As your VP Education (Health), I’ve been busy working with King’s to improve processes and minimise stress for students. I’m delighted to share the following developments:
Streamlining the Mitigating Circumstances form (MCF) Process
The existing Mitigating Circumstances Framework (MCF) hasn’t always been the easiest for students to navigate; that’s why I’m pleased to announce that KCL is developing a new policy. The new MCF policy clearly outlines each stage in the MCF process and what students need to provide for the application, including what counts as acceptable evidence.
Most importantly, the policy aims to speed up the processing of MCF applications, with a commitment to notifying students of decisions within five days, if sufficient evidence has been provided. This is going to have a positive impact on students by saving time and stress when applying for Mitigating Circumstances.
As a key member of the committees overseeing this initiative, I've been dedicated to ensuring that the new MCF policy puts students’ interests first. I've advocated for students along the way and supported the successful adoption of this policy through each stage of the committee review process.
Improving Assessment Timetabling
As part of the KCLSU priority campaign "Turn the Tables," I am involved in writing and reviewing a paper to be submitted to the Student Success Transformation Programme (SSTP). This paper will articulate the priorities of students regarding the timetabling service and advocate for the establishment of "minimum standards" that students can expect.
The document will identify current issues, propose actionable solutions, and outline strategies to enhance the efficiency of timetabling processes at KCL. The content of this paper is informed by a survey conducted in December, which gathered input from academic representatives across various faculties about their experience and what they think an ideal timetable would look like. I am also working to streamline the exam calendar and support students who risk facing multiple exams on the same day.
Furthermore, in response to the lack of understanding about the organisation of teaching and exam timetables, KCLSU and KCL are collaborating on a detailed timetabling guide. This guide will clearly explain the processes behind the creation of teaching and exam schedules, provide information on whom to contact in case of timetable clashes, and explain how to access support. This initiative aims to demystify the timetabling system and ensure students have the necessary information and resources to navigate it effectively.
The draft timetabling policy will include specific guidelines to prevent clashes between teaching schedules and religious observances, such as Friday lunchtime (13:00 – 14:00) for Muslim prayer and Friday afternoons for the Jewish Sabbath. I’ve initiated discussions with the Associate Director of Exams, Assessment, and Timetabling at King’s about taking Friday prayer times into consideration, marking a significant step in the right direction.
Janvi Jagasia
VP Education (Health), King's College London Students' Union