Extenuating Circumstances and Extensions
What can we help you with?
Another word the College uses for exceptional factors is ‘extenuating circumstances’ (ECs). These are circumstances which are outside of your control as they’re unforeseeable and unpreventable. ECs impact on your ability to carry out any assignments or exams to the standard normally expected. The College can make allowances when such circumstances happen through the ECs process.
If you have ECs at any point during the academic year and are struggling to hand in your work on time, you can ask your department for an extension. It’s best that you contact your department as soon as possible. You can also speak to staff from student support services or SU Advice Centre and we can let you know what necessary steps you need to take.
You can apply for ECs for work you’ve attempted/submitted (whether it’s an exam or assignment) and for work that you didn’t attempt/submit.
Examples of some ECs are:
- Illness (excluding minor illnesses)
- Hospitalisation
- Bereavement
- Worsening of a long-term condition
- Major adverse family circumstances
- Acute personal circumstances
Some issues that aren’t considered as ECs include:
- Short-term illness (coughs, colds, sore throats etc.)
- Computer/tech failure
- Transport issues
- ‘Exam stress’
Every student’s situation is unique, so if your circumstances aren’t listed above, don’t worry as it’s not an exhaustive list. You can speak to an advisor to find out if your circumstances would be covered by the ECs process. More information can be found on ‘Extenuating Circumstances – Guidance for Students’.
There’s one deadline, usually at the end of May, to submit your ECs application to cover any ECs during the academic year. You should still inform your department at any point if you’re going through ECs and need an extension for your work, they’ll let you know what you need to submit to them.
You’ll need to provide evidence for your ECs application, as without evidence your ECs are unlikely to be accepted. You can speak to an advisor, who can go over the types of evidence you can submit. It’s your responsibility to inform your department and submit the relevant evidence to support your ECs application.
Please remember that there’s support available on campus if you’re struggling with anything.