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Admission of Applicants under the Age of 18

This document sets out the University's policy for the admission of applicants under the age of 18 and includes the admissions process for applicants under the age of 16.

Policy for the admission of applicants under the age of 18 (53KB)

Advice: Information, advice and guidance - statement of service

The OU offers impartial advice for prospective, past and current students on a variety of topics, including: support during your studies, advice on qualifications and modules, and services offered to enable you to study effectively if you have a disability or additional requirement.

Advice: Information, advice and guidance policy

This document sets out our policy on delivering information, advice and guidance to prospective, past and current students.

Advocacy

The OU recognises that there are times when it may be easier for a student to communicate with the University through the use of an advocate. Individuals requiring advocates are likely to be students with disabilities such as students with Asperger’s syndrome, communication difficulties or students who have insufficient confidence in expressing themselves. They may also be students who are under 18 years of age.

This document outlines the guidelines and the procedure to follow.

Alumni data and records, Policy on the Retention of

This policy defines the principles, time periods, mechanisms and responsibilities for the University’s retention of alumni personal data.

Appeals - Queries and appeals procedure

The Open University often has to make decisions that affect students personally, perhaps to do with an application for exceptional examination arrangements, a request for a fee refund, a credit transfer claim or an award of a module result. If a student thinks that their case has not been properly considered or that a decision is unfair, they have the right to query and then to appeal against it.

This document explains the general procedure for querying and appealing against University decisions. Some kinds of appeal have separate procedures.

Appeals - Queries and appeals procedure (Welsh)

Yn aml bydd rhaid i'r Brifysgol Agored wneud penderfyniadau sy'n cael effaith arnoch chi'n bersonol, efallai penderfyniad ynghylch cais am drefniadau arholi eithriadol, cais am ad-daliad ffi, hawliad trosglwyddo credyd neu ddyfarnu canlyniad cwrs. Os ydych o'r farn nad yw ystyriaeth briodol wedi'i rhoi i'ch achos neu fod penderfyniad yn annheg, mae gennych yr hawl i herio'r penderfyniad ac yna apelio yn ei erbyn.

Appeals - TMA and eTMA scores (Welsh) - Procedure relating to appeals for TMA and eTMA scores

Mae’r ddogfen hon yn egluro sut allwch herio sgor aseiniad wedi ei Farcio gan Diwtor/Aseiniad wedi'i Farcio'n Electronig gan Diwtor.

Appeals, TMA and eTMA scores - Procedure for appeals relating to TMA and eTMA scores

This document explains how students can query the score for a TMA or eTMA.

Assessment - Code of Practice for Student Assessment

This document is part of the student regulations which apply to all students of the OU.

These regulations define the basis of the registration agreement between the student and us. Students who register for a specific academic qualification from the University are also governed by our qualification regulations which deal with registering for a qualification, completing a qualification and other matters about qualifications. The detailed assessment rules for each module appear separately as module rules.

Assessment banking

This document sets out the policy that will govern how we will respond if you want to take a break in your studies or wish to change your study plans.

 

This document explains the procedure you must follow if you have registered for a module or qualification which starts after 1 August 2012, and you want to defer or withdraw from your studies or want to change your choice of module. 

 

The Assessment banking rules set out the conditions you will have to meet if, when you defer a module, you wish to retain the scores from assessments you have completed, carry these forward to a future presentation of the same module, and complete the assessment requirements during that future presentation. This process is called 'assessment banking'.

Assessment handbooks

Our online assessment handbook outlines the University's policy relating to the different types of assessment you may have to complete for your modules. It includes our general rules and regulations for submitting work and sitting examinations and should be referred to in conjunction with your module-specific information such as your Module guide and Assignment booklet which will tell you about the individual elements of assessment in the specific modules you are studying.

If you are studying an undergraduate or postgraduate module, you should refer to the undergraduate and postgraduate taught modules assessment handbook (405KB).

If you are studying one of the short introductory modules in our Openings programme you should refer to the Assignment Booklet on your module site.

If you are studying on our Initial Teacher Education programme (PGCE or PGDE) use the Initial Teacher Training Programme (PGCE) version.

Associate Lecturer - Tutor Support Statement

This statement was written for students, to expand on aspects of the Student Charter which relate to the relationship between students and their tutors.

Banking your assessment

This document sets out the policy that will govern how we will respond if you want to take a break in your studies or wish to change your study plans.

 

This document explains the procedure you must follow if you have registered for a module or qualification which starts after 1 August 2012, and you want to defer or withdraw from your studies or want to change your choice of module. 

 

The Assessment banking rules set out the conditions you will have to meet if, when you defer a module, you wish to retain the scores from assessments you have completed, carry these forward to a future presentation of the same module, and complete the assessment requirements during that future presentation. This process is called 'assessment banking'.

Bullying and harassment - Student Code for Dealing with Bullying and Harassment

This code applies to all forms of bullying and harassment occurring in OU contexts, including residential schools, tutorials, day schools and research supervision sessions.  Part 1 sets out the policy and Part 2 covers the procedures for making a complaint, and how complaints should be handled.

Cases of alleged serious criminal offence, such as physical and sexual assault, must be immediately reported to the police. In such cases the University will take no action under this code (other than suspension, if considered necessary) until the outcome of any criminal investigation is known.

Cancellations, Deferrals and Withdrawals

This document sets out the policy that will govern how we will respond if you want to take a break in your studies or wish to change your study plans.

 

This document explains the procedure you must follow if you have registered for a module or qualification which starts after 1 August 2012, and you want to defer or withdraw from your studies or want to change your choice of module. 

 

The Assessment banking rules set out the conditions you will have to meet if, when you defer a module, you wish to retain the scores from assessments you have completed, carry these forward to a future presentation of the same module, and complete the assessment requirements during that future presentation. This process is called 'assessment banking'.

Careers Advisory Service - statement of service

An outline of the advice and guidance available from the Careers Advisory Service, whose mission is to empower OU students to recognise their potential and achieve their personal, educational or career goals in the changing world of work and lifelong learning. 

Charter - Student Charter

The Open University has drawn up its own Student Charter to summarise the standards that you can expect as a student taking an Open University taught module and to set out your responsibilities. (For research students the Research School supplies instead a ‘Code of Practice for Supervisors and Research Students’.) Although the University’s Student Charter provides a set of benchmarks, it is not a contractual document between students and the University.

This new Student Charter has been approved and will come into effect from 1 August 2013. Further details will follow.

The current Student Charter remains in effect until 31 July 2013.

Cheating or plagiarism - Plagiarism - what constitutes plagiarism or cheating?

If a student submits an assignment that contains work that is not their own, without indicating this to the marker (acknowledging your sources), they are committing ‘plagiarism’ and this is an offence.

Submitting work that has been done by someone else and persistent borrowing of other people’s work without citation are obvious instances of plagiarism and are regarded as cheating. Copying answers from social networking sites is cheating. Paying for work from other sources and submitting it as your own is also cheating. It is intellectually dishonest to cheat and thus give one student an unfair advantage over others.

Passing on an assignment to others, with the knowledge that another student may plagiarise the assignment will also lead to a penalty.

Classification of honours degree

The honours degree classification process is explained, and threshold scores are given for the different categories of honours degree.  Two worked examples show how the process is applied to individual student records.

Code of Conduct, computing

All students must abide by the Computing code of conduct, which explains your responsibilities for helping to keep our computing resources and services secure. People who break this code of conduct may have to face our disciplinary or criminal procedures (or both).

Code of Practice - freedom of information

The key aim of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FoIA) is to provide legal rights for the public and to place legal duties on public authorities in order to promote a culture of openness.  This code of practice explains the two main responsibilities of the University under the FoIA, how information will be shared and what information is exempt.

Code of Practice for Student Assessment

This document is part of the student regulations which apply to all students of the OU.

These regulations define the basis of the registration agreement between the student and us. Students who register for a specific academic qualification from the University are also governed by our qualification regulations which deal with registering for a qualification, completing a qualification and other matters about qualifications. The detailed assessment rules for each module appear separately as module rules.

Code of Practice for Student Discipline

Under statute 16(23) of our Charter, we must have a Code of Practice for Student Discipline. The aim of this code is to make sure that we maintain academic standards and provide an appropriate learning environment.

Code on personal relationships between staff and students

In line with the OU's Equality and Diversity Strategy, all members of staff and all students should take note of this Code and should adhere to it in cases where personal relationships may cause a conflict of interest.

This might arise when a member of OU staff is responsible for the admission, teaching or assessment of a student with whom they have a personal relationship that brings with it obligations, benefits or dependencies.

Commercialisation, intellectual property

The policy documents covering intellectual property and commercialisation are currently being revised. For more information on the policy covering intellectual property and commercialisation, contact innovation-enterprise@open.ac.uk or phone 01908 659783.

Complaint Procedure (Welsh)

Ein diffiniad o gŵyn yw 'mynegiant o anfodlonrwydd o ran rhaglen astudio neu wasanaeth academaidd neu weinyddol cysylltiedig a ddarperir, pan fydd yr achwynydd wedi tynnu sylw'r Brifysgol at ei bryder ef/at ei phryder hi, ac nad yw'n fodlon ar yr ymateb'.

Complaint procedure - Student Complaint Procedure

We define a complaint as ‘an expression of dissatisfaction concerning the provision of a programme of study or related academic or administrative service, when the complainant has drawn his or her concern to the attention of the University and is not satisfied with the response’.

Complaints, OUSA - Procedure for Complaints about The OU Students Association (OUSA)

This complaints procedure is designed to comply with the provisions of the Education Act, 1994: Part II, Student Unions, clause 22(m) and (n). It is solely intended for any Open University student or group of such students who:

i) are dissatisfied in their dealings with the Open University Students Association; or

ii) claim to be unfairly disadvantaged by reason of their having exercised the right not to be a member of the Open University Students Association

Computing code of conduct, students

All students must abide by the Computing code of conduct, which explains your responsibilities for helping to keep our computing resources and services secure. People who break this code of conduct may have to face our disciplinary or criminal procedures (or both).

Computing health and safety advice

Suggestions for setting up your computer and working safely.

Computing: software, tools and content: terms and conditions governing the use of

By accepting a place on an OU module or otherwise using OU computing facilities, you have given a legal undertaking to comply in full with the terms and conditions governing the use of software, tools and content.

Conditions of Registration

These documents set out the general conditions of registration that apply to students’ study with The Open University.

Data protection

Personal information held by the University, and the purposes for which it is used.

Data retention, alumni - Policy on the Retention of Alumni Data and Records

This policy defines the principles, time periods, mechanisms and responsibilities for the University’s retention of alumni personal data.

Data retention, students - Policy on the Retention of Student Data and Records

This policy defines the principles, time periods, mechanisms and responsibilities for the university’s retention of student personal data. The university Retention Schedule sets out the agreed timeframe for the retention of all student personal data and records.

Deferrals, Withdrawals and Cancellations

This document sets out the policy that will govern how we will respond if you want to take a break in your studies or wish to change your study plans.

 

This document explains the procedure you must follow if you have registered for a module or qualification which starts after 1 August 2012, and you want to defer or withdraw from your studies or want to change your choice of module. 

 

The Assessment banking rules set out the conditions you will have to meet if, when you defer a module, you wish to retain the scores from assessments you have completed, carry these forward to a future presentation of the same module, and complete the assessment requirements during that future presentation. This process is called 'assessment banking'.

Degree classification, honours - Working out your class of honours

The honours degree classification process is explained, and threshold scores are given for the different categories of honours degree.  Two worked examples show how the process is applied to individual student records.

Discipline - Code of Practice for Student Discipline

Under statute 16(23) of our Charter, we must have a Code of Practice for Student Discipline. The aim of this code is to make sure that we maintain academic standards and provide an appropriate learning environment.

Discounts, discretionary fees

  • Fee Rules 2012 (202KB) revised 15 May 2013 - for qualifications and modules starting from 1 August 2012. This document sets out the rules we apply to work out the fees you may have to pay to study with The Open University, including eligibility for transitional arrangements (where applicable), and the fee refunds or fee discounts you may be eligible for if there is a change in your study plans.
  • Fee Rules 2013 (292KB) revised 15 May 2013 for qualifications and modules starting from 1 August 2013. This document sets out the rules we apply to work out the fees you may have to pay to study with The Open University, and the fee refunds or fee discounts you may be eligible for if there is a change in your study plans.
  • Discretionary Fee Discounts (31KB) - applies only to modules starting on or before 31 July 2012 

Discrimination, age - Admission of applicants under the age of 18

This document sets out the University's policy for the admission of applicants under the age of 18 and includes the admissions process for applicants under the age of 16.

Policy for the admission of applicants under the age of 18 (53KB)

Education Act 1994 – code of practice, student unions

The Code of practice shows what action the OU has taken to meet the requirements required by the 1994 Education Act:  part II and noted in the reform of student unions document. 

Education Act 1994 – further information, student unions

A summary of the position of OUSA in relation to freedom of speech and charitable legislation.

Education Act 1994 – reform of student unions

This document explains that the University must take such steps ‘as are reasonably practicable’ to ensure that the Open University Students Association (OUSA) operates fairly and democratically and is accountable for its finances. The Act also requires the University to provide information about students’ rights in relation to OUSA.

Employability Policy Statement, Student

This policy outlines the University's approach to employability development for registered students and should be read in conjunction with the Careers Advisory Service statement of service provided by the University.

Equality - The Open University equality scheme

The OU has published its revised Equality Scheme for 2012 – 2016 which incorporates our scheme for Great Britain and our scheme for Northern Ireland. We are currently awaiting approval of the scheme by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland which is why we have published an interim version.
 
Our vision and principles remain at the heart of our scheme, with its stated aims being to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation, to promote and advance equality of opportunity, and to promote and foster good relations between people.  The Equality Scheme informs staff, students and other stakeholders about the University’s legal duties, individual responsibilities and arrangements for managing different aspects of equality.
 
The link takes you to the Equality Scheme, the University’s associated objectives and the action plan for 2012/13.
The Open University equality scheme

eTMA and TMA scores - procedure for appeals

This document explains how students can query the score for a TMA or eTMA.

eTMA and TMA scores - Procedure for appeals (Welsh)

Mae’r ddogfen hon yn egluro sut allwch herio sgor aseiniad wedi ei Farcio gan Diwtor/Aseiniad wedi'i Farcio'n Electronig gan Diwtor.

Fee refunds

  • Fee Rules 2012 (202KB) revised 15 May 2013 - for qualifications and modules starting from 1 August 2012. This document sets out the rules we apply to work out the fees you may have to pay to study with The Open University, including eligibility for transitional arrangements (where applicable), and the fee refunds or fee discounts you may be eligible for if there is a change in your study plans.
  • Fee Rules 2013 (292KB) revised 15 May 2013 for qualifications and modules starting from 1 August 2013. This document sets out the rules we apply to work out the fees you may have to pay to study with The Open University, and the fee refunds or fee discounts you may be eligible for if there is a change in your study plans.
  • Discretionary Fee Discounts (31KB) - applies only to modules starting on or before 31 July 2012 

Fee Rules

  • Fee Rules 2012 (202KB) revised 15 May 2013 - for qualifications and modules starting from 1 August 2012. This document sets out the rules we apply to work out the fees you may have to pay to study with The Open University, including eligibility for transitional arrangements (where applicable), and the fee refunds or fee discounts you may be eligible for if there is a change in your study plans.
  • Fee Rules 2013 (292KB) revised 15 May 2013 for qualifications and modules starting from 1 August 2013. This document sets out the rules we apply to work out the fees you may have to pay to study with The Open University, and the fee refunds or fee discounts you may be eligible for if there is a change in your study plans.
  • Discretionary Fee Discounts (31KB) - applies only to modules starting on or before 31 July 2012 

Fraud

The purpose of this policy is to provide a definition of fraud and define authority levels, responsibilities for action, and reporting lines in the event of suspected, attempted or actual fraud or irregularity perpetrated by an individual against the University.

Freedom of Information Code of Practice

The key aim of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FoIA) is to provide legal rights for the public and to place legal duties on public authorities in order to promote a culture of openness.  This code of practice explains the two main responsibilities of the University under the FoIA, how information will be shared and what information is exempt.

General Qualification Regulations

These regulations apply to students registered with The Open University and together with the Conditions of Registration, they define the basis of the registration agreement between the student and the University. 

Guidance: Information, advice and guidance - statement of service

The OU offers impartial advice for prospective, past and current students on a variety of topics, including: support during your studies, advice on qualifications and modules, and services offered to enable you to study effectively if you have a disability or additional requirement.

Guidance: Information, advice and guidance policy

This document sets out our policy on delivering information, advice and guidance to prospective, past and current students.

Harassment - Student Code for Dealing with Bullying and Harassment

This code applies to all forms of bullying and harassment occurring in OU contexts, including residential schools, tutorials, day schools and research supervision sessions.  Part 1 sets out the policy and Part 2 covers the procedures for making a complaint, and how complaints should be handled.

Cases of alleged serious criminal offence, such as physical and sexual assault, must be immediately reported to the police. In such cases the University will take no action under this code (other than suspension, if considered necessary) until the outcome of any criminal investigation is known.

Health and safety: Advice for using your computer

Suggestions for setting up your computer and working safely.

Honours degree classification - Working out your class of honours

The honours degree classification process is explained, and threshold scores are given for the different categories of honours degree.  Two worked examples show how the process is applied to individual student records.

Information - Freedom of Information Code of Practice

The key aim of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FoIA) is to provide legal rights for the public and to place legal duties on public authorities in order to promote a culture of openness.  This code of practice explains the two main responsibilities of the University under the FoIA, how information will be shared and what information is exempt.

Information, advice and guidance - statement of service

The OU offers impartial advice for prospective, past and current students on a variety of topics, including: support during your studies, advice on qualifications and modules, and services offered to enable you to study effectively if you have a disability or additional requirement.

Information, advice and guidance policy

This document sets out our policy on delivering information, advice and guidance to prospective, past and current students.

Intellectual property and commercialisation

The policy documents covering intellectual property and commercialisation are currently being revised. For more information on the policy covering intellectual property and commercialisation, contact innovation-enterprise@open.ac.uk or telephone 01908-659783.

Module Regulations

These regulations apply to students registered with The Open University and together with the Conditions of Registration, they define the basis of the registration agreement between the student and the University. 

Open University Students Assocation - Education Act 1994 - further information

A summary of the position of OUSA in relation to freedom of speech and charitable legislation.

Open University Students Association (OUSA) - Education Act 1944, reform of student unions

This document explains that the University must take such steps ‘as are reasonably practicable’ to ensure that the Open University Students Association (OUSA) operates fairly and democratically and is accountable for its finances. The Act also requires the University to provide information about students’ rights in relation to OUSA.

Open University Students Association (OUSA) - Education Act 1994 - code of practice, student unions

The Code of practice shows what action the OU has taken to meet the requirements required by the 1994 Education Act:  part II and noted in the reform of student unions document. 

Open University Students Association (OUSA), procedure for complaints about

This complaints procedure is designed to comply with the provisions of the Education Act, 1994: Part II, Student Unions, clause 22(m) and (n). It is solely intended for any Open University student or group of such students who:

i) are dissatisfied in their dealings with the Open University Students Association; or

ii) claim to be unfairly disadvantaged by reason of their having exercised the right not to be a member of the Open University Students Association

Personal relationships - Code on personal relationships between staff and students

In line with the OU's Equality and Diversity Strategy, all members of staff and all students should take note of this Code and should adhere to it in cases where personal relationships may cause a conflict of interest.

This might arise when a member of OU staff is responsible for the admission, teaching or assessment of a student with whom they have a personal relationship that brings with it obligations, benefits or dependencies.

Plagiarism

If a student submits an assignment that contains work that is not their own, without indicating this to the marker (acknowledging your sources), they are committing ‘plagiarism’ and this is an offence.

Submitting work that has been done by someone else and persistent borrowing of other people’s work without citation are obvious instances of plagiarism and are regarded as cheating. Copying answers from social networking sites is cheating. Paying for work from other sources and submitting it as your own is also cheating. It is intellectually dishonest to cheat and thus give one student an unfair advantage over others.

Passing on an assignment to others, with the knowledge that another student may plagiarise the assignment will also lead to a penalty.

Policy on the Retention of Alumni Data and Records

This policy defines the principles, time periods, mechanisms and responsibilities for the University’s retention of alumni personal data.

Policy on the Retention of Student Data and Records

This policy defines the principles, time periods, mechanisms and responsibilities for the university’s retention of student personal data. The university Retention Schedule sets out the agreed timeframe for the retention of all student personal data and records.

Procedure for appeals relating to TMA and eTMA scores

This document explains how students can query the score for a TMA or eTMA.

Procedure for appeals relating to TMA and eTMA scores (Welsh)

Mae’r ddogfen hon yn egluro sut allwch herio sgor aseiniad wedi ei Farcio gan Diwtor/Aseiniad wedi'i Farcio'n Electronig gan Diwtor.

Procedure for Complaints about The OU Students Association (OUSA)

This complaints procedure is designed to comply with the provisions of the Education Act, 1994: Part II, Student Unions, clause 22(m) and (n). It is solely intended for any Open University student or group of such students who:

i) are dissatisfied in their dealings with the Open University Students Association; or

ii) claim to be unfairly disadvantaged by reason of their having exercised the right not to be a member of the Open University Students Association

Protection - Safeguarding and protecting children and young people at The OU

The OU is open to all, including people under 18. This policy covers all situations involving contact between anyone working at the University (whether paid or unpaid) and students and under 18s, whether that contact is in person (e.g. in tutorials, day schools, residential schools, field trips) or by any other means (e.g. by email, telephone, online conferencing or correspondence). 

The policy is in line with current safeguarding/child protection policy, legislation and guidance in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

Public Interest Disclosure (whistleblowing)

This Public Interest Disclosure policy provides guidance to staff and students wishing to raise their reasonable suspicions about irregularities in the running of the University or of the activities of colleagues within the University.  It is in line with the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 and explains what steps can be taken if there are any concerns.

The guidance does not replace the University’s existing policies and procedures in relation to grievances, harassment, disciplinary matters or student complaints. Further information is given about situations where injustices or discrimination affect an individual personally, or where there is suspected fraud or financial irregularities.

Queries and appeals procedure

The Open University often has to make decisions that affect students personally, perhaps to do with an application for exceptional examination arrangements, a request for a fee refund, a credit transfer claim or an award of a module result. If a student thinks that their case has not been properly considered or that a decision is unfair, they have the right to query and then to appeal against it.

This document explains the general procedure for querying and appealing against University decisions. Some kinds of appeal have separate procedures.

Queries and appeals procedure – Welsh version

Yn aml bydd rhaid i'r Brifysgol Agored wneud penderfyniadau sy'n cael effaith arnoch chi'n bersonol, efallai penderfyniad ynghylch cais am drefniadau arholi eithriadol, cais am ad-daliad ffi, hawliad trosglwyddo credyd neu ddyfarnu canlyniad cwrs. Os ydych o'r farn nad yw ystyriaeth briodol wedi'i rhoi i'ch achos neu fod penderfyniad yn annheg, mae gennych yr hawl i herio'r penderfyniad ac yna apelio yn ei erbyn.

Registration: Conditions of Registration

These documents set out the general conditions of registration that apply to students’ study with The Open University.

Regulations

These regulations apply to students registered with The Open University and together with the Conditions of Registration, they define the basis of the registration agreement between the student and the University. 

Relationships - Code on personal relationships between staff and students

In line with the OU's Equality and Diversity Strategy, all members of staff and all students should take note of this Code and should adhere to it in cases where personal relationships may cause a conflict of interest.

This might arise when a member of OU staff is responsible for the admission, teaching or assessment of a student with whom they have a personal relationship that brings with it obligations, benefits or dependencies.

Retention of data, alumni - Policy on the Retention of Alumni Data and Records

This policy defines the principles, time periods, mechanisms and responsibilities for the University’s retention of alumni personal data.

Retention of data, students - Policy on the Retention of Student Data and Records

This policy defines the principles, time periods, mechanisms and responsibilities for the university’s retention of student personal data. The university Retention Schedule sets out the agreed timeframe for the retention of all student personal data and records.

Safeguarding and protecting children and young people at The OU

The OU is open to all, including people under 18. This policy covers all situations involving contact between anyone working at the University (whether paid or unpaid) and students and under 18s, whether that contact is in person (e.g. in tutorials, day schools, residential schools, field trips) or by any other means (e.g. by email, telephone, online conferencing or correspondence). 

The policy is in line with current safeguarding/child protection policy, legislation and guidance in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

Social networking guidance

This guidance applies to you if you use a social networking site to talk with other students or to help your study. By social networks we mean any non-OU online tool that enables you to communicate or share content with others, such as blogs, wikis, Twitter and Facebook, but not email.

Please note that this document does not constitute legal advice. It is intended to advise and guide your engagement with social networking.

There is additional advice in the Computing guide covering copyright guidelines for students working online.

Software, tools and content- terms and conditions governing the use of

By accepting a place on an OU module or otherwise using OU computing facilities, you have given a legal undertaking to comply in full with the terms and conditions governing the use of software, tools and content.

Statement of service - Careers Advisory Service

An outline of the advice and guidance available from the Careers Advisory Service, whose mission is to empower OU students to recognise their potential and achieve their personal, educational or career goals in the changing world of work and lifelong learning. 

Statement of service - information, advice and guidance

The OU offers impartial advice for prospective, past and current students on a variety of topics, including: support during your studies, advice on qualifications and modules, and services offered to enable you to study effectively if you have a disability or additional requirement.

Statement of Service - Tutor Support

This statement was written for students, to expand on aspects of the Student Charter which relate to the relationship between students and their tutors.

Student assessment - Code of Practice for Student Assessment

This document is part of the student regulations which apply to all students of the OU.

These regulations define the basis of the registration agreement between the student and us. Students who register for a specific academic qualification from the University are also governed by our qualification regulations which deal with registering for a qualification, completing a qualification and other matters about qualifications. The detailed assessment rules for each module appear separately as module rules.

Student association, complaints - Procedure for Complaints about The OU Students Association (OUSA)

This complaints procedure is designed to comply with the provisions of the Education Act, 1994: Part II, Student Unions, clause 22(m) and (n). It is solely intended for any Open University student or group of such students who:

i) are dissatisfied in their dealings with the Open University Students Association; or

ii) claim to be unfairly disadvantaged by reason of their having exercised the right not to be a member of the Open University Students Association

Student Charter

The Open University has drawn up its own Student Charter to summarise the standards that you can expect as a student taking an Open University taught module and to set out your responsibilities. (For research students the Research School supplies instead a ‘Code of Practice for Supervisors and Research Students’.) Although the University’s Student Charter provides a set of benchmarks, it is not a contractual document between students and the University.

This new Student Charter has been approved and will come into effect from 1 August 2013. Further details will follow.

The current Student Charter remains in effect until 31 July 2013.

Student Code for Dealing with Bullying and Harassment

This code applies to all forms of bullying and harassment occurring in OU contexts, including residential schools, tutorials, day schools and research supervision sessions.  Part 1 sets out the policy and Part 2 covers the procedures for making a complaint, and how complaints should be handled.

Cases of alleged serious criminal offence, such as physical and sexual assault, must be immediately reported to the police. In such cases the University will take no action under this code (other than suspension, if considered necessary) until the outcome of any criminal investigation is known.

Student Complaint Procedure

We define a complaint as ‘an expression of dissatisfaction concerning the provision of a programme of study or related academic or administrative service, when the complainant has drawn his or her concern to the attention of the University and is not satisfied with the response’.

Student Complaint Procedure (Welsh)

Ein diffiniad o gŵyn yw 'mynegiant o anfodlonrwydd o ran rhaglen astudio neu wasanaeth academaidd neu weinyddol cysylltiedig a ddarperir, pan fydd yr achwynydd wedi tynnu sylw'r Brifysgol at ei bryder ef/at ei phryder hi, ac nad yw'n fodlon ar yr ymateb'.

Student Computing Code of Conduct

All students must abide by the Computing code of conduct, which explains your responsibilities for helping to keep our computing resources and services secure. People who break this code of conduct may have to face our disciplinary or criminal procedures (or both).

Student data and records - Policy on the Retention of Student Data and Records

This policy defines the principles, time periods, mechanisms and responsibilities for the university’s retention of student personal data. The university Retention Schedule sets out the agreed timeframe for the retention of all student personal data and records.

Student discipline - Code of Practice for Student Discipline

Under statute 16(23) of our Charter, we must have a Code of Practice for Student Discipline. The aim of this code is to make sure that we maintain academic standards and provide an appropriate learning environment.

Student Employability Policy Statement

This policy outlines the University's approach to employability development for registered students and should be read in conjunction with the Careers Advisory Service statement of service provided by the University.

Student registration: Conditions of Registration

These documents set out the general conditions of registration that apply to students’ study with The Open University.

Student Regulations

These regulations apply to students registered with The Open University and together with the Conditions of Registration, they define the basis of the registration agreement between the student and the University. 

Student unions - freedom of speech, charities - Education Act 1994

A summary of the position of OUSA in relation to freedom of speech and charitable legislation.

Student unions, code of practice - Education Act 1994

The Code of practice shows what action the OU has taken to meet the requirements required by the 1994 Education Act:  part II and noted in the reform of student unions document. 

Student unions, reform - Education Act 1994

This document explains that the University must take such steps ‘as are reasonably practicable’ to ensure that the Open University Students Association (OUSA) operates fairly and democratically and is accountable for its finances. The Act also requires the University to provide information about students’ rights in relation to OUSA.

TMA and eTMA scores - procedure for appeals

This document explains how students can query the score for a TMA or eTMA.

TMA and eTMA scores - Procedure for appeals (Welsh)

Mae’r ddogfen hon yn egluro sut allwch herio sgor aseiniad wedi ei Farcio gan Diwtor/Aseiniad wedi'i Farcio'n Electronig gan Diwtor.

Transitional fees

  • Fee Rules 2012 (202KB) revised 15 May 2013 - for qualifications and modules starting from 1 August 2012. This document sets out the rules we apply to work out the fees you may have to pay to study with The Open University, including eligibility for transitional arrangements (where applicable), and the fee refunds or fee discounts you may be eligible for if there is a change in your study plans.
  • Fee Rules 2013 (292KB) revised 15 May 2013 for qualifications and modules starting from 1 August 2013. This document sets out the rules we apply to work out the fees you may have to pay to study with The Open University, and the fee refunds or fee discounts you may be eligible for if there is a change in your study plans.
  • Discretionary Fee Discounts (31KB) - applies only to modules starting on or before 31 July 2012 

Tutor (Associate Lecturer) Support Statement

This statement was written for students, to expand on aspects of the Student Charter which relate to the relationship between students and their tutors.

Under the age of 18, admission of applicants

This document sets out the University's policy for the admission of applicants under the age of 18 and includes the admissions process for applicants under the age of 16.

Policy for the admission of applicants under the age of 18 (53KB)

Using social networking tools: guidance for OU students

This guidance applies to you if you use a social networking site to talk with other students or to help your study. By social networks we mean any non-OU online tool that enables you to communicate or share content with others, such as blogs, wikis, Twitter and Facebook, but not email.

Please note that this document does not constitute legal advice. It is intended to advise and guide your engagement with social networking.

There is additional advice in the Computing guide covering copyright guidelines for students working online.

Welsh version - Our Student Complaint Procedure

Ein diffiniad o gŵyn yw 'mynegiant o anfodlonrwydd o ran rhaglen astudio neu wasanaeth academaidd neu weinyddol cysylltiedig a ddarperir, pan fydd yr achwynydd wedi tynnu sylw'r Brifysgol at ei bryder ef/at ei phryder hi, ac nad yw'n fodlon ar yr ymateb'.

Welsh version - Procedure relating to appeals for TMA and eTMA scores

Mae’r ddogfen hon yn egluro sut allwch herio sgor aseiniad wedi ei Farcio gan Diwtor/Aseiniad wedi'i Farcio'n Electronig gan Diwtor.

Welsh version - Queries and appeals procedure

Yn aml bydd rhaid i'r Brifysgol Agored wneud penderfyniadau sy'n cael effaith arnoch chi'n bersonol, efallai penderfyniad ynghylch cais am drefniadau arholi eithriadol, cais am ad-daliad ffi, hawliad trosglwyddo credyd neu ddyfarnu canlyniad cwrs. Os ydych o'r farn nad yw ystyriaeth briodol wedi'i rhoi i'ch achos neu fod penderfyniad yn annheg, mae gennych yr hawl i herio'r penderfyniad ac yna apelio yn ei erbyn.

Whistleblowing - Public Interest Disclosure Policy

This Public Interest Disclosure policy provides guidance to staff and students wishing to raise their reasonable suspicions about irregularities in the running of the University or of the activities of colleagues within the University.  It is in line with the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 and explains what steps can be taken if there are any concerns.

The guidance does not replace the University’s existing policies and procedures in relation to grievances, harassment, disciplinary matters or student complaints. Further information is given about situations where injustices or discrimination affect an individual personally, or where there is suspected fraud or financial irregularities.

Withdrawals, Deferrals and Cancellations

This document sets out the policy that will govern how we will respond if you want to take a break in your studies or wish to change your study plans.

 

This document explains the procedure you must follow if you have registered for a module or qualification which starts after 1 August 2012, and you want to defer or withdraw from your studies or want to change your choice of module. 

 

The Assessment banking rules set out the conditions you will have to meet if, when you defer a module, you wish to retain the scores from assessments you have completed, carry these forward to a future presentation of the same module, and complete the assessment requirements during that future presentation. This process is called 'assessment banking'.

Working out your class of honours

The honours degree classification process is explained, and threshold scores are given for the different categories of honours degree.  Two worked examples show how the process is applied to individual student records.