>
>1.   Are examination timetables done by academic departments or centrally?

A mixture - most done centrally, though 2 Schools not on the main campus do
their own.
>
>
>
>
>2.   How far in advance are students notified of the examination timetable
>and course work submission dates?

Submission dates are up to depts to determine and broadcast - some include
them in the module descriptors; exams timetables go out as soon as they're
fit for publication. At the moment that's around 4 weeks in advance (though
the exam *period* is known for 2/3 years ahead). We're about to install
scheduling software which we hope will pull publication back a bit - though
we're not counting on it...
>
>
>
>
>3.   What are the timescales for academics to submit examination question
>papers?

Excuse the hollow laugh. We ask to receive them no less than 2 weeks in
advance of the exam. In practice we can get them any time up to an hour
before.
>
>
>
>
>4.   Are all scripts archived or only the sample which have been moderated
>by the External?

All
>
>
>
>
>5.   May students have access to see their scripts upon request?

Not exam scripts. Coursework is returned.
>
>
>
>
>6.   What training/induction do examiners receive and how often is the
>exercise repeated during period of tenure, if at all?

2 years ago we started using outside invigilators as well as academics and
all the outsiders were trained - 2 two-hour sessions and a comprehensive
information pack. This session we have introduced voluntary training
sessions for academics - 1 two-hour session. The information pack is
available to any invigilator in printed form and on the web; we also have
an invigilators' handbook in every exam room.
>
>
>
>
>7.   What feedback do external examiners get on their reports and in what
>timescale?

Each report is reviewed on receipt by the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Learning
Support) and any urgent issues that are raised will be taken up at once.
The report is also copied to the relevant Head of Department for
information, and action if appropriate.

A summary of the policy issues raised in External Examiners' reports is
made annually to the Academic Policy Committee (u/g reports in October; p/g
reports in March). The summary and any resulting action are reported to
externals in May/June

>
>
>
>
>8.   How are results processed, who prepares and enters assessment data? Is
>there a common format for the preparation and production of the mark
>matrices and who does these?

Marks are processed in depts to their own format. We (ASSU) provide a
spreadsheet which depts may use (but are not required to do so). 
>
>
>
>
>9.   How are results issued to students (e.g. letter or transcripts?  What
>are the time scales for notification of results?   What information do
>transcripts contain?

Students must be notified by their depts within 10 days of the exam board
of the outcome of that board. They nust be given the final marks for
modules and told the progession/award decision. Departmental practice
varies, but most send a letter.
>
>
>
>
>10.  Who sends out the transcripts?

Formal transcripts are sent by Student Registry to students on request.
>
>
>
>
>11.  Who sets the dates of the examination boards?

ASSU sets the period during which boards should be held; depts determine
individual dates within that period
>
>
>
>
>12.  Who informs the External Examiner of the date of the board and how far
>in advance is notification given?

Departments and I don't know - from 12 months to 2 days seems to be the range!
>
>
>
>
>13.  Who services the examination boards and who chairs them?

Boards are attended by 'a representative of the Registrar and Secretary' -
in practice this is generally a member of ASSU for u/g boards and a member
of Student Registry for p/g boards. Boards are chaired by the Head of Dept,
unless approval has been given for an alternative, named, person to do it.
>
>
>
>
>14.  Who undertakes administration of examination boards' consideration of
>extenuating circumstances (e.g. central or departmental administrators)?

Dept admin
>
>
>
>
>15.  How is debt dealt with now that the Data Protection Act makes
>withholding results untenable?

Results are not withheld; award certificates are.
>
>
>
>
>16.  May Chair's Action be taken?  If so, how frequently and in what types
>of situation?

Mainly: when an error in the board's proceedings is detected; where a
decision has to be deferred (e.g. because of lack of data or an
investigating committee in process)
>
>
>
>
>17.  Does your examinations section run the awards ceremony (if not, where
>is that responsibility located in your registry)?

No Exams Office doesn't, Student Registry does.

>
>
>
>
>18.  Does your examinations section have any involvement with franchise
>centres (if you operate franchises)?

No it doesn't - the School with most franchise arrangements has its own
assessment office for this purpose.
>
>
>
>
>19.  Would you receive colleagues from UWCN to discuss these issues further
>some time in session 2000/2001 (and if so who might we contact and what is
>their phone number and email address)?

Yes. Me. Details below. (Away next week)
>
>
>
>
>
>Thanks very much for any information you can offer and for your kindness I
>offer you best wishes for a happy holiday before the September onslaught.


Thanks - you too


Jenny Beaumont
Assistant Registrar, Academic Standards and Support
University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford
West Yorkshire, UK
BD7 1DP
Tel (+44) 01274 233896
Fax (+44) 01274 236130



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