ASSESSMENT SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS WITH LEARNING CONTRACTS

• 1. In this page 'we', 'our' and 'us' refer to Sheffield Hallam University. 'You' and 'your' refer to all taught students at Sheffield Hallam University who are studying for a Sheffield Hallam academic award at the University. Any variations to the following processes in place at partner organisations will be notified to you.

• 2. We are committed to ensuring that our assessment arrangements enable all students to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. We recognise that if you have a disability, you may need some adjustments to assessments to support you. It is essential that you declare any disability at the earliest possible opportunity and register with Disabled Student Support (DSS).

• 3. ‘Disability’ in this context includes any impairment or medical condition that has lasted, or is likely to last, for at least 12 months, which could make it difficult for you to complete assessment under existing arrangements. Some disabilities, such as physical or sensory disabilities, may be obvious, whilst others may not be apparent unless disclosed by you, for example, diabetes, epilepsy, dyslexia
  or mental health problems.

• 4. Once you have registered with DSS and submitted appropriate evidence of your condition, your needs will be assessed and a Learning Contract will be drawn up for your approval. In some cases, a basic Learning Contract will be produced initially until a more bespoke Learning Contract can be created for you following a guidance appointment with a Disability Adviser or a Study Needs Assessment with a qualified assessor. A Learning Contract is our record of the adjustments we recommend for you.

• Adjustments agreed in Learning Contracts cannot be applied retrospectively to assessments that you have already taken, so it is important that you engage in this process as soon as possible, and well before you reach any assessment points. We are not able to put any adjustments in place until a Learning Contract has been agreed by you.

• 5. We understand you might not always feel comfortable engaging in this process, particularly when your disability is of a personal and sensitive nature. Any information you disclose will be handled in accordance with the University Student Services Confidentiality Policy. Your Learning Contract will only be disclosed to University staff and will not be shared with anyone outside the University without your permission.

• 6. We expect you to take time to plan your work carefully for each assessment for your course, try to submit all work on time, and attend all examinations. Generally it is in your best interests to take assessment on time and to complete your course within the normal duration.

• 7. It is important that you check your Learning Contract carefully and make yourself familiar with the processes in this document that relate to the reasonable adjustments included in your Learning Contract.

• 8. There may be times when you are unable to submit coursework and/or attend examinations due to circumstances that are not related to your disability, or where there is a disability-related issue that is not covered in your Learning Contract (ie. a new disability). We would consider this to be an exceptional circumstance, and would support you through the Extensions and Exceptional Circumstance Policy. Please seek advice from your Student Support Adviser about the options available to you.