1. Curriculum Reform Bryan MacGregor Cathy Macaslan

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 16. … and …Wise Counsel

18. 17. … finally – The Magi.