STUDENT CHARTER

Barts and the London

Queen Marys School of Medicine and Dentistry

THE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT CHARTER

A COMPENDIUM OF STUDENT AND STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES

Reviewed 1st July 2004

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2 INDEX

Subject

Page number

Mission Statement Introduction 1. 2. 2.1 2.2 2.3 3. 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 4. 5. 6. 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 7. 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8 ADMISSIONS ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITIES Teaching and learning Attendance Assessments CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES Patients Patient records Professional conduct Health and safety STUDENT VOLUNTEERS FOR CLINICAL TRIALS ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE MISUSE PASTORAL AND WELFARE SUPPORT Advice, guidance and counselling Careers guidance Finance Housing Travel THE SCHOOL The School - general Equal Opportunities Decision-making and representation Administration Facilities Discipline Complaints Intercalated degrees

35 35 35 36 36 36 37 37 37 37 38 38 39 39 39 39 39 39 40 40 40 40 41 41 41 42 42 42 43

MISSION STATEMENT 2

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To

develop

and

implement

whole-School

policy for

undergraduate

and

postgraduate education that will attract staff and students of talent; ensure high quality in all programmes; meet the needs of the students; produce graduates and postgraduates who are fit for the nations present and future health and health-care needs, and for research.

INTRODUCTION

The medical and dental degree courses offered by the School are not only an education but also a professional clinical training. The School aims to support students in acquiring understanding and clinical skills which will promote health and manage disease for individuals and the community; to make students familiar with the ethical and legal principles of health care; and to foster the appropriate attitudes and communication skills which underlie good practice.

This Charter outlines the Schools responsibilities for the provision of education, support and development of our students. It also outlines the responsibilities of our students in working with the School towards achievement of these aims. The Charter forms part of the Schools quality assurance programme and sets the standards to which the School aspires. Nothing in it overrides College and School Regulations which always take precedence.

1.

ADMISSIONS

Prospective students should expect : 1.1 The School prospectus to contain clear and accurate information regarding admissions policies, procedures and entry requirements; fees; courses and assessments; academic guidance and pastoral care; accommodation; facilities available for study, sport and cultural activities, including those available for students with disabilities. An opportunity to visit the School and meet current students and staff. A fair and efficient admissions process, with equal opportunities for all who are qualified to enter.

1.2 1.3

Prospective students are expected to : 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 Provide full and accurate information regarding their application. To attend an interview, if requested. Respond quickly to an offer of a place. Provide full and accurate information in the School health questionnaire and accommodation applications, following the acceptance of an offer. ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITIES TEACHING AND LEARNING 3

2. 2.1

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Students should expect : 2.1.1. To receive the highest standards of teaching, in accordance with established quality assurance guidelines (Queen Mary). 2.1.2 To acquire knowledge and understanding of medicine or dentistry and to receive sufficient instruction to become proficient in the appropriate clinical and professional skills to the level expected of a newly qualified doctor or dentist, or member of an allied profession. 2.1.3 To receive training in study and research skills, including the use of information resources and technology. 2.1.4 (a) To receive outlines of timetables for the academic year ahead to be provided at the beginning of each year. (b) To receive information on external placements in good time. (c) To receive more detailed timetables on the first day of the course or firm No timetable will include compulsory teaching on a Wednesday afternoon, in order to allow for extracurricular activities. 2.1.5 That the objectives of a course will be explained at the beginning of each course, firm, or rotation. Lectures and other formal teaching will be based on learning objectives which will be summarised in course literature. 2.1.6 Firm sizes or tutorial groups to be as small as possible, to maximise personal teaching. Students are expected to : 2.1.7 2.1.8 2.1.9 2.1.10 2.1.11 2.1.12 2.1.13 Achieve course objectives and deadlines. Provide appropriate course evaluation as requested. Have carried out background work specified by module documentation and/or teachers before each teaching session. Make appropriate use of educational facilities and resources, return items borrowed by the specified times and pay any fees due on late or lost items. Comply with College regulations on the use of information technology. Obtain copies of recommended core textbooks or other learning tools. Notify their tutors or teachers of any learning difficulties they experience.

2.2

ATTENDANCE

Students should expect : 2.2.1 2.2.2 To be informed of scheduled teaching in advance, and that teaching will be appropriately staffed. Teachers to attend their timetabled teaching sessions punctually. In cases of intended absence, teachers will, as far as possible, ensure that students are notified and sessions are rearranged or taught by other staff. In cases of unintended absence, course documentation will include contact information to enable students to inform Module Convenors.

2.2.3

Students are expected to : 2.2.4 2.2.5 Attend all timetabled teaching sessions punctually and study diligently. Notify their teachers and the Education Directorate of any absence from the course, and the reason for it, at the earliest opportunity.

2.3

ASSESSMENTS

Students should expect : 2.3.1 That student assessments will be based on learning objectives. 4

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2.3.2

2.3.3 2.3.4 2.3.5 2.3.6 2.3.7 2.3.8

That assessments will also take into account consensus views of teaching teams. Detailed information regarding expectations will be given before any assessed work, providing examples where necessary. To be adequately prepared for the form of assessments which they may encounter. Individual feedback regarding clinical and professional skills to be given to each student, where possible. Remedial help and advice to be available from teachers and tutors. That the School will keep accurate records of in-course assessments of students. That the School will respond to evidence of poor performance by arranging interviews with the students Senior Tutor and/or the Dean for Student Affairs and/or the Dean for Education. That each students performance will be reviewed regularly by a designated Senior Tutor.

Students are expected to : 2.3.9 Complete all course requirements before being entered for examinations. 2.3.10 Attend examinations unless there is a valid and documented reason for non-attendance. 2.3.11 Attend feedback interviews and countersign their feedback form, to show they have received and accepted the feedback. 2.3.12 To remedy any reversible short-comings, if necessary by asking for additional help through their designated Senior Tutor and/or the Dean for Student Affairs and/or the Dean for Education.

3.

CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1

PATIENTS

The success of clinical education depends upon the co-operation and trust of patients. Particular care must be taken to obtain their consent for participation in educational activities. Appendix 1 contains the document "Consent of patients to participate in medical education" and Appendix 2 contains the document Consent of patients to participate in dental education.

3.2

PATIENT RECORDS

Students can expect: 3.2.1 3.2.2 The School to ensure that students are aware of the institutional policy with regard to patient records. Staff to comply with the institutional policy with regard to patient records.

Students are expected to: 3.2.3 3.2.4 3.2.5 3.3 Comply with the institutional policy with regard to patient records. All patient records are confidential and are the property of the particular Trust. Never to remove patient records from the ward/department and to inform appropriate staff when records or x rays are to be used on site for formal supervised teaching purposes. Always to make the subjects of their personal case reports anonymous. PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Students can expect : 3.3.1 3.3.2 That staff will dress and behave with due respect for others, and wear appropriate name badges. That the School will not tolerate dishonesty, verbal, physical or sexual abuse. 5

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3.3.3

That staff will not publicly criticise by name members of staff or students.

Students are expected to : 3.3.4 3.3.5 3.3.6 3.3.7 3.3.8 3.3.9 Demonstrate professional conduct towards other students, staff and patients, as outlined by the General Medical and Dental Councils. Dress and behave with due respect for others, and wear appropriate name badges. Refrain from criticising members of staff or students by name. Remember that approval for entry to final examinations will include assessment of their fitness to practise. Graduate from the School if all examinations are passed, all fees paid, and if approved as suitable, to enter into the medical, dental or allied professions. Participate in the graduation ceremonies after qualifying and receive appropriate certificates.

Students are subject to:

3.3.10 Queen Mary College Regulations contained in Ordinance D2 Code of Student Discipline. In applying this Code due consideration will be taken of the General Medical and Dental Councils guidance on professional conduct.

3.4

HEALTH AND SAFETY Students can expect the School to provide:

3.4.1 3.4.2 3.4.3 3.4.4

An efficient occupational health service and guidance, with particular reference to immunisations and accident protocols. Information about available medical and dental care. Information regarding immunisations, occupational health procedures and health matters for electives. An environment in which health and safety is given priority at all times.

Students are expected to:

3.4.5 3.4.6 3.4.7 3.4.8 Comply with the occupational health requirements in force at any time. Make full use of the occupational health services. Be registered with a local general medical practitioner throughout the course. Notify the Education Directorate and relevant teachers of illness that will result in their absence and provide a doctors certificate for absence of more than one week. 3.4.9 Notify the office of the Dean for Student Affairs if ill-health affects their ability to meet their obligations to the School. 3.4.10 Comply with the Schools health and safety regulations, especially those concerned with immunisation policy. 3.4.11 Display a professional attitude to their own health and safety.

See General Medical Council, Student Health and Conduct.

4. STUDENT VOLUNTEERS FOR CLINICAL TRIALS 4.1 4.2 Students are expected to comply with the approved School policy. This policy does not apply to participation in therapeutic clinical trials which form an integral part of a patients treatment and are therefore confidential.

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5.

MISUSE OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS BY ALL STAFF AND STUDENTS

Students and staff are expected to:

5.1 Comply fully with the policy, particularly avoiding adverse effects to themselves and others or acting in a manner which might damage the reputation of the School.

6. 6.1

PASTORAL AND WELFARE SUPPORT ADVICE, GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING

Students can expect : 6.1.1 6.1.2 6.1.3 6.1.4 6.1.5 The School to provide arrangements to monitor students progress; provide support, guidance and discipline as appropriate. Access to confidential counselling and welfare services, which may provide appropriate advice and help for personal, emotional and financial problems. Details of these services and support to be included in the student handbook. Compassionate leave to be granted with the approval of a Senior Tutor or the Dean for Student Affairs. Access to a designated Senior Tutor and the Dean for Student Affairs.

Students are expected to : 6.1.6 6.1.7 6.1.8 Notify their tutors, teachers, a Senior Tutor or Dean of any academic difficulties or concerns. Attend appointments with their Senior Tutor or a Dean. Notify the Education Directorate, in writing, of any change in address or telephone number, as soon as possible.

Students are encouraged to:

6.1.9 Consult their tutors, the Pastoral Pool, QM Advice and Counselling, a Senior Tutor or a Dean if they need pastoral, counselling or welfare assistance.

6.2

CAREERS GUIDANCE

Students can expect : 6.2.1 The School to provide adequate and accurate career guidance and information.

6.3

FINANCE

Students can expect : 6.3.1 6.3.2 6.3.3 The School to provide information and advice concerning student finances, with special reference to grants, student loans, access funds, scholarships, trusts and prizes. The Education Directorate to administer Local Education Authorities (LEAs) grants efficiently. The School to advise and provide appropriate help for those in severe financial hardship through QM funds and the Deans Benevolence Committee.

Students are expected to : 6.3.4 Provide the School with full and accurate information regarding their financial situation when this is necessary and to comply efficiently with LEA and School requests when necessary. 7

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6.3.5 6.3.6 6.3.7

Ensure that all School fees and bills are paid on time. The School has the right to withhold the award of a degree or diploma until all outstanding accounts are settled. Seek help and advice before their financial state becomes critical. Refrain from undertaking employment which affects their attendance or their ability to study.

6.4

HOUSING

Students should expect the School to : 6.4.1 6.4.2 6.4.3 6.4.4 6.4.5 Provide accommodation for the majority of first year students and those who enter directly into the clinical school. Provide accommodation advice and lists of suitable off-campus rented housing. Maintain and/or expand its present hostel and housing accommodation. Give housing priority to students with School/Association responsibilities which require their frequent attendance on campus. Provide references on request to enable them to rent accommodation.

Students are expected to : 6.4.6 6.4.7 6.4.8 Apply for accommodation using the correct procedures, providing full and accurate information. Treat all School and Association accommodation and property with respect. Report and replace any School or Association property they have damaged.

6.5

TRAVEL

Students can expect the School to: 6.5.1 6.5.2 Provide accurate information regarding travel for attachments at other hospitals. Provide information and/or advice regarding overseas travel for electives or attachments.

Students are encouraged to : 6.5.3 Make use of the travel information that the School makes available, and make use of the travel services available to them.

7. 7.1

THE SCHOOL GENERAL

Students can expect : 7.1.1 7.1.2 To be given a copy of the Student Charter at the beginning of their studentship. The School to support the Medical and Dental Students' Association and its clubs and societies.

Students are expected to : 7.1.3 7.1.4 Follow and comply with School rules and regulations. Participate in maintaining the School's traditions, and contribute to the reputation and development of the School. This involves not only avoiding disreputable actions but also enhancing the School's reputation through academic and non-academic achievements by participating in the School/Association's clubs and societies.

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7.2

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Students can expect the School to : 7.2.1 Provide an equitable environment for all students and staff, with a culture that facilitates respect of all individuals regardless of ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, class, disability, marital or parental status. Investigate and resolve any complaint of harassment according to published procedures (Queen Mary College, 1999).

7.2.2

Students are expected to : 7.2.3 Comply with School policy regarding equal opportunities, not to harass or intimidate anyone, and to respect all students, staff and patients equally, regardless of ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, class, disability, marital or parental status. Encourage other students to show equal respect for others.

7.2.4

7.3

DECISION-MAKING AND STUDENT REPRESENTATION

Students should expect : 7.3.1 7.3.2 7.3.3 To be involved in the School's decision- and policy- making by students being represented on all the important standing committees of the School. The School to consider carefully student representations and petitions, paying particular attention to the Students' Association and the Staff Student Committees. The School to maintain and support the Medical and Dental Students' Association.

Students are encouraged to : 7.3.4 7.3.5 7.3.6 7.3.7 Participate in making decisions by electing student representatives and by making their views known to them. Provide representative views of the majority of students while holding positions of office. Provide regular feedback to the students they represent about decisions taken within the School. To support the activities of the Medical and Dental Students Association.

7.4

ADMINISTRATION

Students can expect the School to: 7.4.1 Provide written details concerning administration of student matters, for example enrolment and health and safety.

Students are expected to : 7.4.2 7.4.3 Provide full and accurate information in a prompt and civil manner when required, especially informing the Education Directorate of any change of address or other important information. Attend meetings with their Senior Tutor or the Dean whenever required to do so.

7.5

FACILITIES

Students can expect : 7.5.1 7.5.2 The provision of appropriate and accessible study, recreational and catering facilities/services for all students. Learning support services which provide adequate access to appropriate resources in printed, computerised and other forms. 9

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7.5.3 7.5.4 7.5.5 7.5.6

To have adequate lecture halls, with sufficient seats and appropriately maintained audiovisual facilities. Sports and recreational facilities to be maintained and funded. The School to maintain or improve the quality and availability of student facilities within the School. The School to provide identification cards for staff and students.

Students are expected to : Wear their identification badges and carry student identity cards in any clinical facility and produce them when required in any School facility. 7.5.8 Use the facilities and resources appropriately and to support them where this is possible. 7.5.9 Respect the needs of other users. 7.5.10 Leave any facility or resource in the same or better state as when found. 7.5.7

7.6

DISCIPLINE

Students can expect : 7.6.1 7.6.2 The School to follow a fair and published disciplinary procedure (Queen Mary College, 1999). The right to be accompanied by a relative, friend, or supporter at any disciplinary interview.

Students are expected to : 7.6.3 7.6.4 7.6.5 Attend any appointments made by staff. Give a full and accurate account of any incident to the appropriate staff. Co-operate with any sanction applied, unless subject to an appeal. See also Professional Conduct.

7.7

COMPLAINTS

Students can expect : 7.7.1 7.7.2 7.7.3 7.7.4 The School to operate a fair and efficient complaints procedure. To be given advice and assistance in pursuing a complaint and to have complaints dealt with in confidence, whenever possible. To be informed when a complaint is made about them. The School to destroy any School record of a complaint against a student which has been dismissed as groundless.

Students are expected to : 7.7.5 Read and comply with the complaints system and its procedures and to use it when appropriate (QM, 1999).

7.8 7.8.1

INTERCALATED DEGREES All students are informed about the availability of studying for an Intercalated degree, by taking an extra year of study. Full details of course options and the sources of funding for this extra year are provided.

Students can expect : 7.8.2 The School to provide advice and guidance regarding intercalated degrees within the School, at QMUL, and elsewhere within the University of London. This will include advice about subjects and finance. 10

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Students are expected to : 7.8.3 7.8.4 Obtain approval from a Senior Tutor or Dean to apply to undertake an intercalated degree. Keep the School informed about the status and final result of their application.

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