Exceptional Circumstances
During the course of your degree programme you might be faced with situations or difficulties that are outside your control and negatively affect your academic performance. These are known as 'exceptional circumstances'. (Please note: These were called 'Extenuating Circumstances' up to the academic year 2021-22, at which point the name was changed).
You can submit an Exceptional Circumstances request if you feel that these situations or difficulties have negatively affected, or will affect, your ability to complete coursework, to attend classes or to prepare for and/or sit your exams. Through this process you will be able to request, for example, a coursework deadline extension or apply for a deferred exam (if you are unable to sit the exam during the regular scheduled time) due to exceptional circumstances.
You are strongly advised to discuss any circumstances that are affecting you with your Academic Tutor or School Director of Academic Tutoring, Student Support Coordinator (or Henley Helpdesk or ILSI Admin Office), or RUSU Academic Advisor first. We encourage you to utilise all support in place to assist with your studies and exams before submitting an Exceptional Circumstances form.
- Self-certification (effective from 25 October 2021) – this new provision supports students affected by short-term unexpected illness or disruption to their studies. Self-certification allows you the opportunity and responsibility to submit a claim for a two working day extension, in appropriate circumstances, without the need to provide evidence. For more details and information about how to make a self-certification request, please see the self-certification webpage.
- Relaxation of evidence requirements for specific scenarios: effective until 25 September 2022. We recognise that there continue to be situations related to COVID-19 where it may be impossible or very difficult to obtain evidence, and we have therefore agreed to relax the requirement for evidence where it cannot be obtained. You can apply for Exceptional Circumstances in the usual way using the existing form and should continue to provide evidence where at all possible. Important note: If you are unable to provide evidence, you must clearly explain why – please see further information below.
Please read the latest Exceptional Circumstance Policy. Full details of the current appeals process can be found in the sections below.
If you are a postgraduate research, University of Reading Malaysia, NUIST-based, Study Abroad or Greenlands student please contact your support staff or school for information on how to submit an Exceptional Circumstance request
Questions you may have about the exceptional circumstances and the process: