Fitness to Study
What is a Fitness to Study?
Where possible and appropriate, concerns related to Fitness to Study should be addressed initially, through an informal approach, at the local level. Outcomes from the exploration of the emerging concerns should be recorded against the student record. Should this approach fail to resolve the matter then the Fitness to Study procedures should be used.
The Fitness to Study Procedure has four stages:
- Stage 1: Emerging Concerns – Informal Meeting(s)
- Stage 2: Continuing Concerns – School based investigation and report
- Stage 3: Significant or Persistent Concerns – Fitness to Practise Panel
- Stage 4: Appeal against the outcome of the Fitness to Study Panel
Examples of circumstances that might trigger the Fitness to Study Policy are given below:
This list is not exhaustive, and the examples may not all be applicable to every programme. A student’s fitness to study may be brought into question as a result of a wide range of circumstances:
- Lack of engagement with study (poor attendance, lack of communication with staff, non-submission of assessments);
- Poor or declining academic performance;
- Behaviour or disposition which may indicate a student needs additional support, such as: Mood swings or unusual behaviour (e.g. aggressive, withdrawn, distressed, irritable);
- Apparent signs of ill health (e.g. dramatic weight loss or gain, ongoing lack of personal hygiene and care);
- Withdrawal from social, cultural or sporting activities once considered important;
- Lethargy or signs of lack of sleep;
- Obvious signs of substance/ alcohol misuse;
- Information about specific episodes (e.g. self-harm/suicidal thoughts or attempts);
- Inappropriate behaviour (e.g. inappropriate touching, invading personal space, excessive, unexpected and prolonged laughter, uncharacteristically bad language such as swearing);
- Disruption to the teaching and learning activities of other students, including placements;
- Unreasonable demands being placed on staff or other students;
- Persistent behaviour which is unacceptable;
- Self-referral where the student advises a member of the University of difficulties they are experiencing;
- Concerns emerge through a third party outside the University; AND it seems likely or possible that the above signs are caused by a physical, mental or emotional issue;
- Significant health issues, including severe and relapsing illness;
- Being a carrier of a serious communicable disease, without complying with an appropriate management plan;
- Lack of insight into how their medical condition could impact upon the safety and wellbeing of themselves and others with whom they come into contact in their professional capacity
- Providing false or inaccurate statements or answers on self-declaration.
Useful Documents:
Student Fitness to Study Policy and Procedure
The Students’ Union Advice Co-Ordinator can provide representation at a Fitness to Study hearing at the request of the student. The Co-Ordinator can support the student up until the hearing, with support on the paperwork, the policy and procedure. The role of the supporter is to provide moral support, act as an observer and/or notetaker and assist the student in making their case with the permission of the chair.