Development of HEAR at Ulster Background to HEAR Content of HEAR Challenges in development Academic performance (4.3) Additional information (6.1) Roll out of HEAR Encouraging student engagement with HEAR Outline

Background to HEAR Debate over degree classification system Burgess Implementation Steering Group 2005 Proposal – Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) should become the key record for all university level undergraduate achievements Pilot phase 1 – 18 institutions; phase 2 – 30 institutions Ulster HEAR Implementation Steering Group (reports to T&L committee)

Definition of the HEAR an electronic document, produced by a higher education institution, which provides a record of student achievement during their time at that institution. It will adhere to a strict template and be verified by the academic registrar or equivalent officer. In its paper form it will be no longer than six pages. It will incorporate the functions and datasets of both the Diploma supplement (DS) and HE Transcript and also references information about academic credit which links directly to the national credit frameworks in different parts of the UK

Purpose of the HEAR As a formative document Basis for reviewing progress and planning future activities Support student engagement in opportunities beyond the curriculum As an aide- memoire for students in making applications Subject to the appropriate permissions, for verification by employers and postgraduate tutors of statements made by the student As a formal, exit document Provides details within section 6.1 (Additional Achievements) of the wider achievements of the holder Capture more fully the strengths and weaknesses of the students performance … thereby enhancing their employability

Content of HEAR 1. Information identifying the holder of the qualification 2. Information identifying the qualification 3. Information on the level of the qualification 4. Information on the contents and results gained 5. Information on the function of the qualification (including professional status) 6. Additional information 7. Certification of the HEAR 8. Information on the national higher education system Template:

Challenges in development Technical issues - lack of connectivity between data held in the Student Records System and other information distributed in other central or Faculty databases or records in a range of formats Title of dissertation Programme Learning Outcomes Placement location & organisation Role title for placement Electronic access for employers etc length of time Maintenance of web links over time Section 6.1 (Additional Information) Responsibility for verification of input data

Academic performance (4.3) Performance in coursework/exams Level of detail and drill down Number of attempts Accreditation of prior learning Title of dissertation or major project elements

Additional information (6.1) Additional Awards (Accredited performance in non-academic contexts) CPPD modules Additional recognised activities undertaken by students which demonstrate achievement Science Shop (project title and organisation) Tutoring in Schools (project tile and school) PASS leader Student Union officer Step-up mentor University, Professional and Departmental prizes Information must be verified by the institution Web link to students e-portfolio (with students permission)

Ulster Protocols for information for 6.1 The achievement is verifiable and endorsed by the University. The opportunity to undertake the achievement is open to all students, in principle. Information is presented factually, not opinion-based. The role/achievement/outcome is defined by regulation (e.g. prizes, sabbatical officer). The role/achievement/position supports a University process and is verifiable. The achievement/role supports wider University policy and strategy, e.g. Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) Leader.

Ulster Developments related to 6.1 New modules for the CPPD framework Reflect on Me Exploring your career options Developing your Employability Skills Career Progression Skills Communication and Career Management Skills Employability through Student Representation Volunteering Development of Ulster Graduate Award Revised statement of Graduate Qualities

Roll out of HEAR First year students 2011/12 Ideally, access throughout the programme Ideally, access to placement employers (with students permission) in second year Reference to HEAR already included in prospectus and student handbook

Encouraging student engagement with HEAR Essential to encourage students to engage with HEAR from the outset Staff awareness vital Programme teams need to reflect on how HEAR may be promoted to students and used formatively Programme teams need to consider the opportunities for students for entries under categories included in Section 6.1 Link to PDP, Studies Advice, Placement preparation