Special Consideration
An updated Special Consideration policy and process comes into effect on 1 November 2021.
The changes include:
- Simplifying the application process to a single Special Consideration application for each unit assessment task
- An improved application form provides you with updated information on documentation/evidence requirements to support your application
- A limit of no more than two requests for a single assessment task, except in extenuating circumstances
- An extension request of 3 days for Session-based enrolment or 1 day for Study Period or Term-based enrolment does not need supporting documentation
If an event in your life requires you to seek an extension to an assessment task due date, you can apply for Special Consideration. 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).
- Health
- Compassionate circumstances
- Professional Experience clashes
- Religious observances or celebrations
- Serious unforeseen personal events
- Selection in State, national or international sporting or cultural events
- Emergency Service
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 or contact information below.
Important
The Special Consideration application includes a declaration from you that the information provided is true and correct.
Providing fraudulent documentation or misleading information will void any approvals and may result in a non-academic misconduct case reviewed by the Academic Portfolio Office and with penalties imposed.
Apply for Special Consideration
Download a PDF guide on How to Request Special Consideration for an Assessment.
Grounds for Special Consideration
Health
Supporting Documentation
Medical certificate from relevant health practitioner, which includes:
- The date on which the student was examined
- A statement of the date/s the student was impacted
For additional days not covered by the medical certificate, a Statutory Declaration is required.
If you were not able to attend a medical appointment, a Statutory Declaration will be considered. The Statutory Declaration should explain the nature of the health matter, why they have not been able to obtain a medical certificate, 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.
For COVID-19, the application should include:
- A screenshot from the Pathology Laboratory showing the date the swab was taken
- Or a copy of the acknowledgment of submission of a positive result from a Rapid Antigen Test
Compassionate Grounds
Supporting Documentation
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 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.
Religious Observances Celebrations
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 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 Documentation
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.
- Impacts from COVID-19, such as sudden lockdowns or border closure.
- Family members being impacted by COVID-19.
- Technology breakdowns that result in lost work.
- Sudden serious accident involving yourself or someone else which impacts you.
Sporting, Performance or Cultural Events
Supporting Documentation
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 Documentation
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.