Covid-19 has impacted us all in many ways, not to mention the impact it has had on your education. If Covid-19 has affected you, your studies and your ability to perform well in assessments - you can actually apply for Extenuating Circumstances. For example, if you have had to self-isolate or family members have suffered from the disease and this has impacted your ability to complete work.
What’s Extenuating Circumstances?
Extenuating Circumstances (EC) is the process of informing your school of factors which have affected you and your learning, throughout the year. Depending on the nature and severity of these circumstances, your school may wish to take these into consideration when the Board of Examiners meet, to decide what progress decision you are awarded.
If you feel that your studies have been affected by factors beyond your control, you can apply for Extenuating Circumstances by submitting a form and evidence to your school. Learn more about this process here. You will need to check with your school what their EC deadline is as each of them are different.
The Impact of Covid-19
With ECs you normally need to submit evidence to prove your circumstances and inability to complete your studies. However, with Covid-19 and self-isolation, the University recognises that obtaining evidence is difficult. Therefore, they have said that if you’re unable to give evidence, but were advised to self-isolate (i.e. over the phone by NHS 111), you can submit extension / deferral requests and Extenuating Circumstances without evidence, providing you explain why you were advised to self-isolate. Learn more here.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact your school, department or welfare tutor. You can also contact Guild Advice at guildadvice@guild.bham.ac.uk
Academic Appeal
Did you miss the EC deadline or perhaps your request was declined? Don’t worry - if upon receiving your end of year progress decision / results, you believe personal circumstances impacted your academic performance and outcome, you can submit an academic appeal. For help and advice with Academic Appeals, contact Guild Advice at guildadvice@guild.bham.ac.uk