Support for study

Support for study process

Stage 1 - Initial or moderate concerns

When initial or moderate concerns arise about a student’s health and its adverse impact on other members of the University community, these should be dealt with locally by the appropriate member of staff (for example Personal Tutor, Supervisor, Student Support Team or a more senior member of staff in the student's School such as the Senior Tutor).

Stage 2 - Continuing or more serious concerns

If the student is unable or unwilling to discuss the concerns at Stage 1, or there are continuing and/or more serious emerging concerns despite any actions agreed during Stage 1, the case may be referred to the College Dean of Students (or nominee) for consideration under Stage 2.

The Dean of Students can either refer the case back to the School (and may meet with the School to discuss further support and adjustments that could be implemented), or they will arrange a student case conference.

The purpose of a case conference is to assess what further solutions, plans and intervention can be put in place to support the student in relation to any health issues, and to address any adverse impact that the behaviour is having on other members of the University community. The student can attend the case conference, or make written representations. The student has the right to be accompanied at the case conference by a supporter from within the University community, including a member of the Students' Association staff.

The case conference will either decide that no follow-up action is necessary, or will agree a time-bound action plan.

Stage 3 - Persistent and serious concerns

If concerns persist following the end of any time-bound action plan agreed at Stage 2,  or if the student does not engage with the recommendations arising from the case conference, or if more serious concerns emerge, the relevant Dean of Students can refer the case to the Deputy Secretary, Students. The Deputy Secretary, Students or other Deputy Secretary can either refer the case back to the College (and may meet with them to discuss further support and adjustments that could be implemented), or ask the Director of Student Wellbeing (or deputy) to prepare a formal risk assessment regarding the student and the wider community.

If the Deputy Secretary concludes that the risks of adverse impact on the wider University community can be adequately managed or mitigated without further formal action, they will conclude the formal process of this policy. If the Deputy Secretary concludes that the risk assessment and other information provide evidence that the student's behaviour is causing significant risks to the wider University community, they will convene a Stage 3 Panel hearing to consider a student's case. The student can attend the Panel hearing or submit written representations. The student has the right to be accompanied by a supporter from within the University community, including a member of the Students' Association staff.

The Panel will either decide that no follow-up action is necessary, or will agree one or more of the following:

• The School/Residence Life team will be required to introduce further adjustments to support the student (defining who is responsible for reviewing progress and on what timescales);
• The student will be supported to apply in the normal way for an appropriate change to their programme status –e.g. interruption of studies or a transfer to part-time study;
• A plan will be made for the student to address specified aspects of their behaviour (defining who is responsible for reviewing progress and on what timescales), including assistance in accessing relevant services which may support the student in making these changes;
• The student is required to interrupt studies for a specified period that does not exceed 12 months, with a requirement to subsequently demonstrate that they are fit to return to their studies.

More information

Contact

For further information on the policy contact: