If you take part in an assessment, whether handing in a coursework, sitting an exam or taking another kind of assessment you are declaring yourself to be well enough to do so: in other words you are “Fit to Sit”.
However, occasionally unexpected health or personal incidents can impact negatively on your studies. The University calls these “Extenuating Circumstances” and there is a process to support you.
BEFORE an assessment deadline
Extensions to deadlines
If you need a little more time to complete coursework for one or more of your modules, you should apply for an extension to the hand-in date. Extensions can be granted by your Module Leader up to a maximum of five working days (or 10 working days in extreme circumstances or for modules of 20 credits or more).
To apply for an extension you should complete form RE1 and return it to your Module Leader before your deadlines. Your module leader might ask for evidence of the problems you are having.
Please note that this option does not apply to examinations.
Deferral of Assessment
If your circumstances are significant, and you cannot hand in an assessment within time, or you cannot attend an examination, you can apply to defer the assessment. This means that you would undertake the assessment at the next available opportunity i.e. either during the next trimester or during the summer diet.
The decision to defer assessment could affect whether you can carry on to the next year of your studies so you should always seek advice from your PL, PDT and/or ENSA Advice, our free, independent and confidential advice service, before applying for a deferral.
To Apply for a Deferral of Assessment, you should complete form DE1 and return it to your Extenuating Circumstances Officer with relevant evidence before the deadline or, exceptionally, at the latest within 5 working days of the deadline.
Important Note: An application for Deferral of Assessment deemed valid will void your original scheduled attempt which will not be assessed.
AFTER an assessment deadline
Retrospective Extenuating Circumstances
If you have submitted a piece of work, or sat an exam, and realised afterwards that you were not fit to sit, you can ask for Retrospective Extenuating Circumstances to be recognised.
To apply for Retrospective Extenuating Circumstances, you should complete a DE1 Form and submit it to your relevant Extenuating Circumstances Officer no later than 5 working days of the original deadline or exam date with relevant evidence.
Important Note: An application for Retrospective Extenuating Circumstances deemed valid for will “void” your attempt even if you passed the assessment. You will then be offered an opportunity to undertake the assessment during the next trimester or during the summer diet.
Exceptional Extenuating Circumstances
If you did not submit a piece of work, or sat an exam, and your circumstances were so serious you could not submit a DE1 form with five working days, you can apply for Exceptional Extenuating Circumstances within the set dates published on My Napier.
To apply for Exceptional Extenuating Circumstances , you should submit a form DE1 and return it to your Extenuating Circumstances Officer by the set dates with relevant evidence.
Important Note: You must provide information and evidence about your circumstances AND about the reasons you could not submit a DE1 form within 5 working days of the assessment deadline or exam date.
Further Information
Details on the above processes, and access to relevant forms, is available on My Napier.
If you would like any advice about your options, make an appointment with ENSA Advice.