This Charter is applicable primarily to students on distance-learning programmes. In addition, the adoption of this Charter is strongly encouraged for affiliated campuses.

I. This Charter sets out the clear commitment of the Western Orthodox University to provide high standards of quality in the services that are offered to enrolled students and others. It is written in accordance with the University’s Charter and Regulations.

II. The principal objective of the Western Orthodox University is to provide adult tertiary education of high quality through distance learning and affiliated on-campus courses. The University aspires to excellence in every aspect of its programme delivery.

III. This Charter outlines what you can expect from the University, what the University expects from you and what you can do if something goes wrong.

IV. The University will endeavour to achieve the standards set out in this Charter, but the commitments it contains are expressions of intent and are not legally binding obligations.

What you can expect from the University

V. The University will value each student as an individual and treat each student with respect.

VI. The University will provide high-quality programmes of study emphasizing flexibility, individual student choice and academic recognition of learning wherever and whenever it has taken place, and deliver them effectively.

VII. The University will provide information on relevant aspects of the University, the services and programmes it offers.

VIII. The University will assist students to achieve their learning goals by respecting their learning aims and listening to their feedback.

IX. The University will offer extra help where practicable if you have a disability or need additional learning support.

X. The University will provide access to adequate learning resources to enable you to complete your studies, having regard to the student-contracted nature of much of our distance learning programme.

XI. The University will conduct regular review and audit of the programmes offered to you, and update or revise them as appropriate.

XII. The University will offer advice and help when you complete your programme.

XIII. The University will provide a learning environment, whether physical or virtual, that is appropriate for the purpose and that enables effective delivery of the programme.

What the University expects from you

XIV. You must make a declaration on accepting your Course Place Offer that you will at all times whilst enrolled abide by University rules and regulations.

XV. You must respect the property of the University, its staff, other students and any affiliates.

XVI. You must behave in a considerate manner that shows respect for others who are learning, teaching and working in the University.

XVII. You must take responsibility for your learning, submitting requested documentation, assignments and other materials on time and working to the best of your ability at all times.

XVIII. You must support University staff and other students in maintaining the University as a safe and welcoming learning environment.

XIX. You must pay all fees promptly and in full.

XX. You must inform the appropriate staff member (usually your mentor) if there are any adverse circumstances that will affect your programme or learning experience, as soon as is practicable.

XXI. You must act to maintain and enhance the University’s reputation at all times, and not act in any way that would bring that reputation into disrepute.

XXII. If you are in breach of any of sections XIV to XXI inclusive, you may be temporarily or permanently excluded from the University.

What to do if something goes wrong

XXIII. If something goes wrong and you consider that you have been treated unfairly, the University will investigate your complaint to the best of its ability, offer you an explanation and put things right wherever we can.

XXIV. The University hopes that grievances can be resolved informally in almost all cases. However, if you are not satisfied with the results of an informal resolution, you may invoke the University’s formal complaints procedures, details of which are given in the University’s Regulations.