General purpose:  A Standing Committee of Academic Council which is responsible for bringing forward strategy and policy in support of the University’s teaching and learning agenda and for advising on national and international good practice in these matters.  The Committee provides a general forum for debate on teaching and learning and for developing the University’s overall approach to assuring high quality research-informed teaching within the context of the University’s Strategic Plan.   The Committee liaises with the Academic Staff Development Committee in relation to staff development in teaching and learning and in good practice in assessment.  

The Committee shall consult with relevant University Officers as appropriate in relation to specific items and issues of potential significant impact to the University (particularly in relation to resources). 

The Teaching and Learning Committee shall be advised by the Sub Committee for E-Learning (a joint Sub Committee of the Teaching and Learning Committee and the Information Strategy and Education Resources Committee). 

The Committee shall undertake any other appropriate duties or tasks assigned to it by Academic Board or Academic Council from time to time. 

Reports to:  Academic Board on matters concerning delegated authority and is advisory to Academic Council on policy matters within its remit. 

Terms of reference: 

1. Strategy and Policy

To bring forward for initial consideration by Academic Board:

a) Proposals for strategy and policy concerning teaching, learning and assessment, and to facilitate widening participation and life-long learning at UCC as informed by national and international developments in these areas.
b) Recommendations in support of the University’s strategic objective for high quality research-led teaching and for internationalising the curriculum.
c) Proposals concerning the collection and use of student feedback on their learning experience.
d) Proposals for UCC action in response to national initiatives in teaching and learning and life-long learning, including proposals for good practice in recording student achievement in both experiential and certified learning.
e) Proposals for a programme of research in teaching and learning in higher education and to provide a forum for institutional debate on this and related matters.

2. Executive functions

Under delegated authority from Academic Council to:

a) Identify and disseminate good practice in teaching and learning and establish and promote good practice occurring nationally and internationally.
b) Consider the annual analysis of feedback from students on their learning experience and recommend action to Colleges, other committees or academic units as appropriate, or to take action as necessary in keeping with the Committee’s overall remit.
c) Review and evaluate the University’s Teaching and Learning Strategic Plan annually, or as requested by Academic Council.

3. Oversight function

a) Promote the adoption of the University’s policies in teaching and learning, including mechanisms for effective staff and student engagement.
b) To keep under review issues relating to student academic misconduct to inform the Committee’s deliberations on good practice in assessment and curriculum design.
c) Receive and consider reports from the Sub Committee for E-Learning at regular intervals or periodically as requested.
e) Evaluate overall performance and opportunities for enhancement of teaching and learning at UCC at regular intervals.

4. Other business as required

a) To submit to the Board minutes from each meeting of the Committee and to report on specific matters as requested.
b) To advise the Board and Council on such matters that the Board or Council may refer to the Committee from time to time.

Delegation of authority

The Teaching and Learning Committee retains the overall responsibilities defined in its terms of reference as approved by Council.  The Committee may establish Sub-Committees to enable it to fulfil its remit and to which it may delegate functions with the approval of Council.   The Committee may also establish working groups from time to time to assist in its work.  Sub Committees and working groups shall operate in accordance with the procedures set down in the Academic Council Committee Handbook.  

Sub Committee:

E- Learning Sub Committee (a joint Sub Committee of the Teaching and Learning Committee and Information Strategy and Education Resources Committee).

Reserved Business

None approved by Academic Council.

Frequency of Meetings

The Committee shall meet up to 6 times per year or as directed by Academic Council.

Membership

Approved by Academic Council 28^th January 2011

Updated by Academic Council 1^st May 2015

Amended by Academic Council 7th October 2016

Amended by Academic Council 19^th January 2018