Nottingham University Business School

Minutes of the Undergraduate Staff Student Consultative Committee (SSCC) Meeting held on Monday 31 March 2003 at 4:00pm in room 1.61 in the Business School.

Present:

Lum Joy Deng / Professor David Morris – Director
Tung Lae Hing / Dr. Robert Hoffman – Deputy Director
Sharifah Syed Tahir / Mr Lee Chew Ging – Director of Undergraduate Programmes
Ms Rosniwati M. Nasir
Ms Rita Hwang
Ms Irene Ng

1.  Appointment of Chair and Secretary

Tung Lae Hing was appointed Chair and Lum Joy Deng as Chair Secretary. Apologies for absence was received from Lena N.Devold (student representative).

2.  Feedback on the minutes of the Previous Meeting

As discussed before regarding the Mobility Program, Lee Chew Ging stressed that due to the transition stage at the middle of the year of 2002, different information were given to students who enquired early of the year and later of the year. However, it has been confirmed now that students are only allowed to go to UK in their second academic year but not third academic year. This applies to students who are in the foundation and students who are in their first year for year 2002/2003. He added that in UNIM, students will have better staff-student contact as it is small. David Morris also added that UNIM have to take into account matters such as cost of living, food, weather, and whether students are able to adapt to the environment when they are in Nottingham, UK. He said problems like these are better to let it occur during the second year and the final year which consist of 70% of the whole assessment. If students perform badly in second year due to changes, they probably can balance it when they are back to UNIM. This applies the same for students in UK now.

Other matters from the previous meeting have also been checked to ensure accuracy. Hooks will be place in the female toilet soon. The tidiness of the classroom it’s always the responsibility of the students. Chew Ging stressed that students should keep the classroom clean at all time. Regarding the matter on Registration Day, massage has been sent up to the administrative department. The time table for LAN subject will be prepared 3 years ahead and students will have to manage their time on their own according to the time table given. Lee Chew Ging pointed that this semester will have no reading week.

3.  New matters arising from the Agenda

Year One Issues

3.1  Issue on Mobility Program

As students are concern whether if they complete their third year here, will they be allowed to attend the convocation in Nottingham UK instead. Lee Chew Ging pointed out that he will put out a discussion with his counter part in UK since some students are given contradicting information. Nevertheless, with the new policy now, students are actually required to stay back in UNIM for the convocation. He added that the process of the whole ceremony will be conducted similarly to UK. People such as the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor will also be here for the ceremony. He stressed that this matter will have to depend on how serious students are in attending the convocation in UK, as he doesn’t want his effort put into this matter be wasted. Dr. Robert Hoffman added that UNIM will do what they can for students who are serious. Nevertheless, he also stressed that graduating in UNIM will be the same as graduating in UK. Students will be having the same degree as UK students with the same certificates and only the transcript will be slightly different. David Morris also pointed that due to the escalating amount of students in UNIM, 2 ceremonies will be held each year. He added that this matter will be consider and look into on a case by case basis. It depends on how serious and how confirmed they are. He also request for a definite number of students who wants to graduate in UK and must be sure that they have the finances to attend the convocation in UK. If anyone pulls out the last minute, they are not allowed to attend the ceremony in UNIM. Chew Ging added that as they need to coordinate with UK, we must prepare a list of name and an accurate number of confirmed students. He will counsel the students individually and make sure they can pay for the convocation.

3.2  Issues on New Parking Facilities

David Morris responded that due to the war and global security matter, UNIM received pressure from British High Commission, Nottingham in UK and also Management from MISC to increase the security measure in UNIM as they are concerned with student’s safety. As the old parking facilities allow anybody from UNIM or outside UNIM to have access to the main entrance of the building, it is not safe for the students. The new parking facility is to avoid people parking at the entrance and to make full used of the underground parking. He also apologised for the inconveniences. Chew Ging added that as they can’t do anything with the insufficient parking space, students who come late will have no choice but to park their car outside premises. Robert Hoffman also added that due to this critical time, students must wear their ID at all time.

4.  Year Two Issues

4.1  Late Invoice

Late invoice given to students for this semester has been pointed out and students have lack of time to prepare for the payment. Students are only notified regarding the invoice through email and they have to collect the invoice in UNIM. It is requested that the invoice be send to their respective house early. David Morris responded in future, invoice will be given 2 weeks before semester starts and the request will also be considered.

4.2  Issues on Computer Lab

Students stressed that the Engineering students has been using the computer lab 1.15 from business school. Students also request the computer lab to be open early to allow access for International students who come early by bus. Issue on stealing and computer down in the lab has also been brought up. Robert Hoffman responded that a notification will be place on the door to deny engineering student’s access to the lab. The request will be consider. However, little can be done for stealing. Hidden cameras has been suggested, however the cost will be high and UNIM will be shifting in 2 years time. Students are also reminded to leave valuable things out of sight.

Since issue of stealing has been pointed out, stealing in library has also been brought out. It has been suggested that bags can be carried into the library since library has device to detect stealing of books. This is to avoid the temptation of stealing if bags were left outside the library. David Morris responded that this matter will be discussed.

4.3  Rude staff in the University

A complaint has been put upon Jean Tuck for being rude and impolite to students. David Morris responded that there is no courtesy for such behaviour of staff in the UNIM. This matter will be taken further with appropriate way and he apologise on behalf for such manner.

Complaint has also been place upon a security guard at the entrance for being rude. Once again, apology has been given and will look into this matter considerably.

4.4  Issuances of Student ID

There are still students who are using the temporary ID and ID were still not issued since promised a month ago. Students holding temporary ID will have to pay fine due to the new security measure. David Morris responded that students go back to the library and keep stressing them with this matter. They would have to be responsible for the fine since it’s their fault.

4.5  Requesting for a Common Room for second year business student

Robert Hoffman responded that for social purposes, the cafeteria and TV room are spacious enough for students. As for academic purposes, he added that students are allowed to enter any discussion room which are open for discussion except the MBA rooms. David Morris also added that consideration will be taken into account and will consider open for rooms for discussion.

4.6  Bad Condition of TV room

It has been brought upon that there is no channels to watch and the battery of the remote control has been stolen. Robert Hoffman responded that it is not the responsibility of the business school to maintain the TV room. However, they will take up this matter to the president of Student Association.

4.7  Book sales person did not return as promised.

The sales person from the book store has promised to return for more book sales. However, he did not. David Morris responded that the sales person from the book store did return. However, maybe due to some misunderstanding and some transaction problems between the mails, students were not informed of his return. He apologised for the matter.

4.8  Issue on bus service

It has been brought up the bus service provided by UNIM is too small and students have to stand up the most of the time. Suggestion has been given of additional time at 1pm for bus to leave school. Robert Hoffman responded that the business school has no control over that matter as arrangement has been done by the administration. He suggested contacting Raja Ida regarding this matter as she is in charged of international students’ affair.

4.9  Prices in cafeteria vary daily

It has been noticed that the prices in cafeteria vary on daily basis depending on the staff serving. The pastry has also been complained of not being fresh. Lee Chew Ging responded that a negotiation will be taken place with Student Association as this matter is beyond the business school control.