1. Student evidence in mitigating circumstances: proximity and pertinence
Christopher Costigan, Dean of Academic Quality

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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%

6. 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’

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

8. 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