Senate

Subject: Assessment Flexibility Policy for Religious Observance

Origin: Learning and Teaching Committee, 12 February 2009

The Committee considered at the request of Senate and on the recommendation of Programme Quality Team a proposed assessment flexibility policy for religious observance. The approach followed in drafting the policy was similar to that used previously with the flexibility policy for elite athletes. Supporting evidence for a student’s request would be required from a relevant religious authority.

Departments had been consulted on the proposed policy, and information on practice in other institutions had been circulated. A summary of departmental responses to the consultation was tabled. Five out of seven departments which had responded were broadly content with it. One suggestion was that the policy as a starting point should encourage students to seek dispensation from their religious authority to enable them to take their assessments at the scheduled time; it was agreed that this should be written in. One department’s preference for using a chaperone for students granted dispensation did not find favour with the Committee; this was considered impractical unless the examination was taken within a few hours and on the same day as scheduled for other students. However, points regarding the difficulties that might arise from the deferral of SAP resits were well made. Most departments wished the policy to be made available without the University seeming actively to promote it.

The policy had been drafted with sensitivity to the varying practices in departments. Requests would be considered on a case by case basis and there would be the opportunity for discussion between the department and the Academic Registrar about the type of flexibility that might be offered. There was a willingness to review the policy in the light of experience and a recognition that it might be necessary to make adjustments if any particular aspects proved unmanageable.

It was resolved to recommend the policy to Senate for approval, subject to any adjustments to wording judged appropriate in the light of the departmental responses and discussion in the Committee.

Author – Robert Bowyer

Date – February 2009