Suspension of recruitment, rather than closure, may be the preferred option where there is reason to believe that the issues underlying the decision to suspend are temporary. However, suspension of a programme is often a first step towards closure, which may be taken to allow Schools/Departments to undertake the revalidation of the current provision or the development of new, replacement provision. It is recommended that a programme should not remain in suspension for longer than two years without a decision to re-open, replace, or close being made; during which time it is subject to the normal QA processes.
Please note that there is a formal process for reviewing the viability of, and potentially suspending, programmes delivered by the Associate College Partnership – advice on this procedure should be sought from the Head of UK Partnerships & Apprenticeships
It is vital that an appropriate process is followed - including a risk assessment of proposed actions (T2.17) - in order to ensure that the University is compliant with consumer legislation in respect of providing early communication about any programme changes to applicants and students. When a proposal to suspend is made via the T2.18 and risk assessment, it is approved by the Faculty Executive and then shared with the Faculty Quality team.
The Faculty shall be required on an annual basis to take a review of programmes currently within suspension and make decisions on whether a closure process should be implemented or the programme is required to go via a different QA route. If appropriate a similar group to the minimum exit group should be convened in order to determine whether suspension, rather than closure, is the appropriate course of action. The group should also ensure that a suspension form is completed (T2.18) – submission requirements for the suspension form are the same as for closure forms, as noted above. (seek guidance from QAO on whether a group needs to be established)