As we understand it here (and having been to one of the HEFCE seminars earlier this year when this was touched on) the new draft guidelines are actually relaxing the conditions for funding in that in some institutions (including ours now that we have a changed assessment strategy) a student can pass a module without attempting the final element of assessment.  In such cases in previous years we have been unable to claim funding for such students, they were classed as non-completers.  Under the new guidelines that will be possible

Judith

Judith A Davison
ASIS Director
Planning and Information Services
University of Huddersfield
Queensgate
Huddersfield HD1 3DH

Tel: 01484 472744
Fax: 01484 472765
e.mail: [log in to unmask]


-----Original Message-----
From: Judy Evans [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 02 October 2003 16:39
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: HESES 2003 and Non-completion


Dear Colleagues,

Whilst there are other pressures on us all at the moment, I am sure some
of you will have already taken a preliminary look at the HESES Guidance
for the 2003 return, and may have noted the changes made to the
definition of, and terminology used for, non-completion in Annex D of
these notes.

In previous years, non-completion has been measured against the final
assessment for the year of the programme of study "irrespective of the
outcome of that assessment". Thus, provided a student got to the
assessment point and undertook it, even if they failed that assessment
(examination or whatever) they would be counted as a completion. If,
however, they fell 'by the wayside' before the assessment point and
therefore did not undertake it, they would be counted as a
non-completion.

For HESES 2003 there appears to be a change to this, in that the
significantly revised wording of Annex D now states that "a student who
fails to complete (that is undergo the final assessment of, OR PASS [my
caps]) ... is to be returned as a non-completion ...". My interpretation
of this is that even if they DO get to the assessment point but
subsequently fail the assessment, they will now count as a
non-completion. It seems to me that this is the opposite of the previous
guidance therefore. Am I reading this correctly, or becoming unduly
concerned?

You will also note that I have " .... " all reference to 'modules' from
the quoted statement above. The change of definition to "Non-completion
is defined in terms of modular programmes of study. It applies to all
institutions, including those that may not consider their programmes to
be modular" is also one that is taxing me at the moment. I find the
statement "A student who fails to complete ... any module within the
year of programme of study is to be returned as a non-completion for ALL
ACTIVITY [my caps] in that year" hard to comprehend. Given that the
(current) HEFCE funding model does not fund institutions for
'non-completion' this definition on the face of it appears to suggest
that we are now moving to a funding model whereby we will ONLY be funded
if the student completes, AND passes, ALL elements of their programme
within the year. Such a move  seems to run counter to the Widening
Participation agenda and the acknowledged difficulties associated with
the recruitment of students from 'non-traditional' backgrounds, but
could be taken as entirely in step with the Government's agenda to come
down hard on poor progression rates!

I would welcome comments/enlightenment!

Judy
--
Judy Evans
Head of Management Information
London Metropolitan University
London North Campus
166-220 Holloway Road
London N7 8DB

tel: 020 7133 2006
fax: 020 7133 2065
email: [log in to unmask]