Fit to Sit exam policy rejected by University

The University has rejected a proposal to introduce a ‘Fit to Sit’ policy for examinations, following consultation with students and staff. In November, the Student council passed a motion, which declared that NUSU will actively oppose any and all attempts to implement the policy. The report from the Taught Programmes Sub-Commitee praised NUSU’s official response […]

NUSU
8th March 2016

The University has rejected a proposal to introduce a ‘Fit to Sit’ policy for examinations, following consultation with students and staff. In November, the Student council passed a motion, which declared that NUSU will actively oppose any and all attempts to implement the policy.

The report from the Taught Programmes Sub-Commitee praised NUSU’s official response to the consultation for making “a particularly cogent and detailed case against” ‘Fit to Sit’.

Back in November, Student Council passed a motion with overwhelming support, which declared that NUSU would actively oppose any and all attempts to implement ‘Fit to Sit’.

A similar policy will remain in place for students studying medicine and dentistry in accordance with the requirements of their respective professional bodies. However, members of the University Learning, Teaching and Student Experience Committee endorsed the recommendation of the Taught Programmes Sub-Committee not to extend the policy to other programmes.

Luke Allison, Welfare and Equality Officer, said: “I am thrilled that the University has decided not to pursue further ‘Fit to Sit’ policies. The Students’ Union response, compiling feedback from Student Council, Mind the Gap, Student Advice Centre and other students played a huge part in this decision and highlights that the representative structure does work and that the University does listen to student opinion.”

‘Fit to Sit’ aimed to establish that all students, who sit one of their exams, will be deemed fit to take it – therefore, submitting a PEC (Personal Extenuating Circumstances) form after the exam, even if they feel they have underperformed, would have been impossible.

The University initiated an open conversation with students last term and staff about the policy and welcomed any and all comments regarding its possible implementation.

“I am extremely pleased with this decision,” Matt Price, NUSU’s Edication Officer told The Courier. “The fact that the University invited NUSU to be a part of this consultation once again demonstrates the positive relationship between us and the University, which allows the student voice to have a real impact. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped us with our response for their hard work, particularly Mind the Gap, the Student Advice Centre and all the students and staff who got in touch to lend their support!”

The policy has been introduced in 19% of UK universities. Staff from Coventry, Nottingham Trent and Southampton Solent have reported a decrease to staff workload, however issues with student and staff awareness when introducing it initially.

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