A formal apology and explanation
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You have received a letter from your university, The University of Cambridge, demanding a reason for your absence from an exam. You were ill that day, but failed to submit the evidence. Write a letter to the examinations committee explaining your situation. You should include:
- Apologies for the situation
- Identification for yourself (name, student number, case number)
- An explanation of what had happened and any possible evidence you may have
- Possible resolutions to consider.
To the University of Cambridge examinations committee,
I am writing in response to your letter regarding my unauthorised absence from the mathematics examination held on the 24th September, case number M2342.
My name is Deborah Meaden (student number A345), and I would first like to sincerely apologise for failing to properly notify the university of my inability to attend the examination last Tuesday.
Unfortunately, I awoke in hospital on the morning of the examination, and was informed that I had been found unconscious, lying on the pavement by the bus stop. A member of the public had called an ambulance and I was admitted to the local general hospital, where I regained consciousness several hours later. As I was required to remain in hospital for several days, I was unable to make contact with the university, but I have included my medical certificates as evidence for my claim.
To rectify this issue, I would like to request that the committee permit me to take the examination on another date, or to substitute the grade for an average taken from my previous work, lest I fail the entire module.
My apologies once again, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours faithfully,
Deborah Meaden
