Senate Committees

The Academic Quality and Standards Committee (AQSC) is a first tier Senate committee which recommends to Senate for approval, policies related to academic quality and standards, the appointment of external examiners for taught provision, new programmes and new Collaborative Provision arrangements, and the outcomes of Periodic Subject Reviews (PSRs) and institutional re-approvals.

It advises Senate on matters related to quality and standards including the preparations for any Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) activities and the production of the Annual Report to Senate on Academic Quality and Standards. AQSC ensures that all internal quality assurance procedures appropriately and explicitly comply with the requirements of the QAA UK Quality Code.

It also monitors national developments in relation to quality and standards.

Requests for papers to be considered by AQSC must be submitted to validations@northampton.ac.uk no later than two weeks before the meeting takes place.

Papers can be provided on request to validations@northampton.ac.uk.

The Research and Enterprise Committee (REC) is a first tier Senate committee that recommends to Senate for approval, strategic research related policies, new institutes, nominations for the appointment of Emeritus Professors, Visiting Professors and Fellows, and policies developed in relation to research and enterprise, intellectual property rights, patenting and research ethics.

It advises Senate on resource allocation in support of research and enterprise and on University strategy for the appointment of Professors and Readers. REC develops, monitors and reviews the implementation and effectiveness of the research and enterprise strand of the University’s strategic plan and facilitates research and enterprise activity across the institution.

It also monitors national and international developments in the areas of research, knowledge transfer, research ethics and intellectual property.

Requests for papers to be considered by REC must be submitted to validations@northampton.ac.uk no later than two weeks before the meeting takes place.

Papers can be provided on request to validations@northampton.ac.uk.

The Student Experience Committee (SEC) is a first tier Senate committee that develops, monitors and reviews policies and regulations for recommendation to Senate, particularly in relation to admissions, assessment and progression. SEC acts on behalf of Senate to enhance the student experience and learning opportunities for all students by promoting effective practice in learning, teaching and assessment and by responding to assurance process outcomes.

Amongst other things, the Committee monitors and reviews the provision of appropriate, accurate and timely information for students, arrangements for student support both academic and pastoral, and the curriculum to ensure that the University’s strategic objectives are met.

It also ensures that the University is compliant in its legal responsibilities in relation to students, including the embedding of equality and diversity policies. It oversees the production of the Annual Report to Senate on the Quality of Students’ Learning Opportunities.

Requests for papers to be considered by SEC must be submitted to validations@northampton.ac.uk no later than two weeks before the meeting takes place.

Papers can be provided on request to validations@northampton.ac.uk.

The Academic Audit and Review Committee (AARC) is a second tier Senate committee which reviews and monitors processes relating to the validation and review of programmes and Collaborative Provision arrangements.

AARC reports to AQSC and ensures via the auditing of reports that all validations, PSRs, Institutional Approvals and Institutional Re-approvals have been held according to due procedure and have appropriately considered the requirements of the QAA UK Quality Code.

AARC also (on behalf of AQSC) monitors the operation and effectiveness of the Annual Review process including the auditing of Annual Review Action Plans (ARAPs) and Faculty Action Plans (FAPs).

Requests for papers to be considered by AARC must be submitted to validations@northampton.ac.uk no later than two weeks before the meeting takes place.

AARC papers may be obtained upon request to validations@northampton.ac.uk.

The Faculty Quality and Standards Committees (FQSCs) are second tier Senate committees which operate at Faculty level (one for each Faculty). The FQSCs are responsible for monitoring matters in relation to quality, standards and enhancement at Faculty level.

This includes monitoring the preparations for any validation, Change of Approval or PSR activity, ensuring the accuracy of records (such as registers) in relation to Collaborative Provision activities and overseeing the carrying out of Annual Review within the Faculty (i.e. ensuring that Rolling Action Plans (RAPs) are being carried out according to due procedure).

The FQSCs report to AQSC and feedback as required on policies and guidance in relation to quality, standards and enhancement. In addition, the FQSCs oversee the development and dissemination of good practice within the Faculties.

The Faculty Student Experience Committees (FSECs) are second tier Senate committees which operate at Faculty level (one for each Faculty). The FSECs report to SEC and operate in the same areas as SEC at Faculty level.

They serve as a conduit for consultation with academic staff during the development of new academic and student-related policies and regulations. FSECs monitor the operations of and outcomes from student surveys and evaluations such as the National Student Survey (NSS).