Can I be forced to withdraw from a masters degree?

I suffer from chronic depression and have disability support from the university. My depression worsened over christmas and I missed my exams. The university accepted this and I will have the opportunity to sit, as first sitting, in August.

My medication was increased but the head of department was quite adament that I defer until next year. I cannot afford this and made this clear.

I am behind on my preparatory dissertation work (propasal and ethics submission - final deadline is July) However I have met all my deadlines, have achieved high grades and have a high attendence record (above 90%).

I dislocated my shoulder at the beginning of April and this has put me further behind on my dissertation. Head of course wants to meet me to "discuss my situation on the course". I am really anxious she will bully me to withdraw, causing my exam revision to suffer (4 exams in 2 weeks.)

Can she exclude me fron the course? Even if my attendence and grades have been good?

Any additional advice?

Thank you...a very anxious mature student ...

Reply 1

999tigger

Its a meeting to discuss your situation. take a student rep with you and talk to the disability/ equality people. Listen to their concerns and maybe go with a prepared statement so you dont forget anything. I cnat see why she would want you to fail.

You would need to look at your departmental rules as to whether she cna withdraw you. If she deicdes to do so you will be allowed to appeal and if that continues then you can make a claim to
http://www.oiahe.org.uk/

See what they have to sat first.

Reply 2

doodle_333

as the above poster said contact your student union and find someone who can accompany you who should know the rules, I would be surprised if they could force you to withdraw if you're maintaining good grades

Reply 3

Klix88

Original post by Catbells

Get advice from your Student Union.

Every uni has its own procedures, but yes, at my uni you could be withdrawn if the uni decided that studying was causing your health to deteriorate and putting your long-term health at risk - irrespective of good results and attendance record. However, this is a thorough three stage process:

1) Informal meeting with your course leader to discuss health issues and how both you and the uni could improve the situation.

If the problems continued or worsened:
2) A formal meeting with a Student Support occupational health specialist to agree remedial actions that the uni and you will undertake. These are documented and you sign an agreement that you will carry out your actions and co-operate with the uni's remedial measures. The document is provided to your department, who are equally obliged to carry out their actions.

If the problems continue or worsen, and/or you do not undertake the actions documented:
3) A formal departmental hearing at which it is decided whether you will be allowed to continue on the course or not.

If you get into Stage 3, the usual outcome is that you will be withdrawn from the course unless your department haven't completed their actions.

So go and see your Student Union. They will find someone who knows their way round your own uni's processes. There will be something formal which your course leader is obliged to follow - it is very unlikely that she will be able to unilaterally withdraw you from your course without following some kind of set process which gives you advance warning and an opportunity to formally respond.

Can I be forced to withdraw from a masters degree?

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