Students are expected to meet the academic demands of their chosen programme. However, they may experience a range of serious and unanticipated difficulties, which adversely affect their ability to study, complete assessments or attend their required classes and other learning activities.
The Policy on Extenuating Circumstances provides a framework through which Boards of Examiners may take these difficulties into account fairly and equitably, establishing key principles and outlining the process to be followed.
If the following applies to you -
"I have not engaged with much or any of my coursework over the semester due to extenuating circumstances" or
"I have missed an end of year essay or exam due to extenuating circumstances"
Please find the best next step for you, below:
There are two steps to applying for extenuating circumstances.
You should submit an extenuating circumstances application on-line. This application form is in your SISweb (under Programme Services). It is important that you clearly outline your circumstances, how they impacted on you.
You must also include an electronic copy of your supporting documentation. Please note your application may not be successful without supporting documentation.
As per UCD Policy on Extenuating Circumstances Student Guide, version 21 May 2019:-
Evidence must relate to the specific application for extenuating circumstances being made.
You may not use a family member to provide evidence.
The documentation provided must be consistent with the application in terms of matters such as dates, circumstances etc. The Programme Examination Board reserves the right to reject any application in cases where there are serious discrepancies between the documentation and the application.
The Programme Examination Board reserves the right to verify and seek further details on this documentation.
Only evidence from one of the following qualified professionals will be accepted:
A member of the social sciences team will contact (via your UCD connect email or mobile) you after you have submitted your application to ensure all details have been entered correctly. For the current Trimester electronic copies of supporting documentation will be accepted, hard copies are not required. The social sciences team member will talk you though this when they contact.
The social sciences team member will also discuss with you what options are available to the Board who review applications, to help you determine what exactly you should apply for, or if there are any other options more suitable for you.
The deadline for Autumn taught programmes is Tuesday, 7 January 2025, at 5 PM. All supporting documentation must also be submitted on or before this date.
If an IX is awarded it will be visible as part of provisional grades.
If you are awarded an IX, you should contact the module co-ordinator to ask what assessment you need to submit to complete the module.
Extenuating Circumstances Policy Documents:
Please contact us in the Social Sciences Office for more information. If you are experiencing personal difficulties, you may prefer to talk in private to one of your Student Advisers:
| Kieran Moloney Student Adviser: Social Sciences undergraduate students |
T: 01 716 8366 / E: kieran.moloney@ucd.ie |
| Holly Dignam Student Adviser: Social Sciences undergraduate students |
T: 01 716 8349 / E: holly.dignam@ucd.ie |
| Emma Somers Student Adviser: mature students |
T: 01 716 7542 / E: emma.somers@ucd.ie |