Need help with Mitigating Circumstances?

Recently, I had to miss an exam due to a bad bout of flu. I’d heard about Mitigating Circumstances before, but it was the first time I’d had to miss an official assessment so I was a bit stressed as to what I actually had to do. In retrospect, I can see that there is absolutely no need to worry about the process. The university has a system in place that means it’s very simple to make a claim, whatever your unique circumstance may be.

If you miss, or are going to miss, an assessment deadline or an exam due to illness or any other personal issue, here’s what you need to do:

1. Let your tutor know ASAP. Send an email to anyone you believe should be made aware of your situation. The more people who are aware, the better.
2. Fill in the Mitigating Circumstances form that can be found on Blackboard. As it’s online, you don’t have to worry about going to speak to anyone on campus.
3. Provide evidence. Part of the application form asks that you provide evidence for your absence. This may be a doctor’s note, or any other form of official document that supports your claim.
4. Sit back, relax, and wait for the panel to respond. You should get a response within a couple of weeks, and provided you have a reasonable claim, there shouldn’t be a problem.

The important thing to remember is that the university is there for you. If you miss something for a good reason, the university isn’t going to punish you, it will do what it can to help you in your time of need, whether that be an extension on a deadline, or allowing you to take an exam at a later date.

If you have trouble with the Mitigating Circumstances form, or any other academic issue for that matter, don’t hesitate to contact the Education Unit in the Student’s Union. That’s what they’re there for. If you’re struggling with any personal or health issues, #LeicsTalk Support is a service provided by the Student’s Union that offers support and guidance to students who need it. Alternatively, if you just want to have a chat with someone about anything that’s troubling you, call Nightline on 0116 223 1230 between 8pm and 8am during term time.

Whatever your circumstance, the university is there to help you on both an academic and personal level. In my opinion, your wellbeing is far more important than any essay or exam, so it’s not worth worrying too much if you do have to miss something.

I hope everyone has an enjoyable weekend. Until next time!