Reform the current coursework late submission policy to introduce incremental deductions, ensuring students are treated consistently and fairly.
Lead Officer: Helen Slater, Education Officer
What is the issue about?
Under current policy, coursework submitted after the deadline can be immediately capped at the pass mark, even if it is only seconds late. This penalty is out of step with many other universities, such as Oxford, Manchester, and Edinburgh. The current system is viewed as disproportionate, unnecessarily punitive, and not reflective of the effort and quality of work submitted.
What are we asking the University to do?
We are asking the university to review and reform QA16's Penalties for Late Submission of Coursework, replacing the current immediate cap with a system of incremental deductions. This change would ensure a fairer, more consistent approach to late submission penalties that reflects best practice across the sector.
What will success look like?
Updates
- Discussed outline approach with Head of Academic Standards and agreed to the following policy wording in principle:
- Work submitted up to 24 hours after the deadline will have 10 marks deducted (the mark will not be reduced below the pass mark).
- Work submitted up to 48 hours after the deadline will have 20 marks deducted (the mark will not be reduced below the pass mark).
- Work submitted up to 120 hours past the deadline will receive a maximum mark of the pass mark.
- Work submitted more than 120 hours past the deadline will receive a mark of 0.
- A next step is to consult with academic departments and faculties. Additionally, due to potential system constraints (e.g. Moodle, SAMIS), wider scoping is needed before commitment to implementation.