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Erasmus Policy Statement
 The
University of Reading’s commitment to European activities, embedded into our
corporate plan and core strategic objectives, are founded upon our extensive
experience in international education. Our active participation in EU education
and research programmes are manifest. Our EU Mobility programmes are long
established, with over 200 Erasmus exchanges with partner institutions. Current
projects are: Erasmus Mundus (Actions 1 and 2), Comenius and Leonardo; we have
been awarded research contracts from the European Commission’s Framework Six,
valued at nearly 18 million Euro; ECTS is embedded and Diploma Supplements are
provided for all degree programmes, demonstrating our tangible and quantifiable
commitment to the LLP. The University’s strategic objectives are to “promote the
growth, transfer and application of knowledge” and to “establish centres of
excellence in teaching and learning”. Priorities are 1) to promote the Erasmus
mobility scheme to staff and students thus facilitating academic co-operation,
collaboration, the promotion and dissemination of best practice in delivering
quality teaching and learning within Europe 2) to support the development of
research projects and programmes in conjunction with international partners
building on existing synergy in interests and priorities 3) to provide students
with an education and training that develops and enhances their learning and
linguistic skills, experience and employment prospects, thus providing them with
the tools to meet the challenges of internationalisation and the growth of
scientific and technological knowledge 4) to encourage staff actively to
contribute to the agendas of European funding agencies, and to encourage the
development of selected curriculum initiatives. We intend to pursue the further
initiatives offered by LLP and integrate them into current curricula and
processes.
All Erasmus activities are prominently publicised on the University website and
promotional literature. The International & Study Abroad Office (ISAO)
disseminates and publicises all Erasmus information internally and externally.
Departments promote mobility opportunities during Open Days and Induction
Programmes. The EUC and EPS will be prominently published on all international
and related websites. In line with the legal requirements of the UK and Europe,
the University has developed and promoted policy statements and codes of
practice concerned with disability, equal opportunities and promotion of racial
equality. In our Widening Participation Strategy, and Strategy for Teaching and
Learning, the University states its commitment to encouraging and supporting
greater diversity in the student body, and to encouraging and supporting HE
participation by under represented groups.
Two key institutional committees oversee international activities, including
European mobility. All new exchanges must address strict criteria following the
UK Quality Assurance Agency Guidelines. An established ‘Code of Practice on
Placement Learning’ covers the approval and allocation of placements, staff
responsibilities, programme requirements, placement environment, support
services, credit recognition, language and skills preparation. The Steering
Committee on Study Abroad and Exchange Students monitors the support given to
all incoming/outgoing Erasmus students. Staff Mobility is monitored and
recognised in Staff Development Reviews at Department level. Mobile staff and
students must submit a report at the end of their placement, enabling evaluation
of each exchange. It is a requirement to publicise all mobility activities in
degree specifications/curricula, departmental handbooks and websites. Mobility
programmes are promoted during student and staff induction programmes,
departmental talks and Open Days. In September 2007 the University will move all
existing provision for student welfare issues (including accommodation, special
needs, finance and counselling services) into a purpose-built Student Services
Centre. Support for mobile staff and students is provided by both the ISAO and
academic departments. Outgoing students are fully briefed prior to departure and
provided with Placement Handbooks; incoming students have a full orientation
programme and are given assistance with accommodation and welfare issues. An
Erasmus Society assists with student integration. All placements are formally
recognised based on a Learning Agreement, stipulating the academic expectations
of the student and our commitment to ECTS together with the Diploma Supplement
awarded. An Institution Wide Language Programme is available offering language
support to both staff and students. Opportunities provided by EU funded
Intensive Language Courses are widely promoted.
The LLP provides an opportunity for the University of Reading to promote further
study and work placements as part of our provision. As established in our ‘Code
of Practice on Placement Learning’ all placements must demonstrate an ability to
meet the required learning outcomes, enabling successful completion of the
degree programme. Strict procedures are in place to ensure the quality, approval
and allocation of placements. Departments will provide thorough guidance on
opportunities and conditions for mobility through pre-placement induction
programmes, placement handbooks, and ensure appropriate linguistic preparation
is provided. Student applications are fully scrutinised and supported by
academic departments. Students are informed of their responsibilities to both
the University and the placement provider, including responsibility for alerting
all parties of any problems which might prevent satisfactory completion. A
learning agreement and placement plan is created and endorsed by all parties
stipulating intended learning outcomes, ensuring that the placement contributes
to the personal and professional development of the student. We will ensure that
placement providers offer appropriate and effective learning opportunities, and
provide an introduction to the placement environment, cultural orientation, work
expectations, assistance with accommodation, health and safety information. A
formal agreement or contract must be drawn up between the student, institution
and provider to enable the placement to continue. There will be frequent contact
between all parties during the placement, and an agreed plan of monitoring
visits. Full recognition of the placement through ECTS and the Diploma
Supplement will be given by the University of Reading. Students and provider
will be obliged to submit a final report to ensure the mobility period has met
all defined objectives, enabling an institutional retrospective evaluation of
all the placement outcomes and aims.
21 February 2007
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