Fitness to study
The Fitness to Study procedure is a supportive procedure used when a student’s health and behaviour is having a detrimental impact on their ability to progress and function at university.
The aim of the procedure is to:
- ensure the best interests of the student are being considered in relation to their personal situation, health and/or any disability they experience
- ensure that the student is receiving adequate support
- ensure that reasonable adjustments have been considered and where appropriate put in place
- enable the student to progress, meet the required learning outcomes and complete their course
- identify a plan of how to progress with clear boundaries and expectations, including continuing their course with adjustments, interrupting, repeating a year of study.
The Fitness to Study procedure is used as an alternative to any disciplinary procedure where there is sufficient concern that a student’s behaviour could be the result of disability, ill health or have an impact on the health & safety of the student or other people.
Staff who have any level of concern about a student’s health or behaviour should consider the use of this procedure.
If staff are unsure about whether to implement this procedure, they can seek advice and discuss their concerns, anonymously and in general terms with the mental Health Advisors, the Student Counselling Service, the manager of Disability Resource and the Student Health Centre.
Some examples of when it may be appropriate to use Fitness to Study include:
- When a student is struggling to keep the required academic deadlines or requirements and there is concern that their health, behaviour or disability is contributing to their progression.
- When a student has not engaged with study for a period of time without reason given. Absence is often an indication that there is an underlying difficulty occurring for the student.
- When there has been a significant change in the student’s academic achievement and/or engagement at university.
- When there may be a number of third party reports about a student, from departments in the University or from friends of a particular student. These again may be an indication that there is a need to address.
- When there is concern about how well a student may manage their learning experience on a year abroad/placement/field trip. Students may have been receiving support and staff may be concerned as to how well a student may cope in an unusual environment even when support issues have been addressed.
Academic and support staff may initiate use of the procedure if concern for the student is sufficient. Consultation with Head of College/Line Manager would be recommended.
For full details of the procedure:
