Graduation Policy

1. Purpose

This policy sets out the requirements for successful completion of a WNU Programme and eligibility to receive a certificate or graduate from the Programme. It is designed to protect the credibility of WNU certification and the integrity of the learning environment.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all WNU Programme Participants. It should be read alongside the Programme Terms and Conditions, Attendance and Absence Policy, Code of Conduct, Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying Policy, AI Use and Programme Integrity Policy, and any other WNU policy or Programme-specific requirement notified to Participants.

3. Graduation Eligibility

All Participants start the Programme with eligibility to graduate. A Participant must demonstrate the following to remain eligible:

• minimum 95% attendance, in line with the Attendance and Absence Policy;
• active participation and engagement with Programme sessions, working group activities and required outputs;
• completion of required Programme work, assessments, presentations or deliverables to the standard reasonably expected by WNU;
• responsible and minimal use of AI tools in accordance with the AI Use and Programme Integrity Policy;
• behaviour aligned with WNU values, Programme culture and professional standards;
• compliance with WNU policies, host venue rules, Technical Visit requirements and reasonable instructions from WNU, mentors, speakers, hosts or venue staff;
• respectful conduct towards all Participants, speakers, mentors, hosts, staff, alumni, contractors and third parties involved in or affected by the Programme.

4. Ongoing Assessment

Graduation eligibility will be assessed on an ongoing basis. WNU may take account of self-reflection, peer feedback, mentor observations, staff observations, attendance records, participation, conduct, working group contribution, Programme deliverables, AI use concerns and any relevant incident reports.

Where concerns arise, WNU will normally raise them with the Participant as early as reasonably possible, unless the nature or seriousness of the concern requires immediate action.

5. Behavioural Expectations

Participants are expected to demonstrate professional, respectful and inclusive behaviour throughout the Programme, including outside scheduled hours where conduct affects WNU, the Programme, the host organisation, the cohort, or the wider nuclear industry.

• Arrive on time and be prepared for all required sessions and activities.
• Participate actively, including in areas outside the Participant's own discipline or national context.
• Contribute constructively to working group outputs and peer learning.
• Ask relevant and appropriately framed questions.
• Avoid behaviour that undermines participation, inclusion, safety, trust or Programme quality.
• Follow reasonable instructions from WNU, mentors, hosts and venue staff.
• Raise concerns promptly and responsibly.

6. Meeting Request

Where WNU has concerns about a Participant's conduct, participation, attendance, engagement or graduation eligibility, WNU may issue a Meeting Request. The purpose is to discuss the concern, understand context, identify any support needed and agree expected changes.

A written record of the discussion may be kept and shared with the Participant. If concerns persist or the issue is sufficiently serious, WNU may escalate the matter to a Behavioural Modification Request or Compliance Assessment.

7. Behavioural Modification Request

A Behavioural Modification Request is a formal process used where concerns are repeated, serious, unresolved or directly relevant to graduation eligibility. It may set out observed behaviour, expected modification, timeframe, support available, consequences of non-compliance and any evidence to be reviewed.

8. Serious Misconduct or Policy Breach

WNU may immediately suspend, restrict or remove a Participant from the Programme where there is a serious breach of policy, serious misconduct, safety concern, safeguarding concern, harassment, violence, discrimination, dishonesty, intoxication during core Programme hours, illegal substance use, unauthorised sharing of Programme Materials, breach of site rules, or conduct that may bring WNU, WNA, the host organisation or the Programme into disrepute.

Where appropriate, WNU may notify the Participant's Sponsor, employer, host organisation, venue, law enforcement, emergency services or relevant authorities.

9. Ineligibility to Graduate

A Participant may be found ineligible to graduate where WNU reasonably determines that they have failed to meet graduation requirements. This may include failure to meet the attendance threshold, failure to participate, failure to complete required outputs, repeated or serious conduct concerns, breach of policy, misuse or overuse of AI, or inability to demonstrate Programme learning outcomes.

Participants who are ineligible to graduate may be asked to leave the Programme immediately. No refund will be provided where ineligibility, removal or non-award of a certificate results from breach of policy, misconduct, failure to meet Programme requirements, failure to follow reasonable instructions, or inaccurate or misleading information, except where WNU decides otherwise at its sole discretion.

10. Appeal

A Participant who disagrees with an ineligibility or removal decision may submit an appeal in writing to the Head of Leadership and Capacity Development, or another designated contact if the Head of Department is unavailable or conflicted. The appeal should set out the decision being appealed, reasons for appeal, relevant evidence and any additional context not previously considered.

WNU will review appeals on a case-by-case basis. The appeal outcome will be communicated in writing. WNU's appeal decision will be final unless WNU determines that further review is required.

11. Alumni Status

Successful graduation from a WNU Programme may provide eligibility for participation in WNU alumni activities, subject to applicable alumni rules, platform requirements, conduct standards and WNU discretion. WNU may restrict or withdraw alumni access where post-Programme conduct is inconsistent with WNU standards or policies.

12. Review and Modification

This policy is subject to periodic review and may be updated by WNU where required for legal, operational, safeguarding, safety, security, academic or Programme quality reasons. Any material changes affecting current Participants will be communicated promptly.