We can help you through all the University procedures, including mitigating circumstances, appeals, complaints, academic integrity, fitness to practise and disciplinary procedures. We can also accompany you to meetings the University has asked you to attend.
A number of University regulations and procedures are referenced or summarised in your student handbook and it is important that you read and understand these as you agreed to abide by these regulations and procedures when you enrolled.
Below is a list of links to information about some common course issues that you may find helpful, or you can check out the BNU Academic Advice directory for a full list of further information. If you cannot find the information that you need, or you would like to discuss something further in confidence, then get in touch with us in the Advice Centre.
Fitness to Practise
The Students’ Union Advice Centre can assist you with your response to an allegation of Fitness to Practise. As an individual, confidential, non-judgmental service we are here to help you and offer you advice and guidance on the whole procedure as well as attend meetings with you as a supporter or representative.
Advisers will take you through the process and advise on what steps that you need to take to prepare for the initial investigation meeting and any subsequent meetings/hearings that may take place.
The advisers can attend meetings that you have with the investigating officer to support and represent you at those meeting as well as at any hearings that take place.
It is advisable to contact the Students’ Union Advice Centre at the earliest possible opportunity to ensure that you give yourself as much time as possible to prepare and plan your response and to obtain any evidence that you might use to support your case. If you are contacting us later in the process we can still help and support you.
View the University policy as well as the documents associated with Fitness to Practise
Student Disciplinary
Mitigating Circumstances
Academic Misconduct
Academic Appeals
This can only be raised in relation to a procedural irregularity of a piece of assessed work. Appeals can be only be made after the assessment board has met and you need to appeal within ten working days of the notification of the board result. However, you can get advice on appealing prior to the assessment board date from the Advice Centre.
View the University policy as well as the documents associated with academic appeals
Complaints
All students have the right to complain to the University and have their complaint taken seriously. You can complain about: standards of service, failure to provide a service, unfair treatment and if you feel you have been bullied, harassed or discriminated against. Students should raise any concerns as soon as possible, normally within 20 days of the issue arising. Speak to an Adviser at the Students’ Union Advice Centre about how to proceed.
View the University policy as well as the documents associated with complaints
Further information
To contact the Advice Centre please call 01494 603 016 for High Wycombe, or 01494 605 180 for the Uxbridge Campus. Alternatively, you can email the service at suadvice@bnu.ac.uk.
View the University's policies.