'WH’, ‘NS’ and ‘DEF’ grades explained
If you’ve received one of these grades, read on to learn what it means for you.
University grades aren’t always as simple as passing, failing, or doing exceptionally well. Once in a while, a student might find themselves in an odd situation where their grades aren’t finalised and a different type of grade will show in their results.
Below are some of these grade types and what they might mean if you receive one. But even more importantly, it is crucial that you keep an eye on your student email over the mid-year break. This is the only way you’ll know whether you received one of these grades and what to do next!
This means that your grade has not yet been finalised. There could be for a number of reasons, ranging from issues with academic integrity or misconduct, to simply a delay in the marking while awaiting results. If you receive this grade, it is crucial that you keep an eye on your emails for any important updates as the consequences could be very serious.
Great news! While you technically failed your unit the first time around, the University is offering you a second chance. You’ve been offered a supplementary assessment - which means you can still pass the unit if you complete and pass this assessment. If you don’t want to take a supplementary assessment, you can still choose to opt out. Again, read any and all correspondence about this carefully so that you know what you have to do to be prepared for this.
A deferred assessment is different from a supplementary assessment, because it has been granted from a special consideration application. If you receive this, it means that you will also have an opportunity to retake an assessment that you couldn’t do earlier due to circumstances outside your control. You will need to keep an eye out on your email and University announcements to know when and how to sit your deferred assessment.
Speak to an MGA advocate
If you receive one of these grades, or another non-passing grade as detailed by the University here, get in touch with one of our advocates to walk you through the process. Our advocacy service is free, confidential and independent of the University. Email us at mga-advocacy@monash.edu