Changes to policy and curriculum

Conditions of Registration 2022/23 (Apprentices)

In March 2022, The Open University published the Conditions of Registration (Apprentices) 2022/23 for the first time.

These Conditions set out the terms of the agreement between you and The Open University. They also reference other policies, procedures, guidance documents, The Open University regulations and codes of practice listed in Related Documentation. Together with the Apprenticeship Registration Agreement and Funding Rules specific to the Nation in which you are studying, these documents set out the details of your rights and obligations as a Student of The Open University.

The changes made:

There have been several significant changes to this policy:

1. Professional Development (PD) courses added to the ‘out of scope’ section.
2. Related documentation list updated to incorporate the Academic Conduct Policy and move Fitness to Study as a document that governs your study.
3. New Sections added entitled “Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the Open University” and “Safe Space Reporting”. 
4. 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).
5. Clauses A6.1 and D1.1 amended to include references to being a registered and current Open University Student.
6. Clause A6.4 amended to add a reference to the Gender Identity Policy and Guidance.
7. 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.
8. Clarification within clause A7.6.3 to describe administration of a waiting list.
9. Addition of clause A7.7 b)(v) to describe teach out arrangements where accreditation or validation of a qualification is withdrawn or not renewed.
10. Amendments to Section A9 “Student Discipline” to reference Academic Conduct.
11. References to Alternative Learning Experiences changed to ‘online schools’ in clauses C3.2-C3.4, and the Glossary.
12. Addition of two new sub-clauses: E2.1 j) regarding failure to disclose legal restrictions under Section A2. Addition of reference to carrying out a fraudulent action. 
13. Addition of new Section F4 “The Computing Policy and Social Media Policy”.
14. Amendment to Section G3 to reference removal of access to StudentHome if registration status has lapsed.
15. Addition of new section J, “Affiliation with third party organisations”.
16. Glossary updated: Reference to ‘Accredited Qulaification’, ‘Apprenticeship Enrolment and Support Team (AEST)’, ‘Case Conference Panel’, ‘Online school’.
17. Amendments to ‘Further clarification’ section.
18. 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.