COVID-19 Information

Campus, learning centre and study arrangements

Assessment regulations applicable for degree students in AY21/22

We appreciate the achievements of our students during the Covid pandemic and are proud of the way that we have worked in partnership to meet students’ needs and ensure that academic standards are maintained. We also understand that you want clarity and timeliness on issues relating to our students and assessment. Together with representatives from the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association, the university’s team responsible for academic quality matters has reviewed the position on fair assessment , taking into account the evolving situation and impacts of COVID-19, and the regulatory requirement to meet national academic standards and quality expectations, and practice in other universities.

We have analysed data on our students’ achievements and outcomes over the last two academic years, and we are delighted to see that most students have been able to continue to engage with their studies successfully, and/or gain their qualification.

It is now appropriate to revert to our normal academic regulations for progression and award of undergraduate and postgraduate taught degrees, as the student learning experience settles into the ‘new normal’. We believe that this will support effective student engagement in their studies, fairness in assessment, and that students can be confident in the value of their awards, now and in the future.

The exceptional arrangements for final award classifications applied in 19/20 and 20/21 will therefore be discontinued, except for continuing students who were enrolled on their final level of study during those years. We will also discontinue the exceptional use of Ungraded Credit to support progression.

We recognise that Covid continues to affect us all in our daily lives, and the uncertainty this brings. We know that the student learning experience is not yet ‘back to normal’. We will continue to support students to engage effectively with their studies, while maintaining the academic standards of our awards. We have put in place an ongoing package of support measures for students. These include :

• adjustments to learning and teaching approaches, as appropriate to specific degree programmes
• use of alternative assessments, such as ‘open book’ exams through Brightspace
• mitigating circumstances process - in the event of illness or other reasonable cause
• individual advice and guidance via Personal Academic Tutors or local student support services

We will continue to monitor the situation on an ongoing basis, and will review this position in conjunction with HISA, in the event of significant unforeseen pandemic impacts.

As always, we welcome feedback on this, or any other matter, through the Red Button and HISA. We wish you well for an enjoyable and successful academic year.

How will I receive up-to-date information?

We will stay in touch with students and staff via email so please check regularly for updates, and we will also post important information updates on our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages so give us a follow if you have an account. Our campuses also have social media accounts and use these regularly to share information.

Health and safety measures

What health and safety measures can I expect at my local campus or learning centre?

Testing

Vaccinations

Test and Protect

If you have Covid-19 symptoms or think you might have coronavirus, do not go your local campus, learning centre or usual place of work, you should self-isolate immediately.

Protect Scotland