Can’t believe what you heard?
Unfortunately, students are sometimes given incorrect information by University staff. For example, a student has been told that they need to take subjects at first year level when they should have been advised to enrol in second year subjects, and as a consequence, at the end of their studies they suddenly find they do not have enough points to graduate. Alternatively, a student may be told that they have enrolled in a subject that cannot be credited towards their degree, although they were earlier advised that their course plan was appropriate.
In these two examples, the advice was verbal. However, advice that students might rely on could be also be given in writing, and delivered individually or collectively (for example on a University website or in a course guide).
A resolution to this kind of problem may be sought through the Student Grievance process. The University’s grievance policy can be found here.
If you are dissatisfied with the response to your formal grievance, you may then escalate the matter to the Academic Board Appeal Committee for their determination. They have the broad discretionary powers pursuant to University Statute 5.4.7) to alleviate hardship caused by reliance on incorrect advice.
In the case of the first example given above, it is important to note, however, that generally that there is no way to ‘short cut’ a degree – you can’t just request to graduate short of the total requisite points for award (and at the appropriate year level) of the relevant degree.
The Advocacy Service can assist with all stages of the informal and formal Grievance process and, if necessary, with an appeal to the Academic Board.
The Advocacy Service has more information about the Student Grievance Procedure here.
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Posted Friday 25 September, 2009. Updated Thursday 19 November, 2009.
