Extension of Coursework Policy and Procedures

1.   Purpose

This policy outlines conditions under which students may request an extension to the submission deadline for continuous assessment or project-based coursework. The College is committed to ensuring fairness and equity, while also maintaining academic standards and timely progression through academic programmes.

2.   Scope

This policy applies to all students undertaking coursework or continuous assessment as part of their validated programme at the National College of Ireland.

3.   Principles

• All coursework, including continuous assessments and project submissions, must be submitted on or before the specified deadline.
• Submission of assignments must be completed through the College’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) – Moodle, using the Turnitin function when appropriate.
• Late submissions without an approved extension will be subject to the College’s late submission of coursework policy. [Additional key objectives]
• While these rules and regulations apply to all courses across NCI, it is acknowledged that in the case of the part time programmes delivered to an accelerated format, there may be instances where there will be deviations. In extenuating cases the student in these courses may interact directly with the programme director to devise and record an action plan.

4.   Procedure

4.1   Eligibility for Extension

Students may request an extension to the coursework submission deadline where they experience extenuating circumstances that impact their ability to complete the assessment on time. Such requests will only be considered in exceptional circumstances, and the students must provide evidence to support their request.

4.2   Valid Grounds for Extension

Examples of valid grounds for requesting an extension include:

• Certified illness or medical condition (accompanied by a medical certificate)
• Hospitalisation or medical appointment (with documentary proof)
• Bereavement (e.g., death notice or funeral details)
• Work-related travel or significant professional commitments (confirmed via a signed employer letter on headed paper)
• Personal or family emergency (with appropriate supporting documentation)

4.3   Application Procedure

• Requests for extensions must be submitted via the NCI360 system.
• Students must normally submit their request at least five days in advance of the original submission deadline.
• The extension cannot be given retrospectively.
• All requests must include:
  • A completed Extension Request Form
  • Relevant documentary evidence in support of the request
  • Incomplete applications will be automatically denied

4.4   Decision and Communication

• The decision of extension approval resides with Programme Director or Programme Coordinator depending on the nature of the request.
• Where an extension is granted, the standard extension period is 7 calendar days from the original deadline.
• In exceptional cases, and where justified, an extension of up to 14 calendar days may be granted.
• If a longer period is required, the student must apply under the College’s Deferral of Coursework Policy.
• The Programme Coordinator will formally communicate the revised deadline to the student and lecturer in writing.
• The student must acknowledge and confirm receipt of the revised submission date.

4.5   Failure to Comply

• If a student fails to submit the coursework by the agreed extended deadline, and no further arrangement has been approved, late penalties will apply in accordance with the College’s assessment regulations.
• Where an extension request is submitted outside of the above requirements the Programme Coordinator will contact the Vice Dean and they will be reviewed in the context extenuating circumstances.

4.6   Appeals

• Students have the right to appeal through the Office of the Registrar via registrarsoffice@ncirl.ie 

5.   Roles and Responsibilities

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