BPP University Policies and Procedures
Introduction
The University Policies and Procedures have been developed in support of the General Academic Regulations and take their authority from them. For the purposes of interpretation of these policies and procedures, the General Academic Regulations shall take precedence, unless the Academic Council has authorised a specific derogation for a programme, which will be outlined in the programme regulations.
These policies and procedures are living documents and may be amended with the approval of the Education and Standards Committee subject to them remaining within the scope of the General Academic Regulations.
Should you have any queries relation to a specific policy or procedure, please contact AcademicQuality@bpp.com.
The University’s Policies and Procedures
1. Admissions Policy
The Admissions Policy contains information on: Admissions Criteria; English Entry Methods and Requirements; Credibility Validation for International Applicants; Applicants with Criminal Convictions; Applicants who have a Disability or Long-term Medical Condition; Accreditation of Prior Learning; and Admissions Appeals and Complaints Procedure for Applicants.
2. Changes in Student Registration and Status Policy
The Changes in Student Registration and Status Policy contains information on: Change of Programme; Interruption of Studies/Break-in-Learning; Withdrawal; Suspension; and, Termination of Registration.
3. Student Engagement, Attendance, and Academic Intervention
The Student Engagement, Attendance, and Academic Intervention Policy contains information on: Academic Engagement, Attendance, and Progress Monitoring; Sponsored Visa Student Engagement Monitoring; and, Support to Study.
4. Learning Support Policy
The Learning Support Policy contains information on eligibility for and accessing Learning Support. The policy also provides detailed information on the avenues of support provided by the Learning Support Team.
5. Disability Disclosure Policy
This Disability Disclosure Policy sets out how the University supports students who have a disability and disclose this to the University. It outlines clearly the University’s duties in relation to disability support, and also what happens when you disclose and the confidentiality of that disclosure and who it can be shared with.
6. Wellbeing and Mental Health Policy
The Wellbeing and Mental Health Policy sets out how the University supports students who have wellbeing and mental health concerns. It outlines clearly the University’s duties in relation to wellbeing and mental health support.
7. Student Conduct Policy
The Student Conduct Policy outlines the standards of behaviour we expect from our students, and how we investigate, and if found to be true, sanction, concerns raised about student behaviour. The University takes seriously any concern raised about the inappropriateness of a student’s behaviour and will investigate this using the approach as set down in this policy.
8. Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy
The University take a firm stance against any form of harassment or sexual misconduct. It is really important that staff and students are aware of what Harassment and Sexual Misconduct are and report any concerns about either witnessing or experiencing these behaviours to the University. The Harassment and Sexual Misconduct policy outlines the definitions of Harassment and Sexual Misconduct, what informed consent means, and how to get help and support from the University if either you or another student experiences Harassment and/or Sexual Misconduct.
9. Fitness to Practise Policy
The Fitness to Practise Policy applies to students who are studying programmes in Nursing and Health, and concerns relating to a student’s Fitness to Practise have arisen. The policy outlines how concerns on fitness to practise are managed, investigated, and resolved by the University.
10. Student Referencing Policy
The Student Referencing Policy outlines the principles and guidance under which the University will provide a written reference to a student (e.g., for further study, or employment), including the management of confidentiality and data in references. It also outlines the procedures under which concerns about fraudulent referencing are managed by the University.
11. Missing Student Policy
The Missing Student Policy and Procedure outlines clearly on how to raise concerns about a student who is potentially missing, in addition to providing support and guidance on how missing students are identified and concerns about a missing student are managed effectively by the University. Students and staff who have concerns that a student is missing should follow the guidance in this policy and let the University know as soon as possible.
12. Student Death and Serious Injury Policy
The Student Death and Serious Injury Policy and Procedure outlines how the University manages the rare and unfortunate event of the death or serious injury of a student. The policy and procedure outline the actions taken, support available, and University officers involved. Students and staff who have concerns that a student death or serious injury has occurred should follow the guidance in this policy and let the University know as soon as possible.
13. Classifications and Awards Policy
The Classification and Awards Policy outlines the way in which the University determines awards following the completion of a programme of study, and the conditions under which those awards receive a classification.
14. Curriculum Development Policy
The University’s Curriculum Development Policy outlines the principles, policy, and procedures in relation to how the University develops and approves programmes of study. The policy also provides information on the process for the development and approval of non-credit bearing programmes, the development and approval of modules, and the process of seeking minor and major modifications to programmes.
15. Academic Planning, Monitoring and Review Policy
Once the University has approved a programme of study and it is in operation, the Academic Planning, Monitoring, and Review Policy sets out the policy and procedure with respect to the monitoring and review of the academic standards of the University’s programmes of study, and Academic Schools.
16. Partnerships and Collaborations Policy
This policy sets out the University’s policies and procedures with respect to the development of, approval, operation, and management of educational partnerships and collaborations.
17. Assesment and Examination Framework & Procedures
The Assessment and Examination Framework & Procedures provide key information on how assessments are prepared and managed at BPP University. Furthermore, they provide important information for students on how to conduct themselves during the process of assessment and examination.
18. Internal Examination and Assessment Feedback Policy
The policy outlines the approach the University takes to marking and assessing (the process of internal examination) student assessments and examinations. The policy also outlines the Assessment Feedback Policy and key information on the types of feedback students will receive.
19. External Examination Policy
The External Examination Policy outlines the University’s policies and procedures with respect to the appointment and conduct of external examiners. External examiners are an important part of the University’s assessment framework, providing key external expertise with respect to the setting, operation, and assessment of coursework and examinations, and ensuring BPP University’s academic standards are consistent with sector-agreed benchmarks.
20. Extensions and Extenuating Circumstances Policy
This policy provides students and staff with information on how to apply for extensions to assessment deadlines, and also the circumstances under which an application can be made for recognition of extenuating circumstances (e.g., where a student is unwell and cannot attend an examination, or submit an assessment on time). These are temporary academic adjustments to help students experiencing minor difficulties that may affect their ability to effectively complete an assessment.
21. Reasonable Adjustments Policy
The Reasonable Adjustments Policy outlines the University’s policies and procedures with respect to more long-term academic adjustments that can be made to support students experiencing long-term health conditions and/or a disability. The policy outlines what types of adjustments are typically available and how to apply for them.
22. Academic Practice Policy
The Academic Practice Policy outlines the University’s expectations of students with respect to maintaining good academic practice in their studies, including extensive examples of what the University considers as poor academic practice and academic misconduct. The policy also sets out the circumstances under which the University investigates poor academic practice and academic misconduct, and the penalties levied if academic misconduct is found.
In addition to the Academic Practice Policy, the University has published guidelines on the Acceptable Use of GenerativeAI which we expect students to familiarise themselves with:
23. Research and Scholarship Ethics and Integrity Policy
The policy outlines the University’s expectations around research and scholarship ethics and integrity. It also sets out the University’s procedure for obtaining ethical approval for research projects, and also investigating concerns with respect to research integrity. In order to apply for ethical approval, the following forms and templates are to be used, and can be accessed here:
24. Academic Appointments and Honorary Awards Policy
This policy outlines the University’s approach to making academic appointments (including honorary) and also the nomination and award of honorary degrees.
25. Student Complaints Policy
The Student Complaints Policy details the University’s procedure for lodging a complaint. The policy outlines what the University constitutes as a complaint, how it is managed by the University, and the rights of the complainant and what they can expect during this process.
26. Academic Appeals Policy
The Academic Appeals Policy details the University’s procedure for lodging an academic appeal. The policy outlines what the University constitutes as an academic appeal, how it is managed by the University, and the rights of the appellant and what they can expect during this process.
27. Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech Policy
The Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech Policy outlines how the University fulfils its duties to preserving academic freedom and freedom of speech. It also details the complaints and concerns process for students, staff, and members of the public may wish to use to raise a matter of concern in relation to academic freedom and freedom of speech.