Curriculum Reform

Bryan MacGregor Cathy Macaslan

1. Aims of the Reform

• Message from the Principal: Curriculum Reform (2 October 2007)

• ‘a debate on the nature and purpose of our curriculum’

• ‘a real conceptualisation of our intellectual vision’ 

• ‘a rigorous and wide ranging debate, that contributes to a wider process of gathering evidence, both internally and externally’

• ‘to define a curriculum that is right for this University, but one which we are equally confident will be fit for the world of the next decade if not longer’

2. The Commission and its Groups

CURRICULUM REFORM COMMISSION

STEERING GROUP

STUDENT EXPERIENCE GROUP

RESEARCH GROUP

BUSINESS, INDUSTRY AND PROFESSIONS GROUP

RESOURCES GROUP

IMPLEMENTATION GROUP

3. Remit of the Commission

• To review and make proposals for the reform of our education objectives, programme structures and curriculum content, with a view to developing a high quality and distinctive educational experience for undergraduate and postgraduate students at the University of Aberdeen, which takes account of developing international approaches.

4. Commission Membership

• Bryan MacGregor and Cathy Macaslan

• Two promoted members of academic staff from each College

• One non promoted member of academic staff from each College

• Three Directors of Teaching & Learning

• Three Directors of Graduate Schools

• Three nominees of the Senate

• One nominee of the University Secretary

• Three nominees of the Students’ Association

• Three external experts nominated by the Principal and the SVP

5. Remit of the Steering Group

• To make recommendations on the requirements for core knowledge and skills for graduates, in terms of:

• Depth and breadth, to prepare students for citizenship

• Depth and breadth, to prepare students for personal development

• Depth and breadth, to prepare students for employment

• Employment-related content

• The number and types of degree programmes

6. Steering Group Membership

• Bryan MacGregor (Chair) and Cathy Macaslan

• One member of each College

• One nominee of the Senate

• One nominee of the Principal and SVP

• One nominee of the University Secretary

• One nominee of the Students’ Association

• Chair, Business, Industry and Professions Group

7. Remit of Student Experience Group

• To make recommendations on:

• Entry qualifications for all levels

• Routes into, through and from the programmes, including non-standard entry, widening access, part-time and flexible participation, placements and study abroad

• Appropriate modes of delivery

• The provision of student support required to implement the proposed changes

8. Student Experience Group Membership

• Cathy Macaslan (Chair)

• One member of each College

• Three Directors of Teaching and Learning

• Three Directors of Graduate Schools

• One nominee of the Registry

• One nominee of the CLT

• Three nominees of the Students’ Association

9. Remits - 1

• Research Group • To make recommendations on:

• The appropriateness and form of research-led teaching at different levels

• The requirements for core knowledge and skills, in terms of research training

• Business, Industry and Professions Group• To make recommendations on:

• Employment-related curriculum content

• Professional requirements

10. Memberships - 1

• Research Group• VP Research and Commercialisation

• Three College Directors of Research

• One member of each College

• One nominee of the Students’ Association

• Two representatives of QAA National Enhancement themes

• Business, Industry and Professions Group• VP Research and Commercialisation

• One member of each College

• One representative of each professionally-accredited degree

• One nominee of the Students’ Association

•One nominee from the Careers Service

11. Remits - 2

• Resources Group• To make recommendations on:

• Staffing and workload implications

• Facilities requirements

• Income and costs consequences

• Implementation Group• To make recommendations on the transitional arrangements from the

current to the proposed structures, and to manage the implementation and make regular reports to the Commission.

12. Memberships - 2

• Resources Group• One non academic member of the JPFEC

• One academic member of the JPFEC

• One member of each College

• One nominee each from Finance, Estates, IT, Library, Planning

• Implementation Group• Chairs of other Groups

• One member of each College

• Two nominees of the Student Association

13. Consultation and Communication

• Initial open meetings

• Subsequent open meetings

• Commission meetings open to all staff

• Steering Group meetings open (but limited space)

• Website; blogs; discussion boards

• E-mails

• Reports

14. Hearings

• Invitations to all staff (individuals, informal groups, formal groups) to submit short papers

• Papers placed on the website

• Invitations to make presentations to the Steering Group and answer questions

• Internal and external hearings

• Full day every week during term

15. Schedule

• Year 1: Consultation and proposal• October - Initial meetings

• November – Commission and Steering Group meetings start; internal Hearings start

• November onwards – other Groups start to meet as appropriate

• January onwards – fact finding trips to other universities

• February/March - External hearings start

• Commission reports within 12 months

• Year 2: Prepare for implementation

• Year 3: Begin implementation

16. … and …Wise Counsel

17. … finally – The Magi.