Problems affecting studies
Quick links:
Contacting someone about circumstances affecting studies
What to do when serious event affects studies
Events that may possibly affect studies
How your information is used
'Less' serious circumstances that affect work
Q: I am having a problem/personal difficulty/family problem/an illness which is affecting my ability to work. Should I let anyone know?
A: Have a look at Circumstances Affecting Academic Performances and Absence from Examinations
As soon as you begin to have difficulties, you should contact:
- Student Services - your circumstances can be logged (and in some cases communicated to the School) and appropriate support and advice will be offered.
- Your School/s - staff can provide advice on academic matters.
- If you have been absent, view Absence reporting.
It is better to notify the University as soon as you experience difficulties. It may then be possible to arrange deferred or alternative assessment. It is much more difficult to arrange such allowances late in the module or after the module mark has been reported.
Q: Something extremely serious has happened which may or has seriously impacted my work. What should I do?
A: First of all, seek the appropriate support for you. If you contact Student Services as soon as possible they can help with this. For example, if you need to return home immediately, Student Services can contact the people who need to know in your School or Halls of Residence. When you are able, you should also notify the School, who can then arrange deferred, extended or alternative assessments. Any documentation that you are able to source should be provided to Student Services. You may wish to discuss your options with the Academic Adviser.
Q: I am okay at the moment, but something has happened or may happen that might affect my ability to work.
A: Make an appointment at Student Services. Then your circumstances can be logged on file, and the Schools notified where appropriate.
Q: I've notified Student Services and my School of an adverse situation which is affecting my work. How will this information be used?
A: If you report circumstances to Student Services, they may pass this information on to your Schools (where you have given them permission to do so). You are also encouraged to speak to the Schools yourself. This information will be considered when Schools decide whether to grant extensions, to withdraw late penalty marks, to grant an application for s-coding, and whilst considering appeals. The information will not be considered during assessment of work/exams.
Q: I don't know if my circumstances are serious enough for the School to offer me an extension. Should I just do the best I can and make sure I hand my coursework in on time?
A: Email the School or go and speak to the member of staff who set the work. You could also speak to Student Services about it to see if they can offer any support/advice. If you do hand it in on time, it is more difficult to make allowances for circumstances affecting your studies at a later date.