Conditions of Registration 2022/23 (Taught Courses)
In March 2022, The Open University published the Conditions of Registration 2022/23 for the first time.
The Conditions of Registration set out the terms and conditions (“Conditions”) that apply to registration for undergraduate and postgraduate taught modules and qualifications studied with The Open University.
The changes made:
There have been several significant changes to this policy:
- Professional Development (PD) courses added to the ‘out of scope’ section.
- Related documentation list updated to incorporate the Academic Conduct Policy and move Fitness to Study as a document that governs your study.
- New Sections added entitled “Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the Open University” and “Safe Space Reporting”
- In, ‘Summary of the main terms of the contract between us’, clause 3 has been amended to include postage charges for receipt of physical module materials sent to addresses outside of the UK.
- In, ‘Summary of the main terms of the contract between us’, clause 14 has been amended to include a voluntary or imposed study break in accordance with the Fitness to Study Policy; failure to meet any academic or administrative requirements shown in the module or qualification description, or within any related supplementary agreement; breaking of any conditions set out in this or any supplementary document; and failure to disclose any unspent legal restrictions or conditions that are specified within the Conditions of Registration in line with the Code of Practice for Student Discipline.
- Section A2 “Additional condition for disclosure of legal restrictions and conditions” has been amended to the latest advice regarding the requirement to disclose unspent criminal convictions at the point of registering to study at The Open University (A2.1); students who are currently, or become subject to a Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS, or other criminal justice agency) licence, Court Imposed Order or similar relevant condition/restriction imposed by a court or by an authorised body (A2.2); information regarding disclosure of ‘spent’ convictions (A2.4); consequences of non-disclosure (A2.5); and specific requirements for module(s) linked to a particular profession, with additional criteria governed by professional, statutory, and regulatory bodies (PSRBs: A2.6).
- Clauses A6.1, D2.2 and D3.2(a) amended to include references to being a registered and current Open University Student.
- Clause A6.4 amended to add a reference to the Gender Identity Policy and Guidance.
- Within A7.3, removal of sub-clause a)i which referenced the suspension or cancellation of registrations and enrolments where either too few or too many Students have registered or enrolled for the module to enable The Open University to provide an appropriate learning experience and/or assessment opportunity in order to meet the learning outcomes of the module and/or accreditation requirements. Subsequent renumbering of section.
- Clarification within clause A7.6.3 to describe administration of a waiting list.
- Addition of clause A7.7.6 to describe teach out arrangements where accreditation or validation of a qualification is withdrawn or not renewed.
- Addition of clause A9.2 to describe the complaints procedure for Welsh Language Standards.
- Amendments to Section A10 “Student Discipline” to reference Academic Conduct.
- Additional clarification within Clause B1.3 to reference examination centres.
- Amendment to clause B1.5 to include the Republic of Ireland.
- Amendment to clause B1.6 to add ‘Amazon Career Choice Programme voucher (UK residents only)’ as an acceptable payment method.
- Clause C3.1 amended to describe learning outcomes which are available on your module description or website.
- References to Alternative Learning Experiences changed to ‘online schools’ in clauses C3.2-C3.4, and the Glossary.
- Amendment to clause C3.5 to refer to a 6-month standard visitor visa.
- Addition of two new sub-clauses: E2.1 j) regarding failure to disclose legal restrictions under Section A2, and E2.1 k) regarding registration for a qualification lapsing. Addition of reference to carrying out a fraudulent action.
- Addition of new Section F4 “The Computing Policy and Social Media Policy”.
- Amendment to Section G3 to reference removal of access to StudentHome if registration status has lapsed.
- Addition of new section J, “Affiliation with third party organisations”.
- Glossary updated: Reference to ‘Case Conference Panel’, ‘Course’, ‘Integrated Master’s Degree’, ‘Lapse in Registration’, ‘Online school’, ‘Registration Agreement’.
- Amendments to ‘Further clarification’ section.
- Amendment to Appendix Ap 1.1 to describe the process of disclosure of an unspent conviction and to include two new offences.
For more help or information
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.
