Appendix 16 – Support to Study Procedure
| Part of: | Academic |
|---|---|
| Part of: | Academic Regulations |
| Part of: | Academic Regulations 2024-25 |
Appendix 16 describes the procedure that would be used by the University where there are concerns that a student is not fit to study. It is an open and supportive framework for dealing with a situation where a student’s health, wellbeing or behaviour could have a detrimental impact on their own or others ability to progress and function.
Surprising Terms
- Wide scope of application: The procedure applies to all students, pre and post entry and both in and out of term time. This procedure does not apply to Post-Graduate Researchers (PGR’s). The Research Degree Support to Study Procedures (Schedule G of the Research Degree Regulations) would apply where there are similar concerns about a PGR (section 2).
- Risk of escalation: In cases of serious concern, the University can bypass the early stages and escalate a student directly to a Stage 3 panel (section 2).
- Temporary conditions: In critical situations, the University can impose immediate temporary conditions, such as restricting a student’s attendance on campus or requiring them to leave on-campus accommodation, in order to mitigate risk (section 5).
- Student absence from meetings: If a student refuses or is unable to attend meetings, decisions can still be made in their absence (section 2).
- Action plans: There may be occasions where students are able to continue studying, but only under specific conditions, such as regular meetings or engagement with support services (sections 7,8,9).
- Involvement of third parties: If necessary, other members of the community (such as flatmates or personal tutors) may be informed of a student’s risk assessment outcome in order to maintain the safety and wellbeing of others (section 5).
- Medical input: The University can refer a student to Occupational Health or request a medical opinion before making decisions about their ability to continue to study if needed (section 8). Medical evidence will be required before a student can return to study under this procedure (section 9).
- Accommodation: A student may be required to permanently vacate University Accommodation if the risk they present is deemed too great for the university to reasonably manage.
- Break in studies: A student may be required to take a break from their studies, with conditions put on their return to study (section 8).
- Withdrawal from studies: It is possible for a student to be withdrawn from the University at stage 3 of the procedure if a panel decides they are unfit to continue to study and that this is the only reasonable outcome (section 8).