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Lifelong Learning Strategic Working Group Irish Universities Quality Board – Annual Conference Academic Operational Schedule 07/08 |
Welcome to our winter bulletin for the Academic Year 07/08. As we approach Christmas, we can look back on a successful Semester 1 with both registration and end of Semester 1 examinations progressing more smoothly this year. All staff contributed to achieve an improved system for students and I thank each and every one of you for your hard work. This bulletin contains details about the Lifelong Learning Strategic Working Group, University Quality Review and the Irish Universities Quality Board Annual Conference to be hosted by UCD. In respect of some administrative initiatives, we have introduced a new website for the Office of the Registrar and Deputy President. Please click on www.ucd.ie/registrar to view the site. This is a work in progress and I would appreciate your feedback. I hope that you find the Bulletin helpful. The Spring bulletin will follow in 2008. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and look forward to working with you in 2008. Dr. Philip Nolan, |
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A draft framework for a UCD Education Strategy had a first reading at Academic Council. The Strategy will form a key input to the next UCD Strategic Plan. It will be explicitly linked to, supportive of and supported by the UCD Strategy for research. The Education Strategy will include: teaching and pedagogy, undergraduate and graduate education, lifelong learning, the student experience, internationalisation, and access and widening participation. |
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Lifelong Learning Strategic Working Group Further to the Purser Report of May 2007 (Strategic Review of Adult Education Centre) and subsequent recommendation at the University Senior Management Team (29th May 2007), a Strategic Working Group for Lifelong Learning has been established to develop a strategic plan for Lifelong Learning at UCD. The group which consists of Dr. Bairbre Redmond as Chair, Dr Philip Matthews, Professor Gerry Doyle, Ronan Murphy, Elizabeth Noonan, Professor Tom Inglis, Professor Mark Rogers, Professor Gabrielle Cooney, Bairbre Fleming and Rhonda Wynne held its first meeting on Tuesday 12th of December 2007. |
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The University has begun the process of reactivating its quality review mechanisms. Quality review – which is essentially a developmental process – is carried out in academic, administrative and service units. Importantly at UCD, reviews will be undertaken of our cross-College structures, such as major Programmes, Graduate School Boards and Research Institutes. From time to time, thematic reviews of University-wide issues (e.g. research, examination and assessment procedures) will also be carried out. Typically, the review model comprises four key elements:
The schedule of pilot reviews has been approved for 2007-2008:
An overseas review of Business related degree programmes in Hong Kong and Singapore, is also scheduled for 2008. Please contact Elaine Hickey in the Quality office with any queries: Elaine.hickey@ucd.ie |
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Irish Universities Quality Board – Annual Conference The 2008, Irish Universities Quality Board Annual Conference, will be hosted by UCD. The University, in conjunction with the IUQB, is currently in the process of short-listing possible themes for the conference. If you would like to submit a suggestion for a conference theme – which can be on any topic which has a quality dimension to it – please forward it to Elaine.Hickey@ucd.ie |
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We are currently in the middle of the end of Semester 1 Examinations which to date are all going well. Up to date Assessment information can be found on www.registry/alu/latestnews. The UCD Open Days organised by Student Recruitment were held on 30th November and 1st December and attracted an excellent attendance. The stands at the event were exceptionally interactive and the presentations proved extremely popular with prospective students, parents and Guidance Counsellors. The two day event was generously supported by UCD staff from schools, colleges and programme areas. Registration review We are just completing the annual review following the start of the year registration season – that period which runs form mid August to the end of September each year. The review is used to inform developments and planning as we face into the new academic year. Over 2600 undergraduates responded to a recent start-of-year student survey. Two key points arising are that the overall satisfaction rating is at 78% in 2007, up from 48% in 2006, and that students were able to complete their registration processes earlier, taking less time and effort to do so. Information Capture and Curriculum Management Many Programmes and Schools have already begun their review of programmes, majors, minors, modules etc. with a view to shaping the 2008/09 curriculum and its delivery. Key dates to be adhered to for the year ahead, as well as guidance and support information have been published. The key to our approach this year will be to work locally with Programmes and Schools, recognising the variety in their particular contexts. |
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Academic Operational Schedule 07/08 I would encourage you to continue to use the Academic Operational Schedule 07/08 as it is a useful tool when planning for important operational dates in the new year. |
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I would like to reiterate that UCD has a student email policy in place and would ask all staff when emailing students to only use their UCD Connect email address. For further information please click here. |
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