As your Vice-President Education (Health), I have been seeking to improve the academic experience for all students within our community. Your input and collaboration are invaluable to me as we work together to address key issues and implement positive changes.
In the spirit of transparency and open communication, I wanted to reflect on my priorities that I set at the beginning of the year and in my manifesto. I’ll work though these one by one and let you know what I’ve been up to as your officer!
- Streamlining the Mitigating Circumstances Form (MCF) Process: My aim is to reduce the average time it takes for students to receive MCF decisions and establish a standardized approach to MCF evidence. This will ensure a more efficient and fair process for all students facing challenging circumstances.
I have reached out via email to the Chair of the Mitigating Circumstances Oversight Group for the following:
- Data regarding MCFs (number of MCF applications, processing times, amount of MCFs across different faculties) in order to gain insight about the MCF process for students in this academic year (2023-24) so that it can be shared with students to communicate what I have been up to this year.
- To explore the plausibility of self-certifying MCFs and whether it can be introduced in the next academic year (2024-2025).
- Optimizing Assessment Timetabling: I recognize the importance of releasing exam timetables well in advance of assessment periods. By doing so, I aim to provide students with ample time to prepare and alleviate unnecessary stress associated with last-minute scheduling changes.?
- I have met the Associate Director: Student Operations (Exams, Assessment & Timetabling) and Head of Timetabling Services to discuss timetabling survey report, review our SMART goals and next steps
Turn the Tables Campaign updates:
- Advertising the operational date for the release of timetables to students. This will be done after Academic Board. We will release operational timetable dates to all students, through KCLSU updates and/or digital screens and blog posts. This enables KCLSU and students to hold the university accountable.
- Designing a standards policy for timetabling – what students should expect from their timetabling services. This will be shared with timetabling services from King’s and student reps at the beginning of April and ideally progress to Education Executive at the beginning of May. Breaking the policy down into subcategories e.g. no clashes between module and travel tables (enough time for students to travel from one campus to another).
- Academic Calendar Stress Reduction: My goal is to minimize the number of students facing multiple in-person exams on the same day and to reduce clashes with prayer times and extracurricular activities. I am committed to fostering an academic environment that promotes well-being and supports the diverse needs of our student body.
Updates:
- The timetabling policy that is being drafted via the Turn the Tables campaign will include subcategories on how there shouldn’t be clashes between teaching and religious observances such as Friday lunchtime 13:00 – 14:00 (Muslim Prayer time) and Friday afternoons (Jewish Sabbath).
- I have been involved in discussions during ASSC on how assessments at King’s can be improved in terms of assessment burden and assessment feedback.
- I will be getting in touch with committee members of the Islamic Society (ISOC) and Jewish Society (JSOC) to further understand the needs of students when it comes to their protected times with timetables.
I want to emphasize that your perspectives and insights are crucial in shaping our initiatives and ensuring their effectiveness. I genuinely value your opinions and welcome any collaboration or feedback you may have. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me via email if you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns at [email protected]
Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and create an academic community that thrives on inclusivity, support, and excellence.
Thank you for your dedication and commitment to our shared goals.
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