The Open University (OU) should be committed to putting students at the centre of decision-making, especially when changes to the curriculum are being considered. These best practice principles were developed following a motion passed at our 2024 Conference, which highlighted the importance of ensuring the student voice is heard in these decisions.
When reductions or withdrawals in the curriculum are unavoidable, students should be consulted and actively involved throughout the process. Our goal is to make sure any changes are managed in a way that supports students and protects the quality of their academic experience.
To achieve this, we have outlined a set of best practice principles for how the University should approach these situations. This includes clear governance processes, ensuring proposals go through the right Boards and Committees before decisions are made, and maintaining transparency and accountability at every stage.
Student consultation
- Affected students should be consulted at the earliest opportunity to ensure that the student voice remains central to decision-making.
Governance
- Consult Student Representatives at key stages – including Boards of Studies, Faculty Committees for Learning, Teaching and Assessment, and the Qualifications and Assessment Committee.
- Record and share consultation details. Student Representatives’ names should be listed on the Qualification Withdrawal Form to provide timely confirmation.
- Ensure transparency and follow-up. The completed Qualification Withdrawal Form must be sent to the elected Open SU representative responsible for student voice, so they can confirm that student views were heard and addressed.
Teach-out periods
- The OU should guarantee minimum teach-out periods. For example, 5 years (+1 year for resits) for undergraduate degrees and 2 years (+1 year for resits) for master’s degrees.
- There should be a formal approval of the teach-out plans. All plans must be approved by the Qualifications and Assessment Committee to ensure students have enough time to complete their studies.
- The OU must provide alternative options when necessary. This could include transferring to a related qualification, the Open Programme, or another provider.
Communication and support
- Have a clear communication plan. Identify which students are affected and explain how they will be contacted. Start with an email, followed by a phone call to discuss individual options.
- Provide clear and timely information. Communications should explain students’ rights and responsibilities, what changes are happening, timelines, notice periods, and how to get advice and guidance. Remove the module or qualification from the website as soon as the withdrawal decision is confirmed.
- Offer personalised support and transparency. A dedicated advisory team should give consistent, tailored help. Open SU must be involved in all withdrawal communications to make sure the student voice is represented.
Rights to refunds, compensation and appeals
Inclusion
- Student Representatives should highlight the needs of specific groups, including students with disabilities, caring responsibilities, and other protected characteristics.
- Ensure accessibility and fairness. Alternative arrangements must be inclusive, and support should be equitable throughout the teach-out process.
For more information on these recommendations, take a look at the full Best Practice in Curriculum Withdrawals document below.
Open SU: Best Practice in Curriculum Withdrawals