New Academic Alert for Online Flexible Modules
As the University continues to expand its online and flexible provision, including the introduction of micro-credentials, a new type of Academic Alert is being introduced in MMS for students studying in these modes.
The new ENGAGEMENT/ASSESSMENT (Online Flexible modules only) alert is designed specifically for students enrolled in online or flexible modules and micro-credentials. Unlike traditional modules, these modules can have multiple entry points, longer periods of study and greater flexibility around when students engage with learning activities and submit assessments. The new alert provides Schools with a way to raise concerns about a student’s engagement or academic performance while recognising the flexibility built into these programmes.
The alert can be used where there are concerns such as a sustained lack of participation in required online learning activities, poor academic performance, or failure to attend or submit a compulsory assessment. As with other Academic Alerts, the purpose is to identify the concern and provide the student with clear information about any action they need to take, available support and, where appropriate, the potential academic consequences, while acknowledging the different circumstances and requirements of students in these modules
For staff, the new alert will be available through the Academic Alerts tab on the Module overview in MMS. When creating an alert, staff should select ENGAGEMENT/ASSESSMENT (Online Flexible modules only) where the student is studying an eligible online or flexible module or micro-credential and the concern relates to their engagement or assessment. The alert allows Schools to provide information that is appropriate to the individual student’s circumstances while maintaining a record of the School’s engagement with the student.
This new category does not change the existing Academic Alert categories or the processes for students on other types of modules. The new alert is specifically intended to support the particular structure and flexibility of online and flexible learning.