Adam Smith College Students' Association

Academic Matters


The Policies and Procedures listed below describe processes which directly relate to your experience as a learner at Adam Smith College.  By clicking on the link beside a policy or procedure, you can view the document, download it in PDF format or print it out.  if you think any of them are out of date let us know so we can alert the appropriate person to upload the up to date version.

Some policies and procedures also have Fact Sheets linked to them.  These are short summaries of the key points written in clear, easy to understand language and are often a good place to start if you want to refer quickly to the main points of a policy or procedure.

If you would like any further information on any of the College policies or procedures you can contact the Students' Association.

If you have a complaint regarding your course or any aspect of the College's services, we can guide you through the compaints procedure.  If required we can represent you at a Complaints Appeal and also assist beyond this with a complaint to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman. 

Complaints

The Complaints Procedure describes in detail how anyone affected by the operations of the College, including its learners, can make a complaint and how that complaint will be dealt with from acknowledgement through to resolution.

This Fact Sheet summarises the different options open to a learner who wants to raise a concern from the informal approach through to internal and external appeals.

Please use this form to make a complaint about any aspect of service or provision by the college. 

We can advise and represent you if you are facing potential disciplinary action.  We will ensure each stage is conducted fairly and accompany you to your investigation meeting, and any disciplinary hearing and appeal you may have to attend. 

Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct describes the standards of behaviour with which all learners at Adam Smith College are expected to comply. Breaches of the Code of Conduct may lead to disciplinary action being taken.

The Anti-Harassment and Bullying Policy describes how the College aims to provide a learning environment free from harassment and bullying in which the dignity of all learners is respected.  ​

The Anti-Harassment and Bullying Procedure defines what is meant by 'harassment' and 'bullying' and describes the action to be taken by a learner who feels that he/she is suffering from harassment or bullying.​ 

The Disciplinary Policy aims to ensure that, in the event of disciplinary action being taken, all students receive fair and consistent treatment in a timely manner with access to an appropriate appeals procedure.

The Disciplinary Procedure describes, with the aid of diagrams, the detailed steps involved in the disciplinary process from initial breach of the Code of Conduct through to Appeal, including the range of penalties which can be imposed.

This policy aims to ensure that all learners are aware of the consequences of alcohol and drug misuse through the provision of information, advice and support.

This procedure describes the advice and support available to learners with an alcohol or drug related problem, the actions which will be taken if such a problem affects the learners behaviour or performance and the circumstances under which the Police will be contacted.

If you receive a withdrawal letter due to unsatisfactory attendance you only have five days to appeal.  If you're unsure how to write your letter of appeal and would like help, contact us as soon as possible. 

 Attendance

The Attendance Policy describes the College's expectations of learners in terms of their attendance and outlines the consequences of unsatisfactory attendance.

The Attendance Procedure describes in detail the processes involved in monitoring learners' attendance at College, the steps which will be taken if attendance becomes unsatisfactory and the support available to learners having problems with their attendance.

This Fact Sheet summarises what to do if you're absent from College, where to get an Absence Form and how to fill it in.

This Fact Sheet summaries what action the College will take if your attendance becomes unsatisfactory at any point during your course of study.

Coursework

The Academic Appeals Procedure sets out the College's systems for dealing with student appeals against either academic decisions made internally by College staff or the outcomes of external assessments by awarding bodies.

This Fact Sheet summarises the process by which learners can question decisions related to individual assessments, the achievement of group awards or progression to a more advanced level of study.

The Academic Deceit Procedure describes in detail definitions of academic deceit (cheating) and the actions which the College will take to deal with any instances of academic deceit.

This Fact Sheet summarises what is meant by cheating in an academic context, what the penalties are for cheating and how you can avoid risking these penalties being applied to your work.

The Assessment Policy describes the College's commitment to assessment processes that are fair, valid, consistent, transparent to learners and staff and recognise and respect equality and diversity.

This Fact Sheet summarises the processes involved in assessing learners' work within the Adam Smith College and how standards of assessment are verified by external awarding bodies.

This procedure describes how a learner may receive credit for parts of her/his current course of study based on previous qualifications or experience.

Other College Policies & Procedures

The Access Policy describes the College's commitment to the community it serves and to providing high quality learning experiences to as broad a range of people as possible.

The Admissions Policy describes the College's commitment to fairness and equality in admissions and to providing learning opportunities for as many people as possible.

The Admissions Procedure describes in detail, using a diagram, the sequence of events which take place during the admissions process.

The Graduation Policy describes the circumstances under which learners who successfully complete specific courses of study will be eligible to participate in a formal graduation ceremony.

The Inclusiveness Policy aims to ensure that the College provides an appropriate curriculum to a wide range of prospective learners, with additional support for those who need it.

The Quality Policy describes the College's intent that all learners will be given the opportunity to realise their full potential, enabling them to achieve the highest standards in their programmes of learning, underpinned by a commitment to continuous improvement in quality assurance and enhancement.