"Cross-sessional" study
Occasionally, a particular change in a student´s status can have the effect of interrupting study such that it may be possible for the student to rejoin their programme on a `cross sessional´ basis. Whether or not this arrangement is possible will depend on individual programme structures/regulations, and in most cases it will be necessary for the interruption in study to be extended until a point (such as the start of a new session) when the student may rejoin the programme alongside an appropriate cohort group. Where it is thought feasible to make arrangements for an individual student to study on a cross-sessional basis (for example to study the second semester of a level of study before the first semester, etc), the following points should be considered:
- While a cross-sessional arrangement may appear attractive in the short term (in the sense of reducing any period of interruption) students may not find it easy to re-integrate within the programme if their study pattern is individualised rather than being shared with the whole cohort group.
- If the reason for the student’s change in status was originally linked to academic difficulties or health/personal problems, it may be particularly important for such a student to resume their studies along with the whole cohort, for the purposes of mutual support and to encourage continuation.
- Many administrative and other practical arrangements (both centrally and in academic departments) are established on the basis of the standard academic session for a particular programme (e.g. September to June) and it can be complicated (and in some cases impossible) to make special arrangements for individuals.
- There can be difficulties relating to external agencies (e.g. funding authorities) which may not be able to respond easily to what might be perceived as difficult, non-standard arrangements.
- Degree congregations are normally only held annually for particular cohort groups (e.g. July for undergraduate degrees) and students completing their studies early will not be able to attend a ceremony until the next set of congregations.
- The student concerned should be advised clearly as to the implications of the arrangement, in an attempt to avoid the possibility of any unrealistic expectations (e.g. module choice might be limited, project groupings might be restricted etc.).
- If it is decided to proceed with a cross-sessional pattern, contact should be made with the Taught Programmes Office, so as to ensure that the official student record is appropriately amended.