Teaching and Quality Committee Terms of Reference

Reporting Arrangements

The Teaching and Quality Assurance Committee (TQAC) is accountable to and reports to the Academic Board (AB).

Purpose and Scope

1. The TQAC is a sub-committee of the AB.
2. The primary role of the TQAC is to monitor and support learning and teaching at the School. The TQAC also promotes and manages the care, well-being, and development of students and staff, including the improvement and maintenance of their physical and recreational environment.

Responsibilities

Learning and Teaching

1. Revise the Learning and Teaching Enhancement Plan every two years for approval by the AB.
2. Review and monitor the progress and outcomes of the Learning and Teaching Enhancement Plan, and report to the AB.
3. Review and improve learning and teaching, including reviews of subject content, assessment, textbooks, risk to students or graduation outcomes, and other curriculum matters as required.
4. Establish, operate, and manage the learning infrastructure of the School including online learning, the library and research databases and other learning materials.
5. Develop and monitor orientation for new faculty members and first year students to ensure smooth transition to the School.
6. Develop and support a culture of scholarship and professional development for faculty, including teaching.
7. Review and monitor student feedback and report on outcomes to promote continuous improvement of learning and teaching.
8. Provide input on the effectiveness of relevant academic policies.
9. To advise on any other matters referred to the committee by the AB.

Quality Assurance

1. Monitor and report on the Quality Assurance Framework and Schedule that ensures that the School delivers on its Strategic Plan and that such delivery is in accordance with UK QAA agency/standards.
2. Develop, monitor and review the School’s policies and processes as part of continuous improvement processes, including learning and teaching, and course development and review, and to make recommendations on these matters to the AB.
3. Monitor and review implementation and effectiveness of policies and procedures and make recommendations for revision or changes to practice.
4. Monitor and review internal quality audits and self-review/evaluation processes and ensure non- compliance matters identified are reported to the AB and actioned as appropriate.
5. Initiate and monitor benchmarking activities, participation in established benchmarking groups and provide regular detailed reports and updates to the AB.

Membership

1. Membership shall consist of internal staff comprising:
   1. The Chair, who will be a member of the AB, as nominated by the AB.
   2. The Dean
   3. Two (2) academic staff members nominated by the AB
   4. One (1) Learning Technologist

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

Student Representative Group

1. The TQAC Chairperson in consultation with the Dean will annually form a Student Representative Group comprising not more than five (5) student representatives from undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
2. They will be invited to participate in at least two meetings held in a year.

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 committee will meet at least twice (2) times a 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).