Extensions and special consideration FAQ | MGA Advocacy
Assignments are just around the corner. You should be working on one right now, but something else needs your urgent attention. Do you have an illness, a health condition, carer’s responsibilities, religious obligations, or financial or employment issues? You may be eligible for an extension or special consideration.
Here are some frequently asked questions that will help you understand the special consideration and extension process at Monash.
Can I ask my tutor or Chief Examiner for an extension?
You can no longer request a short extension from your tutors from Semester 2, 2023 onwards. Instead, you need to complete the short extension application form found here. This application will go to the Special Consideration team for approval. You can request one short extension (2 days) per assessment (excluding tests and exams).
You won’t need to provide supporting documents for your first request in each unit. The Special Consideration team may liaise with your Chief Examiner about extensions, but your Chief Examiner will not be shown confidential documents.
If you need longer than 2 days, you must submit a separate special consideration request.
Who reviews my special consideration application?
Monash has a specific team that decides a student’s eligibility based on supplied documentation. This is why it’s important to provide clear information to show why you can’t complete your assessment by the due date. This must be due to ‘exceptional circumstances beyond your control’.
For example, a medical certificate should clearly state the dates you were unwell, and those dates must relate to the assignment.
Make sure to apply as soon as possible, but no later than 11:55 pm on the day your assessment is due or scheduled.
What if I don’t agree with a decision made by the Special Consideration team?
If the Special Consideration team does not approve an application, they can make recommendations based on the information you provide, and any dates provided by a doctor.
If you do not agree with the decision, you can request a review. You can also submit further details or documentation if needed.
To give you the best chances of success, you can reach out to the MGA advocacy team to help you with your application.
Does the Chief Examiner have an option to reject a student’s request?
No. The decision is made by the Special Consideration team and the Chief Examiner must follow their recommendations. If the assessment is ‘complex’ or a group assessment, you may be offered an alternative assessment, or be exempted from completing it (if it is worth 10% of the total grade or less).
Good luck with your assessments and if you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to contact an MGA advocate!
Get in touch with an MGA Advocate
If you have any questions about the University’s Special Consideration Procedure, please contact our advocates. We will get back to you within 2 working days. This is a free service and anything you tell us is confidential.
There is no such thing as a silly question. Get in touch – you don’t have to go through this alone!