We have been discussing something similar - a consultation paper is
currently out with Deans for comment with an anticipated introduction for
the 2000/2001 academic session
Judith A Davison
Assistant Academic Registrar
University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield HD1 3DH
Tel: 01484 472744
Fax: 01484 472765
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
-----Original Message-----
From: BARNES R.V. [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 31 January 2000 15:21
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Withholding results from student debtors
Following the article in the Higher on 14 January about the effect of new
legislation on the ability of universities to withold examination results
from students who are in debt, we have been considering this question and I
should be grateful if members of the list would let me have any views or
comments they may have on the following suggestion. Under the Data
Protection Act 1998 it will no longer, apparently, be permissible for
universities to withhold examination results from students who are in debt
as a lever to get them to pay. My suggestion, as a way of retaining this
sanction, would be to allow students to sit the examinations in the normal
way and to allow departments to mark the papers and enter the marks into the
computer database. However, in the case of debtors, their results would not
be considered by our Progression Boards or by our Award Boards. This would
mean that in the case of debtors no decision would be taken about
progression to the next level of study, nor any classification made for the
award of a degree to final year students. If debtors subsequently pay their
cases could then be referred to a Progression Board or an Award Board at a
later date. At Swansea this would mean that final year students dealt with
in this way would not qualify in time to attend the degree ceremony with
their cohort.
Is this a feasible way around our present dilemma and would it be legally
acceptable?
Robert V Barnes,
Director of Registry and Academic Registrar.
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