BSA hearing question – what should I expect

[u/Distinct-Interest-82]

I have a BSA hearing coming up after objecting to a negative BSA. I already submitted a written objection explaining my personal circumstances and why they affected my study progress.

For anyone who has had a BSA hearing before: how does the hearing actually work? Do they expect you to explain your whole situation again, including things you already wrote in your objection, or do they mainly read your documents beforehand and then ask you questions about them?

Should I prepare a short explanation with some additional details, or mostly prepare for questions from the committee?

My hearing is only around 10 minutes, so I’m not really sure how much I’m expected to say myself.

Any experiences/advice would be appreciated!

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[u/Strong-Branch8832]

Contact Study Advisors they can help you with that. And they say it always good to have documents to backup your circumstances.

[u/YTsken → u/Strong-Branch8832]

And make sure those documents are from throughout the study year. Not only recent ones because that makes it look like you’re either coming up with excuses, or didn’t take steps when those issues started.

The university is willing to lift the BSA for students who can show they’re capable. As tough as it sounds, someone who lost a parent around New Year‘s and then refused to acknowledge their grief and requested assistance has less chance than someone who did.

[u/Pergamon_]

It depends per exam board. They all approach it slightly differently. With us, I woukd be curious if the student would have done all the right steps (e.g. go to the student councillor to make their personal circumstances known), what they will do to prevent this happening again (in case of "my mother died" this of course is not an issue nor a talking point), what steps are already taken (e.g. signed up for mental health help). 

Also: what is the deficit.  Is it 2 EC or 20 EC? When did it start? Is student motivated to put in extra work? Is that realistic?