DEGREE REGULATIONS OF JAMK UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES

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1 Approved by the Academic Board of JAMK University of Applied Sciences on 10 June 2013 DEGREE REGULATIONS OF JAMK UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES The Degree Regulations are based on the Polytechnics Act (351/2003) and the Government Decree on Polytechnics (352/2003) and their subsequent amendments. I MISSION OF JAMK UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES 1 Mission The mission of JAMK University of Applied Sciences (later referred as JAMK) is to provide higher education that prepares students for professional expert tasks and positions, based on the demands and development of trade and industry and the public sector, and on research and artistic considerations. Further aims include supporting the students' individual professional growth and conducting applied R&D activities and artistic activities that support and serve JAMK's education and the companies and organisations in the region. JAMK promotes lifelong learning. JAMK provides education leading to Bachelor s and Master s Degrees. JAMK also provides vocational teacher education, further education for vocational teachers, professional specialisation studies, further and continuing education for various target groups, open studies, as well as R&D and service activities. II DEGREES OF JAMK UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES 2 Degrees of JAMK University of Applied Sciences The Bachelor s Degrees completed at JAMK are first-cycle higher education degrees, and the Master s Degrees are second-cycle higher education degrees. The degrees are based on valid legislation on universities of applied sciences (polytechnics), decisions of the Ministry of Education and Culture on the educational mission, resolutions of JAMK Ltd., the Ordinance of JAMK, and these Degree Regulations. RIGHT TO STUDY 3 Admission of an Applicant to JAMK University of Applied Sciences Director makes the decision on student selection on the basis of the selection list. The applicant confirms the study place in compliance with the schedule of the Finnish National Board of Education and concurrently enrols either for attendance or non-attendance. The validity of the information provided by the applicant in the application process is verified by the original certificates. If the applicant does not deliver the certificates by the deadline, if the revised points do not entitle him/her to admission or if the applicant does not enrol for attendance or non-attendance by the deadline, the selection will be revoked. Applicants may request for rectification of a decision concerning admission. Requests are to be submitted to the Academic Board of JAMK in writing within 14 days of receiving the notification of the decision. See section 37 about an additional condition regarding the selection of students to Bachelor s Degree programmes in health and social care.

2 4 Enrolment for a Semester / Academic Year Students must enrol for attendance/non-attendance every semester in accordance with the general instructions issued by JAMK. Enrolment takes place through the student management system (ASIO). The enrolment periods are determined separately for each year. Semester refers to autumn and spring semesters. Only students enrolled as attending students for the respective semester have the right to complete degree studies. Enrolment for the spring semester is possible in connection with the enrolment for the preceding autumn semester. Any changes to an enrolment can only be made for a justifiable reason and during an enrolment period, not in the middle of a semester. Enrolment for attendance/non-attendance is possible during the maximum study period defined in section 5 of the Degree Regulations. A student completing a Bachelor s degree may enrol for nonattendance for a maximum of four semesters without reducing his/her maximum study period. A student completing a Master s Degree may, for a special reason and with the consent of the Student Services Manager, enrol for non-attendance for a maximum of two semesters. A student who does not enrol for attendance/non-attendance in the way describe above will lose his/her right to study. 5 Standard Study Period and Maximum Study Period The standard study period in Bachelor s Degree education is determined by the total number of credits of the degree programme concerned. If the number of credits is 210, the standard study period is 3½ years. In 240-credit degree programmes, the standard study period is 4 years, and in 270-credit degree programmes 4½ years. The maximum study period is the standard study period plus two semesters. Consequently, the maximum study periods of the 210-credit, 240-credit and 270-credit degree programmes are 4 ½, 5 and 5 ½ years respectively. The Master s Degree Programmes consist of 60 or 90 credits. For a 60-credit degree programme, the standard study period is 2 years, and for a 90-credit programme 3 years. The maximum study period is the standard study period plus two semesters. Consequently, the maximum study period of a 60-credit programme is 3 years, and the maximum study period of a 90-credit programme is 4 years. On the student s application, the Student Services Manager may extend the student s study period generally once with a maximum of two semesters if the following conditions are met: a Bachelor s Degree student has a maximum of 75 credits left to complete and a Master s Degree student 30 credits, graduation within the extension period is a realistic goal and no more than 10 years has passed since the student began his/her studies. If the student is unable to complete his/her studies within the extension period, the student may apply for another extension only if he/she has participated in teaching and exams during the previous extension period or has in some other way shown effort to complete the studies. At that stage, the student must not have more than 15 credits left to complete of his/her Bachelor s or Master s Degree. If there is no evidence of studying, the medical condition or an exceptionally difficult life situation of the student or someone in his/her immediate family may constitute acceptable grounds for extending the study period. Significant positions of trust, successful scientific and artistic activities and top-level sports may also be accepted as reasons for extension. In all the aforementioned cases, the grounds shall be verified with a reliable document. If the student presents a medical certificate, it shall include an evaluation of the student s ability to study. The student cannot enrol as a non-attending student during the extension period. An extension must be applied for before the standard study period ends.

3 The student has the right to appeal to the Academic Board of JAMK against the decision of the Student Services Manager within 14 days of receiving the notification of the decision. 6 Losing and Restoring the Right to Study A student who has not completed his/her degree within the maximum study period will lose his/her right to study and shall have no right to apply for the restoration of the right. A student who has lost his/her right to study for reasons stated in section 3 or section 4 but wishes to restart his/her studies or continue them may submit an application to the Student Services Manager for the restoration of his/her right to study, provided that he/she has not exceeded the maximum study period. The application must state the reasons for the loss of the right to study. When the application is processed, all the semesters for which the student has lost his/her right to study due to non-enrolment will be counted as semesters reducing the allowed non-attendance period. When a student has used up his/her allowed non-attendance period (4 semesters in degree programmes leading to a Bachelor s Degree, and 2 semesters in degree programmes leading to a Master s Degree), non-attendance due to non-enrolment will start reducing the maximum study period. The right to study will be restored generally in the beginning of next semester, but if the student has adequate reasons and related documents, the right to study can be restored immediately. However it must be done before the date of student statistics are completed (autumn semester 20 th of September and spring semester 20 th of January). The student has the right to appeal to the Academic Board of JAMK against the decision of the Student Services Manager within 14 days of receiving the notification of the decision. See section 37 about a special provision on the revocation and restoration of the right to study applied to the students of Bachelor s Degree programmes in health and social care. 7 Transfer Students A student who has the right to study at another Finnish university of applied sciences and wishes to complete a corresponding degree at JAMK may continue his/her studies at JAMK. Being accepted as a transfer student is based on the application and selection procedure defined in JAMK s regulations regarding transfer students. A student already studying at JAMK may also apply for a transfer to another degree programme within the same field of study, if the selection criteria have been the same in both of the degree programmes The decision on admission is made by the Director concerned. The student has the right to appeal against the decision to the Academic Board of JAMK within 14 days of receiving the notification of the decision. The transfer student s study period in the first university of applied sciences / degree programme is included in the maximum study period, i.e. the transfer does not mean the beginning of a new maximum study period. The Head of Department decides on the accreditation of the prior learning of the transfer student (see section 16). See section 37 about an additional condition regarding the selection of transfer students applying to Bachelor s Degree programmes in the field of health and social care. BACHELOR S AND MASTER S DEGREE STUDIES 8 Study Guidance The aim of study guidance at JAMK is that the student is provided with necessary guidance to help

4 him/her complete his/her studies within the standard study period. The goal is that a JAMK graduate is a future professional who finds employment that corresponds to his/her education. Every student has the right to study guidance throughout his/her studies. Every student is, however, also obliged to take responsibility for the progress of his/her studies and participate in the study guidance provided to the students. JAMK's guidance system and the actors thereof are described in a separate document that can be found in the Study Guide. 9 Study Objectives The general objective of Bachelor s Degree education at universities of applied sciences is that the students acquire the knowledge and skills required of professionals in business and industry and the public sector. The objective of the studies is to provide the students with 1) extensive practical basic knowledge and skills, as well as understanding of their theoretical foundations, required for performing expert tasks in the field concerned 2) ability to follow the development of the field concerned and to update and develop their expertise 3) readiness and ability for self-development and life-long learning 4) necessary language and communication skills, and 5) competences needed in international work environments The objective of the education leading to Master s Degrees is that, based on the demands set by the Master s Degree and the development needs in business and industry and the public sector, the students acquire an adequate knowledge and competence base, as well as proficiencies needed in tasks requiring special expertise. 10 Degree Programme and Curriculum The students are admitted to a degree programme or, for a special reason, directly to a specialisation option. The Bachelor s Degree programmes provided by JAMK consist of 210, 240 or 270 credits (ECTS). The students annual work load, 1,600 hours, is equivalent to 60 credits. The degree programmes specialise in specific competence areas in trade and industry and the public sector, and in the development of these competence areas. A degree programme can include specialisation options. In accordance with the curriculum of the degree programme concerned, Bachelor s Degree studies consist of basic and professional studies, elective studies, practical training aiming at enhancing professional competence, and a bachelor s thesis. The courses are compulsory, optional or elective. The courses which constitute the curriculum of each degree programme are described in JAMK s Study Guide in compliance with the requirements of the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). The Master s Degree programmes consist of advanced professional studies, elective studies, and a master s thesis of 30 credits, which is a professional development assignment. 11 Elective Studies The elective studies (minimum of 15 credits in Bachelor s Degrees) provide the students with an opopportunity to select courses outside their own field of study. The purpose of the elective studies is to deepen and enhance the students individual competences. They may include courses offered by JAMK or other courses approved by the Head of Department.

5 12 Practical Training The objective of the practical training included in Bachelor s Degrees is to give the students an opportunity to familiarise themselves, under supervision, with the key work and development tasks defined in the degree programme and their personal study plans, and to apply their knowledge and skills to practice. 13 Thesis and Maturity Test The objective of the Bachelor s Thesis is to develop and demonstrate proficiency in the application of knowledge and skills through a practical assignment related to the degree programme and the student s personal study plan. As a rule, the bachelor s thesis is written in the language of instruction of the degree programme concerned. The Master s Thesis is a professional development assignment. Its objective is to develop and demonstrate the student s ability to apply research data and use chosen methods to analyse and solve problems arising in his/her professional work. It also demonstrates the student s readiness and ability for independent, demanding expert work. In the maturity test, which is based on the thesis, the student demonstrates his/her familiarity with the field concerned and his/her command of the Finnish (Swedish) language. A student who has completed his/her school education abroad or in a language other than Finnish (Swedish) can either take the maturity test in Finnish (Swedish) or demonstrate his/her familiarity with the field concerned through an assignment written in the language of instruction of the degree programme concerned. The Head of Language Centre may exempt a student from the language requirements of the maturity test due to the student s mother tongue. The process of Thesis completion in JAMK is specified in the Study Guide. Thesis assessment is the responsibility of the department appointed Thesis Work Group. 14 Language Skills The students of universities of applied sciences shall demonstrate in their degree studies or otherwise that they have 1) such oral and written language skills in Finnish and Swedish as are required of state officials functioning in a bilingual office in a position requiring a higher education degree as per the Act on the Knowledge of Languages Required of Personnel in Public Bodies (242/2003), and are necessary for practising their profession and for further professional development. 2) such written and oral skills in one or two foreign languages as are necessary for practising their profession and for their further professional development. The requirement stated in item 1 above does not apply to students who have completed their school education in a language other than Finnish or Swedish, or abroad. In such cases, the Head of Language Centre decides on the language requirements. The Head of Language Centre may exempt a student partially or fully from the language requirements for the following reasons: the student does not have prior studies in the Swedish language, the student does not have prior studies in the English language or a professional has diagnosed the student with serious dyslexia. The grade of the second national language is marked in words (Good/Satisfactory) in the degree certificate, in compliance with the Government Decree on the Demonstration of Proficiency in the Finnish and Swedish Languages in the Civil Service (481/2003). The written and oral language skills are assessed separately. In accordance with the general practice accepted nationally, grades 1-3 correspond

6 to the verbal grade Satisfactory, and grades 4-5 to the verbal grade Good in the assessment of the language skills referred to in the Act 424/ Personal Study Plan The students have the right to complete their Bachelor s or Master s Degree studies in accordance with the curriculum of the degree programme concerned and their confirmed personal study plans within the standard study period. The personal study plan of a student completing a Bachelor s Degree is based on the student s career goals. The student is entitled to guidance by Career Tutors concerning his/her study choices. Each student is responsible for creating personal study plan in accordance with the instructions given. The personal study plan is based on the structure of studies described in the curriculum of the year of admission, and on each year s course supply. The student can update his/her personal study plan as the studies progress. The Head of Department or a person appointed by him/her accepts the personal study plan. The personal study plan of a student completing a Master s Degree is based on his/her individual personal development and career progress goals. The student is entitled to receive guidance on his/her choices from the Head of Department. The personal study plan is based on the structure of studies described in the curriculum of the year of admission, and on each year s course supply. The student can make choices on the basis of his/her career progress goals within the limits of the curriculum. A student whose studies are delayed from the standard study period, or who transfers from another university of applied sciences, shall agree on the structure of his/her studies with the Head of Department when his/her personal study plan is created or revised. If a student s personal study plan cannot be implemented due to changes in the course supply or delayed studies, the student shall have the plan checked and accepted by the Head of Department. The Head of Department must ensure that the student is provided with the support and guidance necessary for the completion of the degree. 16 Accreditation The accreditation of prior learning is possible in three main ways: replacement, inclusion, and recognition of prior learning. Replacement refers to the replacement of courses/studies being completed at JAMK by corresponding higher education courses/studies completed elsewhere in the field of study concerned. Inclusion refers to including higher education courses/studies completed elsewhere as part of the degree being completed at JAMK, mainly as optional or elective studies. Recognition of prior learning refers to the ability of the student to analyse the competencies he/she has acquired and to perceive them in the context of the learning objectives of the course/competence concerned in such a way that he/she is able to describe and substantiate these competencies. Recognition of prior learning also refers to the official recognition of prior learning. The student has the right but no obligation to apply for accreditation. The student may apply for accreditation of higher education studies completed elsewhere (Finnish Online University of Applied Sciences, Open Studies, or another higher education institution) or for competences he/she has acquired in other ways. Also the leadership and instructor training acquired in the military service can be accredited as part of the degree, the number of the credits accredited ranging from 3 to 8. Studies that are included in the education required for entrance eligibility cannot be accredited as part of the degree. A full degree cannot be accredited as such. A bachelor s thesis completed earlier or elsewhere is assessed in relation to the learning outcomes and the assessment criteria set by JAMK for the bachelor s thesis, and in accordance with JAMK s thesis assessment procedure.

7 The process starts when the student compiles his/her personal study plan. He/she evaluates his/her prior learning in view of the learning objectives of the courses/competences included in the curriculum. The student applies in writing to the Course Tutor of the course concerned for accreditation and presents the documents on which the application is based. The student shall, by means of selfassessment, explain to the Course Tutor how his/her competences meet the learning objectives of the course concerned. The Course Tutor evaluates the material/evidence presented by the student in relation with the objectives of the course, and based thereon, makes a decision on accreditation. The Course Tutor may also request further evidence or reject the application. In the event that the Course Tutor rejects the application or only partially approves the application, the decision shall be justified in writing. The Course Tutor shall notify the student, the Head of Department and the Student Services Secretary of their decision in the matter. If the student is dissatisfied with the decision, he/she may present an oral or written request for a rectification of the decision to Course Tutor, who has made the decision. The request shall be made within 14 days from receipt of notification of the decision. In case the decision remains the same, the student may appeal against the decision to the Board of Examiners within 14 days from receipt of a written notification of the decision of the Course Tutor. 17 Language of Instruction The language of instruction of JAMK is Finnish. The studies may include courses in a foreign language. In the degree programmes conducted in a foreign language, the language of instruction is the language confirmed by the Ministry of Education. 18 Participation and Completion of Courses Only students who have enrolled as attending students for the respective semester at JAMK have the right to complete degree-awarding education, participate in instruction and practical training, and have their grades recorded. Students shall use the student management system (ASIO) to register for each course they intend to attend and complete. Registration for courses is possible only during the registration periods confirmed annually. The students are informed of possible special registration periods separately. During the registration periods, the students have the right to cancel registrations they have made in ASIO. The students shall attend the first contact class of each course. In case they have a good reason for being absent, they shall personally contact the Course Tutor before the first contact class to inform him/her of the matter. In the case of online courses, the students shall inform the teacher within the first two weeks that they will participate in the course. If a student has registered for a course, but does not show up or contact the teacher, the course will be marked as a Fail (with the letter E ) in the transcript of records. The objectives and contents of the course, the alternatives for implementation, and the assessment criteria, are introduced in the first contact class. The possible exam date and the closing date of the course, i.e. the date after which no coursework can be submitted, are also agreed on. The students have three possibilities to complete a course: completion within the course schedule, plus two resit exams specified separately. The rules concerning the completion of courses provided by other higher education institutions are determined by the regulations of the organising institutions. A course should be completed within two semesters of the beginning of the course. The Thesis, practical training, and extensive multi-term courses are exceptions to this rule. If a course is not completed within the time limits, a student has to start the course over from the beginning.

8 19 Assessment Learning is supported and guided by developmental assessment. Study guidance takes place with the help of self-assessment, peer assessment, and supportive feedback. Learning outcomes are assessed in relation to the competence objectives of the course. Assessment is based on the criteria presented in course descriptions. Courses are assessed on a scale defined by the course description. The scale may be, depending on the purpose, either a five-step scale 5 (Excellent), 4 (Very good), 3 (Good), 2 (Satisfactory), 1 (Sufficient); or Pass (S)/Fail (0). A course is assessed as Fail (0) if a student fails to reach the minimum objectives set for course completion. When receiving a Fail (0) grade, a student is entitled to two (2) resit exams, at times determined by the study programme. If a student does not pass the examination with three (3) tries, he/she has to restart the course from the beginning. For special reasons, if the student s application is approved by the Head of the Department, the student may be given one (1) possibility to raise the grade of a course already passed. Grades assessed by the Thesis Work Group cannot be improved. Passed grades will remain in the study transcript. The grades and completion dates of courses taken at JAMK, at the Finnish Online University of Applied Sciences, and through Open Studies are entered in the study transcript. Additionally, if the grading scale has been the same, the grades and completion dates for courses completed abroad or in other institutes during studies at JAMK will be entered in the study transcript. Otherwise, these will be indicated with the letter M while studies completed prior to JAMK studies are marked with the letter S. A student has a right to know how the assessment criteria are applied to his/her performance. Course grades are entered in the study transcript within a month of the scheduled closing date of the course, and always by the end of the academic year at the latest. 20 Appeal against Assessment If the student is not satisfied with the assessment of a course, or with the accreditation of studies completed elsewhere or competencies demonstrated in other ways, he/she should first discuss the assessment criteria and results with the teacher responsible for the assessment of his/her performance. The student has the right to see a copy of the exam or other coursework and its assessment. If the student is dissatisfied with the answer, he/she may present an oral or written request for an assessment review to the teacher responsible for the assessment, or to the Course Tutor, who has made the decision on accreditation. The request has to be submitted within 14 days from the date the student has had the opportunity to learn about the results and the assessment principles applied to his/her performance. In the case of the grade of a Bachelor s/master s Thesis, a request for an assessment review shall be made in writing and addressed to the Thesis Work Group concerned. JAMK also has a Board of Examiners, which deals with appeals concerning assessment. If the student is not satisfied with the assessment review, he/she may appeal to the Board of Examiners within 14 days from receipt of the decision made on the assessment review request that he/she has presented to the teacher, Course Tutor or Thesis Work Group. The appeal shall be made in writing. The student may not appeal against assessment after he/she has submitted an application for a degree certificate or after having received the degree certificate.

9 DEGREE CERTIFICATE 21 Completion of the Degree A Bachelor s Degree is awarded to the student after he/she has completed the studies included in the degree programme (courses, practical training, bachelor s thesis, maturity test, demonstration of the required language skills) in accordance with his/her personal study plan within the maximum study period. A Master s Degree is awarded to the student after he/she has completed the studies included in the degree programme (courses and master s thesis, i.e. a professional development assignment) in accordance with his/her personal study plan within the maximum study period. 22 Certificates A student who has completed Bachelor s Degree studies shall receive, on written application, a certificate in Finnish, indicating the title of the degree and the name of the degree programme, the specialisation option (if any), the title he/she may use on the basis of the degree, the core content of the studies, the title of the bachelor s thesis, the language of the maturity test or other assignment demonstrating his/her competence in the field concerned, statement on the language skills required of state officials functioning in a bilingual office, and other facts of relevance. A student who has completed Master s Degree studies shall receive, on written application, a certificate in Finnish, indicating the title of the degree and the name of the degree programme, the specialisation option (if any), the title he/she may use on the basis of the degree, the core content of the studies, and the title of the master s thesis. The transcript of records, which lists the completed courses and their grades, is appended to the degree certificate. The students who have completed their studies in a degree programme in which the language of instruction is not Finnish also receive a translation of the degree certificate in the language concerned. The Diploma Supplement is an English appendix, which is automatically given with the degree certificate free of charge. The Diploma Supplement contains information on the universities of applied sciences: the education and credit system (Transcript of Records), and the level and status in the Finnish educational system. III VOCATIONAL TEACHER EDUCATION 23 Vocational Teacher Education and Continuing Education of Teachers Vocational teacher education refers to teacher education in compliance with the Act (356/2003) and Decree (357/2003) on Vocational Teacher Education. The education provides the pedagogical qualification of 60 credits (ECTS) required of the teachers of universities of applied sciences and vocational institutes. Vocational teacher education does not lead to a degree. The students must have completed a degree and acquired work experience in advance in compliance with the Polytechnics Act (351/2003) and Government Decree on Polytechnics (352/2003), or in compliance with the Decree (986/1998) on the Qualifications of Educational Staff. The Teacher Education College also organises vocational special needs teacher education and vocational study counsellor education as continuing education programmes of 60 credits in compliance with the Teaching Qualifications Decree (986/1998).

10 24 Admission of an Applicant to the Teacher Education College The Director makes student selection decisions based on the proposal of the Head of Department. An applicant who has confirmed that he/she accepts the place of study offered by JAMK must enrol as a student at JAMK by the date determined by JAMK and in accordance with the instructions. If an applicant does not enrol as a student in the way described above, he/she shall not have the right to study at JAMK. Applicants may request for rectification of a decision concerning admission. Requests are to be submitted to the Academic Board of JAMK in writing within 14 days of receiving the notification of the decision. See section 37 about an additional condition regarding student selection. 25 Enrolment as an Attending Student The student must enrol for attendance/non-attendance every academic year, unless the Director grants him/her the right of non-attendance for special reasons. Enrolment as an attending student takes place through the student management system (ASIO) during the registration period in accordance with the given instructions. Enrolment as an attending student is possible during the maximum study period defined in section 27. Only students who have enrolled as attending students for the academic year concerned have the right to participate in vocational teacher education and continuing education. Any non-attendance period is counted as study time and therefore reduces the maximum study period. A student who does not enrol as an attending student in the way described in this section will lose his/her right to study. 26 Full-time/Part-time Study According to section 10 of the Act 356/2003 and section 5 of the Decree 357/2003, vocational teacher education can be organised either as full-time study or part-time study. The student can define his/her studies as full-time or part-time studies when he/she prepares his/her personal study plan. 27 Maximum Study Period The maximum study period in full-time studies is two years and three years in part-time studies (section 10 of the Act on Vocational Teacher Education, 356/2003). The studies shall be completed within the maximum study period, unless JAMK grants an exception in special circumstances. On the student s application, the Student Services Manager may extend the student s study period generally once and by a maximum of two semesters if the student has no more than 20 credits left to complete and graduation within the extension period is a realistic goal. If the student is unable to complete his/her studies within the extension period, the student may apply for another extension only if he/she has shown effort to complete the studies. At that stage, the student must not have more than 10 credits left to complete. If there is no evidence of studying, the medical condition or an exceptionally difficult life situation of the student or someone in his/her immediate family may constitute acceptable grounds for extending the study period. Significant positions of trust, successful scientific and artistic activities and top-level sports may also be accepted as

11 reasons for extension. In all the aforementioned cases, the grounds shall be verified with a reliable document. If the student presents a medical certificate, it shall include an evaluation of the student s ability to study. During the extension period, the student cannot enrol as a non-attending student. An extension must be applied for before the standard study period ends. The student has the right to request for rectification of the decision made by the Student Services Manager from the Academic Board of JAMK within 14 days of receiving the notification of the decision. 28 Losing and Restoring the Right to Study A student who has not completed his/her vocational teacher education, special needs teacher education or vocational study counsellor education within the maximum study period shall lose his/her right to study and shall have no right to apply for the restoration of the right to study. A student who has lost his/her right to study for reasons stated in section 25 but wishes to restart his /her studies or continue them may submit an application to the Student Services Manager for the restoration of his/her right to study, provided that he/she has not exceeded the maximum study period. The application must state the reasons for the loss of right to study. If the right to study is restored, the student can continue his/her studies at the beginning of the following semester. The student has the right to appeal to Academic Board of JAMK against the decision of the Student Services Manager within 14 days from receipt of notification of the decision. See section 37 about a special provision on the revocation and restoration of the right to study. 29 Transfer Students Transfer from other institutions to JAMK s Vocational Teacher Education College is possible at the beginning of a new programme, provided that there are openings in the intake quota and that the student has been admitted to another Teacher Education College. The Director decides on admissions. The student has the right to appeal against the decision of the Director of the Teacher Education College to the Academic Board of JAMK within 14 days of receiving the notification of the decision. The student s study period in the previous Teacher Education College is included in his/her maximum study period at JAMK. The accreditation of the prior learning of a transfer student is determined in sections 31 and 32. See section 37 about an additional condition regarding the selection of students applying as transfer students. 30 Study Plan and Study Guide A student is admitted to study in a vocational teacher education, special needs teacher education or vocational study counsellor education programme. Each programme consists of 60 ECTS credits. Under section 1 of the Decree on Vocational Teacher Training (357/2003), vocational teacher education includes basic studies in educational sciences, vocational pedagogy studies, teaching practice, and other studies. The national core curriculum of vocational teacher education defines the competences of vocational teachers, vocational special needs teachers and study counsellors. The annual study guide provides information on the educational structure, schedules, course extents, objectives and contents, learning methods, and assessment.

12 31 Personal Study Plan The students have the right to complete vocational teacher education, special needs teacher education, and vocational study counsellor education in accordance with the curriculum of the respective programme and their confirmed personal study plans. Each student prepares a personal study plan in accordance with the instructions provided by the programme concerned. The personal study plan is prepared on the basis of the curriculum that is valid at the time the student starts his/her studies. 32 Accreditation of Studies Completed and Competencies Developed Elsewhere Credits can be granted for courses which have been completed or are being completed at other institutions, or for competencies developed in other ways. These credits can be included in the studies in accordance with the specifications of the curriculum of the Teacher Education College and the Study Guide based on the curriculum. Accreditation of prior learning refers to the accreditation of studies, practical training, work experience or personal competencies as part of teacher education studies. The forms of accreditation are replacement, inclusion, and recognition of prior learning. Replacement refers to the replacement of courses/studies being completed at JAMK by corresponding courses/studies completed elsewhere in the field of study concerned. Inclusion refers to the inclusion of courses/studies completed elsewhere in the studies being completed at JAMK. In teacher education, an optional course refers to a unit of a minimum of five credits which the student completes and which meets the personal goals that he/she has set for his/her teacher education programme. The Vocational Teacher Education College decides if the studies proposed for inclusion by the student are accredited as part of his/her studies. Recognition of prior learning refers to the recognition of the prior learning that the student has acquired in any way, in any place, and at any time before starting his/her studies. The student estimates, describes and demonstrates his/her learning in the format stated in the course descriptions. The Vocational Teacher Education College assesses the student s prior learning on the basis of the material presented by the student and decides on accreditation. Accreditation is based on an application process. The replacement and inclusion applications are dealt with and approved by the Study Counsellor of the Vocational Teacher Education College (Decision of the Director of the Teacher Education College on delegation 11/2004). The application for the recognition of prior learning is submitted to the Course Tutor concerned, accompanied with the evidence material and self-assessment of the student. In case the Study Counsellor rejects the student s application for replacement or inclusion or only approves it partially, the student may appeal against the decision in the way described in section 35. In case the Course Tutor rejects the student s application for the recognition of prior learning or only approves it partially, the student may appeal against the decision in the way described in section Language of Instruction As in section Assessment The assessment of learning outcomes in vocational teacher education and the continuing education programmes of teachers is based on set criteria and objectives. Assessment is based on the learning

13 objectives of the courses, and the grading scale is Pass/Fail. In the transcript of records, Pass is marked with the letter S and Fail as 0. Accredited courses are marked with the letter M. The student has the right to know how the assessment principles are applied to his/her performance. The grades of the courses that the students have completed shall be entered in their transcripts of records no later than one month from the given closing date of the course, always by the end of the academic year at the latest. 35 Appeal against Assessment If the student is not satisfied with the assessment of a course, he/she should first discuss the assessment criteria and results with the teacher responsible for the assessment. If the student is dissatisfied with the answer, he/she may present an oral or written request for an assessment review to the teacher responsible for the assessment. The request has to be made within 14 days from the date the grade has been entered into the student management system (ASIO). JAMK also has a Board of Examiners, which deals with appeals concerning assessment. If the student is not satisfied with the assessment review, he/she may appeal to the Board of Examiners within 14 days from receipt of a written notification of the answer to the review request that he/she has presented to the teacher. 36 Certificates A student who has completed the required studies shall receive, on written application, a certificate on vocational teacher education, vocational special needs teacher education, and on vocational study counsellor education in Finnish, indicating the qualification and the name of the programme. The appendices of the certificate are 1) Transcript of records both in Finnish and in English, detailing the courses completed by the student and the grades he/she has received, and to facilitate international mobility 2) English-language description of the education completed and the competence produced by it referred to in section 15 of the Government Decree on Polytechnics (352/2003). The students who have completed their studies in a degree programme in which the language of instruction is not Finnish also receive a translation of the certificate in the language concerned. Under section 1 of the Government Decree on Vocational Teacher Education (357/2003), the studies are listed as follows: basic studies in educational sciences, vocational pedagogy studies, teaching practice, and other studies. The studies are marked as passed or accredited. IV MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS 37 Impediments to admission and the revocation of the right to study on the basis of safety issues or the student s unsuitability for work in the field concerning the health and social care programmes (Bachelor s Degrees) and vocational teacher education (section 18 a of the Government Decree on Polytechnics 352/2003)

14 1) Impediments to admission In principle, the applicant s state of health or ability to function may not be impediments to admission. However, due to the safety requirements of the studies, admission to the health and social care programmes and the Vocational Teacher Education College requires that the applicant s state of health and ability to function allow him/her to complete study-related practical tasks and practical training. An additional requirement is that the health-related or functional limitation cannot be eliminated through reasonable measures. A previous revocation of the right to study on the aforementioned grounds may also be an impediment to admission. Applicants are informed of any possible impediments to admission at the selection stage. Students have the right to request for rectification of a decision concerning admission. Requests are to be submitted to the Academic Board of JAMK in writing within 14 days of receiving the notification of the decision. 2) Revocation and restoration of the right to study With respect to students of health and social care and the Vocational Teacher Education College, JAMK can revoke a student s right to study when 1. the student has repeatedly or gravely endangered the health or safety of another person during his/her studies and thereby clearly proven to be unsuitable for completing practical assignments and practical training related to the studies 2. it is evident that the student s state of health or ability to function does not meet the admission requirements 3. the student has in the admission process concealed a decision concerning the revocation of his/her right to study which could have prevented him/her from being selected as a student 4. working with minors is an essential part of the studies and the student has been sentenced to a punishment for a sexually obscene act, a sex offence, an aggravated homicide or bodily injury, an aggravated robbery or a narcotics offence, excluding unlawful use of narcotics. The rule no. 4 is only applied to students who have begun their studies after 31 December If there are reasonable grounds to suspect that the student's state of health or ability to function constitutes a limitation, the student will be ordered to undergo examinations and tests by a professional appointed by JAMK, if such measures are needed to ascertain the student s health or level of functional capacity. JAMK will defray the costs of any examinations and tests it has ordered. If a student refuses to have a medical examination or to provide an extract from his/her criminal record, the student may be suspended from studying until he/she agrees to the measures required by JAMK. Decisions on revoking the right to study are made by the Academic Board of JAMK. Before revoking the right to study, the necessary analysis of the situation has to be conducted and the student has to be given an opportunity to be heard in the matter. JAMK is obliged to discuss with the student his/her possibilities of seeking or transferring to other types of education. A student who has lost his/her right to study on the basis of his/her state of health or ability to function can apply to the Academic Board of JAMK for a restoration of the right to study when the student can prove with medical certificates that the reason for the previous revocation has ceased to exist. There is no time limit for applying for the restoration of the right to study. Regardless of provisions on confidentiality, JAMK has the obligation to inform the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health about beginning the process of revoking a student s right to study, the revocation decision and the decision to restore the right. Those who organise education and training are also entitled to information on the revocation of the right to study.

15 3) Transfer students The state of health and ability to function of a transfer student applying to programmes in the field of health and social care and to the Vocational Teacher Education College shall allow him/her to participate in the practical assignments and practical training related to the studies. The admission of a transfer student whose right to study has been revoked in another educational institution and has not been restored later on the basis of a medical certificate shall be considered separately. The student has the right to request a rectification from the Academic Board of JAMK in writing within 14 days of receiving the notification of the decision. If a transfer student who has been selected as a student has at the application stage concealed a previous revocation of his/her right to study, his/her right to study may be revoked. In such cases, the decision is made by the Academic Board of JAMK. Regardless of secrecy provisions, JAMK has the right to obtain information from another university of applied sciences regarding the revocation process of a transfer student who is applying to JAMK. 38 Drug testing Regardless of the student s field of study and degree programme, JAMK may oblige a student to provide a drug test certificate if there are reasonable grounds to suspect that the student is participating in study-related practical assignments or practical training under the influence of drugs or that the student has a drug addiction. Another condition is that the test is necessary for determining the student s ability to function and that the student s responsibilities include tasks which require especial acuity, reliability, independent judgment or good reactions and in which working under the influence of drugs or being dependent on drugs would 1) gravely endanger the life or health of the student or another person; 2) gravely endanger traffic safety; 3) gravely endanger the confidentiality or integrity of information protected by provisions on confidentiality; or 4) significantly increase the risk of illicit trafficking and distribution of substances referred to in section 3(1) point 5 of the Narcotics Act (373/2003) which are in the possession of a university of applied sciences, an organisation operating it or a place of training. The drug test certificate must be presented within a reasonable time frame determined by JAMK. JAMK will defray the cost of the drug test certificate. 39 Disciplinary Procedure A student who is guilty of dishonesty or has otherwise disturbed the order at JAMK by disrupting teaching or by showing violent or threatening behaviour is subject to disciplinary punishment, which can, depending on the seriousness of the offence, be either a written caution or a suspension for a fixed period of time, however, not exceeding one year. Refusing to present a drug test certificate or receiving a positive test result indicating drug abuse may lead to above-mentioned disciplinary actions. The student must be provided an opportunity to be heard before a decision is made in the matter. The Rector decides on a caution given to a student, the Academic Board of JAMK on a suspension for a fixed period of time. A student, who disrupts teaching, behaves in a violent or threatening manner or endangers the life or health of another student may be ordered to leave the teaching facilities or an event organised by the educational institution and the student may be prohibited from attending teaching for a maximum of three working days.

16 40 Appeal A student may appeal against a decision made by the Academic Board of JAMK by lodging an appeal with the Administrative Court of Hämeenlinna in accordance with the appeal instructions appended to the decision. Appeals on decisions regarding the revocation of the right to study as referred to in section 37 or restoration of the revoked right to study based on point 2 of section 37 are lodged to the Students Legal Protection Board within 14 days of receiving the notification of the decision. A decision by the Board of Examiners issued within the rectification procedure concerning assessment and accreditation of studies completed elsewhere or otherwise substantiated may not be appealed against. A decision made by JAMK concerning its regulations, degree regulations or regulations governing a degree programme, curriculum or other educational arrangements may not be appealed against. 41 Entry into force These Degree Regulations enter into force on 1 August 2013.