After matriculation - questions and answers
Once you have matriculated, you should see your tutors or module co-ordinators for information on particular course requirements. You may also need to contact your Adviser or the central student administration (e.g. Registry and the Advice and Support Centre) in some of the following circumstances.
I want to change my course or module choice
You cannot change your course or module choice without having this approved by an Adviser. Changes must be approved by Monday of week two of each semester. All students should contact their Adviser in his/her School or Department. Your Adviser's contact details can be found on your Advising module choices page.
I want to change my Faculty
You are admitted to a specific Faculty on the basis of your stated degree choice and entrance qualifications. The permission of both the Pro Dean of Arts and Divinity (Advising) and the Pro Dean of Science (Advising) is required for Undergraduate students to change Faculties. Students should see the Pro Dean (Advising) of the Faculty they wish to join. Appointments may be made through the Advice and Support Centre.
I want to change my status from full-time to part-time (or vice versa)
Undergraduate Arts and Divinity students should see the Pro Dean of Arts and Divinity (Undergraduate); Undergraduate Science students should see the Pro Dean of Science (Undergraduate). Changes for the current semester should be approved by the end of week two. Appointments may be made through the Advice and Support Centre. Please note that it is not permitted under the immigration rules for International Students to study part-time.
I wish to withdraw either temporarily (take a 'Leave of Absence') or permanently from my course
Students wishing to withdraw or take a leave of absence from their studies will need to contact the appropriate Pro Dean (Undergraduate). It is often useful to seek advice via the Advice and Support Centre first. Appointments with Pro Deans can be made through the Advice and Support Centre.
I have changed my name or address
On a regular basis, each student must check and update their personal details online via iSaint. To alter your address, please use the address portlet on the 'Home' tab. If you have officially changed your name we will need to see the documentation supporting this before we can update our records. You should bring this documentation (e.g. deed poll, updated passport or driver's licence) to the Advice and Support Centre along with your matriculation (ID) card.
I have missed classes or examinations
Attendance is a basic requirement for the award of credit and failure to attend classes and/or examinations may result in you losing the right to be assessed in that module. Please ensure you are familiar with the Academic Alert regulations.
If you have missed classes or examinations, you must submit a Self-certificate of absence as soon as possible. This facility is available through the University's eVision portal. It is important that you complete and return the form as soon as possible indicating the number of days of absence, the modules affected and the reason for your absence. Monitoring of absences will be undertaken in accordance with the regulations on Academic Alerts and students who submit more than two self-certificates in a semester may be referred to the Academic Support Adviser at Student Services. Further information can be found in the student absence policy.
Verifiable documentary evidence may be required if the absence results in the inability to successfully complete the compulsory elements of the modules and/or a deferred assessment is required. The School will indicate to the student (giving one week's notice) when further evidence is required in addition to existing self-certification.
Absences from examinations
Such absences should be reported to the Examinations Office (telephone +44 1334 46 4100) as soon as you know you will be unable to sit an examination. This should then be followed up by an appropriately completed Self-certificate of Absence form. The School will indicate to the student (giving one week's notice) when further evidence is required in addition to existing self-certification.
Problems? Don't let these accumulate - there are people who can help
Please see the right person and don't rely on second-hand information from your fellow students. The Advice and Support Centre is there to help with a wide range of problems, ranging from financial difficulties to pastoral counselling.
Academic Problems
For advice on personal issues which may affect your academic studies, e.g. absence from class, health, accommodation, family, friends, see Dr Lara Meischke at Student Services (you can telephone +44 1334 462042 or email Dr Meischke).
Termination of Studies
Students who have not fulfilled the requirements of their courses risk having their studies at the University terminated. Students who face termination of studies will be contacted by the Pro Dean (Advising) in the first instance. For further information please see Undergraduate Senate Regulations 42-44.
Complaints, Appeals and Discipline
The University is committed to ensuring as high a quality student experience as possible while you are studying at St Andrews. Occasionally things may go wrong and if you are experiencing a difficulty or you are dissatisfied with your academic experience, you should raise concerns as soon as possible. This allows effective resolutions to be worked out quickly.
Complaints should be raised in the first instance at a local level with the appropriate member of staff, Head of School or Head of Unit/Service. There are occasions when an amicable solution is not possible and in these circumstances you should refer to, and follow, the procedures outlined in the University's Policy on student academic appeals and academic complaints.
If there are personal circumstances that may affect your academic performance and subsequently may result in an Academic Appeal, please bring these to the attention of an appropriate member of staff as soon as possible, for example your Adviser of Studies, the Academic Support Adviser or an appropriate Pro Dean. If you wish to obtain further information on Complaints, Appeals and Discipline, consult the University's Policy on student academic appeals and academic complaints.
Financial Advice and Assistance
Expert help is available from the Advice and Support Centre. All advice is confidential. Issues covered include: pre-entry guidance on what your income and expenditure will be; student funding - e.g. entitlements to loan/grants, applying to trust funds, entitlement to benefits, maximising your income; managing your money; banking facilities; debt problems; council tax problems.
The Service also manages and allocates the various funds for which the University is responsible. These include the Discretionary Fund, Welfare Grant, University Loan Fund and a number of other Trust funds. Contact the Advice and Support Centre.
If you are having particular problems with instalment payments for Tuition and/or Accommodation fees, please contact the Advice and Support Centre to discuss drawing up a payment plan.
Students with an outstanding debt to the University may not matriculate or graduate until their debt is cleared.