Support to Study procedure

On this page:

• What is Support to Study?
• Stage1: Referral to the support plan
• Stage 2: Case Review Panel
• Stage 3: Final review panel 
• Right to appeal
• Need more support?

What is Support to Study?

The Support to Study procedure helps students whose health, wellbeing, or behaviour is affecting their ability, or someone else's ability, to study and participate in university life.

You may be referred by a member of staff, or you may request support yourself.

The procedure aims to identify concerns early, provide appropriate support, and help you continue your studies wherever possible.

Stage 1: Referral and support plan

Stage 1 aims to resolve concerns through discussion and support.

Your School, Programme Leader, Personal Tutor, or the Dean of Students Office will usually manage this stage.

Before any action is taken, you will:

• Be told about the concerns that have been raised.
• Receive the information in writing.
• Have the opportunity to explain your circumstances and share your views.

What happens next?

1. The concerns will be discussed with you and relevant staff.
2. A review period will be agreed.
3. An action plan will be created with your involvement.
4. Your progress will be monitored and reviewed.
5. A review meeting will normally take place within four weeks (excluding vacation periods).

If concerns continue, the case may be referred to Student Wellbeing for further assessment.

Where Stage 1 is unsuccessful, or concerns are particularly serious, Stage 2 (or exceptionally Stage 3) may begin.

Stage 2: Case Review Panel

A Case Review Panel is organised by the Student Procedures Team.

Before the meeting

• The panel will include representatives from your Academic School, the Dean of Students Office, and other relevant staff where appropriate.
• Medical or professional reports may be requested and shared with the panel.
• You will receive at least 10 working days' notice of the meeting.
• You will receive copies of relevant documents.
• You may submit additional evidence up to three days before the meeting.
• The panel may request further information or invite witnesses.

Purpose of the panel

The panel will:

• Explain the concerns that have been raised.
• Listen to your views.
• Discuss the best way forward.
• Ensure you understand any possible outcomes.

The Chair will normally tell you the outcome within seven working days of the meeting.

A confidential record of the process will be kept and shared in line with the University's Data Protection Policy.

Possible outcomes

The panel may decide to:

• Take no further action.
• Put a monitoring and support plan in place.
• Approve special academic arrangements.
• Recommend part-time study or a change of study location.
• Allow you to continue without a placement.
• Arrange a period of intermission or withdrawal.
• Refer the case to a Stage 3 Final Review Panel.
• Refer the case to a disciplinary panel.

Stage 3 - Final review panel 

Stage 3 is only used when:

• A Stage 2 Case Review Panel refers the case, or
• The concerns are particularly serious.

The Final Review Panel:

• Consists of four members appointed by the Dean of Students (or nominee).
• Includes members who have had no previous involvement in the case.
• Reviews all available evidence before making recommendations or decisions.

As with Stage 2:

• You will receive at least 10 working days' notice.
• You can submit evidence up to three days before the meeting.
• The panel may request additional information or witnesses.

Possible outcomes

The Final Review Panel can make the same decisions as a Stage 2 panel and may also recommend:

• Exclusion from University accommodation for a fixed period or permanently while continuing studies.
• Exclusion from all or part of the University for a fixed period or permanently.
• Suspension from academic or other University activities for a fixed period or permanently.
• Referral under the University's Student Discipline Regulations.

Right to appeal 

You can appeal against a decision made by:

• A Stage 2 Case Review Panel.
• A Stage 3 Final Review Panel.

Grounds for appeal

You may appeal if you believe there was:

• A procedural fault.
• Bias.
• An irregularity in the review process.

You must submit your appeal in writing to Student Procedures within 10 working days of receiving the decision.

Student Procedures will normally:

• Acknowledge your appeal within seven working days.
• Appoint a senior member of the University to review the case.
• Make a decision within 10 working days of acknowledging the appeal.

Need more support?

If you need independent advice or wellbeing support, contact:

• Herts SU
• Student Wellbeing

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