BCUSU have been working with the University to launch a self-certification claim process for unexpected circumstances which could impact your studies.
What is the new procedure?
The new procedure introduces a ‘self-certification’ process which enables students to claim for extensions without the need to provide evidence. Up to now, all Extenuating Circumstances (EC) claims needed to be supported by evidence.
Why have the University introduced this?
Since 2023, BCUSU Officers and staff in our Advice Team have been working with the University on the idea of introducing self-certification.
Students were becoming increasingly frustrated by the difficulty they were experiencing accessing their GP for letters to support their evidence for EC claims, coupled with the cost of getting a GP letter for something they would often not need to see their doctor for.
A lot of students that had EC claims rejected for insufficient evidence were requesting support from our Advice Team with their appeals, so we are particularly happy to finally see the process go live.
How do self certification claims work?
Self-certification claims provide extensions of 10 working days for any coursework or coursework-style assessments falling within a self-certification period chosen by the student.
It’s important to note that:
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Students can only make a self-certification claim once per semester. Any other claims for an extension in the same semester will need to be backed up with evidence as an EC claim.
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Students can self-certify for a period of five working days, ‘the self-certification period’.
- Self-certification claims are made via the Extenuating Circumstances area of the MySRS portal.
So, if you have a minor illness (such as a cold) and are due to submit two pieces of coursework that are due the following week, you can make a self-certification claim. You just need to make a self-certification claim via the Extenuating Circumstances area of the MySRS portal. You would choose next week (the week the assignments are due) as the five working day self-certification period and you will automatically be granted extensions of 10 working days for both assignments.
Here's an example to explain the self-certification period:
A student has two pieces of coursework due on Tuesday 18th March and Thursday 20th March. They have been affected by illness and wants to request a self-certified EC claim. They would start the five working day self-certification period on Monday 17th March, and the last day would be Friday 21st March, thereby ensuring the five working day self-certification period covers both assessments.
Who will this affect?
All students are eligible to make self-certification claims. All other types of EC claims are still available, such as deferring an assessment to a later date, and will require evidence.
I've never made an EC claim before, how will it impact me?
A self-certification claim should be made if your studies, or ability to meet a deadline, has been impacted by an unexpected circumstance (such as illness or bereavement) and you are unable obtain or provide evidence.
This process should be more straightforward to make a claim for an extension. Make sure you read the FAQs below or view BCU's video guide on: How do I submit a Self certification claim for extenuating circumstances - YouTube.
Read FAQs
"I’m really thankful to BCUSU’s Advice Team and previous Officer Teams for working with the University to introduce self-certification since 2023.
“This is a great win for all students and hopefully you will be less stressed and feel more confident about meeting your deadlines when unexpected events impact your studies. I think the procedure also shows BCU trust their students.
“Before I was an Officer, I had an EC claim rejected and know the frustration you feel. By the time I appealed with appropriate evidence, I had already submitted my assignments and dealt with stress of my circumstances. Going through this process, and speaking with other students, I’m so pleased this change has happened."