What are “Extreme and Exceptional Extenuating Circumstances” (EEEC)?

As outlined in the GCU Fit to Sit Policy, there are two scenarios where you can apply for Extreme and Exceptional Extenuating Circumstances to preserve your attempts at assessments you were unable to undertake due to serious personal or medical circumstances.

If you were unable to attempt your assessments or complete the Fit to Sit declaration forms due to serious personal or medical issues that prevented you from engaging with GCU** until after the window for Fit to Sit had passed.
If you have already used Fit to Sit to preserve an attempt, but you experience further extreme personal or medical circumstances during the next assessment diet that again prevent you from engaging with your assessments.

*Students who did not complete Fit to Sit applications for reasons such as being unaware of the process or while remaining engaged with the university (e.g. attending classes or submitting other assessments) will not meet the criteria for EEEC.

**Engagement with GCU includes checking and responding to GCU emails, accessing GCU Learn, and attending online or in-person classes or placement activities.

When and how do I apply?

Under Scenario 1:

As soon as you are able to re-engage with the University, contact your personal tutor, year lead, or programme leader to make them aware of your circumstances.
The deadline for doing so is 3 weeks from the date you were able to re-engage.

There is no fixed deadline beyond your maximum period of registration; however, you must make contact within 3 weeks of re-engagement and apply as soon as possible. See the GCU Assessment Regulations (Section 7) for more details.

Under Scenario 2:

If you have already used Fit to Sit and are unable to attempt the next diet due to serious circumstances, the deadline is the end of the Trimester Exam Diet. Check the GCU Academic Calendar for these dates.

In both scenarios, you must state the dates you were unable to engage with the University and provide formal evidence covering that period.

Apply using the online EEEC application form. Applications are considered by your Head of Department and Associate Dean of Learning, Teaching and Quality.

Important Points to Note

Unlike Fit to Sit declarations, one single EEEC form covers all affected assessments.
You must provide independent, verifiable evidence (e.g. medical certificate or letter). Personal statements from family or friends are not accepted.
Evidence must be in English — if translated, provide both the original and verified translation.
Upload your evidence as a JPEG or PDF, and include your student ID in the file name.
Have the accurate name and email address of your Programme Coordinator, plus module codes and titles for each assessment.
Ensure all information is accurate — incorrect or missing details may result in rejection.
If you omit any assessment, it will not be considered and you will not retain that attempt.
Your information will be shared with the Student Wellbeing Team unless you opt out on the form.
Log in with your GCU credentials to access the online form.
There is a maximum of two preserved attempts per assessment (including both Fit to Sit and EEEC).

How the Advice Centre can help

If you are considering an EEEC application, contact the Advice Centre to discuss your circumstances with a Student Adviser.

We can provide confidential advice to help you understand the policy, potential implications for your studies, and guidance on completing your application correctly.

We also offer practical support during and after your application process.

Click here to contact a Student Adviser using our webform (we aim to respond within 2 working days), or visit by phone or drop in (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm).

Where can I find out more?

Full details on Fit to Sit and EEEC, including student guides and FAQs, are available on the GCU website.
The full Fit to Sit Policy (including EEEC) can be viewed here.

Need advice or help with your EEEC application?
Contact the Advice Centre at advice@gcustudents.co.uk