Timely advice from our advisers.

Clare, Jane and Louise answer some common questions to key issues for this time of the year.

I am not happy with my exam and coursework marks is there anything I can do?

Answer: The University have a structured appeals procedure (Regulation E13).

All appeals must be made within 10 working days of the results being published and must be submitted on the correct appeals form which can be obtained from the Academic Registry website .

It is important to remember that you cannot appeal simply on the ground of academic judgement so if you simply think that you should have done better but have no reason(s) to support this, then you cannot submit an appeal.

There are two clear grounds for academic appeals which are:

i - that there has been a material and significant administrative error or other material irregularity such that the assessments were not conducted in accordance with the approved regulations for the module/award;

ii - that, on written submission from the student concerned to the Academic Registrar, the student’s performance was adversely affected by illness or other factors which he or she was for valid reasons unable to divulge before the meeting of the examining board and which could have had a bearing on the board’s decision.

The current student handbook gives full details on the appeals process and the SU Advice Centre produce a condensed leaflet giving you all of the essential information.

For help in completing the appeals form or for further advice and information, please contact us.

We are moving out of our accommodation – will we just get our deposit back in cash on the day we leave?

Answer: There are often a number of legitimate reasons why landlords deduct money from deposits so there are a couple of things to consider before you move out.

• Make sure the cooker, fridge and freezer are all clean and food free and the freezer should be defrosted.
• Ensure all cupboards are empty and clean and all areas have been vacuumed.
• The whole bathroom should be left clean and free from personal belongings and all paintwork and window sills need to be wiped clean.
• You will be responsible for ensuring that all the rubbish has been removed properly from the property so leaving it outside in black bags is unlikely to be sufficient.
• Remember, if you want your deposit back, you must leave the house in the condition that it was in on the day you moved in.

You should also complete a moving out inventory with your landlord or agency which should reflect the one completed when you moved in. In addition to this you may want to consider taking photographs of all the rooms in the house.

A short time will probably lapse between you moving out of the property and your deposit being returned as the landlord will need time to inspect the property. Most probably your landlord will then return your deposit, minus any deductions, by cheque. Therefore, you must ensure they have a new address recorded for you.

The rules relating to deposits taken after 6th April 2007 are now extremely different to the rules on deposits taken before this date; all deposits from 6th April 2007 need to be paid into the Government-backed Tenancy Deposit Scheme, providing your agreement falls within the regulations. If a landlord fails to protect a deposit which should be protected then you may be entitled to three times your original deposit back!

If you are unsure whether your deposit should be protected or have not received a deposit back, please come and see us in the SU Advice Centre!

Advice Centre Contacts:

• Frenchay 0117 32 82676 or 0117 32 82571 (Clare or Louise)
• Glenside 0117 32 88514 (Jane or via Mandy in the SU office)
• St. Matt’s 0117 32 84435 (Jane or via Sarah in the SU office)
• Bower 0117 32 84725 (Louise or via Christian in the SU office)
• Hartpury 01452 702374 (see Wendy in the SU office)

Advice Centre - Summer Information:

The Advice Centre at Frenchay is open all summer so get in touch with Clare or Louise if anything isn’t right!

Campus offices will be closed during the summer break, Glenside close on 20th June, Bower Ashton and St. Matt’s on 27th June.

However, we can still be contacted during the closed periods on 0117 32 82676 or 0117 32 82571. Alternatively, e-mail: advice@uwe.ac.uk