Appeals
There are two sections to the information provided regarding academic appeals, one for advice and information if you have been withdrawn from the University or not allowed to progress, and the other for appealing against your final degree results.
You can download both information documents from this webpage.
Extenuating Circumstances
Students are entitled to submit Extenuating Circumstances forms that inform Examination Boards of matters that are having an adverse effect on their work.
Sometimes unexpected things happen which affect how well we can study or how we perform in exams or mean we need extra time to meet a deadline.
If something has happened at home, you are ill or some other unforeseen circumstance has occurred and you feel that this will affect your studies, you need to let your school know there is a problem as soon as it occurs or as soon as possible afterwards.
You need to do this
formally; having a chat with your tutor or with the office staff does not mean
that this will be noted formally and it will not be taken into account. You
need to fill in a form to report your extenuating circumstances officially.
Forms can be downloaded from HERE
The people reading the information might not be familiar with you and your particular difficulties, so you need to be quite clear about what it is that you are experiencing and the effect it is having on your studies, as well as what it is that is causing you difficulties, as the exam board might not fully appreciate what it is you are trying to tell them.
We understand that for some people the act of writing down their experiences, reliving what has happened, can cause anxiety and the process of having to deal with Extenuating Circumstances in such a formal way can be quite stressful, but we are here to help with this. You may also wish to contact the Student Counselling Service.
When filling in the form make sure you include ALL the modules you feel that have been affected.
When setting out your explanation you might like to:
- Type your submission, as it easier for you to edit and for the board to read
- Start from the beginning, and set out the submission in chronological order
- Be detailed, but succinct
- Explain what it is about you and your particular circumstances that have resulted in them having such an adverse impact on your studies
After you have finished your submission, bring it into the Unit for initial comments and advice.
Gathering Evidence
You will need to submit evidence from an independent source so you won’t be able to include a letter from family or friends. The best evidence is letters from your Doctor / Counsellor / Advisor or other appropriate person to support your application. You will normally only be able to request such evidence from people who are already aware of your difficulties, i.e. if you have been receiving help from a particular agency, they will be able to support your application, but they won’t normally be able to provide a letter of support if the first time you approach them is for help with your submission. If you need to discuss getting evidence, contact the IAU for more advice.
When you have completed your form, photocopy it and put your copy somewhere safe, make sure you get the form signed by the relevant tutor in each department (as appropriate).
Useful Links
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