Link Tutor Guidance Pack - University of Worcester:联系导师指导包-伍斯特大学
The Role of the Link Tutor
Introduction
, The Link Tutor is a member of academic staff within one of the six academic
Institute/Schools at the University of Worcester and is responsible for acting as the link
between the University of Worcester and a course being taught partly or wholly by a partner
institution.
, In most cases, a Course Leader/Manager will also be appointed within the partner institution,
who is likely to be the member of partner staff with whom the Link Tutor will have most
contact. In a small number of cases, the Link Tutor may also be the Course Leader/Co-
Coordinator if they have a strong involvement in teaching on the course.
, Given the range of partner institutions it is recognised that the role of the Link Tutor will vary
depending on the nature of the collaborative provision. However the guidance for the role
outlined below is given as key basic requirements and responsibilities in which the Link Tutor
is expected to be involved.
, Please note that the role of the Link Tutor is not dependent on the funding for the course –
both indirectly funded and directly funded courses can expect the same support from their
Link Tutor. Likewise the Link Tutor has the same quality oversight responsibilities for both
indirectly and directly funded programmes.
Induction
, Link Tutors are required to attend the formal Link Tutor induction provided by the Academic
Quality Unit as preparation for the role. Where possible, this will take place in the semester
in which they commence the role. It may also be possible to arrange “buddying” where a
more experienced Link Tutor provides support to a new Link Tutor during their first year.
Queries/concerns
, If Link Tutors have concerns regarding the management or quality of a collaborative course
they should seek guidance from the member of staff in their academic Institute with
responsibility for partnerships and collaborative provision, and ensure that Sue Cuthbert
(Head of Collaborative Programmes) and Debbie Hodson (Senior Quality Officer
(Collaborative)) are also informed.
, If partner staff have concerns regarding the Link Tutor role they should seek guidance from
both the member of staff in the relevant academic Institute with responsibility for partnerships
and collaborative provision and partner senior management as appropriate.
The Link Tutor role
1. Monitor the application of quality assurance and enhancement procedures to ensure
the correct processes are being followed and timely intervention occurs where
appropriate, including:
a. Check that appropriate arrangements are in place for obtaining student feedback, including
module evaluation
b. Confirm that satisfactory and timely moderation of marking has taken place. In some
instances this will also involve ensuring consistency across partners if a multiple partner
course and considering cross moderation between module teams if appropriate c. Remind the course team that all teaching staff must be set up as Registered Lecturers with
the University and any changes to the course team reported to the Academic Quality Unit
2. Provide quality oversight of the course:
a. Ensure that the course is operating in accordance with the Course Agreement and University
quality assurance requirements
b. Produce an annual Link Tutor Report (and share the draft report with the course team, prior
to the production of the team’s Annual Evaluation Report)
c. Support the course team in the production of the Annual Evaluation Report, including
considering a draft report
3. Attend the following meetings:
a. Attend Link Tutor Forums to maintain currency and share good practice
b. Attend course committee meetings to represent the University perspective and advise the
course team
c. Attend course team meetings (in addition to course committee meetings) wherever possible
or schedule regular meetings with the Course Leader to provide support and advice d. Attend Examination Boards (NB – the Link Tutor may not chair the board, this must be the
UW Head of Institute or nominee) to support the course team
4. Provide support to Course Leader or key contact at partner institution:
a. Support the course team in the understanding and implementation of University regulations,
processes and procedures
b. Respond to issues raised by course team and liaise with other University staff to elicit
responses and support as necessary, and ensure that contacts are put in place with relevant
central departments (e.g. AQU, ILS, Registry Services, Student Services/First Point) c. Direct the course team to staff development opportunities, including those available at the
University
d. Play an active role in course enhancement to ensure the ongoing currency of the course e. Support the course team in preparing for course re-approvals, periodic reviews and
partnership reviews
5. Provide a link for partner students:
a. Participate in student induction
b. Promote progression and support transition from the partner institution to the University
1Draft Link Tutor Calendar Throughout the year September , Participate in induction , Attend course team meetings wherever
possible , Remind course team re Registered Lecturer Status
, Be aware of course agreement and confirm , Confirm all arrangements are in place for start of year, e.g. that course is operating in accordance with course handbook, course committees, student feedback agreement opportunities
, Support course team in understanding of , Submit Link Tutor report to UW for previous academic year UW regulations and processes , Support course team in submitting Annual Evaluation , Remind course team re Registered Lecturer Report to UW Status if any staff change October , Promote progression , Support course teams in developing November , Attend Link Tutor Forum contacts with central UW departments December , Attend course committee meeting , Liaise to resolve queries , Check arrangements are in place for module evaluation , Direct the course team to staff development , Confirm arrangements are in place for moderation opportunities , Promote progression , Play an active role in course enhancement January , Support the course team in preparations for February , Attend Examination Boards course re-approvals, periodic reviews and March , Promote progression and support transition to UW partnership reviews (if appropriate) April , Attend course committee meeting
, Attend Link Tutor Forum
, Check arrangements are in place for module evaluation
, Confirm arrangements are in place for moderation
May
June , Attend Examination Boards
July
August , Draft Link Tutor report
, Consider draft Annual Evaluation Report from course team
, Support transition to UW (if appropriate)
, Support course team in preparations for next academic
year
1 The dates provided are an indicative guide – timings will vary between partners and some items may not apply to all partners.
Summary of the Link Tutor Role Monitoring of Quality Assurance
and Enhancement
Providing quality oversight
, Check that appropriate
arrangements are in place for , Ensure that the course is operating obtaining student feedback in accordance with the Course , Confirm that satisfactory and Agreement
timely moderation of marking has , Produce an annual Link Tutor
taken place. Report
, Remind the course team that all , Support the course team in the teaching staff must be set up as production of the Annual
Registered Lecturers Evaluation Report
Providing a link for partner students
Attendance at meetings , Participate in student induction , Promote progression and support , Attend Link Tutor Forums transition , Attend course committee meetings
, Attend course team meetings
, Attend Examination Boards
Providing support to Course Leader
, Support the course team in the
implementation of University
regulations and processes
, Respond to issues raised by course
team and liaise with other University
staff to elicit responses
, Direct the course team to staff
development opportunities
, Play an active role in course
enhancement
, Support the course team in preparing
for course re-approvals, periodic
reviews and partnership reviews
Other support for partners
In addition to the Link Tutor, staff at partner institutions can find support and advice from a range of services at the University, including:
Partner Webpages
, The partner webpages are available at
information for all staff involved with partnerships and a means to navigate the University
website.
Academic Quality Unit
, Debbie Hodson (d.hodson@worc.ac.uk) and Louise Heath (l.heath@worc.ac.uk) provide
specific support for partnerships/collaborative courses regarding quality assurance and
enhancement procedures, and Registered Lecturer/Administrator/HE Manager Status.
Head of Collaborative Programmes
, Sue Cuthbert (s.cuthbert@worc.ac.uk) has responsibility for oversight of collaborative
programmes.
Information and Learning Services
, The Academic Liaison Librarians within ILS each support specific academic Institutes,
including collaborative provision. The Link Tutor should support partner staff in setting up
contacts with the relevant Academic Liaison Librarian.
, In addition, Ann Craig (a.craig@worc.ac.uk) works as Team Leader: Customer Services and
Partnerships within ILS, with specific responsibility for partnerships.
, Staff who are Registered Lecturers/Administrators/HE Managers can contact Nicky Styles
(n.styles@worc.ac.uk) for IT support.
Firstpoint
, Firstpoint is the first point of contact for all student enquiries whether they be about
accommodation, fees and finance, registration, ID cards, disability support, study abroad,
module choice or anything concerning student life at the University of Worcester including
partners.
Firstpoint's advisers aim to handle the majority of enquiries themselves but can also call
upon specialist advisers from the Student Services, Accommodation Services and others.
Firstpoint advisers can also make appointments with specialists such as counsellors and
mental health advisers.
Telephone 01905 542551 or email firstpoint@worc.ac.uk
Registry Services – Student Records
, The teams within Student Records are responsible for managing the records of all UW
students within specific subject areas, including collaborative provision. The Link Tutor
should support partner staff in setting up contacts with the relevant member(s) of staff in this
department so that partners can liaise direct with Student Records as appropriate.
Registry Services – Admissions
, The teams within Admissions manage the admissions processes for UW courses, including
most collaborative courses. The Link Tutor should support partner staff in setting up
contacts with the relevant member(s) of staff in this department so that partners can liaise
direct with Admissions as appropriate.
Student Services
, Student Services provide support to students, including partner students, in a range of areas
including finance, careers advice, counselling and disability/dyslexia support. The Link Tutor
should support partner staff in liaising with the relevant Student Services contact so that
partners can liaise direct with this department as appropriate.
Staff development
, The Academic Development and Practice Unit support staff, including partner staff, in staff
development and scholarly activity. Registered Lecturers are eligible for a fee waiver on the
PGCert Learning and Teaching in Higher Education. Contact John Peters
(j.peters@worc.ac.uk).
, There is also a central staff development calendar at
– partner staff are welcome to attend any of the sessions advertised.
, Registered Lecturers and Administrators/HE Managers are also eligible for a 50% discount
on fees for higher-level programmes offered by the University.
, Partner staff should be invited to any staff development opportunities available through the
relevant academic Institute – Link Tutors should forward on any such opportunities to
course teams as appropriate.
, HE Managers are invited to the twice-yearly HE Managers’ Forum, organised by the Head
of Collaborative Programmes and the Academic Quality Unit.
, Partner staff are also invited to specific partner staff development days, such as the
annual New Partner Staff Development Day and the Partner Conference.
Communications and Development
, Jane Britton (j.britton@worc.ac.uk) provides advice to partners regarding publicity and
prospectus materials.