Extenuating Circumstances Guidelines

What to do if you are unable to complete an assignment or attend an examination due to personal circumstances

If you are ill or unable to complete an assignment or attend an examination due to personal circumstances, it is your responsibility to inform the Board of Examiners so that they are aware of the position when looking at your results. Do not rely on the fact that you have advised your Course Manager or Personal Tutor about any circumstances that may have affected your performance in examinations or coursework; they will not necessarily be able to pass on the information.

What are Extenuating Circumstances?

See the Extenuating Circumstances section in the HE Student Handbook for a full definition

What do I need to do if I cannot complete coursework or attend an examination due to 'Extenuating Circumstances'?

Firstly, read through the relevant section from the Student Handbook for details about extenuating circumstances and the procedures to follow. This will help you decide whether your situation falls within the definition of 'extenuating circumstances' and sets out detailed instructions on what you need to provide and the action the Examination Board would be able to take.

I need to submit an Extenuating Circumstances Form - What do I do next?

If you feel there is something an Examinations Board needs to know, you must complete an Extenuating Circumstances Form

Make sure that your Extenuating Circumstances Form is returned to your School Office with the necessary documentary evidence by the published deadline see the KEY DATES AND DEADLINES published in the Student Handbook. FORMS RECEIVED AFTER THE PUBLISHED DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Your Form will be considered by the Extenuating Circumstances Board prior to being passed to the Examination Board. If you do not let the Boards know in advance, you cannot appeal against a decision of the Board on the grounds of those extenuating circumstances, so do not leave it too late to submit your Form.

If you believe your work was affected in more than one semester, a separate copy of the form must be submitted for each semester.

Who can I speak to for further advice?

If after having read these notes you feel you need more help in putting forward your extenuating circumstances, you should contact the Academic Systems Manager (located in the CASTLe Office, LO2) the Student Support Office, your Course Manager, Year Supervisor, or your Personal Tutor.

Forms

• Extenuating Circumstances Form (SF005)
• Medical Evidence Form

  (Before completing the Medical Evidence form you MUST read the extenuating circumstances guidelines in the Student Handbook for Higher Education Students as third party documentary evidence is NOT always required. Only use this form if your circumstances fall under the categories where medical evidence is required, as listed in the guidelines).