The University recognises that it may be difficult for students to obtain evidence in the current climate, noting the current pressures on health and other services, and will make every effort to consider applications sympathetically.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of examples of appropriate evidence:
• Non-Covid medical issues (including mental health/wellbeing) Students may self-certify on non-Covid medical grounds for up to seven calendar days by providing details on the School/College extenuating circumstances application form.
• In those cases in which a student has been absent for more than seven calendar days on non-Covid medical grounds (including mental health/wellbeing), a Doctor/Health Professional’s letter/certificate which confirms the illness, indicates the likely impact of the illness and clearly identifies that the time period of illness corresponds to the assessment period in which the claim is being made.
• A period of self-isolation/quarantine- A student may self-certify for up to ten calendar days by completing the School/College application form. If the student is quarantining in University accommodation, the School/College may ask for additional evidence in the form of a copy of the quarantine booking. If self-isolating, students may be asked to provide additional evidence in the form of copies of emails sent to the School/College/University informing them of the period of self-isolation.
• In the event of the failure of IT equipment, where there is a verifiable failure which affects a system or systems, evidence may take the form of screenshots or service interruptions, errors, network provider page or communications outlining the disruption, including social media posts and emails from providers or monitoring systems.
• In the case of a student taken ill during an on-site University invigilated examination, a copy of the invigilator’s report. A student who is taken ill during an on-site examination must inform the invigilator either during or immediately after the examination and before leaving the examination venue. A record of this will be made by the invigilator which the student can subsequently access from the Examinations Office. In such a case, the invigilator’s report may be used to support a claim for a deferral
• Hospital admission and discharge letter, to confirm time spent in hospital (in those cases in which a student has been absent on non-Covid medical grounds for more than seven calendar days).
• A letter of support/explanation from a support service in the University, e.g. Disability Service, Wellbeing Service etc. (provided at the discretion of the support service)
• Death certificate / Order of Service / Funeral Director's Letter
• Police report, a crime reference number on its own will not be sufficient
• News report to confirm unforeseen transport difficulties
