On Thursday 26 November, Student Communications emailed all taught students to share information on teaching, assessments and deadlines. You can read the email in full below.

We recognise this year has been challenging in many ways. As we approach the end of term and a time when you may experience disruption in relocating to be with family, friends and loved ones, we want to ensure that you have the focussed time that you need to complete your studies successfully.

Information on teaching and assessments’ deadline extension

The University will be delivering teaching in the final week of term (7 –11 December) entirely online. Please continue to attend teaching in person where it is taking place until this point.  

If you have assessments that currently have a deadline within week 11 (7 – 11 December) those deadlines will now be extended by seven days (please see information in the FAQs at the end of this message on presentations).  Assessments submitted after this date will be subject to the standard late penalties.

You may find that you are able to submit your assessments to meet the original deadline and we would very much encourage you to submit your assessment as early as you can.  However, in some cases you may need to use the additional time that an extended and more flexible deadline provides. 

Making time to reflect, relax and recharge

Holiday periods are really important for reflecting, relaxing and recharging - particularly after the incredibly challenging year that we have all experienced.  We want to encourage all of our students to have some time to rest. 

So if you can submit your assessment before the extended deadline, please do.

Whilst colleagues will work hard to ensure marking is completed as soon as possible, and within marking guidelines, there may be a delay to your assessment feedback as a result of this extended deadline.

Lastly, please do take the time to read the FAQs below.

With best wishes

Student communications

Frequently asked questions 
 
What if I have a presentation or some practical assessments due in week 11?

Your module convenor will be able to advise you on arrangements here.
 
The last day that I can submit my assessment falls on a University closure day can I still submit my assessments?

Yes.  Even though the University is closed, the systems you need to submit your assessment will remain open so you can log on as normal and submit, provided this is within the extended deadline (up to seven days after the original deadline). 

Students who have declared a disability, long term health condition, mental health condition or learning difference can submit as normal using the systems needed provided this is within the automatic penalty waiver window or extension window (if you have had an extension agreed with your school).

We would really encourage you to have a break over the Christmas holidays and therefore whilst you have additional time to complete your assessments it may be helpful to complete as many of your assessments at the beginning of this period leaving yourself some space to rest and enjoy a break.  It can be helpful to use time management tools to help you do this.  Please visit the Skills Hub where you can find some useful time management tools.

What if I have a technical problem when trying to submit my assessment?

If you encounter technical problems when trying to submit your assessment, which cannot be resolved, meaning that you have been unable to submit the assessment within the deadline or at all, you can use the exceptional circumstances process to alert us to this.  There is a self-declaration form on the exceptional circumstances system that allows you to indicate that you encountered technical difficulties.  For more information on exceptional circumstances click here.

What about assessments that are not due in during week 11?

The deadline for assessments that are not due to be submitted in week 11 will remain unchanged.

Can I still submit exceptional circumstances?

Yes.  The exceptional circumstances process should only be used for sudden and unforeseen circumstances.  This process should not be used for late submission as deadlines have been extended to reflect the disruption that students may experience when relocating away from campus.  For more information on exceptional circumstances click here.

Is there a no detriment ‘safety net’?

No. Currently there isn’t a ‘safety net’ however assessments due in week 11 will have extended deadlines of up to seven days.

I have declared a disability, long term health condition, mental health condition or learning difference to the Student Support Unit.  What happens to my automatic penalty waiver that I receive as part of my reasonable adjustments?

If you have assessments that are due in week 11 (7 -11 December) you will automatically receive your penalty waiver as part of your reasonable adjustments.  Any deadlines that fall within week 11 will also be extended by seven days.  This effectively means that you could submit your assessments up to 14 days after the deadline. 

I have declared a disability, long term health condition, mental health condition or learning difference to the Student Support Unit and I have an agreed extension request.  What happens to that now?

In addition to the automatic penalty waiver (up to seven days) and the extended deadline (up to seven days) you will still receive your agreed extension.

We would really encourage you to have a break over the Christmas holidays and therefore whilst you have additional time to complete your assessments it may be helpful to complete as many of your assessments at the beginning of this period leaving yourself some space to rest and enjoy a break.  It can be helpful to use time management tools to help you do this.  Please visit the Skills Hub where you can find some useful time management tools. 

Will the changes to my deadlines, my penalty waiver and / or my extension request show on Sussex Direct?

Yes.  The changes to your deadlines, penalty waivers and any agreed extensions will be shown on Sussex Direct.