Leicester Commercial College
Student
Policies and Procedures
Manual
Updated: 16th December, 2009
This publication is only for use by students of Leicester Commercial College. Any duplication or reproduction in full or part is
strictly prohibited.
Please read the following issues carefully. If you do not understand any part of this document,
please ask a member of the administration staff for assistance.
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Brief and General:
a) Leicester Commercial College is a private institution of higher learning, and as such will not enrol
any student below the age of seventeen years.
b) College staff is there to help you academically and socially. Please do not hesitate to approach any
member of staff for assistance in this regard.
c) All international students require student visas to study in the UK and these are regulated by the UK
Border Agency which is part of the Home Office. You are strongly urged to familiarise yourself with
the Agency’s regulations regarding international students.
d) Ensure you are familiar with all college fire regulations and evacuation procedures as described to
you on your first day in college.
e) The college would like to make your stay both at the college and the UK as hassle-free as possible.
In order for this to be achieved, you will be required to play a part as well. To this end, you will be
required to ensure that:
- Your tuition fees are paid on time every time
- You are properly enrolled by the college at the beginning of each year. Consult Admin if in
doubt.
- Your attendance is over 90% at all times. Please call the college if you are running late or
not feeling well in which case you will not be attending class. If you are finding it hard to
attend college for any reason, please talk to a member of staff who may be able to assist.
- You are making progress on your course by writing exams every time they are due. You will
also be given homework and assignments which will be used to gauge your progress in the
event that you have not written any examinations.
- You are registered as a student member of the institute accrediting your course.
- You familiarise yourself with the Tier 4 Points Based System (PBS) rules and regulations for
general (adult) students.
1. Mission Statement
Leicester Commercial College is committed to provide an affordable, creative, interactive tutorials,
activities and environment that encourage educational exploration and the exploitation of academic
wealth available but untapped in Leicestershire’s and the UK’s institutes of academic learning, other
local student establishments and beyond the shores of the UK. The college will endeavour to create
a conducive environment that will enable students to attain their aspiration through guidance and
lectureship which is comparable to any other institute of higher learning to the expectation of the
student.
2. Objectives
a. Leicester Commercial College will provide tutorials in the following core courses:
- Association of Business Executives [ABE] certificate, diploma and advanced diploma.
- Chartered Institute of Management Accountants [CIMA] – Certificate in Business
Accounting, Managerial Level, Strategic Level and TOPCIMA
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants – Fundamentals Level (which includes the
Knowledge and Skills modules) and the Professional Level (Essentials and Options
modules)
b. The primary target market is the ethnic minorities in Leicestershire who are excluded from
the main stream educational facilities due to the fact that they have either recently arrived in
the UK and are financially incapable to pay current high fees. We also cater for overseas
students who are eager to acquire a professional qualification from the UK but cannot afford
the fees charged by other institutes of higher learning.
c. Some of the students want qualifications to gain entry into higher institutes of education or
are working and want qualifications to advance their careers. Ethnic minorities find it hard to
gain entry into some of the established universities and hence resort to private colleges that
are generally cheaper and are easier to enrol into.
d. LCC endeavours to offer the student professional, quality and value for money education.
We are a private initiative of excellence and innovation offering courses to home and
overseas students to enable them to participate and contribute to equality and social
development. We offer a full range of professional, internationally recognised exam-oriented
courses in small friendly classes all taught by experienced and professional lecturers. LCC is
fully equipped to deliver the accredited courses and offers high quality contemporary
education supported by reputable Institutes.
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e. All course subjects offered at LCC are assessed by a written external examination usually of
three hours duration of which the controlling bodies are the relevant Ministry of Education
and the concerned Institute’s Education Committee. All courses lead to a qualification
controlled and awarded by professional boards and recognised and accepted internationally.
At LCC we have carefully selected these courses for their appeal and relevance to industry
and commerce.
f. At LCC, students from all over the world benefit from our quality facilities, tuition and
excellent standards that have passed rigorous standards of the various boards and Institutes
that govern our courses. However every effort is made to ensure that students are well
taught not only to pass examinations but also to seek worthwhile positions after completion
of studies. Students are provided with modern computers and access to the Internet and our
location makes it easier for students to benefit from public facilities like libraries and buses.
Quality Assurance
a) Leicester Commercial College is committed to Quality Assurance and believes it is an
integral part of the centre’s processes.
b) The focus of Leicester Commercial College is on candidates with the provision of relevant
and flexible quality training programmes and assessment to suit their needs and
lifestyles. The provision is regularly monitored and reviewed.
c) An Internal Verification process is in place to ensure that consistent testing and
assessment standards are maintained by cross-marking.
d) Internal Verification is carried out on an on-going basis.
e) All classes of borderline achievement are Internally Verified.
f) At least 10% of other assessments are checked across all markers and modules.
g) Where a new marker is testing, all work is double marked until the Test Centre Manager
is satisfied with the standard.
h) Internal Verification is recorded on candidate work records and on central recording
systems.
i) Information from the awarding body is disseminated to all members of staff involved in
testing.
The organisation’s policy for equal opportunities is followed and monitored.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY
a. Leicester Commercial College is committed to the active pursuit of an equal
opportunities policy, which addresses the needs and rights of everyone at the
college. Students and staff are to be treated with respect and dignity in an
environment in which diversity of backgrounds and experiences is valued. No
student should receive less favourable treatment on any grounds which are
not relevant to academic ability and attainment.
The College will:
a) Recognise and fulfil its responsibilities towards staff/employees and students and the community in
which it operates. The College will take positive action to achieve equal opportunities.
b) Recognise and carry out its legal responsibilities and obligations under the Race Relations Act, Sex,
Discrimination Act, Equal pays Act and the disabled Persons Employment Act.
c) We will consistently review our selection criteria and procedures, advertising policy and training
opportunities in order to maintain a system where all employees and students are treated solely on
the basis of their merits and abilities.
d) Recognise that the effective application of this policy will require a great deal more than this formal
statement. It is therefore the duty of all staff to accept personal responsibility for the practical
application of this policy.
e) Leicester Commercial College wishes to be known as an Equal Opportunities Employer by the
community as a whole and by all those who get in contact with it. The policy of the College shall be
that capability and merit are the basic criteria for employment and that capability, merit, and length of
service are the basic criteria for promotion. Equal opportunity shall be assured in hiring, promotion,
retention, training, and other personnel matters regarding all employees without regard to race,
colour, religion, origin, marital status gender, age, sexual orientation, or disability. Discrimination
against any individual for stated reasons is specifically prohibited except where gender, age, or non-
handicap is a bona fide occupational qualification.
3. DISABILITY POLICY
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a) The College is committed to equal access and does not discriminate unlawfully against persons with
disabilities in its policies, procedures, programs, or employment processes. The College recognises
its obligations under the Disabilities Act to provide an environment that does not discriminate against
persons with disabilities.
b) A disability is defined as: a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more
major life activities such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing hearing,
speaking, breathing, learning, or working. Individuals with a history of such impairment or who are
regarded as having such impairment are covered under these procedures.
c) The College and Club will make reasonable accommodations for any individual with a documented
disability on a case-by-case basis.
d) Members of the college community who believe that they require an accommodation must provide
either the Administrator (if they are a student) or Assistant MD (if they are a staff member) in writing
with the following information:
1. They must identify themselves as a person with a disability,
2. They must identify the nature of the accommodation desired,
3. They must provide adequate medical or other appropriate documentation of the disability and the
desired accommodation. Such documentation must be less than three years old.
e) The Administrator will forward requests from students for accommodation to the appropriate
senior/office and the student will be informed by the Administrator of the accommodation offered
within fifteen days. The Administrator may also help facilitate a resolution through mediation. The
Assistant MD will consult with relevant departments as appropriate for requests from staff members.
The Assistant MD will inform the staff or member within thirty days of the accommodation offered.
f) If students or staff members are dissatisfied with the accommodation offered they may appeal to the
Managing Director. No accommodations will be made for any member of the college community who
has not completed the process outlined above.
4. LEARNING DISABILITIES
a) Leicester Commercial College is committed to equal access and does not discriminate unlawfully
against persons with disabilities in its policies, procedures, programs, or employment processes. The
College recognizes its obligations under the Disabilities Act to provide an environment that does not
discriminate against persons with disabilities. According to the Act, a "person with a disability"
includes "any person who (i) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or
more of such person’s major life activities, (ii) has a record of such impairment, or (iii) is regarded as
having an impairment.
b) The College does not have a separate admission process or criteria for students with learning
disabilities; students are admitted through the regular admission process and must be qualified for
admission according to the College'’ admission criteria. Documentation is not required at the time of
application, but should be sent to the Administrator soon after acceptance and the decision to attend
is made.
c) Students must see the Programs Co-ordinator at the beginning of the semester to determine
eligibility for accommodations as well as to learn more about academic resources. Classroom
accommodations are determined through consultation with the student regarding his/her past
success with various accommodations as well as documented needs and the demands of the
course. Students may be eligible for substitutions of the foreign language and/or quantitative general
education requirement if their disability warrants it and documentation supports it. However,
substitutions will not be made for "major" requirements where those courses are essential to the
curriculum.
d) While a learning disability cannot be "cured," its effects can be lessened through instructional
intervention and compensatory strategies. In general, a variety of instructional modes enhance
learning for students with learning disabilities, by allowing students to master material in one form
when it may be inaccessible in another form.
e) In working with a student with a learning disability, it is important to identify the nature of the disability
to determine the kind of strategies that might accommodate it. Drawing upon the student’s own
experience offers invaluable clues to the types of adaptation that work. It is important that a staff
member:
Refer all students requesting classroom accommodations to the Course Co-ordinator. Students must
have appropriate documentation on file with the College before a staff member should provide any
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accommodations. Staff will receive an official accommodation form for any students with appropriate
documentation needing accommodations that have met with the Coordinator.
Any faculty suspecting a student who is having difficulty in the class of having an LD should refrain
from suggesting a diagnosis, but instead refer the student to the Co-ordinator for a screening
consultation.
The co-ordinator should inform students of the College’s policy for providing accommodations in the
course syllabus, i.e., "The College will make reasonable accommodations for persons with
documented disabilities. Students should notify the Administrator of, and their lecturers of
any special needs."
Lecturers should identify essential vs. nonessential requirements of their course and provide
accommodations in teaching and/or evaluating that do not compromise essential requirements.
Lecturers should assure the confidentiality of information regarding students with disabilities.
5. GENERAL POLICIES & PROCEDURES
Academic Year
The academic year is defined in the calendar of the college, and shall begin on Monday of the week
preceding the week that class instruction is scheduled to begin in the regular session. The academic year
will have two semesters – the winter (from September to March) and the summer (from March to August)
semesters. These dates also mark the intake dates for the college, although a January intake is possible if
demand exists. Vacation periods observed by the college include Easter, Christmas and Summer holidays.
The college does not have any mid-term breaks but will observe bank holidays and any other statutory
breaks. The college will advise the students, through the calendar or Notice Board. The first week of the
academic year shall be the first week of lessons in September.
College and Classroom Procedures
a) At the beginning of a session the lecturer shall have a register of students who
should be in the lesson. Students will have to sign the register as evidence of
attendance. The register shall be in the class for 45 minutes after which it shall be
taken to administration for processing. Any student who is 15 or more minutes late
for a lecture will be given the lecture attendance but marked as ‘Late’. If a student is
45 or more minutes late, then they will marked as absent. If student cannot attend
due to sickness or any other reason, then they should advise the college
administration. In this case a Notification of Non-attendance will completed and filed
in the student file. (See section on ‘Attendance’ below).
b) Course lectures are designed to enable students to do a minimum of 16 hours per
week. A timetable will be made available at the start of each term and students
should ensure that all their subjects are on the timetable. Lectures commence at
9:15am, 12: 15pm and 3:15pm. The evening lecture finishes at 5:45 pm. There will
be 15 minute break in between lectures. Students are required to attend lectures at
least 2 days per week although some courses will require more days. The timetable
will not be altered to suit individual student requirement, but may be altered without
notification to students.
c) The lecturer is charge of class proceedings and will give instructions in this regard.
d) Mobile phones should be during lectures. The lecturers will ask any student with a
mobile phone on to leave the lecture. If a student has a phone on silent and leaves
the lecture to take a call, then s/he may not be allowed back into the lecture and will
lose attendance for that lecture.
e) The college does not provide set books for courses and students should buy their
own textbooks and stationery.
f) Lecturers shall give students assignments, homework and mock-exams. Marks
obtained from these will be recorded and used as a measure of the student’s
progress. Such progress may also be reported to the Home Office to support
progress in the absence of formal examinations.
g) All examinations for the courses conducted by the college are externally examined
by the relevant institute(s). Student should ensure they are registered members of
the institute for the course(s) they are studying on. Applications are done on-line
although paper applications are also available. Students should contact the
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administration to ensure that they obtain the correct process for registering with
institutes.
h) Whenever a lecturer requires students to attend a field trip or an athletic event
which will involve absences from other courses, advance notice will be given the
students. This notice shall include a list of students involved and the classes to be
missed by each student. Such an absence, however, will still be considered as an
attendance to lectures.
i) Lecturers are responsible for attendance registers and the admin office will not
entertain any discussion with students regarding absenteeism and lateness.
However sickness or any other reasons for absenteeism can be discussed with
admin.
j) This college caters for adult students and such you are required to behave in a
suitable manner when at the college.
k) Only registered students of the college who are up-to-date with their tuition fees
payments and have valid student visas will be allowed to attend college lectures.
l) Students are expected to dress appropriately and observe hygiene and good morals
m) Illegal activity at the college will be reported to the police. The abuse and assault of
staff or other students are illegal offences which can lead to dismissal and
prosecution. Vandalism, arson, theft, plagiarism, spreading malicious ideas and
software, piracy, and similar activities are equally illegal.
Registering with Institutes and Entering for Examinations
It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that they are properly registered with the institute which
regulates their course of study. Students will not be able to write examinations if they are not
registered with the institute. Registration should be done before or as soon as study commences
on the course. Registering with and visiting the institute websites during the period of study will
enable students to keep abreast of new developments within their courses. Institute websites are
as follows:
- Association of Business Executives: www.abe.com
- OCR – www.ocr.org.uk
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants – www.accaglobal.com
- Chartered Institute of Management Accountants – www.cimaglobal.com
- Cambridge English ESOL – www.cambridgeesol.org
Registering with any of these institutes can be done on-line by visiting the above websites. A
registration and annual membership fee will be charged. Examination fees will be charged
separately by the institute.
Students are required to lodge proof of registration with the college Admin Office.
The institutes will publish the latest dates for examination entry and registration. Students should
familiarise themselves with these dates. Institute calendars will be displayed on the college notice
board.
Please note that students on ESOL and CLAIT do not have register with institutes in order to study
their courses. However they still need to register for examinations with the institute.
The institute will also advise you where the examinations will be held. ABE, CIMA and ACCA have
exam centres in Leicester. OCR examinations will be held at the college. There is no examination
centre for ESOL. Students will have to check on the internet for available venues and dates of
examinations. The college will also assist in this regard. Examination centre fees are charged in all
cases by the centre authorities.
It is not a valid excuse for students to fail to write examination due to failure to register with the
institute. Students will be reminded about these requirements from time to time. Please consult the
Admin Office for further guidance.
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Examinations on all courses are written at least twice per year. Students should sit at least one
examination session per year. Failure to write external examinations in one academic year will be
deemed as lack of progress and will be reported to UKBA.
Student should note that some institutes conduct computer-based examinations. Please enquire
with your respective institutes for the availability of this facility.
Passports and Study Visas
Students can only be registered and enrolled by the college for as long as they have a valid
student visa or any other entitlement to stay in the UK. Student will continue enrolled by the college
provided they have applied for a visa renewal and a confirmation letter given to the admin office.
In the event of the student being denied a visa, then the enrolled is deemed terminated even the
absence of written advice from the college. However, in the event that the student appeals against
the Home Office decision, then s/he will remain in contract pending outcome of the appeal. Should,
for whatever reason, the student fail to re-apply for a student visa when it runs out, then the
student shall be deemed illegal in the country and therefore their enrolment revoked. The college
shall inform the Home Office about this action.
Library Facilities
The college has a library for use during lectures or revision at the college. Books will not be loaned
out to students due to limited facilities. However the college has an understanding with De Montfort
University whereby students can join the university library. For reference purposes only, the
university will charge £10 per year. Should you want to borrow books, then the charge will be £60
per annum. In order to join the university library you should take your college enrolment letter,
proof of address and some form of identification. Students are encouraged to join the university
library.
Students can also join the Leicester City Council Library.
Attendance to Lectures
Every student is expected to attend lectures punctually and regularly except during periods of authorised
leave or sickness. In the event of sickness the College should be notified as quickly as possible and a
sickness note from the doctor or hospital submitted with the Registrar/Admin. Normally the college expects
students to have an attendance record of over 90% per term.
Attendance will be strictly monitored in line with the Tier 4 (PBS) requirements. To this end, lateness and
absenteeism will be reported to the Home Office. Students will be notified of any reports made to the Home
Office. Reminders to students will however precede any report to the Home Office. Students are encouraged
to familiarise themselves with the new regulations by visiting the UKBA website at:
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk
Students are required to attend at least 15 hours per week. Breaks in between lectures and lateness does
not count does count towards these hours. The college timetable is designed to cater for breaks.
A reminder will be sent as soon as a student misses 5 lectures in the year. Once the student misses a total
of 10 lectures, a final reminder will be sent and the same time a report will be made to the UK Border Agency
(UKBA). The process will then start again. At the end of every month, cumulative attendances will be
monitored to ensure that students are doing at least 90% attendance. Any attendance below this will be
reported to UKBA.
Repeated absence, even when notified to the college will be reported to UKBA. Students may also be
expelled from the college for absenteeism.
Monitoring of New Students
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Students who apply to study at this college from abroad and have successfully applied for a student visa, will
be notified of the date when they have to start college. Student will be strictly monitored to ensure that they
attend college on the date as notified. Students who fail to attend without giving a valid reason will be
reported to the UK Border Agency who may take further action against the student. Attendance, progress,
payment of tuition fees and previous academic achievements will be monitored. Working full time during term
time is prohibited and any student found to be working beyond the allowed hours during term time will be
reported to UKBA.
Change of Address
The college shall endeavour to keep regular contact with students. As a result, students are required to notify
the college administration as soon as they change their residential address. This applies to any other
changes in details which may occur during studentship at this college. Students should complete a Change
of Address Form which is available from the administration office for this purpose.
Late Entry
A student may not enrol and attend lectures after the third week of commencement of the course. An
enrolled student who has granted a visa should attend the first day of class as stated above. Withdrawal
from the college due to lateness at the beginning of the course will not be allowed and will be reported to
UKBA for as long as the student’s visa bear’s this college’s licence number.
Protocol for Assignments
Supervision of student’s work has a number of purposes:
a) Establish that students have correctly understood and interpreted the guidelines for a piece of study.
b) Assist in producing pieces of work which are traceably of their own efforts. Where ideas have been
borrowed from other authors, correct referencing and bibliography should be done.
c) To give developmental feedback. This includes issues of structure, organisation, content, presentation
and extend of understanding of academic conventions. The feedback should highlight major strengths
and limitations of the submission and both lecturer and student should be clear about this.
Supervision could be individual or groups and it’s up to the lecturer as to the most appropriate form of
supervision. Supervision can be via face-to-face meetings or lectures or even by telephone or e-mail and in
all cases a record is kept by the College who provide clear arrangements by which tutorials and submissions
can be booked or delivered.
Appeals regarding examinations or assignments should normally be registered at the point at which the
problem arose and should not be delayed pending publication of results.
On commencement of course students receive a schedule of assessments and assignments that have been
approved as necessary by the examinations board of the relevant Institute. All assessments and
assignments must be handed in no later than the time and date specified in the published schedule.
Failure to submit on time could result in a fail mark.
Note: Students will receive individual letter from the Examinations Offices of their respective institutes
indicating time, date and place/venue of all examinations. Students should produce proof of positive
identification and adhere to the examiner’s policies during examinations [and this includes dress
code]
Code of Practice
This Code of Practice exist for the information of all members of Leicester Commercial College and for the
protection of those few who have difficulty in meeting the requirements of the College and is applicable to all
registered students.
a) Academic Performance
- Students are required to meet both the theoretical and practical requirements of their course
as set out in this handbook.
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- Students must familiarise themselves with the protocols of the regulations for examinations
and assessment and appeals procedures at the start of the course.
- No student will be admitted to a course unless the registrar is satisfied that the student’s
previous education will enable them to benefit from the proposed course and that all
references submitted are satisfactory.
b) Tuition fees
- Course fees must be paid in full before commencement of studies unless arrangements are
made with the Bursar or Registrar/Admin.
- Students who have paid tuition fees but have been refused a student visa by the Home
Office will be granted a refund but an administration fee of £500 will be retained.
- Withdrawal from Leicester Commercial College should be notified to the Registrar/Admin
before commencement of studies or else the tuition fee would be forfeited. This also applies
to students who have used their Acceptance Letter and Visa Application Documents to
travel, gain employment or to confirm their student status.
c) Performance
- Students are expected to participate fully in academic activities. If performance is considered to
fall short of the required standard they are usually given every opportunity to improve. But in the
event of continued failure the student is given appropriate notice of formal action but exclusion
from the course may only be authorised by the ‘Cases Committee’ comprising of the Registrar,
Principal and a lecturer.
- Students are responsible for submission of documentation required to substantiate their
references and practice experience. Failure to submit these will normally result in registration
being delayed or if incorrect, withheld.
- Students are required to carry out reasonable and lawful instructions of their lecturers and
Registrar quickly and efficiently
- While at college, students are to dress in a manner deemed responsible.
- Students are responsible for ensuring that their work does not contravene the college’s and the
relevant Institute’s rules on academic misconduct regarding; (a) cheating, (b) collusion to gain
advantage by unfair means, (c) fabrication i.e. misleading lecturers and examiners by presenting
falsified assignments, (d) personification i.e. producing work not done by yourself to deceive
lecturers and examiners or soliciting others to act or appear as yourself and (e) plagiarism.
d) Penalties will depend on the seriousness of the offence. Examples of offences that lead to automatic
dismissal include theft, fraud, assault, negligence, corruption intoxicants and other criminal/civil offences.
Students are to notify the College immediately if they are subject to police investigations or proceedings.
Complaints procedure
This procedure covers any differences between the Leicester Commercial College and students relating to
any aspect of their training and contact with the College. The aim is to achieve as rapid a solution as
possible of any complaint as near to the point of origin as possible. Whenever possible informal recourses
are preferable over formal channels.
Procedure:
A) Student should put complaint in writing to the relevant lecturer or staff concerned, whom in most cases
can best respond to the complaint.
B) Student should make it clear that the matter is being raised under formal procedure
C) If matter is outside control of lecture or staff member, the matter is raised to the administration section
and an acknowledgement receipt given within seven days and a reply to complaint will be made within
30 days of receipt.
D) If student is still unsatisfied with this outcome, then they should resubmit their complaint in writing to the
Principal. An acknowledgement receipt will be given within seven days and a reply given in 14 days.
E) The Principal, depending on the nature of complaint, can refer the issue to the relevant
registering/examination body as a last resort, outcome of which is deemed binding and final.
Charter of Student’s Rights
n) To retain a student’s dignity and independence irrespective of their academic abilities.
o) To have skilled sensitive care to enable students to achieve the highest possible academic
life.
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p) To accept and respect student’s social, emotional, religious, cultural, political and sexual
needs.
q) To respect students’ privacy.
r) To consult students about their daily academic arrangements and to participate fully in
discussions about their proposals were possible.
s) To enable students to make informed choices about their future personal plans where
possible.
t) To give students a regular review of their individual circumstances including about their
assessments and assignments.
u) To give all students equal and unbiased access to college facilities and services.
v) To give students access to a formal complaints procedures and to be represented by an
advisor or friend if they so wish.
Tier 4 Points Based System (PBS)
The government announced mandatory new requirements for both educational establishments (sponsors)
and international students and introduced in early 2009. Students should familiarise themselves with the
rules of this system by visiting the UK Border Agency (UKBA) website at
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk. Remember - “ignorance of the law is no defence”. Below is a
short list of areas to note within the system:
- attendance to lectures
- progress on course enrolled
- payment of tuition fees
- procedures to follow when changing courses or colleges (sponsors)
- visa applications and forms
- registered sponsors
- level of course of study – minimum of NQF level 3 except for English
- adequate previous qualification
- no recourse to public funds
- employment during term time
- valid visas and pasports
ACADEMIC FREEDOM
Academic freedom is essential to the educational goals of Leicester Commercial College [hereinafter
referred to as the College or Sponsor]. "Academic freedom" refers to the policy of maintaining conditions of
free inquiry, thought and discussion for every member of the College in professional activities of research,
teaching, public speaking, and publication. These conditions are regarded as necessary rights accruing to
appointment/enrolment on the College. Staff members [hereinafter referred to as members] have the
correlative obligation to speak and write with accuracy, with due respect for the opinions of others and with
proper care to specify that they speak on the authority of their own work and reputation, not as special
pleaders for any social group, external agency, or as purporting to represent the College.
The College collectively may regulate such freedom, within the spirit of the "Academic Freedom".
Freedom of Expression
A. Classroom Expression
Discussion and expression of all views relevant to the subject matter are permitted in the classroom
contingent only upon the responsibility of the instructor to maintain order.
b) Students are free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any
course of study and to reserve judgement about matters of opinion, but they are
responsible for learning the content of any course of study for which they are
enrolled.
c) Requirements of participation in classroom discussion and submission of written
exercises are not inconsistent with this section.
d) Academic evaluation of student performance shall be neither prejudicial nor
capricious. Performance should be evaluated only on an academic basis, not on
opinions or conduct in matters unrelated to academic standards. Students who
believe they have been subjected to arbitrary or discriminatory academic
evaluations are guaranteed the right of appeal. In questions regarding the above,
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students shall follow the recommended procedures in attempting to have decisions
re-assessed by the instructor.
i) Appeal to the individual instructor directly.
ii) Appeal to the appropriate Admin staff.
iii) Any appeal shall be initiated after the issuance of a grade or
evaluation, but before the end of the following term.
iv) Information about student views, beliefs, and political
associations acquired by lecturers in the course of their work as
instructors, advisors, and counsellors is confidential and not to
be disclosed to others unless under legal compulsion or by
request of the student. Questions relating to intellectual or skills
capacity are not subject to this section except that disclosure
must be accompanied by notice to the student.
B. Campus Expression
Discussion and expression of all views are guaranteed within the institution subject only to
requirements for the maintenance of order. Support of any cause by orderly means that does not
disrupt the operation of the institution or violate civil law is permitted.
Students, campus groups, and campus organisations may invite and hear any persons of their own
choosing subject only to requirements for use of institutional facilities and funds.
C. Protest
a) The right of peaceful protest is recognised within the institutional community.
1) Orderly picketing and other forms of peaceful protest are not to be prohibited on
institutional premises.
b) Interference with ingress and egress at institutional facilities, interruption of classes or
institutional operations or damage to property exceeds permissible limits of behaviour and
will not be permitted.
c) Even though remedies are available through local enforcement bodies, the institution may
choose instead to impose its own disciplinary sanctions in cases of disorderly picketing and
unpeaceful protest.
d) Every student has the right to be interviewed on campus by any legal organization that is
recruiting at the institution. Reasonable conditions may be imposed to regulate the
timeliness of requests and to determine the appropriateness of the space. Any student, any
group, or any organization may protest against such organization provided that protest does
not interfere with any other student's rights to have such an interview.
Student Supervision:
a. Supervision could be individual or groups and it’s up to the lecturer as to the most
appropriate form of supervision. Supervision can be via face-to-face meeting or lectures or
even by telephone or E-mails and in all cases a record is kept by the college who provide
clear arrangements by which tutorials and submissions can be booked or delivered.
b. Appeals regarding examinations or assignments should normally be registered at the point
at which the problem arose and should not be delayed pending publication of results.
c. On commencement of course students receive a schedule of assessments and assignments
which have been approved as necessary by the examinations board of the relevant institute.
All assessments and assignments must be handed in no later than the time and date
specified in the published schedule. Failure to submit on time could result in a fail mark.
d. Note: Students will receive individual letters from the Examinations Office indication time,
date and place/venue of all examinations. Students should produce proof of positive
identification and adhere to the examiner’s policy during the examination(and this includes
dress code).
Examinations Appeals Procedure
a) Candidates who are unhappy with any aspect of their assessment and award process from any
institute or examination board should first discuss the problem with the Institute’s Test/Examinations
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Centre Representative/manager within five days of receiving their results. This can be done through
the college admin.
b) The reasons of appeal must be made clear by the candidate at this time.
c) The test centre will keep a record of such discussion together with dates and outcomes of the appeal.
d) In the case of internal examinations the marker will be instructed to re-mark and the second marker will
also be instructed to mark or re-mark. If, however the candidate was boarder-line, double marking should
already have been undertaken. If this does not provide satisfaction, the candidate may raise a formal appeal.
e) Appeals will only be accepted if made in writing to the examination centre manager within 10 days of
receiving results.
f) In some circumstances the candidate may be offered a free re-test. If this is not the case and the result
remains unchanged and the centre manager is unable to resolve the appeal, then the candidate must write
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to the named representative within 5 days of receiving the 3 result. The Manager will act as an independent
arbiter.
g) If the candidate is still unhappy then they have the right to appeal to the Awarding Body. This is done via
the centre Manager or direct to the Administrator in writing. Address to be supplied on request.
h) The Administrator will investigate the circumstances of the appeal and make a report to the appeals panel.
In very exceptional cases, the appeals panel may request the Centre Manager possibly accompanied by the
candidate, to attend a meeting of the panel to provide further explanation of the circumstances of the appeal.
i) Appeals panel decisions will be given in writing to the Centre Manager/ Principal and the candidate are
final.
Students’ Union
Students are free to form their own representative body through which they can air their concerns,
contributions, grievances, etc to the college management or administration. This body can also register with
the National Union of Students (NUS) in order to benefit from a broad spectrum of ideas.
Students should appoint their members for the union, arrange own meetings, design own constitution and
hold elections for various union positions. Should a meeting be required with the management of the college,
then a minimum of a week’s notice will be required.
ACCESS TO INFORMATION
a) Leicester Commercial College will allow students and staff access to their records and any other
information kept upon them inline with the ‘Access to Files’ policy.
b) No other person except staff employed by the College should have access to or read these files/records
unless permitted by the College Principal in certain circumstances.
The College accepts its responsibilities regarding the disclosure of personal information held on computer
under the Data Protection Act 1994.
Confidentiality of Student Records
a) Legislation mandates standards for the protection of the confidentiality of student records and, at the
same time, gives students the right to inspect the contents of their complete file in compliance with
the law. Students have access to their own records and the confidentiality of those records is
guarded.
b) One of the provisions of the law allows institutions to release "directory information" as a matter of
course, providing students have a reasonable time to ask that information be released only with the
student's prior consent. College publishes a student-faculty directory that includes names, campus
and home addresses, and telephone numbers. Such a directory, when complete and accurate, is
invaluable to students, teachers, and administrators.
c) The College considers the following to be directory information: name, class, campus address,
parents' names and address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study,
participation in the officially recognized sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams,
dates of attendance, degrees, awards and honours achieved in the curricular and extracurricular life
of the college, the most recent previous educational institution attended by the student, and
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individually identifiable photographs of the student solicited by or maintained directly by the College
as part of the educational records.
d) Unless students have requested in writing to withhold any or all such directory information, the
college may release it. Requests to withhold such information must be made annually prior to
September 1.
e) The law also makes the educational record available to parents or guardians when the student is
claimed as a dependent with the Inland Revenue Service. The college assumes all of its students
are so claimed unless evidence to the contrary is submitted to the Registrar/Administrator of Student
Affairs. Records are available to either parent or guardian of dependent students unless the college
has been provided with evidence that there is a court order, state statute or legally binding document
relating to such matters as divorce, separation, or custody that specifically revokes these rights.
Guarding the Security of Applications
Screening interview committees are entrusted with application files with the understanding that the files are
unduplicated originals that cannot be removed from college property by anyone involved in the
screening/selection process. Loss of a file, or part of a file, can have results that are devastating to the
search process and timelines.
Protecting the Confidentiality of Applications
Information contained in application files is confidential and cannot be shared with persons outside the
enrolment process except as required by certain screening activities, such as reference checking.
The identity of applicants is also a matter of confidentiality. In some searches the names of finalists may
become known due to teaching demonstrations or other selection process activities. Applicants should be
advised in advance when such activities are scheduled and offered the choice of withdrawing from
consideration rather than having confidentiality breached.
If in doubt about a matter of confidentiality, contact the Human Resources/Admin representative for
assistance.
Check List
1) In order to benefit fully from the various Institutes’ ongoing support network, including newsletters and full
access to Institute websites, fees will be required for membership and exams. Different Institutes charge
different rates for membership and examination fees. Please note LCC offers both full-time courses only. We
do not offer correspondence courses.
2) Tuition fees cover face to face instructing by a qualified and experienced tutor and hands on training and
practice using our computers, but does not cover external examination fees or exam centre fees. Fees
quoted in this prospectus cover one year unless stipulated to the contrary and most students pay full fees in
advance because it’s not only convenient and less expensive but Immigration officers prefer it. However LCC
allow instalments on a term basis. Failure to pay fees is construed as failure to maintain yourself in the UK
and could lead to your removal.
4) Examination centre fees are applicable in most courses. Please ask Admin if in doubt or not sure of the
amounts payable.
3) LCC will normally require prospective students to have a reasonable level of literacy, Maths, fluency in
English and knowledge of the course of their choice. Most of this information is in this prospectus but
students can call the college for further details. Further, prospective students should be able to provide
evidence of holding the necessary academic qualification and have at least two verifiable references.
4) The College is pleased to assist with the submission of students with passport and visa applications with
the Home Office. Enrolled students with visas due to expire will be assisted in this regard at no extra charge.
Please contact Admin at least four weeks before the expiry of your student visa. However, the college will
not submit applications if (a) your attendance is less that 85% (b) have not paid your fees in full (c) have not
made progress on your course.
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5) The college will issue Progress Reports to sponsors, parents, employers or other nominees as per
request. Please ensure you advise the college of the name and contact details to which reports are to be
sent.
6) Contact Admin (not Principal’s office!) for the following:
- Council Tax exemption certificates
- Enrolment, Offer letters and reference letters
- Student visa extensions letters
- Any other letters including advice on settling in Leicester
- Tuition fees balances and payments
- Foreign travel permits (holiday time and emergencies only)
- Housing
7) Students should continually update themselves with the UKBA Tier 4 (PBS) rules and regulations by
visiting the UKBA as stated previously in this manual. Remember “ignorance of the law is no defence”.
8) Ensure progress is made on the course of study by registering for examinations and handing in
assignments.
9) Any student who does pay tuition fees on time will be excluded from lessons and attendance register. This
will be reported to the UKBA.
10) Ensure that you are doing at least the minimum 15 hours of lectures per week (excluding breaks). If the
timetable does not fully provide for this, please contact admin or the programme co-ordinator.
11) Ensure you know what to do in case on an emergency e.g fire, by attending fire drills or requesting one
from admin.
COPYRIGHTED MATERIALS
Student should be familiar with restrictions on use and reproduction of copyrighted materials and are
expected to adhere to their best understanding of the current EC copyright law. Copyright protection extends
to literary work, musical works (including lyrics), dramatic works, choreographed works, pictorial and graphic
works, sculptures, motion pictures and other audio visual works, sound recordings, and software. Legal limits
to "fair use" of these materials are not always clear, but non profit institutions are no longer exempt from
copyright law provisions. Staff members reproducing copyrighted materials for classroom use should obtain
permission of copyright holder or, if this is not feasible, consult with their department head and Administrator.
Staff members and administrators are reminded that a copy of commercial software is licensed to one PC
only. These requirements should cascade to students.
The granting of copyright permission can take from less than a day to several weeks. Printing and copying
can only be done with the express authority of the Program Coordinator. The college will not take
responsibility for the production and distribution of copyright material. Hand-outs to students are limited so as
to encourage students to purchase their own text books. Lecturers can only hand out their own hand written
or electronic documents.
COMMUNITY AND PARENTAL/GUIDIAN INVOLVEMENT
The College actively encourages parents/guardians to be actively involved in the planning, development and
academic delivery of our services to our enrolled students. We aim to keep families as informed as is
possible through verbal communication, end of term reports if these are requested, and our internal
newsletter. We welcome all help with activities, academic or professional from whatever source.
Further the College welcomes families and friends to visit and to give advice where this is deemed
necessary. Donations in the form of academic material are also welcome, as are invitations to visit various
places of academic and social interest, such as football matches and other sporting activities.
SANCTION AND CONTROL POLICY
Staff and students should be aware that the College has a policy that physical punishment of any sort is
absolutely forbidden. This is a disciplinary offence, as is:
e) depriving our clients their legitimate rights
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f) forcing our clients to study, eat or drink
g) humiliate or frighten our clients
h) to enforce as far as possible any parental and professionally approved behaviour
modification programme
i) Any sanctions taken should be recorded and shown to parents to sign and the relevant
authorities consulted and informed immediately in writing
j) Not giving students value for money in lectures and time at the college. Full lecture times
should be given to students even if one student is in attendance.
k) Lecturers should display knowledge of subject. Sitting down and reading from a book with
students is a sign of lack of knowledge except when being used as an example or
assessment.
l) Deliberate breaking of college property and infecting computer hardware and software with
malicious programs (viruses).
Students are requested to report to the college management any breach of the above policy.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Leicester Commercial College aims to provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions, equipment
and systems of work for all employees and students. In accordance with the Health & Safety at Work Act all
users of the college are required to:
a) To work safely and efficiently with due regard for their own safety and for the safety of
others, including the public.
b) To familiarise themselves and comply with all fire and safety precautions and procedures
c) To report any safety hazard or hazardous occurrences according to the laid down
procedure.
d) Attend fir-drills and familiarise themselves with fire exits and assembly points
e) Report any health and safety issues to college admin. This includes wet floors, spillages,
asbestos, hazardous substances and general hygiene issues.
RISK ASSESSMENT
Risk assessments of potential dangers will be undertaken, monitored and reviewed by competent persons
on a regular basis. All students and staff are encouraged to be involved in risk assessment. This will include
making reports of items of risk to the admin office.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
a) The college maintains a no smoking policy within it’s premises. If you want more information
on health related matters and on how to stop smoking, please ask our bursar who might
help.
b) The college maintains a no drinking [alcohol] policy on its premises and all users are warned
not to bring alcohol into the college for whatever reason.
c) The college will not tolerate any form of abuse on it’s students, staff or any other users of
college services. Any such issues will be handed over to the police and/or relevant
authorities.
d) Users of college facilities may not play their radios except if they use headphones. Cell
phones are to be switched off and noise levels kept at a minimum during lessons or when
directed to do so by college officials.
e) Please consult with the Bursar or lecturers before using the college internet services [incl e-
mails], photocopier, fax or telephone.
f) The college shall give students information concerning the following:
- Opening of bank accounts
- Getting National Insurance numbers
- Working part-time
- Home office and Immigration policies and regulations
- Registering with the police
- Accommodation in Leicestershire
Please do not hesitate to contact the college administration should you feel there is an area that is not
covered or is inadequate in this publication.
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