Extenuating Circumstances and Fitness to Study

During your studies you may experience sudden or unexpected ill-health or personal issues that have a significant impact on your ability to study, or complete assessments on time or to your usual standard. We define these as extenuating circumstances. Such circumstances could include (but are not limited to): illness (other than minor illnesses); hospitalisation; bereavement; acute personal/emotional circumstances; or sudden and unexpected changes in family circumstances.

If you find yourself in this type of situation, then you are strongly encouraged to contact your College Student Services Team as soon as practical. The Students' Union Advice Centre is also able to provide independent, confidential, and free advice to all Sheffield Hallam students. It is also recommended that you contact your Academic Advisor for pastoral support and advice. 

The College Student Services Team will discuss with you your options which may include: an assessment deadline extension request; submitting a request to repeat an assessment due to extenuating circumstances; making reasonable adjustments through a Learning Contract.  If your circumstances are felt to be having a significant impact on your studies, then we may review how we can support you through the Fitness to Study Procedure.

We are aware that some students may feel embarrassed or uncomfortable to disclose the details of these kinds of circumstances, particularly those of a personal or sensitive nature, to people outside of one's family. We wish to reassure you that the University is fully supportive of students in difficult circumstances and want to assist if possible.  However, we are only able to do so if you bring these matters to our attention in a timely manner.

Further information on the University's extenuating circumstances and fitness to study policies are available on MyHallam under Rules and Regulations | Illness and Difficult Circumstances.