperwork
University
7.1.2.1 Initial design of programmes and modules follows the University’s programme development and approval processes as specified in its Academic Quality Handbook accessible via https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-2775. This section of the handbook incorporates all templates and forms together with a full description of the University’s taught programme approval processes. A guideline on termination of programmes themselves is also incorporated in this section. The University prepares the programme approval documentation and ensures that initial proposal documentation is received by the relevant groups or committees. The structure of the programme is included in the programme specification approved by the University, a copy of which has been supplied to you.
7.1.3 Ongoing programme development
Core Activity/ responsibility core requirement: Joint Franchise Model
On-going development of the programme, ensuring the currency of the curriculum (i.e. informed by research and/or scholarship and/or contact with commerce/industry and/or practice-led as applicable)
University – but may be informed by off-campus teaching staff and student feedback
Approve minor modifications to programmes and modules
University
7.1.4 Ongoing curriculum developments such as those arising out of response to Sunderland/PARTNER NAME staff or student feedback, external drivers or research, are subject to the approval of the University. Details of the
University’s Minor Modification guidelines are included in the Academic Quality Handbook, accessible via https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-2778
8.0 IN-COUNTRY APPROVAL TO OPERATEANNOTATE AS APPROPRIATE – THIS IS NOT APPLICABLE FOR UK FECS
Core Activity/responsibility core requirement: Joint Franchise Model
Responsible for in-country accreditation Partner with University involvement in line with agreed processes
8.1 Any local in-country approval to operate programmes associated with the collaboration must be secured by PARTNER NAME prior to commencement of delivery. We need to see evidence that all necessary local permission to operate Sunderland awards is in place. This is normally checked during partnership approval and review. However, PARTNER NAME should inform the University in advance of any subsequent in-country re-accreditation so that it can provide any necessary information or agreed support in a timely manner. We will co-operate to a level specified in the Agreement. PARTNER NAME should provide us with evidence of the outcome of in-country approval or accreditation as soon as possible once this is received. Our guidance on oversight of in-country accreditation of partner organisations is accessible via Guidance on In-Country approval - to ensure University oversight
9.0 APPROVAL OF MARKETING INFORMATION
Core Activity/ responsibility
core requirement: Joint Franchise Model
University Partner
Design a marketing plan and prepare publicity materialsMaterials to be approved by the University before publication/ distribution
Partner, although in some circumstances joint development with the University and/or between Partners will be appropriate
The University approves the marketing and publicity materials produced by the Partner, including web-based ones and any use of the University logo in documentation or signage, before they are implemented.
The Partner designs and submits to the University for approval all marketing and publicity materials, including web-based ones and any use of the University logo in documentation or signage, before they are implemented.
9.1 The University is responsible for the accuracy of all public information published in relation to the awards for which it is responsible. We reserve the right to publicise collaborative programmes in our own publicity materials and in other publicity materials agreed with our partners. PARTNER NAME should design a clear marketing plan for the provision from the outset. PARTNER NAME is responsible for publicising locally the availability of the programmes and the recruitment and admission arrangements in accordance with University admissions criteria. Please see https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-2785 for further details of the Collaborative Marketing Approval Process. This must be adhered to in respect of all publically available materials referring to the awards of the University of Sunderland.
9.2 It is particularly important that all references to University awards specify the correct and approved programme title as detailed in the Agreement and in the programme specification in all documents produced by PARTNER NAME, such as annual monitoring reports, student handbooks and publicity leaflets.
9.3 The University is 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 provision covered by the Agreement. PARTNER NAME is responsible for submitting to the University, publicity materials in respect of the collaborative provision, for approval prior to their implementation, via the Marketing and Recruitment email address [email protected] (for Private/international partnerships) or [email protected] for UK FE Colleges. In addition, Centre Leaders/Partnership Leaders may check and approve published information produced by PARTNER NAME, such as student handbooks during their visits. Centre Leaders/Faculty Partnership Leaders report on the accuracy of information checked (see section 20).
10.0 STUDENT RECRUITMENT AND ALLOCATION OF STUDENT NUMBERS
Core Activity/responsibility core requirement: Joint Franchise Model
Undertake student recruitment Partner
10.1 The number of student places per annum will be agreed with the University in accordance with the Financial Annexe to the CPA.
11.0 STUDENT ADMISSIONS, REGISTRATION AND RECORDSCore Activity/ responsibility core requirement: Joint Franchise Model
Carry out admissions to admissions requirements approved by the University and send offer letters
University
11.1 General
The University will be responsible for: providing student registration forms; ensuring that students are registered at the start of each stage of their
programme and accurately inputting student information onto the Student Records System (SITS);
generating a University student ID for all registered students to include an email account and facilitate access to the University website;
providing data reports drawn from the University Student Records System (SITS) as necessary.
PARTNER NAME will be responsible for: ensuring completed student registration information is returned to the
University in accordance with University deadlines.
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-2780
Any student progression arrangement routes will also need to be approved by the relevant University Faculty Quality Management Sub-Committee (FQMSC). If such (approved) arrangements allow students to access the Sunderland programmes, references to these included in publicity materials must also be approved by the University, via the generic email address [email protected] for private/international partners or [email protected] for UK FE Colleges.
11.3 The Application and Registration process
Student applications should include the following:
Standard application form fully completed Entry qualification: If the qualification is included within the normal entry
criteria - full certificate advising that the qualification has been completed successfully by the applicant
OR Transcripts accompanied by a letter from the awarding body/institution
advising that the qualification has been completed successfully
If the entry qualification is not included within the normal entry criteria the application must include all of the following:
Evidence that qualification obtained is equivalent to the qualification stated Full transcript or certificate stating that award has been completed successfully Full details of the programme including syllabus and curriculum content Details of work experience (this should include reference to the job title, the nature of
responsibilities held, tasks performed, any accountability for people, resources, budgets, customer and external client relations)
Evidence of achievement of at least a minimum score of IELTS 6.0. (International English Language Testing System) or equivalent (for applicants with English as a second language only)
N.B. Failure to provide all of the relevant documentation detailed above along with the application form will result in a delay in the processing of the application, as PARTNER NAME will be requested to obtain more information from the student.
11.4 How to submit applications
All applications must be submitted from PARTNER NAME to the University via the University Centre Leader/Faculty Partnership Leader as shall be agreed.
The University will check each application using an application checklist to ensure that all required evidence/documentation has been provided. Any missing documentation will be requested from PARTNER NAME.
PARTNER NAME will be responsible for obtaining all requested documentation from the student and returning it to University via the Centre Leader/Faculty Partnership Leader (as shall be agreed).
The University will arrange the processing of straightforward applications which meet its standard entry criteria, and will liaise with other relevant University staff regarding 'non-standard' applications for decisions to be made.
All final decisions on acceptance and rejection will be sent to PARTNER NAME.
N.B. An offer letter does not represent a registration or enrolment onto the programme.
Once a student is accepted, a registration number will be issued by the University and must be used from this point on all correspondence e.g. library/registration, exam paper, and assignments. The University issues to students offer letters.
Attached to each offer letter will be a University New Student Enrolment Form that must be completed by the student as formal acceptance of their offer. The student must formally accept the offer, complete the enrolment form, and return it to PARTNER NAME for onward transmission to the University for processing before the programme commences.
11.6 Re-enrolment
All students whose studies cover more than one academic year will be required to re-enrol at the beginning of the subsequent year, once progression is confirmed by the University Programme Assessment Board.
The University will send “Re-enrolment” forms to PARTNER NAME, from where they will be forwarded to students as appropriate with instructions for completion. PARTNER NAME will ensure that Re-enrolment forms are completed by students and returned to the University via the Centre Leader/Faculty Partnership Leader in accordance with the deadline specified by the University.
12.0 STUDENT INDUCTION
12.1 General
PARTNER NAME is responsible for inducting registered students but this may be supported by the faculty as would be agreed.
12.2 Information to be provided for students
Core Activity/responsibility core requirement: Joint Franchise Model
Develop student handbooks University provides core information for programme and module handbooks; Partner then develops the handbooks ensuring University guidelines are met.Partner issues completed handbooks to students.
A student handbook should be issued to students at inductions that will be developed by PARTNER NAME following University guidelines and should include as a minimum:
Contact details for students (to be completed by PARTNER NAME and the University)
Study skills information Information about pastoral support Programme Regulations Procedures and Administration Information on student and learning support including careers advice Information on the University’s Library services and those of PARTNER NAME An assessment cover sheet A mitigation form
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Assignment extensions information Changes to personal details Withdrawal from the programme guidance Leave of absence guidance Appeals and complaints procedures Health and safety information
This handbook will be updated as necessary by PARTNER NAME, in consultation with the Centre Leader/Faculty Partnership Leader as shall be agreed before distribution to students. All students will also be provided with appropriate information on their specific programme of study as specified by the University.
12.3 Student Induction programme content
Student induction sessions will normally include:
Explanation of the student handbook and related programme specific information Introduction to PARTNER NAME and the University – roles, access to facilities,
contact details Information regarding pastoral support An overview of programme structures and assessments Discussions on study and assignment writing skills The opportunity to discuss expectations and what students want to achieve from their
programme Advice on reading material Details of what students can expect from their tutors An overview of the programme regulations on re-assessment and mitigation,
plagiarism etc Administration information such as how to access the University of Sunderland Library
services including on-line resources (where access to these is permissible) Networking and introduction – sharing work experiences/expectations Election of representatives for PARTNER NAME staff: student liaison committee Student feedback mechanisms Schedule of assessment Consideration of results/assessment feedback Procedure for publication of results
13.0 STUDENT SUPPORT AND REPRESENTATION
13.1 Student Representation
Core Activity/responsibility core requirement: Joint Franchise Model
Ensure processes for student representation and feedback are in place. This must include a Student-Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC) at programme / subject level and use of questionnaires
Partner manages Student-Staff Liaison Committees (SSLCs). University provides programme / module questionnaires which are managed in collaboration with the Partner.
13.1.1 It is vitally important to the University that we receive feedback from students about their particular programme of study, the modules and any operational issues that need to be raised and addressed. The University places great value on being responsive to students needs and operates on the principles of encouraging students to evaluate the quality of their educational experience and to feedback their perceptions of the programme and of the centre. Several mechanisms exist within the traditional delivery modes to facilitate this process, and the off-campus mode will seek to foster the same approach. At the end of each module, students will be required to provide feedback.
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13.1.2 Elected student representatives should attend regular meetings organised by PARTNER NAME and attended by Partner academic staff. The aim of such staff: student liaison committee (or equivalent) meetings is to focus on the student experience of the day- to-day running of their programme, to debate any problems which might occur, and to report back to the University (through the Centre Leader/Faculty Partnership Leader) on any issues which the students feel require discussion at the Programme Board of Studies or elsewhere. Any individual student may, at any time, communicate with the Centre Leader/Faculty Partnership Leader (directly or via PARTNER NAME) on matters causing concern or requiring further explanation.
13.2 Student Support
Core Activity/responsibility core requirement: Joint Franchise Model
Provide personal support for students including adjustment for those with disabilities, careers guidance, pastoral support
Partner
13.2.1 The University will be responsible for approving, and having oversight of, the arrangements which PARTNER NAME implements for the welfare of students on a general, and on an individual basis. PARTNER NAME will normally be responsible for providing support to students on the programme, including appropriate levels of support for disabled students, careers advice and guidance, pastoral support, counselling and study skills advice, as appropriate.
13.2.2 PARTNER NAME will normally 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 student handbook.
13.2.3 It is PARTNER NAME’s responsibility to ensure that students are fully aware of who the relevant contact at PARTNER NAME is for their queries.
Responsible for student appeals UniversityResponsible for student complaints/disciplinary matters
Partner in the first instance with further court of appeal (for complaints) to the University in respect of issues relevant to the academic provision.
14.1 All complaints should be progressed in the first instance through the complaints procedure of PARTNER NAME. 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.
14.2 Academic Appeals in relation to assessment must be made to the University using its procedures.
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14.3 Students are subject to the rules, procedures, and regulations governing Conduct and Discipline of PARTNER NAME 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), PARTNER NAME 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.
14.4 The University is responsible for: giving PARTNER NAME access to its process documentation; approving the processes managed by PARTNER NAME.
14.5 PARTNER NAME is responsible for: maintaining robust but fair and transparent complaints and disciplinary
processes; 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.
14.6 University guidelines on Complaints, Appeals and Disciplinary Procedures are accessible via https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-2784
15.0 TEACHING MATERIALS DEVELOPMENT AND DELIVERY
Core Activity/responsibility core requirement: Joint Franchise Model
Develop, design and prepare teaching and learning materials appropriate to the programme and the student cohort(s)
Partner develops and designs teaching materials based on the module descriptors provided by the Faculty, and ensures these are appropriate for each cohort.
15.1 PARTNER NAME should develop teaching materials appropriate to support delivery of each programme operating under the Joint Franchise model. The faculty should maintain oversight of and quality assure these. Useful and reusable tools to help you plan your learning sessions for students are readily available on Partner Pages Website for example: https://my.sunderland.ac.uk/display/partners/Planning+Learning
15.2 Other on-line tools to support development of tutor’s pedagogical skills are also uploaded to Partner Pages Website, please see below sample screen shot from the Key Pedagogies resources link: https://my.sunderland.ac.uk/display/partners/Key+Pedagogies
Deliver teaching and learning materials and provide academic advice and support to students
Partner
Under the Joint Franchise model, PARTNER NAME delivers teaching to students and provides them with relevant academic support. In addition, the Faculty may also deliver modules if this has been agreed. Tutors may access in-house staff development, or on-line resources provided by Academic Development on the Partner Pages website, for example, the Planning Learning resource describes how learning is organised from programme down to session level. It also provides examples of lesson formats and an example of a session plan please click: (using the log-in you have been issued with).
15.4 No teaching of the Sunderland programmes may occur at PARTNER NAME sites which have not first met with the approval of the University. Should an alternative or replacement site of delivery be proposed, PARTNER NAME should communicate the proposal to the faculty to organise central University approval, which must be completed and approved before any students are taught from the alternative site.
Core Activity/ responsibility core requirement: Joint Franchise Model
Provide learning resources for students including a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), access to hard copy and electronic learning resources, IT and specialist equipment as appropriate
PartnerThe University also provides access for students and staff to its Virtual learning Environment (VLE) and to online library resources. Any other provision agreed will be specified in the Agreement.
16.1 Registered students are entitled to access the University’s on-line resources including the library and the VLE. AUTHOR TO PLEASE CONFIRM WHAT PHYSICAL ACCESS STUDENTS HAVE TO THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
16.2 PARTNER NAME is responsible for ensuring local information services support and library facilities and maintaining agreed levels of core materials.
17.0 ASSESSMENTAssessment
Core Activity/ responsibility core requirement: Joint Franchise Model
Design assessments Partner – but approved by University
Approve assessments (examinations and coursework, including project / dissertation titles) before they are passed to students
University
Manage the organisation and preparation of papers for Programme and Module Assessment Boards (PABs and MABs);liaise with the external examiner, chair Programme Assessment Boards (PABs) / Module Assessment Boards ( MABs)host the boards. (Combined Boards are treated as Programme Assessment Boards (PABs.))
University manages all arrangements, chairs and hosts Programme Assessment Boards (PABs) and Module Assessment Boards (MABs).
17.1 PARTNER NAME designs assessments for programmes offered under the Joint Franchise model. These should be sent to the faculty for approval before they are issued to students. The faculty will also be responsible for assuring the recording of and notification of assessment results to students.
17.2 PARTNER NAME is responsible for: conducting assessments in accordance with the Assessment Policy of
the University as detailed in the programme regulations and in relevant guidelines such as those for invigilation procedures;
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);
ensuring that appropriate examination venues are provided which meet academic requirements and comply with health and safety legislation;
notifying students of assessment arrangements including behaviour protocols;
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notifying students of course assignment deadlines and ensuring the secure receipt of coursework.
Core Activity/responsibility core requirement: Joint Franchise Model
Undertake first and second marking and moderation of assessments.University assessment criteria must be adhered to.
The Partner undertakes first marking of all assessments. The extent to which these are moderated by the University should be documented.All assessed work must be marked and moderated according to University policy and in addition to the external examiner.
17.3. Students studying University programmes will be assessed in accordance with the University’s Assessment Policy: University’s Generic Assessment Criteria.
17.4 The processes by which work is assessed and moderated should comply with the minimum threshold standards articulated within the University’s Marking Policy.
AUTHOR TO EXPLAIN MORE ABOUT HOW THIS WILL WORK IN PRACTICE
17.5 Timing and Delivery of Assessment
17.5.1 The faculty will publish an assessment schedule which will be reviewed as part of the Programme Annual Monitoring process. Assessment will take place at approved PARTNER NAME sites. Where the assessment is an examination it will be held under conditions laid down by the University.
17.5.2 PARTNER NAME is required to comply with the University’s Assessment Policy, e.g. with regard to invigilation procedures and safeguarding processes – see above.
18.0 EXTERNAL EXAMINERS
Core Activity/ responsibility core requirement: Joint Franchise Model
Nominate and appoint the external examiner; respond to his/her reports; pay his/her fee and expenses
University nominates, appoints and pays.Partner is informed about external examiners’ recommendations and University responses as applicable.
18.1 The University via its Quality Assurance and Enhancement Office receives all external examiner reports and submits these to relevant Faculty Quality Officers upon receipt.
18.2 The Faculty Quality Officer submits the External Examiner Reports to the named central contact at PARTNER NAME upon receipt.
18.3 Named PARTNER NAME central contact organises local scrutiny of the External Examiner Reports and submits these to relevant teaching staff as soon as possible. In addition, PARTNER NAME should ensure that students have access to the External Examiner reports. It is very important that students see the comments made by External Examiners which concerns their programme, as well as details of actions taken in response. In addition to the
above dissemination mechanism, Academic Services routinely uploads to its website copies of External Examiner Reports and details of the actions taken in response. This is accessible to all individuals who have a University of Sunderland log in. To access these reports please click the following link:http://services.sunderland.ac.uk/academic-services/external-examiners/
18.4 University guidelines on the role of External Examiners are accessible via:External Examiner Roles
19.0 ISSUE OF ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPTS AND AWARD PARCHMENTS
Core Activity/responsibility core requirement: Joint Franchise Model
Provide transcripts UniversityProvide parchments University
19.1 The University is responsible for issuing award parchments and transcripts to students. The award parchment produced for successful students by the University shall state that the student has achieved the award as specified in Annexe 1 to the CPA.
19.2 The award parchment produced for successful students of a Programme by the University shall state that the student has been awarded the award as detailed in Annexe 1 for that Programme. The location of study shall be recorded on the accompanying transcript and the award parchment shall make reference to that transcript.
19.3 In the event of the introduction of any new requirements in the future by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) or any body with jurisdiction over the UK collaborative activities of the University, the University reserves the automatic right to implement amendments to the parchment. Any such amendments will not retrospectively affect students already registered to a current programme prior to the implementation of the amendments unless the bodies concerned take statutory powers to that effect.
20.0 QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS INCLUDING REVIEW
20.1 General management of quality including relevant boards
20.1.1 The University’s Academic Board has ultimate responsibility for the quality and standards of the student experience and of the awards made. Maintenance of quality and standards is delegated to senior University committees. General oversight of the provision, including the maintenance of its academic standards is maintained by the University through:
establishing, operating and managing the Programme/Module Assessment Board(s) that shall be Chaired and Serviced by the University,
appointing External Examiners to the provision in accordance with the procedures detailed above,
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,
the University will also undertake an agreed programme of visits to PARTNER NAME as specified in the University’s Collaborative Processes: Role of Centre Leader: https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-5250/AQH-I1-4+APPENDIX+4+The+Role+of+the+Centre+Leader.doc
All Programme/Module Assessment/Studies Boards operate in accordance with 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-+Module+and+Programme+Studies+and+Assessment+Boards+-+Terms+of+Reference.pdf
20.1.2 The University will establish, operate and manage Programme/Module Assessment and Studies Boards that shall be Chaired and serviced by the University. Details of the constitution of these boards is available on the University’s website.
20.2 Centre Leaders/Faculty Partnership Leaders
Core Activity/responsibility core requirement: Joint Franchise Model
Provide a Centre Leader/Faculty Partnership Leader who will act as the primary over-arching link with the Partner
University
20.2.1 The University appoints Centre/Faculty Partnership Leaders who are responsible for managing at the programme/subject area level the relationship between PARTNER NAME and the faculty. It is important that this relationship is established from the outset and effectively maintained. Further details of the roles and responsibilities of these individuals are included in the University’s Academic Handbook available on our website.
20.3 Statistical Data
Core Activity/responsibility core requirement: Joint Franchise Model
Provide statistical data on student admission, progress, completion and achievement
University
20.3.1 At the programme level, the University provides statistical data on student admission, progress, completion and achievement. However, PARTNER NAME will provide localised data as appropriate; for example, within the annual monitoring reports required to be submitted to the University (see below).
20.4 Periodic Review of the Provision
Core Activity/ responsibility core requirement: Joint Franchise Model
Undertake approval and periodic review of the programmes to explore the scope of the programme including alignment with university expertise and UK requirements
20.4.1 The University’s Periodic Review (of taught programmes) Process is designed so that the University can assure for itself the quality and standards of its taught programmes against important internal and external reference points. In so doing the University aims to provide a robust system for programme re-approval drawing on experience and subject specialist advice, and to take a holistic view of taught provision in a subject area to support strategic programme planning development. The process provides for enhancement through identifying and disseminating good practice as well as any areas for improvement. Further details of the process is accessible in the University’s Academic Quality Handbook via the following web link:
Periodic Programme Review guidelines
20.4.2 Annual Review
20.4.2.1 The University conducts annual review of all of its taught programmes in accordance with the procedures outlined in its Academic Quality Handbook.
Undertake annual review of the programmes using the University’s processes and templates, to the University’s deadlines
The University receives the Partner’s annual report on the provision and takes it into account in the overall annual review of the programme. Partner submits annual partner review form. This contributes to programme review through the Module Studies Boards / Programme Studies Boards (MSB/ PSB.)
20.4.2.2The specific timeline for return of completed reports to the University will be advised by the faculty each year but will typically be required by the end of July each year; i.e. immediately following the end of the academic year covered by the report. It is extremely important that reports are submitted fully completed by the required date so that these can effectively inform the University’s overall monitoring of the provision. These reports are required to be submitted by the due date for all programmes with currently registered students, including any programmes that may be on ‘teach-out’.
20.5 Periodic Partnership Review
Core Activity/responsibility core requirement: Joint Franchise Model
Undertake approval and periodic review of the Partner
University
20.5.1 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 as detailed in the Academic Quality Handbook, accessible via the following link: Partnership Periodic Review Guidelines
20.5.2 The University will be responsible for: organising review panel membership; establishing the review requirements and the schedule of review visits; advising PARTNER NAME of requirements for the review process,
including documentation, meeting arrangements and access to facilities.
PARTNER NAME will be responsible for: providing documentation required by the University for reviews within
the timeframe specified; 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.
20.5.3 Each party will also inform the other in advance of forthcoming external inspection visits (e.g. by Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) or a Professional Statutory or Regulatory Body (PSRB) and of the outcomes of these once they are completed.
21.0 PROGRAMME OR PARTNERSHIP TERMINATION
21.1 The University may invoke its Termination of Partnership or Termination of Programme procedures as specified in the CPA. If a programme ceases to operate for any reason the faculty will work with you (and expect you to work with us) to ensure that any remaining students have the opportunity to complete their studies to the same standard and with the same quality of experience.
21.2 If PARTNER NAME fails to recruit within two years of approval, or thereafter temporarily fails to recruit for two academic years, PARTNER NAME should contact the relevant University Centre Leader/Faculty Partnership Leader who will discuss with Quality Assurance and Enhancement the re-approval processes that will be applied before the lapsed programme can recommence to operate.
22.0 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
For a current glossary of useful terms associated with collaborative delivery of higher education programmes please click: Introduction to University of Sunderland Quality Processes.
23.0 USEFUL LINKSThe following internet links might be useful for PARTNER NAME or University staff involved in collaborative programmes: (NB Please advise [email protected] of any broken links or amended contacts information in the sections below.
Organisation/Link Web AddressEducation and Learning, UK: University and Higher Education Site
Skills Funding Agency http://skillsfundingagency.bis.gov.uk/Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS)
http://www.ucas.ac.uk/
Universities UK http://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/University of Sunderland home page http://www.sunderland.ac.uk/University of Sunderland Academic Services: Academic Quality Handbook website link
APPENDIX ONE: AGREEMENT QUALITY ANNEXEE AVAILABLE FROM ACADEMIC SERVICES
Joint Franchise Model of Collaboration 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
C Gardner December 2011 Updated to reflect revised models of collaborative provision and related guidance
2.0 Produced to reflect new Models of Collaborative provision from September 2011
S Patience March 2013 Updated to reflect new Collaborative Provision Agreement Quality Annexe
3.0 Annual review of Quality Handbook
A Carlton August 2013 link update
4.0 Inclusion of link to updated Marketing Approval Process and removal of references to HEFEPG
C Gardner February 2014 Inclusion of link and updating of section on approval of marketing information and removal of references to HEFEPG,
5.0 Committee restructure
S Sutcliffe June 2015 Academic Experience Committee replaced by Student Success Committee Collaborative Provision Manager replaced by Head of Quality
6.0 General update C Gardner November 2015 Include more links to other sources of information, and updating contact details etc.
7.0 Updated Marketing Approval information
C Gardner February 2016 Specified that marketing materials for UK should be approved via the Educational Partnerships email and those for TNE via the TNE generic email address.
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