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REGULATIONS RELATING TO ADMISSION, STUDIES

AND EXAMINATION AT THE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

OF SOUTHEAST NORWAY

Authorisation: Passed by the Joint Board at the University College of Southeast

Norway on 18 December 2015 pursuant to the Act of 1 April 2005 No. 15 relating to

Universities and University Colleges, Regulations of 31 January 2007 No. 173

concerning Admission to Higher Education and Regulations of 1 December 2005 No.

1392 concerning Requirements for Master’s Degrees.

Chapter 1. General provisions

Section 1-1. Applicability

Section 1-2. Relationship to other legislation

Section 1-3. Supplementary provisions

Section 1-4. Definitions

Chapter 2. Admission

Section 2-1. Admission requirements

Section 2-2. Application for local admission

Section 2-3. Ranking of applicants

Section 2-4. Prior learning and work experience

Section 2-5. Minimum requirements for admission to master’s degree programme

Section 2-6. Conditional admission

Section 2-7. Reserved place

Section 2-8. Certificate of good conduct

Chapter 3. Degrees

Section 3-1. Degrees and vocational training programmes

Section 3-2. Requirements for scope and composition of the bachelor’s degree

Section 3-3. Requirements for scope and composition of the master’s degree

Chapter 4. Studies and admission to a course or a study programme

Section 4-1. Admission to a course or study programme

Section 4-2. Course student and external candidate

Section 4-3. Semester registration

Section 4-4. Semester fee

Section 4-5. Individual education plan

Section 4-6. Requirement for progress of study

Section 4-7. Academic leave of absence

Chapter 5. Internationalisation and part-time studies abroad

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Section 5-1. Studies abroad and international students

Section 5-2. Prior approval

Section 5-3. Criteria for part-time studies abroad

Chapter 6. Scope of work, courses and work requirements

Section 6-1. Scope of work

Section 6-2. Course size

Section 6-3. Work requirements

Section 6-4. Recognition of previous education (specific recognition)

Section 6-5. Overlapping course content

Chapter 7. Teaching practice

Section 7-1. Teaching practice

Section 7-2. Postponed teaching practice

Section 7-3. Repetition of teaching practice report

Chapter 8. Forms of assessment and grading system

Section 8-1. Forms of assessment

Section 8-2. Grading system

Chapter 9. Examination

Section 9-1. Conditions for taking examination

Section 9-2. Examination fee

Section 9-3. Registration for assessment

Section 9-4. Withdrawal from assessment

Section 9-5. Time for examination

Section 9-6. Number of examination attempts

Section 9-7. Regular examination

Section 9-8. Postponed examination

Section 9-9. New examination (re-sit examination)

Section 9-10. Language and form of Norwegian

Section 9-11. Examination support materials

Section 9-12. Special examination arrangements

Section 9-13. Examination location

Section 9-14. Digital examination

Chapter 10. Examiner arrangements and examination result

Section 10-1. Appointment of examiners

Section 10-2. Examiner arrangements

Section 10-3. Examination result

Section 10-4. Explanation for determination of grade

Chapter 11. Diploma, diploma supplement and transcript

Section 11-1. Diploma and transcript

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Section 11-2. Diploma supplement

Chapter 12. Annulment, exclusion, loss of admission to a course or a study

programme and expulsion

Section 12-1. Cheating

Section 12-2. Suitability

Section 12-3. Loss of admission to a course or a study programme

Section 12-4. Expulsion

Chapter 13. Appeal

Section 13-1. Appeal regarding admission

Section 13-2. Appeal regarding grade

Section 13-3. Appeal regarding procedural error in examination

Chapter 14. Other provisions

Section 14-1. Transitional provisions

Section 14-2. Enter into force

Chapter 1. General provisions

Section 1-1. Applicability

The regulation applies from 1 January 2016 for admission, studies and examinations

at the University College of Southeast Norway. Special provisions which apply to

doctoral degree education are described in the Regulations for the Philosophiae

Doctor Degree (ph.d.) at the University College of Southeast Norway.

Section 1-2. Relationship to other legislation

(1) If the regulation conflicts with an act and/or a national curriculum, the provisions of

the act and the national curriculum will apply.

(2) Universities and university colleges are regarded as administrative organs with

special powers and follow the rules for administrative procedure in the Norwegian

Public Administration Act and the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act, including

when individual decisions are taken, cf. the Norwegian Universities and University

Colleges Act section 7-6.

Section 1-3. Supplementary provisions

The Rector may lay down supplementary provisions for the regulation. The purpose

is to explain and clarify the content of the various provisions.

Section 1-4. Definitions

Work requirement: Compulsory requirement which, according to the course plan,

must be approved in order for the student to be assessed in the course.

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Course: Smallest credit-awarding unit included in a study programme or course

group.

Course student: Student who has not been admitted to a study programme but who

has been granted admission to one or more courses.

Learning outcome: Description of knowledge, skills and general competence the

student has acquired after a completed course or study programme.

National curriculum: Plan in which national frameworks have been prescribed for a

study programme.

External candidate: Person who takes an examination under the provisions in the

Universities and University Colleges Act section 3-10 without being accepted as a

student in a study programme or a spesific course.

Grade awarded: Assessment of the student’s knowledge, skills and general

competence.

Individual education plan: Plan for completion of a study programme, agreed

between the University College and the individual student. The plan contains

provisions regarding the University College’s obligations to the student and the

student’s obligations to the University College and fellow students.

Assessment: Assessment of the student’s knowledge, skills and general competence

in a course which encompasses all forms of assessment that provide a basis for

determining a grade in the course.

Chapter 2. Admission

Section 2-1. Admission requirements

(1) For education that is not governed by a national curriculum, minimum

requirements apply for admission according to the programme description.

(2) For self-financed and specially commissioned studies, minimum requirements

apply for admission according to the course plan or special commission agreement.

Section 2-2. Application for local admission

(1) Application deadlines for local admission will be determined by the University

College.

(2) Applications, plus all necessary documentation, must be submitted using the

University College’s electronic application system.

Section 2-3. Ranking of applicants

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If there are more qualified applicants than the number of available places, applicants

will be ranked according to ranking rules provided in supplementary provisions.

Section 2-4. Prior learning and work experience

(1) For admission to further education programmes and master’s programmes on the

basis of prior learning and work experience, necessary academic prerequisites must

be met as minimum requirements for admission.

(2) A decision on approved prior learning and work experience applies only in the

academic year in question, and only to the course of study to which an applicant is

granted admission.

Section 2-5. Minimum requirements for admission to master’s programme

For admission to a master’s programme, an applicant must have a grade average of

C or better.

Section 2-6. Conditional admission

For admission to bachelor’s and master’s programmes, further education and an

educational theory and practice programme, conditional admission may be granted,

cf. the Regulations concerning Admission to Higher Education section 5-1.

Section 2-7. Reserved place

(1) An application may have an offer of admission reserved for one year, or until the

next regular admissions to the study programme or course. This is subject to the

study programme being started in the following year.

(2) An application for reservation of an offer of admission may be granted when

unforeseen and compelling circumstances have arisen resulting in the applicant

being unable to use the offer of admission. Approved grounds may be illness,

pregnancy, responsibility for care of another, call-up for initial military service or the

like.

(3) Applicants who are granted conditional admission under section 2-6 may not

apply for a reserved place at the next admission.

Section 2-8. Certificate of good conduct

For study programmes requiring a police certificate of good conduct, such certificates

must be submitted within the deadlines set upon admission and possibly during the

period of study, cf. the Universities and University Colleges Act section 4-9 and the

Regulations concerning Admission to Higher Education sections 6-1 to 6-9.

Chapter 3. Degrees

Section 3-1. Degrees and vocational training programmes

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(1) The University College of Southeast Norway may award the following degrees

and vocational training programmes:

Degrees:

a. Bachelor’s

b. Master’s

c. Philosophiae Doctor (ph.d.)

Vocational training programmes:

a. primary and lower secondary teacher education programmes for grades 1-

7 and grades 5-10.

b. subject teacher training programme

c. one-year undergraduate teacher training programme

(2) Students who have completed a three-year education of 180 credits in scope

before 1 January 2003 will not be awarded a diploma for a bachelor’s degree.

Section 3-2. Requirements for scope and composition of bachelor’s degree

(1) The basis for the degree shall include one of the following:

a. education governed by a national curriculum, integrated and vocationally-

oriented, of at least 180 credits in scope

b. three-year study programme of 180 credits in scope, with a concentration

in courses with a scope of at least 80 credits, which, under a decision by

the Board of the University College of Southeast Norway, results in a

bachelor’s degree

c. vocationally-oriented course of study of at least 120 credits in scope, plus a

study programme or course groups of 60 credits in total

d. self-composed course of study with a concentration in courses or course

groups of at least 80 credits in scope within an academic area offered by

the University College of Southeast Norway, combined with courses or

course groups of at least 30 credits in scope within another academic area.

The remaining credits may be taken within free-standing courses

e. completed in the first three academic years (180 credits) of four-year

primary and lower secondary teacher education according to the National

Curriculum Regulations

(2) A bachelor’s thesis shall normally be included in the basis for the

degree. All students are entitled to academic supervision in the work on

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the bachelor’s thesis. The extent of mandatory academic supervision

will be indicated in the course plan.

(3) For bachelor’s degrees governed by a national curriculum, no

requirements will be imposed other than those stated in the national

curriculum.

Section 3-3. Requirements for scope and composition of master’s degree

(1) The general requirements for the master’s degree are laid down in the

Regulations concerning Requirements for Master’s Degrees.

(2) The scope of the credits that must be completed before the student may start with

the master’s thesis will be indicated in the programme description.

(3) All students are entitled to academic supervision in the work on the master’s

thesis. The extent of mandatory academic supervision will be indicated in the course

plan and shall be governed in a supervision agreement for master’s degree students.

Chapter 4. Studies and admission to a course or a stury programme

Section 4-1. Admission to a course or a study programme

(1) Admission to a course or a study programme is established when an applicant

accepts an offer of admission.

(2) For degree study programmes, up to two years of extended admission may be

granted after expiry of the nominal period of study. The time limitation of two years

does not include postponed start of a study programme, temporary exclusion or

leaves granted.

(3) For one-year programmes, up to one year of extended admission may be

granted. Extended admission will not be granted for study programmes of shorter

duration.

(4) The right to continue a study programme may be governed by particular

requirements for each individual study programme.

(5) Admission to a course or a study programme ceases when the student confirms

having withdrawn from the study programme in writing, when the study programme

has been completed and a diploma or transcript has been issued or upon loss of the

right to admission to a course or a study programme, cf. section 12-3.

Section 4-2. Course student and external candidate

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(1) A person who meets the admission requirements but has not been granted

admission to a study programme at the University College may apply for admission to

individual courses.

(2) Minimum requirements for admission to individual courses will normally follow the

study programme to which the course belongs, cf. sections 2-1 and 2-5. Admission to

one or more individual courses does not grant a right to a completed degree. This

requires admission to the study programme of which the course is a part.

(3) Persons who meet the admission requirements and other conditions for taking an

examination, but who have not been granted admission, may apply for permission to

take the examination in a course as an external candidate. The rights of external

candidates are limited to permission to participate in public lectures and to take

examinations.

(4) External candidates do not have permission to take examinations in courses

which have work requirements or in courses where they have used up their

examination attempts.

(5) Students who have been excluded from the University College pursuant to the

Universities and University Colleges Act sections 4-7 and 4-8 do not have permission

to take an examination as an external candidate during the period of exclusion.

Section 4-3. Semester registration

The student shall confirm the individual education plan each semester by the

deadline set, including confirmation of course and assessment registration in

StudentWeb for courses during the semester in question.

Section 4-4. Semester fee

(1) Students and external candidates shall pay semester fee each semester within

the deadline set, cf. Lov om studentsamskipnader section 10 (“Act relating to Student

Welfare Organisations” (currently available only in Norwegian)).

(2) During part-time studies abroad, a student still has a right to admission and shall

pay semester fee according to established rates.

Section 4-5. Individual education plan

(1) All students accepted for study programmes of 60 credits or more in scope shall

have an individual education plan. The individual education plan is designed

according to the programme description and set up so that the student will be able to

complete the planned study within the nominal period. The University College may

decide that students attending study programmes with a scope of less than 60 credits

shall also have an individual education plan.

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(2) The individual education plan shall be confirmed by the student each semester in

order to apply. Upon confirmation of the individual education plan, the student will be

automatically registered for teaching and assessment in compulsory courses. The

student must personally register for teaching and assessment in elective courses to

which the student has been admitted.

(3) The individual education plan may be modified as agreed between the faculty and

the student.

Section 4-6. Requirement for progress of study

(1) Admission to a study programme entitles the student to admission to the study

programme and courses included in the study programme. In order to retain the right

to admission, the student must normally show progress equivalent to at least 50 per

cent of nominal progress per academic year.

(2) The student may apply for a modified individual education plan with reduced

progress. Reasons may include functional impairment, particularly burdensome care

responsibilities, pregnancy, illness, injury, initial military service or other particular

grounds that are an obstacle to participation.

Section 4-7. Academic leave of absence

(1) A student must submit a written application for academic leave, including grounds

for this, to the faculty. A documented application must be submitted using the

University College’s form.

(2) A student is entitled to academic leave in the event of pregnancy, adoption and

childcare, cf. the Universities and University Colleges Act Section 4–5.

(3) Leave will be granted in the event of compulsory military service, as well as for

illness and other compelling grounds.

(4) Leave will normally be granted for up to two semesters. In special cases, leave

may be granted for more than two semesters.

(5) Leave will not be granted in the first semester after admission, except for legally-

required parental leave, compulsory military service or other compelling grounds.

(6) Students who have been granted leave continue to have a right to admission at

the University College. A student is entitled to resume studies as soon as possible

and at a level equivalent to that before the leave, if this is practically feasible under

the programme description.

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(7) Leave for reasons other than parental leave, compulsory military service or other

compelling grounds does not entitle a student to special arrangements for teaching or

examination.

Chapter 5. Internationalisation and studies abroad

Section 5-1. Studies abroad and international students

A student shall have an opportunity to complete three to twelve months of education

abroad at the University College’s partner institutions as a part of his or her

bachelor’s or master’s degree. International students who have been nominated by

University College’s partner institutions shall similarly be offered part-time studies at

the University College.

Section 5-2. Priliminary approval

(1) Prior to leaving the country, the student shall have assessed whether the studies

can be credited in the individual education plan. Final recognition will be granted

when the studies have been completed and the preliminary approved courses or

practical learning have been passed.

(2) Preliminary approval of studies abroad applies only for studies completed in

cooperation with the University College’s partner institutions.

(3) While studying abroad, the student must immediately inform the University

College of changes in the study arrangements and possibly request new preliminary

approval.

Section 5-3. Criteria for part-time studies abroad

The student must fulfil the following minimum requirements:

a. have at least one year of education equivalent to 60 credits at the

University College of Southeast Norway or another educational institution

b. should have maintained nominal progress of study

c. must fulfil the requirements at the recipient institution

d. fulfil other requirements prescribed in the programme description and

course plan

Chapter 6. Scope of work, courses and work requirements

Section 6-1. Scope of work

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An academic year is standardised at 60 credits and corresponds to about 1600 hours

of work. The scope of work in the individual course is standardised at 27 hours of

working time per credit.

Section 6-2. Course size

Courses shall normally have a scope of a minimum 7.5 credits and a maximum of 30

credits, unless otherwise stated in a national curriculum, other national provisions or

cooperation with other institutions. Master’s theses may have a scope of 30 to 60

credits.

Section 6-3. Work requirements

(1) It may be required in the programme description and course plan that a work

requirement must be approved before the student may take an examination and/or

continue the studies. Requirements for attendance shall be stated in the course plan.

(2) Work requirements will be assessed as approved/not approved and may not be

appealed.

Section 6-4. Recognition of previous education (specific recognition)

(1) Applications for recognition of passed courses, examinations or documented prior

learning and work experience will be assessed according to the Universities and

University Colleges Act section 3-5.

(2) Applications for recognition of passed courses will be assessed by the faculty in

cooperation with the academic environment that is responsible for the course.

(3) Recognition of examinations and courses included in the degree shall appear on

the diploma.

(4) A bachelor’s or master’s thesis that has previously been included in a degree may

not be included in a new degree.

Section 6-5. Overlapping course content

(1) For courses with content which wholly or partially overlap each other and are to

be included in a degree, the number of credits shall be reduced. The faculty will

decide the scope of the reduction.

(2) A reduction will be granted in the course which has the poorest grade.

Chapter 7. Teaching practice

Section 7-1. Teaching practice

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(1) An external supervisor or practical training supervisor at the practical training site

and the University College’s lecturer will assess the student’s practical training period

as “passed”/”failed”. The University College’s lecturer shall comment on the student’s

qualifications for passing/failing the practical training period. The student is entitled to

academic supervision for the entire period of practical training.

(2) If there is doubt whether the student will achieve the learning outcome and pass

the practical training period, the student shall be notified with a written explanation as

early as possible in the practical training period.

(3) The practical training period may be assessed as “failed” in the event of failure to

fulfil work requirements and attendance.

(4) A student who has been assessed with “fail” twice in the same practical training

period will lose the right to admission to the study programme, cf. section 12-3.

Section 7-2. Postponed teaching practice

(1) Students who have valid absence from practical training, may apply to the faculty

for permission for postponed teaching practice.

(2) Postponed teaching practice may be granted when it is practically feasible with

respect to assignment of practical training places and does not result in a change in

other students’ progress of study.

(3) The faculty will decide whether students with valid absence from practical training

must take the entire practical training period over again and when postponed

teaching practice may be completed.

Section 7-3. Repetition of practical training report

A student is permitted to hand in a new or reworked practical training report once if

the report has been assessed as “failed”.

Chapter 8. Forms of assessment and grading system

Section 8-1. Forms of assessment

(1) The form of assessment shall measure the student’s knowledge, skills and

general competence according to the learning outcome for the course.

(2) The following overall forms of assessment may be used:

a. written examination with invigilation

b. written examination without invigilation

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c. oral examination

d. practical examination

(3) Specifications for applicable forms of assessment are provided in supplementary

provisions.

(4) The form of assessment for the course, any weighting if the course consists of

several sub-assessments, and the duration of a written examination shall be

indicated in the course plan.

(5) Courses of 10 credits or less in scope shall not have sub-assessments, unless

otherwise indicated in national curricula or external collaboration.

(6) It shall be indicated in the course plan if sub-assessments are required to be

passed in a particular sequence.

(7) A written examination with invigilation shall not exceed six hours. The duration for

a written examination without invigilation shall be indicated in the course plan.

(8) All written examinations, both with and without invigilation, shall normally be

handed in with candidate number.

(9) The group assessment as a form of assessment, except for the bachelor’s and

master’s thesis, shall not constitute more than 50 per cent of the basis for

assessment in a study programme.

(10) Oral examination shall be public unless regard for its completion indicates

otherwise. Exceptions to the rule regarding public examination may be made if

compelling reasons so indicate, cf. the Universities and University Colleges Act

section 3-9 subsection 3.

(11) Upon agreement with the student, the University College may use the answer

paper for teaching and research purposes. The answer paper may not be published

or used for other purposes without an agreement between the University College and

the student.

Section 8-2. Grading system

(1) When assessing an examination, normally grades shall be used according to a

scale with five steps from A to E for pass and F for fail.

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(2) The graduated grade scale entails the following general, not subject-specific,

descriptions:

Symbol Designation General, not subject-specific

description of assessment criteria

A Excellent Excellent performance that clearly

distinguishes itself. The student

demonstrates excellent judgement and a

high degree of independent thinking.

B Very good Very good performance. The student

demonstrates very good judgement and

independent thinking.

C Good Consistently good performance that is

satisfactory in most areas. The student

demonstrates good judgement and

independent thinking in the most

important areas.

D Satisfactory An acceptable performance with some

significant shortcomings. The student

demonstrates a certain degree of

judgement and independent thinking.

E Sufficient The performance satisfies the minimum

requirements, but no more. The student

demonstrates little judgement and

independent thinking.

F Fail Performance which does not satisfy the

minimum academic requirements. The

student demonstrates an absence of both

judgement and independent thinking.

(3) Alphabetical grading shall be used to an extent encompassing at least three

fourths of the number of credits for the study programme as a whole.

(4) Weighting of sub-grades when calculating final grade shall be indicated in the

course plan. The usual rules for raising a grade apply. The final grade will be

determined as an alphabetical grade.

(5) After oral examinations that modify the grade for bachelor’s and master’s theses,

the course grade may be adjusted by a maximum of one grade.

(6) Sub-assessments included in the basis for final grade determination shall have

the same form of grade, and each sub-assessment shall consist of one form of

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assessment. If a final grade is determined on the basis of several sub-assessments,

these shall have the same form of grade. The weighting of the individual sub-

assessment shall be indicated in the course plan.

(7) Sub-assessments included in a combined grade will normally not result in the

awarding of credits until all sub-assessments in the course have been passed.

(8) The grade form “pass”/”fail” may be used in courses where another grade

determination is inappropriate. In the theoretical part of the study programme,

“pass”/”fail” may be used for up to one fourth of the credits. Grade form shall be

indicated in the course plan.

Chapter 9. Examination

Section 9-1. Conditions for taking examination

(1) Conditions for taking an examination shall be indicated in the course plan and

may be requirements for completed examinations and approved work requirements

which must be completed, approved and/or passed.

(2) Students who have not paid the semester fee by the deadline are not entitled to

take an examination.

Section 9-2. Examination fee

External candidates and students who take an examination in a tuition-based

programme or course must pay an examination fee.

Section 9-3. Registration for assessment

(1) Students who have confirmed their individual education plan within the deadline

set will be automatically registered for assessment. External candidates and course

students will be registered for an examination when an application has been

approved.

(2) The student is personally responsible for verifying in StudentWeb that the

registration for assessment is correct, no later than the registration deadline.

Section 9-4. Withdrawal from assessment

(1) A student may withdraw from an examination in a course before the announced

withdrawal deadline, or no later than two weeks before the examination date.

Withdrawal is done in StudentWeb.

(2) For bachelor’s and master’s theses, the withdrawal deadline is four weeks. The

student must inform the faculty of the withdrawal in writing.

Section 9-5. Time for examination

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(1) The examination date will be announced in StudentWeb.

(2) A list of examination dates shall normally be available at the start of each

semester and no later than 1 October and 1 March.

(3) An examination will normally be held in the semester in which teaching in the

course ended, according to the course plan applicable at any one time.

Section 9-6. Number of examination attempts

(1) A student may take an examination in the same course up to three times.

(2) The number of attempts applies similarly for work requirements that are a

condition for taking an examination, unless otherwise indicated in the course plan.

(3) After a written, explained and documented application, exemption may be granted

in special cases for a fourth examination attempt. The circumstances used as

grounds for the exemption must have been present at, or immediately prior to, the

time for the examination, and the student must have had reasonable grounds for not

having made use of the opportunity for withdrawal or a medical certificate for valid

absence.

(4) In the event of several attempts at an examination, the best grade will count.

(5) An examination attempt will be counted if the student:

a. has passed the examination

b. withdraws after the expiry of the withdrawal deadline

c. does not appear for the examination

d. does not hand in a written examination without invigilation within the stated

deadline

e. receives the grade of F/”fail”

f. has his or her examination annulled because of cheating or attempted

cheating

(6) A bachelor’s thesis and other major project work may be repeated only once in a

new or reworked form.

(7) A student may hand in a new or reworked master’s thesis once if the master’s

thesis has been assessed as F/”fail”. A new or reworked master’s thesis in the same

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study programme may not be assessed when the master’s thesis has been assessed

with the grades A to E/”pass”.

Section 9-7. Regular examination

(1) A regular examination will be conducted in the semester indicated in the

programme description and course plan.

(2) For handing in an examination without invigilation the University College may

grant a postponement for up to 48 hours if the student immediately can document by

a written physician’s statement or other verifiable documentation that the delay is due

to the student’s own acute illness or illness, death, accident or similar involving a

close relative, or other circumstances that are beyond the student’s control.

Section 9-8. Postponed examination

(1) A student who because of valid absence does not take a regular examination is

normally entitled to take the examination in the following semester.

(2) Students who fail to appear for an examination, or who do not complete another

assessment within the deadline set, must submit written documentation for valid

absence to the University College within one week after the date for an examination

or the deadline set. The documentation must indicate the examination date and shall

generally be dated no later than the day of the examination or the date for handing in

an examination.

(3) Valid absence is the student’s own illness, or a serious illness, death or accident

in the student’s immediate family. Absence due to the student’s own decisions will

not be approved. Absence which is approved will not count as an examination

attempt and will be recorded as “valid absence”.

(4) Students who meet but become ill during an examination may choose whether

they will hand in or withdraw the answer paper. If it is handed in, the answer paper

will be graded. When the answer paper is withdrawn, a physician’s statement

indicating the reason for absence must be delivered to the Examinations Office within

one week after the examination date in order to avoid using up an examination

attempt. The physician’s statement shall normally be issued on the day of the

examination.

(5) A postponed examination will normally be conducted with the same course plan

as at the last regular examination.

Section 9-9. New examination (re-sit examination)

(1) For students who did not pass the regular examination, a new examination will

normally be arranged in the following semester if at least five of these students so

request. For study programmes with progress provisions, a student may take a new

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examination within the same examination period or as early as possible in the

following semester.

(2) For a new examination in the following semester, the same course plan will apply

as for the last regular examination. It is then the student’s own responsibility to check

which course plan applies. That means that the form of assessment and grade form

may be changed. Special requirements may be imposed in the course plan for taking

a new examination.

(3) When a course is removed from the teaching offered, the University College is

obligated to arrange a new examination in the following semester. If there still remain

students with the grade F/”fail” or valid absence in a course that is no longer offered,

a new examination will be arranged one last time in the subsequent semester.

Section 9-10. Language and form of Norwegian

(1) The examination question paper shall be worded and answered in the language

of instruction indicated in the course plan. This applies for all forms of assessment.

(2) Examination question papers will be worded in the form(s) of Norwegian

corresponding to the form of Norwegian for the registered students.

(3) A student may apply for permission to answer an examination or other written

work included in the basis for assessment in a language other than the language of

instruction. An application must be submitted on the University College’s form for

special arrangements before the deadline set, cf. section 9-12.

Section 9-11. Examination support materials

(1) Information shall be provided regarding permitted examination support materials

at the start of each course, and it shall be clearly indicated in the course plan and at

the front of the examination question paper.

(2) The student is personally responsible for bringing permitted examination support

materials, as well as making himself or herself familiar with how these work.

(3) The student is obligated to make all examination support materials available for

inspection.

(4) It is not permitted to use electronic equipment at the examination, or to

communicate on the examination premises or with the outside world, unless

otherwise is indicated in the course plan.

(5) Use or possession of unlawful examination support materials in connection with

the completion of an examination will be considered cheating or attempted cheating,

cf. section 12-1.

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Section 9-12. Special examination arrangements

(1) A student may apply for special examination arrangements within the deadline

set. The University College’s form must be used. Exceptions to the deadline will be

made only if it can be documented that the need for special arrangements arises

after the expiry of the deadline.

(2) The application must contain documentation from a competent authority, such as

a physician, psychologist, speech therapist or other specialist. Normally, an

application shall be made for each semester, unless the need for special

arrangements is permanent. The documentation must contain a description of the

functional impairment and the need for special arrangements.

(3) The special arrangements must not lead to a reduction in the academic

requirements imposed for assessment of the achieved learning outcome.

(4) Other rules on special arrangements are provided in supplementary provisions.

Section 9-13. Examination location

(1) The examination location is normally the premises of the University College at the

campus to which the student belongs.

(2) Students who will be completing parts of their studies abroad and who wish to

take an examination in the University College’s courses must normally do this while

they reside in Norway.

(3) In special cases, a student may apply for an exemption to take an examination at

a different examination location. An application, with the external examination

location’s contact information, must be received by the Examinations Office by the

deadline for applying for special arrangements.

(4) The student will be charged a fee which covers the additional expenses and must

personally cover any expenses which the external examination location requires. The

student must personally make an agreement with the external educational institution.

(5) Students at other educational institutions who wish to use the University College

as an examination location may apply to take an examination at the University

College. If this is granted, a fee shall be paid per examination per student according

to applicable rates, plus any remuneration for an invigilator.

Section 9-14. Digital examination

(1) The University College may hold an examination by use of digital examination

equipment.

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(2) When a written examination with invigilation is held digitally, the student may be

required to bring his or her own equipment, such as a personal computer.

(3) If the student has not prepared the equipment for a digital examination by the

deadline set, the student may lose the right to complete the examination.

Chapter 10. Examiner arrangements and examination result

Section 10-1. Appointment of examiners

(1) The faculty appoints and approves examiners.

(2) The examiner at a regular examination will normally also grade a new

examination.

(3) An external examiner must have at least one of the following qualifications:

a. be employed at the level of university college assistant professor

(“høyskolektor” or “amanuensis”) or higher at a university, university college or

other research institution

b. have documented academic competence within the subject area in question

which qualifies for employment at a minimum as a university college assistant

professor (“høyskolektor” or “amanuensis”) or higher at a university, university

college or other research institution

c. in special cases be qualified in the subject through relevant work experience

(4) An external examiner may not be employed at the University College or be

responsible for teaching in the course at the University College in the same

academic year in which assessment takes place.

Section 10-2. Examiner arrangements

(1) There shall be an external evaluation of the assessment or the assessment

arrangements, cf. the Universities and University Colleges Act section 3–9

subsection 1.

(2) Two examiners shall be used, of which at least one shall be external in the

following cases:

a. when assessing bachelor’s and master’s theses

b. when re-grading under the Universities and University Colleges Act section 5–

2 regarding an appeal in the event of procedural errors in the examination,

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and when re-grading under the Universities and University Colleges Act

section 5–3 regarding an appeal of grade determination

c. when grading an elective course or a specialised syllabus selected by the

student

d. when grading a new course for the first time

(3) Two internal examiners will be used for examinations which do not require an

external examiner.

(4) In the event of disagreement between the examiners, the grading shall be

supplemented with a third, external examiner. The third examiner’s assessment shall

be decisive.

(5) When assessing an oral or practical examination, and when the student is not

legally entitled to appeal, two examiners shall be used.

Section 10-3. Examination result

(1) Deadline for grades and examination result will be announced in StudentWeb.

The student is personally responsible for making himself or herself familiar with the

announcement of grade deadline and examination result.

(2) For oral and practical examinations, the examination result shall normally be

made known to the student the same day as the examination is completed.

(3) An examination result shall be available within three weeks from the date of an

examination. The Board may decide that the deadline for grades shall be extended if

there are particular grounds.

(4) In the event of a new examination result as a result of an appeal, replacement of

examiner in the event of an unforeseen event, or disagreement on a joint grade

awarded, the deadline for announcement of grades will run from the time when a new

examiner/new examiners is/are appointed.

(5) Grades for master’s theses and equivalent major written work with a scope of 30

credits or more shall be available no later than six weeks after the submission

deadline.

Section 10-4. Explanation for determination of grade

(1) A student is entitled to an explanation of the determination of his or her grade, cf.

the Universities and University Colleges Act Section 5-3 and the Public

Administration Act section 25. The examiner will decide whether an explanation shall

be given in writing or orally.

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(2) A request for an explanation must be submitted in writing within one week after

the student has been notified of the examination result. The University College’s form

must be used.

(3) A request for an explanation for an oral or practical examination must be

submitted immediately after a grade has been awarded.

(4) An explanation shall normally be provided within two weeks. The explanation

shall describe the general principles used as the basis for the assessment.

(5) If written guidelines have been provided for the assessment, these shall be

available to the student after a grade has been determined.

(6) An examiner’s explanation for a grade may not be appealed.

(7) The deadline for appealing a grade determination runs from when the explanation

for a grade has been made known to the student.

Chapter 11. Diploma, diploma supplement and transcript

Section 11-1. Diploma and transcript

(1) Diplomas will be issued in Norwegian for degrees and vocational education

achieved. Diplomas will be issued in English for study programmes conducted in

English.

(2) At least 60 of the credits to be included in the basis for the degree must be taken

at the University College of Southeast Norway.

(3) Diplomas will be issued automatically to those students who meet the

requirements after the nominal period of study. A student may reserve the right to

have a diploma issued for up to two semesters.

(4) Students who do not complete the education in the nominal period of study must

submit an application for issuance of a diploma themselves.

(5) A diploma for a self-composed or vocationally-oriented bachelor’s degree will be

issued upon application. The applicant must personally document that the

requirements have been met at the time of application, cf. section 3-2.

(6) For recognition of education previously included in the calculation basis for a

degree, or as a part of a degree or vocational education, the student must also have

taken at least 60 new credits before a new diploma may be issued or a new degree

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awarded, cf. forskrift om godskriving av høyere utdanning section ((“Regulations

relating to Recognition of Higher Education”) currently available only in Norwegian).

(7) Students who have a diploma for education with a scope of 180 credits or more

may not be awarded a new bachelor’s degree in the same subject area. A student

must provide information about diplomas issued from other educational institutions.

(8) A diploma for a degree achieved will be issued in one copy. If it shown to be

probable that the diploma has been lost, a duplicate will be issued in exchange for a

fee.

(9) Other studies will be documented with transcripts.

Section 11-2. Diploma supplement

A diploma supplement is an international diploma addendum that provides a

supplementary description in English of the qualifications the student has achieved.

Chapter 12. Annulment, exclusion, loss of admission to a course or a study

programme and expulsion

Section 12-1. Cheating

(1) Cheating or attempted cheating may result in annulment of an examination, work

requirement or course, exclusion from the University College and loss of the right to

take an examination at all educational institutions subject to the Universities and

University Colleges Act, for up to one year.

(2) Among other things, the following are regarded as cheating or attempted

cheating:

a. use of examination support materials other than those permitted in the

course plan The same applies if the student has such examination support

materials available when completing an examination, even if it cannot be

shown that the examination support material has been used

b. cooperation with other persons beyond what is permitted in the course plan

c. plagiarising, copying, quoting, duplication of academic literature, internet

pages and the student’s own work or that of others without sufficient

attribution of sources

d. use of previously handed in assignments or examinations written by the

student himself or herself, or by others without sufficient attribution of

sources

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e. if the answer is characterised by a lack of independence, is extremely

similar to another answer, or it has obviously been prepared by others

f. contribution to cheating

g. gaining access to an examination by having cheated on work requirements

or the like which are a condition for taking an examination, or having

obtained approval for participation in compulsory teaching or other

compulsory activities on a false basis

(3) When suspicion of cheating or attempted cheating arises, the student shall be

made aware of this immediately. The student will decide himself or herself whether

the examination shall be completed.

(4) The provisions regarding cheating encompass both work requirements and

examinations and will be judged on equal terms.

(5) The University College may give a written warning to students who have

displayed ordinary negligence in actions defined as cheating. The written warning

shall indicate which circumstances are the basis for the assessment.

(6) A student may be assisted by a representative at any stage of the administrative

procedure. If the University College initiates a case for exclusion, the student is

entitled to assistance from an attorney and coverage of attorney’s fees, cf. the

Universities and University Colleges Act section 4-8 Subsection 5.

Section 12-2. Suitability

(1) In study programmes subject to a suitability assessment, the University College

shall assess whether the student is suited for the occupation with respect to the study

programme to which the student has been admitted. A student who is not regarded

as suited for the occupation may be excluded from the study programme, cf. the

Universities and University Colleges Act section 4-10 and the Regulations relating to

Suitability Assessment in Higher Education.

(2) The Suitability Committee will make a recommendation to the University College’s

Appeals Committee, which will pass a final decision.

Section 12-3. Loss of admission to a course or a study programme

(1) The right to admission to a course or a study programme ceases when:

a. the student has not passed the same examination in the same compulsory

course after three examination attempts, and has not been granted an

exemption for a fourth examination attempt

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b. the student has twice not passed the same practical course, practical

training period, bachelor’s thesis, major project work requiring individual or

group supervision or a master’s thesis

c. the student has not registered for the semester

d. the student has not paid the semester fee or other fee set in accordance

with forskrift om egenbetaling ved universiteter og høyskoler ((“Regulations

relating to Tuition Fees at Universities and University Colleges”) currently

available only in Norwegian) by the deadline set

e. the student fails to furnish original documentation or diploma when this is

requested

f. the student has been granted admission through a forged diploma or other

invalid documentation

g. the student does not confirm and update his or her individual education

plan, cf. section 4-3

h. the student has not obtained credits according to requirements for

progress, cf. section 4-6

(2) The student shall be notified in writing according to the rules in the Public

Administration Act before a decision is passed on the loss of his or her right to

admission, cf. the Public Administration Act section 16.

Section 12-4. Expulsion

(1) Where a student behaves in such a manner that he or she grossly disrupts the

activities of fellow students and the University College, the student may be given a

warning pursuant to the Universities and University Colleges Act section 4-8

Subsection 1.

(2) A case may be brought before the University College’s Appeals Committee for

expulsion of a student who does not respect the warning, and for exclusion and loss

of the right to take an examination for a student who does not respect such

expulsion.

Chapter 13. Appeal

Section 13-1. Appeal regarding admission

An appeal regarding a decision not to grant admission must be lodged in writing,

including the grounds for the appeal, with the body that has made a decision to deny

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admission. The applicant shall be provided a written explanation for the denial and

may pursue an appeal when a written explanation has been received.

Section 13-2. Appeal regarding grade

(1) A student may appeal the grade on his or her performance within three weeks

after the grade award is announced or from the time an explanation for a grade has

been provided, cf. the Universities and University Colleges Act sections 5-2 and 5-3.

The appeal must be submitted using the University College’s form.

(2) Assessment of oral performance or practical assessment that cannot be verified

or redone may not be appealed, cf. of the Universities and University Colleges Act

section 5-3 subsection 5.

(3) The student may lodge an individual appeal against the grade in a group

examination. A change in grade after an appeal of a grade may only affect students

who have signed a written appeal.

(4) In the event of an appeal regarding a grade, a new grade will be awarded, cf. the

Universities and University Colleges Act section 5-3 subsection 4. A new assessment

will be made by two examiners, of which at least one examiner shall be external, cf.

the Universities and University Colleges Act section 3-9 subsection 5.

(5) The student’s answer paper shall be submitted to new examiners who shall award

a new grade. The examiners shall not have information about the grade, the

explanation for the grade, or any grounds given by the student for the appeal.

(6) A new grade may be determined to both the advantage and the disadvantage of

the appellant. A new grade awarded may not be appealed, cf. the Universities and

University Colleges Act section 5-3 subsection 6.

(7) If the appeal involves a course included in a diploma that has been issued, the

diploma must be returned to the University College while awaiting a new grade.

Section 13-3. Appeal regarding procedural error in examination

(1) A student who has taken an examination may lodge an appeal regarding

procedural errors that may have had significance for the assessment of one or more

of the students’ performances.

(2) An appeal including its grounds must be submitted within three weeks after the

student is aware, or should have been aware, of the circumstance that is the grounds

for the appeal.

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(3) The student may submit an individual appeal regarding procedural errors in the

examination. A change in grade after an appeal of a grade may only affect students

who have signed a written appeal.

(4) The University College may decide that a new grade will be awarded if it is

obvious that the appeal is justified and that the circumstance that is the subject of the

appeal can only have affected the appellant’s own grade. If the appeal is not upheld,

or there are grounds to believe that the error may have had significance for more

persons than the appellant, the case shall be submitted to the University College’s

Appeals Committee.

(5) If the Appeals Committee finds that procedural errors have been committed that

may have had significance for one or more of the students’ performances or the

assessment of these, it may be decided that a new grade shall be awarded either

only for the appellant or for all students who have taken the examination. It may also

be decided that the examination shall be annulled and that a new examination shall

be held.

(6) A grade determination for a new examination result after an appeal regarding

procedural errors in an examination may be appealed according to the rules in the

Universities and University Colleges Act section 5-3.

Chapter 14. Other provisions

Section 14-1. Transitional provisions

Where a student’s course of studies is covered by both this regulation and previous

Regulation for Admission, Studies and Examination at Buskerud and Vestfold

University College or previous regulation for Admission, Studies and Examination at

Telemark University College, decisions shall be passed in the student’s favour where

a conflict exists.

Section 14-2. Enter into force

(1) This regulation enters into force from 1 January 2016.

(2) Simultaneously are following regulations set aside:

a. Regulation 11 November 2013 no. 1365 for admission, studies and

examination at Buskerud and Vestfold University College.

b. Regulation 12 March 2015 no. 625 for admission, studies and examination at

Telemark University College.

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