After matriculation - questions and answers for medical students
Once you have matriculated, you will have completed registration on your course. If you have any queries about the course, please refer to the Foundations of Medicine Handbook on the Flying Start website or contact the School of Medicine for advice. You may also need to contact the central student administration (e.g. Registry or the Advice and Support Centre) in some of the following circumstances.
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 for Student Support (Undergraduate), and must, save in exceptional circumstances, do so in person. It is often useful to seek advice via the Advice and Support Centre first.
I have changed my name or address
On a regular basis, each student must check and update their personal details online via iSaint. To update 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 credit award, and failure to attend classes may result in you losing the right to be assessed in that module. Please ensure you are familiar with the Academic Alert regulations as stated in the School handbook.
If you have missed classes, 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 due to illness
Such absences should be reported to the Examinations Office (telephone +44 1334 46 4100) immediately 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. 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.
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 the relevant Pro Dean or Dr Lara Meischke, Academic Support Adviser at Student Services (you can telephone 01334 462042 or email Dr Meischke).
Termination of Studies
Students who, after due warning, have still 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 in the first instance.
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 & Academic Complaints (PDF, 372 KB).
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 Personal Tutor, 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 & Academic Complaints (PDF, 372 KB).
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.