Supporting Students to Succeed Framework
With the start of the semester in full swing, we wanted to let you know about a new Framework for supporting students that has been introduced for this academic year. This is the process through which the University will support students who are experiencing adverse circumstances, beyond their direct control, which prevent an individual from completing work to a deadline, or to their usual standard of achievement.
The Extenuating Circumstances route can be instigated by you, the student, with the support and involvement of your Faculty and Student Support and Success (previously Student Services). The Support to Study route is driven by the University in response to more enduring extenuating circumstances.
The Support Framework sits alongside and complements the Self Certification for Extenuating Circumstances Policy and Procedures. At all times students are encouraged to seek support if they are experiencing difficulties.
Self-Certification
- The University recognises that there may be times when adverse circumstances, beyond your control, prevent you from completing work to a deadline. For students who are unable or unwilling to provide evidence for these circumstances, there is an opportunity to self-certify up to twice an academic year, enabling you to receive an extension of 5 working days for coursework assignments only.
- If you wish to self-certify in order to receive a 5-day extension for a piece of written coursework, you must complete the Self Certification form.
- You may only self-certify twice in an academic year (limited to once per semester), and the requests must be for two different coursework assignments.
- Applications for self-certification must be made before the original deadline on Canvas. No late applications will be accepted.
- You may not self-certify for the following: Dissertations, Extended Independent Studies, Group work assignments, Practical assessments, including exams and online timed constrained assessments, presentations, performances or viva voces.
The Extenuating Circumstances Route
- ‘Extenuating Circumstances’ are defined as being short term, unexpected and unavoidable circumstances.
- Students may apply for extensions up to a maximum of twice, per assignment, on the grounds of ECs. This is in addition to the option to Self-Certify.
- You apply for ECs online completing the EC Application form for your faculty, this can be submitted up to 10 working days before an assessment deadline and no later than 5 days following it. For your application to be considered you must provide supporting evidence.
- If approved this will give you a 10-day extension from the original submission deadline.
- If you have an increase in severity or different EC which make it difficult for you to meet the EC1 submission deadline then, providing you can provide further evidence, you can apply for a Stage 2 EC. If approved this will give you an additional 10-day extension. Stage 2 Extenuating Circumstances Applications require engagement with Student Support and Success.
- If you require a period of absence from the University (up to 10 working days), you should submit the ECs form, providing details of the reason you need it and applicable dates.
The Support to Study Route
- The Support to Study route is intended to support students in cases where there is evidence of disengagement from studies, or where behaviour gives cause for concern. The aim of Support to Study is to sustain the progress of the student in a supportive environment while being mindful of the need to exercise our duty of care to the student and others.
Still got questions?
Please read the following documents for further information:
Supporting Students to Succeed Procedure for Postgraduate Research Degrees
Extenuating Circumstances - Guidance Leaflet
Self-Certification Guidance Leaflet
If you require additional advice, you should contact the Winchester Student Union Advice Centre or Student Support and Success.
