Student Policy & Documents

The University recognises that drinking alcohol can be an enjoyable and harmless feature of student life and it has no wish to discourage sensible drinking. However, the University has a duty of care to all its students and considers that it is important to try to address the harmful effects of excessive alcohol use, whether physical, social or academic. The policy commits the University to developing a strategy to address alcohol use. The Director of Student Support and Accommodation is responsible for developing and implementing the strategy

At Heriot-Watt we are committed to fostering an environment in which students, staff and those associated with University activities may work and study effectively. All members of the University, staff and students, are responsible for ensuring that individuals do not suffer sexual, racial or any other form of harassment, and they are encouraged and supported in any legitimate complaint.

It is essential that the computing facilities at Heriot-Watt are only used in connection with the legitimate activities of members of the University. All members of the University, staff and students, and others who may be granted access through association, are required to abide by the specified Conditions of Use outlined in this policy. The policy covers the University's position on copyright abuse, spam, obscene material and other concerns and applies equally to the use of privately-owned personal computers when making use of University networks or remotely accessing elements of University computing facilities.

The University needs to obtain and process certain information about its students to allow it to register students and organise courses as well as other activities. This information is collected and used fairly, stored safely and not disclosed to any other person unlawfully. If you have any questions about our Data Protection procedures, please consult our policy.

Heriot-Watt University is committed to equal opportunities for all, irrespective of disability. All members of the University community are responsible for playing their part in achieving the aims of this policy. Policy commitments include improving access in the built environment, improved communication for disabled people, ensuring equal opportunities in employment practices, to ensure provision for disabled students to educational services such as selection based on ability, alternative teaching approaches and more.

These procedures cover non academic-related incidents regarding unacceptable behaviour by students in Halls of Residence and on campus for the guidance of wardens and security personnel. It does not cover incidents relating to unacceptable behaviour in the University Library or the inappropriate use of computing facilities. The reporting and handling of offences is covered as well as the penalties that can be imposed. Example incidents are covered and an Incident Report Form is appended.

Heriot-Watt University is committed to equal opportunities for all, irrespective of sex, colour, ethnic origin, disability, age, marital status, religious or political beliefs, trade union membership, sexual orientation or any distinction deemed to be irrelevant. The University recognises the negative impact on individuals of the effects of discrimination in terms of educational attainment, career progression, self-fulfilment and self-esteem. The University welcomes diversity among all staff and students and will work to enable all individuals to realise their full potential and contribute as fully as possible to the University community.

The University's policy on Intellectual Property, Confidential Information and Commercialisation clarifies the ownership of copyright in intellectual property created by students, staff, visitors and consultants and any exceptions to the University's first ownership. Any student, member of staff, visitor or consultant who comes into contact with any confidential information is under an obligation without limit of time to preserve the complete confidentiality of such. When a creator approaches Technology & Research Services (TRS) with their intellectual property proposal, TRS will convene an Innovation Exploitation Board who will decide whether to proceed with commercialisation.

The University recognises that the term mental health covers a broad spectrum of problems and issues ranging from promoting the mental well-being of all students to responding to the needs of students with severe and enduring mental illnesses. The policy outlines the University's position on mental health support to students and the action that the University will take to respond to concerns. The Director of Student Support and Accommodation has the lead role in managing and co-ordinating the University's management of student mental health problems.

The Ordinances contain details on the way in which the University is governed within the general framework of the Charter and Statutes. The Regulations provide the framework for the academic work of the University, the education of its students, and such other matters as lie within the functions of Senate (such as committees and awards). They cover governance issues, staffing matters, student matters - admissions, fees, examinations, graduation, awards etc - and programmes of study. Ordinances set out the principles behind the regulations. Regulations determine the detailed operation of the University.

Students opting to study one or more course modules additional to those required to achieve their final qualification will incur an additional fee. You will also be charged if you have to repeat modules following unsuccessful reassessment. However, if a School or Institute requires you to study additional modules, you will not be required to pay a fee.

Plagiarism involves the act of taking the ideas, writings or inventions of another person and using these as if they were one's own, whether intentionally or not. Most academic writing involves building on the work of others and this is acceptable as long as their contribution is identified and fully acknowledged. Plagiarism occurs where there is no acknowledgement that the writings or ideas belong to or have come from another source. This guide is intended to provide students at Heriot-Watt University with a clear definition of plagiarism and examples of how to avoid it.

Where students are prevented from satisfying the normal requirements for examinations and course work because of dyslexia, a permanent disability, or a chronic medical condition, it is appropriate for compensatory arrangements to be made. This includes, where appropriate, the use of a scribe. The use of a scribe in such circumstances enables the student to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of a topic and places them on a par with their peers. The procedure for registering for a scribe is covered as well as detailed guidance for both the scribe and the student.

The Special Educational Needs and Disability Act (2001) imposes specific duties on the University in respect of students with disabilities. The following guidelines attempt to establish good practice for access to teaching and learning for students with disabilities. These brief guidelines are directed towards individual lecturers and tutors, to provide a concise overview of the main elements of planning for SENDA.

Students studying at Heriot-Watt University are reminded that a good attendance record is one of the factors taken into account in reviewing a student's commitment to, and performance in, their academic studies. This policy aims to support and encourage students to achieve their full potential in their studies and in developing lifelong skills and competencies as well as ennhancing the overall learning environment by encouraging active participation through regular attendance in all areas of study.

Heriot-Watt encourages a positive environment in which informal contact and feedback from students is welcomed and where constructive complaints can be dealt with effectively. In this guide you will find useful general information about making complaints, detailed information on the procedures themselves and a summary chart showing the different stages of the process. The Complaints Procedures are intended to be fair and accessible in order to encourage the prompt resolution of problems at the earliest stage possible.

The University has a duty of care to all students. Under the Disability Discrimination Act Part 4, the University has a duty to take every reasonable step to find out if students have a disability such as dyslexia or a mental health difficulty or long-term medical condition. The Disability Service is responsible for the co-ordination of support to students with disabilities.

It is the duty of every member of staff of the University to report perceived student breaches of discipline as soon as possible. This requirement is stipulated in University Ordinance 9: Student Discipline. Examples of indiscipline include defacing or harming University property, disorderly behaviour, non-attendance of classes, inappropriate examination conduct and more. The procedure for reporting incidents, the hearing process and disciplinary penalties are also covered. All incidents must be referred, in order to ensure that a transparent system operates in which all cases are treated consistently and equitably.

This policy relates to all fees and charges payable by students to the University for the use of its facilities and the provision of its services i.e. tuition fees, accommodation charges and other fees and charges. The policy has been produced to help new students to Heriot-Watt University settle in by understanding the financial requirements of the University. Adherence to the policy will help the University to manage potential risks and problems which could otherwise arise.

Heriot-Watt University's Travel Policy provides insurance cover for all employees contracted to the University, students participating in overseas research projects, exchange students at Universities abroad not exceeding 12 months and students participating in short periods outside the United Kingdom for language experience. The policy outlines the cover for personal accidents, medical costs, cancellation, curtailment or change of itinerary, loss or damage to personal baggage, money, credit cards and personal effects.

Student Groups and Organisations, and Schools/Institutes/ Sections should be allowed to use centrally timetabled lecture theatres, academic classrooms, crush spaces, and communal areas either free or at a discounted rate where the use is deemed beneficial to the student, staff and community experience, and the space is not required for core University activities such as teaching. This Policy sets out the criteria to determine to whom such access may be allowed at the Edinburgh Campus, as well as establishing permissible activities and the conditions that apply to such use of the facilities. Less formal arrangements are in place at the Scottish Borders Campus.