What is the Fit to Sit Policy?

The Fit to Sit Policy replaced the previous Mitigating Circumstances Policy (MITS) from the start of academic year 2022-23.

Under Fit to Sit, there is a "default assumption" that if you undertake and submit a piece of coursework, assessed presentation or exam that you are declaring that you are fit to do so and you wish it to be marked and counted as an attempt.

If any/all of your assessments are adversely impacted by personal or medical issues and you would like to defer and keep your attempt for the next available diet (usually in Tri C summer re-sit diet) then you must make an application at the time of the deadline or exam date to say that you were NOT Fit to Sit.

If you do not do this within a short timespan either side of each individual assessment deadline or exam date impacted then any work submitted will be marked and the attempt counted, or any non-submission will count as an attempt with no further chance to explain your circumstances.

Each submission of the Fit to Sit form only applies to a single piece of assessment (e.g. piece of coursework or exam). If more than one assessment is impacted, you will need to complete a separate, short Fit to Sit form for each assessment you are unfit for within the timeframes above for each deadline/exam date.

It is also important to note that for each module component there is only 1 chance to declare as unfit and retain an attempt until the next diet - even if you have further personal or medical issues at the next Trimester diet. You can only declare yourself unfit to complete each assessment at one diet - after this you will start to run down your attempts available.

For this reason (and others relating to your progression, funding and, for international students, your future Graduate visa eligibility) it is very important that you carefully consider and discuss your intention to declare as unfit to sit any assessment and any potential further impacts this could have with your personal tutor or a student adviser in the Advice Centre.

How and when do I apply?

If you are impacted by personal or medical issues and you feel you are not fit to complete an assessment by either the original deadline/exam date or an agreed extension then you can make an application using the online Fit to Sit form to inform the university of this and keep your attempt for the next diet.

You need to complete the Fit to Sit form either in the 5 days BEFORE your deadline or exam date, or if you have submitted the coursework or sat an exam but decide you do NOT want it to be marked or counted then you must complete the form within 2 days of your submission/exam.

These are consecutive days, and include weekends and public holidays, they are NOT working days only.

Important Points to Note

If you have submitted your work, and do not submit an application under Fit to Sit to declare that you were not fit within 2 days of submission (irrespective if this was prior to the actual deadline or not) then the mark and attempt (e.g. 1st/2nd,3rd) of your submission (including non-submission) will stand.
Some modules on certain programmes will have an "approved exception" to the 2 days after submission which means that Fit to Sit can only be applied for in the 5 days before to a deadline/exam date, NOT in the 2 days afterwards. Where this is the case it will be clearly stated in the module handbook so please check and ensure that you are aware if this applies to any of your modules.
It is very important to understand that where more than one module/assessment is impacted, you must complete a Fit to Sit applicaton online for EACH separate module assessment (e.g. a separate one for CW1, CW2 and the final exam if all 3 are impacted).
If you do not submit an application for any module element (e.g. coursework, exam) then it will NOT automatically be covered where you've submitted a fit to sit application for another module or assessment in the same period.
If you are completing the Fit to Sit form in the 5 days BEFORE the deadline/exam date then you will have the opportunity (which is not compulsory) to provide an impact statement explaining the reasons for your application. If you complete this it will be shared with the Student Wellbeing Team in order that they can offer support.
If you are completing the Fit to Sit Application in the 2 days AFTER your submission/exam then you are required to state a reason for doing this after you have submitted/sat the work.
Please double check that you are including accurate details of your assessment (including deadline/exam dates), module (including codes) and module leader's email address in the Fit to Sit form. Any mistakes in these could result in your application being rejected.
In order to access the online form to submit your Fit to Sit application you will need to login with your GCU user credentials.

How the Advice Centre can help

If you are considering making an application under the new Fit to Sit policy please contact the Advice Centre to talk it over with a student adviser.

We can listen to your individual circumstances and give confidential advice to ensure that you fully understand any potential unforeseen impacts this application could have on you.

If you decide to go ahead we can provide practical advice and support with following the policy, and support afterwards.

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

Where can I find out more?

Full details on Fit to Sit, including a guide for students and FAQs are available from the GCU website at https://www.gcu.ac.uk/currentstudents/essentials/exams/fit-to-sit

The Fit to Sit Policy is available on the GCU website here - https://www.gcu.ac.uk/currentstudents/essentials/policiesandprocedures