Student Pregnancy, Maternity and New Parent Policy
This document sets out the University’s Policy on the arrangements and the support available to students if they are pregnant (including the requirements if they need time away from their programme due to antenatal care appointments), or are undergoing fertility treatment, adoption or surrogacy. It also outlines the support available for students who are new parents, including maternity, adoption and paternity (or secondary carer/partner) arrangements, and applies to all registered Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught students across the University. The Policy provides a brief outline of the relevant legislation and considerations and sets out the main principles which staff and students must adhere to.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Which students is this policy for?
This policy applies to students if they are pregnant, or are undergoing fertility treatment, adoption or surrogacy. It also is for students who are new parents, including maternity, adoption and paternity (or secondary carer/partner) arrangements, and applies to all registered Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught students across the University.
2. Who should read this policy?
The Policy is for staff members supporting the students mentioned above, including Student Support staff, Academic Advisors, and academic programme team staff. Staff members working closely with students should ensure that they are familiar with the content of this Policy and the associated Procedures.
Student Pregnancy, Maternity and New Parent Procedure
This document sets out the procedures required to adhere to the Student Pregnancy, Maternity and New Parent Policy. Following this document allows staff members to support students with a broad range of aspects of pregnancy, maternity and parenthood. This document must be read alongside the policy document.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Do students need to interrupt for pregnancy or parental leave?
No – direct to form
2. Who should students speak to when they find out they are pregnant or going to be a parent?
Students are not legally obliged to inform the University that they are pregnant, but we strongly encourage they do. Pregnant students are advised to speak to their Academic Advisor or Student Support Officer (or other relevant staff member, according to the programme or School) as soon as possible. This is so the University can ensure students have appropriate support measures in place.
Policy on Mitigating Circumstances and Coursework Extensions
During their studies, students may experience significant, unforeseeable events which negatively affect their ability to submit work, attend an assessment or perform to their usual standard in an assessment of any type. In such cases, students can apply for mitigating circumstances. In cases where students are experiencing a one-off or isolated incident relating to their health or other personal circumstances, or a worsening of an existing medical or health condition, they may request a coursework extension. This policy explains when students can make a mitigating circumstances and/or coursework extension request, how these requests are assessed, and what mitigation and/ or extension may be applied if their request is approved.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What does Mitigating Circumstances Mean?
The University defines mitigating circumstances as: ‘unforeseeable or unpreventable circumstances that could have, or did have, a significant negative effect on the academic performance of a student’.
2. Who submits at Mitigating Circumstances Request?
Students are responsible for submitting their own requests for mitigation or extensions, unless a significant event prevents them from doing so, and on those occasions a third party may submit on their behalf.
3. What are some examples of acceptable Mitigating circumstances?
Possible Mitigating Circumstances can include:
- Health issues
- Personal issues such as significant family or personal crisis
- IT related issues
- Public service, such as jury duty.
Please see section 3.0 of the Policy for more information, and examples of circumstances that would not be accepted for mitigation.
For a student-friendly support page for Mitigating Circumstances, please see: Student Support | Support For Your Studies | Mitigating Circumstances | The University of Manchester
Procedure for Extensions
This document sets out the procedures for considering students’ requests for extensions to their coursework or other written assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Are extension requests different to Mitigating Circumstances requests?
Yes, extension requests should be submitted using a different form to mitigating circumstances.
Extension requests only apply to some assessed written coursework (see section 2.0.4 for exceptions), whereas mitigating circumstances can be used for all forms of assessment. Evidence is required for mitigating circumstances, but not for extension requests.
2. What are some examples where an extension request would be accepted?
- Some examples may include:
- IT/Technology issues
- Poor mental or physical health
- Family or personal crisis
Please see section 2.0.6 of the Procedures for more information, as well as examples of unacceptable circumstances.
3. How long will the extension be if given?
Coursework extensions are typically granted for seven calendar days, up to a maximum of fourteen days, dependent on the structure of the course or unit.
Useful Links:
- Use our A-Z to search all our policies and procedures
For general queries, please e-mail teaching-policy@manchester.ac.uk