Financial Implications of Changes in Student Status
Undergraduate students who are funded through the government´s statutory student support arrangements are subject to the provisions of the Student Support Regulations, which include set rules relating to changes of degree programme, periods of leave of absence, etc.
Some changes of student status (in particular changes of programme after certain deadlines) can have significant financial implications including withdrawal of statutory funding, and it is obviously important that students are made aware of the potential consequences of proposed courses of action before coming to a firm decision. In particular, where departments intend to make special non-standard academic arrangements for students (for example to take account of extenuating circumstances) which are permitted within University regulations, it should also be verified that these are also allowable under the government´s Student Financial Support Regulations.
The explanatory leaflet which should be issued with every Change of Status (COS) Form reminds students of the position and it also draws attention to the related leaflets produced by the Student Advice Centre in the Union. In addition to this, you are encouraged to seek advice from the relevant Faculty team in the Taught Programmes Office on any proposed special arrangements for students which might well have Student Financial Support Regulations implications, before these are put into place.
Once changes in status have been processed on the Student Records System, student financial records are automatically reviewed within the Student Services Department, and students are notified of any potential consequences (e.g. a refund of tuition fees may be due, or additional fees may be owing) direct from the Registration and Examinations Office.