Special Consideration & Extensions
Updated: 5 days ago
For further information: see our information leaflet below!
Has illness, unexpected circumstances, or a crisis has affected your studies? When things beyond your control disrupt your ability to attend or complete assessments, you may be able to request an extension or apply for Special Consideration.
Swinburne Advocacy Service (SAS) can help you understand which option is appropriate and guide you through the process.
Extensions
Need a short extension?
If you need a small amount of extra time to complete an assessment, you may be eligible for an automatic extension of up to 3 calendar days (including weekends and public holidays).
Automatic extensions do not require supporting documentation such as a medical certificate and you do not need to wait for approval from your Unit Convenor.
Is my assessment eligible?
Automatic extensions are available for eligible non-exam assessments. These are generally untimed assessments and may include:
essays
written projects
recorded or asynchronous presentations.
Some assessment types are not eligible including exams, quizzes, group assessments, labs, in-class assessments, live presentations and performances.
Always check your Unit Outline to confirm whether your assessment is eligible.
When can I request an extension?
You can request an automatic extension up to 14 days before the assessment due date and must submit your request before the assessment is due.
You can receive an automatic extension a maximum of once per assessment task per teaching period.
How do I request an automatic extension?
To request an automatic extension:
Check your Unit Outline to confirm that the assessment is eligible.
Go to your unit site in Canvas.
Select Assignment Extensions from the left-hand menu.
Select the relevant assessment task and submit your request.
If eligible, your assessment due date should automatically update in Canvas within 1 hour.
If your due date has not updated after 1 hour, contact your Unit Convenor.
Need more time or not eligible for an automatic extension?
If your assessment is not eligible for an automatic extension, the due date has already passed, or you need more than 3 calendar days, you may need to apply for Special Consideration.
Special Consideration
Experiencing more serious circumstances?
If your circumstances have significantly affected your ability to undertake an assessment or exam and/or to perform to the best of your ability when completing it, you may be eligible to apply for Special Consideration.
Circumstances that may qualify include:
physical or mental health circumstances
compassionate grounds, such as bereavement or trauma
exceptional or unforeseen events, such as an accident or crime
significant family or personal circumstances.
Unlike an automatic extension, Special Consideration requires specific supporting documentation (Medical Impact Statement) demonstrating how your circumstances affected your studies.
What are the timeframes?
You should apply for Special Consideration by 5pm within three working days of the assessment due date or scheduled exam.
Late applications may be considered if you can demonstrate exceptional circumstances and provide appropriate evidence.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted through the Swinburne Special Consideration Portal.
You will need to complete the application and provide supporting documentation relevant to your circumstances. Depending on your situation, this may include medical certificates, letters from a psychologist or counsellor, police reports, or other relevant evidence.
All documentation must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation.
Applications are assessed in line with university policy. Approval is not automatic and depends on whether your evidence demonstrates that your circumstances meet the eligibility criteria.
What could the outcome be?
If approved, Special Consideration may result in:
a new assessment due date
an opportunity to re-sit an exam or test
an alternative assessment task
You will be notified of the outcome of your application.
If your application is not approved, you will receive written notification outlining the decision. You may have options to request a review, depending on the circumstances.
Need support?
Swinburne Advocacy Service (SAS) provides free, confidential and independent support. We can help you understand the process, prepare your application, review your supporting documents, and discuss next steps if your request is declined.
Contact Swinburne Advocacy Service as early as possible so we can support you through the process by clicking the link below.