The University has introduced a new Reasonable Adjustments & Supportive Arrangements policy which replaces the existing Student Carers', Student Maternity, Student Parents' policies and the process by which disabled students can have reasonable adjustments implemented.
The policy is broadly divided into three different categories depending on your individual circumstances:
Reasonable Adjustments - these are adjustments the University is legally required to put into place for students who disclose a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010.
Continuing extenuating circumstances - these are circumstances which you are currently experiencing and are expecting to continue for more than a few days or weeks at a time. For example this might be the fact that you are a carer for someone, or have children under the age of 18.
Short-term extenuating circumstances - these are circumstances that are normally unexpected and are only expected to last for a short period of time. For example this might include a time-limited injury or medical condition; bereavement; or a time-limited personal or family situation affecting a your ability to undertake assessments.
We've provided more details below on how the policy can support students who fall into any or all of the categories above and the different types of support available.
- Disabled Students
- Expecting a Baby or Adopting a Child
- Caring Responsibilities
- Parental Responsibilities
- Humanitarian or Political crises
- Dual Career Athletes
- Mandatory Military Service
- Short-term Extenuating Circumstances
- Other Student Support policies
Disabled Students
If you have a disability, as defined by the Equality Act 2010, the University has a legal responsibility to implement what are referred to as "Reasonable Adjustments".
These adjustments will depend on the exact nature of your disablitity but can include things like:
- getting notes and lectures materials in advance
- alternative formats of lectures or course material
- receiving extra time during in-person or online exams
- equipment or aids, such as BSL interpreters, scribes or specialist computer equipment
- one-to-one support
- accessible rooms and venues, such as having quiet spaces or a separate room for an exam
It's important that you tell the University about any disabilities you have as soon as possible as this then enables them to put support in place as quickly as is praticable. You can do this by registering with the University's Disability Service as soon as you have an offer to study at the University, or if you're already an existing student you can speak to your Adviser of Studies or make an appointment with the Disability Service.
Expecting a Baby or Adopting a Child
If you are pregnant, or the partner of someone who is pregnant, or in the process of adopting a child, the University recognises that you may require some time off and some supportive arrangements so you don’t lose track of your studies.
The type of supportive arrangements the University can offer will depend on your own circumstances but may include:
- Extensions of more than 5 working days on any assignments you are due to submit
- Being permitted to sit an exam at a later time without any penalty
- An agreed interruption of your studies of up to 1 academic year
If you have any questions relating the above you should contact your Adviser of Studies (or Advising Team, or Supervisor), or the SRC Advice Centre.
Caring responsibilities
If you provide emotional or practical caring support to a friend, relative or neighbour who is unable to manage alone, and you think this might have an impact on your studies, then the University recognises that some supportive arrangements may need to be made.
You should contact your Adviser of Studies to discuss creating a "Study Support Plan" which will help the University to record the exact nature of your caring responsibilities and agree how they can support you with this.
The type of supportive arrangements the University can offer will depend on your own circumstances but may include:
- Extensions of more than 5 working days on any assignments you are due to submit
- Being permitted to sit an exam at a later time without any penalty
- An agreed interruption of your studies of up to 1 academic year
If you have any questions relating the above you should contact your Adviser of Studies (or Advising Team, or Supervisor), or the SRC Advice Centre.
Parental responsibilities
If you have responsibility for children under 18, the University can provide supportive arrangements to help you combine those responsibilities with your studies.
You should contact your Adviser of Studies to discuss creating a "Study Support Plan" which will help the University to record the exact nature of your caring responsibilities and agree how they can support you with this.
The type of supportive arrangements the University can offer will depend on your own circumstances but may include:
- Extensions of more than 5 working days on any assignments you are due to submit
- Being permitted to sit an exam at a later time without any penalty
- An agreed interruption of your studies of up to 1 academic year
If you have any questions relating the above you should contact your Adviser of Studies (or Advising Team, or Supervisor), or the SRC Advice Centre.
Humanitarian or Political crises
If you are an international student studying in Glasgow and have been affected by humanitarian or political crises within your home country the University can also offer support to you under the policy.
The type of supportive arrangements the University can offer will depend on your own circumstances but may include:
- Extensions of more than 5 working days on any assignments you are due to submit
- Being permitted to sit an exam at a later time without any penalty
- An agreed interruption of your studies of up to 1 academic year
If you have any questions relating the above you should contact your Adviser of Studies (or Advising Team, or Supervisor), or the SRC Advice Centre.
Dual Career Athletes
If you are studying at the University and meet the criteria of what the University consider to be a Dual Career Athlete you could be entitled to additonal support under the policy.
The type of supportive arrangements the University can offer will depend on your own circumstances but may include:
- Accessing lecture recordings of any lectures you are unable to attend
- Being permitted to sit an exam at a later time without any penalty
- Authorised absence from otherwise compulsory lectures or tutorials on your course
- An agreed interruption of your studies of up to 1 academic year
You can find more information the type of supportive arrangements that may be available to you as a Dual Career Athlete on the University's website here.
If you have any questions relating the above you should contact your Adviser of Studies (or Advising Team, or Supervisor), or the SRC Advice Centre.
Students required to undertake mandatory military service
If you are required to undertake mandatory military service in your home country and called to undertake this partway through your course at the University you could be entitled to additonal support under the policy.
The type of supportive arrangements the University can offer will depend on your own circumstances but may include:
- Extensions of more than 5 working days on any assignments you are due to submit
- Being permitted to sit an exam at a later time without any penalty
- An agreed interruption of your studies of up to 1 academic year
If you have any questions relating the above you should contact your Adviser of Studies (or Advising Team, or Supervisor), or the SRC Advice Centre.
Short-term Extenuating Circumstances
If you experience short-term extenuating circumstances, such as falling ill on the day of an exam or being unable to submit an assignment on time due to circumstances outwith your control, you should follow the process for applying for short-term extenuating circumstances outlined here.
Other Student Support policies
Please see the University website for a list of student support policies.