Hello, I usually lurk but I’m posting as I’m desperate for advice. I’m currently in the process of appealing a decision that has been made by my university. I don’t want to drip feed so this may be long. Apologies in advance. Last year I had to retake modules over the summer. I had a total of six essays to hand in by August. I managed to complete five but needed a few extra days for the final one due to being admitted to hospital. I submitted an extenuating circumstance claim for the outstanding essay. I had an operation whilst in hospital and I’ve provided my university with medical evidence. I eventually heard back in late September (the essay had been completed by this time) and was told I would have to resit the entire year again. This felt excessive since there was just one essay. I questioned the decision and a member of staff admitted they had misinterpreted my claim and assumed I would not be able to hand in the essay at all. This was not the case and they should have asked. I had completed five so why would I risk failing by not handing in my final assignment? (hmm) I was then told that even if they did accept my essay, I still wouldn’t pass/progress as there was an essay outstanding from 2016. No one mentioned this before. The essay is outstanding because I forgot to submit an extenuating circumstance claim for it. It was an honest mistake as I was suffering from severe depression and anxiety in 2016. I was suicidal and on antidepressants and I’ve submitted medical evidence for this. I appealed the decision to make me resit and I was informed of the outcome yesterday. They have said they will mark my essay that was due August 2017 without delay but that my appeal will not be upheld as I did not submit an appeal in 2016 so I am out of time. I didn’t know if I was coming or going in 2016 and no one mentioned the missing module to me. I realise the mistake is my own but I feel the department should have brought it to my attention as they knew of my mental health issues at the time. I had to submit 7 claims and I only submitted 6 by mistake. If they could realise this in 2017 then why not in 2016 when it mattered? I don’t know where to go from here and I’m absolutely devastated. I can’t discuss it with family as I know they will be so disappointed by my lack of success. I’m 23 so I really don’t want to resit as I should have already graduated by now. I have one more go at the appeals process as I can ask for a final review but I don’t know how to make them see things from my point of view. I’ve given them a letter from my GP explaining I forgot to include a module due to a mix of panic, stress and poor mental health but they’re not having any of it. If anyone has any advice or experience with this kind of thing I’d really appreciate it as I feel like a complete failure.
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23 replies
Genevievevavance · 21/03/2018 00:43
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