Extenuating circumstances (EC) and personal matters that may impact your learning
The University recognises that from time to time you may experience personal circumstances which will make it difficult for you to attend class or submit your assessments on time. Those circumstances may be short-term or longer-term and there are a number of ways the University can help you.
It is vitally important you let us know you have problems as soon as possible so we can advise on the best course of action for your particular circumstances. We cannot normally take retrospective action, so telling us about your problems at the end of the year, or after your results have been released, is too late for us to help you. Make sure you speak to someone at the Student Hub as soon as you think you might be having difficulties. They will be able to guide you to the appropriate support.
The following are the main ways in which the University can offer help to students who are experiencing personal problems that affect their ability to study.
The University defines extenuating circumstances as:
Significant, unforeseen, and normally short-term matters that result in a major impact on a student’s ability to be able to complete, or submit, or attend an assessment.
It is very important to remember that the Extenuating Circumstances Policy can only be used for personal matters that are short term and where you do not miss too much learning. This policy is therefore only for issues that do not last longer than 20 working days (25 working days where there is a compelling reason). If you are experiencing long-term issues, please refer to the suspension section at the bottom of this page and contact the Student Hub for further advice.
Extenuating circumstances applications must be submitted through the Student Gateway as soon as possible after the event/illness. Applications will be considered by Student Registry and you'll be advised of the outcome as soon as practicable.
The outcome of your EC application will be emailed to you at your Solent email address.
Further details and guidance regarding the University’s extenuating circumstances policy and procedural guidelines can be found below or can be obtained from the Student Hub.
Extenuating circumstances Gateway application
Extenuating circumstances policy
If you are experiencing difficulties that are not covered by the extenuating circumstances procedure, please contact the Student Hub who will be able to advise you.
If you are absent from studying for more than 20 working days, the University will normally advise that you suspend your studies and start again the following academic year at the stage that you suspended.
This is because of the amount of teaching you will have missed. This may also provide the time you need to resolve all personal difficulties and commence studying without worry. You will then be in the best position to do as well as possible. Suspension means that you will keep all the marks you have achieved up until the point you suspend, and when you return you will simply continue to complete the outstanding units and assessments. You cannot undertake any study while you are suspended from the course.
If you think you may need to suspend your studies you can speak to someone at the Student Hub who will advise you and may direct you to further support where needed. You will then be provided with all the advice and guidance you need about the timing of your return to your course.
Examples of valid supporting evidence are provided in Annex A of the EC Policy.
A statement from a parent/guardian/spouse/partner or a member of academic staff will not be accepted as evidence.
Photographs or films will not be accepted as evidence.
The student must present all evidence in English. Where, for example, an overseas student is taken ill in their home country and corroborating evidence is provided in the language of that country, it should be accompanied by a translation, certified officially as being correct e.g. by a Notary Public or by a member of staff who is fluent in that language.
Absence through illness must be evidenced by a statement from a medical practitioner and may seek to verify such evidence. Medical self-certification is not acceptable evidence for extenuating circumstances.
Any falsified evidence submitted will be processed through the student disciplinary procedure.