REGULATIONS RELATING TO STUDIES AND EXAMINATIONS AT AKERSHUS UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

Transcription

1 This document is a translation of a legally binding document originally written in Norwegian. If a dispute arises as to the interpretation of this document, the Norwegian version takes precedence. REGULATIONS RELATING TO STUDIES AND EXAMINATIONS AT AKERSHUS UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CONTENTS Chap.1. General regulations 1-1. Scope and extent 1-2. Discrepancy with the National Curriculum and the National Qualifications Framework 1-3. Definitions 1-4. Decision-making authority Chap. 2. Degrees 2-1. Akershus University College may award the following degrees cf. Regulations Relating to Degrees and Vocational Educations, Protected Title and Nominal Progression of Study at Universities and University Colleges ( Forskrift om grader og yrkesutdanninger, beskyttet tittel og normert studietid ved universiteter og høgskoler ) 2-2. Additional designations for degrees 2-3. Requirements for the University College Graduate Degree 2-4. Requirements for the Bachelor s Degree 2-5. Requirements for the Master s Degree 2-6. Requirements for new degrees Chap.3. Studies 3-1. Academic year 3-2. Admission to study 3-3. Leave of absence from a study programme 3-4. Adapted education 3-5. Individual education plan 3-6. Participation in evaluation of the educational institution 3-7. Transfer from another educational institution 3-8. Duty to provide information 3-9.The principle of equal treatment Chap. 4. Examination 4-1. Conditions for taking examinations 4-2. Registration 4-3. Examination/assessment forms 4-4. Language variant and language on written examinations 4-5. Examination schedule 4-6. Time and place of examination 4-7. Use of proviso 4-8. Exemption from examination, test or coursework requirements 4-9. Credit reduction due to overlapping courses 1

2 4-10. Number of attempts for an examination and the execution of coursework requirements Number of attempts for supervised practical training Ordinary examination Oral examination exception from the rule of public oral examination New examination and postponed examination Absence from an examination, withdrawal prior to an examination, withdrawal during an examination and submission of empty examination answer paper Master s thesis New/revised master s thesis Special arrangements Examination support materials Cheating, attempted cheating Chap.5. Examination results, examiner arrangements, appeal, diploma 5-1. Examination results 5-2. Examiners, external programme supervisors 5-3. Time of examination results 5-4. Assessment and assessment forms 5-5. Appeal against the determination of a grade right to an explanation 5-6. Appeal against procedural errors 5-7. Cases in the Appeals Committee 5-8. Diploma/Transcript of Records Chap. 6 External candidates 6-1. Examination fee 6-2. The right to take an examination Chap.7. Programme descriptions and curricula 7-1. Establishing and abolishing study programmes 7-2. Approval of curricula/programme descriptions 7-3. Changes in curricula and programme descriptions Chap.8 Supplementary guidelines 8-1. Supplementary Guidelines Chap.9. Implementation 9-1. Coming into force 9-2. Interim provisions Appointed by the Board of Akershus University College 18 th June 2008 in accordance with Act Relating to Universities and University Colleges 3-3, 3-4, 3-5, 3-8, 3-9, 3-10, 4-5 and

3 Chapter 1: General regulations 1-1. Scope and extent (1)These regulations apply to all studies and examinations at Akershus University College. The University College Board may grant exemptions from these regulations for studies and examinations that are not included in the university college s ordinary studies. (2) Akershus University College has assessment of suitability for the following educations; Vocational Teacher Education, Postgraduate Certificate in Education, Nursing Education, Midwifery Education and Social Education. Suitability is closely defined in Regulation on Suitability in Higher Education( "Forskrift om Skikkethetsvurdering i høyere utdanning"). (3) Akershus University College has a requirement for certificate of good conduct for the following educations; Vocational Teacher Education, Postgraduate Certificate in Education, Nursing Education and Social Education Discrepancy with the National Curriculum and the National Qualifications Framework In cases of discrepancy between these regulations and the current national curriculum, the national curriculum takes precedence over these regulations Definitions Student a. Student: Person enrolled in a study programme or course at Akershus University College in accordance with Act Relating to Universities and University, 3-6 and 3-7. b. Admission to study: Rights and obligations linked to being enrolled as a student at a study programme or course. c. External candidate: Person who follows lectures and/or sit for an examination without being enrolled in a study programme or course in accordance with Act Relating to Universities and University Colleges, d. Individual education plan: Individual plan for the implementation of a study/study programme of 60 ECTS credits or more formulated between the university college and the individual student in accordance with Act Relating to Universities and University Colleges, 4-2. Assessment e. Examination candidate: Student or external candidate registered for an examination. f. Candidate: A person that has completed a degree at Akershus University College. g. Examination or partial examination: Examination that is used as a basis for the determination of a grade for a course or alone is the basis for the determination of the grade for that course. h. Ordinary examination: The examination or partial examination that is ordinary arranged in the current semester. i. New and postponed examination: New examination is the examination or partial examination that is arranged for examination candidates that have not passed the ordinary examination. 3

4 Postponed examination is the examination or partial examination that is arranged for examination candidates that have submitted a medical certificate or have any other documented legitimate absence. j. Test: A test does not give ECTS credits. A test is given the assessment Approved/Not approved or Pass/Fail, cf. Ot.prp. (Report to the Storting) no p. 75 k. Coursework requirements: Coursework requirements are all forms of work and testing that are required before an examination candidate may sit for an examination and/or enter into practical training. The result is not included in the basis for determining the grade included on the diploma/transcript of records. Coursework requirements are given the assessment Approved/Not approved. l. Portfolio requirement: A text or work that is included in a portfolio examination and that is not given any assessment until all the parts of the portfolio are submitted. m. Independent work on a second degree level: Master s thesis of a minimum of 30 ECTS credits. The thesis is to show independent academic understanding, reflection and maturation. n. External programme supervisor: The role of the external programme supervisor is to ensure the quality of the assessment and the assessment arrangements. The tasks of the external programme supervisor will appear from Guidelines for Appointment and Use of Examiners and External Programme Supervisors at Akershus University College ( Retningslinjer for oppnevning og bruk av sensorer og tilsynssensorer ved Høgskolen i Akershus ). Curricula and descriptions, contents of the curricula and descriptions o. Subject: Collection of related courses offered under one common subject designation. p. Course: The smallest unit carrying credit value by final assessment that may be included in a study programme. A course must have a scope of minimum 10 ECTS credits. The number of ECTS credits must be dividable by 5. q. Course group: Group of courses from one or several subject areas which in the curriculum/programme description is defined to constitute a unit. r. Study programme/studies: Term for a progression of study with specific admission that has a defined content in accordance with curriculum or programme description, and leads to a final examination, degree or professional education with defined learning outcomes. A study programme/study is by the rule composted of several courses. s. National Curriculum: Curriculum that appoints national frameworks for an education. The National Curriculum is appointed by the ministry in accordance with Act Relating to Universities and University Colleges, 3-2. t. Curriculum (fagplan): Curriculum for an education that is regulated by a national curriculum. The curriculum describes in detail the objectives, contents, learning outcomes and organisation of a subject/study/education that is regulated by national curriculum and shall elucidate how this is concretised. u. Programme description (studieplan): A programme description describes objectives, contents, learning outcomes and organisation of a course/study/education that is not regulated by a national curriculum. v. Course description: Defines prerequisites. Describes academic contents, learning outcomes and other requirements, in addition to how the learning process and assessment for a course are organised. All courses must have a course description. w. ECTS credits: Measure of work load of the individual courses in a study programme. 60 ECTS credits correspond to one year fulltime study. 4

5 Degrees and documentation x. Degree: A degree and the appurtenant title are awarded to a person who has completed and passed an education of a certain scope and composition. y. Diploma/Transcript of Records: Diploma and transcript of records that provide information about the individual student s completed education, examination results and a description of the expected learning outcomes. z. Diploma Supplement: A diploma supplement provides information in English about the educational system at Norwegian universities and university colleges, and the individual student s education Decision-making authority (1) The Board is the university college s superior body. The rector is the head of the institution s academic and administrative activity in accordance with the framework and instruction appointed by the Board, cf. Act Relating to Universities and University Colleges, 10-1 and (2) In cases where the university college has the decision-making authority, decisions are made by the rector or the person he or she gives the power of authority. In cases where the Board itself has the decision-making authority, in accordance with act and regulations, the decision-making authority may not be delegated to a lower level. Chapter 2 Degrees 2-1. Akershus University College awards the following degrees; cf. forskrift 16. desember 2005 nr (Regulations Relating to Degrees and Vocational Educations, Protected Title and Nominal Progression of Study at Universities and University Colleges). University College Graduate Degree, nominal length of study 2 years Bachelor s Degree, nominal length of study 3 years Master s Degree, nominal length of study 2 years 2-2. Additional designations for degrees Degrees accomplished on the basis of a completed study programme on a degree level, are normally given the additional designation University College Graduate/Bachelor s/master s in (name of the study programme) Other additional designations for study programmes at first degree level are appointed by the Board in the individual cases Requirements for the University College Graduate Degree The University College Graduate Degree shall be applied to 2 year-educations giving 120 ECTS credits approved by the University College Board Requirements for the Bachelor s Degree To be awarded a bachelor s degree, the student must have completed and passed examinations constituted of at least 180 ECTS credits, whereof a minimum of 60 ECTS credits must have been completed at Akershus University College. 5

6 The basis for the bachelor s degree shall be comprised of: (1) a) A three year integrated vocational education (180 ECTS credits), in accordance with nationally appointed curriculum and /or regulations. b) A three year integrated vocational education (180 ECTS credits) in accordance with the decision made by the Board of Akershus University College. (2 Education with a nominal length of study of three years (180 ECTS credits) consisting of a two years university college graduate degree/integrated vocational study programme (120 ECTS credits) combined with a study programme within the same or another subject/subject area consisting of at least 60 ECTS credits. (3) Education with a nominal length of study of three years (180 ECTS credits) consisting of integrated vocational education or specialisation in subjects, courses or course groups which are based on each other, consisting of at least 90 ECTS credits, combined with a specialisation in additional subjects, courses and course groups consisting of at least 60 ECTS credits. Isolated courses that are to be included in the degree must consist of at least 10 ECTS credits. (4) Overlapping in subject contents between subjects/courses/course groups or study programmes that are included in the basis for the bachelor s degree can not constitute of more than 10 ECTS credits in total. Overlapping beyond 10 ECTS credits must be compensated for. (5) A diploma for a bachelor s degree pursuant to subsection (2) and (3) is issued upon application. The applicant must document that the requirements are fulfilled. (6) In the cases of self-composed bachelor s degrees, the degree bachelor without additional designation or area of specialisation is issued Requirements for the master s degree Requirements for contents and scope of the master s degree appear from regulations appointed by the ministry Requirements for new degrees To receive a new diploma or a new degree, a student must have completed at least 60 new ECTS credits, in addition to completed education included in a degree or parts of a degree or vocational education, previously awarded. The university college may appoint requirements for up to 90 new ECTS credits for certain educations, cf. Regulations Relating to Credit and Recognition of Higher Education ( forskrift av 10. april 2006 nr. 412 om godskriving av høyere utdanning ). Chapter 3: Studies 3-1. Academic Year (1) The autumn semester at Akershus University College lasts in approximately 18 weeks and the spring semester lasts in approximately 22 weeks, 40 weeks in total, cf. Act Relating to Universities and University Colleges, 3-8. All teaching and ordinary 6

7 examinations/final assessments must take place within the appointed teaching period. The rector appoints the teaching periods for each academic year. (2) New and postponed examinations may in special cases be arranged outside the appointed teaching periods for the academic year Admission to study (1) The person who has accepted the offer of admission to a study programme has admission to study in accordance with the nominal length of the study for the particular fulltime or part-time study programme that he/she has been admitted to. (2) The student must follow the progression that is appointed for the study programme. In case of delayed progress, the student must make an agreement with the university college of a new individual education plan. The dean may in special cases give exemption from the appointed requirements for progression pursuant to curriculum and programme descriptions. (3) The student must pay the semester fee, accept the individual education plan and register himself/herself every semester within the appointed deadlines. (4) The student is obliged to keep himself/herself continuously updated on information made public on the university college s electronic student tools. (5) The student may have the admission to study revoked in the following cases: a. If a student neglects to register himself/herself, does not accept his/her individual education plan, does not get in contact with the university college within the appointed deadlines that the student is given in form of a letter or does not pay the semester fee within the appointed deadline. b. If a student has used all the attempts for an examination, test or practical training period pursuant to the curriculum/programme description and Regulations relating to studies and examinations. c. If a student exceeds the nominal length of study beyond 2 academic years. Granted leave of absence pursuant to 3-3 subsection (1) is not included. d. If a student has not been present at lectures/practical training/examination and has not handed in coursework requirements in accordance with the programme description/curriculum. (6) The person who has his/her admission to study revoked pursuant to 3-2 subsection (5) letter b), may not begin at the same study programme at Akershus University College until 3 years have passed. (7) The university college may prepare its own guidelines for rights and obligations that apply to studies with external funding or partial external funding Leave of absence from a study programme (1) A student that gives birth during her studies, shall be given the right to leave of absence from the study programme during the pregnancy and for taking care of children cf. Act Relating to Universities and University Colleges, 4-5. Leave of absence may also be granted due to illness or compulsory military service. Leave of absence pursuant to this section will not be considered as delay, cf. 3-2 subsection (5) letter c). 7

8 (2) To be granted leave of absence for other reasons, the student must have completed at least one semester of the particular study programme. Leave of absence may be granted for up to one year. The leave of absence pursuant to this section will be considered as delay, cf. 3-2 subsection (5) letter c). (3) Leave of absence pursuant to subsection (1) is normally granted for up to one year. In exceptionally cases it is possible to apply for another year prolonged leave of absence. Students who want prolonged leave of absence due to taking care of children, will normally be granted prolonged leave of absence. Leave of absence is granted for one year at a time. The maximum amount of time that can be granted is two years. (4) A student may apply to take an examination during leave of absence. (5) A student that does not contact the university college within the appointed deadline before the leave of absence expires, automatically gets the admission to study revoked for the study programme from which the leave of absence is granted Adapted education (1) Due to illness, disabilities or other conditions, a student may apply for adapted education, cf. Act Relating to Universities and University Colleges, 4-3. (2) In cases where adapted education is needed cf. subsection (1), the student must apply for adapted education as soon as possible after he/she has accepted admission to the university college. A condition for granting adapted education is that the adaptations must be practically possible for the university college. Relevant documentation is required. See 4-18 Special arrangements Individual education plan (1) The individual education plan shall contain provisions about the university college s responsibilities and obligations towards the student and the student s obligations towards the university college and the fellow students. All students admitted to study programmes of 60 ECTS credits or more shall have an individual education plan. (2) The individual education plan must be organised in such a way so that the student is able to complete the planned study or progression of study within the nominal length as a fulltime- or a part-time student. (3) The student must accept his/her individual education plan within appointed deadlines each semester. (4) The individual education plan may be changed after an agreement between the university college and the student Participation in evaluation of the educational institution (1) The students have the right to participate in evaluations of the educational institution. (2) A student with admission to a study programme or course has the right to participate in an evaluation of the study programme and/or the course as appointed by the university college. 8

9 (3) The results and the follow up of the evaluations shall be made public for the students Transfer from another educational institution Application for transfer from another educational institution is normally only treated if it is received within the appointed deadline Duty to provide information Students are obliged to provide information and submit documents that are necessary for the educational institution to be able to treat a student matter. Lack of information and documentation may result in rejection The principle of equal treatment The university college shall promote equal treatment so that all students are treated on objective grounds in accordance with appointed requirements in act, regulations, guidelines and supplementary guidelines. Chapter 4: Examination 4-1. Conditions for taking examinations (1) To be able to take an examination, the student must have carried out and received approval on the coursework requirements that are required in accordance with the course description. In special cases, the dean may give exemption from the appointed requirements. If so, the examination result will be withheld until the coursework requirements are carried out within an appointed deadline. If the coursework requirements are not carried out within the appointed deadline, the examination is regarded as withdrawn and one attempt for this examination will be registered. New answer paper must be submitted at the next ordinary examination. (2) Students who have not paid the semester fee for the current semester are not allowed to sit for an examination Registration (1) A student is normally automatically registered for ordinary examinations when he/she follows the nominal progression of study. (2) A student who is going to take a new or postponed examination, must register for the examination four weeks before the examination takes place and make sure that the registration is correct. (3) The students are responsible for keeping themselves updated on time and place of the examination Examination-/assessment forms (1) For each course, the student shall be tested in his/her knowledge and/or skills in accordance with the course description/curriculum or programme description. (2) Only written assignments or other types of work where the assessment may be controlled can be included in a portfolio. Written examination with invigilation can not be 9

10 included in a portfolio. A final grade for all the portfolio requirements is determined. In cases where not all the portfolio requirements shall constitute the basis for determination of the final grade, the selection of the portfolio requirements shall appear in the course description. (3) External candidates shall have the same assessment form as ordinary students Language variant and language on written examinations (1) The dean or the person he/she gives the power of authority must assure that examination question papers in Norwegian are available in both language variants. If all the students have chosen the same language variant, the question papers may be given in this language variant only. The students choose language variant when they register themselves each semester. (2) If the language of instruction and/or significant parts of the course s syllabus is in another language than Norwegian, the dean may decide that the question paper is to be given in this language. (3) Application for being given the question paper and/or submit the answer paper in another language than Norwegian or the language of instruction is decided by the university college after a statement from the faculty. Exception from this provision is answer papers in Swedish or Danish. In addition there might be courses where it is required that the examination must be answered in a certain language. This will appear from the course description Examination schedule (1) Each semester the university college prepares an examination schedule that is to be made public for the students at the beginning of the semester. The examination schedule is organised after the subjects and courses that are to be taken during the particular semester in accordance with the study programme the student is admitted to. (2) The university college is not responsible for collisions between examination dates for students that choose another progression of study than ordinary progression of study or follow courses at several study programmes. (3) The examination schedule is made public via the university college s electronic student system and contains subjects/courses that are completed that semester Time and place of examination (1) If nothing else is stated, examinations are normally held in the university college s premises, including the university college s electronic student tools. (2) For oral examinations, presentations and practical tests, the place, date and time of the examination are appointed by the dean or the person he/she gives the power of authority. The university college provides satisfactory announcement of time and place. (3) For examinations with invigilation and written assignments, the examination place, date and time are appointed by the university college. (4) Appointed examination dates are normally not moved. 10

11 (5) Examinations with invigilation shall only be held in the university college s examination premises. In special cases, the university college may grant exemption from this rule Use of proviso Master s and bachelor s theses are accessible for the public. In special cases, the student must, after recommendation from the supervisor, apply for a proviso of the thesis. The application is to be sent to the university college. In cases of proviso, a written statement must be submitted together with the thesis. Yet, such a proviso does not include ordinary assessment Exemption from an examination, test or coursework requirement (1) A student may apply for exemption from an examination or test when it can be documented that he/she has passed an equivalent examination/test from the same or equivalent institution. Exemption from parts of an education may be granted on the basis of another well qualified examination or test. Documentation of prior learning and work experience may also give basis for exemption. An application for exemption is decided upon by the university college on the basis of a statement from the faculty; cf. Act Relating to Universities and University Colleges, 3-5. (2) A student may apply for exemption from coursework requirements when it can be documented that he/she has passed equivalent coursework requirements at the same or equivalent institution. The application for exemption is treated by the dean or the person he/she gives the power of authority. (3) The assessment of prior knowledge and work experience as a basis for exemption applies to students that have begun their studies at the university college at an established study programme with an approved programme description/curriculum. (4) Application for exemption from examination or test must be submitted on a separate application form within 3 weeks after the beginning of the study. The scope of the exemption from examination or test shall appear on the diploma and the transcript of records with the grounds for the exemption specified Credit reduction due to overlapping courses Cases where a student takes an examination in courses that overlap or partially overlap, normally leads to credit reduction on the diploma or transcript of records. When possible, academic overlapping shall be stated in the curriculum/programme description Number of attempts for an examination and the execution of coursework requirements A student may take an examination or coursework requirement in the same subject/course three times. Exceptions from this rule apply to the master s thesis, cf subsection (1) and when a course discontinues, cf subsection (7). In special cases, the student may apply, on the basis of a statement from the faculty by the dean, to be given a fourth and last attempt to take an examination in the same subject/course. 11

12 4-11. Number of attempts for supervised practical training If a student gets the assessment Fail twice on his/her practical training period, he/she must interrupt his/her studies, cf. 3-2 about getting the admission to study revoked Ordinary examination (1) Ordinary examination is normally arranged at the end of the semester when the teaching of the course finishes, and within the examination period that the university college appoints. (2) Students that wish to improve their grade, may normally only register for ordinary examinations. (3) In special cases, the rector may, before the beginning of the course, decide whether a form of examination shall be another than the one described in the course description. The students must be alerted and give their consent Oral examination exception from the rule of public oral examination At the request of the individual examination candidate, and if compelling reasons exist, the university college may in special cases make an exception from the rule of public oral examination, cf. Act Relating to Universities and University Colleges, 3-9 subsection (3) New examination and postponed examination (1) A student with legitimate absence from an ordinary examination is entitled to a postponed examination. Legitimate absence includes illness, or any other documented compelling reason for absence. The university college decides whether the absence may be considered legitimate. (2) Students that have not been able to sit for an examination due to student exchange abroad/part-time studies abroad are also entitled to register for a postponed examination. (3) Students that have failed an ordinary examination may take a new examination, cf. subsection (1). (4) New examination and postponed examination are normally arranged at the same time. New examination and postponed examination are at the latest arranged during the following semester. Exceptions from this rule are examinations that due to their distinctive character are arranged at the same time as the next ordinary examination. The dean decides whether it shall be another form of examination than that of the ordinary examination. (5) Students that previously have passed the examination in the course and examination candidates that do not have legitimate absence from the last ordinary examination are normally not allowed to sit for new or postponed examination, cf. subsection (3). (6) Students that do not complete or pass new or postponed examination are normally not allowed to take the examination again until the next ordinary examination. This also includes students that have legitimate absence at new or postponed examination. 12

13 (7) In cases where changes are made in curriculum and programme description, the student is entitled to take new or postponed examination in accordance with the old regulations. Such an examination shall be arranged within a year after the last ordinary examination was arranged. The following rules apply if a course discontinues: Examination candidates that have not passed the examination after the last ordinary and new/postponed examination has been arranged may be granted, upon application to the university college, the opportunity to take an examination in accordance with the old regulations, within one year after the last new and postponed examination Absence from an examination, withdrawal prior to an examination, withdrawal during an examination and submission of empty examination answer paper (1) A student may withdraw from an examination so that an examination attempt is not registered. Withdrawal prior to an examination must take place via the university college s electronic student system no later than two weeks before the examination date. (2) Students that do not submit their answer papers within the appointed deadline are registered with not attended. This counts as one examination attempt. Submission of an empty answer paper is given a fail grade. (3) If illness prevents the student from taking an examination or submitting an examination answer paper within the appointed deadline, medical certificate of the whole or parts of the examination period must be submitted to grant the student legitimate absence. In cases of legitimate absence, there will be no registered examination attempt. Medical certificate must be submitted or postmarked no later than one week after the examination date. (4) A student that becomes ill during an examination with invigilation can chose to withdraw from the examination. If the student chooses to withdraw, a form for withdrawal must be signed and the student has used one examination attempt if a medical certificate is not submitted, cf. subsection (2). (5) A student that becomes ill during an individual written examination without invigilation may apply for postponement of the submission of the examination. The application must be submitted to the university college within the appointed deadline of the examination. Postponement of 48 hours may be granted if a medical certificate which documents illness during the whole or parts of the examination period is submitted together with the application for postponement. If the illness is of such a character that the student can not complete the examination, 4-15 subsection (3) applies Master s thesis (1) Examinations in all courses of the obligatory/elective range of courses must be passed before the student may submit his/her master s thesis for assessment. (2) The nominal timescale for a master s thesis of 60 ECTS credits is 2 semesters. For part-time studies, the timescale is 4 semesters. The nominal timescale for a master s thesis of 30 ECTS credits is 1 semester. For part-time studies, the timescale is 2 semesters. Beyond this, a delay of nominal progression of study with 2 academic years for fulltime and part-time studies is accepted. 13

14 (3) All students are entitled to academic supervision before they submit their master s thesis for assessment. Obligatory academic supervision appears from the programme description for the individual master s programme. (4) The master s thesis is assessed by at least two examiners, whereof one has to be external. Main supervisor or co-supervisor can not be examiner New/revised master s thesis (1) A student may submit a new or revised master s thesis once if the master s thesis has been given the assessment fail. (2) A student that previously has been given a pass grade on his/her master s thesis is not allowed to get another master s thesis assessed in the same study programme. (3) Students that are going to write a new/revised master s thesis, are entitled to academic supervision equivalent of 50 % of the number of hours for supervision given the first time the master s thesis was written, cf Special arrangements (1) Students who due to medical or other reasons need special arrangements in connection with an examination or test must apply on a separate application form no later than four weeks before the examination or test. If the need occurs after the appointed deadline, or if other specific reasons indicate so, the university college may depart from this deadline. The need must be documented with a medical certificate or a certificate from other relevant experts. The certificate must contain a specification of the student s reduced performance in the relevant examination situation and a closer explanation for why special arrangements are needed. (2) A student may be granted 1 hour extra time on written examinations or test with invigilation of 3 hours or more and 30 minutes extra time on written examinations and tests with invigilation of less than 3 hours. For written examination without invigilation, up to 48 hours extra time, including Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, may be granted. Application for other examination forms is treated separately. (3) Upon application, the dean may grant an alternative form of examination or test for students who due to chronic illness or other disabilities are not able to take the examination or test in its original form. (4) Students with dyslexia or other reading/writing difficulties may by request enclose with their answer paper an anonymous certificate that certifies their difficulties. Students with dyslexia, who can submit a certification of this, will be able to get adapted arrangements during the examination or test by means of extra time (cf. subsection (2)) and use of a computer with a correction programme on written examination or test with invigilation. (5) Students that have another mother tongue than Norwegian, Swedish or Danish may upon application be granted 1 hour extra time on written examinations or test with invigilation. The students may also apply to use a bilingual dictionary. 14

15 4-19. Examination support materials (1) Examination support materials may be written or printed resources, calculator, drawing equipment or other specified recourses. What examination support materials that are allowed during the examination shall be stated in advance and clearly expressed in the course description and on the examination question paper. (2) In certain subjects, there are specific rules for use of permitted types of calculators. This shall be clearly expressed in the course description in advance and on the examination question paper Cheating, attempted cheating (1) Use of other examination support materials than those listed on the examination question paper will be regarded as cheating. (2) Being in possession of examination support materials that are not allowed after the examination has started, is regarded as attempted cheating. (3) On written examination without invigilation and other types of work, including coursework requirements, copying or transcription of literature and other people s work without giving any references will be regarded as cheating. Answer papers that are characterised by lack of independence, are similar to other papers or obviously are written by someone other than the student, will be regarded as cheating or attempted cheating. (4) Whenever a candidate is suspected of cheating or attempted cheating during an examination the candidate must immediately be told that he/she will be reported. It is up to the candidate whether he/she wants to continue the examination or not. The answer paper is submitted and assessed as regularly, but the examination result is withheld until a final decision is made. (5) Candidates that are caught cheating or attempted cheating during an examination, test or completed course may be excluded from the institution and deprived of the right to take an examination at all institutions up to one year, cf Act Relating to Universities and University Colleges, 4-8 subsection 3. (6) Cheating or attempted cheating that results in a decision of annulment of an examination, test or completed course, will count as one attempt for that particular examination, test or completed course. This also applies to students that are excluded from the institution, cf. Act Relating to universities and University Colleges, 4-7 and 4-8. (7) From the date when the question of expulsion or exclusion is raised, the student is entitled to meet in the Appeals Committee and may be assisted by a lawyer or another spokesperson. The lawyer expenses are covered by the institution, cf. Act Relating to Universities and University Colleges, 4-8, subsection (5). Chapter 5: Examination results, examiner arrangements, appeals, diploma 5-1. Examination results (1) The university college shall ensure that the students knowledge and skills are tested and assessed in an unbiased and academically satisfactory way. 15

16 (2) The principle of anonymity shall apply for the assessment of all examinations/evaluations with invigilation and otherwise where it is practically possible Examiners, external programme supervisors (1) External programme supervisors shall carry out an evaluation of the assessment or forms of assessment. (2) In addition to the arrangement of external programme supervisors, 2 examiners shall always be used, whereof at least one external, in the following cases: a. Assessment of the candidate s independent work on a second degree study, cf. Act Relating to Universities and University Colleges, 3-9 subsection (2) b. Assessment of appeals as a result of procedural errors of an examination/assessment, cf. Act Relating to Universities and University Colleges) 5-2. c. Appeal against determination of a grade, cf. Act Relating to Universities and University Colleges), 5-3. (3) For any other type of examination at least one internal examiner is to be used. For each subject area there shall be an external programme supervisor that evaluates the assessment or the assessment arrangements. For assessment of oral examination or similar that because of their characteristic nature can not be controlled, at least two examiners must be used Time of the examination results (1) Examination/assessment results shall be made public within three weeks, unless special reasons makes it necessary to use more time, cf. Act Relating to Universities and University Colleges), 3-9 subsection (7). Appeals shall be decided upon without undue delay, cf. The Public Administration Act, 11a. The University College Board grants exceptions for the time of the examination results for individual courses when it is not possible to get hold of the number of qualified examiners that are necessary to carry out the assessment. In special cases, a new date for the examination results must be made public. (2) On oral examinations, the examination result may be withheld until all members of a group have completed the examination. (3) The examination results for master s theses with a determined submission date, where both written and oral examinations are the final assessment, shall be available within 6 weeks after the submission date. Oral examination shall normally take place within 2 weeks after the result of the written thesis is made public. (4) Examination results must be available and registered no later than 31st August in the spring semester and no later than 31st January in the autumn semester for results to be countable for the spring and autumn semester. Exceptions from this rule are new and postponed examinations/assessment Assessment and assessment forms (1) Provisions about assessment and assessment forms shall appear from the course description. 16

17 (2) The assessment of an examination or test shall be Pass/Fail or a graded scale from A (highest) to F (lowest) where A to E is a pass grade and F is a fail grade. 3) The dean can decide that the grade Pass / Fail can be used for assessment of examinations of up to 30 ECTS credits. For degree studies and further education studies of more than 60 ECTS credits, the scope of such examinations for the individual student is calculated to not more than 1/4 of the theory part of the study. Exceptions from this rule are programmes that are included by the National Curriculum for Vocational Teacher Education. Practical training studies/practical training periods shall be given the assessment «Pass»/«Fail». (4) Determination of a final grade on the basis of several partial examinations requires a pass grade on all partial examinations before a final grade is given. All partial examinations that are included in the determination of a final grade for a course must be based on a common grading scale. The weighing of partial examinations and determination of the final grade shall appear from the course description. (5) If an examination candidate has presented himself/herself to an examination more than once, the best grade applies Appeal against determination of a grade the right to an explanation (1) An examination candidate can submit a written appeal against the determination of the grade for his/her own achievements in accordance with Act Relating to Universities and University Colleges, 5-3. A written appeal is to be sent to the university college. (2) Assessment of oral achievements, practical skills or any other type that can not be controlled can not be appealed against. (3) Appeal against the determination of a grade must be submitted within three weeks after the examination result was announced, cf. Act Relating to Universities and University Colleges, 5-3. If a requirement for an explanation or an appeal against procedural error is submitted, the deadline to appeal pursuant to this section is in force from whenever the examination candidate receives the explanation or final decision of the appeal. (4) An appeal may be withdrawn within one week after the appeal has been received by the university college. (5) In cases of appeal against the determination of a grade, the examination candidate s answer paper must be submitted to two new examiners whereof one is external. The examiners are to give a new assessment and therefore shall not have any information about the grade, explanation for the grade or the examination candidate s explanation for the appeal. The examiners shall always have an assessment guide whenever this is available. The determination of the grade can be in favour or disfavour of the complainant. The determination of the grade after new assessment can not be appealed against. (6) In cases of new determination of a grade on portfolio examinations, all parts of the portfolio must be submitted for new assessment. (7) Both individuals and the whole group can appeal against the determination of the grade on group examinations. All the students of a group must be informed when an appeal is 17

18 submitted. Changes due to new determination of the grade shall only affect the students that have signed the appeal. Changes may be in favour or disfavour of the complainant. (8) An appeal can not be submitted if it concerns supervision from lecturer/supervisor that is only meant as feedback on work during the learning process. (9) The anonymity of the complainant is to be ensured throughout the process, with the exception of cases where this is not practically possible Appeal against procedural errors (1) An appeal against procedural errors in connection with examinations or tests shall be treated by the Appeals Committee at Akershus University College on behalf of the Board; cf. Act Relating to Universities and University Colleges, 5-2. A documented appeal is to be sent to the university college. (2) An appeal against procedural errors must be presented no later than three weeks after he or she is or should be familiar with the circumstances that form the basis for the appeal. (3) If the procedural error may have affected the examination candidate s achievement or assessment of this, the determination of the grade shall be abolished. The decision is final. A decision of arranging a new examination or test with new examiners must be made. (4) If the procedural error have affected more than the complainant, the Appeals Committee can decide that the whole examination is to be annulled. In such cases a decision of arranging a new examination or test must be made. (5) If the error may be corrected by means of a new assessment of the submitted work, a new assessment is carried out. Determination of the grade by means of new assessment can be appealed cf Cases in the Appeals Committee The Appeals Committee treats appeals against individual decisions, cf. Act Relating to Universities and University Colleges, Diploma/Transcript of Records (1) A diploma is issued after a completed and passed degree or professional education cf. Act Relating to Universities and University Colleges), In cases of excess ECTS credits, these ECTS credits will be documented with a transcript of records. (2) Transcript of records is issued for completed studies that are not included in subsection (1). (3) For candidates that follow a study programme for which a diploma/transcript of records is issued, a diploma/transcript of records will automatically be issued after completed education. Students that have another progression of study than the nominal progression of study must contact the university college so that diploma/transcript of records may be issued. 18

19 (4) In cases of appeal against the determination of a grade and/or procedural error in connection with an examination after a diploma/transcript of records has been issued, the diploma/transcript of records must be returned to the university college before the appeal is treated. (5) If a candidate takes a new examination and improve his/her grade that is included on the diploma/transcript of records, the candidate may have a new diploma/transcript of records issued. Previously issued documentation must be returned to the university college. (6) Diploma/transcript of records shall contain the following information: Full name of the candidate and the national identification number The education/degree which have been completed, scope of this education/degree and the defined learning outcomes Any academic designation for the completed degree Time of completed education Name, ECTS credits, time of completed examination and grade for the final assessment of subject/course that is included in the study programme. Any exemption from/approval of subjects/courses the candidate has been granted with specification of ECTS credits and what education that forms the basis for the exemption/approval. Title of larger written assignments Current grading system (7) A diploma is only issued once per candidate. (8) If a candidate later on passes new examinations at Akershus University College that may be included in an awarded degree, a new diploma is not issued. New examinations are documented with a transcript of records. (9) A diploma is normally issued in Norwegian. Study programmes with English as the language of instruction are given a diploma in English. (10) With the diploma, a Diploma Supplement in English is enclosed which provides a closer description of the candidate s education and the Norwegian higher education system. A Diploma Supplement is issued free of charge for the candidate and is only valid together with the original diploma. (11) If a candidate looses his/her diploma/transcript of records, a duplicate may be issued upon application with documentation. The Board appoints the amount of the fee for the issued duplicate. (12) A diploma that is issued by a procedural error is not valid and must be returned to Akershus University College; cf. The Public Administration Act,

20 Chapter 6: External candidates 6-1. Examination fee External candidates must pay an examination fee per examination. The Board appoints the amount of the fee The right to sit for an examination External candidates have to fulfil the admission requirements and other requirements to be able to sit for an examination in a certain subject or study, cf. Act Relating to University and University Colleges, Chapter 7: Studies, programme descriptions and Curricula 7-1. Establishment and abolishment of studies (1) Studies with the scope of more than 60 ECTS credits are established and abolished by the Board itself. (2) Studies with the scope of up to 60 ECTS credits, with the exception of commissioned studies, are established and abolished by the rector Approval of curricula and programme descriptions (1) Curricula and programme descriptions are determined for all studies that are offered at Akershus University College, and are accredited to the students in form of ECTS credits. This also includes studies with external funding. (2) For all studies up to 180 ECTS credits, the curricula and programme descriptions are approved by the rector, after recommendations from the Education Quality Committee. Exceptions are curricula /programme descriptions for master s degrees Changes in the curricula/programme descriptions Changes in an established curriculum/programme description can not apply until the following academic year. Chapter 8: Supplementary guidelines 8-1. Supplementary guidelines The Board may lay down supplementary guidelines to the regulations or to certain sections of the regulations. Chapter 9: Implementation 9-1. Coming into force These regulations come into force 1st. August From this date: - Regulations of 18th. June 2008 no. 765 Relating to Studies and Examinations at Akershus University College are repealed. 20