Aberystwyth University Professional Development Scheme (AUPDS)

As a benefit of employment, Aberystwyth University offers, to all staff, a personal development opportunity, in the form of the Aberystwyth University Professional Development Scheme (hereafter, referred to as the Scheme).  The Scheme is designed to benefit the personal development of the applicant and at the same time meet departmental objectives and institutional goals.

This opportunity can take the form of the waiving of fees for:

  1. an individual taught module;
  2. a part-time taught degree, certificate or diploma.

Guidelines

Coverage

The Scheme applies to Lifelong Learning modules and modules within academic departments. The Scheme can apply to provision at any level (undergraduate, postgraduate) and mode (distance learning, part-time or full-time). Aberystwyth University reserves the right to exclude certain categories of modules on degree programmes from the operation of the Scheme. The Scheme does not apply to enrolment on research degrees, which are covered by separate regulations. For more information see: http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/regulation

Eligibility

The Scheme is open to any member of University staff. The Scheme applies to new registrations on modules or courses only. Retrospective applications to the Scheme will only be considered if submitted no later than three calendar months after the commencement of the course of study. Where undertaking a course of study requires release from duties during the working day, then the Head of the applicant’s department must be in agreement with the arrangement. Any such arrangements must be recorded by the Head of Department, including changes to previously agreed work patterns for part-time members of staff.  A copy of the changes must be submitted to Human Resources. Members of staff may apply for individual modules after 6 calendar months of service or as part of the Continuing Professional Development programme run by the Centre for the Development of Staff and Academic Practice. Members of staff may apply to the Aberystwyth Professional Development Scheme, for a part-time taught degree, certificate or diploma after 12 calendar months of service, or as part of the Continuing Professional Development programme run by the Centre for the Development of Staff and Academic Practice

Application process:

  1. Applicants must initially contact the Centre for the Development of Staff and Academic Practice (CDSAP) to arrange an individual staff development review meeting. The review considers how the proposed study will benefit the personal development of the applicant, meet departmental objectives and institutional goals.
  2. The applicant must contact the relevant Admissions Tutor / Postgraduate Selector for the department, delivering the course of study, and ensure that they will be accepted as a student.
  3. If the accepting department is in agreement, then the Admissions Tutor / Postgraduate Selector will email CDSAP to confirm the arrangement. CDSAP will then issue a Aberystwyth Professional Development Scheme Application Form to the applicant.
  4. The applicant’s Head of Department must countersign the form, stating that he or she agrees to the applicant undertaking the course of study. If the Head of Department does not agree to the applicant undertaking the course of study, he or she will inform the applicant in writing of the reasons for the refusal, and send a copy to the Centre for the Development of Staff and Academic Practice.
  5. If stages 1-4 have been successfully completed, the applicant must return completed copies of:
  • Aberystwyth University Professional Development Scheme Application Form.
  • A completed application form for the proposed scheme of study.

To the Admissions Office (for courses of study based in academic departments) or to the School of Education and Lifelong Learning (for single Lifelong Learning modules)

Decisions

The decision as to whether to admit the member of staff to the proposed course of study is based purely on academic grounds.  The decision as to whether the Aberystwyth Professional Development Scheme applies in this case, will depend on whether the applicant’s department and the department delivering the module are in agreement.

If the individual concerned ceases to be a member of Aberystwyth University staff whilst enrolled on course of study, and wishes to complete the qualification,  they will be required to repay the remaining outstanding fee to the University on a pro rata basis.

Whilst registered, staff must comply with Aberystwyth University Academic Regulations and the University reserves the right to withdraw the benefits of the Scheme from individuals for good cause (e.g. fraud or failure to pursue the course of study diligently).  In such cases specific reasons will be provided.

There is a right of appeal, under the Scheme, to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs). All appeals must be discussed with the Co-ordinator of the Centre for the Development of Staff and Academic Practice before submission.

Relevant Policies

This Policy and Procedure will be reviewed at intervals of not less than two years.  All reviews will include consultation with the recognised campus Trade Unions.  The University is committed to embedding the Single Equality Scheme into its policies, procedures and practices. This policy has been equality impact assessed in accordance with this scheme. For more information on the Equality Scheme see: http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/hr/equalopp/

Contacts

Centre for the Development of Staff and Academic Practice (CDSAP). Tel: 2117 email: cdsap@aber.ac.uk