Academic Board

Articles of Government

In accordance with the Articles of Government 4(1) the maximum membership is 35 and at least half shall comprise persons occupying posts at Head of Department level or above.  Not less than four must be teaching staff; not less than one member of the non-teaching staff and not less than one student.

Responsibilities

Subject to the Articles, the Academic Board shall be responsible for:

  1. General issues relating to the research, scholarship, teaching and courses at the University, including 
    criteria for the admission of students, the appointment and removal of internal and external examiners; 
    policies and procedures for assessment and examination of the academic performance of students; 
    the content of the curriculum; academic standards and the validation and review of courses; procedures for the award of qualifications and honorary academic titles; and, the procedures for the expulsion of students for academic reasons;
  2. Considering the development of the academic activities of the University and the resources needed to 
    support them and for advising the Vice Chancellor and the Board of Governors thereon; and
  3. Advising on such other matters as the Board of Governors or the Vice Chancellor may refer to the 
    Academic Board.

Composition

  • Chairperson: Vice Chancellor
  • Up to eight senior staff nominees of the Vice-Chancellor (8)
  • Deans of faculty (3) and the Principal of RWCMD or nominee (1)
  • Up to four heads of academic related areas nominated by the Vice-Chancellor (4)
  • Up to eight elected members of teaching staff (8), normally two from each faculty
  • One member of non-teaching staff elected by the non-teaching staff (1)
  • One member of the professoriate elected by the professoriate (1)
  • Two students nominated by the Students’ Union (2)
  • Up to three members co-opted by the Chair (3)
    (Secretary: Academic Registrar)

Chairperson

  • Dr James Gravelle, Interim Vice-Chancellor

Up to eight senior staff nominees of the Vice-Chancellor (8)

  • Professor Martin Steggall, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research)
  • William Callaway, University Secretary
  • Dr Louise Bright, PVC Enterprise, Engagement and Partnerships
  • Dr Francis Cowe, Director of FE Partnerships
  • Emma Adamson, Director of Student Life

Deans of Faculty and the Principal of RWCMD or nominee (4)

  • Professor Jill Stewart, Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
  • Adam Williams, Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
  • Dr Rob Orford, Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
  • Professor Helena Gaunt, RWCMD [Iestyn Henson attending as alternate]

Up to four heads of academic related areas nominated by the Vice-Chancellor (4)

  • Nathalie Czechowski, Chief Information Officer
  • Donal O'Connor, Director of Future Students
  • Karl Luke, Director of CELT

Elected members of academic staff (8)

  • Dr Thomas Lambourne, Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science (until August 2028)
  • Dr Hammad Nazir,  Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science (until August 2026)
  • Dr Biao Zeng, Faculty of Life Sciences and Education (until August 2026)
  • Owain Jones, Faculty of Life Sciences and Education (until August 2027)
  • Clare Churcher, Faculty of Life Sciences and Education (until August 2027)
  • Lisa Curtis, Faculty of Business and Creative Industries (until August 2028)
  • Callum Evans, Faculty of Business and Creative Industries (until August 2027)
  • Dr Zulfia Abawe , Faculty of Business and Creative Industries (until August 2026)

One member of non-academic staff elected by the non-academic staff (1)

  • Jonathan Jones (until August 2028)

One member of the professoriate elected by the professoriate (1)

  • Vacancy (until August 2028)

Two students nominated by the Students’ Union (2)

  • Irfan Rahman, SU President
  • TBC

Up to three members co-opted by the Chair (3)

  • Geraint Evans, elected staff member of the Board of Governors
  • Professor Peter Vaughan, Representative of Strategic Area /Accelerated Development Area
  • Vida Greaux, Representative of Equality and Diversity Steering Group

Secretary

  • Nicola Poole, Deputy Director of Student Life

Clerk

  • Helen Simpson, Governance Unit