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► Academic Alerts
We've created a leaflet all about Academic Alerts - you can download it here
The Academic Alert is a new system which tells you if you are not doing so well in a module. This could be for anything from poor grammar and spelling, to not attending your tutorial, or having problems with essay writing.
The new system will replace “Permission to Proceed” which used to tell you if you had already failed a module, rather than warning you that you might be in danger of failing as happens with the Academic Alerts.
What are the benefits of the Academic Alert system?
Academic Alerts aim to help you, and to flag up problems before they seriously affect your grades. By warning you that you are in danger of failing a module, and telling you how to avoid this outcome, it means students can help themselves get the best marks possible.
How will I know I’ve got an Academic Alert?
The Alert will be in the form of an email from your Module Coordinator or your Schools’ Administrator. The Alert will tell you
> what the problem is e.g. you haven’t handed in an essay, or are having trouble with writing skills
> what you are expected to do e.g. hand in the essay before a specified date, or contact SALTIRE for training
> the support available to you e.g. if you’ve missed a module for personal reasons or illness it could direct you to Student Services
> the consequences if you do not take action e.g. if you do not attend tutorials in the future you might get a mark of 0X
If you do not take the required actions in the Alert you will probably receive another one.
There are ten different categories of Alerts as you can see from the table below*:
|
Category |
Description |
Action Required |
Consequences |
| 1 | I am concerned that you have submitted assignments in which your use of English seems to require further support | Make an appointment with English Language Training (ELT) | Your academic grades might be affected |
| 2 | I am concerned that you have submitted assignments in which your mathematical skills seem to need improvement. | Make an appointment with the Maths Support Centre to arrange for additional help | Your academic grades might be affected |
| 3 | I am concerned that you have submitted assignments in which your writing skills seem to need improvement. | Make an appointment with SALTIRE to arrange for additional training. | Your academic grades might be affected |
| 4 | I am concerned that you have submitted assignments in which your understanding of how to use references is poor. | Make an appointment with SALTIRE to arrange for additional training. | Your academic grades might be affected |
| 5 | I am concerned about your lack of academic engagement and/or poor progress with this module. | Make an appointment to see the Module Co-ordinator to discuss the risk to your academic studies; they may suggest you contact Student Services. | Your academic grades might be affected |
| 6 | You have been absent from classes for more than 5 consecutive days or 15 non-consecutive days. | Make an appointment to see your Adviser to discuss the risk to your academic studies; they may suggest you contact Student Services. | Your academic grades might be affected |
| 7 | You have been absent from classes for 3 consecutive weeks. | Make an appointment to see the appropriate Pro-Dean to discuss Leave of Absence. | Absence from University for 3 consecutive weeks contravenes University regulations and you may be required to take Leave of Absence. |
| 8 |
You have failed to submit the following assignment(s)……………… due on ………………….. |
Submit the outstanding assessment by (date)
|
You will be awarded grade 0 for the missed assessments, or reduced grades for late submissions; and you may be awarded 0X for the module with no right to reassessment if you do not complete enough of the module to be awarded credit. See the School & Module Handbooks. |
| 9 |
You have failed to attend the following compulsory element(s) of your module on (date) OR Your average grade for coursework is dangerously low |
See the Module Coordinator immediately to discuss the position and possible remedial work | You may be awarded 0X by the Module Board, with no right to reassessment, if you do not complete enough of the module (OR do not get a high enough coursework grade ) to be awarded credit. See the School & Module Handbooks. |
| 10 |
You have now missed too many compulsory module elements OR Your average grade for coursework is below the permitted level |
Remedial action is no longer possible; but contact the Module Coordinator within 7 days if you believe you have good reasons for absence(s) ( OR for low grades). | You will be awarded 0X by the Module Board and receive no credits for this module, with no right to reassessment. |
* Please note that for students studying Medicine the Academic Alert system will be slightly different. Consult your School Handbook for further information.
What does 0X mean?
If you get 0X for a module, this means you have failed the module. It also means that you cannot resit the module and won’t receive any credits. This mark will appear on your transcript.
It’s different to just getting a mark of 0 as it means you cannot resit - you have not failed the module by getting poor grades, but by failing to attend compulsory elements of the course or handing in assessed work.
How do I know what the compulsory elements are for my module?
Every School's Handbook, and/or sometimes separate Module Handbooks, which will be given to you at the beginning of the semester and/or available online via the School website, will specify which elements of the course are considered compulsory. This might be tutorials, assessed work such as presentations, essays, or lab reports.
The handbook(s) will also tell you how many of these compulsory elements can be missed before you fail the module. For example, it might tell you if you miss more than two tutorials without explanation you will automatically fail.
What if I’m having personal problems?
The most important thing to do if you are having personal problems, are seriously ill, or are going through difficulties at home, is to tell someone as soon as possible. This can be your tutor, your adviser, your Module Coordinator or Student Services by emailing theasc@st-andrews.ac.uk. They can all help you to make sure your grades won’t be affected, and if necessary can help you take a Leave of Absence.
If you do receive a mark of 0X and you feel there are personal circumstances which justify your absence, or failure to hand in assessed work for example, you should contact your Module Coordinator within 7 days of receiving an Academic Alert and the decision may be reversed.
Appeals
You can still appeal against a mark of 0X by taking your case to the Head of School, and failing that the Module Board. If your appeal is unsuccessful, you still have the right to appeal to the Senate. Click here for more information and the Policy on Appeals process.
What if I’ve failed a module before the exam?
Academic Alerts do not prevent you from attending tutorials and lectures, or sitting the exam even if you have already failed the module. If you want to sit the exam, especially if you are considering appealing your mark, you are very welcome to do so.
If you have any further questions please contact Siena Parker, Director of Representation, on
dorep@st-andrews.ac.uk.
