Tuesday 30-08-2022 - 11:17

Fit to Sit Policy Update:

Fit to Sit is a policy that has been implemented by Glasgow Caledonian University to replace the current Mitigating Circumstances Policy (MITs). Both of these policies had an objective to address a situation where a student is unable to sit an exam/piece of coursework for unforeseen reasons (like an illness, bereavement, or mental health difficulties).

In the academic year 2021/22, the following feedback was provided by the University in response to the Fit to Sit recommendations provided by the Students’ Association:

• It has been confirmed that it’s five days to self-declare (not five working days).

• The safety net has no time limit, so students can contact their Personal Tutor, Module Leader, Programme Leader, GCU Wellbeing Services or our Advice Centre (whoever they are comfortable with reaching out to in the University to discuss their circumstances if they wish to. All of the above-named parties will be duly informed). It doesn’t matter how long it takes to get a response; they are not limited by time. They can then be advised to complete an online form (which can also be submitted on their behalf by the University) and will need to be accompanied by supporting evidence. The HOD and ADLTQ will then process and work on it.

However, there have been some amendments discussed during the last Senate meeting.

GCU Students’ Association provided a recommendation for students which involved an opportunity (i.e. optional) within the form to provide an impact statement (outlining any issues that have resulted in them not considering themselves to be fit to sit) for forwarding to Student Wellbeing.

Feedback provided by the University for now:

• Move from 5 to 2 days (48 hours) post sit/submission period for students to declare themselves unfit (in addition to the 5 pre-sit/submission period)

• If a declaration is made post sit/submission – there will be a requirement for students to state the reason why a declaration has been made post sit/submission and not before, which will be provided to the Programme Leader/Personal Tutor; but will not be used to decide whether a student is eligible or not for having a submission void.

• Students will be provided with an opportunity (i.e. optional) within the form to provide an impact statement (outlining any issues that have resulted in them not considering themselves to be fit to sit) for forwarding to Student Wellbeing.
• A statement will be added to the policy saying that to meet any PSRB requirements and for assessments where feedback is required to be given instantaneously, exceptions may be made via the University Exceptions Committee resulting in no post sit/submission declaration period being available for a particular assessment. Where this is in place, it will be made clear to students via Module Handbook, GCU Learn and at the start of the assessment.
• A paragraph regarding the ability for students, who suspend their studies (time out) after 50% of a trimester has passed, to make an extenuating circumstances submission to their department for them not to be considered having attempted any modules, with these requests considered by the HoD and School Associate Academic Registrar.

 

After my discussion with the Full Time Officers, we have decided to consider reviewing the policy for one year. Your Full Time Officer team has also decided to campaign and provide updates on the Fit to Sit Policy.

For any questions or contributions regarding the Fit to Sit Policy please contact: president@GCUstudents.co.uk

 

Laiba Tareen
Student President