Guidance for Student Panel Members Involved in University Approval and Periodic Programme Review Events

Introduction

These guidance notes are intended to provide information for students who have been invited to act as a Student Panel Member for University Approval Events (UAE) (as detailed in AQF4 Programme and Course Approval and Modification) or Periodic Programme Review Events (PPR) (as detailed in AQF6 Periodic Review) at Northeastern University London (the University).

Student Panel Members are invited to take part in UAE/PPR events because the University is keen to capture student perspectives around teaching and learning. The opinion of students is highly valued, and the University is committed to ensuring that students are able to take an active role in developing and improving the learning opportunities available.

UAEs occur every time that faculty propose new programmes of study. Existing programmes normally undergo review once every five years as this enables greater reflection than single annual monitoring activity.

The purpose of the UAE/PPR is to ensure that:

• All stakeholders of the University and the public are assured of the quality and standards of the University’s taught provision.
• The University secures the highest academic standards and education experience for its students. 
• Programmes are strategically and academically appropriate, and are developed in line with the University’s Mission, Strategic Plan and Academic Regulations.
• The University approves programmes that meet the appropriate quality and academic standards as defined by the University, the UK Quality Code, Degree Apprenticeship Standards, and expectations of relevant Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies (PSRBs).
• Learning and other resources are adequate and available to support programme delivery and students.
• The programme learning environment is fit for purpose.
• Programmes are coherent and provide students with a developmental educational experience.
• Quality and standards of teaching and assessment of programmes are in line with national practice and will be continuously enhanced.

Criteria for Student Panel Members

Student Panel Members must have current or recent experience as a student of the Faculty under approval/review (within the previous two academic years).  

What Happens at a University Approval Event?

In the months leading up to a UAE, the Programme Proposer will undertake preparatory work and will prepare documentation that describes the proposed programme. This documentation will include information on the content of the programme, how it is delivered and how it is assessed. 

A Panel is formed by the University to consider the programme undergoing approval. There are typically six to eight members on the Panel, including Northeastern University London faculty, professional staff and students, and external academic representatives.

At least one month before the UAE, Panel members are sent a pack which contains details on the event arrangements and the programme documentation. This gives Panel members a chance to find out more about the programme before the event and to identify any things that they would like to discuss on the day. 

The Panel meet at the University for the UAE (see Annex A for the Indicative Agenda for UAE). During the UAE, Student Panel Members get a chance to discuss the programme undergoing approval with the Programme Proposer.

At the end of the UAE, the  Panel reaches a decision about whether or not the proposed programme should be approved. The Panel may recommend:

• Approval with no conditions.
• Approval with conditions to be met.
• Suspension of the process with conditions or recommendations.
• Non-approval, with feedback given.

The Panel also has the opportunity to comment on positive aspects of the course and/or identify areas where there is room for improvement.

What Happens at a Periodic Programme Review Event?

In the months leading up to a PPR Event, the Programme Leader will undertake preparatory work and will prepare documentation that describes the existing programme. This documentation will include information on the content of the programme, how it is delivered and how it is assessed. In addition, the Programme Lead will produce Annual Programme Reports and a Self-Evaluation Document (SED). The SED offers a critical reflection on how well the course is operated and provides evidence that sufficient and effective attention is being given to the enhancement of quality and the maintenance of standards.

A Panel is formed by the University to consider the programme undergoing review. There are typically six to eight members on the Panel, including Northeastern University London faculty, professional staff and students, and external academic representatives.

At least one month before the PPR, Panel members are sent a pack which contains details on the event arrangements and the programme documentation. This gives Panel members a chance to find out more about the programme before the event and to identify any things that they would like to discuss on the day. 

The Panel meet at the University for the PPR (see Annex B for the Indicative Agenda for PPR). During the PPR, student panel members get a chance to discuss the programme undergoing review with the Programme Lead.

At the end of PPR, the Panel will reach a unanimous judgement on the academic standards and the quality of provision relating to the programme undergoing review. They will also have the opportunity to comment on positive aspects of the programme and/or identify areas where there is room for improvement.

What is my role on the Panel?

As a member of the Panel, you will be expected to critically examine the programme documentation before the event and identify any things that you would like to discuss on the day.

During the event, there will be an initial private meeting of the Panel where you can discuss your views on the programme and collectively agree a series of questions to ask the faculty later in the day.

The Panel will be expected to undertake constructive discussions with faculty in order to make a collective judgement on the quality and academic standard of the programme, and its value and relevance in terms of professional and/or employer needs.

As a Student Panel Member, you are a full and equal member of the Panel and your views will be valued by other members of the Panel. You will contribute honestly and constructively to all elements of the UAE/PPR , but you will focus in particular on the student experience.

Benefits

As a student panel member, you will gain the valuable experience of being an integral part of the programme approval/review process and ensure that students’ views are accounted for in the process of approving new and evaluating existing programmes at the University.

Practical Arrangements

As a Panel Member, reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

If Panel Members would prefer to be sent hard copies of documentation, the University is happy to provide this.

Further Advice

If you would like further information or advice on your role as a student panel member, please get in touch with the Head of Quality Assurance.

Appendix A

Indicative Agenda for University Approval Events

Appendix B

Indicative Agenda for Periodic Programme Review Events