Academic Support Extenuating Circumstances

We’ve all been there. Something unexpected has happened and it’s impacting your ability to complete your assessment. When these things happen, remember that you can access support by applying for Extenuating Circumstances.

When Can I Apply For Extenuating Circumstances?

Your department has extenuating circumstances procedures in place, but it’s important to familiarise yourselves with what does and doesn’t qualify as a justified reason for applying. To learn more about this you can read UoB's policy on extenuating circumstances. If you're still in doubt or require any advice and guidance on the EC process please contact Guild Advice. Your School's Wellbeing Officer will also be able to provide you with information on your School's EC process, including deadline dates.

Our main message is, that this system is in place to support you. So, don’t be afraid to make use of it should you need support.

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Extenuating Circumstances FAQs

If your question is not answered below please email the Guild Advice Team.

What is an extenuating circumstance?

Extenuating circumstances (ECs) are situations that:

You could not predict what would happen;
You had no control over;
Have seriously affected your ability to study or do your assessment.

ECs: Examples of ECs could be; Illness or injury that has lasted for longer than one week and is serious enough to stop you from researching, writing, revising for your assessments and studying as normal. A further example is family difficulties (including crises, serious illness, unexpected childcare or caring responsibilities) meaning you need to provide significant support.

What should I do if I think I have ECs?

If you believe you have ECs and can provide evidence of this, you can make a claim using the Extenuating Circumstances Form.

You must submit your claim as soon as possible. Do not wait to submit your EC form for any reason, even if you do not yet have all your evidence. Your School will have individual deadline dates for submission of ECs in relation to exams and other assessments.

If your ECs happen on the day of an exam (whether it is campus-based or an online examination), you must submit your EC form within 24 hours of the scheduled end time of the exam (for example, if you have a 3-hour exam starting at 09:00 am, the scheduled end time would be 12:00 noon, therefore you will have 24 hours from 12:00 noon to submit your ECF).

Your School or Department will publish the EC procedure in your student handbook. This will include details of the staff member you will need to submit your EC form to.

Do I need to provide evidence to support my EC claim?

You will need to provide evidence with your EC form to support your claim. You should provide evidence by the advertised College deadline.

An example of EC evidence could be; a Letter from a doctor, nurse or relevant professional confirming the effect the circumstances are having on your ability to do the assessment on official stamped or headed paper

You can find further examples of what evidence you can use to support your ECs by visiting the UoB Intranet.

I’ve submitted by extenuating circumstances form, what happens next?

Your School will convene an Extenuating Circumstances Panel (ECP). The ECP will normally be made up of a maximum of five staff members, which will be from your School or department who will discuss your case sensitively. An ECP will recommend one of the following;