After over a year of working with the University, I am really excited to share that, students will now be able to self-certify for Exemptions for Late Penalties (ELPs) for two assessments.
As part of my manifesto as your elected Guild President, I have been working hard over the last year through university committees and consultation to introduce this important policy change. Self-certification has been a key part of my manifesto for several reasons. In both my experience as a student and a Guild Officer I have found that needing to produce evidence to support applications for ELPs create extra pressure and anxiety for students who are already feeling unwell or experiencing sensitive issues. Furthermore, in the context of the cost-of-living crisis and the rising costs of being a student, we have found that students simply cannot afford to get a doctor's note and were therefore significantly disadvantaged, placing an unfair burden and barrier to academic support and success. There are many more reasons as to why I am so passionate about this change, but I am really pleased that the University have taken on board this feedback and have made impactful change that will benefit you all.
How it will work:
If you are unable to submit coursework on time due to unforseen medical or exceptional circumstances obtaining an ELP may prevent you from having marks deducted from your assessment. Previously, all applications for ELPs required supporting evidence such as a doctor's note.
With this new policy change, UoL students will now be able to apply for ELPs for two assessments per academic year without needing to provide supporting evidence.
For all subsequent ELPs, students will need to provide support evidence in line with the current procedure.
I am really proud to have been able to make such a big change at the University that will have a positive impact on student wellbeing and academic success. Many other institutions already have self-certification, so I am pleased our university is aligning and following good practice.
For more information and support please contact either Guild Advice (guildadvice@liverpool.ac.uk) or your school’s support staff or Learning and Teaching Support Offices.
University guidance is available online here.