Academic Issues
Life can get in the way sometimes and might affect your studies. Don't worry, we can help.
We can help with accademic issues like Appeals, Complaints, Mitigating Circumstances and Academic Misconduct or disciplinaries.
If the issue affecting you is something affecting the whole class or a larger group, the Advice Hub can refer you to your Class Rep or School Officer.
Study Advice
Every student needs help with studying from time to time. You have an allocated personal tutor in first year and then another one from 2nd to 4th (or later) year. If you are unsure who this person is, you will find their name in your student handbook. If you cannot find your student handbook, this is usually available online, but you can also ask your school office for your personal tutors contact details.
You can also access a range of study skills advice and study support from Information Services. Power Hours operate through the academic year, with help in citing, referencing, academic writing and finding information, just some of the workshops available. More information is available here: http://www.hw.ac.uk/is/index.htm
We have a range of leaflets which deal with typical study problems:
Self-Assessment for Exam Revision
Mitigating Circumstances 🏥
What are mitigating circumstances?
Mitigating circumstances are any personal issues out of your control that you feel have got in the way of your academic studies or an exam.
Examples of what would count as mitigating circumstances
- A significant illness on the day of an exam
- A bereavement of a close relative or significant other
- Significant adverse personal or family circumstance
Step one: If something happens that affects your studies, a piece of coursework or an exam then you must tell the university about it. If you're an undergraduate student you should speak with your personal tutor (previously known as mentors) or your course director if you're a postgraduate.
Step two: You need to get your hands on a Mitigating Circumstances Form from your School Office or it's available to download here from the University website. It is really important that the University knows about any Mitigating Circumstances when they arise - otherwise, if you later wish to appeal on the basis of these circumstances, you will have to provide a good reason as to why you did not report them earlier. If you have already taken an assessment but your Board of Examiners has not yet met to confirm your results, then there should still be time to submit a Mitigating Circumstances form.
Click here to download the Mitigating Circumstances Leaflet
💻 Click here to view the University's section on Mitigating Circumstances
Academic Appeals
Things can happen that are outwith your control and affect your studies. We can help provide support and representation for you. So if you did not receive the grades you were expecting, speak to us.
We can provide support and independent advice with regards to academic appeals i.e. when a student has received poor results and/or is unable to continue with their program of study due to circumstances out with their control.
We can help you decide if you have grounds for appeal and draft an appeal letter with you and advise on supporting evidence you may need.
There are strict deadlines on making an appeal so please come and speak to someone as soon as you receive your grades or decisions about progression.
Go to www.hw.ac.uk/students/studies/complaints/student-appeals.htm to read the University’s appeals procedure or have a look at our overview of making an appeal
Click here to download our Appeals Leaflet
Academic Misconduct
What is Academic Misconduct? It covers plagiarism, collusion and cheating in an exam.
Plagiarism is the act of copying or including the work of someone else in your own work without adequate acknowledgement (referencing), either intentionally or unintentionally, for your own benefit. Copying work from a course textbook, internet resources or another students’ work is all considered plagiarism and is taken very seriously by the University.
Collusion is when two students are found to have copied each other’s work.
If you are accused of plagiarism, collusion or cheating in an exam then it is likely you will be invited to meet with one of the disciplinary committees.
You will be asked to submit a statement in your defence and also attend a meeting. The Advice Hub can help you understand disciplinary procedures, draft your statement with you, accompany you to the meeting for moral support and also help represent you if you wish to appeal the decisions of the disciplinary committee.
Click here to download our Disiplinary Leaflet
Making a complaint 😠
If you aren't happy with any aspect of your time at Heriot-Watt then don't sit in silence. The university has a complaints procedure but we would encourage you to resolve any complaint you have informally with the department or person before proceeding down the official route.
The Advice Hub is independent from the university and we can discuss your complaint with you and advise on the actions you can take.
Click here to download our Complaints Leaflet
