- What is the Fit to Sit Policy?
- When can I request an exemption from the Fit to Sit Policy?
- When do I need to submit my request?
- How do I submit a request?
- What evidence do I need?
- What if I have already received my results?
- What happens if I submit my request late?
- What if my assessment was online or a timed quiz?
What is the Fit to Sit Policy?
When you attend an exam or submit coursework, you are declaring that you are fit to do so.
However, exceptional circumstances may affect your ability to understand the impact of an illness or situation at the time of your assessment. In these cases, the University provides a process for requesting an exemption from the Fit to Sit Policy.
For full details, see UPR AS14 Section C.3.8.4.
When can I request an exemption from the Fit to Sit Policy?
You may be able to request an exemption if:
- You suddenly became unwell during an exam or in-class test and left before completing it.
- At the time of the assessment, you were experiencing serious ill health or other circumstances that affected your ability to make a rational judgement about whether you were fit to complete the assessment.
When do I need to submit my request?
If you became unwell during an exam or in-class test
You must submit your request by midnight on the day of the assessment.
If you were unable to understand that your performance would be affected
You must submit your request:
- Within 15 working days of the assessment submission date.
- No later than 5 working days before the Assessment Board meets.
How do I submit a request?
Submit your request through your Student Record using the Submit Request option.
You can also follow the University's step-by-step guidance for making a request.
What evidence do I need?
Each request is considered individually.
To request an exemption, you must:
- Complete an exemption from Fit to Sit form.
- Arrange for a relevant professional to complete the supporting section.
- Email the completed form to fittosit@herts.ac.uk as soon as possible.
Evidence can be provided by:
- A doctor
- A care provider
- A domestic violence service
- A disability adviser
- A safeguarding officer
- A counsellor
- An Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service
Submit the completed form as soon as possible.
What if I have already received my results?
If your results have already been released, complete the early resolution request form.
Once submitted, the Early Resolution Team will contact you about your case.
For further advice, email earlyresolution@herts.ac.uk.
What happens if I submit my request late?
If your request is submitted after the deadline and the Assessment Board has already met, complete the early resolution form.
The Early Resolution Team will discuss your circumstances and advise you on the next steps.
Late requests will only be considered where a relevant professional confirms that it was not reasonable to expect you to submit the request within 15 working days of the assessment date.
You should explain the reason for the delay when making your request.
If your results have already been issued, late requests must be submitted through the processes outlined in UPR AS12 Appendix 1 (Early Resolution and Appeals Process).
What if my assessment was online or a timed quiz?
For assessments submitted through Canvas, except timed summative quizzes, you declare that you are fit to sit the assessment when you select Submit.
For timed summative quizzes, you declare that you are fit to sit the assessment when you start the quiz.
Before a timed summative quiz
If you experience technical difficulties or other issues during a practice quiz that may affect your ability to complete the summative quiz, submit an Exceptional Circumstances request through your Student Record.
During a timed summative quiz
If you successfully completed the practice quiz but are unable to complete the summative quiz because of:
- Technical difficulties, or
- A disturbance at your assessment location
you must submit an Exceptional Circumstances request through your Student Record within 24 hours of the quiz start time.