A Guide for Students
Why does academic engagement matter?
Regular engagement with your studies gives you the best opportunity to succeed academically, develop your knowledge and skills, and make the most of your time at university. Attending classes, participating in learning activities, completing assessments, and staying connected with your programme all contribute to successful outcomes.
The University recognises, however, that many students have complex lives and may sometimes experience challenges that affect their ability to attend every scheduled teaching sessions. Health issues, disability, caring responsibilities, financial pressures, personal circumstances and other factors can all affect engagement.
For this reason, we take a broad view of academic engagement. While attendance is very important, it is not the only indicator of engagement. We also recognise activities such as:
- Submitting coursework and assessments.
- Engaging with online learning materials.
- Maintaining contact with academic staff.
- Attending Academic Tutor meetings.
- Making appropriate use of assessment adjustment processes.
- Taking proactive steps to manage your studies.
Are there any situations where attendance is compulsory?
Yes. Students studying in the UK on a Student Visa are required to meet attendance and engagement requirements as part of the conditions of their visa. The University is legally required to monitor engagement and may have to take action where these requirements are not met.
In addition, some programmes that are accredited by Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies (PSRBs) have specific attendance or participation requirements that students must meet in order to achieve professional accreditation or registration.
Where absence at specific academic events/activities or types of activities have particular consequences this will be outlined in your programme handbook or indicated at the same of the module.
What happens if the University is concerned about my engagement?
The Academic Engagement and Fitness to Study process is designed to be a supportive process, not a disciplinary one. Its primary purpose is to understand what is preventing you from engaging effectively with your studies and to identify practical solutions that will help you succeed.
If significant concerns arise, the University will normally begin by contacting you to understand your circumstances and discuss any barriers you may be facing. This may involve your Academic Tutor or other staff having a supportive conversation with you about your engagement and helping you access support or adjustments that may be beneficial.
If concerns continue, you may be invited to meet with more senior staff within your School to explore in greater depth what support is needed and what practical steps can be taken to help you get your studies back on track. This could include help accessing specialist support services, considering reasonable adjustments, exploring assessment options, or discussing whether now is the right time for you to be studying.
In the most serious cases, such as where there has been little or no engagement over a sustained period, there are significant concerns about wellbeing or safety, or there is concern that you may not be able to successfully complete the year, the University may undertake a more formal review of your circumstances and the options available to you.
Throughout the process, the aim is to work with you to identify solutions that enable you to remain on your programme and achieve successful outcomes if possible.
When might the University take further action?
The University expects students to engage with their studies and to engage with support offered where concerns arise.
Where there is no indication of engagement, particularly over a sustained period, the University may conclude that continuing enrolment is no longer appropriate. Students who do not engage with learning activities or with attempts to contact and support them may have their studies suspended or their registration withdrawn.
The University may also need to take further action where there are serious concerns about a student's fitness to study. This may include situations where a student's physical health, mental health or behaviour means that they are unable to participate in their studies safely or effectively, or where there is a risk of harm to themselves or others. In these circumstances, the University will carefully consider what support can reasonably be provided and whether continuing study is in the student's best interests at that time.
The key message
If you are experiencing difficulties, please seek help. The Academic Engagement and Fitness to Study process is intended to support you, connect you with the right help, and identify practical solutions that enable you to continue and succeed in your studies wherever possible.
The full Academic Engagement and Fitness to Study Policy and Procedure sets out how the process works in detail.