Special Consideration
As a student studying in the Faculty of Arts you may apply for Special Consideration if, during the semester, or in the lead up to a final piece of assessment or exam, or during the examination period, you have been affected by illness or exceptional circumstances that have caused you significant personal hardship. We encourage you to contact your lecturer or tutor and inform them of your difficulty before you begin this process.
Further detailed information is available in the following documents:
- University Special Consideration Information
- University Special Consideration Policy
- University Special Consideration Procedures
Outcomes
While Special Consideration cannot result in any adjustments to your marks it can be granted in any one of the following ways:
- a revised submission date for a piece of assessment;
- completion of a replacement, equivalent, piece of assessment;
- completion of additional assessment;
- permission to sit a deferred examination - normally offered during the University's official Deferred Examination periods for units offered in both Semester 1 (held in August) and Semester 2 (held in January of the following academic year).
Important: this outcome does not apply to Music Performance examinations. If you are a Music Performance student you must arrange to discuss your circumstances with the Student Liaison Officer in the School of Music - Conservatorium.
In cases where you have already sat the examination during the University’s examination period and you are subsequently granted a Deferred Exam, the results of your original exam will be void and the original result not available for release. (Please note: this is not applicable to Music Performance examinations - please contact the School of Music - Conservatorium).
Eligibility
Applications for end of semester Special Consideration are approved by the Faculty of Arts Board of Examiners (and/or its delegates) in accordance with the recommendation of the Chief Examiner of the unit for which application has been made.
Outcomes for in semester applications are approved by unit coordinators. The eligibility criteria are:
- serious illness or medical condition - eg hospital admission, serious injury, severe asthma, severe anxiety or depression. This does not include minor illnesses such as a mild cold;
- loss or bereavement - eg death of a close family member, family relationship breakdown;
- hardship/trauma - eg victim of crime, sudden loss of income or employment, severe disruption to domestic arrangements;
- demonstrated relevant obligations to military or jury service or service to emergency services such as the Country Fire Authority;
- elite athletes registered with Monash Sport’s athlete support program participating in a key event.
Note: The Faculty of Arts does not use the Special Consideration process for requests for alternative examination arrangements in cases where you have prior knowledge that you are not going to be able to attend your official examination due to scheduled medical procedures or work or other commitments. These arrangements should be requested/negotiated with your unit coordinator.
How to Apply
In Semester Assessment
Before applying for in semester special consideration, please contact your lecturer or tutor and inform them of your difficulty in completing the relevant assessment. It may be that an extension is more appropriate. If you wish to request an extension for assessment tasks during semester (eg essays, assignments, presentations or tests) you need to submit an Application For Extension Of Time For Submission Of An Assessment Task form or the cover sheet extension option directly to your unit coordinator at least two working days before the piece of assessment is due. In the Faculty of Arts, in semester special consideration is applicable only to assessment pieces weighted at more than 30% of your unit assessment. When in semester special consideration is appropriate, you should complete an in semester special consideration form and lodge it, together with supporting documentation within two working days of the official submission date (assessment other than exam) at the Arts Faculty Office on your home campus. This documentation will be passed to your unit coordinator who will advise you of the outcome of your application.
End of Semester Assessment
Where Special Consideration is required for a final piece of assessment (eg major essay, examination) you should complete a special consideration form and lodge it, together with supporting documentation:
- within two working days of the official submission date (assessment other than exam), or
- within two working days of the date of the last exam scheduled for the Arts examination period at the Arts Faculty Office on your home campus.
Music Students
Applications for Special Consideration for units offered by the School of Music - Conservatorium need to be lodged with Melissa Peeters, Administrative Officer - Student Liaison, Room 105, Performing Arts Complex (Building 68), Clayton campus.
Outcome Advice
Notification of whether your application has been successful will be available to you via the Web Enrolment System (WES) and the details of which special consideration outcome has been approved will be sent to your Monash student email account.
Supporting Documentation
You need to provide appropriate and substantial documentation and/or evidence to support your application. Please be assured that access to any sensitive/confidential material in your application will be strictly limited to designated university personnel.
Appropriate documentation can include certificates, statements or statutory declarations from:
- a qualified practitioner such as a medical practitioner or a psychologist
- a social worker or lawyer registered in Australia with a recognised body (eg Medicare)
as well as:
- a death notice or certificate
- a police report
- a current letter from the Monash University Disability Liaison Unit
Note: Applications will be rejected if originals or certified copies of documentation are requested but not provided. Medical Certificates/Statements signed by family members are not acceptable.
Important - Deferred Examinations
If you are granted a deferred examination you must ensure that you are available to sit the examination during the university deferred examination period.