Full Policies and Procedures:
What is Fitness to Study?
Fitness to Study is a formal process if an allegation of concern is made that a student is unfit to study. The reasons for Fitness to Study are as follows:
- Lack of engagement
- Poor academic performance
- Inappropriate behaviour
- Disruption in lessons
- Unreasonable demands
- Persistent unacceptable behaviour
- Concerns raised by a third party outside the university
- Significant health issues
- Providing inaccurate or false information
- Serious communicable disease
What are the stages to Fitness to Study?
Stage One: An informal meeting will be held to discuss concerns raised as well as to offer any support to the student.
Stage Two: A review of the case where there has been no improvement from stage 1 outcome.
Stage Three: A meeting with the fitness to study panel if no improvement has been made from the outcomes of stage 2. The student will be informed of this within 10 working days of the decision and will have to attend. The outcomes of stage 3 are an enhanced action plan, suspension and then a review of returning to study or termination of study.
Stage four: An appeal against the decision of stage three.
How can I Appeal?
An appeal can be made within 10 working days of the decision being made of stage 3. Grounds for an appeal can be made for the following reasons:
- Decision is unreasonable and has evidence to support claim
- Operational error with the fitness to study procedure
- Reasonable evidence that was not brought to the attention of the stage 3 procedure
What support does the Students' Union offer?
The students union can provide representation through the Student Voice & Advice Coordinator or another member of staff as a supporter. The role of a supporter is provide moral support, act as an observer and assist the student in making their case with permission of the chair.
Office of Independent Adjudication:
The office of Independent Adjudication can review cases for students should they remain dissatisfied with the outcome of the procedure. The student will have to submit an application to the OIA within 12 months of receiving the letter.
Contact for Assistance:
For enquiries or help with Fitness to Study, please contact the Student Voice & Advice Co-ordinator.