Admission and Access Part 3

5.8 Decisions on applications for admission should be determined by the relevant admissions tutor and, preferably, one other colleague.  Borderline cases should be resolved in consultation with additional members of staff.  At this stage it is desirable to make a note to monitor closely the early progress of those who were borderline cases or admitted through qualifying programmes with a view to monitoring their early progress and providing additional support in appropriate cases. 

5.9 The reasons for the selection and rejection of applicants should be recorded to inform consideration of any appeals subsequently received and to guide the assessment of future applications.  Departments should have in place effective arrangements for providing feedback to applicants who are not offered a place where this is requested.  Evidence of such procedures may be gathered during internal reviews and, in relation to progression statistics and outcomes of programmes, is reported through annual programme monitoring.

5.10 Departments/Schools should have appropriate and fair policies and procedures in place for responding to applicants’ complaints about the operation of the admissions process and should ensure that all staff involved with admissions are familiar with these policies and procedures.

5.11 Departments/Schools should have in place clear policies for responding to applicants’ appeals against a decision detailing the grounds upon which such appeals may be considered.

5.12 The staff concerned should report to the Department/School (including the Assistant Dean for Recruitment and Retention) on the numbers and quality of applicants and any implications these may have for future course provision and the School generally.

5.13 Arrangements for the enrolment, registration, induction and orientation of new students should be explained clearly and should promote efficient and effective means of integrating the entrants fully as students.  This should include information related to the College, School and Department in which they will be studying as well as information regarding library and IT services, study skills, personal tutorial support, and student welfare.

5.14 Prospective students should be informed of any significant changes to a programme made between the time the offer of a place on that programme is made and registration is complete and of the options available to them in the circumstances.  These changes might include alterations to the modules on offer, changes to the teaching, learning and assessment arrangements or even withdrawal of the programme.

5.15 Where appropriate, students should be offered the means to acquire study skills which the Department recognises they may lack at the time of admission.  The effectiveness of study skills provision should be monitored by student feedback, assessment of general progress and any other appropriate means.

5.16 Policies and procedures related to admissions and enrolment should be kept under regular review to ensure that they continue to support the mission and strategic objectives of the College, and that they remain current and valid in the light of changing circumstances such as changes in the marketplace.

5.17 All those involved in recruitment and admissions should be appropriately trained and supported and should be competent to undertake their roles and responsibilities.