Outlined below is the update from the Academic Council for Autumn repeat exam students who have applied or still wish to apply for the exceptional circumstances mitigation
COVID-19 as a mitigating circumstance
The Academic Council had previously determined that COVID-19 is a valid mitigating circumstance in all cases and have formally added it to the list of conditions qualifying for mitigation. Applications must be made through the mitigating circumstance process which is available online at the Exceptional Circumstances Mitigation form.
Academic Council decision on mitigation
Academic Council has decided that all repeat exam students – including those who have completed repeat assessments – can apply for exceptional circumstances mitigation.
Students who have not yet applied for the Autumn repeat exceptional circumstances mitigation have until 5pm on Monday, 14 September to apply at the Exceptional Circumstances Mitigation form. Those who have already applied for exceptional circumstances mitigation do not have to do anything.
Please note, students applying for exceptional circumstances mitigation are not required to specify how they were impacted by Covid-19.
There was a range of legitimate reasons that might have affected students' performance during their repeat examinations, or even prevented students from completing their repeat assessment.
All students who have applied for exceptional circumstances mitigation by 5pm on Monday, 14 September 2020 will be contacted in due course about what solution will apply to their situation. Students should keep a close eye on Moodle and student email for communication from the relevant Programme Board.
The Academic Council has met to consider the best approach to ensure students are not hindered in achieving their educational and career objectives as a result of Covid-19. The solutions for continuing students and students in award years have been considered separately.
At the forefront of the decision was ensuring students are not unduly impacted by the challenges in assessing them while also ensuring that the quality and reputation of the graduate is maintained.
Continuing students
A special Covid-19 amendment has been made to the academic regulations for this year only, which permits students who have applied for exceptional circumstances mitigation to progress to their next year of study – where a Programme Board is of the opinion that a student has been impacted as a result of Covid-19 then that student may be allowed to progress.
The way they will complete outstanding credits will be decided by their Programme Board. Please note there is a separate solution for Level 6 and 7 graduates seeking progression into follow-on programmes at SETU should read the ‘award year students’ information below.
Students should keep a close eye on Moodle and student email for communication from the relevant Programme Board.
Award year students
The Academic Council wants to give students in award years the maximum possible opportunity to graduate in 2020 and are giving these students an additional opportunity to complete outstanding assessments before the start date of the 2020/2021 academic term (28 September 2020).
These will be online where possible and Programme Boards will individually decide on the best form of additional assessment that also ensures quality assurance of the award.
Award year students should keep a close eye on Moodle and student email for communication from the relevant Programme Board.