Mitigating Circumstances

Assessment Boards make their decisions using the same information provided to students about what are acceptable circumstances, and what is the necessary evidence, so you are advised to read the guidance carefully before completing and submitting a MC request. 

You are strongly advised not to risk completing an assessment of any type if you are experiencing difficulties that would have an adverse impact on your academic performance and would meet the definition of mitigating circumstances. In this situation, by submitting a MC request you are complying with the College’s regulations and are making a conscientious decision to be assessed at a time when your circumstances have improved.  

In ‘exceptional circumstances’ students who may be unable to provide any evidence to explain that their access to evidence has been restricted due to the current Covid wave. We have written to all Assessment Sub Board Chairs and updated the Professional Services mitigating circumstances Teams Channel to remind everyone that there is provision in the existing Mitigating Circumstances Policy to waive the requirement for evidence if they are satisfied that it is impossible for the student to obtain evidence and that such cases should be treated sympathetically  

You are strongly advised not to risk completing an assessment of any type if you are experiencing difficulties that would have an adverse impact on your academic performance and would meet the definition of mitigating circumstances. In this situation, by submitting a MC request you are complying with the College’s regulations and are making a conscientious decision to be assessed at a time when your circumstances have improved.  

In this situation you are required to submit a MC request.

The form can be submitted at any time before the submission deadline but normally no later than 7 calendar days after the submission deadline. 

Don’t delay submitting the form if you do not yet have the appropriate documentary evidence.  Evidence can be submitted up to 21 days after the date of the affected assessment. 

Please check above for more information & guidance on submitting a MC request.

"Exceptionally, a student who presents themselves for an assessment or submits coursework may, at the discretion of the Chair of the relevant Assessment Sub Board, be retrospectively granted an authorised absence from that assessment provided that they submit evidence of mitigating circumstances normally no more than seven calendar days after the date of the assessment or submission deadline. Supporting evidence should be submitted with the form provided for this purpose or within 21 calendar days of the date of the affected assessment." (T43.4). 

This means that you can submit a MC request up to 7 days after your assessment or submission deadline, but you will be asked to provide a good reason as to why you did not follow the normal mitigating circumstances procedure before you presented yourself for an examination or submitted coursework (T43.6). 

You can only use a KIP as evidence if it confirms that you have a long standing medical condition or disability and explicitly states that the KIP may be used as evidence to support mitigating circumstances. 

Please note that most KIPs will not include this adjustment. If yours does not, you should follow the procedure for evidencing an illness. You may wish to discuss your future requirements directly with the Disability Advisory Service. 

Remember that mitigating circumstances are different to Personalised Assessment Arrangements (PAA), which are organised through the Examinations Office. 

All information disclosed will be treated sensitively. Details will only be shared with those involved in the Mitigating Circumstance process and will be kept confidential.  

If you have been granted an extension but your circumstance have not changed and you need more time, you will need to submit a new request. You will need explain how your circumstances have changed and why you need more time.  You will also need new evidence to support your request. 

You cannot appeal against a decision regarding your request until your module results are published.  Only then can you appeal against a decision of the Board of Examiners by submitting a Stage One appeal. Please read the guidance notes associated with the Stage One appeal carefully before lodging an appeal.