Re-evaluate, standardise, and communicate academic rights in a way that is accessible to all students
Lead Officer: Amber Snary, SU Education Officer
What is the issue about?
Currently, the concept of educational rights is shrouded in mystery - what they are, what you're entitled to, and what to do when things go wrong are not current common knowledge.
The anecdotal reports from students around Disability Access Plan adherence, the misunderstanding of how Individual Mitigating Circumstances function following the fall out of the Economics exam, and students having varying knowledge due to different inductions all point towards the need to re-evaluate, standardise, and communicate rights in a way that is accessible to all students.
What are we asking the University to do?
We are asking the University to re-evaluate current systems, standardise processes where possible, and communicate educational rights to students throughout the year in a form that is accessible, understandable, and leaves no student unsure where to go next.
What will success look like?
1. IMC extensions and appeals processes are standardised and made accessible for all students.
2. All students provided with an essentials toolkit, including a 'bill of student rights', during semester 1 and semester 2 with plain English explanations and flowcharts outlining key academic rights processes (support, assessments, transparency, complaints, appeals and EDI). This should be delivered centrally and as standard with no departmental variation.
3. A standardised approach to when, where, and how students can seek help and information about their rights (i.e. what information and support is available online and in person, or via the SU vs in local departments)
4. An annual assessment in collaboration of students to check whether processes and comms around student rights processes are understood and accessible.
Updates
January 2025
- "Plain English" guides, shareable graphics (both on academic reps teams!), and/or blogposts on IMCs, AI, DAPs, personal tutors, and appeals
- Academic rights webpage now on the SU webpages
- IMC example phrasebank is completed, checked by SU Advice & Support, and is open access!
- Equality Act Papers produced - this includes DAP enhancement and additional considerations
Useful Terminology
- Disability Access Plan (DAP) - A DAP identifies recommended reasonable adjustments and exam arrangements which will help a student to fulfil their academic potential and reduce the impact of their disability on their studies.
- IMC (Individual Mitigating Circumstances) - IMCs are conditions which temporarily prevent you from undertaking an assessment or significantly impair your performance in that assessment.