Overview
The complainant (Mr C) complained that the University of Glasgow (the University) did not ensure that a Masters course applied quality assurance measures, or use proper procedures in relation to assessments. Mr C also complained that the University did not deal with his complaint appropriately.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) defective procedures were used for dealing with assessments within a University Department (the Department), specifically relating to assessments submitted for a Masters course (partially upheld to the extent that the first Course Convener failed to abide by the relevant regulations and, in error, allowed Mr C to proceed to dissertation before he had completed the work for the four modules);
- (b) there was a failure to apply quality assurance procedures to the Masters course (partially upheld to the extent that Department staff acted contrary to regulations in not holding Boards of Examiners for the Masters course); and
- (c) Mr C's complaint was poorly handled by the University (partially upheld to the extent that the Senior Senate Assessor for Student Complaints did not arrange a meeting with Mr C on the conclusion of his review of Mr C’s complaint).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the University
- (i) apologise to Mr C for the administrative error in failing to adhere to the regulations for progression to the dissertation;
- (ii) reflect on the events relating to Mr C’s complaint and ensure that staff adhere to regulations to avoid another situation where a taught postgraduate student is allowed to proceed to dissertation before assignments for modules have been completed and marked;
- (iii) consider the feasibility of recording assessments received from students, to minimise the chances of pieces of work being lost;
- (iv) ensure that students receive clear communication from staff on the deadlines for resubmission of work;
- (v) ensure that courses/programmes adhere to the current Code of Assessment in respect of holding Boards of Examiners.
The University have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.