ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT PROGRESS

Assessment for each paper taken by a student in a particular semester is based on the student’s performance in such written examinations, assignments, tests, practical or other work as/are prescribed for that paper by the College.

Should illness or some other serious matter impede the progress of a student during a particular semester, and as a consequence the formal assessment of that student’s work be likely to be adversely affected, the student in question must notify in writing the lecturers before the scheduled time for the final assessment of his/her work. The Faculty upon due consideration of the student’s performance reserves the right to make the appropriate decision for the students final assessment. In this regard, the student may receive a Compassionate Pass should the Faculty deem it appropriate to do so.

THE GRADING SYSTEM

The grading system for both degree papers, as well as for Diploma papers, is as follows:

A 85 + Distinction (D)

A- 80 – 84 Outstanding (O)

B+ 75 – 79 Very Good (VG)

B 70 – 74 Good (G)

B- 65 – 69 Credit (C)

C+ 60 – 64 Above Average (Aav)

C 55 – 59 Upper Pass (UP)

C- 50 – 54 Pass (P)

D 45 – 49 Fail (F)

Students are advised that

(i) A ‘D’ grade in a particular paper does not constitute a pass.

(ii) Students may seek (by successfully completing such other work as may be required by a Faculty) to raise either a C- grade or a C grade in a particular paper to a higher grade for the purpose of qualifying for either of the two degrees.

(iii) Students may request a certified transcript of their academic record from the Faculty office.

SPECIAL EXAMINATION

In the event of a student acquiring a ‘D’ in a paper, provision is made for that student to sit a Special Examination on the same paper, normally before the beginning of the next semester. The grade that is obtained in the Special Examination shall be the student’s final grade for that paper and shall be officially recorded in that student’s transcript of academic record.

Students who wish to take advantage of this provision must notify the Faculty of their intention to do so soon (no later than seven days) after they are formally notified of the results of the assessment of their academic progress in a particular semester.

It is emphasised that the provision in respect of a Special Examination applies only to students who achieve a ‘D’ grade in any paper.

EXCLUSION FROM A COURSE OR SEMESTER PAPER

In addition to being subject to other College rules regarding exclusion, a student may become the subject of such action as the Faculty may consider necessary or be ultimately excluded from a course of study or a particular paper on the following grounds:

(i) if and when a candidate’s progress in a course of study or paper is clearly unsatisfactory; and/or,

(ii) if and when a student absents himself or herself from formal lectures for an unreasonably long period of time without duly notifying the Faculty; and/or,

(iii) if a student fails to complete such assignments, practical or other work as prescribed for that paper or course of study by the Faculty.

In certain cases, the Faculty may see fit to require the student in question to show why he or she should be permitted to continue with the course of study or paper. If the Faculty is satisfied that the candidate could make a significant improvement in his or her academic progress, or, that there are exceptional circumstances justifying continued enrolment for the course of study or paper, then an action less than expulsion may be warranted.

But, should the student fail to give sufficient reason for his or her poor performance, and/or absence from formal lectures, and/or failure to complete such work as required of him or her, then the Faculty may exclude that student from the course or paper.

The Faculty’s decision can have either an immediate effect or it can be made subject to certain specified conditions.

A student who is excluded from a course of study or a particular paper will be advised of the duration of the exclusion; and an application for re-admission upon the expiry of the period of exclusion will be considered on its merits. In particular, evidence of the student’s improved likelihood of success in the course or paper is crucial in this connection.

MINIMUM PERIOD TO COMPLETE A COURSE OF STUDY

Normally, students are required to complete their courses of study within a specified period of time in order to be awarded the degree or diploma to which their particular course leads.

The normal period for the completion of a course leading to a bachelor’s degree or the diploma award is four academic years.

The Faculty reserves the right to vary (e.g. extending the time beyond the four-year limit) this requirement in exceptional cases.

PLAGIARISM

Plagiarism may be defined as the use of another person’s words and/or ideas as one’s own and without express acknowledgement of their source. The College firmly opposes such a practice as dishonest and treats it as a form of cheating.