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Learning and Teaching Handbook

2.4.7: Support for Students taking 'time out' from their study by concession

1. Where a student needs to take time out from their studies (e.g. taking a year out of residence after failing exams before you can take a further series of examinations, or taking time out of your programme of study because of personal problems), this can only be permitted by concession. This statement details what support is available to you while you are taking time out in this way; if you have any queries about it please consult the Senior Tutor of your College in the first instance, or supervisory team/taught postgraduate course leader for those who are not members of a college.

Academic support

Time out of residence pending further examinations

2. If you are required to spend time out of residence pending further examinations (usually resits), you are entitled to one ‘tutorial' session with an appropriate member of academic staff to help you direct your revision in an appropriate way. This should take place as soon as possible after you have been informed that a concession has been granted to allow you to take a year out of residence. You should contact your department to make an appointment with the most appropriate person.

3. If you are taking time out for this reason, you will have the same right of access to IT and Library resources as actively studying students.

Time out from study for any other reason

4. If you are allowed to take time out from your studies for other reasons (e.g. illness) and are planning to return to the University, you may not attend teaching sessions in your department (e.g. tutorials, seminars, practicals) or have work marked during your time out or actively engage in research using university resources.

5. During your time out from study you have the right to access the following resources:

  • Access to the Student Enrolment System via duo
  • Access to your Durham email account via Outlook Web Access
  • Read only rights from within the Library (i.e. no borrowing rights and no remote access to e-journals)
  • Help and advice via the ITS helpdesk

Personal and Pastoral Support

6. This is the kind of support that is provided by the Colleges, Counselling Service, DUSSD (the disability support service) or the International Office. You may have a one-off appointment with any of these services to explore sources of help from outside the University. All UK students, for example, are entitled to help from their GP for counselling needs and medical problems. This will also allow you to conclude your support for the time being (if you are already receiving help from one or more of the services) for example by having a ‘summing up' session with your counsellor.

7. You should arrange such a meeting if you wish it, with the relevant service(s). Your college Senior Tutor can advise you if you are unsure.

8. In exceptional circumstances you may receive continued pastoral supportfrom one or more of the support services during your time out. This must be requested by the college Senior Tutor on your behalf using the form Request for Continued or Additional Pastoral Support during a student's time out of study (Learning and Teaching Handbook, Appendix A2.07). Support sessions will, when necessary, be restricted to less busy times within the Service(s) concerned. If you wish to discuss this option please contact your Senior Tutor.

College Support

9. You may not reside in College during your time out. Continued pastoral support is at the discretion of the College Principal and/or Senior Tutor in consultation with the Deputy Warden or his/her deputy.