Extensions and Special Circumstances systems for students and staff (ESC Team, Student Support Staff, Student Advisers, and Wellbeing Advisers) have been updated to implement the Exceptional Circumstances Policy (approved March 2024). Exceptional Circumstances Systems Sep 12, 2024 Release Summary of changes Extensions and Special Circumstances systems for students and staff (ESC Team, Student Support Staff, Student Advisers, and Wellbeing Advisers) have been updated to implement the Exceptional Circumstances Policy (approved March 2024). Student systems Students can select to apply for any of the following on the very first screen - Extensions, Exceptional Circumstances and Extra Time Learning Adjustments. When applying for extensions, students can self-certify for up to 3 extensions per academic year (Sep – Aug) and will receive instant approvals for extensions on coursework submissions within 10 days of the due dates. Students eligible for extra time learning adjustments can apply for extensions and extra time for adjustments, as is currently possible. Students can apply for Exceptional Circumstances (EC), while providing details about the circumstances, impact on their assessments and sufficient evidence. The EC application process will be easier and will clearly indicate when an application is not complete and the steps that need to be completed. Students applying for Exceptional Circumstances due to bereavement, sexual harassment or gender-based violence will not be required to provide evidence to complete an application. Staff systems The EC Service, Student Support Staff, Student Advisers and Wellbeing Advisers will continue to be able to view and open Extensions, Special Circumstances (cases submitted before Sep 12, 2024) and Exceptional Circumstances cases (submitted from Sep 12, 2024). Staff will have a new view of the extensions cases with details that are the same as received by students so that staff and students are on the same page. Minor improvements have been made to the staff dashboard to display the case type and its eligibility. Forthcoming changes Further improvements to these systems are underway and planned for later this year and in early 2025. These include Updates to students applying for extensions on re-sit assessments. Updates to Exceptional Circumstances outcomes per the new policy (these needed to wait until after the Dissertation Boards in October). Updates and improvements to the application process for Exceptional Circumstances for students. Updates and improvements to the staff dashboard including the display of cases statuses. This article was published on 2024-09-12
