Module Exemptions

What is an Exemption?

An exemption on the basis of exceptional circumstances is required if there is a change to the module descriptor after delivery has commenced, an amendment is required outside of Module Descriptor Edit Timelines or if grades or feedback cannot be provided within the timelines specified in the Academic Regulations. 

The ’Please Note’ section on the My Modules menu in the CMS gives an overview of:

• what is open/closed for edit
• when an exemption is required
• sections in the module descriptor that can be amended without an exemption

When is an Exemption not required?

The following changes to the module descriptor do not require an exemption and can be submitted directly to your Curriculum College Liaison or (opens in a new window)curriculum@ucd.ie for implementation:

• Removal of Requisites
• Updates to Module Status
• Reading List
• Indicative Module Content
• FTE or Brightspace set up
• Module Places - updates should be directed to (opens in a new window)systems.data@ucd.ie outside of edit windows but please note that module places can be updated by school administrators with school-level access at various times during the academic year. Details of the timelines are outlined on the Major & Module List Mgmt Edit Timelines doc
  

An exemption request can be raised by the Module Coordinator or, in exceptional circumstances, by a colleague with school-level access on behalf of the module coordinator.

For further information on who has the above access in your school, you can refer to the Curriculum Management Access Roles report.

Exemptions can be submitted/requested via the My Modules menu in the CMS. You can refer to the Module Exemption User Guide guide, Module Exemption Checklist or our (opens in a new window)How to request a Module Exemption video guide for instructions and information on how to submit an exemption.

Note: please ensure you are raising the exemption request for the correct academic year. 

You will not be able to submit an exemption to update a section of the module descriptor that is open for edit in the relevant academic year. Please refer to the CMS edit timelines for further details.

Exemption Tracking

Exemption requests that have been stored as a draft, submitted, approved or completed will appear in the 'My Exemption Requests' section via the Module Exemption Requests menu in the CMS.

If you have school/college-level access, you will see exemption requests that are in progress for modules associated with your school in the 'My School(s) Exemption Requests' section via the Module Exemption Requests menu in the CMS.

Exemption Approval

Once you submit your exemption request, it will require approval from both the Head of School and the College Vice Principal for Teaching & Learning before it can be implemented.

 If approved by the Vice Principal for Teaching & Learning, it will be directed to one of the following UCD Registry teams:

• Assessment: for exemptions relating to the Assessment and Feedback sections
  
• Curriculum Team: for amendments to all other module descriptor sections

Automatic emails are generated at each step of the exemption process to inform those involved of its progress.

Exemption Reporting

Exemption requests can be reported on via the Module Exemption Reporting menu in the CMS. 

Exemption requests, including those that do not require a change to the module descriptor, such as delays to provision of feedback or grade entry are reviewed on an annual basis by the University Programmes Board.