University Executive Board minutes - 10 November 2020

Date:

10 November 2020

Present:

Professor K Lamberts (KL) (in the Chair), Professor J Derrick (JD), Professor S Fitzmaurice (SF), Ms H Fraser-Krauss (HFK); Professor S Hartley (SH), Professor M J Hounslow (MJH), Ms J Jones (JJ), Professor C Newman (CN), Professor D Petley (DP), Mr R Sykes (RS), Professor G Valentine (GV), Professor M Vincent (MV), Professor C Watkins (CW)

In attendance:

Mr I Wright (IW); Dr T Strike (TS); Mr S Foxley (SF) (item 1); Mrs S Grocutt (SG) (item 2); Mrs V Jackson (VJ) (item 3); Professor L Maltby (LM) (item 4)

Apologies:

-

Secretary:

Mr N Button (NB) / Ms K Sullivan (KS)

1. Closed Minute and Paper

2. Closed Minute and Paper

3. Closed Minute and Paper

4. Change in UKRI Studentship Eligibility and UKRI Funded Extensions

   • (Professor L Maltby in attendance for this item)
   • UEB discussed the approach to be taken regarding fees for international students recruited to UKRI studentships, and considered an approach to funded extensions for PGRs whose funded period ended after 31 March 2021. Attention was drawn to the expected cost of a three month extension that would be justifiable on the grounds of supporting current student circumstances, the advantage of mirroring the UKRI conditions, and the fact that the cost would be spread over two financial years.
   • During discussion, UEB raised and noted the following:
     • An extension to the funded period would have implications for course quality and allocation of staff.
     • There was a wider discussion needed about the role of PGR students within the institution.
   • UEB agreed to the three-month extension for PGRs whose funded period ended after 31 March 2021. UEB also approved a principle that students recruited to UKRI studentships would make up any shortfall in funding between the home and international fee themselves, but exceptions could be made based on individual circumstances.

5. Report of the UEB IT Sub-Group

   • (Meeting held on 13 October)
   • UEB approved the report. Attention was drawn to Phase 2 of the Technology Enabled Strategic Framework (TESF) that would be given further consideration at a forthcoming UEB Away Day, the reflections on lessons learned from recent cybersecurity attacks, and the increase in GDPR compliance across the institution.
   • UEB agreed that although the cost of Phase 2 of the TESF fell under the level that would require Council approval, it should be discussed by Council as a whole package of work.

6. Coronavirus Update

   • General Update
     • KL reported a letter received from the Universities Minister regarding asymptomatic testing in order to facilitate the mobility of students during the Christmas period. The University was engaging with that request but had concerns about the enforceability of compliance as students could not be mandated to take tests. There was an additional challenge in delivering the number of required tests at the necessary pace, but the University would continue to engage on these issues.
   • Update from Major Incident Team
     • UEB received an update from the Major Incident Team and noted the continuing fall in the number of active cases, as well as the ongoing discussions about the University’s testing regime.
   • Update from the On Campus Activity Group
     • UEB received an update from the On Campus Activity Group, noting some limited incidents of non-compliance with social distancing requirements but that these had been addressed. There were ongoing issues around PGR study space that were being addressed.
   • FVP Update
     • UEB received an update from FVPs on Covid-related issues in their Faculties.