STUDENT 2019 HANDBOOK - Oryx Universal College
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STUDENT
HANDBOOK
2019 2020Message from the
Dean of Academic Affairs
Congratulations on making the decision to study here at Oryx Universal
College (OUC) in Doha. You have chosen to study on a well-established
degree programme from one of the UK’s leading University’s but delivered
here in Qatar.
We, the staff at OUC, Liverpool John Moores University’s (LJMU)
local partner, have committed ourselves to providing you with a
comparable, if not better, student learning experience here
in Qatar than that of the students studying at the UK
campus. You can also be confident that the assessment
standards here in Qatar are comparable to the UK, as all
OUC assessments are moderated and approved by
LJMU as a part of their Quality Assurance (QA)
processes.
We trust that you will enjoy your time here at OUC and
achieve the level of success that you aspire to.
Remember, we are here to support you in whatever way
we can in your studies, but you must, as with life itself,
engage with us and the learning process to get the best out
of this experience.
Dr. Tony Auchterlounie
Dean of Academic Affairs
01Table of Contents
Introduction -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 04
What is the Student Handbook for?
Why do I need the Student Handbook?
Chapter 1: Registration and enrolment --------------------------------------- 05 - 10
1.1. Principles of Partnership
1.2. Student registration
1.3. Enrolment
1.4. Student statement
1.5. Data protection statement
1.6. When does enrolment take place?
1.7. Disclosing criminal convictions
1.8. Student Code of Behaviour and Student Discipline
Student Code of Behaviour
Student discipline
1.9. Community relations
1.10. Equality and diversity
Chapter 2: Your student record ------------------------------------------------- 11 - 14
2.1. About your student record
2.2. Updating your student record
2.3. Data protection
2.4. Your student identity card
Chapter 3: Student Engagement and Attendance ----------------------- 15 - 19
3.1. Attendance policy
3.2. Authorised absence
3.3. What to do if you are ill
3.4. What could happen if you do not attend the College
3.5. Leave of absence
Chapter 4: Your degree ---------------------------------------------------------- 20 - 25
4.1. Academic Framework
4.2. Academic support
4.3. Academic support team
4.4. Skill required for a successful transition to study with LJMU/ OUC
4.5. Fitness health assessments
4.6. Fitness to study
4.7. Final degree awards
4.8. Freedom of speech
4.9. Intellectual property
Table of Contents
4.10. Student complaints
4.11. Social media
02Chapter 5: Examinations, assessment and feedback ---------------------- 26 - 36
5.1. Examinations
5.2. Marks and feedback
5.3. Personal circumstances
5.4. Referrals and exceptional second referrals
5.5. Deferrals (Delaying an assessment as a result of difficult personal
circumstances)
5.6. Boards of Examiners (@LJMU)
5.7. Assessment regulations
5.8. Academic appeals
5.9. Academic misconduct
Chapter 6: Student support and advice ---------------------------------------- 37 - 41
6.1. Registry Services
6.2. Computing facilities
6.3. Your OUC username and password
6.4. Proper use of computing resources
6.5. Fire safety
6.6. Health and safety responsibilities
6.7. Security on campus
6.8. Alcohol, drugs and smoking
Chapter 7: Libraries ------------------------------------------------------------------- 42 - 43
7.1. Campus facilities
7.2. Copyright
Chapter 8: Student life ------------------------------------------------------------------- 44 - 46
8.1. Student life
8.2. Equality and diversity
8.3. Tuition fees
8.4. What happens if you don't pay your fees
8.5. What happens if you want to leave your course and LJMU/OUC
Table of Contents
03Introduction
What is the Student Handbook for?
As a student you have certain rights and you can expect Oryx Universal
College in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University and its employees
to honour those rights. We also expect you to recognise the rights of others and
to meet your responsibilities, as laid out in the college’s rules, policies and
regulations.
The Student Handbook highlights your rights and responsibilities and includes
links to supplementary information and guidance from Liverpool John Moores
University (LJMU) and Oryx University College (OUC) departments.
Why do I need the Student Handbook?
Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is a large and complex organisation
and we want to ensure that you know how to access the information, support
and guidance you need to succeed in your studies. As a student of Oryx
Universal College (OUC) following an LJMU program you are registered as a
student of LJMU as well as OUC. The Student Handbook outlines the facilities
and support services that are available across LJMU and OUC and how you
can access them.
If you have any queries about any of the topics or issues in this Handbook, or if
you have any other questions, please contact registry@oryxuni.com.
Introduction
04Chapter 1
Registration and enrolment
It’s not just new students who have to enrol at OUC – every student on every
programme at the University has to re-enrol at the start of each academic year
or in some cases every study period (i.e. semester/ trimester).
Enrolment is really important because it officially confirms that you are a
student at OUC and therefore a student of LJMU and it is your opportunity to
check and, if necessary, update a range of key personal and programme
details.
If you have any queries about registering for the 2019/20 academic year,
please call the Student Registration Helpline:
Tel: +974 4036 9944
email: registry@oryxuni.com
1. Principles of Partnership
The Principles of Partnership sets out a series of expectations, standards and
responsibilities that we each need to meet in order for you to achieve your
academic and personal ambitions while you are a student at OUC in
partnership with Liverpool John Moores University.
It is not an exhaustive list and that’s why you are advised to take the time to
read through LJMU’s www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/public-information/student-regulations
Principles of Partnership and the University’s rules and
www.regulations.
ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/public-information/student-regulations
2. Student registration
Every student has to complete re-registration for their programme of study at
the start of every study period and academic year.
You will be asked to check, update (if appropriate) and approve a range of
personal information on your student record, such as your home and term-time
addresses and to confirm the programme you will be studying.
Chapter 1
05If you are a new first year undergraduate or postgraduate student just starting
your course at OUC, you will be asked to come to one of our enrolment
venues to formally complete your enrolment at the College. You will need to
bring formal identification with you as a driving licence or passport and you
will collect your OUC student identity card. You can check where you need to
go for your enrolment and what documents you need to bring with you, with
you Student Development Advisor or with the Registry.
Continuing students can re-register just using online Student Self Service Portal.
You will only need to come into College if you need to make changes to your
student record that requires you to bring in specific documentation or if you
have specific queries about your programme or modules.
3. Student registration
Enrolment is when you check, amend and confirm a range of personal
information held about you by the College. You will also be asked to confirm
that you are registered on the right academic programme for that specific
academic year. Every student at OUC has to enrol formally at the College
every year.
Once you have paid your tuition fee form you will receive a copy of the OUC
Conditions of Enrolment in your OUC email account. You should keep this
www.ljmu.ac.uk/~/media/sample-sharepoint-libraries/policy-documents/267.pdf?la=en
document safe as this summarises the contract between you and OUC.
During enrolment, you will sign a declaration (see below) which states that you
agree to:
- Follow policies and regulations of LJMU and OUC
- All applicable Data Protection Policies
- Accept liability to pay your tuition fees
These policies and regulations are summarised in the www. LJMU
ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/publPrinciples
ic-information/student-regulations/principles-of-partof
nership
Partnership
w w.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/public-information/student-regulations/principles-of-partnership but you should also take the time to read the full policies as well.
Chapter 1
06Student statement
I certify the details supplied on the student registration form are correct and
that I have declared any previous study at LJMU (failure to disclose this
information may jeopardise your final award outcome). I can confirm that the
existence of OUC’s terms and conditions and its rules and regulations (as well
as LJMU’s) have been brought to my attention and made available to me via
the Conditions of Enrolment, the Student Handbook and OUC’s website. I
certify that I have been given the opportunity to read and fully understand
the terms of the Regulations. I agree to abide by the OUC and LJMU
Regulations.
I accept responsibility for the payment of tuition fees in the absence of any
other form of sponsorship and agree to pay any instalments on the due date.
I recognise that the College will apply sanctions if I fail to pay my tuition fees
on time. I will check my OUC email account weekly/regularly and ensure I
respond appropriately to all College communications.
Data protection statement
OUC takes your privacy very seriously and will keep your personal data secure
at all times. We will only use the information provided on this registration form
to register you as a student at OUC and to provide you with educational
services and for legitimate business reasons.
More information on how we use your personal data is set out in our w Student w.ljmu.ac.uk/~/media/files/ljmu/public-information-documents/data-protection/student-privacy-notice.pdf
www.
Fair ljmu.u.aac.c.uk/uk/~/~m/mProcessing
ediedia/afi/lefisle/lsjm/lju/mu/publpublic-icn-foinrmfoatrmioatn-iodn-ocument
documents/dats/ad-atprao-tepNotice.
ctroitoen/ctsiotun/dentstudent-privacy--privnacy-otice.notpdfic?e.lap=endf
We also use your personal data to meet the legal requirements of the
College’s regulatory bodies and government departments. More information
on how and why our statutory bodies receive your information and who they
share your information with can be found in our www.hesa.ac.uk/about/regulation/data-protection/notices
www.hesa.ac.uk/about/regulation/data-protection/notices
Student Data Collection
wwwNotice.
.hesa.ac.uk/about/regulation/data-protection/notices
If the College wishes to use your personal information in any other way, we will
ask your permission first.
Chapter 1
07If you need further information about this notice or how we use your personal
data, you can contact the college at hello@oryxuni.com.
4. When does enrolment take place?
Most students are asked to enrol in February or July, just before the start of the
new intake. You will be told when you need to enrol by the College.
Disclosing criminal convictions
Criminal convictions are not a bar to studying at OUC, but the College does
insist upon applicants and students disclosing any relevant convictions that
might impact upon your study at the College.
You should tell OUC about any 'spent' or 'unspent' convictions that may be
relevant to your course. If you are charged or convicted of a criminal offence
while you are a student at OUC (or between the time you are offered a place
and the start of your course), you must inform OUC immediately giving details
of the charges and/or conviction.
The College will assess criminal convictions disclosures in the light of the
assessed risk to other students, to staff, and to College property.
Any information provided in relation to criminal convictions declarations will
be treated in the strictest confidence, securely maintained and disclosed only
to specific individuals who require this information as part of their duties. This
information will be stored separately from your academic record, and in
accordance with data protection regulations.
While criminal convictions will not automatically preclude students from all
courses, it is important to note that failure to disclose relevant criminal
convictions may result in a place being withdrawn or you being required to
leave the College before having completed your studies.
Chapter 1
085. Student Code of Behaviour and Student
Discipline
Student Code of Behaviour
It is essential for an organisation like OUC to create and maintain an
atmosphere that is conducive to the academic and social well-being of the
College community. OUC expects everyone at the College (this includes
students, staff and visitors to the campus) to conduct themselves at all times in
a manner which demonstrates respect for the College, its staff, students and
the wider community.
College’s expectations with respect to student behaviour are set out in the
Student Code of Behaviour. The Code of Behaviour applies to all current
students registered at the College and includes behaviour on and off College
premises, including practice placements, field trips, and in student
accommodation. For further information, read the www.Code
www.ljmljmu.u.ac.ac.uk/uk/aboutabout-u-su/ps/ublpublicof
-icn-fionrfomratmation/iBehaviour
on/stusdenttudent-re-gulregulatiaotnsio/nsg/uigduiance-
dance-polpicoly-icay-nd-and-propcesrocess in
s full.
No member of staff, or fellow student, should be expected to put up with
challenging and intimidating behaviour – they can, and should, refuse to
engage with anybody behaving in this way.
Breaches of the Student Code of Behaviour could mean that you face
disciplinary procedures, which provide a framework for dealing with issues of
misconduct.
Student discipline
If complaints about unacceptable behaviour do arise, OUC will normally try to
deal with the issues informally in the first instance, by getting students to
recognise the problem and change their behaviour voluntarily.
However, if the breach of the behaviour code is deemed to be serious, or the
informal approach is not appropriate or does not work, then the College will
deal with the problem through the formal www. ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/public-information/stuprocedures,
disciplinary dent-regulations/guidance-policy-and-process applicable
to OUC.
If an allegation is proven, the College can apply a range of sanctions and
penalties, which are listed in the Student Disciplinary procedures. Students
should be aware that serious breaches of the code of behaviour could result
in a recommendation of expulsion from the College.
Chapter 1
09For further advice on the Student Disciplinary Procedures, email:
StudentGovernance@oryxuni.com
6. Community relations
OUC works closely with the local communities, Ministry of Interior and other
organisations to support and maintain positive community relationships.
The most common complaints about students received by universities around
the world involve:
Excessive noise (day or night)
Anti-social behaviour
LJMU and OUC are committed to responding to concerns in the community
over student behaviour and aims to encourage high standards of conduct.
Everyone at OUC – staff, students and visitors – has a role to play in maintaining
positive community relations. Failure to meet your responsibilities in this regard
may result in disciplinary action being taken.
7. Equality and diversity
OUC is committed to creating a learning and working environment which
values and recognises the full potential of each individual. The College has a
Equality
comprehensive www. and
oryx.edu.qa/wp-content/upl Diversity
oads/2020/04/ouc_equal ity__diversity_polPolicy
icy_v2_03042020.pdf that aligns with LJMU’s related
policies and principles. The policy articulates the rights and respects
pertaining to every individual and a clear commitment for challenging
discrimination.
For example, OUC will not tolerate any form of unfair discriminatory practice,
violence and extremist behaviour, hate crime, terrorism activities, harassment
including offensive remarks or language, graffiti, pin-ups and jokes, which are
based upon a person's protected characteristic(s).
Unwelcome physical advances also constitute harassment. Students may be
disciplined or dismissed where discrimination is proven.
Chapter 1
10Chapter 2
Your Student Record
8. About your student record
Students at OUC have their own student record.
This record contains:
a. Personal information – such as your full name, age, home and term-time
address, ethnicity and educational background, if you are disabled, a
record of your criminal convictions (where relevant), your eligibility for
student funding, bursaries and if you have been awarded any
scholarships.
b. Information about what you are studying – such as the programme title,
details on the core and option modules you’ll be studying this year, any
marks you’ve received to date, details on work-related learning, your
performance in graduate skills (where relevant) and much more.
It is your responsibility to make sure that your Student Record contains
up-to-date and accurate personal and programme information. You will be
asked to check and if necessary, update this information when you enrol at the
start of each academic year. You must inform the college whenever your
circumstances or relevant information changes.
Your full student record will be maintained by the College throughout your
studies at OUC and for a further one year after you leave or graduate.
After this time, the only documentation that we guarantee to keep in
perpetuity will be a transcript of your results, the information required for your
Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR), and a standard academic
reference.
Certain materials may be held for longer periods to comply with legal
requirements, for quality assurance purposes, to meet professional body
requirements, or the needs of a validation body. These will be held, wherever
practicably and appropriately, anonymously or with your consent.
For more information, read the LJMU’s www.l Data Protection
jmu.ac.uk/~/medi a/sample-sharepoiPolicy and OUC’s
nt-libraries/policy-documents/30.pdf?l a=en
Protection
www. ljmu.ac.uk/~/media/sample-sharepoint-libraries/pPolicy.
olicy-documents/30.pdf?la=en
Chapter 2
119. Updating your student record
There will be times when OUC needs to get hold of you or send you some
official correspondence. If you’ve changed mobile phone numbers or moved
to a new house but not updated your student record, we won’t be able to get
hold of you and important (and possibly confidential mail) could be delivered
to the wrong address.
OUC will not be held responsible for any problems that occur because of any
delays resulting from, for example, information being sent to the wrong
address if you did not let us know about changes to your personal details. That
is why it is important that you regularly check and update your personal
information using Student Self Service. You are able to update some of your
personal information using My Services at My ORYX. You can do this at any
time during the academic year.
This key information includes:
- Your term-time address
- Contact telephone and mobile phone numbers
- Next of kin/Emergency contact details
If your permanent address or name changes after enrolment you will have to
complete and submit a change of name or address form on the My ORYX
portal attaching, the relevant documentation.
10. Updating your student record
OUC needs to obtain and process certain information about our students to
allow us to register students, organise programmes, and to carry out other
essential OUC activities.
The OUC cannot exercise its responsibilities and fulfil its education, training and
support obligations, without holding and using this personal data.
Chapter 2
12We process your personal data for:
- Recruitment
- Admission
- Enrolment
- Administration of our programmes of study and student support
- Funding arrangements
- Monitoring performance and attendance
- Supervision, assessment and examination
- Graduation
- Alumni relations
- Advisory, and pastoral purposes
- Health and safety management
- Research, statistical and archival purposes
The information collected by OUC is stored safely and securely, used fairly, and
not disclosed to any other person unlawfully. To do this OUC complies with the
General Data Protection Regulation 2018 (GDPR).
The College’s staff or others who process or use any personal information must
ensure that they follow the College’s data protection regulations.
Data
For more information, read the www. Protection
oryx.edu.qa/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/data_proPolicy.
tection_for_students.pdf
We also process applicant and student data to meet our statutory and other
binding obligations.
These may include submission of statistical returns to Government or its
agencies, Sponsors, Financing/Funding Institutions, Scholarship Providers, etc.
Student Data Collection Notice.
For more information, please read the www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/data-protection
OUC cannot release any information to parents, or other sponsors, without
your consent or in very particular circumstances around the protection of
health as outlined in the General Data Protection Regulations. In some
particular cases the College may ask you to sign an agreement to seek your
permission to provide information directly to a sponsor, e.g. an employer,
parent, scholarship provider. In this event you are giving your permission for the
College to provide this information directly to the sponsor.
Chapter 2
1311. Your student identity card
All staff and students at OUC are issued with their own identity (ID) card.
Students will also be issued an LJMU Student ID card.
Your ID cards are really important because it:
- gives you access to College buildings and key facilities [Please note
your ID card can provide a record of your engagement in College
buildings and using College services, such as libraries, printers, etc.]
- is used to record your attendance at teaching events
- enables you to use the Libraries, borrow books and much more
- proves your identity when you are handing in any assignments or when
you are sitting your exams
- lets you use the College’s computing and printing facilities
- lets College Security staff know who should – and who should not – be
on College premises
- proves your identity as a student of OUC
It is your responsibility to keep your College ID card safe and ensure that it is not
misused by any other person. College cards are not transferable between
individuals and if your card is found to be in the possession of anyone else, it
will be confiscated. You may be disciplined and be expected to pay for the
cost of a replacement card.
If you lose your ID card, or it is stolen, the first thing you need to do is to inform
the Academic Registrar’s Office.
To obtain a replacement card you will need to go Registry of OUC where staff
will be able to produce a new card for you. If you have lost your card, your
replacement ID card will cost you QR 150. If it was stolen, and you can give a
Police Crime Number, you will not have to pay the replacement fee.
Your old card will be cancelled, and this means that it will not work even if you
recover it at a later date.
Chapter 2
14Chapter 3
Student Engagement and Attendance
Our aim is to encourage and support you throughout your time at the College
to achieve your full potential by providing a supportive learning environment.
One indicator of your likely success is good engagement with all aspects of
your studies, including attendance at timetabled classes. We have extensive
evidence that shows us that students with high levels of attendance at
timetabled classes get the best marks.
To support this activity, we will monitor your attendance at all programme
related course activity. This includes activities such as; timetabled teaching
events, research supervision sessions, placements and personal tutorials. The
key driver for this is to support students to succeed by identifying at an early
stage any student who is starting to disengage with their studies. Our Student
Engagement Officers located in your Faculty are on hand to provide you with
help, guidance and support on any aspect that is preventing you from
attending your studies.
We will contact you via college email if we are worried about you not
attending classes to check if everything is ok. If you continue not to attend
classes, we will ask you to come into College and meet with either your
Personal Tutor or Programme Leader. We hope that we will be able to support
you to catch up with any content that you have missed and that you and that
you successfully re-engage with your programme.
In addition to monitoring your attendance at programme related events, all
students must also complete an email attendance exercise confirming their
ongoing attendance at the College. An email will be sent to your OUC email
account and you will be expected to reply accurately and promptly to these
emails.
Please contact registry@oryxuni.com if you have any questions about
attendance and absence reporting.
Don’t forget, we’re here to help and support you, all you need to do is ask.
Chapter 3
1512. Attendance policy
The attendance of all students is monitored on a regular basis during teaching
periods.
- If you miss one week of timetabled activities, OUC will contact you via
your College email account to find out why you haven't been coming
in and to make sure everything is ok.
- If you are absent for three consecutive weeks without explanation, you
will be asked to arrange a meeting with a responsible staff member of
the College to discuss your reasons for absence and to identify any
additional support that you might require to successfully continue on
your programme of study.
- If you are absent for four consecutive weeks you will be required to
attend an interview with your Programme Leader or the Registrar or a
nominee to discuss your future at OUC. Failure to attend this interview
could result in you automatically being withdrawn from the programme
of study and you will not be able to get a refund of any fees paid at
OUC/LJMU.
13. Authorised absence
It is possible to arrange a period of up to four weeks authorised absence from
the College in exceptional circumstances, for example following
bereavement or serious personal/family difficulties. Only your Programme
Leader can authorise such an absence.
14. What to do if you are ill
From time to time, you may need to take time off from your studies due to ill
health. This could range from a couple of days right through to having to go
on a leave of absence from your studies to recuperate from serious illness or
surgery.
Chapter 3
16In the first instance (and in the first few days of illness), it is important that you
notify the College of your absence by completing the absence notification
form, available by logging onto My ORYX.
If you have any queries, you should contact registryservices@oryxuni.com
Should the period of illness (regardless of length) cover an assessment period,
then you must speak to your personal tutor or programme leader.
If your sickness/ill-health is long term, you may want to think about suspending
your studies until you feel able to continue. Before you do anything, you should
contact the Student Development Team to discuss what options are open to
you and if appropriate how to go about suspending your studies.
In some cases, illness may leave students with long-term health conditions
and/or disabilities. Staff within the Student Development Team will also be
able to give further advice on disability issues and the range of support
available to you.
Please note:
- You should be aware that you do need academic permission to
suspend your studies so you should include your tutor in any discussions
you have about this.
- There are implications to suspending your studies at OUC. You will need
to work these through prior to making any decision about your future.
15. What could happen if you do not attend the
College
OUC reserves the right to cancel the registration of any student who is not
obviously attending the College – for example if you routinely miss timetabled
sessions or assessment deadlines.
The College will contact you via your University email account inviting you to
attend meetings before such action is taken.
Chapter 3
17That’s why it is vital that you tell the College about any absence as soon as
possible if:
- you are ill
- your sickness is long term
- you are involved in an accident
- you experience a bereavement or other serious event, which means
that you are unable to come into the University
If you are absent during critical assessment periods it is imperative that you
contact your academic tutor. It may be possible to extend a coursework
deadline or set an alternative assessment.
16. Leave of absence
OUC operates a leave of absence policy, often referred to as periods of
suspension, intermission or intercalation that allows students a temporary and
official period of time away from their studies. A leave of absence from a
programme of study may be requested for a variety of reasons, including
medical, financial and personal.
If you are considering making a request for a leave of absence, you are
strongly advised to seek advice and guidance from both your Programme
Leader and the Student Development Advisor.
In certain circumstances academic staff, for example a Programme Leader or
a Personal Tutor may raise the possibility of a leave of absence with a student.
Please note: granting of a leave of absence is not an automatic right and the
decision will be made on an individual basis by the Recruitment and
Admissions Committee in conjunction with the Registrar.
Periods of leave of absence are usually only permitted for up to one year.
Both the student and the academic team should agree agreement relating
to the period of leave of absence and a suitable date to resume studies
once the decision to agree to a leave of absence request has been made.
Chapter 3
18Leave of absences are permitted to commence at appropriate stages in the
academic calendar. The date a period of leave of absence will begin can
vary and depends upon your individual needs and programme of study.
Please note: OUC will look at your overall engagement with the OUC when
determining the start date of a leave of absence, not just the last date of
attendance in a teaching session.
While on leave of absence, you:
- may not participate in any programme-related activities, including
assessments
- will be contacted one month before you are due to resume studies
advising you of registration requirements.
Please note: For some programmes of study and for some students, additional
requirements will need to be met prior to your return. You will be advised of any
additional requirements at the point when a leave of absence is granted.
Please seek further advice and guidance from both your Programme Leader
and the Student Advice and Wellbeing Team.
Chapter 3
19Chapter 4
Your degree
Your Programme Guide, Module Guides and Canvas provide detailed
information on your degree, your academic team, and other aspects of your
academic experience.
If you have any questions about any aspect of studying at OUC please don't
hesitate to contact your Personal Tutor or other academics on your programme,
the Student Advice and Wellbeing Team or the registry@oryxuni.com – they are
here to help so please don't be afraid to ask for advice.
17. Academic Framework
The Academic Framework is designed to ensure that your programme of study
meets the standards expected by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher
Education (QAA) and other relevant professional accreditations.
Put simply this means that when you graduate you can be confident that your
LJMU award is worth the same as a similar degree from any other UK university.
Click here for more information on the www.Academic
ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/public-information/academiFramework.
c-quality-and-regulations/academic-framework
18. Academic support
Academic support is provided by personal tutors, supervisors or year tutors, and
by the academic leaders of the particular modules being studied.
Individual support for non-academic matters is provided by staff in
registry@oryxuni.com and by the Student Advice and Wellbeing Team.
If your concerns relate to a particular module or area of study then you should
contact your module tutor first as they will be able to guide you to relevant books
and journals, and will be able to chat with you about general issues of concern.
If the issue is broader than just one module, it is worth talking to your Personal Tutor,
Year Tutor or Programme Leader, as they will have a broad overview of your
programme. Whether it is an academic problem or if it is more personal, they will
be able to help you and, if necessary, direct you to relevant support staff in the
College.
Chapter 4
For more general advice on studying at the College visit the College and speak
to one of the student advisors.
20For more general advice on studying at the College visit the College and
speak to one of the student advisors.
19. Academic support team
All students are associated with a team of academic staff. The team will be
familiar with your programme of study and their role is, primarily, to offer
support with your academic development and provide pastoral oversight,
signposting the availability of appropriate College support should issues arise
that may impact on your ability to complete your studies successfully.
They may also provide broader support for your personal and professional
development in conjunction with other specialist support services.
You will have a scheduled opportunity to meet individually with your
Academic support team for a progress review, but you may of course contact
them as and when needed.
20. Skill required for a successful transition to
study with LJMU/ OUC
Making the transition to college-level study can be challenging. As well as
learning about your chosen subject, you are expected to develop a wide
range of skills, including those of researching, academic writing and
referencing. You may also need to improve your English language levels, your
mathematical skills, your understanding and use of statistics, and your IT skills.
21. Fitness health assessments
Fitness health assessments are undertaken for students who are training in
specific disciplines. These can be undertaken before training commences or
during training if a problem arises.
Chapter 4
21Fitness health assessments are undertaken for students who are training in
specific disciplines. These can be undertaken before training commences or
during training if a problem arises.
The objectives of such assessments are:
- To ensure medical fitness to train in certain subjects
- To identify adjustments which may be needed on medical grounds to
help train more effectively and to protect health
Some assessments are undertaken by questionnaire initially. Students involved
in some work activities or working with some hazards are also invited for a clinic
appointment with a nurse or doctor. Further enquiry from treating doctors is
sometimes necessary.
22. Fitness to study
OUC takes the health, safety and wellbeing of all students seriously and seeks
to provide an environment that is safe and conducive to study.
OUC recognises that sometimes serious personal circumstances such as
physical and/or mental health issues, may affect your ability to maintain your
studies.
The OUC has a duty of care to respond appropriately to situations where
concerns are raised about a student and it is obliged to take action if a
student’s circumstances, conduct or behaviour presents a risk (to themselves
or to others), or where such behaviour results in unreasonable demands being
placed on staff, students or others.
LJMU’s
www. The Fitness to Study Policy
ljmu.ac.uk/~/media/sample-sharepoint-libraries/policy-documents/53. pdf?la=en is intended for use where the circumstances,
behaviour, disruption or risk presented by a student is perceived to be serious
or potentially serious.
Under the Fitness to Study procedures the College may temporarily suspend
the studies and/or placement of a student.
Chapter 4
2223. Final degree awards
Under LJMU’s Academic Framework, you need to achieve 120 credits at each
level in order to get a degree.
Whether you get a First, 2:1, 2:2 or a Third will be calculated by counting your
overall Level 5 mark as 25% of your final award mark, with the remaining 75%
coming from your Level 6 marks.
Award marks determine what degree you’ll get, as detailed here:
- First – overall mark of 70% or above
- 2:1 – overall mark between 60 and 69%
- 2:2 – overall mark between 50 and 59%
- 3rd – overall mark between 40 and 49%
All students have the right to appeal against the decisions of the Board of
Examiners, which confirms assessment results (marks, grades) and makes final
awards. Formal assessment may be in the form of examinations, coursework,
placements, presentations etc.
Student Governance webpages or go to:
For further details visit the www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/structure/governance-and-charitable-status
www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/public-information/student-regulations/guidance-
policy-and-process
24. Freedom of speech
As an academic institution, OUC and LJMU are committed to freedom of
enquiry, to the rational resolution of disagreements and to maintaining the
OUC as a place where opinions can be debated without the threat of
violence and intimidation.
However, it should be recognised that not all speech is protected by this
commitment. Any form of threat, intimidation, abuse, coercion, incitement to
violence, racial hatred or similar acts by students or staff constitutes a
disciplinary offence.
Chapter 4
2325. Intellectual property
OUC and LJMU has a policy dealing with the Intellectual Property and the
Copyrighting or Patenting of the work or ideas of students. If you are
considering the commercial exploitation of such work or ideas please refer to
this policy, which is available on the University website.
26. Intellectual property
If you are not satisfied with the level of service provided by OUC or if you have
some other cause for complaint, then the matter should be raised in the first
-
instance with the person responsible for that service or department. You can
-do this either in person or in writing, but you should do this within 30 days of the
-
incident, matter or concern.
If you believe that you have not had a satisfactory response or you feel that
the matter is still unresolved, then you may wish to use the formal w Student
w.oryx.edu.qa/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/ouc_complaints_policy.pdf
Complaints
www. Procedure.
oryx.edu.qa/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/ouc_compl aints_policy.pdf
Formal Student Complaints can be submitted online at My ORYX using the My
Services app.
If you proceed with a formal complaint, you will be asked to provide full details
of the complaint including what steps you have taken to resolve the matter,
relevant supporting information plus an outline of what you would regard as a
satisfactory outcome.
The complaint will then be considered under the www.Student
ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/public-informatComplaints
ion/student-regulations/appeals-and-complaints
Procedure.
Appeals against marks/grades or final awards are not dealt with through the
Student Complaints Procedure. In these cases you should refer to the
Academic
www. ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/publicAppeals
-information/student-regulProcedures.
ations/appeals-and-complaints
All formal complaints should normally be made within three calendar months
of the alleged incident, matter or concern.
Chapter 4
2427. Social media
We want your OUC experience to be as enjoyable as possible so take a moment to
consider your use of social media:
- Your privacy settings
- What you share and how it might reflect on you or the OUC, especially with
respect to flatmates, fellow students and the College staff
How you present yourself online may be noticed by potential employers in the
future, and for courses leading to professional qualifications, students are
required to adhere to standards and Codes of Conduct defined by
Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies (PSRB), so check if these apply
to you – if you’re not sure, your tutors will be able to give you information.
You can also connect with OUC via our social channels to keep up-to-date,
get quick answers to queries and enhance your learning.
LJMU provides guidelines on using social media and follows strict procedures
regarding behavioural standards.
To read the University’s Student Social Media Policy ,
www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-
visit: www. ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/public-information/student-regulations/guidance-policy-and-process
us/publicinformation/student-regulations/guidance-policy-and-process.
www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/public-information/student-regulations/guidance-policy-and-process
Chapter 4
25Chapter 5
Examinations, assessment and feedback
The purpose of assessment is to enable you to demonstrate that you have
fulfilled the objectives of your programme of study, and achieved the
standard required for your named award. OUC’s programmes of study are
subject to specific regulations, which set out what is expected of both
examiners and students. Their aim is to establish a fair framework for all
assessment activities.
Your lecturers will explain the assessment strategy for your programme,
pointing out the balance between coursework and examinations, and the
purpose of the various assessment tasks you will be expected to complete.
Formal assessment may take the form of examinations, coursework,
placements, presentations, Assignments etc.
Please see your Programme/Module Handbooks for more details.
28. Examinations
The College holds examinations in a number of venues including some
non-College buildings. The examination timetable is published and made
available to you by the Academic Affairs Department
It is your responsibility to:
- check the final timetable to ensure that you have the correct details of
your examination(s). Do not rely on friends to pass on the information.
- Present yourself for assessment at the correct time and venue.
While every effort is made to avoid scheduling more than one exam per day
per student, this is not always possible and you may have more than one exam
per day, up to a maximum of six hours of assessment per day.
You must bring your College Student ID Card with you to all your exams. You
will be required to insert the 6 digit person number (sometimes referred to as a
registration number) shown on your card on all examination attendance slips
and answer books. We will also use your student card to monitor your
attendance at exams electronically.
Chapter 5
26There are strict rules about your behaviour in examinations:
- You are not permitted to have any unauthorised materials in the
examination venue
- You are not allowed to disrupt the examination. You must comply with
the instructions of the invigilators. Failure to do so will result in suspension
from the College pending further investigation and sanctions may
include expulsion from the College
- You are NOT permitted to have mobile phones, tablets or other
mobile/electronic devices on or near your desks in an examination
- You must remain in the examination room for the full duration of an
examination
Cheating in examinations constitutes a serious offence and penalties range
from the reduction of marks to expulsion from the College. Further
information on Academic Misconduct is available in the LJMU wRegistry w.ljmu.ac.uk/academic-registry/student/registry-services/as es ment-coursework-and-examination
Services
www.ljmu.ac.uk/academic-registry/student/rewebpages
gistry-services/as es ment-coursework-and-examination
29. Marks and feedback
OUC knows that marks are a crucial part of any feedback you get on
assessments that count towards your final module mark and we want you to
be confident that all work is marked fairly, without bias.
That’s why we use a combination of marking and moderation procedures
such as unsighted marking, second marking and external examiners to ensure
that the marks you get are fair, and in keeping with agreed standards.
The important process of moderating marks won’t be completed until the end
of your module. This means that any initial marks you get for your summative
assessments may change following the moderation of marks ahead of the
Board of Examiners meeting.
Chapter 5
27With the exception of examinations or lengthy submissions such as
dissertations, you can expect to receive feedback no later than 15 working
days after your assessment submission deadline. Please check your module
handbooks or Key Module Information Area on Canvas or talk to your Module
Leader for more details on the range of feedback you can expect and when.
Every assessment you submit is marked against a defined set of criteria, which
are published in advance of your submission deadline, usually in your module
handbooks or on the Canvas module site. The feedback you receive will be
based around how well you have met this set of criteria.
It’s important that you know as early as possible if your work is up to the
standard expected for your particular level of study. That’s why you can
expect to receive face-to-face feedback on your first piece of assessed work.
This could be delivered in a group setting as well as in one-to-one meetings.
Your Programme and Handbooks will give you more information on this early
feedback opportunity.
You are also entitled to receive regular information concerning your
academic performance. This is generally provided through both informal and
formal feedback from your tutors during the course of the academic year and
you should be told when this is to be given.
If you have any queries about assessments and feedback, please talk to your
Module or your academic team.
30. Personal circumstances
If you are experiencing difficult personal circumstances you should in the first
instance contact your
Module or Programme Leader. Generally, lecturers will try to deal with
personal difficulties by granting individual extensions to coursework deadlines
or by setting alternative assessments.
Chapter 5
28The personal circumstances procedures only apply when something serious
and unexpected happens, for example:
- If you are taken ill just before or during an exam
- If you are involved in an accident or serious incident that prevents you
attending the College just before an exam or assignment deadline
- If you experience a bereavement or family illness that prevents you
attending the College just before an exam or assignment deadline
Personal Circumstances and Special Mitigation procedures are not intended
to deal with issues of long-term illness or disability; the College offers
specialised support for students in these circumstances. That’s why you are
advised to contact the Student Advice and Wellbeing team, your
Programme or Module Leaders or Lecturer well in advance of any deadlines
so that the College can put appropriate support strategies in place for you.
You also won’t be able to apply for personal circumstances or special
mitigation, if you:
- Sleep in and miss your exam
- Turn up at the wrong time or venue for an exam
- Miss a submission deadline because you didn’t manage your study time
properly
- Have a cold or other minor illness
Please note that if you start a time-limited summative assessment task such as
an exam or presentation, or submit a piece of coursework, you declare
yourself ‘fit to attempt’ that assessment task and claims for personal
circumstances are not permitted of that assessment task. However, if your
performance in an assessment task, such as an exam, was adversely and
seriously affected by circumstances that occurred during the assessment to
such an extent that the assessment item could not be completed you may
submit a claim for ‘special mitigation’.
Chapter 5
29If you are lodging a personal circumstances or special mitigation claim, you
will need to present evidence supporting your application. Depending on
your particular circumstances, examples of evidence could include:
- a medical certificate
- a death certificate
- a police crime reference number or other independent verification of
an incident
You will need to submit your application and supporting evidence within five
days of the exam or deadline you have missed. If you are unable to make an
application within the five working days, you can submit a Late Application.
However, you must provide an explanation and evidence to support your
reasons why you could not submit the application within the deadline; for
example, you may have been in hospital unexpectedly during this period.
A Faculty Approval Panel will consider your reason for late submission in the first
instance. No applications will be considered after the Panel has met. Faculties
will notify the dates of the Panels to all students.
If your application for personal circumstances is valid, as determined by the
Panel, the Board of Examiners will defer your assessment to the next
appropriate opportunity, regardless of the module mark you obtained.
If your application for special mitigation is valid, as determined by the Panel,
the assessment item is either:
Declared null and void and deferred to the next appropriate opportunity or
the module leader will assign a mark for the assessment item where there is
sufficient evidence to do so and where this is approved by the Chair of the
Board of Examiners.
Further information about the Personal Circumstances and special mitigation
procedure is available from:
- www.ljmAcademic
u.ac.uk/academic-registry/student/registry-services/as es ment-coursework-Registry
and-examination/problems-completing-your-as es ment
- The Department of Academic Affairs
Chapter 5
3031. Referrals and exceptional second referrals
A referral is the opportunity to re-take assessment in a module in which you
achieved under the pass mark, usually 40%, for modules at levels 3-6 and 50%
for level 7 modules. You only get one referral opportunity in each module. If
you fail to gain the credits for a module at the second attempt, you may be
eligible for an exceptional second referral (ESR) for up to 24 credits at any
level, provided that 96 credits at that level have been achieved.
If after referrals you do not have 96 credits you may not be able to progress on
your target award.
You will be counselled by the Programme Leader or nominated academic
staff, as to the options available to you. This may include an opportunity to
re-register for a Final Module Attempt (FMA) at a module or modules.
If you attain between 60 and 96 credits within a Level you will be offered an
opportunity to re- register for a Final Module Attempt at the failed modules. If
you attain fewer than 60 credits within a Level, you may be offered an
opportunity to re-register for a Final Module Attempt at the failed modules,
provided the Board of Examiners has reason to be confident of your
engagement with the modules. The FMA requires attendance and no marks
will be carried forward from previous attempts. The maximum mark obtainable
from a FMA is the minimum module pass mark. There is no opportunity for a
referral with a FMA. You are not permitted to use FMAs at more than one Level.
For most full-time undergraduate programmes referrals take place in July (or
applicable specified month). A Referral Assessment Board takes place in July
(or applicable specified month) where your progress is considered again:
If after referrals you have 120 credits you will be allowed to progress to the next
level
If you do not have 120 credits but have 96 credits you may be eligible for an
Exceptional Second Referral which would allow you to progress with 24 credits
outstanding and to attempt the assessment for a third and last time
If you have between 60 and 95 credits you will be offered the opportunity to
re-register on failed modules for a third and final time
If you have between 0 and 59 credits you may be offered the opportunity to
re-register on failed modules for a third and final time or the Board of Examiners
will consider whether there is an alternative award that you could attempt or
if you should be asked to leave the University.
Chapter 5
31In the case of a referral, an ESR or FMA you will be awarded 40%, or the
minimum pass mark, as the maximum mark. Some modules may not be
eligible for exceptional second referrals. These are usually modules related to
professional competency requirements.
32. Deferrals
(Delaying an assessment as a result of difficult personal circumstances)
Generally, tutors will try to deal with personal difficulties by granting individual
extensions to coursework deadlines or by setting alternative assessments.
Where this is not possible you may be able to defer your assessment.
If you are experiencing ongoing difficulties that are affecting your studies you
are strongly advised to contact Student Advice and Wellbeing who can
advise of support and on any financial implications of a decision to defer
assessment or to take leave of absence from your studies.
If your assessment is affected by a severe, acute and unexpected event that
prevents you from attending an exam or other assessment event, or severely
impacts on your ability in the assessment, then you may be able to submit a
‘special mitigation’ or ‘personal circumstances’ claim.
Please note that if you start a time-limited summative assessment task such as
an exam or presentation, you declare yourself ‘fit to attempt’ that assessment
task and claims for personal circumstances are not permitted of that
assessment task. However, if your performance in an assessment task, such as
an exam, was adversely and seriously affected by circumstances that
occurred during the assessment to such an extent that the assessment item
could not be completed you may submit a claim for ‘special mitigation’.
You will need to provide evidence to support your application for special
mitigation or personal circumstances.
Personal
Click here for details on LJMU’s www. ljmu.ac.uk/academic-registry/stCircumstances
udent/registry-services/assessment-coursework-and-examinatiProcedure
on/problems-completing-your-assessment
Chapter 5
3233. Boards of Examiners (@LJMU)
The Boards of Examiners for all taught academic programmes meet after the
exams and coursework submission deadlines, and again later in the
academic year for students retaking exams or resubmitting coursework. The
Board of Examiners will consist of:
- Director of School or appropriate nominee
- Programme Leaders
- Module leaders and other teaching staff
- External Examiners
Your results will be published on your online progress report accessible via
Canvas.
34. Assessment regulations
The majority of the College’s programmes fall within the LJMU’s Academic
Framework and are covered by LJMU’s Assessment Regulations. The College
assumes that you will consult the relevant set of regulations before
undertaking your first assessment.
Assessment Regulations are integral to the Academic Framework and cover
issues including:
- The role and responsibilities of Boards of Examiners, including mitigation,
illness, absence from examinations
- Personal circumstances and special mitigation
- The possible grounds for appeal against the outcome of assessment
- Progression, level completion and referral
Chapter 5
33- Academic Misconduct (cheating, collusion, plagiarism, etc)
- Marking and moderation
- Granting of awards and the classification for degrees with Honours
Click here to find out more about the LJMU’s www.Assessment
ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/public-information/academiRegulations
c-quality-and-regulations/academic-framework within
the undergraduate or postgraduate regulations links.
For programmes of study that lie outside the Academic Framework, the
relevant Assessment Regulations will be set out in your programme
documentation.
35. Academic appeals
All students have the right to appeal against the decisions of a Board of
Examiners, which confirms assessment results (marks, grades) and makes final
awards. Formal assessment may be in the form of examinations, coursework,
placements, presentations etc.
The Appeals Form is available can be obtained from the Academic Registry
The Appeals Guidance notes are available here:
www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/public-information/student-regulations/appeals-and-complaints
www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/public-
www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/public-information/student-regulations/appeals-and-complaints
information/student-regulations/appeals-and-complaints
The grounds for appeal are strictly limited. You cannot submit an Academic
Appeal just because you don’t agree with the mark you have been
awarded.
You must meet the criteria as outlined in the www. ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/publ
Section C9 ic-infof
ormatiothe
n/academicUndergraduate
-quality-and-regulations/academic-framework
orljmu.Postgraduate
www. ac.uk/about-us/public-information/academic-qualRegulations.
ity-and-regulations/academic-framework
There are also strict time limits for lodging an Academic Appeal: normally
within 10 working days of the release of results. Again, see section C9 for
further details.
Chapter 5
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