• Ensuring assessment requirements are understood by all students
• Adapting procedures to promote race equality
• Encouraging inclusion
• Scheduling
• Plagiarism

RACIAL EQUALITY CONSIDERATIONS IN ASSESSMENT

Does scheduling of assessment take into account religious observances and demonstrate awareness of the needs of students in class as far as possible?

Recently, a Muslim student came to me anxious that he was going to be penalised for handing a piece of coursework in late. His assignment was due in the same date as Eid. He wanted to celebrate his faith but also commit to his study... Staff are aware of Easter and some of the main Christian celebration days but not of other faiths.

Academic staff comment

• Students may require time off at certain times during the year as a result of religious observances. Students should feel able to negotiate such needs with their lecturers.
• Lecturers should request access to a multi-faith calendar, which could be provided at corporate level.
• Lecturers could seek student views as to times that may have an effect on their attendance and participation in class: for example, holding additional tutorials regularly on Saturdays might exclude the attendance of Jewish people who practice their faith; holding them on Friday lunchtimes or early afternoon might affect Friday prayer sessions for Muslim students.
• Religious observances can have an effect on the ability to successfully complete assignments, or to attend examinations if they clash with a religious festival. Where possible, care needs to be taken to avoid these occurrences.
• On-line tutorials, providing lectures on podcasts or e-assessment should be explored as appropriate means of helping to avoid clashes with religious observances.