Mitigating Circumstances

We understand that while completing your studies, life can sometimes throw unexpected challenges your way. While a certain amount of stress can be a normal part of working toward academic deadlines, the Mitigating Circumstances process is here to support you when serious, unforeseen situations outside of your control impact your ability to complete your assessments.

If you believe you are eligible for for mitigating circumstances, you can apply here.

What are Mitigating Circumstances?

Mitigating circumstances are exceptional, short-term situations (lasting no more than 4 weeks) that are entirely outside of your control and negatively impact your ability to complete or attend an assessment. To be considered valid, these circumstances must also be backed by independent evidence.

Valid examples include:

• Sudden illness or serious personal injury (e.g., a broken limb or a condition requiring hospital attention).
• The bereavement or serious illness of a close relative.
• An acute episode of an existing chronic condition that is not already covered by existing adjustments.
• Unusually severe mental or emotional stress right before a deadline or exam.
• Being the victim of a serious crime.

What is not considered a mitigating circumstance:

• Short-term minor ailments, like a common cold.
• Foreseeable events or personal plans (e.g., holidays, weddings, moving house, or known religious festivals).
• General work pressure or financial difficulties.
• Transport issues or confusion over exam/assignment dates and times.
• Issues regarding course delivery or staff (these must be raised through the School's complaints procedure instead).

How the Process Supports You

If your application is approved, the process is designed to give you a fair chance to succeed without being academically penalized for a personal crisis. Depending on your situation, an approved claim can provide:

• Extra time: A new assessment deadline, which is normally 10 working days from your original deadline.
• Removal of a capped mark: If you submitted your work late due to valid circumstances, the late-submission cap on your grade can be removed.
• Assessment deferral: The opportunity to take the assessment or exam at a later date.

How to Apply

It is your responsibility to start this process as soon as you know your work will be affected.

1. Gather Evidence: Obtain independent corroborating evidence, such as a doctor's certificate. Please note: Claims submitted without supporting evidence will not be approved.
2. Submit Your Claim: use the form here to submit your evidence and support statement

Important Deadlines to Keep in Mind:

• When to apply: You must submit your application no later than 3 working days before your assessment deadline. Applications submitted outside this window (or more than 10 working days in advance) will not normally be considered.
• Late applications: If a sudden crisis prevents you from applying on time, you must provide compelling evidence explaining the delay within the "Late Mitigation" section of the form.
• Already submitted work: You cannot claim mitigating circumstances for an assessment you have already turned in, unless it is specifically to request the removal of a late submission cap.

What Happens Next?

Your claim will be reviewed by the Senior Registry & Quality Manager (or their nominee). During this time, they may contact you to request additional information.

The final decision will be sent directly to your CFS email account:

• If successful: Your email will outline your next steps and provide your official new assessment deadline. (Remember, once a new extension is granted, late submissions cannot be accepted, and you cannot apply for further mitigation for the same assessment using the same circumstances).
• If unsuccessful: You must complete and submit your original assessment by the original, standard deadline.