Latest Covid 19 Mitigation Updates

Did you know that regular updates on the latest decisions by the Examinations and Assessments Contingency Panel are published on the Academic Manual Covid-19 page?

Changes to the Academic Manual for Covid-19

The most recent updates include:

• New guidance has been published on Which ‘no detriment’ classification applies when?
• The Progression and Award Rules are being built into Portico and will be sent out for departmental testing soon. The plan is for confirmed rules in Portico to be published to students when we reopen after Easter.
• Bespoke Covid mitigation packages have been agreed for the Slade, BA English, IOE, ITE, Laws, MBBS, and Brain Sciences Pass/Fail programmes (see latest EACP update)
• Advice has been issued on classification borderlines for UG students on the old regulations (see latest EACP update) 
• In response to student feedback, further guidance has been published on Technical Issues and Extenuating Circumstances. This explains the difference policies for different types of coursework, including coursework and other forms of assessment.
• The Enhanced Extenuating Circumstances Policy has been updated to emphasise that ongoing parenting/ home-schooling, caring responsibilities, employment as a critical worker, and, in some circumstances, technical issues are valid grounds for extenuating circumstances during the pandemic.
• Departments can choose to make ‘non-condonable’ modules ‘condonable’, including dissertation modules of up to 30 credits. Further details on how to apply are available from Student Records.
• SSW and the Exams team have issues new guidance on SORAs for Departmentally-Managed Exams.
• There is a Revised Exams and Assessments Timeline for 2020-21. The Late Summer Assessment period has been moved forward by one week and the PGT exam boards have been moved back by two weeks to give departments more time for marking, second-marking and exam boards.
• As with last year, the one calendar month ‘turnaround time’ for feedback has been suspended in order to ease pressure on markers. This gives flexibility to exceed the one month feedback standard beyond the extra week that is already possible. An explanation should be given to students and best endeavours made to return feedback as soon as possible. Marks are still required by the exchange of marks deadlines.

Contact email for further information: academicregulations@ucl.ac.uk