London South Bank University Regulations

Regulations on Assessment and Progression, updated September 2011 London South Bank University Regulations Faculty of Health and Social Care Regulations on Assessment and Progression Pre-registration Nursing programme September 2011

Table of Contents Module Assessment... 3 First Attempt at Assessment... 3 Provision for Students who have Failed Modules... 3 Protocol for Failed Modules... 4 Cheating and Plagiarism... 4 Meeting Practice Requirements... 4 Resolving Difficulties in Practice... 4 Provision for Students who have been Referred in Practice Components...5 Incomplete Practice... 5 Procedure to follow when withdrawing Student from the Practice... 6 Dealing with Poor Performance... 6 Removal from Practice... 6 Suspension from Practice pending a Disciplinary Investigation... 7 Professional Conduct... 7 Progression within the Programme... 8 Progression to BSc (Hons) at the end of Year Two [2008]... 8 Period of Registration... 8 Appeal Against Exam Board Decisions... 8 2

Section Seven - Regulations on Assessment & Progression London South Bank University Regulations 7.1 The Regulations on Assessment and Progression (2011) for nursing and the joint nursing and social work programmes are in addition to London South Bank University s Academic Regulations for Taught Programmes 2011-2012, and contain variations that are required in order to comply with Statutory Professional Body specifications, regulations and guidelines. 7.2 Information concerning assessment may also be found on the Student Gateway Portal at www.lsbu.co.uk/current.student/. Module Assessment 7.3 The written/theoretical component of a module is assessed by the award of marks. The pass mark for a module is normally 40% but may be higher than 40%. The practice component of a module is assessed on a pass/fail basis without an award of marks. Assessment will normally take place during the semester in which the module is delivered. 7.4 Students will normally be informed of their module marks within five weeks of the submission date. These marks are provisional until ratified by the Subject Area Examination Board. 7.5 Where a module combines a written/theoretical component with a practice component, students must pass both components to pass the module. 7.6 Practice modules do not contribute to the calculation of the award of honours. First Attempt at Assessment 7.7 The Faculty will ensure that the dates of assessments and examinations are published in Programme and Module Guides. It is the responsibility of the student to: Make themselves aware of these dates; and Submit practice assessment documentation on the dates required. Provision for Students who have Failed Modules 7.8 Where a student has failed one or more modules, the Award and Progression Examination Board will exercise its discretion to determine the most appropriate course of action, normally chosen from among the following, provided the maximum period of registration or indexing (5 years) has not expired. 7.9 Referral means that a student may be permitted to redeem failure at an assessment point agreed by the Award and Progression Examination Board. 7.10 A student who retrieves the module at the 2 nd submission: a) Shall normally be awarded a mark of 40% b) May then progress to the next stage of the programme or receive an award. 3

7.11 If a student has failed up to 45 credits on the first submission, the Award and Progression Examination Board may permit the student to resubmit these module assessments without further attendance. 7.12 If a student has failed 60 or more credits on the first submission, the student will normally be withdrawn from the programme. 7.13 If a student has failed the second submission of one module, the student will normally be withdrawn from the programme. 7.14 In exceptional circumstances, a student may be permitted to attempt the assessment of one module for a third time, provided that all other modules have been successfully passed. 7.15 All modules must be successfully completed before the student is allowed to progress to the next stage. Protocol for Failed Modules 7.16 Students have to meet the full requirements to pass a module, and protocol fails or compensated passes do not apply to this programme. Cheating and Plagiarism 7.17 Where there is a suspected case of cheating, plagiarism or other form of unfair advantage, the incident will be dealt with in accordance with University regulations and Professional Body guidelines. This is taken very seriously by the Faculty and can lead to withdrawal of the student from the programme of study. Meeting Practice Requirements 7.18 Students are expected to attend and be available to meet all programme requirements, both in the University and in the practice setting. Students are expected to fulfil the plan of study organised by the University and the practice setting. Unauthorised absence in either University or practice for more than 20 cumulative days within an academic year may result in withdrawal from the programme. 7.19 Within practice, a duty rota will be arranged for the student to enable them to meet practice requirements, which will include experience of 24 hour, seven day care. Students are not allowed to request changes to this duty rota except under exceptional circumstances. Any such changes must be negotiated at local level with the practice placement manager and Link Lecturer. 7.20 Students are required to gain a pass for each component within the practice assessment documentation on every practice learning opportunity. Resolving Difficulties in Practice 7.21 All practice learning will be monitored by the Fitness to Practice Panel, whose terms of reference are set out in Appendix 1 to these regulations. 7.22 If a student is experiencing a problem during practice, they are expected to discuss this with their mentor in the first instance and contact the designated Link Lecturer or their Personal Tutor. Where the problem is not resolved, it should be brought to the attention of the Cohort Leader or Course Director. 4

7.23 The University s extenuating circumstances procedures will not normally apply to practice performance. Provision for Students who have been Referred in Practice Components 7.24 All student practice referrals will be considered by the Fitness to Practice Panel. 7.25 Referral in any component in first year practice will require the student to repeat the placement to ensure that all practice outcomes are achieved prior to entering the second or third year of the programme. The length of this placement will depend on the number and nature of the components failed, and will normally be no less than four weeks and no more than six weeks to ensure that the student has adequate opportunity to improve on their original performance. Students who are unable to achieve an overall pass in the repeat placement the referred practice outcomes in six weeks will be deemed to have failed the placement and will be withdrawn from the programme. 7.26 Students will normally be allowed to carry over, where appropriate, up to four failed components, including a Maximum of one practice/professional value, on to the next placement. Any failure MUST be passed at the second attempt, in addition to the components for the new placement, by the end of that placement. The student will then be allowed to progress. 7.27 Any student who fails to pass a component at the second attempt will normally be withdrawn from the programme. 7.28 A failure in five or more components will result in an overall referral in practice. The student will normally be given the opportunity to complete and pass an equivalent placement before being allowed to progress on the Programme. This may require an alteration to the student s course plan. 7.29 Where a student has referred on a large number of components and/or has failed two or more practice/professional values, they may not be offered an opportunity to retrieve these components. This will be discussed with the Practice Learning Provider and could result in withdrawal from the programme. 7.30 A practice referral will count as a second practice referral if a student has been referred at any point earlier in the programme, including a previous year, and even if the earlier referral has been retrieved. A second practice referral will normally result in the student being withdrawn from the programme. 7.31 Referral in any component on the final practice placement will require the student to repeat the placement. The length of this placement will depend on the number and nature of the components failed. The length of the repeat placement will normally be no less than six weeks, to ensure that the student has adequate opportunity to improve on their original performance. Incomplete Practice 7.32 All practice hours must be completed successfully in order for the student to be able to meet NMC requirements. 7.33 All incomplete practice learning hours will be discussed with the Practice Learning Provider and may be discussed at Fitness to Practise Panel. 7.34 Practice Learning Provider induction, preparation for practice activities and mandatory skills sessions are counted as a part of the requirements for practice. It is a requirement 5

for completion of the practice that the student has attended them, and failure to do so may result in the student being unable to attend practice. 7.35 Authorised absence from practice for more than 25% of the time will normally result in a deferral of the placement and the opportunity to complete a repeat placement under exceptional arrangements. This may require an alteration to the student course plan. 7.36 Unauthorised absence from practice may result in withdrawal of the student from the practice and referral in the placement overall. This may result in withdrawal from the programme. Procedure to follow when Withdrawing a Student from Practice 7.37 Students attend practice with the agreement of the Practice Learning Provider. The Practice Learning Provider retains the right to exclude the student from practice. 7.38 The removal of a student from practice will only be carried out after careful consultation between the Practice Learning Provider and the University, and will not be considered unless one of the following exceptional circumstances apply: (a) the student is demonstrating unsafe practice to such an extent that clients and patients are being put at risk; or (b) the student is demonstrating unprofessional behaviour; or (c) there is clear evidence that the relationship between the practice team and the student has broken down. Clear documentation will be completed of the processes followed. Dealing with Poor Performance 7.39 Where there is concern about the student s performance the student should normally be given the opportunity to improve performance by working with the practice mentor and link lecturer to improve this, receiving support in the current placement and completing the full length of the placement. 7.40 Practice assessment documentation remains valid even when the student refuses to sign it. Refusal to sign the documentation will not be used by the student as a mechanism to avoid being referred in practice. 7.41 If a decision is made to remove and transfer a student to a new placement, the student will be notified in writing by the Course Director. This will include reasons for the removal and transfer and clarify why remaining in the original placement is not considered appropriate. The length of time of the placement to be completed will be clarified and agreed. 7.42 A request to be removed from placement will not be used by the student as a mechanism to avoid being referred in practice. A request to remove a student from practice will not be used by the practice mentor as an opportunity to avoid referring a student. 7.43 Reasons for removal from placement must be documented in the student s practice assessment documentation and notes of the meeting retained. Removal from Practice 6

7.44 Following a request to remove a student from practice, a meeting to discuss this will be held between the student, Link Lecturer or Course Director, and Practice Mentor. The student will be given the opportunity to respond to all issues which are causing concern, and to express any objection to their removal from placement. Notes will be made of this meeting. 7.45 A student who is removed from practice because of documented unsafe practice will be referred in the placement, and the Course Director s report on this referral to the Fitness to Practise Panel must record any student objection to removal, where evident. In a case where, after due consultation with the Practice Learning Provider, it is not considered appropriate to offer the student a repeat placement, the Course Director s report will recommend that the student be withdrawn from the programme. Suspension from Practice pending a Disciplinary Investigation 7.46 In exceptional cases when a student s behaviour appears to be in breach of the Faculty Directional Statement of Conduct Principles for Students and is of a serious nature, this may invite consideration within the context of the University s Student Disciplinary Procedure. This matter will be investigated, where appropriate, in partnership with the Practice Learning Provider, and a report of the outcome will be presented to the Fitness to Practise Panel. 7.47 Where a student has allegedly committed an offence/is the subject of a complaint that is being considered under the University s Student Disciplinary Procedure, or as part of the Practice Learning Provider s internal policy, the student may be suspended from practice until the matter is resolved. 7.48 Students can only be formally suspended by a Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University and where it is proposed that a student is suspended this must be referred immediately to a Pro-Dean. The outcome of disciplinary investigation may result in practice referral or withdrawal from the programme. 7.49 Where a member of university staff is not available, for example during a night shift or at the weekend, the Practice Learning Provider has the right to temporarily remove a student, without prejudice, pending further discussion with the University. The University will be notified as soon as possible. 7.50 The student has a right to appeal in limited circumstances against the outcome of disciplinary procedures within the University s Student Disciplinary Procedure. 7.51 Where a student has been sponsored and remains an employee, the employers policies and procedures will apply. Professional Conduct 7.52 The University takes a very serious view of professional misconduct. This is seen as a breach of the Faculty Directional Statement of Conduct Principles for Students and may lead to withdrawal from the programme. 7.53 Professional misconduct can be judged to have taken place in either the University or practice setting. 7.54 Falsification of any practice documentation will be regarded as gross professional misconduct and in breach of the Faculty Directional Statement of Conduct Principles for Students. This will normally result in withdrawal from the programme. 7

7.55 Failure to adhere to the Practice Learning and Assessment Guidelines may be regarded as professional misconduct and in breach of the Faculty Directional Statement of Conduct Principles for Students. This could result in withdrawal from the programme. Progression within the Programme 7.56 The NMC stipulates that normally all first year outcomes must be achieved before entering the second year of the programme. Students are normally required, therefore, to have successfully completed all modules (theory and practice) in year one before progressing to year two of the programme. 7.57 The NMC stipulates that normally all second year outcomes must be achieved and confirmed before entering the third year of the programme. Students are normally required, therefore, to have successfully completed all modules (theory and practice) in year two before progressing to year three of the programme. Progression to BSc (Hons) at the end of Year Two [2008 Curriculum] 7.58 On completion of the second year, dependent on the students academic profile during the second year, students will be offered the opportunity to transfer from the Advanced Diploma to BSc (Hons) in Nursing. 7.59 Decisions for progression to the BSc (Hons) pathways will be confirmed by the Award and Progression Board and will be based on the protocols published in Course Guides. 7.60 Students who are eligible to transfer to BSc (Hons) who prefer to remain on the Advanced Diploma route may do so. 7.61 Students who commence the BSc (Hons) and wish to transfer to the Advanced Diploma route may do so following discussion with the Course Director. 7.62 Students who commence a programme and do not meet the criteria for that award may withdraw from the programme with an exit award if they meet the criteria for that award. Period of Registration 7.63 To be awarded the Dip HE, Advanced Diploma or BSc (Hons), a student studying on a full-time basis must have completed the academic and professional requirements of the named award within a period of 5 years. Students who exceed, or who become likely to exceed, the five year period will be withdrawn from the programme 7.64 The University may terminate the registration of a student who has been inactive (i.e. who has submitted no work for assessment) for eighteen consecutive calendar months. If such a decision is made, an intermediate award within the regulations may be conferred. 7.65 On completion of the programme, students have up to 5 years to register as a Nurse on the Professional Register of the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Appeal Against Exam Board Decisions 7.66 The Award and Progression Examination Board may make decisions in relation to academic modules and failure to progress. A student has a right to appeal under the academic appeals procedure to the Appeals Panel. Extenuating circumstances procedures will not apply to practice performance. 7.67 The Award and Progression Examination Board may make decisions in relation to 8

referrals and failure in practice or, in relation to professional and academic responsibilities and professional conduct issues, which have been considered by the Fitness to Practise Panel. 7.68 Whilst a student is making an appeal against withdrawal by the Award and Progression Examination Board, they will not be able to commence a new practice placement until the appeal is resolved. They may, however complete an existing placement and attend the University. 7.69 Appeals against decisions made whilst the student is in the first year must be resolved before the student can progress into the second year of the programme. 7.70 Appeals against decisions made whilst the student is in the second year must be resolved before the student can progress into the third year of the programme. 9

APPENDIX 1 PRE-REGISTRATION NURSING AND MIDWIFERY FITNESS TO PRACTISE PANEL TERMS OF REFERENCE Purpose of the Panel The purpose of the panel is to receive and review fitness to practise issues of students undertaking nursing and midwifery programmes and make recommendations to the Award and Progression Examination Board. The areas to be covered by the reports are as follows: Health Issues An annual report from Course Directors confirming that candidates for admission to the university's Pre-registration Nursing and Midwifery programmes have undergone appropriate health checks. An annual report from Course Directors confirming that students on the programme have undergone health checks when required to confirm their suitability to recommence or remain on the programme. Case by case reports from Course Directors on individual students who have health issues which impact on their ability to continue on the programme. Disability Issues An annual report from Course Directors on disability issues raised in applications for admission to nursing or midwifery programmes. Case by case reports from Course Directors or assessment officers on individual students with disability issues which impact on their ability to continue on the programme. Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) checks An annual report from the Faculty CRB lead related to candidates for admission as evidence that CRB checks are carried out. Reports from Course Directors on investigations into any individual students who have received a conviction or caution whilst on the programme. Continued suitability for the programme An annual report from Course Directors confirming that all students have signed the Directional Statement of Conduct Principles at the commencement of each academic year, and on completion of the programme An annual report from Course Directors confirming that all students returning from a break in study have undergone OH and CRB checks, and have re-signed a the Directional Statement of Conduct Principles An annual report from Course Directors confirming that students applying to transfer-in from other programmes have undergone OH and CRB checks and have re-signed a Directional Statement of Conduct Principles Placement referrals and fails Reports from Course Directors or assessment officers on individual students who have been referred in practice, with agreed arrangements to support students in retrieving referred practice components. 10

Reports from Course Directors or assessment officers on individual students who have failed to retrieve practice components following referral, or who have been referred in practice on a second occasion. Academic Misconduct Reports with recommendations from Course Directors on the outcomes of academic misconduct investigations. Discipline Proceedings Reports from Course Directors on the outcomes of individual student discipline investigations, from their host trust or the university. Unsuitability for the programme due to poor attendance in either theory or practice or both. Reports from Course Directors or assessment officers on individual students related to nonattendance in the host trust or the university. Membership Chair (Pro Dean or nominee) External examiner representative Course Director from Adult Nursing, Children s Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Learning Disability Nursing and from Midwifery Representatives from service partners from Adult Nursing, Children s Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Learning Disability Nursing and from Midwifery as required. Other representation as deemed appropriate by the Chair 11