Exceptionally, the Assessment Board may take the view that it wishes to set aside the academic regulations to deal with a student or cohort following the assessment principles. In such cases, the Assessment Board must make a case for regulatory exception by clearly stating the issue and the proposed course of action to resolve the issue. The Board must obtain permission from the Academic Standing Panel to invoke this exception. The Panel consists of the Dean of Students (Chair), Director of Academic Services, Head of Academic Quality and Standards, and the President/Vice President of Sheffield Hallam University Student Union (or nominees, as appropriate). The Panel may accept or reject the request and will ensure that the academic standards of the University’s awards are secured when reaching a decision. All such exceptions will be recorded and reported annually to Academic Board and Academic Assurance Committee. Application of the agreed course of action remains the responsibility of the Board and students therefore retain the right to appeal against the Assessment Board decision under the appeals procedure.