From Monday 18 January, the University’s new Safety Net Policy will replace the No Detriment Policy (established in April 2020), as one of the key measures implemented to support students and ensure that their academic outcomes will not be disadvantaged by the pandemic.

The policy has been designed to ensure that the integrity of academic results is maintained, whilst recognising the practical, social and emotional challenges students have had to face, particularly during periods of national lockdown. It outlines how degree calculations will be carried out with a guarantee that students will be awarded the best outcome from five specified methods, and an increased number of extensions for assessments in Semester Two.

 Professor Charles Egbu, Vice-Chancellor at Leeds Trinity University, said: “Our priority is the health, safety and wellbeing of every Leeds Trinity student whilst ensuring that they are not academically disadvantaged due to the ongoing circumstances. With this in mind, the new Safety Net Policy has been designed to recognise the challenges our students have been faced with, whilst ensuring we protect the value of their degree. We appreciate how difficult this period has been for students, and this policy is one of a series of measures we have put in place to ensure students feel supported from a practical, social and wellbeing perspective.” 

Since March 2020, the University has put in place a number of measures to support students with learning and teaching, health and wellbeing, and enhance their overall experience. These measures include:

• The launch of #LTUnity and safe social activities to help students stay connected, in conjunction with Leeds Trinity Students’ Union, Trinity Sport, Trinity Fitness and the Chaplaincy
• Supporting students in isolation with an allocated named contact to check in with them regularly, providing food parcels and hygiene products, access to our ‘Headspace’ and mental health resilience programme and opportunities to take part in online social activities
• Converting vital student services online through the myLTU app, extended student support and access to mental health resources
• Students who live in halls of residence on the Leeds Trinity University campus and are unable to move back into their accommodation for the new (third) lockdown period due to government restrictions will receive a 100% rent credit for this period.

Ruth Wilson, Director of Student Support and Engagement, said: “We are so proud of our students for how they have continued to adapt during this challenging time and we want to ensure that they have access to all the support they need, when they need it. Our Student Support Team is working extended hours, seven days a week, in order to help and guide our student community with learning and teaching, mental health and wellbeing, finances and welfare. 

“We have a dedicated ‘Accessing Support’ tile on the myLTU app where students can find everything in one place, and book online face-to-face appointments with a wide range of student support professionals.”     

More information about the Safety Net Policy can be found on the University’s Policies and Strategies webpage.