Academic
While you study you may find that you come up against a range of academic problems/concerns or just need some guidance on key areas of importance.
Exams
Be aware of the guidance your university gives in relation to your exams as you enter a critical period of your studies:
University of Kent:
University of Greenwich:
Exam Support
Be pro-active in getting academic support and guidance to help you with the assessment period:
University of Kent:
University of Greenwich:
Drill Hall Library:
Extenuating Circumstances
If you are having difficulties that are causing a significant adverse effect on your academic performance or feel they will then you should consider submitting Extenuating Circumstances.
University of Kent:
University of Greenwich:
Wellbeing Support
If you are concerned or anxious over the exam period and feel you need professional support it is important you reach out to the resources that are available:
University of Kent:
Telephone: 01227 823158
Email: KentSSW@kent.ac.uk
Emergency Support
University of Greenwich:
Telephone: 020 8331 7875
Email: wellbeing@gre.ac.uk
Emergency Support
External Organisations:
- NHS
- Student Minds
Academic Appeals (Taught Awards)
During your time as a student the university will make decisions on your progress and performance in examinations and coursework and on your eligibility for the award of the qualification for which you are studying. If you are unhappy with that decision you may be able to appeal.
It is important before considering an appeal that you are aware of how the process works:
You should also view your university regulations:
Both universities, if you make a formal appeal, will require you to:
- Complete their appeal form.
- Clearly explain your appeal case and the grounds you are appealing under.
- Provide evidence to substantiate your grounds (where possible).
- Apply within the appeal deadline (or have a very good reason why you are appealing late).
If you require further guidance in this area or on how to write an appeal statement please Talk To Us.
Academic Discipline
You may find at some time in your studies that the university initiate academic discipline against you whether it be in relation to plagiarism, an examination offence, use of AI, or similar.
If you are accused of an offence then you should be notified by your university of the allegation and you should make yourself aware of the regulations:
It's important you clearly understand the case against you, what evidence is being used, and for you to consider whether you agree you have committed an offence (even if inadvertently) or not.
Make sure any meeting you attend with the university you are well prepared:
- Consider preparing a statement either to send in advance or to use in your meeting.
- Make sure you can clearly and concisely explain your case.
- If you did commit the offence explain any extenuating circumstances that may have led to this, i.e. illness, poor mental health, bereavement, etc. (we advise students to be honest as mistakes happen).
- If you did not commit the offence set out your arguments clearly against the allegation along with any evidence to support your case.
If you need advice or support please Talk to Us.
Non-Academic Discipline
This process is normally started if the university feel, or are made aware via a third party, that your behaviour is of concern, i.e. violence, criminal offences, etc.
If a case is brought against you the university should make you aware of the allegation and guide you to their policy:
Make sure any meeting you attend with the university you are well prepared:
- Consider preparing a statement either to send in advance or to use in your meeting.
- Make sure you can clearly and concisely explain your case.
- If you did commit the offence explain any extenuating circumstances that may have led to this, i.e. illness, poor mental health, bereavement, etc. (we advise students to be honest as mistakes happen).
- If you did not commit the offence set our your arguments clearly against the allegation along with any evidence to support your case.
If you need advice or support please Talk to Us.
Fitness to Practise
These procedures involve students on professional courses whose behaviour could call into question their ability to practice in their chosen field, i.e. criminal allegations, concerning behaviour on placement, not adhering to professional guidelines, etc.
If a case is brought against you the university should make you aware of the concerns and guide you to their policy:
*If on a Medway School of Pharmacy course slightly different initial procedures may apply.
**If on a Social Work course the Social Work Suitability Procedures should apply instead.
Make sure any meeting you attend with the university you are well prepared:
- Prepare a statement to send in advance and to refer to in your meeting.
- Make sure you can clearly and concisely explain your case.
- If you did commit the offence explain any extenuating circumstances that may have led to this, i.e. illness, poor mental health, bereavement, etc. (we advise students to be honest as mistakes happen).
- If you did not commit the offence set our your arguments clearly against the allegation along with any evidence to support your case.
If you need advice or support please Talk to Us.
University Complaints
We hope that while you study you have an amazing time. However, sometimes things go wrong and you may feel that you have not received the education or service that you can reasonably expect. In these cases it is important you understand your rights and options to get these concerns addressed.
Concerns could relate to:
- A university staff member not treating you fairly.
- Poor quality teaching.
- A service or department not dealing with your situation effectively, etc.
It's always best to try to informally resolve your concerns by speaking, where appropriate, to the person or department involved letting them know of your dissatisfaction.
However if that doesn’t resolve the issue then you can consider escalating your concerns to a formal complaint.
The Advice service can help guide you on these processes and in getting your complaint addressed.
Last Edited: December 2025