On 8th of January all students received an email regarding the severe weather conditions which stated “If the campus is still open, you are expected to attend exams and hand in work as normal- any failure to do so could affect your status as a student due to the University’s Academic Regulations” a scary prospect for some students who have been snowed in across the country.

With the 22nd of January seeing the end of the first assessment period since these new academic regulations were put into place. The Academic Board passed the new regulations to ‘improve the student experience’ - a mantra which is no doubt influenced financially and one wonders how advantageous they have really been for more conscientious students.
 “Assessment time is stressful enough for students and the removal of the 24 hour window adds more pressure especially for those with children. Over the last three years I have used the 24 hour window once because my child was ill. Now I try to create my own 24 hour window by handing work in a day early as a buffer” a student, who wished to remain anonymous, told Western Eye.

Of course, these sorts of events are in the minority but they are not included within the extenuating circumstances criteria.
While the regulations act as a reprimand for those who have abused the flexibility in previous years.

Only a comparison of statistics from this year to last will provide objective answers but it is likely that the regulations have not been detrimental to students. And on a lighter note two students at Hartpury, who missed the coursework deadline, were greeted with friendly advice and have been offered options which have not jeopardised their studies.

So if you find yourself in this situation please contact the student advisors at the earliest opportunity.