Student Information

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2020/2021 Academic Year

We appreciate the uncertainty facing college students starting the 2020/21 academic year given coronavirus and the tentative re-opening of commerce, enterprise and education. While it is not possible to fully predict the circumstances that might prevail in September, WIT is actively planning for how the college will operate based upon a number of key principles.

We intend to create a student experience that will involve on-campus activity appropriate to the individual programme of study and proportionate to the learning required by the student but mindful of the requirements on national health advice and the absolute need to maintain a safe environment for all our community.
Students can therefore expect to be present on campus for at least part of their studies while also expecting greater use of moodle and other on-line tools to support and enhance the learning experience. Students can also expect to see new mandatory behaviour rules and routines designed to ensure WIT minimises the risk of coronavirus spread.

As the national plan for the return to normal operations unfolds WIT will publish more detail on its September start.

View the academic calendar here

Mitigating Circumstances for Covid 19

The Academic Council had previously determined that COVID-19 is a valid mitigating circumstance in all cases and have formally added it to the list of conditions qualifying for mitigation.

The Academic Council have now approved changes to the mitigating circumstances process to support that decision. For this academic session the following process will now apply.

Council Decision	Implication for students
Deferrals will be automatically granted to candidates, at the semester 2 examination boards, where the student has not attempted the assessment and/or has not achieved a passing grade. There is accordingly no need for students to make an application for a deferral or submit evidence of COVID-19 impacts.	The Institute will automatically assume you have been impacted by COVID-19 if you do not attempt or do not pass an assessment. You will therefore see a ‘Deferred’ grade recorded as the result. You will be entitled to take the repeat assessment as your first attempt for that module and there will be no fee charged for the autumn repeat assessment. As this will be done automatic you do not need to worry about submitting any application.
Candidates that have achieved a passing grade may seek mitigation and will be granted a deferral in all cases.	If you get a result (that enables you to pass the module) but you think does not reflect your ability, then you can apply for mitigation and you are automatically entitled to be granted a deferral. In such cases, you will be entitled to take the repeat assessment as your first attempt for that module and there will be no fee charged for the autumn repeat assessment.
Candidates that have achieved a passing grade and seek mitigation will have the autumn sitting count as their first attempt and will have that mark used as their final grade in all cases even if it is lower.	If you have passed a module and opt to take the autumn repeat assessment, then that result will be the final mark you achieve regardless of whether it is higher or lower that the semester 2 assessment result. If you select to repeat you will not have the choice of which mark will be used and only the autumn mark can be counted.
A simplified online application process for students that have achieved a passing grade to request deferrals will open after the examination results are issued.	As the need for applying for mitigation only occurs after the results will be issued (all other mitigation will be automatic) then a simplified system will be put in place and advised to students once the exam results are issued.

What format will the Semester 2 Autumn repeat exams take?: Programme teams developed alternative assessment for Semester 2 modules. The format of the Semester 2 Autumn repeat assessments will mirror that used in Semester 2 2019/2020. Details will be sent directly to you from your academic school.

What format will the Semester 1 Autumn repeat exams take?: Academic Council have stated that the format of the Semester 1 Autumn repeat exams will mirror that used in Semester 1 2019/2020 - they will be closed book on campus exams. It is planned at this stage that the semester 1 repeat exams will be scheduled from 17th to 28th August 2020 but will be mindful of the requirements on national health advice and social distancing. Further information will follow.
Please note that the closing date to register for the Autumn session has been extended from today Friday 26th June to Tuesday, June 30th.

Is the Autumn Exam entry fee waiver applicable to anyone impacted as a result of Covid-19?: The fee waiver is only relevant to students registered on a semester 2 module in the current academic term (2019 ) impacted as a result of Covid-19. The fee waiver is not relevant to those who will register for the first time in order to complete a semester 2 module assessment in the Autumn 2020 sitting, such students will pay the €200 per 5 credit Repeat Learner fee.

I have a Semester 1 repeat to sit in Autumn – what are the arrangements for this?

It is planned that the structure of semester 1 examinations will follow the assessment ordinarily applied in semester 1 autumn examinations. Academic Council took this decision to support students and present an assessment that best mirrors their preparation of and expectation of the assessment. This decision is taken in the interest of making the examination as familiar as possible for the student and maximising their opportunity to perform in the examination.

Please note that the closing date to register for the Autumn session has been extended from today Friday 26th June to Tuesday, June 30th.

Autumn 2019 Exam Board Deferred Semester 2 Module

I was deferred on a semester 2 module(s) at the Autumn 2019 Exam Board. How will I access Moodle in order to complete my alternate assessments?

The Institute has activated your access to Moodle to support you in completing your deferred module. Click here to log into Moodle.

I was deferred on a semester 2 module(s) at the Autumn 2019 Exam Board. How will I be assessed?

Programme teams are developing alternative plans for assessment and will provide you with details of the alternative assessment arrangements for your programme, including the dates on which the actual assessments will be given to you. You must engage with Moodle for your module updates and associated information.

I was deferred on a semester 2 module(s) at the Autumn 2019 Exam Board however when I logon to Moodle I do not see anything. What should I do?

It is your responsibility to log into your Moodle account and ensure that you have access to both your programme area and your deferred modules. If you do not have access please email [email protected] and [email protected] immediately so that we can resolve any issues. If you have questions regarding the academic element, please address these to your Course Leader or school office.

I am a repeat student and I have a question about my exams.: Please email your query to [email protected] or look at our FAQ section where you may find the answer to your question.

I could not complete my work placement: Where a work placement activity has not been possible, the student should contact the programme leader for advice on the next steps required. During the summer months it may also be helpful to contact your School Office, details are available at here.

I’m a postgraduate student. Can I come on campus to study?: All students are strongly encouraged not to come to campus and to continue your studies remotely. Please ensure to stay in contact with your supervisor who will be available to provide ongoing support remotely during this time period. Should you need to come on campus for any reason, please contact your supervisor to make arrangements as they will need to make sure a safe space is available for you and buildings may need to be opened.

Library services and support during alternative assessment period – updated 14 May 2020

WIT Libraries continue to operate library services online during this busy period of alternative assessments. You can access help videos, ebooks, journals, databases, subject guides, various referencing guides and more through the library homepage - library.wit.ie.

This access is available around the clock 24/7 using your normal username and password.

If you need help, assistance or library learning support please contact us via email at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Student support services (Student Life & Learning): The Student support service team is currently working remotely. You can send your query to [email protected] and a member of staff will get back to you. You can also reach us by mobile on 087-6211255 or 087-1128224

Disability Office information: Staff are currently working remotely. You can send your query to [email protected] and a member of staff will get back to you.

Contacting your Learning support tutor: All learning support tutors are working remotely. You can email your tutor directly for support. If you do not know your tutors email address contact [email protected].

Disability exam accommodations: If you are worried about your exam accommodations, email [email protected]e and your course leader with your concern.

How to contact your ASD support worker: All staff are working remotely. You can contact your support worker by email or text.

Counselling services information

The Institute’s student counselling services continues to operate by telephone and online video calls. Please email [email protected] to make an appointment.

Due to the current extraordinary circumstances face to face appointments cannot be offered during this time.

Other useful services

Medical Care Provider (Rowe Creavin)	051 370057
Caredoc	1850 334 999
University Hospital Waterford (UHW)	051 848000
Student Counselling Service (Main campus)	051 302878
Student Counselling Service (College Street campus)	051 302745
Samaritans (free phone)	116 123
Pieta House (Waterford)	051 858510
Pieta House 24/7 helpline	1800 247 247

Student Assistance Fund information

How do I apply to the Student Assistance Fund?

If you are eligible for the SAF you can apply through the online application form which is available on the WIT website.

How do I know if I am eligible to apply for the Student Assistance Fund?

There is an Eligibility Reckoner on the WIT website which will help you determine if you are eligible for the fund. There is also a list of expenses for which the SAF can be and cannot be used for.

Is there a closing date for the Student Assistance Fund?

There is no closing date for the SAF but as the fund operates on a 'first come, first served basis', it is best to get an application with all the relevant documentation in as early as possible.

If I am having trouble with a certain part of the application or have a question, who can I contact to ask for help?

Please email [email protected] This email account is being regularly monitored and we will reply to your query as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can look up our detailed FAQ section in the website where you might find the answer to your question.

How will I know when there is no more funding left in the SAF?

The online application will close and you will not be able to apply. However, if you are experiencing financial hardship, please make contact with the Student Life and Learning Department via email ([email protected] or [email protected]) and we will try our best to refer you to any relevant resources.

More information: SAF webpage