I am excited to announce that the University of Derby Academic Board has unanimously approved our new regulations amendment to address student financial hardship.
As your Union President, I am excited to announce that the University of Derby Academic Board has unanimously approved our new regulations amendment to address student financial hardship. This change is set to be introduced starting from the 2024/25 academic year, beginning in September 2024.
Following extensive research and student feedback, the University Regulatory Framework Committee initially approved these amendments and sent them to Academic Board for final approval. Our goal was to adapt the Request for Additional Consideration (RAC) policy to better support students facing financial challenges.
The approved amendment includes changes to the level 1 RAC policy, recognising unforeseeable financial hardship as valid grounds for a one-week extension. This subtle yet meaningful change demonstrates our commitment to addressing student needs and gathering data on financial hardships to better inform future support strategies.
Additionally, the amendment provides detailed guidance on applying for level 2 RAC in cases of significant financial hardship, such as sudden illness due to financial stress, employment termination, and severe housing issues. The emphasis is on the impact of these circumstances on academic performance, requiring evidence of this impact rather than detailed financial documentation.
Starting in September 2024, this policy not only seeks to enhance fairness but also strengthens the university’s connection to its student body, reflecting a genuine commitment to listening and responding to student concerns.
The data collected through this policy will offer valuable insights into the extent of financial hardship among our student body, enabling the implementation of more targeted support measures in the future. We are confident that these changes will positively impact students’ academic experiences.
We are incredibly proud of this step forward and look forward to continuing our efforts to support our student community effectively.
On behalf of the Union of Students, I would like to once again extend a special thank you to Katie Guyler, Student Policy & Regulations Manager, for her invaluable support in getting this amendment passed.
If you have any questions about this policy update, please email president@derbyunion.co.uk.