EC stands for Extenuating Circumstances. This is a phrase used to describe something serious and exceptional that was outside of your control which negatively impacted your performance during the assessment period.

1. Talk to Your Personal Tutor

The first step if any situation is affecting your studies is to speak to your personal tutor or someone on your course team as soon as possible. They may able to offer extra support, or give an extension for any upcoming deadlines. But they can't help if they don't know you are struggling.

2. Complete an EC Claim Form

This form will talk you through everything you need to include including module codes and submission dates. Remember to give as much information as possible about the circumstances and what impact they had on you and your studies. This form should be submitted as soon as you are able. Don't worry all information is held confidentially.

3. Submit Form

Completed forms and any supporting evidence should be emailed to: assessment@cumbria.ac.uk You can also email them if you need any help with submitting.

4. EC Panel

Your EC claim will be viewed by an EC panel. They will be checking things such as if the ECs were significant and if they were present around the time of submission/exam, is their supporting evidence, and is the circumstance valid. Your claim along with the panels decision will then be sent on to the Module Confirmation Board then the University Progression and Award Board for approval.

5. Get Informed of Result

After the decision has been approved by both boards it will be displayed on your statement of results and in ICON along with your module result. This will be on the official release date of results. The result will likely say either: EC (valid) followed by an assessment recommendation, or EC (not valid).

6. Some Outcomes of a Valid Claim

Outcomes are decided on a case by case basis. This means that once a decision has been made the relevant board will be in touch with you to talk you through your options.