Wellbeing Wednesday – Personal Extenuating Circumstances (PEC)
Welcome to the current edition of the Business School Wellbeing Wednesday. This week we are shining a spotlight on Personal Extenuating Circumstances (PEC).
As well as providing a reminder about the support available each week, we will also shine a spotlight on a different university support service.
Spotlight on… Personal Extenuating Circumstances (PEC).
This week we are highlighting advice on what to do if your studies or assessments are seriously affected by unforeseen and unavoidable personal extenuating circumstances.
If you believe your study or ability to complete assessments is being seriously affected by an unforeseen and unavoidable personal extenuating circumstance, you should advise your School by completing the Personal Extenuating Circumstances (PEC) Form. This is so appropriate adjustments can be considered.
As you are aware from your Programme Handbook, all students are able to advise the Board of Examiners of any Personal Extenuating Circumstances (PEC) that may have affected their performance in their studies. If you have experienced any difficulties in relation to completing your semester 2 assessments, you are advised to complete and submit a PEC form for consideration via the Student Self Service Portal (S3P) https://s3p.ncl.ac.uk/login/index.aspx
You are reminded that the Examiners cannot make adjustments for minor medical or personal matters. You should note that if an adjustment has already been made to your assessment you are unlikely to receive a further adjustment and that individual marks will not be changed as a result of PEC issues.
It is also recommended that you discuss your PEC application with your Personal Tutor before submitting the form.
Before submitting a PEC application, please watch the video below:
Useful Links
- https://www.ncl.ac.uk/student-progress/circumstances/pec/ – the PEC procedure and other supporting documents are available via this link.
- https://www.nusu.co.uk/support/sac/
- https://www.ncl.ac.uk/wellbeing/
Definition for adjustments requested by students via the PEC Form
To understand and for information listed below is the different types of adjustments available via the PEC Procedure.
| Requested Adjustment | Definition |
| Extension (Self-Certified up to 7 days) | An extension to an assessment (e.g. essay, practical, presentation, assessed coursework etc.) of up to 7 days. |
| Extension (official Medical Evidence) | An extension to an assessment (e.g. essay, practical, presentation, assessed coursework etc.) within and, in exceptional circumstances, beyond the period permitted as part of the Submission of Work Policy (14 days). |
| Repeat Modules/Programme with attendance | Where a student is allowed to retake a module, semester or stage with tuition (subject to the payment of the appropriate tuition fee). The attempt will be classed as a resit and the mark capped at the passing mark. N.B. International Students will need to seek advice, on whether they have the relevant immigration permission that allows for repeat study, from the Visa Team on visa@ncl.ac.uk. |
| Deferral of assessment attempt to next normal occasion of assessment | Where a student is allowed to defer a formal examination or assessment attempt to the next normal occasion of assessment, usually August. In exceptional circumstances the student may be allowed to defer a formal examination or assessment attempt to a later normal occasion. The attempt will be classed as a resit and the mark capped at the passing mark, unless the student is deferring a first sit assessment. |
| Repeat Stage or Semester as First attempt | Where a student is allowed to repeat a stage or semester as if for the first time (subject to the payment of the appropriate tuition fee). Previous assessment attempts for the repeated stage or semester will be disregarded. N.B. International Students will need to seek advice, on whether they have the relevant immigration permission that allows for repeat study, from the Visa Team on visa@ncl.ac.uk. |
| Other adjustment | Another adjustment not set out in this table as approved by the PEC Committee. |
| Be considered for Board of Examiners Discretion | Where a student wishes to inform the Board of Examiners of the severity of their Personal Extenuating Circumstances and the impact these circumstances have had on their studies. The Board of Examiners, on the recommendation of the PEC Committee, may use their discretion in light of the circumstances at the Final Board of Examiners, of the appropriate academic year, to consider the award of the next higher class. N.B. Adjustments for Personal Extenuating Circumstances will not result in a change of mark |
Wellbeing Support for Business School Students
The Business School has dedicated health and wellbeing support for our students:
- Counselling – to arrange an assessment, please contact sws.therapyappointments@ncl.ac.uk
- Disability Support (including Mental Health, long term Physical Health conditions, Specialist Learning) Please contact disabilityadvisor@ncl.ac.uk
- Welfare Support – wellbeingconsultancy@ncl.ac.uk
Other Sources of Support: Our Student and Staff Wellbeing Service work with local and national organisations to support you and help you maximise your academic potential and gain the most from your time here at Newcastle.
Student Support Plans: If you disclose a long-term mental health condition, supported by recent medical evidence, you may be able to access reasonable adjustments and support to help you engage in your studies. Students who have an on-going mental health condition or disability can access a Student Support Plan: disabilityadvisor@ncl.ac.uk.
Wellbeing Workshops: The School is hosting Workshops on a range of topics from Managing Stress and Anxiety to How to Sleep: https://workshops.ncl.ac.uk/public/wellbeing/ For more information about wellbeing support and services at Newcastle University visit: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/wellbeing/
Urgent Wellbeing Support: For urgent concerns during office hours (09:00 – 17:00 Monday-Friday) please use the Wellbeing Consultancy service: wellbeingconsultancy@ncl.ac.uk. For out of hours help, please call University Security: 0191 208 6817 (24 hours a day, seven days a week)
Supporting survivors of hate crime, hate incidents, sexual violence, and spiking: Newcastle University is committed to eliminating all forms of hate crime, sexual violence, harassment, and discrimination within our community. You can disclose incidents of sexual violence, hate crime, spiking, and domestic abuse at Newcastle University using online disclosure forms accessed here and information about the Survivor Support Service within Student Health and Wellbeing Services can be found here.
Sanctuary Support for refugee and asylum seeker students; Please contact: sanctuarysupport@newcastle.ac.uk
Upcoming events:
4th May 4pm – Social badminton
5th May 12pm – Social Table Tennis
5th May 5pm – Picnic in Leazes Park