Special consideration and extensions

What is an extension?

Extensions are for when circumstances beyond your control will prevent you from attending a test, placement, practicum or similar, or from submitting an assignment by the due date, you should speak to your Unit Chair as soon as you become aware of the problem.

Your Unit Chair may allow you to do the task at another time or may give you an extension of up to two weeks. Assignment extensions are normally only approved when you apply before the assessment task due date. A maximum of 14 days can be normally granted as an extension.

A Unit Chair may also advise a student to apply for special consideration where:

• Rescheduling is impractical, or
• You have requested more than two weeks’ extension, or
• You were unable to apply for an extension before the due date.

You are still able to apply for special consideration even if you have been granted an extension. For more information about extensions, please visit:

www.deakin.edu.au/students/studying/assessment-and-results/assignments

What is special consideration?

Special consideration is the process available to students whose performance is temporarily and adversely affected by circumstances outside of their control. You may apply for approval to undertake an assessment task at another time or to take additional time to complete the assessment task.

Am I eligible to apply for special consideration?

The University considers applications for special consideration on the following grounds:

A medical condition

• A medical condition
• Compassionate reasons
• Hardship/trauma
• Unexpected employment or carer demands
• A requirement related to a student’s obligations as an elite athlete
• Military, jury or emergency service obligations
• Obligatory religious or faith-based commitments
• Obligatory cultural commitments of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders
• An exacerbation of a condition covered by a Learning Access Plan outlined under clause 40

For more information and grounds that will not be accepted please visit:

www.deakin.edu.au/students/studying/assessment-and-results/special-consideration

How do I apply for special consideration?

• An application for special consideration must be submitted online via the special consideration section on Student connect: studentconnect.deakin.edu.au
• Applications must be submitted no later than three working days after the due date of the assessment task or the date of the examination.
• Late applications will only be considered where you can demonstrate that extenuating circumstances prevented you from lodging the application within the timeframe.
• Where an application is based on circumstances resulting from a personal trauma, including sexual harassment or assault, the application may be made on your behalf by a relevant University support service.

For further information about how to apply, visit www.deakin.edu.au/students/studying/assessment-and-results/special-consideration

How can DUSA advocates help you with your special consideration application?

• DUSA Advocates provide confidential advice and support on a range of academic and personal matters, including special consideration. Your DUSA Advocate will work together with you to assess your situation and discuss possible courses of action.
• Your DUSA Advocate can assist you to work out what kind of supporting documentation you could provide as part of your special consideration application.
• If your special consideration application is denied, you can contact DUSA Advocacy for further advice and assistance. DUSA Advocates can also provide information and referrals to Deakin services and external services.
• For more information or to speak to a DUSA Advocate about your situation, contact DUSA.

Please note that we do experience very busy periods, particularly at the end of each trimester where we need to assist a large number or students. It is important that you book an appointment to speak with an Advocate as early as possible. Advocates are also able to assist students via email.