University life can be unpredictable. Whether you’re dealing with illness, personal issues, or unexpected events, sometimes things happen that can seriously impact your ability to study or complete your assessments on time.
If you find yourself in this situation, you might be able to submit a mitigating circumstances claim.
What are mitigating circumstances?
Mitigating circumstances are serious, unplanned events that affect your academic performance—like missing a deadline, not being able to attend an exam, or struggling to complete work due to personal challenges. The University has a clear process in place to help you get the support you need.
To make it easier to understand your options, we’ve created a comprehensive online guide that walks you through the process step by step.
Explore the guide here: https://www2.worc.ac.uk/firstpoint/mitigating-circumstances.html
What’s in the guide?
The guide is built around common student questions and gives you both written and audio explanations so you can choose how you prefer to engage with the information. You’ll find answers to questions like:
- What counts as a valid reason for a claim?
- What deadlines do I need to meet?
- What kind of evidence should I provide?
- What if I don’t have my evidence yet?
- What happens after I submit my claim?
It also explains the different types of claims (such as non-submission, late submission, or performance affected), and what to expect throughout the process—from submission to decision.
Not sure where to start? Talk to firstpoint
If you’re feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or just want to talk things through before submitting a claim, firstpoint advisers are here to help. They can guide you through the process, check your draft claim, or answer any questions you might have.
You can contact them:
- In person at the Peirson Study and Guidance Centre
- By phone: 01905 542551
- Or by email: firstpoint@worc.ac.uk
Visit the firstpoint website: https://www2.worc.ac.uk/firstpoint/index.html
You’re not alone
Needing help doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re human. The mitigating circumstances process exists to make sure you’re treated fairly when life throws something unexpected your way. If something is getting in the way of your ability to succeed, don’t hesitate to reach out.
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