Colleagues,
Steve has made some points in his e-mail which do require further
consideration by HESA when providing data to third parties. I would
suggest that the key areas relate to which students and which staff
are included in SSR calculations. Each year, prior to the Times
League Tables, the same concerns are expressed to HESA
concerning the use of staff data from the ISR. However the data
from the ISR is always provided to the Times and other
newspapers. I do agree with Steve that staff data from the ASR
should be the only data used. The only issue which then remains
is the proportion of research only staff contained in the ASR. There
should be a method by which research staff should be discounted
from the ASR in order to calculate a teaching SSR. Mike Milne-
Picken and others have previously expressed views as to how this
might be achieved.
I would also raise the timing of data releases by HESA to
universities. Between 9am and 12pm yesterday, 27 Sept, I received
a considerable number of e-mails from HESA containing the data
circulated to the Guardian. Given that the first publication of this
data took place today I believe that the timing could have been
better by HESA. I would welcome views from colleagues on issues
relating to data circulation. I make this point recognising that all
institutions have previously signed off their data but on the basis
that HESA should ensure that UK HE sector interests are
protected both in the UK and overseas.
Regards,
Andrew.
> Judy,
> I've seen the correspondence between you and others, and I agree re
> the value added omission. This will distort and even invalidate the
> data and the concept of value added. Once again HESA is not acting in
> the best interests of the sector that pays for it's existence...Alas,
> the press editors will just go with what they are given, so any
> letters to the Guardian will be stable door and bolted horses.
>
> I am also concerned about the supply by HESA of three arrays of staff
> FTE data, two from the ISR and one from the Aggregate Staff Record.
> As the Aggregate Staff Record includes part time staff and other
> "casuals" this should be the only data supplied to the press. The use
> of the other two in SSR calculations not only inflates SSRs to the
> detriment of the sector both at home and abroad, but also grossly
> misrepresents the situation. The press usually use the ISR data in
> SSR calculations and league tables, as if only full time contract
> staff taught in universities and colleges. The result is a PR own
> goal at home and abroad as parents of overseas students reach
> judgements on UK HE.
>
> Rant over. i trust you are well - haven't seen you in ages!
>
> Steve Pelan
> Head of Planning & Development Services
> Middlesex University
>
> [log in to unmask]
> Tel:0181 362 5901
> Fax:0181 449 0798
Andrew Young
Director of Planning
University of Lincolnshire and Humberside
Cottingham Road
HULL
HU6 7RT
01482 440550 ext.3630
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