Your rights
Here you will find an overview of the most important rules that apply to your studies.
Study contract
NLA University College is committed to facilitating well-being and safety in education. This includes clear expectations between the university college and the student regarding the learning environment, teaching and student information.
Some of the most important rules to familiarize yourself with
Students are entitled to a good learning environment. The learning environment must ensure the conditions that affect the student's ability to learn. Even low levels of noise, adverse psychosocial conditions and poor organisation can distract from learning.
NLA University College collaborates with the student welfare organisations in the work for a good learning environment.
Students are responsible for acting in a way that safeguards a good learning environment. Expectations for student behaviour can be found in the education plan.
Students in practice have special requirements. Behaviour that creates a risk to life or health is not permitted, and confidentiality must be respected.
The University and University College Act § 10-1 applies to the learning environment in particular.
Section 10-5 of the University and College Act applies to individual accommodations for students with disabilities or special needs.
The accommodation shall ensure that all students participate on an equal footing.
Here you will find everything you need to know about accommodations.
Students may need a leave of absence during their studies for various reasons.
The University and College Act § 10-7 applies to leave of absence when students hold positions in student political or elected bodies, and when there are other special reasons.
The University and College Act § 10-6 gives students the right to facilitation for pregnant students and the right to parental leave.
Section 12-3 of the University and University College Act applies to suitability assessment - an ongoing assessment of whether the individual student is suitable for the profession. Suitability assessment only applies to certain study programs at the university college.
If there is reasonable doubt as to whether a student is not suitable to participate in practice and in future professional practice, the university college shall open a case for special suitability assessment.
Here you will find everything you need to know about suitability assessment at NLA University College - link coming
There are many provisions regarding exams and coursework in the University and College Act.
The University and College Act § 11-6 states that students have the right to an impartial and professionally sound assessment.
According to § 11-7, there is a requirement for two examiners, at least one of whom is external, when grading independent work. The same requirement applies to exams that are not verifiable and exams worth more than 15 credits. There is also a requirement that sensor guidelines be available to students after the exam.
The right to reasons and appeal against grades follows from § 11-8 and 11-10.
The right to complain about formal errors follows from § 11-9.
Cheating is breaking the rules in a way that could lead to you gaining an unfair advantage or result – whether it happens by mistake or with the intention of cheating.
The University and College Act § 12-4 stipulates that an exam or mandatory coursework may be annulled if a student has cheated or attempted to cheat. Furthermore, the student may be excluded from the university college and lose the right to take exams at educational institutions under the law for a period.
There are requirements for increased vigilance during exams and mandatory activities. This means that students are obliged to familiarize themselves with the rules that apply to the individual exam or coursework.
Shoo!
Student Ombud
Marit Elizabeth Sand Solvik is NLA University College's student ombud.
The Student Ombudsman can help if you have questions about your rights and obligations as a student, or if you need advice or assistance in your study situation.
The Student Ombudsman helps you consider your options and the consequences they may have for you.
The Student Ombudsman is bound by confidentiality, also towards the university college.
Contact us if you
- are considering reporting harassment.
- are suspected of cheating. The Student Ombudsman can review the case and, if necessary, assist you (as a neutral third party) until you are entitled to legal assistance (covered by the university college).
- need assistance with applications or complaints to the university college. The Student Ombudsman can read through drafts and help you highlight what is most important and relevant in your case.
- need assistance at meetings between you and the institution. The Student Ombudsman can participate as a neutral third party.
- have challenges as a student and do not know where to turn.
- have a case and feel that you are not receiving a response from the university college.
University and University College Act
Students' rights are safeguarded through the University and University College Act.
Supplementary provisions:
Regulations to the University and University College Act
Regulations concerning admission to higher education
Regulations for studies at NLA University College
Case processing and complaint
Individual decisions are decisions about rights and obligations.
Examples of such decisions are:
- Response to applications for study places, credit transfer, accommodation or leave of absence.
You can complain about individual decisions made by NLA University College.
A well-written complaint simplifies the complaint process and makes it easier for you as a student to express your opinion on the matter. Below are some tips for you who are going to write a good complaint.
Before you start writing the letter of complaint
The first thing you need to figure out is
- what you are actually complaining about
- why you are complaining
- what you want the outcome to be
- what your arguments are
NB! If you are going to complain about the grade on an exam, you do not need to write a letter of complaint. Read here to find out how to do it.
Heading and introduction
The heading of the complaint should be "Complaint about ..." where it is clear whether you are complaining about a decision, formal errors in the exam, etc.
The introduction should be a collected paragraph. It should be clear
- who is complaining
- what is being complained about
- where to find what one is complaining about (if there is a decision, etc.)
- what is the main reason for the complaint
Description
What is the basis for the complaint should be described as precisely as possible, incl. any measures you have taken yourself. Personal circumstances such as being a little nervous about the exam and it snowing are normally not relevant. In special situations, this type of personal circumstance can be taken into account. (If the snow made the roads impassable, this may be taken into account).
If you are going to complain about unfair treatment, a poor learning environment, etc., this can be done here. In such cases, it is recommended to raise the matter directly with the person concerned if possible, before a possible complaint is submitted.
Justify the complaint with good argumentation
A good complaint uses logical reasoning that supports the complainant's points of view. What constitutes good arguments varies from case to case. However, there are some points of reference that are always common.
Use arguments that are relevant to the decision, that the facts are correct and that what you write must be intended to ensure that you are upheld.
Refer to legislation or information that has been given or is available on nla.no, Canvas etc.
Provide a solution
Write what you want to achieve. Be aware that not all proposed solutions can be met. If the case worker sees that the person complaining wants a solution that cannot be offered, it will be possible for the case worker to provide guidance.
Possible solutions when complaining about formal errors can be read about here (§11-9).
Note
- Write as short and precisely as possible.
- Be factual.
- It is possible to withdraw a complaint.
- If you are complaining about a decision, the complaint must be sent to the department that made the decision.
- The student ombudsman can possibly assist you in a complaint process; studentombudet@nla.no
Examples of content in various complaints:
When you complain about formal errors, you should write what has happened, and in what way you believe this has had significance either for your performance or for the censorship decision itself. It is the school (or board for student affairs) that decides whether the error (incident) is a formal error. You should also include whether you believe the error can be corrected by a new assessment or whether you believe the error can only be corrected by holding a new exam.
When you complain about a decision, you must explain why you do not agree with the reasoning (arguments) the school refers to. If you believe there are factual errors in the decision, you must write which fact you believe is correct. Feel free to refer to laws and regulations, or the school's own guidelines.
When you complain about a subject, you should compare what has happened with what is stated on the website about the subject. You must describe what has happened, and explain why you are not satisfied and what deviates from what you believe you are entitled to. Do you think you have not received the learning outcome you are entitled to? Are there fewer hours of teaching than you are entitled to? Is the lecturer very poorly prepared, or speaks a different language than stated? Have you raised the challenges with the lecturer, shop steward, or others, but still not noticed any improvement? Feel free to end by suggesting a solution.
NLAs board for student matters
The NLA board for student affairs is an independent and impartial decision-making body.
The board decides on
- cases of suspected cheating, police certificate with remarks, expulsion, exclusion and the like.
- complaints about individual decisions made by NLA University College, such as complaints about decisions regarding formal errors in exams.
The board is appointed by the NLA University College board, according to competence requirements set out in Section 14-1 of the University and College Act.
The chairman of the board is Per-Erik Gåskjenn, lawyer. The other members are either lawyers, have experience from the university and college sector, or are studying at NLA University College.
The person responsible for the secretariat is advisor Gunnhild Nag Mosland. She can be reached by e-mail: nemnd-studentsaker@nla.no .
The board handles cases in meetings.
The board handles the cases that have been referred from NLA University College.
The board is required to handle the cases in a responsible manner.
The board members have a duty of confidentiality.
The board meets as needed, but has a meeting-free July.
Decisions in cases where the board is the first instance can be appealed to the Joint Appeals Board.
Decisions in cases where the board is the appeals body cannot be appealed within the administration.
Decisions in individual cases are not made public, but the annual report is made available internally.
Action Plans and Guidelines
- Action plan for universal design and adaptation of the learning environment
- Guidelines for conflict management
- Rules of procedure for digital teaching
- Action plan against sexual harassment
- Handling of Speak up- notifications at NLA
- Privacy statement