Deadlines – Change Makers

Read on to see how these policies will be applied and managed within your Change Makers module.

As Change Makers modules use Assessment FOR Learning (rather than Assessment OF Learning), the assessment and management of deadlines are a really important part of your learning process.

Therefore all Change Makers deadlines have a negotiable period and then a fixed period. At the start of the module, your teacher will discuss all the module deadlines with the class, and as a class you will negotiate when those deadlines should be, how long you will spend in class working on your assignments and how you want to use that time with your teacher.

As far as possible, we try to take into account the balance of your core degree deadlines. For example, in our first year module, the deadline for the main submitted assignment is in week six rather than at the end of the module so that students are free to focus on their core degree deadlines towards the end of term.

If your teachers ask you to submit your other key deadlines, try to provide as much detail as you can. You can also let them know about other big deadlines that you might receive as the modules progress.

We cannot schedule our deadlines to avoid every single other deadline that you might have, but we can try our best to be as helpful as possible.

Once the deadlines have been scheduled, they remain open to negotiation until the assignment period begins. You can approach your teacher to discuss either an individual, team or whole class concern about a deadline. You teacher will help you think through your concerns, and if necessary open a discussion with the rest of the class. If there is a legitimate reason to rethink the class schedule and deadlines, we will be happy to consider this.

Once the assignment period has begun, you will be offered one final opportunity to raise any concerns. It is critical that you take this opportunity if you are at all worried about the deadline.

After this, the deadlines become fixed and must be adhered to.

I’m worried, I don’t think I can meet a deadline – what do I do?

The most important thing that you can do is to talk to your class teacher. If you can see an assignment period approaching and you don’t think you can meet the deadline, start a conversation with your teacher.

You might not be the only student in the class with that same problem or worry, and it might be possible to renegotiate our class deadline for everyone.

Sometimes, a deadline might be impractical for logistical reasons – you might be required to do team work when none of your team are available. Perhaps they are on a field trip, or have a big burden of lab work during the deadline week.

It is often possible to resolve these issues by renegotiating your Change Makers deadline. This isn’t cheating – your class teacher will consider the basis of your request and will take responsibility for making a fair decision that doesn’t advantage or disadvantage you or your classmates.

What can be done once the assignment period has started and the deadline is fixed?

If the assignment period has started, you may be able to use the coursework extension form to apply for an extension or for mitigating circumstances. Discuss this with your teacher and they will advise you how to proceed. However, there might be other, simpler things that can be done to help you meet the deadline – so make sure you talk to your teacher – we’re here to help you.

Study Schedule Review

Your teacher will offer to help you create a study schedule to meet your deadline. You might be surprised to find that it is actually possible to complete your work without compromising on quality, or without disrupting your other work. We have many tips and tricks to help you complete your work more quickly and efficiently than you might anticipate, including observed working.

What is observed working?

For observed working, you turn off all distractions (phone, email etc) and complete your work in the presence of your teacher. If we are on campus, you can sit in our office, or if we are online, we will open a Zoom call and work alongside each other. Your teacher will be working on their own tasks, but will be available to offer immediate support and encouragement. This might sound strange, but it has worked for many students – who during 2-3 hours of concentrated work have completed AMAZING assignments.

My teacher moved my deadline forward – how does that help?

I know this might sound crazy, but sometimes moving your deadline forwards is the best way to help you. We can provide extra support and contact time in advance of the deadline so that you can complete your Change Makers work earlier, leaving you free to deal with your other deadlines or life pressures.

Often granting an extension only makes the problem worse by shifting the stress and overload into the future.

Nothing will help, I really can’t manage the deadline

If you have unexpected problems (especially those that prevent you working) that arise during the assessment period, you will need to apply for an extension (decision taken internally by the Change Makers team) or if it is within 48 hours of the deadline you will need to apply for Mitigating Circumstances (decision taken by the Mitigating Circumstances Panel and communicated to your department).

For both of these processes you need to complete the Extension Form using the link below. Please note that you cannot apply for mitigating circumstances due to pressure of work.

Change-Makers-Assignment-Extensions-and-Mitigating-Circumstances-Form Download

Why do you renegotiate deadlines in Change Makers?

We think it is really important to help you to take responsibility for your learning. Being able to look forward in your schedule, predict potential workflow and deadline clashes and seek help at the right time is a really important skill. We have a lot of respect for students that are able to approach us for help at the right time, and we will do everything we can to help whilst maintaining fairness across the rest of the class.

However, we only renegotiate deadlines when there is a genuine need or problem. For the majority of students, the majority of the time, we expect you to respect and work towards your deadlines as agreed in class.

If you just renegotiate deadlines, what is mitigating circumstances for then?

When you approach us responsibly, with reasonable notice, we would prefer to renegotiate your deadline and help you achieve everything that you need to achieve in as timely a manner as possible – with a view to reducing the pressure and stress on you.

However, sometimes things occur that cannot be predicted and do not allow time for a respectful and responsible renegotiation.

For example, you might suffer an unexpected illness or accident the day before or even on day of the deadline.

In these cases, we would need to follow the mitigating circumstances procedure in line with College regulations. Contact your teacher for advice on how to proceed – beginning with completing the form linked above.

Last updated 3rd October 2023