Individual Arrangements for Examinations - 2011/12

Examination Arrangements: Individual Arrangements

Please also see the Rules & Regulations for Students for more details.

1. Who is eligible?

Individual examination arrangements shall be made for those students who, for reason of medical condition, disability, or special circumstances, require them in order to be able to perform on an equal basis with other students.

2. Who recommends individual arrangements?

Individual arrangements shall be made upon the recommendation of the Accessibility Adviser with the consent of the Superintendent of examinations and subject to the approval of the relevant Dean.

3. What arrangements are available?

Subject to individual need, provision of documentary evidence and mindful of learning
outcomes the following arrangements may be made for both examinations and class
tests:

  • Provision of an alternative form of assessment (e.g. viva/extended essay)
  • Provision of Additional Time
  • Use of designated rooms or workstations
  • Use of assistive technologies (including P.C. but not including internet access)
  • Use of a standard toolbar spell checker
  • Provision of an amanuensis or reader
  • Practice in working with a reader or amanuensis
  • Examinations outside of the normal examination period
  • Rest breaks
  • Use of coloured overlays
  • Papers in alternative formats (e.g. Braille)
  • Timetabling of exams in the morning/afternoon only (by agreement with the student’s
    academic department)

4. The responsibility of the student:

  • 4.1 It is the responsibility of the individual student to bring his or her requirements to the attention of the University at the earliest possible opportunity: prior to joining the University, at initial registration, or subsequently as needs or changes arise, and
    preferably no less than five weeks prior to the examinations.
  • 4.2 Students are required to provide appropriate evidence of need to the Accessibility Adviser (Learner and Disability Support) who will advise on the nature of the evidence required.
  • 4.3 Individual examination arrangements may be required of a student if, in the view of the Superintendent of Examinations, there is a risk of infection or disruption to others.

5. The responsibility of the Learning Support Adviser (Disabilities):

  • 5.1 The Accessibility Adviser shall be responsible for liaising with and advising students, collecting Study Needs Assessments and Medical Certificates (or their equivalent).
  • 5.2 The Accessibility Adviser shall be responsible for recommending individual arrangements and notifying these to the student, the Superintendent of Examinations, and the relevant Academic Department, no less than five weeks prior to the start of any examination period.
  • 5.3 The Accessibility Adviser will recommend individual arrangements or assess recommendations having previously consulted with the Student Health Centre or colleagues in Learner and Disability Support and University guidelines and recommendations currently in force.

6. The responsibility of the Superintendent of Examinations:

  • 6.1 The Superintendent of Examinations will be responsible for making the individual arrangements, having previously liaised with the Accessibility Adviser, academic department and/or service area.
  • 6.2 In the case of a dispute arising, concerning the recommendations or the arrangements made, the matter shall be referred by the Superintendent of Examinations to the Dean, whose decision shall be final.
  • 6.3 The Superintendent of Examinations shall be responsible for briefing the invigilators, technicians or support staff, with due regard to confidentiality and on a need-to-know basis.

7. Implementation and Review:

  • 7.1 Individual examination arrangements are made in order to be responsive to individual need and also to maintain academic standards. The Superintendent of Examinations shall convene a Panel set up to review individual arrangements, no less than once a year, and report to the Academic Affairs Committee.
  • 7.2 The panel should consist of the Director of Student Support (Chair); The Superintendent of Examinations; the Learner Support Co-ordinator; Accessibility Adviser; University Nurse and the Guild of Students’ Disability Officer.