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We understand first-hand that life doesn't always go to plan. As apprentices juggling work, study, and personal life, we know how overwhelming it can feel. Sometimes, all you need is just a bit of extra time or support.
This section covers everything from what to do if you're struggling and need to request exceptional circumstances, or just general advice. The last thing you need when you're short on time and need some support is to go down the internet rabbit hole in search of information. Don't worry, we've got you.
We've been there, and we want to make it as easy as possible to find the right support when you need it most.
Hallam Help
Hallam Help
Hallam Help is a first-line support and advice service, providing help and guidance in various areas.
Some of these areas are listed below, but please press the 'Links to Access Support & More on Hallam Help' button to further explore the wide range of support on offer.
Personal Support
Course Advice
Assignment Support - Extension Requests & Exceptional Circumstances
Learning Contracts & Disability Support
Assessments e.g ADHD & Dyslexia
Break in Study Requests
Financial Difficulties
Support for International Students
Careers & Employment Services (including interview & application prep)
Discuss / Arrange Reasonable Adjustments
Further information about exceptional circumstances requests and breaks in study can be found at the bottom of this webpage
Contact Hallam Help
Contact Hallam Help
Specialist Advisors
Specialist Advisors
Hallam Help may put you in contact with one of SHU's specialist advisors.
By clicking on the links below, you can find out what type of support each Advisor can supply and information on how you can contact them directly.
Library Support
Library Support
This poster shows just some of the resources available on the SHU Library's webpage.
It is advisable at the start of your course to spend some time exploring the library and the wealth of resources it has to offer.
You can also use the 24/7 Library chat support via the tab on the right hand-side of the library page.
IT Support
IT Support
IT support can help support with access to free software and access to Linkedin Learning's full library of training courses.
They can help with IT related queries or issues in relation to software, hardware etc.
You can contact IT via the self-service portal, telephone or live chat.
Exceptional Circumstances
Exceptional Circumstances
In the event you feel like you are going to need longer than your requested extension date, you can apply for Exceptional Circumstances. This is for instances in which you might face personal, medical, or family situations which are negatively impacting your academic performance. However, these requests are submitted to a panel that will consider your request and will either approve or deny based on SHU's policies for Exceptional Circumstances (link for this policy is below).
An Exceptional Circumstance request is essentially deferring a module, and upon your request being approved, you will receive a revised date for the module. You need to provide as much information as you can about your circumstances and how these are impacting your assessments as part of your request. If your exceptional circumstances are accepted you can either submit your assessment on the reassessment deadline date as a first and uncapped attempt, or if you do not pass the assessment you will have another first uncapped attempt when you resubmit.
When making a request, you will need to provide a statement of your circumstances, what has happened, when it happened and how it has impacted your ability to complete the assessments - the more information you can provide, the better, as this is what the panel will base their outcome on.
Also you would normally need supporting evidence for your circumstances: Examples of evidence for an Exceptional Circumstances request. You may not be able to provide any evidence at the point of submission, but please explain why in your statement if it is not possible to provide evidence.
You have up to 5 days after an assessment deadline taking place at the latest to submit the exceptional circumstance for consideration. After this date, you would need to provide a reason why it is late (EC panels may decline a request if it is late without a valid reason).
Please see the guide below that shows you how to submit an exceptional circumstances request.
If you are thinking about submitting an exceptional circumstances request, please speak to a Student Advisor and your Coach.
Break in Study
Break in Study
Like we said, life doesn't always go to plan. During your course, circumstances may arise that mean you find yourself considering taking a break from your studies. This is a big decision to make, that can have knock-on effects, but sometimes it is the right decision; however, you must consider the impacts of taking a break to make a fully informed decision.
Taking a break in study may not be your only option. If you're facing challenges - academically, personally, financially, or an unexpected opportunity - you should contact your Student Support Adviser and your Coach so they can guide you through alternative solutions and help you explore the best next steps.
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