Metropolia student, know your rights! Your rights are based on the university of applied sciences’ internal rules and guidelines, as well as the Act on Universities of Applied Sciences, for example. This page contains the most common information about student rights. You can refer to this page or contact METKA’s advocacy: advocacy@metkaweb.fi.
1. The right to know in advance the learning objectives, working methods, assessment criteria, and other key information about the course
2. The right to receive a grade for a course within four (4) working weeks
3. The right to know the justification for grades
The grading scale used in a course or a passing grade (1–5 or pass) obtained by the student can be changed or removed only for a well-founded reason.
The students have the right to receive feedback on their performance. In addition, in accordance with section 37 of the Universities of Applied Sciences Act, the students have the right to view the assessed course performance and to receive information on the application of the assessment criteria to their course performance.
According to the Degree Regulations § 27: The assessment criteria for courses, and the way grades are determined, are described in the implementation plans of the courses, and they are discussed with the students at the start of each course. A course is considered to be passed only after all compulsory parts of the implementation have been passed.
4. Right to retake a course or improve grading
According to the Study Guidelines § 21: A student may retake a failed exam twice and a passed exam once in the designated exam events that are stated in the course implementation information. The possibility to retake an exam or raise a grade does not apply to course components, such as written assignments or other output, unless the course implementation plan states that this is possible. If the assessment is based on a form of performance for which the assessment method cannot be repeated (such as a pair or group exam), the student cannot attempt to raise their grade.The same assessment criteria and principles are followed in retakes and attempts to raise grades as those observed during the course performance.
5. The right to get prior learning recognized
The prior learning must fulfil the competence requirements of the curriculum. The head of degree programme approves the detailed accreditation principles and the guidelines for the procedure for each degree programme.
According to the Study Guidelines § 14: The RPL process can be applied to any previously acquired competence, regardless of where and how it was obtained. Such learning can include prior studies, traineeships, work experience or other competence, and if recognised, it can be accredited to a degree, study module or course being completed, in both compulsory and optional studies.
Studies completed in Finnish or international universities or higher education institutions can be accredited as part of studies leading to a degree. The studies accredited must be EQF and NQF level 6 for UAS Bachelor’s degrees and EQF and NQF level 7 for UAS Master’s degrees.
Prior learning can be recognised either in full, or in part through a pedagogical solution. In a pedagogical solution the final assessment is made and the completed studies are recorded in the course register once the studies have been supplemented in a manner determined by the degree programme.
6. The right to make rectification requests and appeals
According to Metropolia’s Instructions on appeal: If you are dissatisfied with the decision on your rectification request, you may submit a written appeal with Metropolia’s Examination Board within 14 days of having been notified of the decision.
7. The right to complete studies leading to a degree according to the curricula
According to the Universities of Applied Sciences Act § 30: Students have the right to pursue programmes leading to a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a university of applied sciences in the manner laid down in the degree regulations and curriculum of the university of applied sciences.
Full-time students have the right to complete the studies referred to in subsection 1 in a time period of at most one year exceeding the normative duration of the studies. The principles for determining the maximum duration of studies referred to in subsection 1 in regard of other students are specified in the degree regulations of the universities of applied sciences.
8. The right to give feedback on courses and receive counterfeedback
According to the workbook Dialoginen palautekulttuuri opetuksessa ja oppimisessa (Dialogic feedback culture in teaching and learning) intended for Metropolia staff: Teachers should reflect on the implementation of the course and the feedback received, record their conclusions and tips obtained from the feedback for future implementations. Teachers should also consider which good practices or areas for development they wish to raise for discussion with the head of degree program or at the degree program level. The student group participating in the ongoing implementation will receive counterfeedback. The counterfeedback will address the group as a whole, i.e., the feedback provided by the group, and will not be directed at individuals.
9. Right to be absent and right to sick leave
According to the Degree Regulations § 15: In accordance with sections 29 and 30 of the Universities of Applied Sciences Act, students may register as non-attending if they are completing service under the Conscription Act, the Non-Military Service Act or the Act on Voluntary Military Service for Women, or if they are taking a maternity, paternity or parental leave. Registration as non-attending in the first academic year is possible only due to the statutory reasons stated in section 29 of the Universities of Applied Sciences Act. A period of absence of this kind will not count towards the duration of the studies.
Students may register as non-attending due to illness or injury in the first academic year or later during their studies for a maximum period of two academic terms without this period counting towards the duration of the studies.
In addition, students may register as non-attending without stating a specific reason after the first academic year for a period of two academic terms without this period counting towards the duration of the studies.
According to the Health Insurance Act and the Student Financial Aid Act: During a short-term illness, students are eligible to receive student financial aid even if their studies are delayed. Students are entitled to apply for sick leave and sick pay during a long-term illness.
10. The right to a safe, accessible, equal, and non-discriminatory learning environment free from harassment and discrimination
According to the UAS Act § 26: Factors relating to the health and functional capacity of an applicant may not preclude admission. However, a person whose state of health or functional capacity makes him or her incapable of performing the practical tasks or practical training included in the studies in a way consistent with the study-related safety demands referred to in section 33 and where the impediment cannot be removed with reasonable measures cannot be admitted as a student.
According to the Study Guidelines § 17: During the studies or training periods related to them, as well as in examinations and tests, the students are not allowed to wear clothing or accessories that could pose a danger to the students themselves or to others, or prevent the students from performing these tasks, or prevent or significantly impede the students’ identification, unless identification can be arranged otherwise using reasonable measures. During training periods included in the studies, the students must use the protective work, laboratory or other clothing and equipment provided by Metropolia or the organisation where the training takes place.
According to Metropolia’s Guidelines for dealing with inappropriate behaviour and harassment in study settings: Taking care of the wellbeing of staff and students, as well as maintaining a safe and equal learning environment, are central goals at Metropolia. Metropolia does not accept any form of harassment or inappropriate treatment.
The key points of Metropolia’s Principles for a safer space are:
- Openness and learning
- Respect
- Making space
- Intervening
Legislation on equality and non-discrimination (equity) obligates Metropolia. Metropolia is committed to promoting diversity, equality, and equity within the university community. The equality and non-discrimination plan of Metropolia applies to everyone working or studying at Metropolia.
Metropolia does not accept any form of discrimination or inappropriate behavior regarding age, origin, nationality, language, religion, convictions, opinions, political activities, trade union activities, family relations, state of health, disability or functional capacity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic pertaining to a person.
Sources
- UAS Act
- Metropolia’s Degree Regulations
- Metropolia’s Study Guidelines
- Metropolia’s Instructions on Appeal
- Metropolia’s Instructions on Feedback
- Dialoginen palautekulttuuri opetuksessa ja oppimisessa Workbook
- Metropolia’s Equity and Accessibility Guidelines
- Metropolia’s Principles for a safer space
- Metropolia’s Guidelines for dealing with inappropriate behaviour and harassment in study settings
- Health Insurance Act
- Opintotukilaki (Student Financial Aid Act)
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