Special Consideration

Extension or Missed Compulsory Teaching Activities

For short-term impacts you can submit a request using the  Special Consideration Application Form  (opens in new window) form.

This applies when you:

• Need extra time to complete an assignment, or

• Missed a compulsory class or teaching activity

Key things to know:

1. Applications must be received no later than 5:00pm two working days after the due date or date of the compulsory teaching activity.
2. Supporting documents is optional for extensions under 3 days but may be requested later.
3. It is in your best interests to keep working on your assessment or attend your classes where possible.
4. Check your Subject Outline for assessment due dates and compulsory activities. For more support or questions, contact Student Services Hub or speak with your Subject Coordinator.

Automatic Extensions

If you meet the criteria and apply for an assessment extension for an individual assessment:

• You’ll receive an automatic 3-day extension (except for assessments listed in the sections below)

• Students in College modular programs will receive a 2-day automatic extension

You can only get one automatic extension per subject – any others will need approval from your Subject Coordinator

Some assessments need special review. Even if your situation fits the criteria, your request will be reviewed by your Subject Coordinator if your assessment is a:

• Exams or tests
• Quizzes with fixed completion windows
• In-class or time-limited assessments
• Presentations, debates, interviews or participation-based assessments
• Practical assessments, simulations or professional placements
• Viva voce (oral exams)
• Group assessments
• End-of-session or final examinations

Requests for deferred final or end-of-session exams must be made under the Deferred Exams process. Refer to the Examinations Policy for more information.

Eligibility for Extensions and Special Consideration

The table below shows examples of circumstances that may be considered for Extensions or Special Consideration, and common situations that are not eligible.

Please note that circumstances alone do not guarantee a specific outcome; decisions are based on the impact on your ability to complete assessments, not the circumstance itself.

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Circumstances that may be considered*	Circumstances that are not considered (Routine Life Events)
Health issues (physical or psychological), including illness or injury	Routine work demands or employment-related travel
Hospitalisation or medical treatment	Adjusting to university life or academic workload
Unplanned carer responsibilities	Stress or anxiety related to exams or assessments (unless supported by clinical evidence)
Crisis or trauma (e.g. crime, Domestic and Family Violence, accident)	Lack of understanding of assessment requirements or due dates
Natural disasters or major public disruptions (e.g. flood, bushfire)	Difficulty with English language skills
Compassionate reasons (e.g. death or serious illness of a close family member)	Visa issues that could reasonably have been anticipated
Legal or court commitments	Planned relocation, change of address or moving house
Participation in national or international cultural or sporting events	Everyday impacts already supported through an Academic Reasonable Adjustment Plan (ARAP)

* The type of support provided depends on how significantly the circumstances have impacted your ability to complete assessment or demonstrate learning.

Extensions are typically for short-term impacts, while Special Consideration is available for more significant or ongoing impacts.

Outcome of your Application

Once you’ve submitted an Extension or Special Consideration application, the University will review it and notify you of the outcome, usually within five working days. You may be contacted for further information or clarification if needed.

Possible outcomes of Special Consideration

Depending on how significantly your circumstances have affected your studies, outcomes may include:

• An extension of time to complete an assessment
• Being excused from a compulsory teaching activity
• An alternative, academically equivalent assessment
• A deferred or supplementary assessment
• In limited circumstances, an exemption from an assessment, with marks awarded based on completed assessment tasks

Special Consideration outcomes are based on impact, not the circumstance itself, and must not compromise academic integrity. It is in your best interest to continue working on assessments and attend classes where possible while your application is being considered.

If Your Request Is Not Approved:

• You may  lose marks  for each calendar day your assessment is late if it’s not submitted on time.

• You may  receive a Fail grade  if you miss a compulsory class or activity that is required to pass the subject.

Make sure to review the Assessment Policy for full details on how late penalties and attendance requirements are applied.

Application Process

Follow the step-by-step process below to apply for Special Consideration:

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Step	What You Need to Do
When to Apply	Submit your application within five working days of the assessment due date, missed compulsory activity, or when your circumstances began.
How to Apply	Use the online Special Consideration Application Form * Students studying with Western Sydney University Online should apply directly in the LMS.
Supporting Documents	Upload appropriate supporting evidence with your application, unless you are applying for an Extension (which does not require documentation). See the Supporting Documentation for accepted documents
Late Applications	You may be able to submit a late application if you experienced extenuating circumstances that prevented you from applying on time. To be considered, you  must  provide  documentary evidence  explaining the reason for the delay. Without appropriate evidence, your application will not be accepted. For more details on acceptable documentation, please refer to the Supporting Documentation page. For more details on acceptable documentation, please refer to the Supporting Documentation page.
If It Affects a Final Exam	Special Consideration does not apply for missed final or end-of-session exams. Requests for these must be made through the Deferred Exams process. See the Examinations Policy for more information.
More Info	See the Special Consideration Policy for full details

Supporting Documentation

You must upload an electronic copy of all supporting documents with your application. Hard copy documents will not be accepted. If you only have physical copies, please scan them and attach the digital files to your online form.

All supporting documents must be submitted at the time of application.

You must retain the original or a certified copy of all submitted documents for at least one year. The University may check applications and contact you at any time within that year to request verification.

Submitting documents that have been altered or manipulated will be referred for investigation under the Student Misconduct Rule.

For more details on acceptable documentation, please refer to the Supporting Documentation page.

Special Consideration and Academic Reasonable Adjustment Plan (ARAP)

If you have an Academic Reasonable Adjustment Plan (ARAP) for a disability, health condition, or ongoing mental health issue, you are eligible for Special Consideration only if your circumstances go beyond what is already accommodated in your ARAP.

This may include:

·       A sudden serious illness, injury, or personal hardship unrelated to your ARAP

·       A significant worsening of symptoms not reasonably managed through your ARAP adjustments

Note: Submitting your ARAP alone is not sufficient evidence for Special Consideration. Additional supporting documentation may be required.