Extenuating Circumstances Drop-Ins

To give you a helping hand, the SU Advice Centre we will be holding drop-in sessions to answer any questions you may have relating to extenuating circumstances, to check over details for the form and give guidance on what evidence to submit. These sessions will take place in the lead up to the deadline If you’re going through anything that you feel is affecting your studies, you can come along to speak to an Advisor at the SU to go over any concerns you may have.

We know that life sometimes throws a curve ball your way, and sometimes that curve ball comes slap bang in the middle of assignments. For times like these, there are extenuating circumstances (ECs).

WHAT ARE EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES?

These count as instances or issues which are outside of a student’s control, and which may temporarily prevent a student from undertaking an assessment, or have a significant detrimental impact on their ability to undertake assessment to the standard that is normally expected. They are outside of your control, as they are unforeseeable and unpreventable.

While the College will look to support you when such circumstances arise, please keep in mind that allowances can only be made within the regulations set by the relevant exam board.

Your ECs will also have to be evidenced, and that evidence accepted, before the exam board can make an allowance.

It’s very important that you inform your department, staff from Student Support Services, or our Advice Centre at the earliest opportunity, so that we can let you know what necessary steps you need to take next.

The first deadline for Term 1 Courses and January departmental exams/in class tests – 12:00 Midday Friday 31 January 2020.

Please note: the Extenuating Circumstances process has moved online and you can find the form here. You should also take a look at the Extenuating Circumstances Guidance for Students.

WHAT COUNTS AS AN EC?

Below is a list of issues that are considered as extenuating circumstances:

• Illness (excluding minor illnesses)

• Hospitalisation

• Bereavement

• Worsening of a long-term condition

• Major adverse family circumstances

• Acute personal circumstances

Some issues that will not be considered as extenuating circumstances include:

• Short-term illness (coughs, colds, sore throats etc.)

• Computer/tech failure

• Transport issues

• ‘General exam stress’ (unlinked to mental illness)

It’s important to bear in mind that this list is not exhaustive, and if you think that your personal circumstances are impacting on your academic performance then you can speak more about this during the drop-in sessions.