Overview

On 15th of March 2013 students undertaking a Legal Practice Course (LPC) at Oxford Brookes, received an email from the head of department informing them that their course was being cancelled and the university would no longer be continuing the course. This news was delivered on the eve of a series of exams that were due to be taken by students on course.

Understandably this was already a stressful time for students and left students with a certain amount of uncertainty about their current status and future educational and career options.

Amy Evans is the Department Rep for Law and as such is responsible for all 580 students on this course.

Amy notified the SU of this situation and immediately set to work on tackling this problem.

Activity:

Amy is a full time student in her final year of a law degree. In addition to volunteering in the SU Advice Centre she commits a substantial amount of time to working on student issues. Before the SU had time to react to these problems Amy had already started work on the following:

  • Arranged meeting with senior staff from Dept of Law
  • Arranged meetings with Law Students
  • Started investigations into university’s course closures procedures
  • Communicated news to Law Students
  • Made herself available for any student who needed immediate reassurance/advice
  • Arranged online conferencing for students not able to attend university due to personal or family commitments.

It became immediately apparent that the university had failed to follow correct procedures and communication methods were not of the expected standard.

Following on from these initial findings, Amy worked closely with the SU and challenge the university on its decision. Within a week Amy had attended four separate meetings with Department Heads, and the university was now starting to address this mistake.

The following week the issue was put on hold and an investigation was put in place to seek for an alternative decision. This resulted in the following activities and actions:

LPC closure added to University Academic Enhancement & Standards Committee (AESC)

  • LPC closure added to and discussed as a priority issue at Faculty Academic Enhancement & Standards Committee (FAESC)
  • An alternative provider was found with the potential to “teach out” existing students
  • College of Law were contacted and meetings scheduled between university and students, Amy attended these meetings keeping students informed at all times
  • Letter drafted by Amy Evans and Tom Smith VP Academic Experience, voicing our concerns and disgust at current situation, demanding a thorough investigation and reassurances that students would not be disadvantaged.
  • Amy used her knowledge and experience of working in the SU advice centre, to provide students with guidance and support needed in order to work together and put forward their issues, concerns and complaints, direct to university.
  • As a result of Amy’s work students were able to bypass stage one of the complaints procedure and progress immediately onto stage two. Saving a great deal of time in the complaints process.
  • After negotiations with University and College of Law it was agreed that they will take on teaching for 2013/14. They also plan to continue into the future. Amy was heavily involved in these negotiations
  • Investigation panel has now been created to investigate the failed processes, create a new revised policy on course closures and avoid future occurrences. Amy is a member of this panel along with Tom Smith and 2x Associate Deans

The policy has been rolled out across faculties ensuring that the problem is not repeated.

Impact:

The impact on the student experience is a huge one. Amy has changed the lives of every student on the course and ensured that other students will not have to experience the same. It affects current students and students yet to arrive. Some clear examples are:

  • Changes to the existing policy on course closures
  • 10 pt students can now continue their course this September
  • 25 Students on Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) can now continue their course this September
  • The entire cohort of Law undergraduates now have clarity about their future options upon completing their law degree
  • A number of (undisclosed) students will potentially receive financial compensation from the university
  • A huge saving of £1,666 for every student taking the LPC one year course this September
  • A minimum total saving for LPC students of £33,320, and realistic estimated at £66,640 based on current applications and historical data.
  • Maintained university promise of 10% Alumni discount
  • Maintained student jobs within Law Department

Why Amy?

  • Amy has contributed in excess of 500 volunteer hours for the SU and students this year alone.
  • She has progressively changed the Rep system within Law
  • In terms of going above and beyond, Amy is someone who will do this, not because you ask her, but because she genuinely cares and is passionate about maintaining a positive student experience to all.
  • All of the problems occurring with the LPC closure, she was able to work on whilst in the final weeks of her degree and heavily ladened with work and assignments.
  • She has played an active role in training and recruiting of Reps for the current and the upcoming academic year
  • Being a Course or Department isn’t just about solving problems when things go wrong. Amy has demonstrated this by constantly updating the university on positive issues and feedback that students have raised with her
  • On many occasions Amy been able to resolve issues directly with a lecturer and has avoided time delays and problems escalating. This is a real skill and testament to her dedication, passion and commitment to the role.