Hello all
I am currently assisting a student who has hydrocephalus. As part of this condition, he suffers from a build up of pressure in his head which can, in turn, cause severe migraines. These are exacerbated by stressful conditions, in particular preparing for and sitting exams. At times his migraines can be so severe that he has to be admitted to hospital. The condition also effects his eyesight and mobility.
The student has asked his School to allow him to be assessed purely on course work. In support of this he has submitted letters from his GP and consultant neurosurgeon stating that they would be supportive of alternative methods of assessment. Unfortunately the student's School are unwilling to arrange alternatives to examinations. They feel that they have already provided adequate additional support (e.g. shorter exams, flexible dates, an amanuensis/ reader, rest breaks). The student does not feel the School have gone far enough and is very concerned about exams he will have to sit in his final year. The student has raised the issue formally to the University, but feels he is not getting anywhere.
We are currently preparing to go to a formal hearing about the matter and I am keen to collect evidence on whether other institutions offer such exam exemptions to students.
For information, the course does not lead to a professional qualification.
Thanks.
Morven Proctor
Welfare Adviser
Liverpool Students Union
Maryland Street
L1 9DE
Tel: 0151 231 4942
Fax: 0151 231 4931
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