EXTENSION OF SUBMISSION AND MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES EXTENSION

A request for an Extension of Submission must be given by the student to the Module Tutor before the original submission date.  

To do this: -

• Submit a completed extension form (ask your Module Tutor for this form) and relevant evidence (if any) explaining why you need an extension to your Programme Leader.

Programme Leaders may allow assessments to be submitted late without penalty.  The Maximum extension time given is 14 calendar days, except for individual projects or artifacts, which may be longer.

• Requests for more than 14 calendar days must be made using the University’s Mitigating Circumstances regulations and procedures.

Penalties

A student who fails to submit assessments by the original date or revised date outlined above, shall be subject to the following penalties;

• Up to 7 calendar days late – 10 marks will be subtracted but if the assessment would normally gain a pass mark (40 for Undergrad and 50 for Postgrad), the final mark will not be lower than this.
• More than 7 calendar days – this will be counted as a non-submission and no marks will be recorded.

MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES

Mitigating circumstances are normally exceptional, short term, unforeseen and unpreventable events that may have a significantly disruptive effect on your ability to sit an examination or to complete an assessment by the required deadline.

They are events that happen over and above the course of everyday life, and normally outside your control, for example: -

• sudden, severe illness (confirmed by medical certificate), or
• unforeseen serious personal circumstances such as bereavement.

Mitigating circumstances do not normally include ongoing circumstances, things that are a part of everyday life, or things that might reasonably have been planned for (or avoided), for example: -

• general pressures of work,
• periods of high workload,
• conflicting deadlines.

These are all a normal part of University life, and you are expected to manage these things with appropriate preparation and planning.   

If you experience circumstances that affect your ability to complete assessments, then you can make an application for mitigation.

Examples of circumstances that DO NOT fall within Mitigating Circumstances

• Proximity or number of examinations or other assessments.
• Computer difficulties or transport difficulties.
• Losing work not backed up on computer disk.
• Failure to make alternative travel plans when disruptions were known in advance.
• Normal work commitments on behalf of an employer.
• Misreading of assignment deadlines or examination timetables.
• Poor time management.
• Scheduling of holidays or time abroad.

Medical Circumstances and Certificates

The University does not usually consider medical certificates for long-term conditions or illnesses as mitigation for poor performance.  This is due to students normally having experience, medical knowledge or help to manage the condition.

Also, students would have had the opportunity to register with the University’s Disability Service who can give appropriate support and reasonable adjustments enabling students to be assessed without judgement.

The University recognizes that there may be a small number of students who are experiencing a temporary or serious incapacitating medical condition that could have directly affected their ability to attend, complete an assessment or perform to the full extent of their ability.

If a student feels that they are in the above category then medical certificates/letters to support mitigating circumstances must:

• Relate specifically to the dates and duration of the illness.
• Be signed by hand on bona fide headed paper from the specialist or doctor’s surgery.
• Contain a clear medical diagnosis or opinion and not merely report a claim that the student felt unwell or had a reason to believe they were ill at some point in the past.

How to submit Evidence

You need to submit the following to Mit-Circs@bolton.ac.uk   

• An electronic copy of your completed Mitigating Circumstances form.
• A covering note.
• Any scanned evidence.

Please note you must use your University of Bolton email address

SU Mitigating Circumstance Drop-Ins

Dates to be confirmed.

QR codes will be posted outside the SU for the online drop-ins.

Click here for the Mitigating Circumstances Policy and Procedures and Student Submission Form