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Revisions to the University Calendar

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Summary of Revisions to the University Calendar: General Regulations for 2021-22

The most significant changes to the University Calendar: General Regulations for 2021-22 are summarised in each section below.

 

Study Regulations for Undergraduate Programmes
References made to the Education Committee have been amended to reflect the changes to the University’s Scheme of Delegation taking affect from 2021-22.
2.2.5 Removal of Ordinary Degree regulations pertaining to students enrolled prior to 2009-10.
3.1.1 Addition of descriptors for the two distinct groups of assessments.
3.1.4 Distinction that in-person examinations will maintain the anonymity of students.
3.2 Distinction that this regulation applies to Continuous Assessment/Coursework only
3.2.1 An amendment to apply late penalties based on calendar days, rather than working days, in recognition that students can now submit these assessments online at any point in time, including weekends. University closure periods are excluded.
3.3 Distinction that this regulation applies to in-person examinations
 

Certificate in American Business Practice
2 An amendment to the eligibility of reserve candidates, made in agreement with the Department for the Economy and the British Council. It was agreed that reserve candidates would no longer be eligible for the programme if they are required to undertake an examination or assessment in August (first sit or resit). This has previously created difficulties with acceptance by the student’s host college for this scholarship programme and with the required departure to their US college in August.
 

Study Regulations for Postgraduate Taught Programmes
Where changes have been made to the Study Regulations for Undergraduate Programmes these will be applied, where appropriate, to the Study Regulations for Postgraduate Taught Programmes.
 

Study Regulations for Research Degree Programmes
References made to the Research and Postgraduate Committee have been amended to reflect the changes to the University’s Scheme of Delegation taking affect from 2021-22.
2.3 Addition of the word ‘normally’ to reflect that students may transfer to part-time status for a shorter period. This will also be reflected in the relevant section of the Student Finance Framework.
7 Changes to the processes relating to thesis submission to reflect the move to online submission.
 

Academic Appeal Regulations (Taught Programmes)
2.2.1 Change to the membership of the Sifting Panel from the Director of Academic and Student Affairs (or nominee) and senior colleague to two senior members of staff.
2.2.3 Change to the membership of the Review Panel from a Pro-Vice- Chancellor (or nominee) and another senior colleague to two senior members of staff.
 

Academic Appeal Regulations (Research Degree Programmes)
2.2 / 3.2 Inclusion of a sifting and review process.
 

Conduct Regulations
2.7 Clarification that medical evidence may be considered in relation to the decision about whether a disciplinary offence has been committed and in relation to any penalty to be imposed.

Clarification of the right to submit witness statements and/or to call witnesses.
3. Inclusion of text from Sexual Misconduct Policy and Student Anti Bullying and Harassment Policy and amalgamation of relevant parts of these Policies, to replace the stand-alone policies and procedures.
3.1.10 xx / Annex 1 Inclusion of an additional disciplinary offence of Failure to engage with an investigation into allegations of serious misconduct, the standard penalty for a first offence being suspension and for a second offence being expulsion.
3.2.5 Change from Vice-Chancellor (or nominee) to Director of Academic and Student Affairs (or nominee).
3.2.6 Inclusion of power of the University to carry out and complete a disciplinary investigation and take a decision, including the imposition of a penalty, where the responding student refuses or fails to engage with the disciplinary process.
3.2.8 Clarification of the notification to a reporting student or reporting person of their right to submit a complaint to the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman.
7.3 The emergency codicil within the Conduct Regulations to deal with alleged breaches of the COVID-19 regulations and/or guidance has been revoked by the Vice-Chancellor (effective 1 September 2021). Alleged breaches which occurred prior to 1 September 2021 will be managed to completion.
8. Deletion of section 8 and incorporation of the relevant regulations in section 7.
11.4 Provision for interview to be held by telephone or remotely.
11.5 Provision for the investigating officer to invite the responding student to provide a written response to the allegations against them instead of attending an interview.
15.1.1 iii Change of membership of Student Discipline Appeals Committee to one Head of School or Director of Education.
16.3 Clarification that students may take or submit assessments pending the outcome of an appeal.
 

Procedures for Dealing with Academic Offences
1.7 Clarification that medical evidence may be considered in relation to the decision about whether a disciplinary offence has been committed and in relation to any penalty to be imposed.
5.3.4 Inclusion of a sifting and review process.
6.3 / 8.4 Change to the quorum for the Academic Offences Committee from a Chair plus three members to a Chair plus two members.
7.2 /7.3 / 7.5 Clarification of the recording of academic offences.
Student Complaints Procedure
2.3.1 Clarification of the parameters of a Stage 2 investigation where an investigation has already been carried out at Stage 1.
2.4.1 Inclusion of ‘which had a demonstrable impact on the Stage 2 decision’.
2.4.2 Deletion of the consideration by the Director of Academic and Student Affairs and the decision to uphold the appeal or refer to an Appeal Panel.