Special Consideration

If an event in your life affects your ability to complete your assessment by the assessment task due date, you can submit a Special Consideration application form (with accompanying documents via MyEnrolment) at least one day before the assessment due date.

Special Consideration is a request for:

  • Extensions of the due date for an assessment task, other than an examination (e.g. assignment extension).
  • Special Consideration in relation to a Completed Assessment Task, including an end-of-unit Examination.
  • A Special Exam (an examination in lieu of normal examination).

No more than two requests for a single assessment task will be considered, unless in extenuating circumstances (supporting documents required). For example, you have experienced circumstances outside of your control that differ from the original request, and they have presented after your original special consideration application.

Requests for Special Consideration for a completed assessment task, including an end-of-unit examination, must be submitted no later than two working days after the due date of the assessment task or the scheduled date of the examination, along with accompanying supporting documents. 

Special Consideration can be granted for the following reasons: 

You will normally be notified of the outcome of the request within five working dates.

If you do not meet the above grounds for special consideration, you may have a penalty imposed for late submission of an assessment task (Section 4)

If your circumstances will severely affect your performance for the term (more than 2 weeks), you should consider withdrawing from the unit before the census date. If you are impacted by special circumstances after census date, you may be eligible for remission or refund of fees (conditions apply). Please seek advice to discuss the implications for your course progression or international student visa.

If your studies are affected by the impacts of an ongoing illness or disability, you may want to consider registering for inclusion support to seek adjustments or additional support.

For more information, see Sections 4, 5, and 6 of Rule 3 — Coursework Awards — Student Assessment and Examinations policy.

For advice or more information see the related links and contact information below.

Important

The Special Consideration application includes a declaration from you that the information provided is true and correct.

If you deliberately submit false or misleading information or documentation, the request for special consideration will be rejected and you may be subject to the Student Academic and Non-Academic Misconduct Rules.

Example of penalties for students who submit fraudulent documents (e.g. medical certificate) include but are not limited to: a Fail for the unit; a suspension for up to 12 months; or, candidature at the University being terminated.

Download a PDF guide on How to Request Special Consideration for an Assessment.

Apply for special consideration

Grounds for Special Consideration

Health

Supporting Documentation

Medical certificate from a relevant health practitioner, which includes:

  • The date on which the student was examined
  • A statement of the date/s the student was impacted
  • Do not submit images that could be considered graphic

For additional days not covered by the medical certificate, a Statutory Declaration is required.

If you were not able to attend a medical appointment, or are requesting days not covered by the medical certificate, a Statutory Declaration will be considered. The Statutory Declaration should explain why you do not have a medical certificate or require additional days, and the duration of impact.

Examples

If you were directly impacted by a personal health matter, then your application should include:

Medical certificate showing time impacted If the certificate does not cover the assessment due date, an additional Statutory Declaration to explain further impacted dates.

If you were impacted by another person’s health matters, such as close family member or partner, then your application should include:

  • A medical certificate showing dates impacted (if available);
  • And a Statutory Declaration outlining your relationship to the other person/s, details of impact, and where relevant, why a medical certificate could not be provided.

Compassionate Grounds

Supporting Documentation

  • An official document that corroborates the nature of the event, showing dates of impact. 

For compassionate circumstances related to someone other than yourself, a Statutory Declaration is required that outlines:

  • The nature of the matter being considered for Special Consideration,
  • The dates of impact, and
  • Your relationship to the other person/s.

Examples

If you were impacted by the death of a close family member, then your application should include a funeral notice or Order of Service, indicating dates. If you were impacted by the death of a non-family member, then your application should include:

  • Funeral notice or Order of Service indicating dates;
  • Statutory Declaration outlining relationship and therefore impact.

If you were impacted by domestic violence or other police matter, then your application should include:

  • A Police Report number; or
  • Statutory Declaration providing an outline of the matter, and the dates of impact.

Professional Experience Clash

Supporting Documentation

This request is to be used when you are on placement/practical and you have an on-campus activity you are unable to attend.

A copy of written correspondence from the University or via SONIA confirming dates of your Professional Experience, Placement, Field Education or Work Integrated Learning (WIL).

Religious Observances/Celebrations

Applications submitted on the basis of Religious Observances/Celebrations should be submitted at least 1 month prior to the event occurring.

Supporting Documentation

A Statement signed by an authorised officer of the appropriate organisation, which validates that the date/s of the commitment corresponds with the date/s for which Special Consideration is requested.

Where a signed statement is not available, a Statutory Declaration detailing the impact of the religious observance or celebration on meeting the deadline for assessment, or exam date is required.

If the application is submitted within one month of the event, then a Statutory Declaration explaining the extenuating circumstances that have led to the late submission is required.

Examples

If an exam or presentation falls on the day of a religious observance or celebration that prevents you attending, and you were unable to obtain a signed statement from an authorised officer, then you would need to provide a Statutory Declaration stating the relevance of the event, the date of the event and the impact — i.e. your inability to attend the exam or presentation.

Serious Unforeseen Personal Events

Supporting Documents

An official document that corroborates the nature of the event, showing dates of impact relevant to the Special Consideration being sought for the assessment item.

If an official document is not available or the reason is in regard to a person other than yourself, a Statutory Declaration is required that outlines the nature of the matter being considered for Special Consideration, the dates of impact and your relationship with the other person/s.

Examples

For all of the following, where no other official documentation is available, a Statutory Declaration including impacted dates will be required:

  • Natural disasters, such as bush fires or flooding.
  • Technology breakdowns that result in lost work.
  • Sudden serious accident involving yourself or someone else which impacts you.

Sporting, Performance or Cultural Events

Applications submitted on the basis of Sporting, Performance or Cultural Events should be submitted at least 1 month prior to the event occurring.

Supporting Documents

A Statement signed by an authorised officer from the appropriate organisation to validate the date/s of the commitment for which Special Consideration is requested.

If a signed statement is not available, a Statutory Declaration detailing:

  • The event
  • The dates involved, and
  • The impact on you in regard to the assessment

If the application submitted within one month of the event, then a Statutory Declaration explaining the extenuating circumstances that have led to the late submission is required.

Examples

For all of the following, where no other official documentation is available, a Statutory Declaration including impacted dates will be required:

  • Representation at State level for a particular sport.
  • Requirement to participate in a performance event.

Emergency Service

Supporting Documents

Statement signed by an authorised officer from the appropriate organisation to validate the date/s of the commitment for which Special Consideration is requested.

If a signed statement is not available, a Statutory Declaration detailing the event, the dates involved, and the impact on you in regard to the assessment.

Examples

For all of the following, where no other official documentation is available, a Statutory Declaration with the impacted dates will be required:

  • Voluntary service in the SES to attend a natural disaster, or other event.
  • Service in the Defence Force to attend a national or state emergency, or compulsory training.

Related links

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