What is special consideration?

Special consideration is an assessment adjustment for unexpected circumstances that are outside a student’s control, which:

  • have a significant adverse impact on the student’s performance in assessment or
  • prevent them from attempting or submitting the assessment.

The purpose of special consideration is to enable a student to maintain their academic progress despite adverse circumstances.

Special consideration is made available by the University on the understanding that students will use it sparingly and only in cases of proven genuine need.

Section 4 of the Assessment: adjustments to assessment procedure establishes the requirements and process for special consideration.

Special consideration is not granted for:

  • Chinese New Year - the University expects you to be available to attend all your exams, including those held during the Australian onshore deferred exam period, if required. The deferred, re-sit and supplementary exam timetable takes this cultural celebration period into account and will not schedule any exams on the day of, or on the day after Chinese New Year. You should make appropriate travel arrangements to ensure your attendance at any granted deferred or re-sit exam.
  • Absence from classes - only assessment-based work, such as exams, assignments, folios, tests, presentations, etc. is covered by the Assessment: adjustments to assessment procedure.
  • Misreading the exam timetable – it is your responsibility to check yourexam timetables, which are clearly identified and published in advance so you can familiarise yourself with your exam schedule.
  • Holidays - the University expects you to attend all your assessments for every course in which you are enrolled. The dates of each semester are published well in advance to enable you to pursue leisure activities outside of your assessment times.

Equitable assessment arrangements

If you have a long-term illness, mental health condition or a disability you should contact the Disability Liaison Unit for an equitable assessment arrangement.

Find out more about equitable assessment arrangements.