Student evidence in mitigating circumstances: proximity and pertinence Christopher Costigan, Dean of Academic Quality christophercostigan@bpp.com

Key Terms Evidence objective and from a reliable source Proximity Relationship in time between the assessment and the circumstance such that it could impact on performance Pertinence connection between the evidence and circumstance outlined; of a severity that it is likely to have an impact on assessment performance

What are we trying to achieve? FAIRNESS All learners should have an opportunity to put their best foot forward No student should be given an advantage, as this disadvantages the rest Manageable process for the provider

Key Statistics at BPP University 16/17 17/18 Applications 3,274 3,096 Office 2,112 2,262 Appealed 510 539 Panel 1,162 834 High stakes exams – almost every exam leads to some form of professional accreditation – failure is not an option

Application Breakdown Type Percentage 1. Short-term Medical 41% 2. Other 19% 3. Mental Health 17% 4. Ongoing Medical 12% 5. Bereavement 6% 6. Technical Issues 4% 7. Learning Support Issue 1%

Short-term medical – 41% Evidence Doctor’s note: flu, vomiting, diarrhoea X told me that on the day of their exam… Proximity same day; 5-days; 7-days; 14-days is the issue still operative and diagnosable or is it reported Pertinence STD check… Headaches, toothache, ‘cut and thrust’

Bereavement Evidence death certificate Proximity within days; months later… Pertinence relative, close friend or other connection months later – ‘slow burn’

Reasonable Adjustments e.g. extra time / private room Flair-up conditions e.g. migraine Ongoing conditions adjustment has been made (fair to allow application…) no adjustment has yet been made