The Faculty Student Ombudsman (Garante delle studentesse e degli studenti) is a figure appointed by the Dean, designated by the student representatives, and following consultation with the Faculty Assembly, for a three-year term. The Student Ombudsman is available to the Student Observatory (Osservatorio studentesco) to assist it in exercising its functions and to receive any complaints, observations, and proposals. The Ombudsman has the right to carry out investigations and reports to the Dean, who, depending on the specific case, adopts the competent measures. Students who turn to the Ombudsman have the right, upon request, to remain anonymous; their names, along with any other element that could identify them, are excluded from the right of access to administrative documents. The Student Advocate (Difensore degli studenti) is appointed by the Dean in accordance with Article 5 of the Statute of "La Sapienza" University, with the duties provided therein. See Art. 14 of the Faculty Organizational Regulations.
Student Ombudsmen of the Faculty of Medicine and Psychology
- For the Psychological, Pedagogical, and Social Work Area: Eleonora CANNONI - (mailto:eleonora.cannoni@uniroma1.it)
- For the Medical Area: Monica ROCCO - (mailto: monica.rocco@uniroma1.it)
- Faq
1. Student Protection and Institutional Bodies
Which institutional figures safeguard students?
There are essentially three figures or bodies responsible for this:
- The University Ombudsperson for Students’ Rights and Responsibilities.
- The Student Ombudsperson of each Faculty.
- The Student Observatory.
What are their responsibilities?
- The University Ombudsperson for Students’ Rights and Responsibilities is appointed by the Rector and has three main responsibilities:
- Coordinating the work of the Ombudspersons operating within the individual Faculties;
- Consulting student representatives on the University’s central governing bodies;
- Reporting regularly to the Rector on the activities carried out and any problems encountered.
- The Student Ombudsperson (or Ombudsperson for Students of the relevant Faculty) is appointed by the Dean of the Faculty on the recommendation of the students and has the following responsibilities:
- Consulting student representatives regularly, including within the Joint Teaching Committee and other bodies;
- Safeguarding students’ rights in every aspect of university life;
- Listening to students’ requests, questions and concerns, either directly or through their representatives, while maintaining strict confidentiality;
- Taking action through written replies, meetings and interviews with the parties concerned.
- The Student Observatory consists of three student representatives and one student observer for each year of the degree programme. Its role is to assist the Student Ombudsperson through surveys, assessments and proposals.
What are students’ rights and responsibilities?
See the “Students’ Rights Charter”.
What is a CAD/CdS and what does it do?
The CAD (Teaching Area Council) or CdS (Degree Programme) is the body responsible for defining and organising teaching activities within the relevant Department and, where applicable, the specific degree programme.
I have a problem with a lecturer. What should I do?
During teaching activities, misunderstandings may arise between a student and a lecturer.
- The first step is to speak directly to the lecturer and try to resolve the misunderstanding.
- If the outcome of the discussion is negative or unsatisfactory, the appropriate action depends on the nature of the problem:
- Teaching-related issue (e.g. the lecturer has not provided the course syllabus or exam dates): the student should contact the Chair of the Faculty’s CAD/CdS. If the issue is not resolved, the student may seek assistance from the Faculty Student Ombudsperson.
- Interpersonal or personal issue (e.g. the lecturer has insulted the student): the student should contact the Faculty Student Ombudsperson directly.
2. Services, Libraries and Learning Resources
Which libraries can I use for studying?
Our Faculty has six medium-to-large reference libraries, with several locations available for study and consultation. Their details are available on the Faculty website.
Where can I find books to prepare for exams?
Exam texts can be borrowed from the libraries after searching for them in the online catalogue. If a book is not available, students may suggest that it be purchased. After logging in to the online catalogue with their Infostud credentials, students simply need to complete the “Purchase suggestions” online form in their profile menu and submit it to their chosen library.
How can I access electronic journals from home?
Using their institutional email account, students can access from home all the electronic resources purchased by Sapienza for research and teaching.
The lecturer has not provided a course syllabus. Which topics should I study?
Lecturers are required to provide a syllabus for their courses. If it was not presented in class and is not available on the lecturer’s personal webpage, students can consult the syllabus published on the Department website under the “Teaching” section. Lecturers are also required to communicate and publish the dates and approximate times of every written and oral examination.
3. University Credits (CFU) and OPIS Questionnaires
What are CFUs?
CFUs (University Educational Credits) are values that reflect the total amount of work a student must complete to pass an exam.
- Each exam is assigned a number of CFUs proportional to the required workload, including class hours, independent study, laboratory work, internships and practical activities.
- As a rule, 1 CFU corresponds to 25 hours of student work. A 9-CFU course therefore requires more work than a 6-CFU course.
- Each degree programme must provide a curriculum corresponding to 60 CFUs per year.
- The number of CFUs is determined through the annual study plan submitted by the student to the Academic Affairs Office.
What is OPIS?
OPIS questionnaires are evaluation forms completed by students in complete anonymity.
- They allow students to report shortcomings in a course or highlight its effectiveness and interest, helping the University identify courses that require greater attention.
- Completing the questionnaire is mandatory in order to register for any exam through the Infostud platform.
4. Exams, Exam Sessions and Academic Regulations
What is Infostud?
Infostud is the University’s online platform for managing students’ academic careers. It is used for administrative matters such as paying tuition fees and registering for exams. Lecturers publish exam dates on Infostud, but students should consult the lecturer’s or Department’s website for details about examination procedures. Students must ensure that the date shown on Infostud corresponds to the written or oral examination and register by the deadline.
How many exams must I take in each academic year?
As a rule, students may not take more than eight assessments or exams in each academic year. Exceptions apply only when the total number of credits awarded does not reach the required 60 CFUs for the year. For example, eight 6-CFU exams amount to 48 CFUs, so the student will need to complete additional assessments to reach the annual requirement. There is no limit, however, on the number of courses that students may freely attend.
How is an exam conducted?
This depends on the type of course. Some exams consist of a single oral test, while others include a written test or laboratory assessment followed by an oral examination. As a rule, the written or laboratory test takes place first, followed by the oral examination. Any exceptions are at the lecturer’s discretion and are usually agreed upon with the students.
What are mid-term tests?
When an exam includes both a written and an oral component, the written test may be divided into two parts: two written mid-term tests taken during the course. Students who pass both tests are exempt from the written component of the official exam and proceed directly to the oral examination with the average mark obtained in the two tests. At the lecturer’s discretion, students may sometimes take the second test even if they did not pass the first, and later retake only the failed part.
I passed the written test but do not feel ready for the oral examination. What can I do?
Some lecturers allow students to take the written test during one exam sitting and the oral examination during the next sitting in the same examination period. Since this is at the lecturer’s discretion, students should ask in advance to avoid misunderstandings.
In the situation described above, which exam sitting should I register for on Infostud?
As a rule, students should register for the exam sitting in which they intend to take the oral examination, since the final result is recorded only after all parts of the exam have been completed. In any case, students should email the lecturer and ask for instructions. Please note that registering officially adds the student’s name to the examination record.
How many times can I retake the same exam?
Students may take an exam during any examination period, subject to the number of available exam sittings. They must register by the established deadline, normally no later than the day before the exam sitting begins.
If two sittings for the same exam are available during one examination period, does registering for one prevent me from registering for the other?
Generally, no. A lecturer cannot prohibit students from registering for two exam sittings held close together. The lecturer may advise against doing so if they believe there is insufficient time to prepare again after a failed attempt, but there is no absolute prohibition.
How many examination periods are available to students each academic year?
As a rule, there are three examination periods each year: two regular periods, in January/February and June/July, and one resit period in September. Additional extraordinary examination periods may also be held at other times.
How many times can I take an exam during each examination period?
This depends on the number of available sittings. As a rule, there are two sittings during each regular examination period and one sitting during the resit and extraordinary periods.
What is the maximum duration of an exam sitting?
An exam sitting may remain open for the duration of the relevant examination period, provided that it does not overlap with another sitting for the same course. For example, if an examination period lasts 30 days and includes two sittings for the same course, each sitting may last no more than 15 days.
Two of my exams overlap. What can I do?
Exam dates for courses in the same year are scheduled to avoid overlaps. If an overlap does occur, often between exams from different years, students may contact the lecturers concerned to find a solution, especially for oral examinations, which allow greater flexibility. Students are nevertheless responsible for planning their exams carefully.
I must take a practical examination for a laboratory course. How many attempts are available during each examination period?
A practical test is an assessment in its own right. However, for organisational reasons, fewer practical tests may be available than standard exam sittings. Students should obtain the relevant information well in advance.
What are office hours?
Office hours are the weekly time slot of at least one hour that lecturers reserve for students who need clarification about the subject. Lecturers announce their office hours in class and on their websites. They must provide prompt notice of any changes. Students who are unable to attend at the scheduled time may arrange an appointment at another time.
I am a student who has exceeded the standard duration of the programme and need to prepare for an oral examination. Which syllabus should I follow?
Students who have exceeded the standard duration of their programme may prepare for an exam using the syllabus of the course they attended for up to three years after attending it.
Can a lecturer refuse to supervise my dissertation?
Yes. A lecturer may decline but must provide valid reasons, such as insufficient time because of other commitments or because the topic falls outside their research field. The student’s grade average is not a valid reason for refusal.
5. Financial Support, Special Programmes and University Spaces
What are Additional Learning Requirements (OFAs)?
Admission to a degree programme requires an adequate level of prior knowledge. The Faculty determines how this is assessed, for example through a TOLC or admission test. If the outcome is unsatisfactory, or if a student admitted to a restricted-access programme scores below a specified threshold, the student is assigned OFAs that must be fulfilled within the first year of the programme.
What is the Excellence Programme?
It is a supplementary programme offering additional learning activities. Upon graduation, the student receives a certificate recorded in their academic career, and the University awards a prize equal to the tuition fees paid during the final year of the programme.
What is the SSAS?
The Sapienza School for Advanced Studies offers highly qualified, interdisciplinary learning programmes and activities for students and PhD candidates. These complement standard degree programmes and recognise academic merit. The School provides financial benefits and tutoring activities. To enrol, students must email the School’s Academic Affairs Office, stating their degree programme and the chosen SSAS course.
Can students who work attend university?
Yes. Evening classes, e-learning platforms and distance-learning courses are available. Students may also apply for part-time status: they agree to earn fewer CFUs per year, extending the standard duration of the programme while receiving a reduction in tuition fees.
Can University classrooms be used for student meetings, for example as self-managed spaces?
Yes, within the permitted limits: building opening hours must be respected and official teaching activities must not be disrupted. Use outside normal opening hours requires authorisation from the competent authorities (Article 12-bis of the Students’ Rights Charter). The University provides suitable study spaces, including study rooms and libraries.