admissions policy (2)

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Admissions Policy and Procedure

Student Recruitment and Business Partnerships

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Contents

Page

1. Responsibility 3

2. Admissions Policy 3

3. The applications process 4

4. Disabilities and Specific Learning Difficulties 6

5. Criminal Convictions 6

6. Contact Information 6

Appendix A Terms and Conditions 7

Appendix B Entry Qualifications 10

Appendix C Admissions Complaints andAppeals Procedure 13

Appendix D Admissions Code of Practice 17for Applicants with Disabilities or Specific LearningDifficulties

Appendix E Admissions Code of Practice for 19Applicants declaring a criminal conviction

Appendix F University of Sunderland EqualOpportunities Policy 22

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1. Responsibility

The University of Sunderland Admissions Policy relates to entry in the academic year 2009/10is reviewed annually and is the responsibility of the Director of Student Recruitment andBusiness Partnerships (SRBP).

The Admissions Review Panel (ARP) and Admissions Co-ordinators Group (ACG) meetregularly to ensure that the institutions policies and procedures for the recruitment andadmissions of students are fair, clear, explicit and implemented consistently. It also discussesnew legislation.

This policy covers all foundation, undergraduate, postgraduate taught and part time applicationswhich are processed by the Admissions Team within SRBP. The policy is aimed at applicants,Higher Education Advisors and University of Sunderland admissions and academic staff. TheUniversity Terms and Conditions (see Appendix A) are printed on the reverse of all offer letters.

Admissions Review Panel Membership:

Director, Student Recruitment and Business Partnerships (Chair)

University Secretary or his nomineeAssistant Director, Academic ServicesAdmissions Manager (Secretary)

Admissions Co-ordinators Group Membership:

Director, Student Recruitment and Business Partnerships (Chair)Representative from each Faculty as decided by Faculty AD (Recruitment)International ManagerAssistant Director SRBP (Admissions)Assistant Director SRBP (Recruitment)Head of International Recruitment SRBPAdmissions Manager

2. Admissions Policy

The University of Sunderland welcomes applications from students who have the ability andmotivation to succeed. The University is a strong advocate of lifelong learning and wideningparticipation providing study opportunities for all applicants who have the potential to benefitfrom them. It also promotes the advantages of an inclusive national framework whichrecognises the value of both academic and vocational qualifications. Factors such as workexperience, vocational training and non-standard qualifications can be taken into account whenconsidering an application. Admissions tutors and admissions staff have discretionary powers toassess each case on individual merit. Qualifications which are not acceptable on their own maybe considered where there are particular combinations that are seen to meet the specificrequirements of an individual programme.

The University monitors changes in the curriculum to ensure that all new qualifications are fullyendorsed by the decision makers andrecognises the importance of timely and accurate pre-entry information to prospective students to enable them to make informed choices anddecisions in their selection of programmes of study. To this end the Universitys aim is to beproactive in the provision of information and advice to all applicants.

The entry criteria for each programme is reviewed annually and agreed at a Executive level,then passed to the Admissions Co-ordinators Group (ACG) for dissemination. The agreedcriteria is used by the admissions office to make decisions and only where there may be somedeviation will an application be referred to an admissions tutor and/or ACG/ARP for a finaldecision.

Potential candidates should not be discouraged if they do not meet the precise criteria and if,for any reason, the University is unable to offer an applicant a place on their chosen

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programme, they will, where possible, make an alternative offer to a programme which theapplicant may find suitable. This offer will not be made without first consulting the applicant.

Entry requirements for specific programmes of study are published in the UniversityProspectuses, the University website (http://welcome.sunderland.ac.uk/) and, for undergraduateprogrammes, on the UCAS (www.ucas.com) entry profiles which are updated as required by

admissions staff and faculty recruitment officers. Examples of acceptable qualifications are atAppendix B and applicants are encouraged to contact the University for further clarification oradvice, if required. The University offers places to applicants using the UCAS Tariff(http://www.ucas.ac.uk/students/ucas_tariff/).

The University ensures that staff involved with admissions, interviews, decision making etc. Areprofessional and receive appropriate training and development in admissions and related areas.This is done via in-house training for policy and processes and agreed guidance from the ACG.External training is also used via the UCAS Continuing Professional Development programme,conference sessions and shared best practice and advice via the Supporting Professionalism inAdmissions (SPA) team.

Feedback Policy

The University does not currently provide automatic feedback to unsuccessful applicants but willprovide feedback, where possible within seven working days, to those who submit a writtenrequest (requests made by email do not count as written) to the Admissions Manager,University of Sunderland, Student Gateway, Chester Road Campus, Sunderland, SR1 3SD.The admissions manager will give the reasons and, where possible, offer an alternative studychoice. The request must include the applicants full name, address and application referencenumber (where known). Applicants who wish to appeal against a decision will be referred to theAdmissions Review Panel under the Admissions Complaints and Appeals Procedure seeAppendix C.

The Supporting Professionalism in Admissions (SPA) programme, the Delivery PartnershipSteering Group (DPSG) and UCAS are currently working together for a consistent method offeedback to applicants following the Governments response to the consultation on Improvingthe HE Application Process. The University look forward to their recommendations and willamend this policy accordingly.

3. The Applications Process

The applications process varies depending upon the type of programme applied for. Allapplications, that are not given a decision on the day of receipt, will be acknowledged by eitheremail or postcard.

The University will endeavour to process standard applications (where no further information ondeclared disability or criminal conviction is required) within 5 working days of receipt. ForAcademic programmes which require interviews, all applications received by UCAS prior to the

15th

January deadline will be interviewed before the 28th

February and a decisionmade within 5working days of the interview. Interviews for direct applications will be undertaken within areasonable time scale and a decision made within 5 working days of the interview.

External deadlines will be adhered to at all times. The admissions team have audits which runon a regular basis to ensure applications are monitored and deadlines are achieved. Anyapplications which have not received a decision within 5 working days will be given priority. TheACG meet monthly and use application data and statistics to monitor the application process.This data and statistics are used to inform policy changes if required.

Full time Undergraduate programmes

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Applications for entry to Undergraduate Programmes must be submitted through theUniversities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) online facility apply at www.ucas.comwhere detailed online help is available.

If an applicant does not have access to internet at home or school or college they can use aUCAS online centre of which the University of Sunderland is one. Staff are available to assist

the applicant at the Student Gateway, Chester Road Campus. The UCAS institution code forthe University of Sunderland is SUND S84.

All applications received by UCAS prior to the 15 th January 2009 deadline will be given equalconsideration. Any forms received after this date but prior to 30 th June 2009 will be consideredas post-15 January and will be considered for programmes with vacancies. Applicationsreceived after the 30th June 2009 will be considered under the Clearing System.

Studio-based Art and Design Programmes

There are currently two ways to apply for Art and Design programmes* Route A andRouteB. If the programme you are applying to has a UCAS code beginning with letter W, you shouldapply using route A. If the UCAS code begins with the letter E, you should apply using route B

Route A follows the same process as any other full time undergraduate application via UCAS.Route B allows time for applicants studying, for example a Diploma in Foundation Studies (Artand Design), to identify their specialisation and prepare their portfolio. You can enter up to threechoices for Route B and, if you make more than one choice, you must give your order ofpreference. UCAS must receive your application for Route B between 1 January 2009 and 24March 2009.

*For the application 2010 cycle all applications for Art and Design programmes will be made as with other undergraduateprogrammes and the University will adhere to the 15 th January deadline for equal consideration of applications.

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Programmes

If you are a graduate and want to apply for an initial teacher training qualification through the

Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR), you can apply online at www.gttr.ac.uk whereall the help you need is on the site.

Part-time and Postgraduate taught programmes

Applications for part-time and postgraduate taught programmes can be submitted directly to theUniversity by using the on-line application form.

A University application form can be completed at:http://www.sunderland.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/howtoapply/

or by contacting:

The Student Helpline, Tel: (0191) 515 3000 Fax: (0191) 515 3805Email:[email protected]

Verifying Qualifications

In order to fulfil quality requirements the qualifications of all students entering the University willneed to be verified before full registration to study is completed. This verification is completedfor undergraduate applicants via the UCAS system if the results of their qualifications havebeen received by them from the examining bodies. All other qualifications will be assessed bythe admissions team during confirmation of offers. If this is not practical, applicants will benotified that they must bring original copies of their qualifications to registration.

Non-UK Qualifications which are not in English must be translated and our applicants from

overseas will also be given the opportunity to produce original documents for verification toUniversity staff either working or visiting overseas.

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Fraudulent Applications

The University takes the issue of fraudulent applications very seriously. If an applicant is foundto have submitted a fraudulent application the University their application will be withdrawn andthe relevant clearing house informed.

Applicants have the right to appeal and should follow the Admissions Complaints and AppealsProcedure at Appendix C.

4. Disabilities and Specific Learning Difficulties

In line with the Universitys commitment to a policy of Equal Opportunities (see Appendix F)under its admissions policy, no student will be subjected to less favourable treatment on thegrounds of disability or specific learning difficulty. It is recognised, however, that support fordisabled students and students with specific learning difficulties may be restricted by the limitedresources of the University and appropriate procedures have been established to facilitate this.These procedures are described in the Admissions Code of Practice for Applicants withDisabilities or Specific Learning Difficulties see Appendix D.

5. Criminal ConvictionsTo help the University reduce the risk of harm or injury to our students caused by the criminalbehaviour of other students, applicants are required to inform us of any relevant criminalconviction. Relevant criminal convictions are only those convictions for offences against theperson, whether of a violent or sexual nature, and convictions for offences involving unlawfullysupplying controlled drugs or substances where the conviction concerns commercial drugdealing or trafficking. Convictions that are spent (as defined by the rehabilitation of OffendersAct 1974) and are not considered to be relevant and should not be revealed,

Please note: for courses in teaching, health, social work or courses involving work with childrenand vulnerable adults, any criminal conviction including sentences and cautions (including

verbal cautions), reprimands, final warnings and bind-over orders are exempt from theRehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Further details of these procedures are outlined in the Admissions Code of Practice forapplicants declaring a criminal conviction see Appendix E.

6. Contact Information

For further information on entry requirements, general advice or the University AdmissionsPolicy contact:

The Admissions Office

Student Recruitment & Business PartnershipsUniversity of SunderlandChester Road CampusSunderlandSR1 2SD

Tel: 0191 515 3154Fax: 0191 515 3155Email: [email protected]

Last updated 19 March 2009 Edith Wilson

Appendix A Terms and Conditions

The attached offer is subject to the following terms and conditions:-

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Course Directories and Prospectuses describe programmes available from the University ofSunderland (the University). Every effort is made to ensure that all details, including the list ofmodules which make up each programme, are correct at the time of going to press but thesemay be subject to alteration. Should you become a student of the University, you will receivefurther documents describing the teaching, examination, assessment and other educationalservices (the educational services) offered by the University, including details of fees payable.

In the event of any inconsistency between the information contained in a Directory/Prospectusand the information set out in these further documents then the further documents will prevail.The University will take all reasonable steps to provide the educational services in the mannerset out in each Directory/Prospectus and in those further documents. The University does not,however, guarantee their provision, nor does it provide education to UK undergraduates on acommercial basis. It is also very largely dependent upon charitable and public funds, which theUniversity has to manage in a way which is efficient and cost-effective, in the context of theprovision of a diverse range of programmes to a large number of students. It should thereforebe noted that the educational services, programmes, facilities and other arrangements forstudents described in each Directory/Prospectus are regularly reviewed and are naturallysubject to change from time to time sometimes without notice.

The University reserves the right to make variations to the contents or methods of delivery of

programmes and modules, to discontinue and to merge or combine programmes and modules,if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University in the context of itswider purposes. If the University discontinues any programme, it will use reasonableendeavours to place the student on a suitable alternative programme.

The University will not be deemed to be in breach of these Terms and Conditions, or otherwiseliable to its students in any manner whatsoever, for any failure or delay in its ability to providethe educational services due to an event beyond the reasonable control of the University. Suchan event, for the purposes of these Terms and Conditions, means any cause preventing theUniversity from providing the educational services arising from or is attributable to acts, events,omissions or accidents beyond the reasonable control of the University including, withoutlimitation, strikes, lockouts or other industrial disputes, protests, war or national emergency, anact of terrorism, riot, civil commotion, malicious damage, compliance with any law orgovernment order, rule, regulation or direction, breakdown of plant or machinery, utilities failure,fire, explosion, an Act of God, flood, storm, epidemic or other natural disaster, or default ordelays of suppliers or sub-contractors. The University will use all reasonable endeavours tominimise the resultant disruption to those services.

It is the students' responsibility to familiarise themselves with and to ensure compliance with therequirements of any professional body which they wish to join either before or after graduation.Students should be aware that a change in their circumstances whilst studying (e.g. acquiringcriminal convictions or certain physical or mental ailments or illnesses) may affect theircontinued compliance and in such cases should be notified both to the relevant professionalbody and to the University for clarification. It should be noted that criminal convictions may notnecessarily be a bar to study, but must nevertheless be notified to the University. Whereappropriate, registration on a Programme may be conditional upon submission and subsequentsatisfactory clearance of a completed Protection of Children (Criminal Records Bureau

disclosure) and/or Medical Clearance form.

The University cannot accept responsibility and expressly excludes liability for damage to orloss of students' property whilst on University premises or the transfer of computer viruses tostudents' equipment unless caused by the negligence of the University.

Whilst registered as students of the University, the University requires its students to familiarisethemselves with and comply with University regulations and procedures, including 'Rules inRespect of Student Conduct and Discipline', copies of which can be obtained from theUniversity and can be found on its web site:- www.sunderland.ac.uk/regulations

The University requires its students, as a condition of enrolment, to ensure the payment to theUniversity in each academic year of the tuition fee and any other additional charges pertaining

to the course upon which they are enrolled. In addition to the tuition fee and charges forresidential accommodation, students may be required to pay for study materials provided by the

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University. These may include but are not limited to consumables such as creative artmaterials, computer disks, and special paper, to learning packs which are intended as cheaperalternatives to textbooks. If field trips are included within the programme you may be required tomeet the cost. The University reserves the right to revise or add fees at any time butappropriate notice will be given to those students affected by them. Students should be awarethat if a student has not paid the due fees or discharged any other financial obligation to the

University, the University reserves the right to neither allow the student to register nor continuein their studies, nor award a degree or other certification and reserves the right to take action torecover outstanding monies.

DATA PROTECTION ACT 1998

The University of Sunderland is registered as a data user with the Office of the InformationCommissioner. The University holds data relating to its students for a variety of purposes.These include:-

maintenance of the student record (including personal and academic details,) andmanagement of academic processes (for example, academic audits, examinationboards and awarding of degrees)

the management of student accommodation alumni operations, including fund-raising the provision of advice and support to students (via, amongst others, Student

Services, Student Accommodation Service, the Counselling Service, the StudentsUnion and the Careers Service)

The University (via academic departments, Student Services, and other ancillary departments)discloses student information to a variety of recipients, notably:

employees and agents of the University (on a need-to-know basis only) students sponsors (including LEAs, the Student Loan Company, and funding

councils) relevant government departments or agents acting on their behalf to whom the

University has a statutory obligation to release information (including the HigherEducation Statistics Agency, and Council Tax officers)

current or potential employers of students current or potential providers of education to students including partner or franchise

institutions in connection with the delivery of programmes of education the providers of the Campus Card student survey agencies, including those contracted to manage the National

Student Survey

NB. Disclosures to persons or institutions not listed above will be made only with studentpermission unless exceptional circumstances apply, as provided by law.

The University undertakes to maintain student data in secure conditions and to process and

disclose data only within the terms of its Data Protection Notification. The details above indicatethe nature of this notification but are not exhaustive the University's Data Protection Officershould be contacted if students have any specific questions. Please note that the University isreliant on students for much of the data it holds: please help the University us keep records up-to-date by notifying any alterations to student addresses, personal details, or courseenrolments.

Under the Data Protection Act 1998 an individual has the right to a copy of the current personalinformation held on him/her by the University and a right to raise an objection to dataprocessing that causes damage and distress. For details of these procedures please contactthe University's Data Protection Officer.

It should also be noted that, in accordance with tradition, in many cases assessment results are

published openly within this University. By applying to enrol on a course of study with the

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University students consent to the processing of personal data in the way described above andalso in terms of the right to privacy under the Human Rights Act, 1998.

EDUCATION ACT 1994Under the provision of the Education Act 1994 any student has the right not to be a member ofa students union and not to be unfairly disadvantaged with regard to the provision of services,

or otherwise, by reason of having exercised that right. At the University of Sunderland allstudents, members and non-members alike, have in general the right of access to servicesprovided by the University and the University of Sunderland Students Union (USSU). However,there are some rights which are not extended to non-members, and these include the following:

(i) the right to participate in USSU and NUS (National Union ofStudents) elections and decision-making processes, including those of clubs and societies,

(ii) the right of USSU and NUS representation,

(iii) the right of access to USSU bars, the Manor Quay night-club and certain USSU commercialactivities, except as guests of members,

(iv) the right to commercial advantages negotiated for the benefit ofUSSU and NUS members.

Should you accept an offer to study at the University, these Terms and Conditions shallconstitute part of any contract between you and the University and your acceptance will signifyyour consent to the incorporation of these Terms and Conditions. Any offer of a place made toyou by the University is made on the basis that in accepting such an offer you signify yourconsent to the incorporation of this notice as a term of any such contract and also youragreement to comply with University regulations and procedures.

These Terms and Conditions are governed by and are to be construed in accordance withEnglish law. The English Courts will have exclusive jurisdiction to deal with any dispute whicharises or may arise out of or in connection with these terms and Conditions, except that theUniversity may bring proceedings for an injunction or enforcement of any order or judgment inany jurisdiction.

University of Sunderland, 4th Floor, Edinburgh Building, City Campus, Chester Road,Sunderland, SR1 3SD, UK http://welcome.sunderland.ac.uk

Appendix B Entry Qualifications

The University accepts all nationally recognised advanced qualifications for entry to higher

education, and gives equal consideration to academic and vocational qualifications for all

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programmes of study. The University may also take into consideration skills and expertisegained from work experience or vocational training.

Examples of acceptable qualifications are listed below but if you do not have the exact entryrequirements please contact us for advice:

GCE and VCE A level*/ AS GNVQ/NVQ BTEC and SCOTVEC qualifications Recognised Access or Foundation Course 14-19 Diploma Baccalaureates Scottish and Irish Highers Honours Degree Professional Qualifications

*Unit grades are not currently taken into account.

Applicants to degree programmes will be expected to have: -

Three passes at GCSE grade C or above (including Mathematics & English) Forsome programmes or a minimum of level 2 Key/Basic Skills in Literacy, Applicationof Number/ Numeracy and Information Technology will also be considered.

and A minimum of 2x 6 unit awards or 1x12 unit award or equivalent (Achievement at a

lower level will be subsumed into the higher level, ie, AS points will be subsumedinto the A level points for the same subject and is not acceptable for entry alone

For some programmes 3 unit awards may be used to make up extra points Successful completion of a recognised Level 0 or Access Programme The full International, European or Welsh Baccalaureate Other qualifications as deemed acceptable by the University

Applicants to HND programmes will be expected to have: -

Three passes at GCSE grade C (including Mathematics & English) or above or aminimum of level 2 Key/Basic Skills in Literacy, Application of Number/ Numeracyand Information Technology will also be considered

AndA minimum of 1X 6 Unit award or equivalent

For some programmes 3 Unit awards may be used to make up extra points Successful completion of a recognised Level 0 or Access Programme The full international or European Baccalaureate Other qualifications as deemed acceptable by the University

Applicants to Foundation Degrees Three passes at GCSE grade C (including Mathematics & English) or above or a

minimum of level 2 Key/Basic Skills in Literacy, Application of Number/ Numeracy

and Information Technology will also be consideredand A minimum of 1x 6 Unit award including A levels or vocational equivalents e.g.

AVCEs/ GNVQs NVQ level 3 Applicants without formal qualifications may qualify for entry through relevant work

based experience

Applicants to Extended Programmes (Level 0) Level 0 programmes are intended for those students who may not have the

academic qualifications to enter a degree programme but may have relevant lifeexperience or vocational training and who, after interview with the appropriateadmissions tutor, display a likelihood of success.

Applicants to EDEXCEL Art & Design Foundation

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The University will, taking into account current DfES and Teacher Training Agencyregulations, do all it can to accommodate the needs of Initial Teacher Trainingcandidates who declare a specific learning difficulty.

The Universitys Admissions Policy promotes the value of timely information toapplicants and the spirit of this statement is reflected in the procedures that havebeen established to provide applicants with appropriate guidance on accessing

support for university selection procedures for all Initial Teacher Trainingprogrammes.

Appendix C Admissions Complaints and AppealsProcedure

Contents

1. Introduction2. General Provisions applicable to both complaints and appeals3. Complaints Procedure4. Appeals Procedure5. Application for review of the outcome of complaints and appeals

1 Introduction

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The Student Recruitment and Business Partnerships Admissions Office are committed toprovide a high quality application process. This procedure explains how, where and to whomyour comments should be made if you wish to complain or appeal against a decision.

2 General Provisions

These provisions apply to both Parts 3 and 4.

Time LimitsComplaints received more than one month after the event in question shall not normally beinvestigated. Appeals received more than one month after the date of the letter notifying anapplicant of a decision shall not normally be investigated. Complaints or appeals receivedbeyond the normal time limit shall be referred to the Admissions Review Panel who shalldetermine whether or not circumstances exist which make it reasonable for the complainant orappellant not to have made a submission within the normal time limit.

Anonymous ComplaintsComplaints made anonymously shall not be investigated.

Responsibilities of ComplainantComplaints or appeals shall be made in writing to the Admissions Manager, University ofSunderland, The Student Gateway, Chester Road Campus, Sunderland SR1 2SD. They shallinclude the complainants full name, applicant number and as much detail as possible about thegrounds for complaint or appeal, including relevant names and dates. The complaint or appealshall also include confirmation that the complainant or appellant consents to the matter beinginvestigated with all relevant parties and to any information disclosed in the complaint or appealbeing divulged to those relevant parties.

ConfidentialityAll information which a complainant provides to the Admissions Manager or any other staffdealing with the matter in the course of an investigation shall be treated as confidential, subjectto the need to divulge it to relevant parties in the course of the investigation and subject to anyrequirements of the Data Protection Act.

3 Complaints Procedure

The procedure described below shall be followed in cases where an applicant to the Universitywishes to complain about the administration of the Universitys admissions policies andprocedures. It shall not be used where a complaint relates to the service or procedures of theUniversities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), in which case UCAS own complaintsprocedure should be followed.

3.1 Initial Investigation

a) The Admissions Manager shall, wherever possible, attempt to resolve complaints quicklyand informally.

b) The Admissions Manager shall determine whether the complaint discloses sufficientgrounds related to the administration of the Universitys admissions policies andprocedures.1

c) If it is decided that the complaint does not disclose sufficient grounds, the AdmissionsManager shall explain the reason(s) for this decision in writing to the complainant.

d) If it is decided that the complaint does disclose sufficient grounds, the AdmissionsManager shall investigate it, consulting all relevant parties.

1If the Admissions Manager is the object of a complaint, the Admissions Review Panel shall make arrangements for a

senior officer from another part of the University to undertake the Admissions Managers role in relation to the complaint

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i)Once all the necessary information has been gathered, the Admissions Manager shalljudge whether the appeal may be resolved at that point by conveying informationgathered, or whether the matter needs to be considered at a higher level.

ii) If it is judged that a resolution can be achieved, the Admissions Manager shall putthe response in writing to the appellant.

iii) If it is judged that the matter needs to be referred for consideration at a higher level,the Admissions Manager shall refer the matter to the Admissions Review Panelwho shall act as Appeals Officer.

4.2 Investigation by the Appeals Officer

a) The Appeals Officer shall be given administrative support by an administrative officernominated by the Admissions Review Panel.

b) The Appeals Officer shall investigate the appeal and may seek any further informationthat is deemed necessary to come to a decision.

c) A record of all proceedings shall be maintained by the nominated administrative officer.

d) Exceptionally, and where deemed appropriate by the Appeals Officer, the appellant andany other relevant parties may be invited to a hearing. Any person invited to attend ahearing by the Appeals Officer may be accompanied by a friend or representative. Thenominated administrative officer shall provide the appellant, as soon as is reasonablypracticable, with relevant case papers. The conduct of the hearing shall be for theAppeals Officer to decide.

e) The Appeals Officer shall determine the outcome of the appeal.

f) The outcome may include:

(i) dismissal of the appeal or (ii) finding the appeal justified

g) If the outcome is (f ii) above, the Appeal Officer shall determine the University response.

h) As soon as possible after completion of the investigation, which shall be conducted asexpeditiously as is reasonably practicable, the nominated administrative officer shallnotify the appellant in writing of the outcome and consequential action, if any, to betaken.

5 Application for Review of Outcome

a) An application for review of the outcome of a complaint or appeal shall be admissibleonly on the ground of procedural irregularity on the part of the Admissions Manager orComplaints or Appeals Officer.

b) A person wishing to apply for a review of the outcome of a complaint or appeal shall doso in writing, addressing the application to the Admissions Review Panel, University ofSunderland, The Student Gateway, Chester Road Campus, Sunderland SR1 2SD within14 days of notification of the outcome of the investigation. The Admissions ReviewPanel may dismiss an application which does not provide aprima facie case on thespecified ground.

c) If the Admission Review Panel, having reviewed the original complaint or appeal file andsought any evidence as appears to be necessary to reach a decision, considers there tobe grounds for review, the matter shall be referred to the Vice Chancellor.

d) The Vice Chancellor shall determine the outcome of the review which shall be final.

There shall be no further opportunities for review within the University.

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Appendix D - Admissions Code of Practice forApplicants with Disabilities or Specific Learning

Difficulties

The University of Sunderland has worked steadily to remove many of the barriers placed in theway of disabled people and those with Specific Learning Difficulties who wish to study in highereducation. We are proud of our many achievements and continue to plan further improvements.

The admissions office will work closely with the Universitys Disability Support Team to provideinformation, advice, guidance and support to disabled students who apply to the university.

Students who Declare Disability, SpLD or medical condition

Students who declare disability number one (SpLD) are processed by the AdmissionsAdministrator. The administrator will check the application form, e-mail the Senior

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Admissions Administrator with the name, student number and what SpLD the applicanthas declared and process as usual.

Senior Admissions Administrator will contact student (telephone in first instance then e-mail or letter if no reply to telephone call) to collate information on disability/medicalcondition or specific learning difficulty and the support the applicant requires. This

information will be stored confidentially on the SPD (Student Personal Details) screenon SITS database. This screen is password protected and the only people who haveaccess to the password are the Admissions Manager and the Senior AdmissionsAdministrator.

Once the information has been collated then the Senior Admissions Administrator willliaise with the Disability Support Team or Health & wellbeing Service to assess whetherthe university can meet the applicants support needs and to ascertain if additionalinformation/action is required. If so, the a Disability Support Adviser (Disability SupportTeam) or Health & Wellbeing Adviser(Health & Wellbeing) will report back to the SeniorAdmissions Administrator, once the applicants needs have been clarified and assessedand the University is clear that it can make any adjustments required.

Copy of application form and all correspondence will be kept in a locked filing cabinet inthe Admissions Department for the current year and then archived for 5 years

If the applicant can be supported then the applicant will be advised to contact theDisability Support Team or Health & Wellbeing Service to arrange all support needs.

If the applicant cannot be supported then application needs to be passed to AdmissionsManager and Head of Disability Services or Senior Health & Wellbeing Adviser.

Clearance will be noted on the SITS Database (ACD - SCC Screen)

Once applicant has been cleared then their formal offer can be sent.

What can we offer you as a student?

At pre-application/application stage:

An early visit to the campus/accommodation to check facilities, access etc andto work with staff to assess your support requirements Confidential discussion of individual support needs Advice on physical accessibility of premises Advice on adapted accommodation Information on Disabled Students Allowances (DSA) Information on the Disability Discrimination Act

What can you expect from us?

Courteous, helpful, appropriately trained staff who will focus on your needs andoffer appropriate advice and guidance A prompt response to any reasonable query Provision of information, advice, guidance and support on disability and/orhealth & wellbeing issues. If this cannot be offered immediately a timescale will beagreed which is acceptable to you. Advance notification of any unavoidable changes to an appointment and anappropriate and acceptable alternative arrangement That any information, written or verbal, that you have given us about yourself issecurely stored and, within legal limitations, is treated with complete confidentiality.Your permission will always be asked before any information is passed on to any thirdparty. An agreed course of action, with an understanding of timescale, of follow upactivities to be undertaken by us

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What do we expect of you?

That you should make the best use of our service by spending some time inadvance considering exactly what you want from us and collecting together anyrelevant information such as reports on your dyslexia, disability or medical condition

and or details of your support needs If you are unable to attend an appointment that you let us know as soon aspossible so that another person may be able to be offered that appointment and yourscan be rearranged To respond as promptly as possible to any requests that we may make forfeedback/suggestions which may help to improve our service or for monitoringpurposes To treat all staff and other users of the Disability Support Team and Health &Wellbeing team with courtesy An agreed course of action, with an understanding of timescale, of follow upactivities to be undertaken by you

Appendix E Admissions Code of Practice forApplicants declaring a criminal conviction

1. Introduction

1.1 Since September 1998 UCAS have asked applicants to indicate on their UCASapplication form as to whether they have any criminal convictions, and the Universitynow asks the same question on all non-UCAS forms.

1.2 The information regarding an applicants declaration is only communicated via thepaper application (i.e., not electronically) and therefore the University must check theform for this information and then act as appropriate upon the information given.

1.3 Vetting procedures are already in place for certain programmes within the University,namely teacher education, social work, community and youth work, nursing and careerguidance. These procedures are unchanged by this new procedure, and will continuein place of this new procedure in the areas to which they apply. For those programmes

which have admissions procedures which are not managed by the Admissions Office

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(e.g short courses), this process applies, with a nominated person from the relevantarea acting in place of the Admissions Manager up to point 3.6 of this procedure.

2. Principles

2.1 The aim of the Universitys applications process is to select students who have the

ability to benefit from the course they apply for, and who will make a contribution to theUniversity community. This process takes place within the context of the UniversitysEqual Opportunities Policy (see Appendix F) and the Universitys policy of extendingopportunities for Higher Education study as laid out within the Strategic Plan. However,it is important that the University achieves these aims without prejudice to the safetyand well-being of other members of the university community, and there will beoccasions when this has to be placed ahead of all other considerations.

2.2 The procedures outlined below are intended to provide a mechanism to ensure that thewell-being of the University community is secured so far as is possible without prejudiceto its principles of extending access and widening participation, by ensuring that anapplication from an person with criminal convictions is fully considered in the light ofthose convictions before admission takes place, in order to determine whether the

admission of that applicant could constitute a threat to the safety and security of theUniversitys students, staff, visitors or property.

2.3 All information regarding an applicants criminal convictions is to be regarded as highlyconfidential. However, it may be necessary for the effective discharge of the process forinformation to be disclosed to relevant parties within the institution.

2.4 The procedure relates to all applications, both UCAS and non-UCAS, to those studentswho have had an agreed leave of absence in excess of two years, and to thosestudents who have had an unagreed leave of absence of a year or more.

2.5 The procedure seeks to identify those students who could pose a risk to the Universitycommunity. A formal judgement will need to be made on all students with a convictionwhich resulted in a custodial sentence, and those students with repeat convictionswhich demonstrate a pattern of offending. Particular attention will be paid to crimes ofviolence and crimes against the person, theft, drug-related crime and sexual offences.Exceptional decisions may always be made to identify a student as posing a potentialrisk and requiring further consideration by the University even though the studentsconviction may fall outside these categories listed.

3. Process

3.1 Application forms are received by the Admissions Office. The relevant section of theform is checked.

3.2 If an applicant declares no criminal conviction, the application proceeds as normal.

3.3 If the applicant does not complete this section of the form, their application is flagged.It then proceeds through the normal academic decision-making process. If it is decidedto make an offer of a place the applicant is then asked for further information within aspecified time and informed that their application cannot be responded to until thisinformation is received. If there is no response to this request, the application will berejected.

3.4 Any application where a conviction is declared initially the application is flagged andthen proceeds through the normal academic decision-making process. If it is decided tomake an offer of a place the applicant is then asked for further information within aspecified time and informed that their application cannot be responded to until thisinformation is received. If there is no response to this request, the application will be

rejected.

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3.5 If, on the basis of the evidence returned, the Admissions Manager determines that theconviction is spent under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974), orthat it does not constitute a risk as defined in 2.6, and that there is no other exceptionalreason for passing the case to the Admissions Review Panel, then the applicationprocess is proceeded with as normal.

3.6 If the conviction is deemed to constitute a potential risk as defined in 2.6 above, or if itshould be deemed necessary for any exceptional reason by the Admissions Manager,then the application is passed to the Universitys Admissions Review Panel.

The Admissions Review Panel is constituted as follows:Assistant Director, Academic Services (Chair)University Secretary or his nomineeDirector, Student Recruitment and Business Partnerships (Admissions)Admissions Manager (Secretary)

3.7 The applicant may be asked to indicate sources for relevant information (e.g. probationor social worker reports, medical evidence etc.) but the responsibility for a judgementon the evidence to be requested and the process of requesting that information both lie

with the University. The applicant will not be invited to attend the meeting of the group,and therefore all evidence must be identified in advance.

3.8 The Panel will consider each application based upon the principles outlined in thisdocument. The reasoning for all decisions will be minuted. If a conviction is spent it willbe disregarded unless completion of the course involves unsupervised contact withvulnerable persons or gives an automatic right to practice any profession exemptedunder the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

3.9 The Panel will make a decision, which may be to allow the application to proceed, torefuse the application of any individual or in exceptional circumstances to lay downsuch conditions as it thinks fit for the admission of an individual.

3.10 If a decision is taken to proceed with an application, this will be forwarded to theApplications Unit so that an offer will be made, accompanied if necessary by a letterdetailing possible implications for future professional status. If a decision is taken not toproceed with an application, this will be forwarded to the Applications Unit for a rejectiondecision to be made.

3.11 In certain cases where a decision to refuse an application is made an appeal can bemade to the Vice-Chancellor via a written submission to the Secretary of theApplications Review Panel within 14 days of the notification of the decision. An appealwill normally be accepted for consideration only where the applicant submits newevidence or information which was not available to the Panel at the time it made itsdecision.

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Appendix F University of Sunderland EqualOpportunities Policy

The University of Sunderland wants to ensure that all members of the University community aretreated, and treat each other, with respect and dignity in all its activities.Whilst recognising all the relevant statutory duties in respect of legislation against discriminationon the basis of race, gender and disability, we acknowledge that people are also discriminatedagainst on the basis of other factors in addition to those prohibited by law.The University therefore requires that discriminatory behaviour which is offensive or demeaningto anyone is treated as a matter of concern and dealt with appropriately. It believes that this

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principle is of fundamental importance in the context of a learning community in which theexploration, formulation and exchange of ideas and knowledge, and the acknowledgement of awide diversity of opinion and belief, is central to its existence.Accordingly, the University will ensure that the principles of respect and dignity of the individual,and of equality of opportunity for all, will be incorporated in the policies, organisation andmanagement, and in all the activities of the University community.

admissions policy (2)

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