Engagement and the Lack of Engagement Process

What does the University mean by ‘engagement’?

The University expects that students:

  • attend and actively participate in all timetabled lectures, meetings and other activities arranged in relation to their course*, including those offered remotely;
  • make appropriate use of their UniLearn (e.g. Blackboard, Panopto, Turnitin);
  • submit assessments on time;
  • respond to University communications in a timely manner.
*Check with your course team about any specific requirements for your course. See also Student Charter.

Attendance and Absence

Good attendance is a crucial part of engagement, but we understand that sometimes you may absolutely have to miss a scheduled activity. For more information see Attendance and Absence.


 Dolphins

Where your engagement with your course is considered to be unsatisfactory the Lack of Engagement process may be instigated by your course team.  They will contact you initially to discuss re-engagement with the course. If you receive an email it is important that you respond within the relevant timeframes.  The diagram below outlines the full process::

Lack of Engagement Process

A meeting with the Progression Advice Team will enable you to discuss your concerns or difficulties with your studies and will aim to help you to re-engage with your course.

Where re-engagement is not possible for you they will explore other options available.

It’s important for you to get help. The Wellbeing Service can help you look at the range of support options that may be open to you.

If you are unable to engage with your studies due to your physical or mental health the Support to Study regulations may apply. 


You should contact the Disability Service to discuss the available support.

If you are unable to engage with your studies due to your physical or mental health the Support to Study regulations may apply. 

If your engagement issues are not resolved, you may be withdrawn from your course, in which case you will be sent a withdrawal notification by email.

If you are withdrawn, you have the right to appeal within 10 working days from the date that the withdrawal notification is sent to you via email.

  1. Students have the right of appeal against their withdrawal for lack of engagement.
  2. Appeals should be made to the Head of Student Records, Returns and Systems or nominee ([email protected]) or nominee.
  3. The grounds under which appeals may be made are: That you were unable to engage in the University’s procedures at the time for good reason; That the procedures were not conducted fairly and/or in accordance with the published regulations.
  4. Evidence must be provided by the student that supports their ground(s) for appeal.
  5. Notice of appeal must be made in writing to the Head of Student Records, Returns and Systems or nominee and must be received not later than 10 working days after the formal notification of withdrawal.
  6. The decision of the Head of Student Records, Returns and Systems or nominee will be final and will be notified to the student within a period of 10 working days following receipt of the appeal. The decision will be communicated by e-mail and/or first class post to the last known address of the student. Such dispatch shall be deemed to be sufficient and complete discharge of the duty to inform the student.

Meeting with the Progression Advice Team will enable you to discuss your concerns or difficulties with your studies and will aim to help you to re-engage with your course. They will also signpost you to other support services.

Further support can be accessed through the Wellbeing Service or the Chaplaincy.

Sometimes you might feel you need support that is independent of the University, for example if you’d like to bring someone independent along when you meet with the Progression Advice Team. In that case we would advise you to contact your Student's Union.


If you have decided to withdraw or interrupt your studies it is essential that you contact the Advice Zone and complete the appropriate process as you will still be liable for fees. Please note that ceasing to attend classes does not in itself constitute a formal withdrawal.