Mitigating Circumstances are any personal issues that affect your academic work, such as illness, bereavement, family relationships or personal problems. It can also include being a victim of crime or experiencing a catastrophic event.

It’s important to tell your School if you’re struggling so they can help.

You will need to explain what has been happening and how the circumstances have affected you and your academic work. There is an online application form to complete. The Student Support Office in your School can talk to you about your circumstances and what options you have.

If you would like some support or to talk to someone about any issues that have affected you, LUU Advice are here for you with independent, confidential and professional advice. There are no problems too big or too small.

FAQs

Do I have to tell my School the specific problem?

You should always let your School know about any mitigating circumstances or they won’t be able to take into account how this might have affected your work.

The sooner you let your School know about any problems, the better. The longer you leave it the harder it could be for them to find solutions to help you. If you end up needing to appeal based on mitigating circumstances your case will always be stronger if you had applied when the issue was first occurring. The appeals process doesn’t typically allow for embarrassment around disclosing your circumstances.

If you don’t feel comfortable discussing your problem with your School, come and chat to us at LUU Advice. We’re independent from the University and we won’t tell anyone about your problems unless you give us permission. We can help you decide what to do based on your situation.

Can I apply for mitigating circumstances for my disability?

If you have a disability, you should register with Disability Services as soon as possible to ensure that support is in place for your academic work. This support will be in place each year of your course, and should mean that you do not need to apply for mitigating circumstances in relation to your disability.

If the adjustments that have been put in place for you are not working, or have not been put in place in time for your assessments or exams, this is when you should apply for mitigating circumstances. You should also raise these concerns with your School and your Disability Advisor/Mentor.

You can also apply for mitigating circumstances for any other unexpected, short-term and unpreventable event that may have significantly impacted your studies.