Every Monday, firstpoint publishes five points about a topic related to life at university. This week, support and advice about mitigating circumstances…
POINT ONE: WHAT ARE MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES…
Mitigating Circumstances are exceptional circumstances outside of your control that have affected your academic performance. This may mean that you are unable to submit work on time, unable to submit work which is of your usual standard, or in some extreme cases, may not be able to submit work or attend a live assessment (e.g. a presentation) at all. You can find further information regarding the options and possible outcomes on the Registry Services webpages.
We’ve also answered lots of frequently asked questions on the firstpoint mitigating circumstances page.
You’re not on your own, support is available both with completing your mitigating circumstances claim and dealing with the situation behind it.
POINT TWO: SPEAK WITH FIRSTPOINT…
If you are unsure about the process or have some questions about how or when to make a claim, the firstpoint advisers can go through this with you. We can review the procedure, discuss the possible outcomes and confirm deadlines, so you have all the information you need to move forward.
At firstpoint, we can also advise how to access other appropriate sources of support, depending on your personal circumstances – and some of these are listed below. However, you do not need to share your reasons for applying for mitigating circumstances, we can just look at the process and the deadlines if you prefer. We’re here to help. Find out how to contact firstpoint on our webpages.
POINT THREE: CONTACT THE SU…
The Help and Advice service at the Students’ Union can also support students through the process of claiming for Mitigating Circumstances.
The Students’ Union offer free, impartial, and confidential advice appointments to all students at the University and can explain the process, next steps and accompany you to meetings.
If you believe you have grounds for a Mitigating Circumstances claim or want to know more about the University of Worcester’s policy, book an appointment with a Students’ Union advisor here.
POINT FOUR: COUNSELLING AND MENTAL HEALTH…
The Counselling and Mental Health Service is staffed by professionally trained practitioners, experienced in helping and supporting people from different backgrounds and cultures.
The counsellors offer the opportunity to talk to someone about whatever is concerning you in your life. The mental health advisers are there to help and support you with a pre-diagnosed, or emerging mental health conditions.
The team offer initial 30-minute STAR [Support Triage Advise Refer] appointments, which are available Monday – Friday from 9am to 4:30pm. In the session a member of the team will assess and discuss the most appropriate support for you.
Visit the STAR webpage for more information. You can book your own appointment via the appointment booking page or contact firstpoint to have an initial chat about options for support and we can also book an appointment for you.
POINT FIVE: THE STUDENT SUPPORT AND WELLBEING ADVISERS…
The Student Support and Wellbeing Service provide a confidential support service on a broad range of pastoral and welfare issues and are happy to meet with you about any concerns that are affecting your time as a student at the University of Worcester.
They can support you through the personal circumstances that might be the cause behind your need to submit a claim. They can also help you to liaise between other departments that might need to be confidentially informed about your circumstances.
If you are dealing with difficult circumstances, come and have a chat with us at firstpoint and we can help make sure you are supported or contact the Student Support and Wellbeing Service on: studentlife@worc.ac.uk.
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