CEM Code of Practice Collaborative Arrangements Reference: Version: 3.00 Status: Final Author: Helen Edwards / Jennifer Squire Date: 27/02/2014
CEM Code of Practice Table of Contents 1. Introduction... 1 2. Definitions... 1 3. CEM s Collaborative Arrangements... 1 3.1 Collaborative arrangements with validating partners... 1 3.2 Collaborative Arrangements for Academic Delivery... 1 3.3 Collaborative Arrangements for Administrative Support and Facilities... 2 4. Other forms of CEM Collaboration... 2 4.1 CEM Representatives... 2 4.2 CEM Local Network Leader... 3 4.3 CEM Ambassador Roles... 3 5. Reference... 4 6. Related policies... 4 7. Benchmarked policies... 4 ii
1. Introduction This statement sets out the scope of the collaborative provision arrangements undertaken by CEM, the principles under which collaboration takes place and how academic standards and quality of learning delivered via collaborative arrangements is quality assured. It draws upon guidance provided by QAA in the UK Quality Code for Higher Education, chapter B10: Managing higher education provision with others. 2. Definitions Collaborative Arrangements Collaborative arrangements are defined as educational provision by a degree awarding body leading or contributing to the award of academic credit or a qualification that are delivered, assessed or supported through an arrangement with one or more organisations other than the degree-awarding body (QAA, 2012, p3). The term collaborative arrangement in this instance includes arrangements where learning support, resources or facilities are provided by a partner institution to support a programme of study leading to the award of academic credit. It however does not include the other kinds of collaboration that CEM engages in, which, are outlined in section 4. 3. CEM s Collaborative Arrangements 3.1 Collaborative arrangements with validating partners CEM delivers programmes of study leading to the awards of validating partners (namely the University of Reading and the Open University). Under such arrangements, the duties of each institution are governed by an underpinning agreement, which relates to the awarding institution s Code for Collaborative Arrangements. CEM is therefore a partner institution operating collaborative arrangements for both validating partners, which retain overall responsibility for the academic standards and quality of the awards made in their names, (see the QAA Quality Code for Higher Education, chapter B10: Managing higher education provision with others.) 3.2 Collaborative Arrangements for Academic Delivery CEM does not currently engage in its own collaborative arrangements for academic delivery of any programme of higher education through its model of supported distance learning. CEM s teaching and learning and assessment strategies have been developed to provide for a student experience that offers support through extensive learning materials that are available through digital media via CEM s virtual learning environment (VLE). Learning support is provided through CEM s moderated discussion forums, podcasts and webinars and CEM s dedicated Student Services Department. CEM s Academic Team and associate tutors are responsible for curriculum design / development as well as marking all student assignments, examination papers, projects and dissertations. All optional local workshops are delivered by the CEM Academic Team or approved associate tutors directly contracted Page 1 of 4
by CEM. All online and distance learning support is delivered by the CEM Academic Team, Student Services Department and associate tutors. 3.3 Collaborative Arrangements for Administrative Support and Facilities CEM does enter into contracts with institutions and agencies to supply administrative and support services and facilities in certain locations. Examples of this are CEM s partnership arrangement with the School of Continuing and Professional Education, City University of Hong Kong and International Centre for Distance and Flexible Learning Ltd part of MacGregor Education Group. These contracts are primarily concerned with recruitment of students, administration and provision of facilities. The partner agency is paid a fee for providing agreed services to CEM students in the location. This fee is calculated as a proportion of the total annual fee income received by CEM from students enrolled in stipulated courses in the location, under the terms and within the period specified in the contract. In order for CEM to ensure that academic standards are maintained, for its awards and the awards it delivers on behalf of validating partners, all applications resulting from these partnerships are subject to CEM s Admission Policy and are approved in line with CEM standard admission procedure. All marketing proposals must be approved by CEM and all marketing materials produced in accordance with CEM brand guidelines. These agreements are managed by the CEM Director of Business Development and CEM Head of International Relations. Prior to the introduction of a new partnership agreement, risk assessment and due diligence investigations must be undertaken. Any arrangement with another agency/institution must be formalised in writing with a formal legal agreement enforceable under UK law setting out the rights and obligations of each party. The legal agreement must be approved by the CEM Directorate and signed by the Principal and the responsible person in the collaborating agency. Partnership agreements are subject to regular review and internal quality audit. In order for CEM to protect the interests of students registered on the programmes covered under the partnership, the partnership agreement must set out the arrangements if either partner were to terminate the agreement prior to the specified contract end date. The agreement must detail an appropriate length of time as notice and the types of arrangements to be put in place to allow for any remaining students to complete their studies. 4. Other forms of CEM Collaboration 4.1 CEM Representatives CEM engages in agency agreements primarily with appointed representatives, known as CEM Representatives, to market CEM programmes within defined territories and support the recruitment of students to CEM programmes (including those leading to awards of its validating partners). In such cases, a formal legal agreement enforceable under UK law will underpin such arrangements detailing the responsibilities and obligations placed on both CEM and the agent concerned. The CEM Representatives are paid a percentage of the tuition fee per student enrolled and are financially responsible for their own marketing campaigns, events and fairs. All marketing material is however produced by CEM with input as appropriate from CEM representatives to protect the integrity of the CEM brand. The agreements are managed by the CEM Director of Business Development and CEM Head of International Relations, and all student applications emanating from such arrangements are subject to the CEM Admissions Policy and are approved in line with CEM Page 2 of 4
standard admission procedure. As such, the agency agreements do not constitute collaborative provision, as defined in section 2.1. The nature of any CEM/agent relationship is fully informed by published guidance on international students (such as that from the Quality Assurance Agency and British Council). Any agreement is concluded only after the exercise of due diligence, and is subject to annual reporting and review, including through the CEM deliberative committees as appropriate. Support and training is made available to the agent and CEM seeks to secure feedback from students on the service offered. The arrangement remains open to internal quality audit. 4.2 CEM Local Network Leader In order to enhance the student and alumni experience, CEM appoints local network leaders. The role of the local network leader is to provide a CEM presence in the locality and to aid communication between students, alumni and CEM, advise on marketing, organise open evenings, CPD events and alumni activities. CEM will maintain effective control over the accuracy of all public information, publicity and promotional activity relating to local networks. The appointment of CEM local network leaders does not constitute collaborative provision as defined in section 2.1. The relationship between CEM and CEM local network leaders is underpinned by a fixed term one year contract, with the option to extend for a further year by mutual agreement. The agreements are managed by the CEM Director of Business Development and CEM Head of International Relations. Remuneration is paid to CEM local network leaders as a fixed monthly sum. CEM local network leaders must comply with CEM guidelines and regulations and their activities are subject to annual review and internal quality audit. CEM seeks to collect student and alumni feedback as part of this review process. 4.3 CEM Ambassador Roles Where appropriate, CEM may appoint individuals to act as ambassadors in specific geographical territories. A CEM ambassador may be, for instance, appointed in order to comply with government legislation in place within a country or region or to support marketing, student recruitment or student and alumni activities in the absence of, or in addition to, a local partner institution. In all cases, a formal legal agreement will underpin the relationship outlining services required and responsibilities of both the ambassador and CEM. The ambassador role is remunerated by a set monthly fee. Ambassador agreements, work specifications and deliverables are managed by the CEM Director of Business Development and CEM Head of International Relations, consulting with the Director of Student Services, Finance Director and the Head of Academic Quality and Standards (or his/her designates) as required. Subject to the requirements of the particular country or region, the ambassador role will include acting as a designated point of contact for circulating CEM information to prospective and current students and alumni; developing and maintaining relationships with alumni; assisting CEM in complying with local government legislation and the completing of relevant documentation; supporting CEM in the arrangement of marketing or CPD events; liaising with local partner institutions and professional bodies; and providing CEM with local market intelligence. The ambassador has no involvement in CEM curriculum development, teaching or assessment and the ambassador role does not constitute collaborative provision. Page 3 of 4
Training and regular guidance and support are provided to those undertaking the ambassador role. Ambassador performance is monitored by CEM and is open to internal quality audit. 5. Reference British Council Guide to good practice for education agents. QAA (2011), International students studying in the UK guidance for UK higher education institutions. QAA (2012), UK Quality Code for Higher Education, Chapter B10: Managing higher education provision with others. 6. Related policies CEM Collaborative Arrangements: Checklist CEM Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2013-2018 7. Benchmarked policies University of Exeter: Collaborative Provision: Introduction to Establishing an Academic Partnership In the UK or Internationally, September 2011 Heriot-Watt University, Policy on the Management and Oversight of Academic Partners, December 2010 ifs School of Finance, Code of Practice Chapter 6: Collaborative Provision Page 4 of 4