Cross-Stage and Cross-Program Meeting Notes

Cross-Stage and Cross-Program Meeting Overview

This document summarizes the key points discussed during the cross-stage and cross-program meeting.

Feedback from Formative Assessments

  • This semester trialed cross programs and individual stages, focusing on collecting feedback.
  • A full month's feedback copy is available on daily assessments, which will help inform next year's assessment map.
  • Importance of formative assessments was emphasized, particularly when there are clashes with summative assessments (the latter counts toward final grades).

Addressing Feedback Issues

  • Potential mix-ups regarding studies were raised in the Student Staff Liaison Committee Meeting (SSLCM) and addressed in the Student Staff Committee (SSC) summaries.
  • The new library hours and expanded access space addressing student needs were highlighted.
Library Access
  • Expanded hours announced in response to student feedback.
  • Ongoing concern regarding limited access to chemistry books.

Well-Being and Morale

  • Acknowledged concern over low well-being, particularly in Stage 4 and some in Stage 2.
  • Concerns raised about the stress related to ‘wildcard’ scenarios in assessment conditions have been escalated to the Quality and Feedback Committee (QFC).

Deadline Clustering Issues

  • Continued concern over two assignment deadlines falling on the same day (April 30) leading to increased stress among students due to multiple large assignment submissions on the same day.
  • Discussion included sustainable futures and environmental management courses.

Course Assignments and Notifications

  • Concerns raised about late notifications regarding assignments, particularly for modules that lack advance information or guidance.
  • A proposal for better communication regarding future assessments was suggested.

Program Review Updates

  • Two program reviews initiated in Geography and Environmental Science Management.
  • The objective is to identify strengths and areas for improvement in response to student feedback.
  • The relevance of environmental science in sustainability to be clarified in the review process.
Environmental Science Degree Program
  • Re-accreditation is set for summer, with a one-year extension granted.
  • Exciting new accreditation pathway introduced for the Environmental Management and Sustainability program.

New Module Introductions

  • Introduction of a new standardized dissertation module across schools to streamline administrative processes without homogenizing project criteria.
  • Earlier release of project titles to provide students with ample time for proposal development.
Skills Escalator Modules
  • Introduction of skills escalator modules has been planned for better coherence of skill development across programs.
  • Specific expectations for lab and field work aligned to enhance practical experience.

Field Work Opportunities

  • Increased options for stage two fieldwork across various locations (U.S., Australia, Sweden, Greece) now shared with Environmental Science and Management, streamlining student travel options.

Student Survey Results

  • Environmental science received 22 responses, environmental management received 6, and chemistry received 6.
  • High levels of staff support (96% positive feedback) noted but felt that feedback actioned was only 50%.
  • Non-academic support showed concerning low ratings in student feedback, indicating a need for ongoing support interventions.

Career Services and Placements

  • 56% attendance reported at enhancing future sessions with a focus on placement opportunities.
  • Feedback on challenges connecting to placements raised that companies are currently not facilitating placements effectively.
  • Graduate career coaching sessions for final-year students facilitated to assist with job preparations.

Conclusion and Action Items

  • Outstanding issues from SSLC concerning deadline clustering and communication with fieldwork and assignments will be prioritized for upcoming meetings.
  • Continued feedback mechanisms will be established to ensure ongoing communication between staff and students for program enhancement.