{"id":133,"date":"2023-06-01T11:06:59","date_gmt":"2023-06-01T10:06:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/qaco\/?p=133"},"modified":"2023-06-01T11:06:59","modified_gmt":"2023-06-01T10:06:59","slug":"june-2023-regulatory-framework-updates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/qaco\/2023\/06\/01\/june-2023-regulatory-framework-updates\/","title":{"rendered":"June 2023: Regulatory Framework Updates"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-39 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/qaco\/files\/2022\/12\/updates-typewriter.jpg\" alt=\"Typewriter with the word &quot;Update&quot;\" width=\"785\" height=\"441\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>Please note that the changes listed below have taken effect in the month prior to publication, unless specified otherwise.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>The following changes have recently been applied to the University&#8217;s Policies, Procedures and Examination Guidance:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW40515729 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW40515729 BCX8\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kent.ac.uk\/education\/regulatory-framework\/policies-and-procedures-examinations-guidance\">The Convention for Classification of Awards Guidance for Examiners 2022\/23<\/a> has been published replacing the previous guidance.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>The following changes have recently been applied to the Credit Framework:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Credit Framework For Taught Courses of Study: <span class=\"ui-provider gs b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak\" dir=\"ltr\">4.3 amended the minimum credit requirements for major\/minor. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"ui-provider gs b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak\" dir=\"ltr\">Credit Framework For Taught Courses of Study: 4.4 amended the minimum credit requirements for major\/major\/minor awards.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW40515729 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW40515729 BCX8\">Annex 6 (Marking): 3.2 moved under section 4, no changes to content.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Annex 13: Academic Appeals has been replaced with the standalone <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kent.ac.uk\/education\/regulatory-framework\/policies-and-procedures-examinations-guidance\/policies\">Academic Appeals Policy, <\/a>outside of the Credit Framework:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Summary of Amendments<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Policy has been amended in-line with the most up-to-date Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIAHE) Good Practice Framework. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:false,&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Policy was reviewed in-line with the OIAHE\u2019s 8 principles: accessibility, clarity, proportionality, timeliness, fairness, independence, confidentiality and improving the student experience. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:false,&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Creation of a standalone Academic Appeals Policy as there is no interdependency with the Credit Framework.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:false,&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Improved layout by dividing the document into clear sections and removing repetitive wording.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:false,&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Removed many procedural aspects in order to make the document more concise.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:false,&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Changed dates from working days to calendars days as this is clearer.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:false,&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Removed references to Boards of Examiners and replaced with the generic term, Academic Body.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:false,&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Created four appendices for further guidance about each type of appeal (ie, Board of Examiners, Academic Misconduct Committee, Attendance and Engagement Policy and Research degrees.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:false,&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Updated Grounds for Appeal related to prejudice and bias, in-line with OIAHE guidance and in order to provide more precise definitions for each appeal type.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:false,&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Reduced matters that can be brought to Early Resolution for Academic Misconduct appeals to only where a student is seeking clarification of a penalty.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:false,&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">General Information about Academic Appeals<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Updated wording about frivolous and vexatious appeals in-line with the new OIAHE Good Practice Framework wording.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:false,&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Added clause about dealing with appeals that raise concerns about protected characteristics.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:false,&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Amended to allow legal representation at Appeals Panel hearings in exceptional circumstances where agreed by the University.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:false,&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Added how students who have left the university might appeal, as per the OIAHE Good Practice Framework guidance.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:false,&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Added that, with the agreement of the student, their appeal outcome may be shared with the Student Conduct and Complaints Office (and vice versa) where this would be informative for the other process.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:false,&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Academic Appeals Process \u2013 General Information<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Changed Early Informal Resolution (EIR) terminology to Early Resolution (ER) as per the OIAHE Good Practice Framework.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:false,&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Added graphic to show visual representation of process steps.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:false,&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Added that evidence to support late submission would normally be required.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:false,&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Extended turnaround time for Divisions to provide Early Resolution outcome from 7 to 14-calendar days; it was not always feasible for Divisions to investigate and respond within the 7-day deadline.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:false,&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Extended the Formal Appeal submission deadline from 21 to 28-calendars days in order to accommodate extended ER turnaround.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:false,&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Extended turnaround time for QACO to provide Formal Appeal outcome from 21 to 28-calendar days; it was not always feasible for QACO to investigate and respond within the 21-day deadline.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:false,&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">More strongly set out expectations for students to attempt ER where appropriate and to have a valid reason if they opt not to. The intention of this is to provide students with the speediest outcome possible.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:false,&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Explained that academic progression and graduation cannot be guaranteed due to time constraints, and encouraged students to submit asap in order to ensure that a positive outcome can be actioned in time.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:false,&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Amended ER response to include the option for face-to-face discussions rather than a written response.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:false,&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Formal Appeal<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Included explanation about the use of self-certification as evidence.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:false,&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Removed the second Appeals Case Manager from the process in order to be more efficient.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:false,&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Added that appeals are assessed for level of urgency and will be prioritised accordingly.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:false,&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The following matters have been included as grounds that do not warrant an appeal; &#8216;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Lack of awareness of the relevant procedure or regulations&#8217; and &#8216;<\/span>Matters that would more appropriately be addressed through the complaints procedure&#8217;.<\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Expanded on technical conditions to expect students to provide adequate information for Appeals Case Manager to perform an initial assessment and, subsequently, undertake a full investigation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Expanded to explain the meaning of each Formal Appeal outcome.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:false,&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Appeal Review<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Moved the responsibility of assessing technical conditions for an Appeal Review from Appeals Case Managers to the Academic Chair in order to provide sufficient independence between decision-makers.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Clarified the actions available to the Academic Chair in coming to their decision about the Review outcome.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Added that an Appeal Review Panel will take place within 14-calendar days from the Academic Chair\u2019s decision to convene on.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Please note that the changes listed below have taken effect in the month prior to publication, unless specified otherwise. The following changes have recently been &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/qaco\/2023\/06\/01\/june-2023-regulatory-framework-updates\/\">Read&nbsp;more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":78536,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[267197],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/qaco\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/133"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/qaco\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/qaco\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/qaco\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/78536"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/qaco\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=133"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/qaco\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/133\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":138,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/qaco\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/133\/revisions\/138"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/qaco\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=133"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/qaco\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=133"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/qaco\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=133"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}