1. Examination Boards – briefing for secretaries
Spring/Summer 2017
Academic Services – Quality and Standards
Paul Cecil – Quality & Standards Manager Anna McCall – Quality & Standards Advisor

2. Introduction and agenda
Welcome and introductions
Context
Documentation and references
Role
Changes to content for 2016/17 [see SCA17-08]
Standardized statistical reports
Non-attendance of external examiners
Use of telephone or other telecommunication technology
Membership
Accuracy of attendance records
Type of Board
Q&A

3. Context Formal decisions of the University
Culmination of all student study
The official record of decisions and can be used in appeals, complaints and legal challenges
Only an exam board can confirm an award
A matter of public record that transforms the lives of our students

4. Documentation and References
Background / contextual information
Centrally produced decision guides will be made available for all Boards in 2017.
Secretaries to ensure all paperwork is in place
Documentation and References
GEAR
Applies to all taught courses leading to a University of Brighton award
Available to all staff, students and external examiners
Decisions Guides
Area Examination Boards
Progressing students at Course Examination Boards
Final year students at Course Examination Boards
GEAR

5. Secretary role (GEAR E10)
preparing and circulating agenda papers;
having available at the meeting information pertinent to individual students, particularly any information previously submitted by students in support of mitigating circumstances and any submitted medical certificates;
assembling all documentation for the meeting;
minuting the meeting in such a way that all decisions are unambiguously and fully recorded, particularly in cases where a judgement has been difficult for any reason;
preparing of pass lists marked with the date of publication.

6. Changes for 2017 Boards
The following were approved by ASC/Academic Board for changes in-year (2017)
All boards considering modules must consider a statistical report (Ac Services to provide standard report via InfoView)
If external examiners do not attend new rules and requirements apply – see SCA17-08
Use of telephone/Skype now allowed with Exam Board Chair permission (does not need central approval)

7. Membership
All constitutions and members must be approved by Sub- Committee for Assessment (SCA)
Substitutions must be approved by Chair of SCA (refer to Academic Services)
Non-listed staff cannot attend/participate. Observers allowed with permission of Chair (but cannot participate)
No quorum – all members expected to attend
Absences to be notified to Chair of Academic Board*
Chair of Examination Board determines whether Board can proceed
Incorrect attendance can compromise decision of Board and lead to upheld complaints/appeals.
* conventionally managed via minuting unless exceptional circumstances

8. Attendance records A list of all attending must be maintained
Use signing lists
Minutes must include all people present (even if NOT on membership)

9. Examination boards Module Stage of study Award
Area Examination Boards:
Make decisions about students registered on individual modules (without reference to their performance on other modules)
Considers statistical data on module
Stage of study
Course Examination Boards:
Consider overall profile of each student enrolled on course
Consider mitigating circumstances claims
Applies misconduct penalties
Consider eligibility to progress from one stage of study to the next
Consider eligibility for final and interim awards
Some courses have Joint Area and Course Boards
Award

10. Examination boards Module Stage of study Award Single Tier Boards:
Make decisions about students registered on individual modules (without reference to their performance on other modules)
Considers statistical data on module
Stage of study
And then…
Consider overall profile of each student enrolled on course
Consider mitigating circumstances claims
Applies misconduct penalties
Consider eligibility to progress from one stage of study to the next
Consider eligibility for final and interim awards
Award

11. Questions?