Learning and Assessment Regulations

TU DELFT EXTENSION SCHOOL FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION

Last updated on: 5 October 2021

1. General   

A.     Introduction to this regulation

i.    To ensure that professional learners have a good learning experience, these regulations contain the rules regarding the education and assessments of courses that are offered under the responsibility of the TU Delft Extension School for Continuing Education, which will be referred to as the ‘Extension School’ (ES).  
ii.    The Extension School catalogue includes courses and short learning programmes as follows and if not specified, these will be referred to as ‘courses(s)’:

a.    MOOCs, MicroMasters and short programmes on third third-party platforms/edX
b.    Online Academic Courses
c.    Professional Education courses (ProfEd)
d.    Professional Certificate programmes (PCP).

iii.    These regulations are in accordance with the TU Delft Conditions for Contract Education.
iv.    The TU Delft Extension School expects professional learners to follow the TU Delft Code of Conduct. Other rules (where applicable) include (1): 

-    the TU Delft Regulations for the use of Buildings, Grounds and Facilities by Students and Visitors;
-    the TU Delft Management Regulations for the use of Educational ICT Facilities by Students;
-    the TU Delft Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics.

B.     Definition of terms

The following terms are used in these regulations: 

Assessmentrefers to an evaluation of the learner’s knowledge, skills and insights in relation to a course. Assessments take different forms and could include graded assignments or a proctored examination.
Board of Examinersfaculties that offer online academic courses have a board of examiners that is responsible for assessments, exceptions and fraud with regards to these courses.
Code of Conductensures that learners who register for a platform comply with the regulations around its use. The TU Delft Code of Conduct gives direction to all members of the TU Delft community on how to act, how to respond to integrity-related issues, and how to maintain a high level of respect for each other, for the world and the environment. Learners who take ES courses  offered through third-party platforms also follow their code of conduct.
Capstonea case/project-based course that is the final part of a series of courses, which integrates all the gained knowledge and skills.

Contract Education

a course or series of courses for which the learner cannot derive any rights or obligations from the Netherlands Higher Education and Research Act (WHW) and for which he/she pays for each course or series of courses.
Course Syllabusthe course syllabus contains information about the course or series of courses and outlines the learning objectives, study load and form of assessments. Learners have access to the course syllabus upon successful enrolment into a course.
Course Teamthe team that is responsible for the content and operations of the course. This includes the lecturers, teaching assistants and course coordinator (if appointed).
Course Websitethe course website of either the TU Delft Extension School or the course provider pages that contain specific information on the courses or series of courses.
Creditcredit is defined in study load either in accordance with the Continuing Education Unit (CEU) or with the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). One CEU corresponds to a study load of 10 hours. One EC corresponds to a study load of 28 hours. Only Online Academic Courses have a study load defined in ECTS. Credits are indicated on issued certificates.
Director of ES Educationis primarily accountable for the management and development of the portfolio of courses and programs offered by ES to meet academic standards, societal demand, market relevance and external learners’ needs.
ES Advisory Boardmonitors the selection and structure of the ES catalogue and gives advice on the development of the portfolio priority themes and the portfolio development strategy in relation to market relevance and learners’ needs. The Advisory Board can also advise on the methods of education and assessment.
ES Quality Assurance Board
(ES QA Board)		is responsible for the overall quality of examinations and final assessments, and thus that of certificates issued by ES. The ES QA Board monitors compliance with the ES QA processes.
Fraudis committed when it is not possible to accurately assess the knowledge of  learners. Fraud includes the use of forbidden materials during assessments, copies of the assessment questions or assignment beforehand or sharing assessment questions with others. It also includes committing plagiarism (such as copying the work of others and presenting it as own work, either on purpose or due to carelessness and/or incomplete referencing).
Learnera participant in courses who does not intend to attain a formal degree within the meaning of the Higher Education and Research Act. Such learners are also known as non-degree students and cannot derive any rights or obligations from the Netherlands Higher Education and Research Act and for which he/she pays for each course or series of courses.
Online Academic Coursesthese are accredited campus BSc or MSc courses that are part of Bachelor or Master programmes at TU Delft. Online academic courses result in ECTS credits.
Terms and Conditionsthe TU Delft term and conditions are applicable to all learners (non-degree students).
Third Party PlatformsES courses can be offered via third-party platforms (such as edX). In such cases the learner also follows the terms and conditions and code of conduct of the third-party platforms, which can be found on their website.

 

2. Entry level, prior education and work experience

C.    Entry level to course(s) 

    i.    In general, the course website gives advice on the entry level for the course(s). These are based on suggested prior knowledge, (professional) skills, and insights that are suited to meeting the learning objectives. It is the responsibility of the learner to ensure they meet the entry level to successfully complete the course.
    ii.    In the case of some short learning programmes, there may be a requirement to complete a course or set of prior courses before enrollment. If so, this will be stipulated on the course website and checked as part of the enrollment process.

    3. Content and course structure

    D.    Learning objectives and course structure 

    i.    Each course syllabus has a set of learning objectives. Where there is a series of courses, the learning objectives of each course are aligned for a coherent programme curriculum. The course syllabus describes the study load and the way assessments are conducted (frequency, types of assessment). 
    ii.    On successful completion of a MOOC or ProfEd course/programme, ES will issue a certificate (where applicable) as specified on the course website. On successful completion of an online academic course, TU Delft will issue a certificate (where applicable) as specified on the course website.
    iii.    All certificates are digital and issued only once.

    E.      Participation and course completion

    i.    Learners should participate actively in the course(s) in which they are registered. In order to participate, learners they  need to have access to a functional device, internet connection, electricity and other necessary facilities for completing a course.
    ii.    If learners are expected to complete an assessment or meet any other requirements to successfully complete the course, these are described in the course syllabus.

    F.     Course evaluation 

    i.    To continuously improve ES education, the Director of ES Education is responsible for the regular evaluation of all its education. The evaluation process is documented in the ES Quality Assurance Manual. The Director informs the ES Advisory Board concerning the outcomes of the evaluation and the course improvements that will be made as a result. 

    *** 

    THE SECTIONS 4-7 BELOW HAVE DIFFERENT REGULATIONS DEPENDING ON THE TYPE OF COURSE/PROGRAMME BEING FOLLOWED IN THE ES CATALOGUE

    4. Registration for courses and assessments

    G. 4.1. MOOCs, MicroMasters and short programmes on third party platforms/edX

    i.    Learners should register for a course before the registration deadline via the course website. Learners who are not registered for a course (according to the prescribed procedure) cannot participate in that course.
    ii.    Registration for a verified certificate for a course also implies registration for an assessment (if any). 
    iii.    Cancellations and/or refunds (if applicable) follow the regulations of the third-party platforms. TU Delft Conditions for Contract Education are not applicable. 

    G. 4.2 Online Academic Courses

    i.    Learners should register for a course before the registration deadline via the course website. Learners who are not registered for a course (according to the prescribed procedure) cannot participate in that course.
    ii.    The ES may restrict participation in a course in the following cases:

    a.    if a course is cancelled due to unforeseeable circumstances. 
    b.    if a course is cancelled or postponed due to fewer enrolments than the minimum number required to run the course.
    c.    if a course has reached a maximum number of participants as specified on the course website.
    d.    if a course has a specified entry level and this is not met.
    e.    Other reasons as specified in the course website and/or syllabus.

    iii.    Registration for a course also implies registration for an assessment (if any). 
    iv.    Cancellations and/or refunds (if applicable) are addressed as per the refund policy (Article 8, TU Delft Conditions for Contract Education). 

    G. 4.3 Professional Education courses and Professional Certificate Programmes

    i.    Learners should register for a course before the registration deadline via the course website. Learners who are not registered for a course (according to the prescribed procedure) cannot participate in that course.
    ii.    ES may restrict participation in a course in the following cases:

    a.    if a course is cancelled due to unforeseeable circumstances 
    b.    if a course is cancelled or postponed due to fewer enrolments than the minimum number required to run the course
    c.    if a course has reached a maximum number of participants as specified on the course website.
    d.    if a course has an entry level and this is not met
    e.    Other reasons as specified in the course website and/or syllabus.

    iii.    Registration for a course also implies registration for an assessment (if any). 
    iv.    Cancellations and/or refunds (if applicable) are addressed as per the refund policy (Article 8, Terms and Conditions for Contract Education). 

    5. Assessments, results and validity of results

    H. 5.1 MOOCs, MicroMasters and short programmes on third party platforms/edX

    i.         The course team lecturer is responsible for results of assessments being shared as quickly as possible and  no later than 15 working days after the assessment. 
    ii.    Learners can contact the  course team directly about any questions regarding their results. If no agreement is reached between the learner and the course team, the course team can escalate the case to the ES Quality Assurance Board (QABoard.ES@tudelft.nl) for a binding settlement.  
    iii.    The ES Quality Assurance Board may declare an assessment invalid if a proper assessment of the knowledge, insight and skills has not proved reasonably possible. The ES Quality Assurance Board may draw up further rules for this.
    iv.    In general, the period of validity of course results from an assessment is indefinite. 

    H. 5.2 Online Academic Courses

    i.    With the approval of the course team, there can be one retake of the final assessment. In exceptional cases, the Board of Examiners of the faculty offering the course may grant an extra retake.
    ii.    The course team lecturer is responsible for results of assessments being shared as quickly as possible and no later than 15 working days after the assessment. 
    iii.    Learners can contact the course team  directly  for any questions regarding their results. If no agreement is reached between the learner and the course team, the course team can escalate the case to the Board of Examiners of the responsible faculty for a binding settlement.  
    iv.    The Board of Examiners of the faculty may declare an assessment invalid if a proper assessment of the knowledge, insight and skills has not proved reasonably possible.
    v.    In general, the period of validity of course results from an assessment is indefinite. 

    H. 5.3 Professional Education courses and Professional Certificate Programmes

    i.    With approval of the course team, there can be one retake of the final assessment. In exceptional cases, the ES Quality Assurance Board may grant an extra retake.
    ii.    The course team lecturer is responsible for  results of assessments being shared as quickly as possible and no later than 15 work days after the assessment. 
    iii.    Learners can contact the course team directly for any questions regarding their results. The course team needs to provide the learner with a copy of the assessment work, if requested. If no agreement is reached between the learner and the course team, the learner or course team can escalate the case to the ES Quality Assurance Board (QABoard.ES@tudelft.nl) for a binding settlement.  
    iv.    The ES Quality Assurance Board may declare an assessment invalid if a proper assessment of the knowledge, insight and skills has not proved reasonably possible. The ES Quality Assurance Board may draw up further rules for this.
    v.    In general, the period of validity of course results from an assessment is indefinite. 
    vi.    For some courses which form part of a programme, the period of validity can be restricted by the Director ES Education only if the knowledge and/or insight that was examined has become outdated or if the skills that were examined have become outdated. This is sometimes the case for short learning programmes (as courses are being regularly updated). In such cases the period of validity is clearly stated on the course website or course syllabus. In such cases, if there are any delays from the ES side, the validity will be extended by the duration of the delay. 
    vii.    In individual cases, the ES Quality Assurance Board may extend periods of validity. 

    6. Fraud and Code of Conduct

    I. 6.1 MOOCs, MicroMasters and short programmes on third party platforms/edX

    i.    The course team/lecturer is responsible for dealing with individual cases. The ES Quality Assurance Board does not deal with individual cases of fraud and/or plagiarism. However, if there is a case of large scale fraud and/or plagiarism, the ES Quality Assurance Board can advise the course team to allow a re-take of the assessment/assignment, or to stop/revoke the issuance of the course certificate. The ES Quality Assurance Board can also recommend to stop the further participation of a learner in the course. 

    I. 6.2 Online Academic Courses

    i.    If fraud is detected or suspected during the final assessment, the Board of Examiners of the faculty offering the course, can decide on one of the following sanctions (depending on the seriousness of the case):

    a. an invalid result 
    b. a withdrawal or revocation of the certificate.

    ii.    In cases where there has been a breach of the TU Delft Code of Conduct, the Board of Examiners of the faculty offering the course can decide to either bar the learner from further participation in the course or  stop/revoke the issuance of a certificate. 
    iii.    Learners can contact the Board of Examiners of the faculty that is offering the Online Academic Course in case of disputes that cannot be solved with the course team. Please check the course syllabus for contact details. 

    I. 6.3 Professional Education courses and Professional Certificate Programmes

    i.    The course team/lecturer can contact the ES Quality Assurance Board with regards to fraud and/or plagiarism. The ES Quality Assurance Board can decide on one of the following sanctions (depending on the seriousness of the case):

    a. an invalid result 
    b. a withdrawal or revocation of the certificate. 

    ii.    In cases where there has been a breach of the TU Delft Code of Conduct, the ES Quality Assurance Board will decide what action to take with regards to the further rights of the learner(s) on the platform and in the course. The ES Quality Assurance Board can decide to either bar the learner from further participation in the course or stop/revoke the issuance of a certificate. 
    iii.    Learners can contact the ES Quality Assurance Board in case of disputes that cannot be solved with the course team: QABoard.ES@tudelft.nl 

    7. Studying with a disability or chronic illnesses

    J.    Reasonable adjustments to assessments

    i.    Learners with disabilities or chronic illnesses may be eligible for reasonable adjustments in assessments upon a written request. Reasonable adjustments may include modifications to the form and/or duration of assessments and/or practical exercises to suit individual situations. These adjustments are coordinated to accommodate the personal situation of the learner as much as possible, but should not alter the quality and/or level of difficulty of an assessment.
    ii.    Decisions concerning adjustments relating to assessments are taken by the ES Quality Assurance Board.

    ***

    8. Final provisions

    K. Conflicts with the regulations

    i.    In the case of conflict between provisions in the course syllabus and other documents concerning the relevant learning and assessment, what is communicated in the course syllabus will take precedence.

    L. Amendments to these regulations and dissemination

    i.    Amendments to these regulations are adopted and implemented by the Director of ES Education
    ii.    Amendments to these regulations may not lead to disadvantageous changes to any decisions that have been made regarding individual learners.
    iii.    The Director of ES Education is responsible for ensuring that these regulations – and any amendments - are suitably announced.
    iv.    In any case, the Learning and Assessment Regulations are to be posted (and updated as necessary) on the TU Delft Extension School (Online Learning) website.

    M. Entry into force

    i.    These regulations enter into force on 05 October 2021.
    ii.    These regulations are adopted by the Director of ES Education on 05 October 2021.

     

    (1) TU Delft Conditions for Contract Education; Article 11.2