Student Protection Plan
This Student Protection Plan sets out the measures the University has in place to protect our students in the event that a risk to the continuation of their studies should arise.
The measures contained in this plan apply to all students studying for a formal qualification with the University of York, and extends to students registered at partner institutions, studying for University of York degrees. Overseas partners will, however, be subject to the laws of those countries and managed within the parameters of the contractual arrangements that govern such partnerships. The measures are in addition to the protections students have under consumer protection law and do not impinge on their consumer rights.
We operate the Hull York Medical School (HYMS) with the University of Hull. Students studying on HYMS programmes are registered at either the University of York or the University of Hull, and are protected by the respective plan. This is in addition to the contractual arrangements under which HYMS operates that require both institutions to provide the best protection for HYMS students.
Our commitment to our students
In line with our Together York Declaration, we commit to:
- being open and transparent with students should any risk to the continuity of studies arise; we will inform students of risks in a timely manner;
- taking reasonable steps to protect students and their study should we discontinue a programme, close a location (building or campus) where a programme is primarily taught, or if we close altogether;
- taking into consideration the needs of all our students and the impact on them of any proposed changes and protective measures (including students on placement or on an approved interruption to their studies);
- considering and consulting with students when deciding to implement any substantial changes to a programme or discontinuing it, or closing a location; ensuring that students’ views are taken into account in the way that we mitigate impacts;
- being transparent when nearing the end of a collaborative contract with a partner institution; supporting our students, by the provision of clear and timely information, advice and guidance and other support as appropriate, in the event of significant changes that impact their studies.
Student impact
We have put together an assessment and mitigation of risks (see below). The likelihood that the risks included may materialise has been identified as being ‘low’ or ‘very low’ depending on the risk. Were any such risks to materialise without mitigation measures in place, the resulting impact on students would be severe, except in relation to discontinuing modes of learning and other material changes to programmes, which would have a moderate impact on students. The mitigation measures identified will reduce the impact of this risk to students to low, and are designed to make transitions for impacted students as seamless as possible in the circumstances.
If any of the scenarios listed occurred and presented a risk of non-completion or adverse impact on students or staff, an equality impact assessment would be undertaken to identify the different demographic characteristics of those affected, how different groups might be affected and to assist with the identification of appropriate mitigations.
Where risks crystallise mid-cycle for recruitment, information available to applicants on the York website, UCAS or another application platform will be kept up-to-date. Applicants who have been made offers but who have not yet accepted them will be informed at the earliest opportunity and advised of the options available to them in the circumstances. Further offers will not be made to applicants until it is determined whether or not a course or programme will continue.
Assessment and mitigation of risks
See our Assessment and mitigation of risks (opens as a Google document).
Remedy measures
The University has measures in place to ameliorate situations whereby it proves impossible to make alternative provision for enrolled students affected by programme closure, or students incur costs on account of having to undertake repeat study in order to transfer into such alternative provision. The Academic Registrar will consider individual tuition fee waivers and, in consultation with the Finance Director, will consider financial compensation for students affected. In exceptional circumstances where significant numbers of students are involved, the University Executive Board on the recommendation of the Academic Registrar and Finance Director, will consider financial compensation for those students affected. Students will also have recourse to the Student complaints process.
The University’s Refunds and Compensation Policy is available to students online and states how the University will respond to the financial implications for enrolled students who are affected by the closure, suspension of, or major modification to, programmes of study.
Administration of bursaries
The University of York publishes full details of how it administers bursaries for students. The information conveys the University’s commitment to pay students the bursary that they are due in-year.
Financial provision for refunds or compensation
The University will maintain cash reserves and appropriate insurance cover which is sufficient to honour any refund or compensation that might become payable.
Communicating with students about our Student Protection Plan
The Student Protection Plan is published here on the University website. All new students are made aware of the Student Protection Plan when they accept their offer to study at the University of York and when they re-enrol at the start of each year.
Our webpages publicise our approach to fees (eg Student Tuition Fee Refund Policy (PDF 
, 216kb)), other funding, and loans where a student takes a Leave of Absence. This includes the circumstances in which we would offer a fee waiver for repeat study, and expresses the University’s commitment to explore alternatives to repeat study. This information is reiterated to students in the documentation shared with them when their leave of absence is approved.
Members of staff are made aware of the implications of our Student Protection Plan, and the University’s obligations to the protection of students’ rights as consumers. This is highlighted when staff are proposing substantial programme changes, withdrawal or suspension. The University has fully engaged with the OfS requirements in relation to having due regard to consumer protection law for students in developing its policies, procedures and terms and conditions. Our students have access to independent advice on their rights, and our policy and procedure, from the University of York Students’ Union.
The University Teaching Committee, which includes student representation, annually reviews and approves the Student Protection Plan.
Any feedback on this plan should be directed to academic-quality-admin@york.ac.uk, in the first instance.