Linguistics: Neurolinguistics and Models of Grammar

Transcription

1 Faculty of Arts Teaching and Examination Regulations Research Master s degree in Linguistics: Neurolinguistics and Models of Grammar Contents 1. General provisions 2. Structure of the degree programme 3. Examinations and final assessment of the degree programme 4. Admission 5. Registration for modules and tutoring 6. Final provisions

2 Section 1 General provisions Article 1.1 Applicability These Regulations apply to the teaching and examinations of the Research Master s degree programme in Linguistics: Neurolinguistics and Models of Grammar, hereinafter referred to as the degree programme. The degree programme is provided by the Faculty of Arts of the University of Groningen. Article 1.2 Definitions The following definitions apply to these Regulations: - Act: the Higher Education and Research Act (WHW; Wet op het Hoger Onderwijs en Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek) - Student: a person enrolled in the university for the purpose of taking modules and/or examinations and a final assessment leading to the conferral of a university degree - Module: a teaching unit of the degree programme within the meaning of the Act - Practical: a practical exercise, as referred to in Art of the Act, in one of the following forms: - a thesis - a written paper or draft - research or assignments - participation in a field trip or excursion - completion of a placement - active participation in a tutorial or computer practical - participation in another educational activity designed to teach certain skills - Research Master s degree programme: a Master s degree programme to which access is granted after a selection procedure on the basis of a specified Bachelor s degree programme - Final assessment: the final assessment of the Master s degree programme - Semester: part of the academic year, either starting on 1 September and ending on a date to be determined by the Board of the University on or around 31 January, or starting on the aforementioned date determined by the Board of the University and ending on 31 August. The other definitions shall have the meaning that the Act ascribes to them. Article 1.3 Aim of the degree programme The aim of the degree programme is to provide students with an academic training in terms of specialized knowledge, understanding and skills in the discipline of linguistics such that they are able to perform successfully in an academic position, particularly that of academic researcher in the abovementioned discipline. Article 1.4 Type of degree programme The degree programme is full time.

3 Section 2 Structure of the degree programme Article 2.1 Study load 1. The degree programme has a study load of 120 ECTS credits, whereby one credit is the equivalent of 28 hours of study. 2. The study load is expressed in whole credits. Article 2.2 Academic training The degree programme followed by a student must contain sufficient elements relating to the academic training of the student. Here is an overview of the learning outcomes of the degree programme. Graduates will be expected to 1. have a thorough and up-to-date knowledge of the field of linguistics, and its historical development and structure 2. have a thorough knowledge of at least one theoretical and methodological approach within linguistics 3. be familiar with the formulation of theories, with interpretations, methodologies and techniques and be able to evaluate them critically 4. have knowledge and understanding of several fields and their related research techniques, methodologies and ways of approach 5. be able to keep abreast of the latest developments in linguistics and broaden and deepen their own knowledge and understanding 1. be able to participate actively in a research group working on an academic project 2. be able to work with other students and lecturers on an academic project 3. be able to participate in academic debate in the chosen area of specialization and to present an academic problem convincingly in English, both orally and in writing, to make use of the research results of others and evaluate these critically 1. be able to formulate an academic problem independently, and in so doing, to select, apply and where necessary adapt an adequate theoretical framework and one or more relevant research methods 2. be able to make an original contribution to at least one branch of the discipline 3. be able independently to formulate a research proposal 4. be able to make connections between the own specialist knowledge of a subdiscipline of linguistics and other related disciplines, for example psychology or neurology. Article 2.3 Specializations The degree programme has the following specializations: No. Specialization 1 Linguistics 2 Language and Communication Technologies, Erasmus Mundus Article 2.4 Specialization modules Linguistics Specialization No. Module Study load 1 Linguistic Analysis 10 ECTS

4 2 Basic Statistics and Corpus Analysis 10 ECTS For 40 ECTS, choose from: 3 Linguistics: Methodology and Statistics for Linguistic Research 10 ECTS 4 Discourse and Pragmatics 10 ECTS 5 History of Linguistics 10 ECTS 6 Neuro-Imaging and Language 10 ECTS 7 Language Development 10 ECTS 8 Research Traineeship or Tutorials 20 ECTS 9 Seminar, Summer school/winter school 10 ECTS 10 MA Thesis in Linguistics 30 ECTS Language and Communication Technologies Specialization No. Module Study load 1 Linguistic Analysis 10 ECTS 2 Basic Statistics and Corpus Analysis 10 ECTS For 70 ECTS, choose from: 3 Linguistics: Methodology and Statistics for Linguistic Research 10 ECTS 4 Discourse and Pragmatics 10 ECTS 5 Machine Learning 5 ECTS 6 Computer-Mediated Communication A 10 ECTS 7 Natural Language Processing 10 ECTS 8 Computational Models of Language Acquisition 5 ECTS 9 Semantic Web Technology 10 ECTS 10 Theoretical Linguistics 5 ECTS 11 Semantics 10 ECTS 12 Language Modelling 5 ECTS 13 Robotics 5 ECTS 14 Cognitive Robotics 5 ECTS 15 Sound Recognition 5 ECTS 16 Computer-Mediated Communication B 10 ECTS 17 Dutch Semantics and Language Acquisition 10 ECTS 18 Handwriting Recognition 5 ECTS 19 Perception 5 ECTS 20 Cognitive Modelling 5 ECTS 21 MA Thesis in Language and Communication Technologies 30 ECTS Article 2.5 Practical exercises 1. The following modules contain one or more practical exercises in the form indicated: Linguistics Specialization No. Module Type of practical exercise Type of lecture 1 Linguistic Analysis Presentation and paper Tutorials 2 Basic Statistics and Corpus Analysis Practical and paper Tutorials 3 Linguistics: Methodology and Statistics Practical, presentation and Tutorials for Linguistic Research paper 4 Discourse and Pragmatics Paper Tutorials 6 Neuro-Imaging and Language Practical and paper Tutorials 7 Language Development Paper Tutorials 8 Research Traineeship or Tutorials Paper Tutorials

5 self-study 9 Seminar, Summer school/winter Oral and/or written Tutorials school presentation 10 MA Thesis in Linguistics Thesis Self-study Language and Communication Technologies Specialization No. Module Type of practical exercise Type of lecture 1 Linguistic Analysis Presentation and paper Tutorials 2 Basic Statistics and Corpus Analysis Practical and paper Tutorials 3 Linguistics: Methodology and Statistics Practical, presentation and Tutorials for Linguistic Research paper 4 Discourse and Pragmatics Paper Tutorials 5 Machine Learning Practical Tutorials 6 Computer-Mediated Communication A Practical, presentation and Tutorials paper 7 Natural Language Processing Practical and presentation Tutorials 8 Computational Models of Language Presentation and paper Tutorials Acquisition 9 Semantic Web Technology Practical, presentation and Tutorials paper 11 Semantics Paper Tutorials 12 Language Modelling Presentation Tutorials 13 Robotics Practical and paper Tutorials 14 Cognitive Robotics Presentation and paper Tutorials 15 Sound Recognition Practical 16 Computer-Mediated Communication B Paper Tutorials 17 Dutch Semantics and language Presentation and paper Tutorials acquisition 18 Handwriting Recognition Practical, presentation and Tutorials paper 20 Cognitive Modelling Practical and paper Tutorials 21 MA Thesis in Language and Communication Technologies Thesis Self-study 2. Examinations for the modules listed under Article may not be taken before the relevant practical exercises have been successfully followed. At the very least this includes active participation in at least 80% of the tutorials. 3. With regard to the following modules, successful participation in the practical exercises is considered to mean passing the relevant examination: Linguistics Specialization No. Module 1 Linguistic Analysis 2 Basic Statistics and Corpus Analysis 3 Linguistics: Methodology and Statistics for Linguistic Research 4 Discourse and Pragmatics 6 Neuro-Imaging and Language 7 Language Development 8 Research Traineeship or Tutorials 9 Seminar, Summer school/winter school 10 MA Thesis in Linguistics Language and Communication Technologies Specialization No. Module

6 1 Linguistic Analysis 2 Basic Statistics and Corpus Analysis 3 Linguistics: Methodology and Statistics for Linguistic Research 4 Discourse and Pragmatics 8 Computational Models of Language Acquisition 9 Semantic Web Technology 11 Semantics 12 Language Modelling 13 Robotics 16 Computer-Mediated Communication B 17 Dutch Semantics and Language Acquisition 18 Handwriting Recognition 20 Cognitive Modelling 21 MA Thesis in Language and Communication Technologies 4. If a type of examination is not listed for a module in these Regulations, perhaps because the module concerned a subject not taught in the programme, then the relevant Teaching and Examination Regulations for that module will apply. Section 3 Examinations and final assessment of the degree programme Article 3.1. General An examination is evaluated as either a pass or a fail. The equivalent marks are 6 or more for a pass, and 5 or less for a fail. Article 3.2 Compulsory registration and order of the examinations Compulsory registration for the examinations All enrolled students must register for the examinations they wish to take via ProgRESS- WWW. Registration for the first and second semesters takes place in weeks 12 to 15 of these semesters. The registration period for an examination during the reading week (week 8) will be in weeks 5 to 7 of each semester. Registration for the resit examinations in August will take place in the 5 th to 2 nd week preceding the resit examination period Compulsory order of examinations The examinations for the modules listed below may not be taken before the examinations for the associated modules have been passed: Linguistics Specialization No. Module No. After passing module 8 Research Traineeship or Tutorials 1 Linguistic Analysis 2 Basic Statistics and Corpus Analysis 10 MA Thesis 1 2 Linguistic Analysis Basic Statistics and Corpus Analysis Language and Communication Technologies Specialization No. Module No. After passing module

7 21 MA Thesis 1 2 Linguistic Analysis Basic Statistics and Corpus Analysis Article 3.3 Examination frequency and periods 1. There will be an opportunity to sit the examinations for the modules listed in Article 2.4 twice per academic year. 2. If the number of times per academic year an examination may be taken is not listed for a module in these Regulations, perhaps because the module concerned a subject not taught in the programme, then the relevant Teaching and Examination Regulations for that module will apply. Article 3.4 Form of examinations 1. The examinations for the modules listed in article 2.4 shall be written examinations, with the exception of the following modules, which shall be assessed in the form indicated. Linguistics Specialization No. Module Form of examination 1 Linguistic Analysis Presentation and paper 2 Basic Statistics and Corpus Analysis Practical and paper 3 Linguistics: Methodology and Statistics Practical, presentation and paper for Linguistic Research 4 Discourse and Pragmatics Paper 6 Neuro-Imaging and Language Practical and paper 7 Language Development Paper 8 Research Traineeship or Tutorials Paper 9 Seminar, Summer school/winter Presentation and/or paper school 10 MA Thesis in Linguistics Thesis Language and Communication Technologies Specialization No. Module Form of examination 1 Linguistic Analysis Presentation and paper 2 Basic Statistics and Corpus Analysis Practical and paper 3 Linguistics: Methodology and Statistics Practical, presentation and paper for Linguistic Research 4 Discourse and Pragmatics Paper 5 Machine Learning Practical 6 Computer-Mediated Communication A Practical, presentation and paper 8 Computational Models of Language Presentation and paper Acquisition 9 Semantic Web Technology Practical, presentation and paper 11 Semantics Paper 12 Language Modelling Presentation 13 Robotics Practical and paper 16 Computer-Mediated Communication B Paper 17 Dutch Semantics and language Presentation and paper acquisition 18 Handwriting Recognition Practical, presentation and paper 20 Cognitive Modelling Practical and paper 21 MA Thesis in Language and Communication Technologies Thesis

8 2. At the student s written request, the Board of Examiners may allow an examination to be taken in a form different from that stated in Article The Board of Examiners may also grant exemption from participation in practical exercises. In such cases, the Board of Examiners will require the practical exercise to be performed in a different way that it will determine. 3. Students with a performance disability will be given the opportunity to take examinations in a form that will compensate as far as possible for their individual handicap. If necessary, the Board of Examiners will seek expert advice on this matter. 4. If a type of examination is not listed for a module in these Regulations, perhaps because the module concerned a subject not taught in the programme, then the relevant Teaching and Examination Regulations for that module will apply. Article 3.5 Oral examinations 1. Unless the Board of Examiners decides otherwise, an oral examination may only be taken by one student at a time. 2. Oral examinations are public, unless the Board of Examiners or the examiner stipulates otherwise or the student objects to the public nature of the examination. 3. An oral examination will be recorded in written, analogue or digital form. The presence of a second examiner is required when the recording is in written form. Article 3.6 Partial examinations If a module is divided into several sub-modules, each of which is worth at least 5 ECTS, the final mark will be the weighted average of the marks gained in the partial examinations. All partial examinations must be passed. Article 3.7 Placement A research placement plan comprising a list of the aims, the content of the placement and a plan of activities must be drawn up before the placement begins. This plan must be approved by the supervisors. The assessment of the placement will be by a supervisor from the degree programme and a supervisor from the host institution, who will have been appointed as examiners by the Board of Examiners. At the end of the placement, the student will submit a report which will be assessed by the director of studies. A copy of the report will be sent to the host institution. Article 3.8 MA thesis The thesis will be assessed by two examiners appointed by the Board of Examiners, one of whom will be the main supervisor. The main supervisor will be a member of staff of the University of Groningen, the second supervisor may be from a different university on condition that he/she is a member of a recognised research school/institute. Article 3.9 Cheating and plagiarism 1. Cheating is an act or omission by the examinee designed to partly or wholly hinder the forming of a correct assessment of his or her knowledge, understanding and skills. 2. Plagiarism is defined as: a. the use of the ideas and phrases of others without reference to the source b. the inclusion of a translation or paraphrase of someone else s work without reference to the source c. the submission of the same or similar papers for assignments for different modules

9 3. In the event of cheating during an examination, the examiner may ban the examinee from further participation in the examination. 4. In the event of cheating during an examination, the Board of Examiners may decide to ban the examinee from participating in that examination for a period it will determine. This period will be no more than one year. 5. In the event of plagiarism during a practical exercise, the Board of Examiners may decide to ban the examinee from participating in the practical exercise for a period it will determine. This period will be no more than one year. 6. In some cases of plagiarism, the Board of Examiners may decide to pass the decision on to the Faculty Plagiarism Committee. 7. The Board of Examiners will make a decision concerning a ban based on the written report by the invigilator of the cheating discovered by him/her, and after hearing the examinee s side of the story. 8. The Board of Examiners/Faculty Plagiarism Committee will make a decision concerning a ban based on the written report by the examiner about the cheating or plagiarism discovered by him/her, and after hearing the examinee s side of the story. 9. A ban means that no result will be awarded for the examination or practical exercise in question. 10. The Board of Examiners/Faculty Plagiarism Committee will inform the Faculty Board of all instances of cheating and/or plagiarism. Article 3.10 Marking of examinations and publication of marks 1. The normal maximum time permitted for marking examinations is ten working days after the day of the examination or the day a paper is handed in. This may be extended to fifteen working days for examinations consisting of essay questions that were taken by more than 50 students. 2. If the time remaining between an examination/paper and modification of the study planning is less than 10 or 15 working days respectively, the examination or paper must be marked at least one day before the planning module in ProgRESS-WWW closes. 3. Contrary to the provisions of Article , an examiner will decide the mark of an oral examination immediately on completion of the examination, and will provide the student with the relevant written confirmation. 4. The written confirmation of the results of an examination will inform students of their right of inspection, as stipulated in Article , as well as of the possibility of an appeal to the Board of Appeal for Examinations. 5. A module or an examination that has been passed may not be taken again. 6. If an examination is taken in a form other than oral or written, the Board of Examiners will determine in advance how and when students will receive written confirmation of the result. Article 3.11 Validity 1. Completed modules retain unlimited validity. 2. Contrary to the provisions of Article , the Board of Examiners may decide to require a student to take a supplementary or substitute examination for a module taken more than six years previously before allowing that student to progress to the final assessment. Article 3.12 Right of inspection 1. On request, students have the right to inspect their marked work during a period of at least six weeks after the results of a written examination have been made known. Also on request, they will be provided with a copy of the work at cost price. 2. Within the timeframe stipulated in Article , any person may request that they be allowed to peruse the examination paper and the assessment criteria.

10 3. The Board of Examiners can determine that this inspection or perusal will take place at a certain place and at two set times at least. If the person concerned can show that they were prevented by force majeure from attending at the indicated places and times, they will be offered another opportunity, if possible within the period stated in Article Article 3.13 Exemptions 1. At the student s written request, the Board of Examiners, having discussed the matter with the examiner in question, may grant exemption from an examination on condition that the student: a. has completed part of a university or higher vocational degree that is equivalent in content and level b. can demonstrate by work experience that he has sufficient knowledge and skills in respect of the module in question. Article 3.14 Final assessment 1. Students who have passed all the examinations for a degree programme, or have satisfied the requirements for all parts of a programme approved by the Board of Examiners, must apply for the certificate no later than four weeks after doing so. The examination date entered on the certificate by the Board of Examiners is the date on which the student is deemed by the Board to have satisfied the final assessment requirements. 2. If the student applies for the certificate after the period specified in Article , the examination date entered on the certificate shall be the date on which the student is deemed by the Board of Examiners to have satisfied the final assessment requirements, even if the date on which the Board takes this decision is in a subsequent academic year and the student is required to register for that year. 3. There will be at least ten opportunities a year for a final assessment. Article 3.15 Degree 1. Students who have satisfied all the requirements of the final assessment shall be awarded the degree of Master of Arts. 2. The degree awarded shall be registered on the degree certificate. Article 3.16 Cum laude regulations 1. The distinction Cum Laude can be awarded to the final assessment of a Master s degree if the thesis has gained a mark of at least a 9 and the other modules in the final assessment have gained marks of at least an All elements must be weighted before being considered, i.e. when the average mark is being determined, each module counts as often as the number of ECTS credits available for that module. 3. Supplementary modules need not be included. Students may decide themselves which modules from outside the fixed Master s programme (final assessment for the Master s degree) should be included as supplementary modules. 4. If a student wishes to be considered for the Cum Laude predicate for the final assessment of the Master s degree, the number of teaching units with a mark must total at least: - 50 of the 60 ECTS credits for a 60 ECTS Master s degree programme - 75 of the 90 ECTS credits for a 90 ECTS Master s degree programme of the 120 ECTS credits for a 120 ECTS Master s degree programme. The thesis must be included among these teaching units.

11 Section 4 Admission Article 4.1 The language of instruction 1. In accordance with Article 7.2 of the Higher Education and Research Act (WHW), modules must be taught and examinations set in Dutch. Notwithstanding the provisions of the previous sentence, a different language may be employed if: a. it is a degree programme concerning that language b. it concerns teaching provided within the framework of a visiting lectureship or by a lecturer who does not speak Dutch c. the specific nature, design or quality of the degree programme or the origins of the students necessitate this, in accordance with the code of behaviour drawn up by the board of the institution. Article c applies to all Research Master s programmes. Article 4.2 Entry requirements 1. Students with a Dutch or foreign certificate of higher education that indicates that they have the following knowledge, understanding and skills shall be admitted to the degree programme: a) a BA degree in Linguistics provided they satisfy the following entry requirements: b) sufficient knowledge of English to be able to follow the degree programme successfully 1 c) sufficient knowledge, understanding and skills in the academic disciplines relevant to the degree programme 2 d) sufficient ability to follow the programme. 2. Admission within the meaning of Article entitles students to register for the degree programme. Article 4.3 Admissions Board 1. Admission to the degree programme is at the discretion of the Admissions Board. This Board consists of: - a member, also the chairperson, selected from the professors who will teach the degree programme - two members selected from the academic staff who will teach the degree programme. 2. The Admissions Board will nominate a secretary from among its members. 3. The nomination will be confirmed by the Board of Examiners, who will also set out the admissions procedure. Article 4.4 Registering for the Colloquium Doctum (Entrance examination) Students register for the admissions procedure by sending the following documents: - a completed registration form - a curriculum vitae - an overview of the results achieved so far within the Bachelor s degree programme and/or other university degree programmes 1 This requirement shall be met by: - passing a language proficiency examination with a TOEFL score of 620 or above, or IELTS 7 or above - a mark of 6 or above in university-entrance level English (VWO level). 2 Sufficient knowledge, understanding and skills means that in the opinion of the Admissions Board, the student will be able to follow the programme without credits having to be reserved to make up a shortfall in subject mix.

12 - a letter outlining the prospective student s motivation for selecting the programme, including his or her expectations and interests - if possible, written results of previous research, such as academic articles or a BA thesis - two personal recommendations from relevant experts 3 - other documents, if required, which in the opinion of prospective students will highlight their eligibility for the programme. Article 4.5 Admissions procedure for the degree programme 1. Bearing in mind the admissions procedure for the degree programme within the meaning of Article 4.2.1, the Admissions Board shall assess the knowledge and skills of the candidate. The Admissions Board will assess the written documentation and determine whether the prospective student can be admitted directly to the programme. In the event of doubt, the student will be invited to an admissions interview. The interview will be based on the submitted written documentation and may comprise an approx. 15-minute presentation on an academic subject related to the chosen PhD programme. 2. If, on the basis of the submitted documentation, the Board is of the opinion that the student does not qualify for admission and that there is therefore no need for an interview, the student will be notified accordingly before 1 June. This is a provisional decision only. Prospective students may still request an interview, provided they do so within 15 working days. If prospective students do not avail themselves of this option, the provisional decision will become definitive. In the case of prospective students who are granted an interview, a formal decision will not be made until after the interview has taken place. Rejections will in all cases be substantiated in writing. Students who have been interviewed will be notified by 1 July whether or not they have been accepted Students who have not yet obtained their Bachelor s degree at the time of the selection procedure but who would normally do so before the Research Master s degree programme begins may be granted provisional admission. This is based on the assumption that they a) obtain their BA degree in time, b) have written a BA thesis with the required level to follow the Research MA. 4. Students who already have a relevant university Master s degree may also apply for admission to the Research MA programme. The procedure as set out above will also apply to them. If they are admitted, the Board of Examiners will decide whether they can be granted exemptions on the basis of that Master s degree (up to a maximum of 60 ECTS credits). Article 4.6 Colloquium Doctum: times 1. The Colloquium Doctum will be held once a year for the degree programme which will commence in the first semester. 2. Requests for admission to the degree programme must be submitted to the Admissions Board before 1 March (foreign students) or 1 May (Dutch students). 3. In exceptional cases, the Admissions Board may decide to consider a request at a time other than that referred to in Article The Admissions Board will decide before 1 June. Admission will be on condition that the candidate has satisfied the requirements set out in Article 4.4 concerning knowledge and skills by the starting date of the degree programme at the latest, supported by certificates from the degree programmes followed. The written admission statement will include information for the student about the possibility of an appeal to the Board of Appeal for Examinations. 3 These are written reports, from people recognised as experts by the Admissions Board, that present a useful and reliable picture of the student s eligibility for the degree programme. 4 Proof of admission is discussed in Article 7.30b of the Higher Education and Research Act (WHW).

13 Section 5 Registration for modules and tutoring Article 5.1 Registration for modules 1. All registered students must specify the modules they wish to follow in ProgRESS-WWW before 1 July. They will be able to make changes to their planning during the first three weeks of a semester. 2. The registration must contain all modules and all examinations and resits. An examination or resit is an examination or paper that forms part of the assessment of a module and which is taken during the annual examination periods. 3. The registrations of new students for a Research Master s degree, of non-arts students or students with other qualifications must be sent in writing to the Office of Student Affairs before 1 September. The Office of Student Affairs will enter the plans into ProgRESS- WWW. Article 5.2 Study progress administration 1. The Faculty Board is responsible for registering the individual results of students. 2. The Faculty Board will provide students with an overview of their results at least once a year. Article 5.3 Tutoring 1. Within the framework of the admissions procedure, the Faculty Board is responsible for making an appointment with each student to discuss the individual degree programme to be followed. 2. The Faculty Board is responsible for providing students with an introductory programme at the start of their degree programme. 3. The Faculty Board will ensure that students have sufficient supervision during their degree programme, and will pay particular attention to possible changes deemed necessary to ensure the programmes are compatible either with conducting academic research or exercising a profession outside the university. Section 6 Final provisions Article 6.1 Amendments 1. Any amendments to these Regulations will, after due consultation with the departmental committees and the Faculty Council, be confirmed by the Faculty Board in a separate decree. 2. An amendment to these Regulations shall not apply to the current academic year, unless it may reasonably be assumed that the amendment will not harm the interests of students. 3. In addition, an amendment may not influence the following to the detriment of students: - the degree programme defined in Article any other decision taken within the meaning of these Regulations concerning a student. Article 6.2 Publication The Faculty Board shall duly publish these Regulations, any rules and guidelines formulated by the Board of Examiners, and any amendments to these documents.

14 Copies of the documents referred to in Article are available from the Faculty Office. Article 6.3 Date of commencement These regulations shall take effect on 1 September As decreed by the Faculty Board on 1 July 2008.