UCSU's Quick Guide to ECs
Sometimes things don’t go to plan and UCSU’s Student Support team are here to help. One of the ways we aim to support you is by highlighting some important University policies and procedures that could help you in your journey to success.
Did you know that the University of Cumbria have an Extenuating Circumstances (or EC) process?
This is for students who have serious and exceptional factors outside your control that could negatively affect your performance during your study and may have prevented you from attending examinations or other timed assessments or caused you to miss assessment submission deadlines. 'Examples of ECs may be illness, accidents or serious family problems. Please be aware that ‘everyday things’ like colds are unlikely to be deemed as an EC. Likewise, the university may see situations such as travel issues as preventable.
Whilst UCSU would advise that it’s a good idea to keep tutors up to date with any circumstances that could affect your assessments, this in itself is not enough and you still need to complete an Extenuating Circumstances claim.
So when can I make a claim?
Claims should be submitted within 5 working days of the last assessment (i.e. last assessment submission date or final examination) for the module or modules for which ECs are being claimed.
The University will allow you to submit your claim before the submission date, but please be aware that this should not be too far in advance.
Where can I go for more information or help?
You can download the EC claim form, the full policy and procedure and more by visiting the student handbook via MY University of Cumbria via the university website or go straight to: http://my.cumbria.ac.uk/StudentLife/Support/YourStudies/AssessmentandExams/ExtenuatingCircumstances.aspx
If you need to book an appointment with our Student Support team you can do so at: www.ucsu.me/support
