Eligibility Criteria for Exceptional Circumstances

Check the eligibility criteria for exceptional circumstances and what evidence you are allowed to submit.

If you are applying for an evidence-based extension or impaired performance request you need to check the eligibility criteria below for exceptional circumstances and what evidence you are allowed to submit before making your request.

For self-certification you don’t need to provide evidence. You will be asked to confirm which reason you are making the request for, but that information won’t form part of the decision for your request.

Ensure you access the correct information dependent on where you are taught:

Directly taught with CCCU
Taught at Partner Institution.

For students studying directly with CCCU

An evidence-based extension or impaired performance request can only be approved if it is for one of the eligible reasons set out in the Exceptional Circumstance Procedure and is supported by appropriate evidence.
The evidence you provide should be from an appropriate professional source, dated, and directly related to your reason for making the request. Professional evidence can include (but isn’t limited to) medical or legal documentation, statements from registered charities, statements from community or faith leaders, or Student Wellbeing or Chaplaincy Team (where you have already been in contact with them for support).
You MUST supply your evidence with your form, otherwise your request cannot be considered. Forms submitted without evidence will be declined.
The University cannot seek evidence from a person or organisation outside the University on your behalf.
If you have already submitted evidence through another route, i.e. previous exceptional circumstances request, and wish for it to be used again, you must confirm this on your form and provide details of: what the evidence is, who has it (this MUST be a named person or department) and why you feel it is relevant.
(Please be aware that where evidence is requested from another person or department, this will result in a delay in the EC process and communication of the request outcome.)
If the evidence you are providing is about a living individual other than yourself (for example, a family member), you must confirm you have their permission to use their information and submit it with your request. If you do not provide this permission, the evidence will not be considered unless:
- they are under 18 years of age, and you are their parent or carer or legal guardian; or
- they are over 18 years of age and you are their carer or legal guardian, and you are in receipt of Carer’s Allowance.
If you are finding it difficult to obtain professional evidence (including where you are being asked to pay for a doctor’s letter), please contact your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT), your Course Team or a Student Support Adviser before your deadline to get advice on suitable alternatives.

Please note we cannot accept as evidence:

Newspaper articles or social media postings
Receipts
Photocopies/pictures of over-the-counter medications
Photographs of a personal nature
Statements from family or friends, or where there is a conflict of
Video or audio.

The examples of supporting evidence listed in the table below are indicative rather than exhaustive. If you are unsure of what to supply, or if the type of evidence you have is acceptable, please contact your Course Team to check as soon as possible. You will find contact details for your Course Team in MyRecord, under ‘My Studies’ > ‘Course details’.

ELIGIBLE CIRCUMSTANCE	ACCEPTABLE EVIDENCE
Serious or significant personal incidents including house fire, homelessness, unexpected house move, direct experience of natural disaster	Insurance documentation Solicitor's letter Council letters Documentation from Citizens' Advice Bureau or other relevant registered charity or external body Counsellor's letter (external or University) Doctor's letter Financial documentation Employer's letter Statement from University Student Wellbeing Services or Chaplaincy staff if you have engaged previously with the service Statement from a community or faith leader
Accident or injury	Dated and signed letter from a: Doctor Consultant Hospital Dentist Counsellor Insurance documentation Solicitor's letter Statement from University Student Wellbeing Services or Chaplaincy staff where you have already sought support from them for the issue
Being the victim of a crime, including being the victim of violent crime, theft or being investigated by the police	Documentation from the Police (please note: a crime reference number alone is unlikely to be acceptable) Insurance documentation Solicitor's letter Documentation from Citizens' Advice Bureau or other relevant registered charity or external body Counsellor's letter (external or University) Doctor's letter Statement from University Student Wellbeing Services or Chaplaincy staff where you have already sought support from them for the issue
Unexpected financial difficulties where there is unambiguous evidence that the situation is serious and not of your own making	Documentation from Citizens' Advice Bureau or other relevant registered charity/external body Financial documentation Employer's letter Statement from University Student Wellbeing Services where you have already sought support from them for the issue
Unexpected caring responsibilities including the illness of a Child / Parent / Sibling / Spouse / Partner	Counsellor's letter (external or University) Doctor's letter Statement from University Student Wellbeing Services or Chaplaincy staff where you have already sought support from them for the issue Statement from a community or faith leader
Recent bereavement	Official documentation relating to the individual’s death Where relevant, documentation relating to any memorial or remembrance event held Counsellor's letter (external or University) Doctor's letter Statement from University Student Wellbeing Services or Chaplaincy staff where you have already sought support from them for the issue Statement from a community or faith leader
Hospital appointments which could not reasonably be rescheduled and directly conflict with an exam or time-constrained assessment (TCA)	Dated and signed letter from a: Doctor Consultant Hospital Dentist Counsellor
Family crisis including major illness of relative or partner, divorce or separation	Solicitor’s letter Documentation from Citizens' Advice Bureau or other relevant registered charity or external body Counsellor's letter (external or University) Doctor's letter Statement from University Student Wellbeing Services or Chaplaincy staff where you have already sought support from them for the issue Statement from a community or faith leader
Appearance at court	Solicitor’s letter Court documentation Documentation from Citizens' Advice Bureau or other relevant registered charity or external body providing support
Pregnancy, maternity and paternity, including a difficult or unplanned pregnancy	Dated and signed letter from a: Doctor Consultant Hospital Midwife Relevant prescriptions Doctor’s letter Photo of medication with label clearly stating date and to whom it was issued Ambulance documentation
Short-term illness including flu, gastroenteritis, migraine and emergency dental issues	Dated and signed letter from a: Doctor Consultant Hospital Dentist Counsellor Relevant prescription Photo of medication with label clearly stating date and to whom it was issued
Major and exceptional travel disruptions where evidence clearly shows that an alternative mode of transport would not be possible or, which could not have been remedied by better time organisation	Flight, National Rail and/or Stagecoach/National Express disruption summary Letter from the service provider about the disruption
Unexpected professional difficulties, including direct involvement with OFSTED or other professional body inspection (e.g. CQC), or events such as NHS OPEL implementation	Employer’s letter Official documentation demonstrating the issue / event
Involvement in a national or international event including participation in a national or international sporting, fine art or musical event	Formal invitation with event dates Letter from relevant organisation

Computer/IT difficulties or equipment failure, including:
- Loss of data
- Uploading an incorrect file to Turnitin
- Computer breakdown or the inability to access the internet, unless the issue relates to difficulties accessing or using specialist software or equipment required for reasonable adjustment of a student.
Academic workload pressures including multiple deadlines within a brief period
Misreading the assessment deadline or examination timetable, doing the wrong coursework assessment, taking the wrong examination or not understanding the subject and/or question
Stress resulting from involvement in academic misconduct, professional suitability or fitness to practice cases
General financial difficulties, or difficulties in accessing resources or computing accounts due to outstanding University debt, unless the problem is not of your own making.
Self-diagnosis of medical conditions
Circumstances where the only evidence is supplied by a relative or friend, or where there is a conflict of interest
Term-time holidays or weddings
Pregnancy of a friend/relative other than your partner/wife
Normal work/life/study pressures including childcare
Minor ailments, g., cough, cold, headache or hangover
Unexceptional transportation difficulties including delayed public transport or a car breakdown
Oversleeping
Illness or loss of pets
Issues between friends
Electing to support a friend at court
Hospital appointments which could not reasonably be rescheduled and directly conflict with an exam or time-constrained assessment.

For students studying at a partner institution

An Evidence-Based or Impaired Performance request can only be approved if it is for one of the eligible reasons set out in the Exceptional Circumstance Procedure and is supported by appropriate evidence.
The evidence you provide should be from an appropriate professional source, dated, and directly related to your reason for making the request. Professional evidence can include (but isn’t limited to) medical or legal documentation, statements from registered charities, statements from community or faith leaders, or from Partner Institution Student Support Services or other support entities available (e.g. Chaplaincy), where you have already sought support from them for the issue.
You MUST supply your evidence with your form, otherwise your request cannot be considered. Forms submitted without evidence will be declined.
Evidence cannot be sought from a person or organisation outside of your Partner Institution on your behalf.
If you have already submitted evidence through another route i.e., previous exceptional circumstances request, and wish for it to be used again, you must confirm this on your form and provide details of: what the evidence is, who has it (this MUST be a named person or department) and why you feel it is relevant.
(Please be aware that where evidence is requested from another person or department, this will result in a delay in the EC process and communication of the request outcome.)
If the evidence you are providing is about a living individual other than yourself (for example, a family member), you must confirm you have their permission to use their information and submit it with your request. If you do not provide this permission, the evidence will not be considered unless:
- They are under 18 years of age, and you are their parent or carer or legal guardian; or
- They are over 18 years of age and you are their carer or legal guardian, and you are in receipt of Carer’s Allowance.

If you are finding it difficult to obtain professional evidence (including where you are being asked to pay for a doctor’s letter), please contact your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT), your Course team or a Student Support Adviser before your deadline to get advice on suitable alternatives.

Please note we cannot accept as evidence:

Newspaper articles or social media postings
Receipts
Photocopies/pictures of over-the-counter medications
Photographs of a personal nature
Statements from family or friends, or where there is a conflict of
Video or audio.

The examples of supporting evidence listed in the table below are indicative rather than exhaustive. If you are unsure of what to supply, or if the type of evidence you have is acceptable, please contact your Course team to check as soon as possible. You will find contact details for your Course Team in MyRecord, under ‘My Studies’ > ‘Course details’.

ELIGIBLE CIRCUMSTANCE	ACCEPTABLE EVIDENCE
Serious or significant personal incidents including house fire, homelessness, unexpected house move, direct experience of natural disaster	Insurance documentation Solicitor's letter Council letters Documentation from Citizens' Advice Bureau or other relevant registered charity or external body Counsellor's letter (external or Partner Institution) Doctor's letter Financial documentation Employer's letter Statement from Partner Institution Student Support Services or other support entities available (e.g. Chaplaincy), where you have already sought support from them for the issue
Accident or injury	Dated and signed letter from a: Doctor Consultant Hospital Dentist Counsellor Insurance documentation Solicitor's letter · Statement from Partner Institution Student Support Services or other support entities available (e.g. Chaplaincy), where you have already sought support from them for the issue
Being the victim of a crime, including being the victim of violent crime, theft or being investigated by the police	Documentation from the Police (please note that a crime reference number alone is unlikely to be acceptable) Insurance documentation Solicitor's letter Documentation from Citizens' Advice Bureau or other relevant registered charity or external body Counsellor's letter (external or Partner Institution) Doctor's letter Statement from Partner Institution Student Support Services or other support entities available (e.g. Chaplaincy), where you have already sought support from them for the issue
Unexpected financial difficulties where there is unambiguous evidence that the situation is serious and not of your own making	Documentation from Citizens' Advice Bureau or other relevant registered charity/external body Financial documentation Employer's letter Statement from Partner Institution Student Support Services or other support entities available (e.g. Chaplaincy), where you have already sought support from them for the issue
Unexpected caring responsibilities including the illness of a Child / Parent / Sibling / Spouse / Partner	Counsellor's letter (external or University) Doctor's letter Statement from University Student Wellbeing Services or Chaplaincy staff Statement from a community or faith leader
Recent bereavement	Official documentation relating to the individual’s death Where relevant, documentation relating to any memorial or remembrance event held Counsellor's letter (external or Partner Institution) Doctor's letter Statement from Partner Institution Student Support Services or other support entities available (e.g. Chaplaincy), where you have already sought support from them for the issue Statement from a community or faith leader
Hospital appointments which could not reasonably be rescheduled and directly conflict with an exam or time-constrained assessment (TCA)	Dated and signed letter from a: Doctor Consultant Hospital Dentist Counsellor
Family crisis including major illness of relative or partner, divorce or separation	Solicitor’s letter Documentation from Citizens' Advice Bureau or other relevant registered charity or external body Counsellor's letter (external or Partner Institution) Doctor's letter Statement from Partner Institution Student Support Services or other support entities available (e.g. Chaplaincy), where you have already sought support from them for the issue Statement from a community or faith leader
Appearance at court	Solicitor’s letter Court documentation Documentation from Citizens' Advice Bureau or other relevant registered charity or external body providing support
Pregnancy, maternity and paternity, including a difficult or unplanned pregnancy	Dated and signed letter from a: Doctor Consultant Hospital Midwife Relevant prescriptions Doctor’s letter Photo of medication with label clearly stating date and to whom it was issued Ambulance documentation
Short-term illness including flu, gastroenteritis, migraine and emergency dental issues	Dated and signed letter from a: Doctor Consultant Hospital Dentist Counsellor Relevant prescription Photo of medication with label clearly stating date and to whom it was issued
Major and exceptional travel disruptions where evidence clearly shows that an alternative mode of transport would not be possible or, which could not have been remedied by better time organisation	Flight, National Rail and/or Stagecoach/National Express disruption summary Letter from the service provider about the disruption
Unexpected professional difficulties, including direct involvement with OFSTED or other professional body inspection (e.g. CQC), or events such as NHS OPEL implementation	Employer’s letter Official documentation demonstrating the issue / event
Involvement in a national or international event including participation in a national or international sporting, fine art or musical event	Formal invitation with event dates Letter from relevant organisation

Computer/IT difficulties or equipment failure, including:
- Loss of data
- Uploading an incorrect file to Turnitin
- Computer breakdown or the inability to access the internet, unless the issue relates to difficulties accessing or using specialist software or equipment required for reasonable adjustment of a student.
Academic workload pressures including multiple deadlines within a brief period
Misreading the assessment deadline or examination timetable, doing the wrong coursework assessment, taking the wrong examination or not understanding the subject and/or question
Stress resulting from involvement in academic misconduct, professional suitability or fitness to practice cases
General financial difficulties, or difficulties in accessing resources or computing accounts due to outstanding debt related to your studies, unless the problem is not of your own making
Self-diagnosis of medical conditions
Circumstances where the only evidence is supplied by a relative or friend, or where there is a conflict of interest
Term-time holidays or weddings
Pregnancy of a friend/relative other than your partner/wife
Normal work/life/study pressures including childcare
Minor ailments, g., cough, cold, headache or hangover
Unexceptional transportation difficulties including delayed public transport or a car breakdown
Oversleeping
Illness or loss of pets
Issues between friends
Electing to support a friend at court
Hospital appointments which could not reasonably be rescheduled and directly conflict with an exam or time-constrained assessment.