If something unexpected affects your studies, don’t panic. You can apply for mitigation or access support to help you manage deadlines, exams and your wellbeing. Here’s what your options are and what to do next.

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What is mitigation?

Mitigation is support for when unexpected circumstances affect your ability to meet a deadline or perform in an assessment.

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This could include:

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• illness

• family or personal emergencies

• other significant circumstances

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There are two main types of mitigation, evidence-free or evidence-based.

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What is an evidence-free extension?

An evidence-free extension gives you 7 extra days to complete an assessment. You can:

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• self-certify through ELE2

• use this once per assessment

• use it up to four times per academic year.

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You can apply before the deadline or up to 24 hours after the deadline.

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When can’t I use an evidence-free extension?

You may not be able to apply if:

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• the deadline is more than 1 month away

• the deadline passed more than 24 hours ago

• the assessment is an exam, group work or restricted by your Faculty

• you’ve already received an evidence-based extension

• you’ve already used your extension for that assessment.

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If you submit work after requesting an extension but before the deadline, remember to contact your Hub to withdraw it, otherwise it will still count towards your four uses.

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What is evidence-based mitigation?

This is for when you need more than 7 days or you’ve already used your evidence-free extensions. There are two types:

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1. Standard extension - gives 1–2 extra weeks and includes any 7-day extension already used.

2. Deferral -moves your assessment or exam to the next assessment period.

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If you’re on a Student visa, a deferral may affect your visa. Contact the International Student Support Team before applying.

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How do I apply for mitigation?

You can apply through the Student Records System (SRS) or the MyExeter app.

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You can also view the mitigation guidance for step-by-step help.

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It can help to talk things through first. You could speak to:

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• Our Advice Team

• your tutors

• your Hub Info Point

• Wellbeing Services

• a friend or family member

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What counts as reasonable circumstances?

Examples include:

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• bereavement

• illness (short or long term)

• Individual Learning Plan-related extensions

• significant personal or welfare issues

• caring responsibilities

This isn’t a full list, see the TQA Manual for full details.

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What evidence do I need?

You’ll need to upload verifiable evidence to support your application. You can:

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• upload it when you apply

• upload it up to 10 working days after the deadline.

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Your application won’t be processed until evidence is provided. See examples of acceptable evidence for guidance.

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What if my exam clashes with a religious day?

If your exam falls on a religious day or festival, you can apply for alternative arrangements using the religious observance form. You’ll need to submit this each academic year. You can find examination dates on the University’s website.

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What if my health or wellbeing is affecting my studies?

If your health is impacting your studies, there is support available. Feeling stressed or anxious can be normal, but if it’s ongoing, it’s important to get support early.

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What support is available?

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1. Education Welfare Team
   They offer confidential, non-judgemental support and help with personal and academic challenges.

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2. Wellbeing Services
   They can support your mental and emotional wellbeing and help with delays to exams or deadlines.

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3. Pastoral Mentors (UG and PGT)
   They provide short-term support, signposting and referral to specialist services if needed.

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4. Postgraduate Research students
   If you’re a PGR student, contact your Pastoral Tutor or PGR Support Team - details are available on your MyPGR record, or via the PGR Support Teams webpage.

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5. Health, Wellbeing and Support for Study (HWSS)
   This is a support process used when your health or wellbeing is affecting your studies. It helps put more structured support in place if you’re struggling and need more than one conversation to get back on track.

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How the Advice Team can help?‍

You don’t have to figure this out on your own. Our Advice Team can:

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• explain your options

• help you decide which route is right for you

• support you with mitigation applications

• help you prepare for meetings like HWSS.

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Email advice@exeterguild.com or complete our enquiry form.

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What is a Health Wellbeing Support for Study (HWSS) meeting?

A HWSS meeting is designed to support you, not to get you into trouble. It’s used when your health or wellbeing is affecting your ability to study.

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What are the aims of a HWSS meeting?

The aim is to:

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• support you to manage your studies and wellbeing

• help you meet learning outcomes where possible

• make sure you get support early

• help you make informed decisions.

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What happens in a HWSS process?

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• you’ll usually have already spoken to an Education Welfare Advisor

• a support plan may be put in place

• meetings are supportive and non-judgemental.

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There are three levels of HWSS meetings depending on your situation. Find out more information about HWSS levels.

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If you’re on a professionally accredited course (e.g. HCPC or GMC), this process may link to fitness to practise procedures. Discover further information about Fitness to Practise.

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Can I get support at a HWSS meeting?

Yes, you can bring support. Complete our enquiry form and we may be able to arrange an advisor to support you.

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Not sure which option is right for you? Get in touch, we’ll help you make sense of your options and figure out your next step.