In December 2023, The Open University made some changes to the Fitness to Study Policy.
a) The wording of the Policy has been revised throughout to enhance clarity.
b) A new phrase is used within the Summary of Policy, ‘Behaviour contrary to the Student Charter’ and this is fully defined within the glossary. Example behaviours are given in the definition. The phrase ‘unacceptable behaviour’ has been removed from the Summary and throughout.
c) The related documentation section has been updated.
d) Student Charter Values 9 and 11 have been identified as being closely aligned with this Policy.
e) Provision has been made via paragraph 2.7 to enable us to suspend Students and Learners in serious cases pending a Case Conference Panel being convened if there are significant concerns that the safety or wellbeing of students, learners or staff is at risk or there is a severe impact on the teaching, support or administrative process of the Open University.
f) Students and Learners may have a friend or representative to support them at the meetings in Stages 2 and 3. This wording matches the similar provision in the Code of Practice for Student Discipline.
g) Paragraph 3.1 has been added to describe the overarching principles which apply if The Open University implements this Policy.
h) It has been clarified throughout, and in particular in paragraph 3.6, that The Open University can follow this Policy without the agreement of the Student or Learner.
i) Paragraph 3.3 clarifies that this Policy may be used alongside or instead of the Student Support Framework for students registered on the PGCE in Wales.
j) It has been clarified throughout, first referred to in paragraph 3.7.2, who will contact a Student or Learner to discuss their case. The phrase, appropriate person familiar with providing support, has been adopted and is fully described in the glossary.
k) The term Senior Authority, first referred to in paragraph 3.7.7, has been fully described for each separate study programme. The definitions are found in the glossary.
l) Section 3.8, Stage 2 of the Fitness to Study Procedure has been renamed, ‘Continuing or Heightened Concerns’.
m) The glossary has been updated and improved with definitions for more of the key terms used in the Policy. n) The Further clarification section has been revised, and now gives appropriate contact points for all study programmes in scope of this Policy.
