²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø External Examiner induction: aide memoire for Programme Leaders
All External Examiners are invited to the annual online Induction and Refresher session in October. In addition to this opportunity, it is essential that Examiners are offered a local induction in advance of commencing the duties associated with the post. Typically, the Programme Leader is responsible for arranging the induction. External Examiners may be invited to visit the ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø campus. Alternatively, the induction can be held remotely.
The key points set out below may be covered in the induction. Where points are not relevant, or have been covered previously, the Programme Leader should tailor the induction accordingly. Examiners with responsibility for collaborative provision should be inducted separately to the University’s arrangements for overseeing academic programmes delivered in partnership with other providers.
The local induction complements the annual institutional Induction and Refresher session and information communicated through other reference points, including the External Examiners' Handbook. It provides an important opportunity for the new Examiner to meet the Programme Leader/other colleagues and to learn more about the programme to which they have been appointed. Depending on the timing of the Examiner's appointment, Programme Leaders may also wish to cover or revisit some of the generic topics that are addressed in the External Examiners' Handbook and annual Induction and Refresher session, for example arrangements for moderation and conduct of Exam Boards.
The External Examiners' Handbook can be accessed in the Resources for External Examiners.
The Division of Governance and Quality Enhancement can share the recordings from the most recent Induction and Refresher, if that would be helpful.
Programme Leaders are welcome to involve staff of the Division of Governance and Enhancement (GQE) in the induction process. Academic Administration colleagues can also provide support, as appropriate and agreed on an individual basis.
For further details on Examiner induction or any aspect of External Examining at ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø, please contact Dawn Martin, Assistant Secretary, Governance and Quality Enhancement.
| Topic |
Notes/suggested points to cover |
|---|---|
|
Information about ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø |
Brief history; ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø purpose and vision; strategy and structure (Schools and Divisions) |
|
Information about the School and Division |
Structure, programmes and key staff |
|
Information about the Programme |
Reference points, structure, content, assessment, placement etc. Details of CANVAS access can also usefully be discussed (perhaps with a demonstration) |
|
The External Examiner’s role at ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø |
Moderation; sample size; procedure in event of disagreeing with internal Examiners; any entitlement to meet individual students (whilst not mandatory, Examiners are welcome to meet students, and Programme Teams are encouraged to facilitate this) |
|
Exam Boards |
Conduct of Exam Boards; expected attendance (online); process for endorsing decisions/with-holding endorsement |
|
²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø assessment regulations and regulations governing extenuating circumstances |
Explain any programme-specific regulations |
|
Report and response |
Deadline for reports = 30 September each year to be submitted to External Examining Email Address Instructions will be issued annually to al Examiners Response within approx. eight weeks to allow for discussion with full team. |
|
How reports are shared with students |
As a minimum this is normally through the Programme Committee to class representatives; Reports and responses are also typically published on CANVAS |
|
Travel and accommodation |
Not usually necessary, as Boards are held online but can exceptionally be arranged by the Academic Administration |
|
Fees and expenses |
Instructions will be issued annually Payment is triggered on receipt of the External Examiner's Report |
|
Key contacts |
Programme Leader; Academic Administration; |
|
Campus tour |
Brief campus tour – may be more relevant for Examiners with responsibility for programmes that make use of specialist accommodation/equipment |
