Student Protection Plan
Introduction
This Student Protection Plan outlines the measures in place to safeguard the interests of students in the event of significant course changes, programme closures, or institutional disruptions at Learna.
Learna is committed to delivering high-quality online education. As a collaborative partner with universities across the United Kingdom, we recognise the importance of having robust measures in place to safeguard the interests and educational journeys of our diverse student body.
This Student Protection Plan outlines procedures designed to minimise disruptions to students' academic progress and protect their ability to complete their studies successfully. It addresses potential risks, details mitigation strategies, and establishes clear protocols for ensuring continuity of learning in the event of significant changes or unforeseen circumstances affecting course delivery or institutional operations.
Scope and Applicability
The primary audience for this policy are the students currently enrolled in programmes offered by Learna. This includes both domestic and international students.
The plan also provides transparency and assurances to prospective students who are considering enrolling with Learna, as well as partner institutions, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders with an interest in the operations and student experience at Learna. Areas covered are:
- Course Continuity Risks such as unexpected loss of key academic staff, technological disruptions or platform failures, or changes in collaborative partnerships.
- Institutional Risks such as financial instability or insolvency, and regulatory or accreditation changes affecting operations.
Risk Mitigation and Contingency Planning
To mitigate course continuity risks Learna has in place procedures for the maintenance of a robust pool of qualified teaching staff by the Teaching Services Team including comprehensive contingency plans to quickly onboard and deploy substitute tutors in the event of unexpected staff absences or departures.
To ensure technological continuity, Learna’s Technical Department has in place protocols for:
- scalable infrastructure including data centres and cloud-based services to minimise the impact of hardware failures or localised outages;
- robust backup and disaster recovery systems with regular data backups and tested recovery procedures to safeguard against data loss and enable rapid restoration of services; and
- proactive monitoring and maintenance of all systems including security updates and software patches to prevent vulnerabilities and mitigate potential disruptions;
To mitigate institutional risk Learna’s Finance Department adopts vigorous financial management practices and risk assessment protocols including robust budgeting and forecasting processes to ensure adequate resources are allocated for programme delivery, staffing and infrastructure maintenance.
The Quality & Partner Collaborations Department keeps abreast of regulatory changes ensuring the maintenance of regulatory compliance.
Student Protection Measures
In case of course disruptions, alternative tutoring staff or temporary adjustments will be implemented to ensure continuity of learning. Clear communication channels will be used to keep students informed throughout the process, and academic advisors and Student Services will be available to assist students and address any concerns or questions they may have during periods of disruption. Regular updates will be provided to students and stakeholders regarding any significant changes or disruptions, using designated communication channels (e.g., email, website updates, student portals).
In the event of programme closures, teach-out plans will be implemented to enable current students to complete their studies within a reasonable timeframe, in coordination with partner institutions.
If a course cannot be completed, students will be offered the option to transfer to a similar programme at a partner institution or receive a tuition fees refund, facilitated through formal agreements with partner universities. A clear refund and compensation policy will be in place for students who cannot continue or transfer their studies due to institutional closures or significant disruptions.
Any updates or revisions to the Student Protection Plan will be communicated clearly to all stakeholders, ensuring transparency and awareness of the measures in place to safeguard the interests of Learna’s students.
Contact Information
For further assistance or clarification regarding this Student Protection Plan and its implementation, please contact the Quality and Partner Collaborations Department: Quality & Regulations Manager or Academic Registrar.