AWDM-FECP Academic Advisory Group (AAG)

Terms of Reference 

General Purpose 

UMTO (Sept 2017) provided for the establishment of a Senior Academic Advisory Group to act as an academic community support in relation to the operation of the Academic Work Distribution Model - Full Economic Costings Process (AWDM-FECP). The AAG has been formed as a collegial group to work with Heads of Academic Units and academic staff in using the AWDM-FECP Framework, while ensuring the implementation and operation of the framework is compatible with the needs of the academic community.  

Reports to: University Leadership Team (ULT) 
Action Initiated: 2017 
Project sponsor: Deputy President and Registrar 
Project lead: Professor Silvia Ross  

Alignment to University Strategy/external driver: 

• UCC Strategic Plan, Securing our Future 2023-2023: Goal 4 Our Staff, Our Culture. 

• National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030: 9.5 Effective deployment of resources in higher education. 

Key Objectives 

1. Supporting Heads of Academic Unit and the academic community in the implementation and on-going operation of the AWDM-FECP Framework in line with stakeholder needs. 
2. Communicating via an annual report to Academic Council when relevant such as relating to a relevant collection period each year and assisting Heads in the dissemination and optimal use of AWDM-FECP data for local work activity planning. 
3. Collaborating with key stakeholders in addressing AWDM-FECP matters as they arise. 
4. Developing the AWDM-FECP Framework and related software tool(s) in line with University need. 

In scope 

• Continue the evolution of AWDM-FECP with best practice in line with the evolution of the sector 
• Produce a framework that is clear and easy to use, which provides clear briefings for Heads and academic staff. 
• Supporting academic staff and Colleges in the AWDM-FECP process. 
• Provide guidance for Heads and Academic Staff members. 
• Benchmark the institutional process with national and international comparative institutions. 
• Facilitating the next collection process. 
• Collecting AWDM-FECP data and institutional summarised reporting  

 Out of scope 

AWDM-FECP Data is not to be used for: 

•  Individual employment-related decisions.  
• Promotion decision making.  
• Performance and Development Reviews 

 Data usage 

Uses of AWDM-FECP Data: 

• Forward planning and mapping of the distribution of academic activity at academic unit level. 
• Costing academic activity data. 
• Creation of a Unit Summary of academic activity to inform local discussion on academic activity. 
• Reference to local, College and University AWDM-FECP norms. 
• Mapping of trends in AWDM-FECP against student and human resource data to aid proposals, e.g. funding, human resourcing, etc. 
• Support of individual and School applications for accreditation. 
• Submission to Professional Body in evidence of activity. 
• University reporting to internal and external stakeholders (non-personalised summative data), e.g. Academic Council, GB/UMTO, HEA, IUA. 

Composition of the AWDM-FECP Academic Advisory Group 

The AAG has been formed as a collegial group to work with Heads of Academic Unit and academic staff in using the AWDM-FECP Framework, whilst ensuring the implementation and operation of the framework is compatible with the needs of the academic community.   

Membership 

The membership of the AWDM-FECP Academic Advisory Group comprises representatives from each College, FECP and HR: 

Chair: Professor Silvia Ross 
Co-Chair: Professor Brendan Griffin 

Members: 

1. Dr Amanullah De Sondy, CACSSS 
2. Professor Ali Khashan, COMH 
3. Professor Anita Maguire (FECP Lead) 
4. Professor Mark McEntee, COMH 
5. Dr Fergal O’Connor, COBL 
6. Dr. Ciara Heavin, EDI 
7. Dr Anthony Knights, SEFS 
8. Mr Kieran Creedon, Representative from UCC People and Culture 
9. Ms Clare Lehane, SII & Full Economic Costings Process Manager 

Committee Secretary: Provided by the Deputy President and Registrar’s office. 

Timelines  

There will be periodic meetings of the AAG when relevant matters arise. 

The AAG will submit a report to ULT when relevant, e.g., during a collection year.  

Communication Plan 

The AAG will conduct briefing sessions with Colleges as frequently as necessary being cognisant of the needs of academic staff.  

A report from AAG will be submitted to ULT and thence to Academic Council when relevant, e.g., during a collection year.