PLEASE HELP ME - UNI PROBLEM

[Rolooo]

I'm in my second year of uni as a distance student. We only have to go in once every 6 weeks. As part of the course I have to be working full time in a position related to my course. This was an entry requirement so they're aware of students' work commitments.
This term, we've been given a choice of modules with no information other than the name of the module. Unfortunately, the one I've chosen is completely unsuitable for distance students. The past four weeks have been on-site group work which I can't attend because of my job. I've asked the tutor what I'm meant to do because I can't come in and she said I can attend online at 10am. I can't do this as I'm at work? I've brought this up to the uni and explained that it's not fair because I can't attend it. Some of my peers have chosen other modules which don't require any campus days or group work and are getting on fine.
I've asked to change 3 weeks ago and after chasing for ages they've finally gotten back to me saying they won't let me because it's too late into the term now (although it wasn't when I emailed.) They're saying if I change I won't be able to catch up in time on a new module, even though I physically haven't been able to do the one I'm on? I've literally spoken to everyone I can at the uni and this is the same response I'm getting.

Another distance student chose this one too and is in the same boat as me.

What on earth am I meant to do?! It's only a pass/fail module and I'm honestly considering just not stressing over it and not doing it so I can put more time into my other modules this term. Would I be kicked out of uni for not doing it?! What do I dooooo

Would they let you take on another module next term? What a shit show (from them)

Can you take any leave from work (paid study leave or use your annual leave) to either attend in person or online? Are work aware you are doing the course?

Hi, OP -

Well, it is a P/F module. Are you likely to fail it? What will be the consequences for your job if you do?

To be clear, if you tried to change modules in a timely manner and the uni delayed getting back to you, I think they are in the wrong and I think the Office for Students - where students can appeal after exhausting appeals procedures at their universities - would likely agree. But going the appeals route takes a effort that may be better spent elsewhere, even though the OfS process is designed to be relatively easy.

Also, I think the moral argument depends somewhat on exactly when you requested to change. If you did so hours before the deadline you were legally in the right but your case isn’t morally as strong as if you tried at least 24 hours in advance, IYSWIM

Most unis will not kick you out for failing one module in the first instance, but you may have to resit and you nay have the same problem then. Failing the resit can be a big problem

Have you talked with anyone in Student Union about appealing the decision or about your options now? The SU is after all your union, and can be a great resource

It is probably too late now to add a new course module. But perhaps you could take an extra one next term or next Autumn? My uni offers this option in exceptional circs

Good luck with this

Do your work have a policy on study leave if it’s related to professional development? I work in education, did a distance ed masters in education and had a few study days throughout the year that I got as paid leave for professional development. Maybe have a look or chat with HR and see if they have similar?

Follow the universities complaints procedure.
They will absolutely have to sort something out.

What do you actually have to do to pass the module? I.e. does the grade just come from an assignment at the end of the course? Potentially you could pass the course without actually attending any sessions.

Typically should you fail a module they give you an opportunity to resubmit the required work but it's capped at the pass mark. If you fail that again then in extenuating circumstances you get a 3rd final chance, but after that you'll lose out on those credits - this could be something they remove you from the course for.

I'd make it clear to the tutor of the problematic module the difficulty - you're a distance learner working during the week as a requirement, you can't join in with any midweek sessions on or offline. That you weren't made aware of that modules requirements which are different to every other module you've been on as part of your course, that you tried to switch on X date but this was refused. Then I would ask if there's a version of the work/study which you can complete solo in your own time in order to pass.

This. It’s entirely their fault for not giving you all the information at the start, and then not allowing you to rectify things in a timely manner.

Agree it definitely sounds like the information wasn't adequately conveyed, however it's likely going to be somewhere on the website/module information as to the in-person hours requirement/taught sessions. Sometimes they can be oddly stubborn and inflexible instead insisting that you should have read up properly when applying to take the module. I often take standalone modules at a uni whilst working/top ups to expand skills at work and the uni admin staff always seem to work from the assumption that everyone is 18-21 full time student and the uni is there life - not a 40 year old shift worker with a wife and kids! - I've lost count of the amount of mandatory library IT sessions that I've been mandated to go on to teach me how to use the facilities now but if I don't go it's threats of withdrawal of access/removal from course for missing the mandatory session!

It is very, very unusual for students to select modules with no other information than just a title? How would you know what the course content was?

I've worked in universities for 20+ years including in student appeals. So if you do plan to appeal/complain make sure your information is completely accurate or it will be quickly dismissed.

When you realised on week 1 that it was an on campus module why did you not raise concern then? Are the online lectures recorded?

This.

It is all online and recorded. The first few weeks were fine. However, the past four weeks have been group work. Meaning I can't just watch recorded sessions because I actually have to be there working with a group. I haven't even been put into a group because I've not been able to attend. As part of the assignment, I have to work in a group to produce something, track its progress, make changes then reflect etc. I haven't been able to do any of this

Have you tried contacting your university’s student support services?

Might be simpler to consider it one of those modules to find out what the minimum is and just get it done, could you swap a couple of shifts and attend 2 sessions? Presume it'll be a 10week module so 2 might do the trick if you've done the 4 initial days. Then some artistic licence on your submission just to get it done at over with.