Student Cases report 2012-13

Geoff Barker-ReadHead of Student Complaints & Appeals

The SecretariatThe Secretariat comprises four teams:Governance SupportCorporate AffairsLegal AffairsStudent Cases

Together, their primary responsibility is assisting the University Secretary in promoting the best standards of corporate governance throughout the institution.

Student Cases teamThis team is responsible for the administration of

the following University procedures:

Academic appeals (by taught and research students)Student complaintsSpecial cases of student progressReferred and unsatisfactory studentsAllegations of cheating and plagiarismStudent health and conductAdvice on the regulations for UG and PGT

programmes

 Student Cases teamGeoff Barker-Read (Head of Student Complaints and Appeals) Catherine ChoGuy DixonJenny BirkinshawCheryl Cox Alison Usher

Student complaints89 complaints-related inquiries (35 formal student complaints) Academic provision (course design, content and structure; resources and

facilities; assessment; information provided to students) – 15  Quality of supervision and tuition – 2 Failure to meet obligations (Partnership expectations, programme

specifications, equality and diversity code etc; individual - such as assurances given to individual students) – 3.5

 Deficiencies in standards of service (support facilities; administrative

problems) – 11.5 Discrimination, harassment, bullying and victimisation – 3

Student complaints 28 cases resolved or not pursued further within the University:  21 dismissed (in most cases provided clarification of the events)

2 complaints referred to the OIA 4 partially upheld and apologies provided

1 case - modest compensation (module information out of date)1 complainant still dissatisfied and has sought a review by the OIA

 3 upheld and firm apologies provided – all admin oversight or errors .

1 case - an administrative charge was waived. 7 remaining - referred to the appropriate school or service area for a

response

Student complaints4 appeals to PVC Student Education / Dean

of PGR Studies2 cases the Secretariat’s judgement was upheld and

the appeals were dismissed.

 2 appeals upheld:1 student paid compensation for inconvenience

caused by the late withdrawal of a supervisor and for administrative shortcomings;

1 student returned to study at the school’s expense as it was unable to show that it had provided adequate academic support.

Academic appeals147 appeals from UG or PGT students

against academic judgements relating to results declared for the 2011-12 Semester 2 or 2012-13 Semester 1 examinations.

97 conceded or upheld49 rejected or withdrawn (by the student)1 on hold

Academic appeals10 appeals from PGR students

4 against decisions to fail or award a lesser degree3 against decision to refer for resubmission1 against decision not to permit transfer to PhD1 against decision to withdraw due to poor progression1 against decision not to allow 2nd extension of study

 2 upheld; 7 dismissed; 1 ongoing3 subsequently referred to the OIA

Other student casesPlagiarism collusion or malpractice: 22

cases15 found guilty (10 excluded from the University) 4 found not guilty3 cases continuing

Cheating in exams: 13 cases9 found guilty (8 excluded; 1 repeating year)2 found not guilty2 cases continuing

Other student casesStudent conduct: 10 cases (disciplinary or

fitness to practice issues)

1 excluded7 formal warnings1 permitted to complete their studies under

certain conditions1 no action taken (student withdrew due to

financial reasons)

Complaints to the OIA 13 petitions in 2012-13

3 arising from complaints decisions10 against academic appeals dismissed by the

University OIA dismissed 5 cases and 8 still under review.

No issues of concern raised in the Annual Letter

Matters arising from student casesNo significant rise in the number of taught

student cases in the new fees regime  Marked increase in number and complexity of

PGR appeals More students employing solicitors to in the

handling of their appeals and complaints, and appear to be less hesitant in threatening litigation if their cases are unsuccessful.

Lessons learnedPGR supervisory records still inadequate in

some areas Need for greater clarity in student-facing

communications;expectations at key stages of candidatureswhen communicating with students about

adjustments for disability

 

Lessons learned Need for better guidance on preparation of

academic malpractice allegations Need to exercise greater flexibility and

pragmatism in securing a resolution at School level

 Increasing evidence of students using

technology to cheat and to plagiarise: essay mills; online plagiarism checking;

Student complaints, 2008-13

08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/130

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

37

30

40

44

35

Student complaints, 2008-13

10

4

7

12

4

8.5

4

7

9

1.5

10

3

12

15

0

14.5

5

10

12.5

2

15

2

3.5

11.5

3

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

Academic provision Quality of supervision andteaching

Failure to meet obligations Deficiencies in standards ofservice

Discrimination, harassment,bullying and victimisation

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Type

08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13