What is a mitigating circumstances claim?

A mitigating circumstances claim is a way to let the University know about any circumstances that you have faced that are beyond your control, and which you feel have impacted your academic performance. Situations that may be considered as potential grounds for a claim include:

• A serious or significant medical condition or illness (including mental ill health)
• A disability which the University was not aware of, or was not properly providing support for
• A serious illness, death of an immediate family member or close friend
• Being a victim of crime
• Exceptional travel circumstances beyond your control

This list is not exhaustive, and the University will always look to provide additional support for your circumstances to help prevent any further impact on your academic experience.

There are deadlines by which your claim must be submitted – you can find these published on the University’s webpage here.

What do we offer?

If you’re experiencing difficulties which you feel may negatively affect your ability to complete your assessments as you otherwise would, you should consider submitting a Mitigating Circumstances claim. Eligible grounds for claims can vary, so please do contact our Advice Team for further guidance. Our support can include:

• Talking through your situation with you in terms of eligibility to make a claim
• Reviewing two drafts of your response to the committee (one in depth, and a second final check)
• Advising on what evidence may be necessary

Students at the London Campus can seek advice on mitigating circumstances from the Loughborough University London Welfare Support Team, but are welcome to contact an advisor from LSU Advice if they prefer.

To find out more about how we can help, please watch our mitigating circumstances video below:

We will be able to give you more specific and personalised advice once you have got in touch with us directly. You will be allocated an advisor, who can provide advice via email and can guide you through the process and your options.

If you would like to speak to one of our advice team, get in touch as soon as possible. It is really important to let the University know if your wellbeing or studies are being impacted, and we can help you to do so. To get in contact, please provide us with as clear a description of your circumstances as possible.

Please note that there are deadlines by which your claim must be submitted so if you would like to speak to one of our Advice Team, please email us in good time, before any deadlines.

If you haven’t done so already, please visit the following University links which outline further information about mitigating circumstances claims: