This annex gives guidance on the grounds for the suspension of studies and the subsequent return to study for undergraduate students. The importance of retaining flexibility to respond to each individual case as appropriate is acknowledged. This guidance does NOT relate to any suspension due to misconduct, which is covered in the University’s Student Disciplinary Rules and Regulations.
Guidance on an agreed suspension of studies when a student’s performance or behaviour is being adversely affected by a mental health difficulty, is covered by the University’s Policy on Fitness to Study.
1. Students do not have the automatic right to suspend their studies; suspension of studies must be recommended by a student’s School and approved by the Faculty. Applications must be presented to the Faculty Undergraduate Education Director by the School rather than come directly from the student.
2. The following considerations should be applied when approving a suspension:
a) whether suspension is unavoidable due to injury, illness or other family commitments; or
b) whether a student has financial difficulties which significantly impinge on their ability to undertake their studies; or
c) where a student can show that employment / activities undertaken during the time when the suspension of studies applies will contribute to their development in the subject which they are studying; and
d) the reasons cited by the student indicate that it would genuinely be in his/her best academic interests to suspend studies.
Schools may wish to request and consider supporting evidence from medical, counselling or other relevant services before agreeing to recommend a suspension of registration.
3. Schools should be aware of the implications of significant programme changes that may occur during the period of suspension such as to make it very difficult for the student to resume their studies.
4. The suspension of studies will normally end at the start of the next academic year. A suspension may back-dated for up to one month to account for circumstances where the student’s absence from the University is unavoidable or urgently required.
5. Suspension must be for a defined period. If a student is unable to return on the agreed date, s/he must seek further approval to extend their period of suspension. A suspension of studies may only extend beyond one year in exceptional circumstances. A student for whom the agreed period of suspension becomes insufficient should withdraw from his/her studies and seek to recommence studies at a later date.
6. The criteria for a return from suspension of studies, including where a student intends to transfer programme on his or her return, must be set out and agreed by relevant parties (the student, the school and a representative of the faculty) at the point of suspension and the agreement formally recorded and sent to the student. If circumstances change during the period of suspension then it may be appropriate for the criteria to be revisited, in consultation with the relevant parties.
Where a student suspends studies due to an ongoing physical and/or mental health problem the criteria must be established on a case by case basis.
7. The support arrangements, and the associated responsibilities of the student and the school, should be clarified and agreed by the relevant parties prior to the student’s return.
8. Where appropriate Faculties should require that the medical certificate be issued from within the UK, which determines that the student is fit enough to return to study. In some cases, the faculty may specify the medical practitioner that should assess the student.
Approved by Education Committee, February 2009
Minor amendments approved by Chair of Education Committee, June 2010