Quality Handbook Supplement 5G - Teach-out arrangements

1.1 This supplement has been devised for staff involved in the management of courses in teach-out and should be used in conjunction with the following sections of the Quality Handbook (QH):

a. Section 5 – Course design and approval;
b. Section 6 – Course Review and Re-Approval Policy;
c. Section 7 – Periodic Review;
d. Sections 10A - 10C – for Academic Partnerships;
e. Section 10E – Apprenticeships
f. Supplement PS4 – Requirements for initiation and cessation of progression arrangements between Kaplan International Colleges and Nottingham Trent University (NTU)

1.2 Colleagues are also advised to consult the revised UK Quality Code for Higher Education.

1.3 Prior to any decision to withdraw or suspend a course, the School must consider the potential impact on applicants, offer holders and existing students, and in particular consider the timescales involved in the progression of NTIC/KICL students. Consideration should also be given to the impact on apprenticeships and foundation degree progression routes.

1.4 In the event of a School Executive (and Mansfield Portfolio and Operational Oversight Board for Mansfield course only) approving the withdrawal or suspension of a course, the following measures should be taken to notify and protect the interests of students.

1.5 The decision, and rationale behind it, should be explained to the student body and other stakeholders at the earliest opportunity. This is a Course Leader’s responsibility, but the engagement of the Head of Department / Executive Dean may be sought in high profile cases.

1.6 An action plan should be initiated outlining the responsibilities for the management of the orderly withdrawal or suspension of the course. The plan should consider the following:

1. how student study choices will be maintained or alternatives devised;
2. how relevant staff expertise will be retained in light of any reduction in staffing;
3. the impact the withdrawal will have on physical resources (library provision, IT resources, teaching accommodation, finance, etc.);
4. the arrangements for monitoring, supporting and managing the course - both locally and through any collaborative arrangements;
5. what, if any, additional support is required to ensure the learning experience is maintained;
6. an outline of the support provided for students to help them understand the arrangements that are in place for the teach-out of the course;
7. what arrangements are in place for facilitating student transfer to other courses within NTU or at other institutions, if required.

1.7 The action plan should be drafted by the Course Leader in consultation with the Head of Department and may involve the Executive Dean in certain high-profile cases.

1.8 Notification of key aspects of the teach-out arrangements should be submitted by the Course Leader to the School Academic Standards and Quality Committee (SASQC) for its consideration and approval (a pro-forma has been devised for this purpose).

1.9 The Course Leader should advise stakeholders of the decision to cease or suspend course operation at the earliest opportunity. The stakeholder list may include:

1. module leaders;
2. collaborative partners;
3. Nottingham Trent International College;
4. Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies;
5. external examiners;
6. existing students and offer holders;
7. potential students;
8. other stakeholders in the course.

1.10 Where a cluster of courses or a subject is placed in teach-out, it is recommended that a task group is convened (to include the Head of Department, course team(s) representatives, students, support and technical staff, etc.). The task group should meet regularly to monitor and ensure the quality, standards, fairness and equality of opportunity during the teach-out.  This task group should report regularly to the SASQC.

1.11 An editable teach-out plan exemplar can be downloaded by following the link below:

Notification of teach-out arrangements (exemplar)