Programme Development and Review Committee Terms of Reference

Reporting Arrangements

1. The Programme Development and Review Committee (PDRC) is accountable to and reports to the Academic Board (AB).

Purpose and Scope

1. The CDRC is a sub-committee of the AB.
2. The primary role of the committee is to conduct and monitor the development of new courses and review of existing courses in association with relevant staff of the School and provide advice to the AB on course quality, development and review, and associated relevant academic policies.

Responsibilities

1. Conduct course development and review processes in accordance with the School’s policies, including monitoring and review of the structure of each course; compulsory and elective subjects; benchmarking proposed courses.
2. Where external course accreditation is required, the committee in consultation with the relevant academic staff, shall oversee the production of any required course documentation and ensure it meets regulatory standards.
3. Monitor the Strategic Plan insofar as the development of new courses or additional strands to existing courses.
4. Formulate and review policies and regulations on academic matters for recommendation to the AB, including but not limited to course development and review, course specific entry requirements, assessment, student progression, examination, exclusion and graduation.

To advise on any other matters referred to the committee by the AB.

Membership

The CDRC shall consist of:

1. A Chair who will be the Dean
2. Director of Operations
3. Two (2) nominated academic staff
4. The Registrar
5. External Advisors, who will provide input, via commissioned reports, for course development and review
6. Other external membership as required for course development and review as directed by the AB.

All members must meet the Fit and Proper Persons Requirements as required by the Office for Students. Should an appointed member no longer be a ‘fit and proper person’ they must notify the School immediately.

Term of Office

1. The Chair, in the first instance, may serve up to a period of three (3) years. Thereafter, the AB may elect another AB member to be Chair for a period of up to three (3) years for each term.
2. Members will serve while they hold their respective roles.
3. Nominated staff members may serve a two to three (2 to 3) year term, as decided by the AB.
4. Casual vacancies shall be filled by invitation of the AB and shall serve only the remaining period of the member they replace and be eligible for reappointment.

Meeting Frequency and Quorum

1. The PDRC will meet at least once (1) per year, but more frequently if required. Meetings may be face-to-face, electronic or a combination of face- to- face and electronic meetings.
2. No business may be transacted unless there is a quorum of half the membership (not including casual vacancies).