Level 0 Study Guide 2012-13 Biosciencex - Swansea University

3.2. The following is a non-exhaustive list of circumstances which the University would
commonly regard as extenuating circumstances which might affect performance:
• Serious illness, accident or well-being issue that is incapacitating or an unexpected
deterioration in a long-term condition. Medical certification is expected to be provided,
and should clearly apply to the period immediately prior to an assessment date.
• Minor illness or ailment affecting the student on the day of or immediately preceding
an examination. Examples could include minor accidents or injuries, examination
anxiety and stress. Medical certification is expected to be provided, and should
clearly apply to the assessment date or a short period immediately prior to an
assessment date.
• Death or serious illness of a close relative or friend. Supporting independent evidence
must be provided.
• Significant adverse personal/family circumstances – such as divorce, burglary, fire,
major court proceedings, financial difficulties beyond the control of the student.
Supporting independent evidence must be provided.
• Other significant exceptional factors which have had a significant impact on the
student. Supporting independent evidence must be provided.
• Part time block-release or distance-learning students only – unforeseen significant
changes in pattern of employment. Supporting independent evidence must be
provided.
4. Extenuating Circumstances Policy
It is the policy of Swansea University to adopt a presumption that a student who sits an
examination or submits an assessment is fit to do so. The marks awarded will be an accurate
reflection of performance and will not be altered subsequently on the basis of extenuating
circumstances. A student who is unable to sit an examination or complete an assessment
because of extenuating circumstances may (subject to the provision of appropriate evidence) be
given a further opportunity to undertake the assessment potentially as an uncapped opportunity.
A student who attends and/or completes an assessment and does not submit claims for
extenuating circumstances within 5 working days of the assessment date/deadline shall be
deemed to confirm:
• that there are no reasons why he/she should not attend and/or complete the assessment
at that time;
• that he/she will not subsequently submit a request for a concession in respect of
extenuating circumstances; and
• that any requests for ‘reasonable adjustments’ in light of a disability or specific needs
have already been submitted to the University.
A student who sits an examination or submits work knowing that he/she has been affected by
extenuating circumstances will not normally be able successfully to submit a claim at a later
date. Only in cases where the medical evidence submitted supports the notion that the student
was incapable of determining whether or not they were fit to undertaken or prepare an
assessment will the University accept claims for extenuating circumstances submitted beyond
the deadline. Such claims should be submitted to the Home College and if supported, will be
dealt with by either the appropriate Academic Board Student Cases Committee or via the
Academic Appeals Procedure. The College will be asked to provide comment on such cases.
In the case of disruptions to or problems with an examination affecting a group of students, the
College Special Circumstances Committee may recommend appropriate action.
22