Special Consideration, Academic Adjustment Plans

SPECIAL CONSIDERATION (UNEXPECTED CIRCUMSTANCES) is available if students are affected by unexpected circumstances such as sudden illness, accident or bereavement and the duration of impact on their studies is less than six weeks. If a student is registered for ongoing support, s/he will still need to apply. This is a separate application to an ongoing support registration.  Applications for special consideration must be made using the required application form, and within 4 working days of the examination date or assessment due date.  Applications must be supported by appropriate documentary evidence. The Academic Support office can provide guidance and information for staff.

EXTENSIONS of up to 10 business days (14 calendar days) may be offered to students if circumstances outside of their control have affected a student’s ability to complete an assessment task on time.  ABP teaching staff should direct students to the Application for Extensions guidelines. The guidelines outline the conditions for eligibility. The form must be completed by the student. Students requiring extensions longer than 14 calendar days must apply for Special Consideration here. Please refer to the Assessment as Guidance of Learning page for more information.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATION (ONGOING SUPPORT) is available if students need ongoing study adjustments (for a duration of six weeks or more) due to a disability; a chronic or permanent health condition; sporting, performance or service commitments; or religious and cultural practices.  An Academic Adjustment Plan (AAP) will set out any requirements.  The Academic Support office can provide guidance and information for staff.

An overview of Assessment policies that may relate to Student Issues, such as Special Consideration, Student Complaints and Special Adjustments is available via the link provided.

The AT RISK EARLY ALERT FORM is a mechanism used by the faculty to identify and contact B-Envs, B-Des and MSD students who are experiencing difficulties in their subjects.

If you have concerns about a student in your class, you may fill out “At Risk Early Alert Form” available at

After we receive the alert, the Academic Support Office will send an email out to the student flagging the issue and providing them with information / support services to assist them in getting back on track. If there are a large number of students you would like contacted, you may download the spreadsheet available on this page. Email the spreadsheet through to MSD-StudentPrograms@unimelb.edu.au. Please ensure that you include the appropriate academic staff member/s to refer students to should they need further advice/assistance.

The program has achieved success in the past but participation in this program is entirely voluntary.

Early identification is essential. If you notice a student not turning up to class, submitting poor quality assessment, experiencing language difficulties etc please complete a form as early as possible. If it is too late for a student to pass a subject, please do not send a form as these cases are handled by the University wide Unsatisfactory Progress process

For more information, please send an email to MSD-StudentPrograms@unimelb.edu.au

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