STARS International University® is committed to providing equal opportunities for all candidates to reach their full potential. In some cases, candidates may require adjustments to the assessment process to ensure equal opportunities. Consideration of special circumstances involves making changes to the assessment process for candidates experiencing difficulties due to illness, injury, or disability. These circumstances can be divided into two categories: pre-assessment and post-assessment.

Special Circumstances Before Assessment:

Special circumstances before assessment, which are approved prior to an examination or assessment, are intended to provide an opportunity to demonstrate achievement. For example, preparing modified examination materials for a visually impaired candidate whose needs have been previously established. This is also referred to as reasonable adjustments.

Special Circumstances After Assessment:

Special circumstances after assessment, which apply after an examination or assessment, are intended to account for temporary illnesses, injuries, or indispositions that a candidate experienced during the assessment. This is also known as mitigating circumstances.

Examples:

Special Circumstances Before Assessment

Special Circumstances After Assessment:

An application for special circumstances after assessment may be made in the following circumstances:

Where the candidate’s results have been affected by circumstances beyond their control, for example:

1. Personal bereavement or emotional upset before or during the examination (e.g., loss of a close relative, family crisis).
2. Minor injury immediately before the examination (e.g., a sprained wrist).
3. Sudden computer failure before an examination if it is required for the assessment.
4. Serious disruption during the examination (e.g., noise from building works).
5. Other circumstances deemed acceptable by the Assessment Board.

Where the examination is not completed due to circumstances beyond the candidate’s control, for example:

1. Illness during the examination.
2. Interruption of the examination due to external factors (e.g., fire alarm or power failure).

Special circumstances after assessment are intended to assist candidates who have experienced sudden indisposition or injury during an examination and do not apply to those who were injured or ill before the examination.

Candidates are advised not to sit for an examination if they are unwell or to undertake an assessment in adverse conditions that cannot be accommodated by the examiner.

Process for Requesting Special Circumstances:

To apply for special circumstances, you will need to obtain a special form from the Programme Coordinators and complete it as per the instructions.

Further Information:

For further information, please contact the STARS International University® Administrative Office or email your query to: info@stars.university qms@stars.university SIU/008-SC; Revision No: 01; Date: 16.04.2021