Student extenuating circumstances requests due to mental health issues

The request was refused by University of Glasgow.

Dear University of Glasgow,

I am writing to make an open government request for all the information to which I am entitled under the Freedom of Information Act. In order to assist you with this request, I am outlining my query as specifically as possible. If you need any clarification then please do not hesitate to contact me. Under Section 16 it is your duty to provide advice and assistance and so I would expect you to contact me if you find this request unmanageable in any way.

I am looking for information regarding mental health issues among students, specifically:
a) Since the beginning of the 2009-10 academic year, how many of the students (both undergraduate and postgraduate) who formally requested concessions from the university (i.e. submitted an Extenuating Circumstances form), cited mental health issues as their reason for the request?
b) How many of these mental health-related appeals have been deemed legitimate enough by the university/department for the concessions to be granted?
c) Which mental health issues in particular have been those most cited (e.g. anxiety, depression etc.) in the forms.

To be clear, I recognise that the sensitivity of mental health issues involves a level of confidentiality, but given that I am asking for the data and not the identities of students, I see no reason why this information can not be shared.

I request access to the information in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet format, where each of the 10 full academic years show all of the Extenuating Circumstances forms submitted with those relating to mental health clearly flagged and detailed with the specific issues/illness cited.
I understand that you are required to respond to my request within the 20 working days after you receive this letter. I would be grateful if you could confirm in writing that you have received this request.

I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
Max Copeman

FOI Office,

Dear Max Copeman,

Thank you for your email which was received by the University on 28 December 2019 timed 11:50 hours.

As the University of Glasgow is a Scottish Public Authority, your request is subject to the terms of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 ("FOISA"). The University acknowledges receipt of your request and confirms a response will be sent to you promptly; and in any event not later than 28 January 2020. The Freedom of Information Office will contact you if we require any further information.

Yours sincerely

Data Protection and Freedom of Information Office

Direct Line: +44 (0)141 330 2523
Email: [University of Glasgow request email]

University of Glasgow (Tay House)
Glasgow G12 8QQ

The University of Glasgow, charity number SC004401

FOI Office,

1 Attachment

Dear Max Copeman,

Please find attached the University's response to your Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 request dated 28 December 2019 timed 11:50 hours.

Yours sincerely,

Data Protection and Freedom of Information Office

Direct Line: +44 (0)141 330 2523

University of Glasgow
Tay House
Glasgow G12 8QQ

The University of Glasgow, charity number SC004401