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Wellbeing

How can the mitigating circumstances policy help you?

KCLSU Advice is completely separate from KCL. We offer free, impartial and confidential advice to all King’s students on issues affecting their studies.

We support lots of students who have difficult things going on in their lives. This means that, at the moment, they can’t do their best in an assessment. We help them to navigate the KCL Mitigating Circumstances procedure to get support. We’ll explain what is considered under the policy and how it might be able to help you.

What are Mitigating Circumstances?

Sometimes, situations that are beyond your control happen and they can have an impact on your ability to do your assessment to the best of your ability.

King’s defines Mitigating Circumstances as situations that are significant, relevant and unavoidable.

These situations include things such as:

Serious short-term illness or injury

Worsening of an ongoing condition or disability (including mental health conditions)

Bereavement or significant illness of a close friend or relative

Becoming the victim of a crime or witnessing something traumatic

Religious holidays

Having to attend court

Sometimes, students have mitigating circumstances and don’t realise. When we’re just trying to balance everything, it can be difficult to step back and see that we need support.

For example, you may have taken on caring responsibilities lately (formally or informally) or needed to take on additional work due to significant financial stress. If you’ve had any big changes in your life that are impacting your wellbeing or ability to revise or do your assignments, you might benefit from submitting a mitigating circumstances form.

What often isn’t considered as mitigating circumstances?

Remember King’s use of the definition of relevant, significant and unavoidable events. Whilst every case is unique and there are sometimes exceptions, in general, the below is not considered:

Pre-booked holidays or house moves

Minor illnesses (e.g. colds or hayfever)

Minor transport disruption

Typical exam stress or multiple deadlines close together

IT issues where you should have backed up your work

Misreading an exam timetable or deadline

What happens if I submit a Mitigating Circumstances Form (MCF)?

You can submit an MCF via Student Records in advance of your deadline or up to 7 calendar days after the date of your assessment.

When submitting an MCF, you’ll be asked to write a short statement and provide some evidence relating to your situation. KCLSU Advice can provide you with guidance on this.

Outcomes should be given within seven calendar days of your initial submission. Possible outcomes include:

Rejected – You would have to sit your exam as originally planned, or if you already have, it will be marked as planned. You can appeal a rejected MCF once the results are ratified.
Accepted – King’s must offer you some form of mitigation. For example, you might receive an extension, or you may be able to defer your assessment.

KCLSU Advice can offer guidance on your statement and the evidence you need to submit. MCF’s are very faculty specific so it can also be useful to reach out to your Faculty Wellbeing Advisor too.

Looking After Yourself

If you need to submit an MCF, it might mean that you could benefit from some other support, too. For some, this might be wellbeing support. For others, it may be money, housing or visa support. Student Services Online is a great place to start to explore the support available. If you want some help finding the right service for you, either reach out to KCLSU Advice via our contact form or make an appointment with a Faculty Wellbeing Advisor.

Remember, the Mitigating Circumstances procedure exists so to ensure students can complete assessments to the best of their ability. Many students use the mitigating circumstances procedure every year. If you think it could help you or want to ask about your circumstances, please contact KCLSU Advice for support.

A Cheerful Note

We know this time of the academic year can be really stressful for you. If you need to take some time to unwind, make sure to check out our Take Time Out Events! From free yummy lunches to petting fluffy dogs, make sure to grab your free ticket to enjoy some well-deserved time off your studies.