Did you know that the University has processes in place to support you if you face a serious disruption of your studies caused by circumstances beyond your control? These fall under the Exceptional Circumstances Umbrella into three categories; Extensions or Mitigating Circumstances or Interrupting your Studies.
Questions to ask yourself:
Will another two weeks allow me to submit the work?
Yes - Extension
No - Mitigating Circumstances
An application for an Extension to a submission deadline for an assignment(s) – where a later deadline, usually 10 days, will enable you to complete the work for an uncapped mark - should go to your Module Leader.
Examples of circumstances that are eligible for an Extension:
Examples that are not normally eligible:
-
Missed bus or train, lift turned up late
-
Away on holiday
-
Computer-related problems
-
Ongoing / underlying health issue (where there is no evidence of a flare-up)
Am I in a fit state to continue my studies now?
Yes - Extension / Mitigating Circumstances claim
No - Speak to a Registry Officer about interrupting your studies or another form of action
A claim for Mitigating Circumstances – where an unexpected event seriously affects your studies and an extension is not feasible or appropriate (e.g. if an exam is missed) should go through to the Registry Officer. This is not used to apply for Extension to a submission deadline.
Questions for you to consider when submitting a Mitigating Circumstances claim:
-
Were my circumstances ‘unexpected’ or is it something I have known about for some time (e.g. an ongoing medical condition)? Am I eligible?
-
Can I self-certify or do I need to submit evidence to support my claim
-
Does my evidence support my claim, e.g. are the dates when the assessment was taking placed covered by documentation I am providing?
-
Have I included all modules / assessments that were affected?
Examples that are eligible for Mitigating Circumstances:
-
Death of a family member / close friend just before the assessment / exam
-
Sudden flare up of an existing condition
-
Complications in pregnancy
-
Anxiety and depression (if previously undiagnosed)
Examples that are not normally* eligible:
-
Missed bus or train, lift turned up late
-
Away on holiday
-
Computer-related problems
-
Ongoing / underlying health issue (where there is no evidence of a flare-up)
* Please discuss any exceptions with a Registry Officer, especially if your situation is complex.
An application to suspend Interrupt your studies – where your personal circumstances mean that it is difficult to continue with your studies at the current time - should go through yout Course Leader & Registry Officer.
Examples that are normally eligible for Interrupting your studies:
Examples that are not normally eligible:
You can find Academic Registry in E2.08 on the High Wycombe Campus or Second Floor Reception on the Uxbridge Campus. Your personal tutor will be able to discuss your situation with you and explain the options open to you. Depending on your programme of study there may be certain restrictions, such as the point at which an interruption must be taken or the date of return to your studies. You find more information about the exceptional circumstances on the BNU website.