News
Exceptional audit report
The University has been given a clean bill of health following its
Institutional Audit earlier this year.
The draft report, which will be published in August, commends four
areas of good practice and makes no 'advisable' recommendations.
The report confirms the Quality Assurance Agency's (QAA) confidence in
the management of the University's academic standards, and the quality of
the learning opportunities available to students.
Professor Andy Downton, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching),
said: 'This is exceptional in the sector, and the nearest the University
could possibly get to a completely clean bill of health.
'A lot of hard work and academic systems review has taken place over
the last two years to prepare for this audit, and colleagues can take
considerable pride from the fact that their contributions have been fully
acknowledged by the QAA auditors, and have moved us a long way towards
establishing a continuous quality enhancement culture for the University.'
The four areas of good practice commended by the QAA team were:
- the Thematic Review of Academic and Careers Support (TRACS) process
which exemplified the University's structured approach to the
enhancement of the student's learning experience;
- the online submission of coursework procedure which ensures the
consistent treatment of students;
- the clarity and consistency of the University's approach to
plagiarism;
- the support provided by the Learning and Teaching Unit for the
enhancement of learning opportunities.
Professor Downton said: 'The excellent audit outcome will allow us to
continue to develop and improve the student experience with the confidence
that our underlying academic systems and processes are fully fit for
purpose.'
Because the University's collaborative provision has grown
significantly since 2003, the QAA will conduct a separate Collaborative
Provision Audit in 2009-10, including Essex awards offered by University
Campus Suffolk, South East Essex College, Colchester Institute, Writtle
College, Kaplan, Insearch and Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust.
Disability forum's successful first year
'Inclusion, action and accountability' are aspirations which have given
rise to the Access Forum at Essex (EAF) and have driven it through a
highly productive first year.
'The DDA has brought tremendous potential for change but there's still
a sense in which it can be everything and nothing without strong channels
for communication and clear decision-making structures. The forum has
really grown in response to this' said Rowena Macaulay (Chair).
In its early months, the EAF has been active in discussions on a
diverse range of projects including: physical improvements to venues
including the Lakeside Theatre and Wivenhoe House; development of 'design
protocols' for capital works; installation of 'changing places' toilets;
and rethinking of access routes and map design.
A key stakeholder in the current under-podia traffic review, the EAF
has also responded to nationwide consultations such as the proposed
changes to 'Access to Work.'
The forum has a thriving early membership, with naturally strong links
to the Equality and Diversity Unit and Student Support Office, but also
working closely with Estate Management, Information Systems Services and
others. Particularly welcome is the support of the Vice-Chancellor, whose
early commitment to equality and diversity has, Equality and Diversity
Officer Syd Kent says, 'been instrumental in the University seeking
accreditation with DisabledGo and Positive about Disabled People' status'.
Both national schemes promoting, respectively, user-oriented information
on public venues, and proactive recruitment).
EAF membership is open to all; to join or simply raise an issue,
e-mail: eaf@essex.ac.uk.
A small group of the EAF membership with Rowena Macaulay (second from right)
New SU team prepares for office
The Students' Union's new team of sabbatical officers for 2008-09 have
started their training ready to take up their posts during the summer.
Pictured on a recent training day, from left, are Vice President
Services & Communications Arnold Ma; Vice President Education Yousuf
Joondan; President Dominic Kavakeb; Vice President Welfare & Community Zak
Suffee and Vice President Sports & Societies Abu Sayeed.
Also in the printed June edition of Wyvern:
- Cultural exchange to Japan
- Graduation Celebrations
- Faculty update
