Student Safety Net 2021

Wednesday 10-02-2021 - 10:23
Copy of today  your su president teamed up with local mp kim johnson and students and officers across liverpool for a call with shadow minister for education  emma hardy.

Last month, you Officers wrote to the University Executives asking them to adopt a safety net for assessments in light on COVID-19. We are pleased to hear they have adopted 5/6 of our recommendations, including uncapped referrals, a 2% grade uplift for both undergraduates and postgraduates, submission of Personal Circumstance without evidence and the continued use of Experiential Credit. This is another great win for students, but we think it's important to translate what this means, and so we have asked the University to put some videos together to explain how all of this applies to you, which you can watch here. 

We've also broken down what each of the updated policies means for you, including:

Uncapped Referrals:

Traditionally, any second attempt at an assignment would be capped at 40% for undergraduates and 50% for postgraduates. In the revised policy, this cap has now been removed. Now, if you do not pass in the first attempt, your second attempt will be marked out of 100 and that full mark will go towards your award classification. 

Important note: your transcript will still show your first attempt grade. 

2% Borderline Consideration: Undergraduates

Traditionally, the borderline was 1% but that has been increased to 2%. Now, if your final award mark ends in an 8* or 9 (e.g. 58% or 59%) and the marks from the majority (over half) of your final year credits are in the higher classification, then you will be awarded that higher classification. for example, if you have 6x 20 credit modules at Level 6, then you would need the higher classification marks in at least 80 credits (four modules) for the higher award. 

*Remember that award marks are rounded to the nearest whole number, so in effect, any mean mark ending in 7.5% would be eligible. 

2% Borderline Consideration: Postgraduates

For postgraduate students, a 2% boundary has also been introduced. This means that if the final award mark ends in an 8* or a 9, then you will automatically be awarded the higher degree. For example, an award mark of 58%+ will be a Merit; and an award mark of 68%+ will be a Distinction.

*Remember that award marks are rounded to the nearest whole number, so in effect, any mean mark ending in 7.5% would be eligible. 

Personal Circumstances:

There are 3 options for Personal Circumstances:

  • Extensions:

During COVID-19, the University has relaxed its measures around extensions. If your reason for an extension is linked to COVID, you will only need to provide an explanation but you won't be expected to provide evidence. You can apply via the MyLJMU Portal.

  • Deferral through non-attempt:

A deferral is where your attempt is pushed back to the next opportunity if you are not able to meet an extension. Again, no evidence will be required if related to COVID. 

  • Special Mitigation:

If you have started a time-limited assessment like an exam but are unable to complete it due to issues out of your control. E.g. internet issues. You can read more about the updated Personal Circumstances policy and receive advice here. 

Experiential Credit:

Experiential Credit is a last resort option available to students who are unable to complete an assessment on the first and second attempt due to extreme circumstances relating to COVID-19. If you meet the criteria for Experiential Credit, you will automatically be invited to attend an Experiential Credit interview. 

We are incredibly grateful to the University for taking the time to consider the best outcome for students at LJMU and for including JMSU and your Officer Team in the development of this Safety Net. Stay safe. 

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