Course Summary

The MA in International Journalism is a course for our times, designed to respond to the various challenges of globalisation and the need for a more internationalised approach to journalism. The degree will challenge those from the UK and beyond to think past their national perspectives, comprehending that to get the `full story you need to look across both geographical borders and traditional divisions within journalism. Todays big stories are complex, simultaneously political, economic, hyper-local and global. On the course you will learn and critique theories relating to the role of the media and globalisation and will have the opportunity to practice journalism across various media platforms, using our new state-of-the-art digital newsroom.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Evaluate and analyse globalisation its many guises, including: the nature of the global downturn; the role of important transnational global economic and political players; and how digital technologies and new media and business opportunities and challenges have changed how journalists work
• Learn the craft of thorough and effective journalism practice for audiences from the hyper-local to the global, instructed by experienced professionals
• Develop an internationalised approach to journalism beyond specific cultural perspectives, deepening the level analysis
• Learn and practice the latest academic and journalistic research techniques
• Articulate your journalism across a series of media platforms
• Produce under supervision a final project or subject of your choice, either in the form of a journalistic portfolio or as an academic dissertation

Why choose this course?

What is international journalism?

Journalists on the course will critically evaluate how globalization and international organisations have changed journalism and the world in the internet age, responding with a more joined-up internationalized approach, in order to attain the full story. (The Global Reporter)

The masters journalists will also analyse and develop different approaches to journalistic practice from around the world, including the norms of the Anglo-American and various European models. Here students will exchange their comprehensions of the world, often seen through the prism of their own nations and media. (Journalism Practices Around The World). They will critically evaluate national perceptions of the world, as articulated through the media. Hence they will be expected to evaluate a more internationalised approach here also (albeit from a different vantage point from the articulation of `international in The Global Reporter).

A dialogue between various notions of international journalism will be a rich source of debate, analysis and sometimes creative tension, informing and underpinning the degree.

The proposed masters in International Journalism is not an adjunct to an existing masters in journalism, aimed at home students. As a result an opportunity is presented in which a genuinely international approach (in its various guises) can be taken to the programme of study.

Theory informing practice and vice versa.

On all units, theory will inform practice and often vice versa as opposed to separate theory and practical units. The opportunity offered to flexibly combine intensive theoretical analysis of journalism in a global context, with reflective journalistic practice, is unique in the UK. Masters journalists will for instance also discern the differences between academic and journalistic approaches to research as well as how they converse and inform each other.

Conversing with different media platforms.

Masters students will be in a strong position to learn about the very latest media platforms journalists are working on (and learn how they converse, in producing the same story, in a different medium), in a new £250,000 newsroom.(Multi-platform Journalism)

The newsroom will serve students who need to know about traditional ways of working in the studio. However, due to the choices of equipment made, masters journalists will also need to be appraised of how to work in the field, harnessing on-line kit to help broadcast from say remote places. There are also new jobs for `Social Network editors, as Tara Kelly of the Huffington Post, has made clear to us. Our newsroom means we will be in a position to meet those new requirements from the industry.

Creating an opportunity from the crisis.

Masters journalists are then in a strong position to re-enforce their skills, by working on a series of professional media outlets in Luton, linked to the University but ultimately maintaining editorial independence from it. These include the University community radio station, RadioLab (on radio, on-line, on video), and TVLab. With various media outlets overhauling their business model and in a state of flux over how to respond in the digital age, offering internships is a low priority. The aforementioned professional media outlets are a means of the University responding and securing invaluable work experience for masters students. Similarly, with the very real possibility of some local media disappearing, RadioLab could mean the University play a very important role in contributing to the social fabric of the surrounding community, by making sure that community is well-informed and empowered by making sure some local journalism survives.

Students will also work on their numeracy, producing financial spreadsheets and surveys. Masters journalists will also learn to mine for data. With one of the key focuses of news coverage being the economic downturn, those on the degree will develop some of the specific skills required in providing a journalistic response to the publics need for clarity of information (Research Methods).

Further Information

MAIJOAAF

Assessment

The core units contain both formative and summative assessments, and it is during these units that students should learn the range of competences and knowledge necessary to succeed on the courses. For their project work students can undertake: a traditional dissertation; or a portfolio of diverse practical journalism work. The courses utilizes: oral presentations of academic arguments; oral pitches of stories; essays; case study projects; self-reflective logs and blogs; the writing of news, news features and features.

The assessment philosophy of the MA in International Journalism Award conforms to the recommendations of the QAA Benchmarking statement for Communication, Media, Film and Cultural Studies (2008). Hence work will be diagnostic (often at the outset, as with proficiency in academic and journalistic writing), formative, summative and evaluative (2008: p17).

It is essential that the procedures used for the assessment of students' achievements will correspond with the knowledge, abilities and skills that are to be developed through their degree programme.

Evidence on which assessment of student achievement is based, will include (2008: p17):

Diagnostic work

Individual and group oral and written theoretical and journalistic presentations

Critical self-evaluation in reflective logs and blogs

Critical peer evaluation in peer assessments

Research diaries

Individual or group portfolios of journalistic work

Tasks aimed at the re-enforcement of specific writing and media production skills

Engagement with the journalism industry, via guest speakers and journalistic output.

Short and long essays.

Dissertations.

The course assessment strategy is compliant with the University of Bedfordshires Quality Assurance Regulations (http://www.beds.ac.uk/aboutus/qa/documents).

Assessment throughout the units, most notably in the research project, will call upon abstract writing and journal review skills to promote critical thinking and integration of knowledge across the course units. The importance of oral communication skills is also acknowledged across units.

All assessed work will be marked on the 16-point grade scheme used throughout the University. The pass grade for all units will be grade 5 or above.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to:-

1. Debate, analyse and evaluate a series of theoretical and intellectual debates relating to the role and effectiveness of journalism and harness this analysis in formulating a more effective synthesis of ideas and arguments in your academic work.

2. Debate, analyse and evaluate a series of theoretical and intellectual debates relating to the role and effectiveness of journalism and harness this analysis in formulating a more effective synthesis of ideas and arguments in your journalistic work.

3. Debate, analyse and evaluate a series of theoretical and intellectual debates concerning journalisms relationship with the wider society and harness this analysis in formulating a more effective synthesis of ideas and arguments in your academic work.

4. Debate, analyse and evaluate a series of theoretical and intellectual debates concerning journalisms relationship with the wider society and harness this analysis in formulating a more effective synthesis of ideas and arguments in your journalistic work.

5. Debate, analyse and evaluate your journalistic work (and that of others) and harness this analysis in informing a more effective synthesis of ideas and arguments in your academic work.

6. Analyse and then produce rigorous, ethical and accurate journalism: for a series of platforms, aimed at various models of journalism, including the Anglo-American and various European models.

7. Analyse and then produce rigorous, ethical and accurate journalism in different genres aimed at various models of journalism, including the Anglo-American and various European models.

8. Apply the significant skills and knowledge base attained during the degree to all academic and journalistic output, creating an effective synthesis.

9. Critique, analyse and evaluate your own academic and journalistic output, demonstrating self-awareness as a self-critical reflective practitioner, capable of working autonomously in journalism or one of the related industries.

External Benchmarking

The QAAs Communication, Media, Film and Cultural Studies (2008) benchmarking standards

The QAAs document on Masters degree descriptors (2008).

Educational Aims

This programme is designed to enable students to construct their own learning pathways through the study of international journalism. You can learn or update the analytical and practical skills vital to the conduct of journalistic, commercial or academic research. You will have the opportunity to expose yourself to best journalistic practice across the television, radio, online, and print media. You will gain a grounding in the fast developing theories about how journalism works and should be working in different national contexts which you will be able to demonstrate through theoretically informed portfolios of journalism on these themes and through academic essays. In the final semester, you will apply what you have learned to a topic of your own choosing and with the help of individual supervision from our journalistically and academically trained staff you can produce either a portfolio of work or an academic dissertation.

The 5 units within the course allow for combinations leading to 3 possible awards (Master of Arts degree, Postgraduate Diploma, and Postgraduate Certificate) depending upon successfully completing the following credit :

Units and credit values

1. The Global Reporter (30 credits)

2. Journalism Practices Around The World (30 credits)

3. Research Methods (30 credits)

4. Multiplatform Journalism (30 credits)

5. Research Project (60 credits)

The course is currently designed for full-time or part-time attendance. Typically, part time students will take two units per year and carry out the research project in the third year. The 5 units within the course allow for combinations leading to 3 possible awards:

(i) Masters of Arts degree (MA)

(ii) Postgraduate Diploma (PgD), and

(iii) Postgraduate Certificate (PgC).

The course also is due to start in February, 2012 and will have both a February and September starting point.

Students successfully completing the full diet of taught units plus the research project (totalling 180 credits) will receive the award of Masters of Arts.

PgD and PgC would be considered as exit awards. Students who successfully complete four taught units only (120 credits) will receive a PgD.

Students who successfully complete two of four 30 credits unit combinations (total 60 credits) will receive a PgC.

Student support

Journalism MA Courses are managed by the Field Chair with administrative support. Each unit has a unit tutor. Students can get general academic advice from the Field Chair and unit specific support from the relevant unit tutor. For the research project, you will have your own individual tutor who you will see regularly. Students with specific study or general problems will be referred to CAAS. General details on university level student support can be found at: http://www.beds.ac.uk/studentlife/support.

A full Induction week programme will be provided for the students. In this week students will

• meet the members of the journalism teaching team and key CATS faculty staff
• have the student support system explained
• complete enrolment forms
• receive the course handbook and engage with it fully
• tour the relevant University sites/facilities, including Learning Resources, Division of Journalism and Communications and Student Centre
• receive training on BREO, IT and start to utilise discussion boards, as a means of exchanging information, solving initial problems and negotiating issues relating to culture and integration within Bedfordshire
• receive information on plagiarism and ethics in research
• undergo an initial introduction to the course and staff, at which the teaching team will make an initial diagnosis of group dynamics, with a view to creating a mutually supportive peer group
• establish who their personal tutor is.

At any time, 24 hours a day, throughout your course, you will have access to online support through both www.beds.ac.uk and via the BREO Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

BREO, student appointments and personal tutors

Students may be required, at the discretion of the Course Leader, to undergo diagnostic testing for academic English language abilities, and may further be required, at the Course Leaders discretion, to participate in academic English support workshops or classes laid on by the University

BREO (the Universitys Blackboard based Virtual Learning Environment - VLE) provides a great deal of help and back-up material such as lecture notes and additional background information on all units. In some cases there are discussion boards and students can get in touch with lecturers and tutors vie e-mail. BREO also provides a certain amount of distance learning, revision material and formative assessments as well as containing all the administrative material needed such as the unit handbook and regular announcements.

In addition all unit co-ordinators have set times during which students may book an appointment to discuss academic issues arising from a unit. Each student will be allocated a personal tutor to provide a spectrum of support ranging from assisting in the induction process to personal development planning. Student support will also be provided by the course leader, unit coordinators, lecturers, supervisors and students own peer groups.

Presentations will also be given by representatives of the Corporate Academic Advisory service (CAAS), the Learning Resources Centre (LRC), Professional and Academic Development (PAD) and the Student Union. The programme for Induction Week 2011 can be seen in Appendix (D).

Student feedback is monitored through the student course representatives at the course committee meetings and USP questionnaires.

Language Proficiency

Students will be expected to have the requisite English language entry qualification and having presented a portfolio of journalistic work, prior to starting the masters degree, demonstrating their aptitude and suitability. However some may nevertheless still require extra support in their use of the English language to meet the demands of a course in which language plays a central role. These students will be expected to attend tailor-made English courses for Journalists, provided by the Division of Language and Communication and failure to do so could ultimately result in a failure to progress.

Through diagnostic testing in Induction Week and by monitoring students performance in early stage assignments students requiring extra support will be directed to the Professional and academic development (PAD) team based in the Learning Resource Centre. The PAD team will be involved in delivering help session at key points through a students study on the course.

In addition, subject to diagnostic testing, students may be required by the Course Leader to attend academic English classes (English for Academic Purposes and General English) and specific journalism-related classes, customised to the needs of journalism masters students, provided by the Division of Language and Communication, liaising closely with the course leader, over what is required.

English evening classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings (6:30 8:30) every term are also held for students for whom English is their second language. The classes offer students an opportunity to improve their general command of the language, and take them towards the Cambridge University English Language exams, an English language qualification that is recognised world-wide, if they wish to sit the exams.

Team working

You will develop your abilities to work with others on group tasks and projects, becoming more adept at listening to others, expressing your own views and helping a group to devise plans and strategies.

Career Management Skills

Students will be encouraged to identify their strengths, interests and development needs in relation to the practices and conventions of both the media industry and of scholarship and research.

For further guidance on career management skills, see the SOAR summary document at http://www.beds.ac.uk/aboutus/tandl/curriculum/cif-uif. SOAR is a student-centred process for integrating personal, academic and career development.

Career/Further study opportunities

Career:

The qualification will be of value to anyone seeking to work as regional or national reporters, political, economic and foreign correspondents. In terms of journalisms related industries, the qualification would be of value to those seeking work as media regulators, related lobby groups and the creative industries more broadly. The media industry is a rapidly changing field and an understanding of the ways in which the media can be allied is an important transferable skill. The project work on the course provides an opportunity to make contacts and develop specialist knowledge of specific areas of the media and regulation. Typical areas that media graduates could expect to find work include broadcasting, journalism, arts or media administration, governmental regulation of the media and lobbying of governments on behalf of the media, research,marketing, sales and advertising, design, and writing.

Further study: Students who graduate from this MA Course will be qualified to apply for MPhil and PhD research degrees.

Entry

IELTS score of 6.

Additional:

Portfolio.

Candidates for the course will be expected to produce a portfolio of journalism work. Candidates should include: a new story and a 1,000-word feature article on a given subject. Inclusion of these two pieces is the minimum requirement for portfolio submission.

Telephone interview.

Candidates will then be interviewed about how they researched and wrote the pieces in their portfolio. Staff will then assess the prospective students aptitude and suitability for the course.

Qualifications.

Candidates should have a lower second-class first degree or a postgraduate qualification such as a Postgraduate Certificate in journalism or the equivalent.

UK students Undergraduate entry requirements

Standard entry requirements for Foundation degrees (FD/FdSc)

A foundation degree will be of particular interest if you have completed a Modern Apprenticeship, vocational A levels, BTEC National or equivalent.

Foundation degrees are also particularly suitable if you want to qualify while working.

• As a guideline, a typical offer would require you to obtain a UCAS tariff score of between 80-120 points, based on your level 3 studies.
• Students who require a Tier 4 Student Visa cannot apply for our foundation courses. For these courses the University of Bedfordshire is not able to sponsor Tier 4 Student Visa applications.

Many students studying for foundation degrees come to us through work-based routes so you can apply for a foundation degree even if you don’t have traditional academic qualifications.

We welcome applicants with relevant work experience.

Standard entry requirements for Undergraduate degrees (BA/BSc)

We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for both breadth and depth in your current studies as well as enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.

The general requirement is one of the following:

• UCAS Tariff Score greater than 200, which should include either two A level passes or an AVCE Double Award
• An Access qualification
• Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate or BTEC National Diploma

Postgraduate taught courses

Postgraduate applications (MA/MSc) should be made direct to the University using the  standard University application form. There are some exceptions, please see individual course descriptions for details.

• UK/EU students application form
• International (non-EU) students application form
  

Students from the European Union

Entry requirements

As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.

We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications.

How to apply

International students

• Undergraduate applications (BA/BSc) can be made direct to the University or via our representatives in your home country. If you intend to apply to more than one university in the UK you should apply via UCAS. If you want to apply to the University of Bedfordshire only you should apply directly using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Postgraduate applications should be made directly to the University using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Healthcare, nursing and midwifery students Many of these courses are not available to overseas students due to UK immigration law in regard to bursary funding. Please contact international admissions to find out if you are eligible to apply
• BA Nursing Studies Level 3 (with or without Overseas Nursing Programme) is available to overseas students - please contact International Admissions by email at international-admissions@beds.ac.uk for further information

(Please note that applicants on a full student visa are not eligible for part-time study)

Course application form for international students

We recommend that you apply directly to the University where possible, as this allows us to offer the quickest turnaround time for your application.

• Course application form for direct applications [PDF]

How to complete your course application

Please read the Direct application instructions before completing the course application form.

Application forms for accommodation in the student halls at Bedford campus and Luton campus are available in the Student life section

Accreditation of prior certificated learning (APL)

APL is available for international students applying for undergraduate (Bachelor degree) study. Please do not use this APL form to apply for postgraduate courses.

Use the APL form to tell us about any non-standard qualifications and/or work experience you have that you think should be taken into consideration with your application. `

The APL form should be submitted at the same time as the course application form.

We regret we are unable to process APL forms from students who have not submitted a formal course application form.

• APL application form for International students [100Kb] updated 041007

What next?

Return your completed application to:

University of Bedfordshire
International Admissions
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 3JU
United Kingdom

Contact International Admissions

T: +44 (0)1582 489326 (non-EU Students)
F: +44 (0)1582 743469
E: international-admissions@beds.ac.uk

Awarding institution

University of Bedfordshire

Teaching Strategy

Teaching is delivered by a variety of means lectures, seminars, workshops and practical work. Classes take place in different environments according to purpose in our multimedia newsroom, in viewing rooms, editing suites, computer workshops and classrooms. Many classes take place in our research base, the Centre for International Media Analysis, Research and Consultancy, which also provides a resourced workspace for postgraduate students.

We encourage MA students to attend our graduate research seminars, which feature guest speakers.

In line with the QAA Benchmarking statements for Communication, Media, Film and Cultural Studies (2008),

Students will benefit from exploring a wide range of materials and sources, drawn from a range of academic and non-academic contexts (2008:p15). Progression will also lead to an increasing emphasis on student self-direction and self-responsibility in the teaching and learning strategies deployed (2008:p16)

A balanced selection of teaching and learning techniques will include:

lectures;

workshops;

seminars;

tutorials;

group work;

peer assessment;

use of interactive on-line discussion boards;

IT-based teaching and learning;

oral presentations of academic work;

pitching of stories (journalistic work);

research logs;

self-reflective research blogs;

independent assignment-based learning;

auditable, directed private study;

project work.

Delivery is also in line with the Divisions Blended Learning strategy with regards network-based learning, making use of the BREO system. In line with University Policy, all units in the Division have a BREO site containing: unit and assessment documents and details; assessment results; announcements/notices; lecture notes; and Powerpoint presentations.

Students will be provided with training in presentation skills throughout the course during seminars and workshops.

As appropriate the BREO sites for a unit will also contain other support material to aid understanding of the course material. This allows it to act as a gateway to other web-based resources. Links are provided to websites containing information such as: similar lecture material; news web sites referred to during the course; self-learning/assessment sites on the internet; communication-related journal articles; data gateways. These sorts of web-based material along with interactive websites, are all methods of supporting independent and blended learning to improve the students performance.

The course supports meaningful learning through a curriculum that is intellectually challenging and of practical relevance to those seeking a future career in journalism and the related industries. The course is designed to encourage a reflective, student-centred approach to learning. In a rapidly changing journalism industry, the course will be challenging in introducing new ideas and concepts.

Students will be active in their learning through interaction in lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and assessments. Students will be encouraged to be reflective in their learning by seeking to integrate the academic content of the different units on the course and reflecting on the implications of journalism on society. Students are encouraged to interact with the research active teaching team.

The lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical sessions for full-time students will take place at the Universitys Park Square campus, Division of Journalism and Communications. For part time students attendance for the four units will be at Park Square campus.

Course design will allow for two intakes in each academic year (February Intake 1; September Intake 2).

Students with disabilities

The University of Bedfordshire is committed to ensuring that curricula across all courses are inclusive to all students. The Disability Advice Team is available to discuss any issues students may have and can provide services such as sign language interpreters, note takers, dyslexia screening/tuition and support with mobility on campus. They offer confidential advice and information about academic and personal issues, adjustments in examinations, applying for the Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA) and buying suitable equipment.

All students concerned that their studies may be affected by disability are encouraged to contact either their Field Chair, or Course Leader for advice at whatever point in their course the need to do so becomes apparent.

Advice on the nature of specific disabilities and the reasonable adjustments which can be made to accommodate disabled students is available from the Disability Advice Team - see http://www.beds.ac.uk/studentlife/support/disabilities and from the Disabilities BREO site.

Skills Development

Communication

To help with the development of this you will discuss complex ideas and theories in seminars, tutorials, group discussions and project planning meetings. You will give oral presentations of your work.

To help with the development of communication skills you will:

Develop a strategy for using communication skills over an extended period of time

Work in small groups, interacting with fellow students

Write for assessment using appropriate written English

Make oral presentations supported by Powerpoint slides on the outcomes from your work and your research project

Be expected to take a proactive role in lectures and tutorials, asking questions and volunteering opinions

Students who are diagnosed with needs for extra support with writing and communications skills development may be required to take additional classes provided by the University.

Information Literacy

To help with the development of this you will learn:

a variety of information search strategies and critically assess academic theories and published reports. You will be aided to write in a clear lucid and well- structured manner;

learn how to synthesise and effectively use information from relevant sources;

be expected to demonstrate effective use of word processing, database, statistical analysis software and presentation software such as PowerPoint.

Research and Evaluation

To help with the development of this you will learn how to utilize the resources of the library and the internet, develop your skills of pursuing research leads, and develop your ability to sift, assess, select and evaluate a range of information.

Creativity and Critical Thinking

To help with the development of this you will, in diverse media-related situations, develop your independent and imaginative thinking, enhancing your ability to take an enquiring and critical viewpoint on material you encounter.

Improving learning and performance

The MA course is designed to allow you to build on the knowledge and competences developed in the units in the first two semesters, moving on to the independent and self-designed learning processes that the research project enables. The individual tutorial contact provided during the project work means that teaching is focused on individual needs and abilities.

On this journey, you will be encouraged to become self-aware, critical reflective practitioners, through a series of teaching methods and assessments which will instill an autonomous approach to learning, expected at masters level (University of Bedfordshire level M learner descriptors).

Progress files

Throughout the course you will be provided with written feedback which you are encouraged to retain and file. In the last semester you will be doing project based work for which you will have regular contact with a supervisor, who will advise you on your progress and for which you will keep a research diary recording your progress.

Professional standards

From the outset we will expect you to adhere to basic professional standards in all your work and in all your dealings with staff and other students. In particular:

• You must punctually attend all scheduled lectures, seminars, workshops. If unforeseen circumstances prevent you attending then you should notify your tutor, preferably in advance.
• You must submit all assessed work before the deadline. You should note that the normal vagaries of life would not be acceptable as an excuse for missing a publication/transmission deadline within the industry and so we will apply the same standards. Computer problems and data loss will certainly not be accepted as a valid reason for non or late-submission.
• When working on a group project with other students you must play a full part in the group and deal with others professionally. You must provide your colleagues with appropriate contact details and maintain contact with them throughout the project.
• When completing academic work you must adhere to the codes and conventions of academic writing with all sources acknowledged and referenced in accordance with the Universitys guidelines. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may constitute plagiarism - an academic offence.
• The media is subject to a range of legislation and regulation. Your production work must conform to these limitations and any other legislation that impacts on your work. In your final project you should be undertaking work that challenges conventions and tests boundaries. However, you should do this in consultation with your tutors and supervisor to ensure that you remain within the law. If in doubt, seek advice.
• With access to a range of powerful communication techniques, you must always adhere to acceptable ethical principles, values and norms in the representation of people, particularly in terms of sexuality, religion, class, race and gender.
• You may borrow production equipment from the Media Hub. The availability of equipment will always be limited and so you must ensure that you return it on time and in good order. Whilst you have University equipment in your possession you must take care to ensure that it is not lost or stolen and that you operate it in a safe manner and in accordance with training you are given.

Strategy for developing and embedding the professional standards

Staff will refer to these standards throughout the programme. Some units deal with some aspects of the code explicitly. Others will expect you to apply the code to your work. As you progress through the course you will be expected to develop your understanding of professional standards and how they are challenged and evolve in a changing media industry.

Adherence to these professional standards will be part of the formal assessment criteria for many of your assessments. Failure to comply with these standards will impact your grades and, ultimately, may prevent you from graduating. Failure to return equipment may also attract additional sanctions.