Changes to policy and curriculum

Changes to tutorial arrangements

Warning: the content within this page reflects what was communicated to students in the 2016/17 academic year. As such, this information may no longer be factually accurate.

The University is changing the way tutorials will be run and this will be accompanied by a new tutorial booking system. These changes will result in a greater consistency and choice in tutorial arrangements as more flexible options are introduced. The tutorials will also be more integrated into a student's module and students will have information about what each tutorial will cover at the time they are published.

Who's affected

All students on modules starting in May 2016 onwards will be able to book onto a tutorial or day school using our new online booking system.

What's changing

• Tutorials will be delivered by a group of tutors and this gives students the opportunity to attend a tutorial session that suits them rather than just those run by their tutor.
• By February 2018 all face-to-face tutorials will have an online equivalent and therefore if a student can't attend in person they will be able to join in using their computer.
• Students will be able to book onto a tutorial using our new online booking system. This system is easy to use and students can access it from StudentHome.
• When the tutorials for a module are available to book, a message will appear on StudentHome and students will be able to book a tutorial.
• If a student's plan changes they can cancel and book another tutorial that's more convenient.
• A student's tutor will still be their main point of contact throughout a module and will still be available to answer their queries and mark their assignments, just as they always have.
• If a student has a specific question about tutorial arrangements for a module, for example if they have a disability and want to talk through their requirements for the tutorial, they should call their Student Support Team once the dates are available.

The tutorial booking system

The new tutorial booking system, in StudentHome, allows students to view and book tutorials as soon as the timetables are available. The latest we expect them to be available for students to book is the module start date so if the tutorial dates are not showing on StudentHome by then students should call their Student Support Team. The changes to tutorial arrangements are being phased in between now and February 2018, and by this time tutorial details will be published at the same time for everyone studying the module.

If a student is unable to attend a tutorial they've already booked, the booking system will allow them to cancel their place right up to the start time of their tutorial. Cancelling a booking will free up space for another student.

If a student wants to attend a tutorial but doesn’t book, we won’t know that they intend to go and therefore risk missing important information about the tutorial sent by the tutor running the session.

If a student has a disability, we recommend that they book onto a tutorial at least 10 days in advance. By booking in advance the University will be able to put in place any support required.

This new booking system will enable the University to assess attendance numbers and plan tutorial provision that better meets our students’ needs.

What students need to do

If a student is registered on a module starting from September onwards, a prompt will appear on StudentHome advising them to make a tutorial booking for their module.

Please talk to your Student Support Team if you need any further information. You can find out how to contact them on Contact the OU.