Procedures and Guidelines

Procedures and Guidelines

Extensions - All subjects

This procedure should be read in conjunction with, and is subject to, the University's Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326).

Eligibility

Students may be considered for an extension if they can demonstrate that unforeseen circumstances affected their capacity to prepare for or submit an assessment item by the advertised due date/time.

Students cannot seek an extension after the assessment due date/time. Please apply for special consideration - JD/Breadth subject(s) or MLM subject(s).

Students may apply for extensions in relation to the following forms of assessment:

  • Essays
  • Research papers
  • Reports
  • Assignments
  • Weekend take-home examinations in the limited circumstances described below
  • Any other assessment as outlined in the handbook entry may be considered.

If unsure, please email law-wellbeing@unimelb.edu.au before the assessment due date/time.

Students may not apply for extensions in relation to:

  • Oral presentations
  • Take-home examinations, except for weekend take-home examinations in the limited circumstances described below
  • End of semester supervised examinations.

If a student’s performance is impacted in either an end of semester supervised examination, take-home examination or oral presentation, they may apply for special consideration - JD/Breadth subject(s) or MLM subject(s).

Potential circumstances and supporting documentation

Students must provide independent verifiable evidence at the time of applying for an extension. The evidence must cover the entire duration of the requested extension, and be substantiated by the supporting documentation provided.

Examples of recommended supporting documentation required for extension applications:

  • Medical conditions – eg sudden illness of short duration (excluding minor ailments)

    Evidence must be completed by an authorised medical practitioner. A Health Professional Report (HPR) - (PDF) is the preferred form of evidence.

    The evidence must cover the entire duration of the requested extension. Extension requests may only be partially approved if the student cannot demonstrate impact for the entirety of the requested extension period.

  • Medical Illness - COVID-19

    If due to COVID-19, you are unable to source a medical certificate, health professional form, or statutory declaration to support your application a screenshot of your PCR test result, or a picture of your RAT test alongside your ID and a note indicating the date when your test was taken can be used.

  • Personal circumstances – eg bereavement, illness of a family member, family violence, temporary carer responsibilities

    Where possible, students should provide independent verifiable evidence. This can be from a psychologist, social worker, police officer, etc. In certain instances, a statutory declaration will be considered, but only where the student can demonstrate that no other form of evidence is available.

    Students are advised to submit their application and, if additional evidence is required, the Academic Support Office will provide details of what is needed.

  • Work commitments (MLM only)

    This does not apply for JD or Breadth students.

    Applications for extensions in relation to work commitments will not generally be considered as eligible, however MLS may, on a case-by-case basis, provide adjustments to students who can demonstrate they have been affected by exceptional employment commitments. The student must provide independent verifiable evidence of these commitments. This can be a signed and dated statement from a human resources representative from the student’s place of employment and/or a statutory declaration. These circumstances must be unforeseen, and above and beyond the demands of their usual role.

  • Take home examinations (MLM only)

    Take-home examinations (MLM only): temporary COVID-19 response

    This does not apply for JD or Breadth students.

    Students who:

    • are parents or carers who have parenting or carer responsibilities during the days allocated for the take home examination; or
    • have other commitments similar in nature and impact to the first category and not otherwise addressed by normal grounds for special consideration

    may apply for an extension to a take home examination. The extension will seek to ameliorate the impact of the relevant parenting, caring, or other similar commitment, so may be for other than a standard 24-hour period that would normally apply for an extension.

    Students must provide relevant supporting documentation:

    • in the case of parents or carers:
      • birth certificate/s for primary school aged children or other appropriate evidence of the student’s role as parent or carer and
      • a statutory declaration as to the normal requirements of their role over a weekend period.
    • in the case of other commitments similar in nature and impact to the first category and not otherwise addressed by normal grounds for special consideration, documentation as advised by the Academic Programs Coordinator (Wellbeing) law-wellbeing@unimelb.edu.au or the Assistant Dean – Teaching & Learning jmarychurch@unimelb.edu.au.
  • Extra-curricular activities – eg volunteering, mooting, student organisation commitments (JD only)

    This does not apply for Melbourne Law Masters or Breadth students.

    Applications for extensions in relation to extra-curricular activities including volunteer positions or competitions will not generally be considered as eligible; however MLS may, on a case-by-case basis, provide adjustments to students participating in competitions and other events for which the student has been selected by MLS to represent MLS.

  • Clerkships and internships (JD only)

    This does not apply for Melbourne Law Masters or Breadth students.

    Students will not be awarded an extension where a clerkship or internship impacts upon their capacity to submit an assignment by the advertised due date. Students are advised to plan their enrolment around clerkships/internship opportunities.

  • Weekend take-home examinations (JD only)

    This does not apply for Melbourne Law Masters or Breadth students.

    Students who:

    • are parents or carers who have parenting or carer responsibilities on weekends; or
    • are scheduled to work in paid employment on the weekend of the take-home examination and are unable to take leave from their work or otherwise re-schedule their work commitments on the relevant weekend; or
    • are religiously observant and participate in religious or cultural practices involving significant time on weekends; or
    • other commitments similar in nature and impact to the above categories and not otherwise addressed by normal grounds for special consideration

    may apply for an extension. The extension will seek to ameliorate the impact of the relevant parenting, caring, work, religious, cultural observance or other commitment, so may be for other than a standard 24-hour period that would normally apply for an extension.

    Students must provide relevant supporting documentation:

    • in the case of parents or carers:
      • birth certificate/s for primary school aged children or other appropriate evidence of the student’s role as parent or carer and
      • a statutory declaration as to the normal requirements of their role over a weekend period.
    • in the case of students scheduled to work in paid employment on the weekend of the take-home examination and unable to take leave from their work or otherwise re-schedule their work commitments on the relevant weekend:
      • documentation from the employer of the student’s work commitments on the relevant weekend (eg copy of a work roster, email or letter from the employer) #  and
      • a statutory declaration of the expected dates and hours of work of the student on the relevant weekend; describing in detail the efforts the student has made to take leave or otherwise reschedule this work; and, the student’s lack of success in those efforts to take leave or reschedule the work commitments.

        • # Students who are unable to provide documentation from an employer as to their work commitments on the relevant weekend should consult with the Assistant Dean – Teaching & Learning for advice on the appropriate supporting documentation (please contact Judith Marychurch at jmarychurch@unimelb.edu.au).

    • in the case of students who are religiously observant and participate in religious or cultural practices involving significant time on weekends:
      • a letter from a minister or religion or other relevant, independent person who can verify the religious or cultural observance, the day of the week involved and the time frame normally devoted to the observance and
      • a statutory declaration from the student that they are religiously or culturally observant and will be participating in the relevant religious or cultural activity during the normal period of the weekend take-home examination, the date of this observance and the time frame normally involved.
    • in the case of other commitments similar in nature and impact to the above categories and not otherwise addressed by normal grounds for special consideration, documentation as advised by the Academic Programs Coordinator (Wellbeing) or the Assistant Dean – Teaching & Learning.
  • Computer/IT issues caused or exacerbated by COVID-19

    Temporary COVID-19 response

    During COVID-19, computer issues may be more common due to band-width and other issues, and support more difficult to access due to closure of non-essential businesses. You must make all reasonable efforts to rectify a computer/ IT problem in a timely manner, but if you do experience computer/ IT issues caused or exacerbated by COVID-19, you may apply for a short extension. Please explain the circumstances in your personal statement and attach any screenshots or other evidence of the problem. If more information or documentation is required, the Academic Programs Coordinator (Wellbeing) will liaise with you to seek this.

Not valid for extension:

  • Computer failure
  • Public transport delays
  • Misreading your timetable
  • Personal events such as weddings or birthdays
  • Minor ailments or illness, where you are still capable of completing the assessment
  • Travel plans.

Outcomes

Students will be advised of the outcome of their application within three (3) working days (Monday - Friday) of submitting the application.

Appealing/reviewing outcome

If a student feels there are grounds for a review of the outcome provided, they may seek a review via law-wellbeing@unimelb.edu.au. Students should explain the grounds upon which they wish their application to be reconsidered, and include any relevant new supporting documentation (if applicable) to support the review request. Review requests will be responded to within three (3) working days (Monday - Friday).

Students should continue to work on their assessment until receiving an outcome from their review request, and they should email a copy of their work to date to the law-wellbeing@unimelb.edu.au by the original due date/time.

Information to include in the email:

  • Student ID,
  • Subject code and name, and
  • The following statement: “This is a partial submission of my work and I am awaiting an outcome from an extension and/or special consideration review”.

Submitting work

Pending extension outcome

If a student has not received an outcome by the original due date/time of the assessment, they should email a copy of their work to date to law-wellbeing@unimelb.edu.au.

Information to include in the email:

  • Student ID,
  • Subject code and name, and
  • The following statement: “This is a partial submission of my work and I am awaiting an outcome from an extension and/or special consideration application”.

Students should continue working on their assessment until receiving an outcome from their extension application.

Approved extension outcome

Students with an approved extension should submit their work via the LMS. The LMS will state the original due date/time, but students should upload their assessment regardless. MLS will note your extension and will not apply late penalties.

If a student has difficulties uploading their assessment to the LMS, they should email a copy to law-wellbeing@unimelb.edu.au before the submission due date/time. Students should ensure to attach a copy of their extension approval email.

Late Penalties

Students may consider applying for special consideration - JD/Breadth subject(s) or MLM subject(s) to have late penalties waived in the case of late submission.

How to apply

Students should not submit an extension requests directly to the Academic Programs Coordinator (Wellbeing) or to their lecturers/subject coordinators. Lecturers/subject coordinators do not provide outcomes for extension applications. Students will be advised to submit a formal application.

Any advice provided by a lecturer/subject coordinator regarding outcomes for extensions is not considered official and students are advised to await receipt of their formal outcome provided as a result of their extension application.

Students enrolled in subjects offered by Melbourne Law School (MLS) may apply for extensions of up to 10 working days (Monday to Friday, weekends and public holidays excluded) directly with MLS.

Students cannot seek an extension after the assessment due date/time. Please apply for special consideration - JD/Breadth subject(s) or MLM subject(s).

Apply for an extension (up to 10 working days)

Seeking a further extension

The maximum permissible extension for any eligible task under extensions and special consideration is up to 20 working days from the assessment’s original due date/time. (Monday to Friday, weekends and public holidays excluded). This is a total maximum so that if you have been awarded an extension of up to 10 working days via the extensions process and then apply for a further extension under special consideration, the maximum extension you are eligible for under special consideration is the difference between 20 working days and the length of the extension awarded under the extensions process.

Please note that interim assessments may have a shorter maximum extension duration due to return of marked work, as teachers may aim to release feedback earlier than 20 workings days, e.g. 15 workings days. Please apply with Law Wellbeing first before submitting a special consideration application and carefully read the outcome of your extension provided by Law Wellbeing to determine the maximum extension of your assessment.

Students requesting more than 10 working days should submit an application for special consideration - JD/Breadth subject(s) or MLM subject(s).

Students should request an extension length reasonably comparable to the duration of the impact of the unexpected circumstances, noting that in some cases students may have been ill or otherwise affected by unexpected circumstances prior to determining they needed to apply for an extension and seeking supporting documentation. The supporting documentation should identify the duration of the impact and your personal statement may address any further information about context and duration.

Extensions requests (via special consideration) beyond the maximum permissible time frame will generally be considered for alternative outcomes, such as a late withdrawal.

Data retention

Students should maintain a copy of their supporting documentation should they require it for any other purpose.

Special consideration - JD/Breadth subject(s) only

These guidelines and procedures should be read in conjunction with, and are subject to, the University's Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326).

The guidelines and procedures below do not apply for Melbourne Law Masters (MLM) subjects. Students should refer to special consideration - MLM subjects.

Students undertaking JD and Breadth subjects who experience acute, short-term circumstances which impact upon their capacity to complete a piece of assessment are advised to apply for special consideration.

Eligibility

Students may be considered eligible for special consideration if they can demonstrate exceptional or extenuating circumstances outside their control that have impacted upon their capacity to complete academic requirements.

Students can apply for special consideration in relation to the following types of assessment:

  • End of semester examinations
  • Interim tests and assessment tasks
  • Essays
  • Take-home examinations
  • Research papers
  • Attendance/participation requirements
  • Oral presentations
  • Any other assessment as outlined in the handbook entry.

Potential circumstances

  • Short-term illness
  • Hardship or trauma, such as (not exhaustive) bereavement, family violence, accident or injury
  • Religious observance
  • Emergency service volunteers

Students will be considered in-eligible for special consideration in the following circumstances:

  • Computer failure
  • Public transport delays
  • Personal events such as weddings or birthdays
  • Minor ailments or illnesses, where you are still capable of completing the assessment
  • Travel plans or delays related to personal travel
  • Conflicting assessments or closely scheduled assessments between elective and compulsory subjects. If there is a direct conflict in assessment dates for compulsory subjects, students should notify the Academic Support Office via law-assessment@unimelb.edu.au.
  • Clerkships or preparation for clerkship applications conflicting with assessments
  • Internship commitments and volunteer positions
  • Employment commitments.

How to apply

Students should not apply for apply for special consideration directly to the Student Academic Adjustment and Wellbeing Officer or to their lecturers/subject coordinators. Lecturers/subject coordinators do not provide outcomes for special consideration applications. Students will be advised to submit a formal application.

Any advice provided by a lecturer/subject coordinator regarding outcomes for special consideration is not considered official and students are advised to await receipt of their formal outcome provided as a result of their special consideration application.

Applications should be submitted within four (4) working days of the assessment due date/time.

Apply for special consideration

Outcomes

Step 1

Special consideration applications are firstly assessed by Student Equity and Disability Support (SEDS) to determine if they are eligible for special consideration based on the supporting documents provided by students.

Step 2

Successful applications are then forwarded to Melbourne Law School to determine the outcome for each piece of assessment.

  • End of semester examination

    If a student is considered eligible for special consideration in relation to an end of semester exam, the usual outcome is the award of a special exam. A special exam takes place in the special/supplementary exam period and is marked to the full value of marks available for that exam.

    Students are advised to attempt exams if it is physically safe to do so. MLS can provide no guarantees about the outcome of a special consideration application.

    Students who apply, and are assessed as eligible for, a second special consideration (‘special on special’) application will receive a late withdrawal from the subject as the normal outcome.

  • Take-home examination

    If a student is considered eligible for special consideration in relation to a take-home exam, the usual outcome is the award of a special take-home exam. Students are advised to consult with the Student Academic Adjustment and Wellbeing Officer (law-wellbeing@unimelb.edu.au) regarding the date of release of the special take-home exam. The special take-home exam is marked to the full value of marks available for that take-home exam.

    Students are advised to attempt take-home exams if it is physically safe to do so. MLS can provide no guarantees about the outcome of a special consideration application.

    Students who apply, and are assessed as eligible for, a second special consideration (‘special on special’) application will receive a late withdrawal from the subject as the normal outcome.

  • Interim assessment

    Where a student is considered eligible for special consideration in relation to an interim assessment task that is:

    • weighted at less than 25% of the total marks available for that subject
      and/or
    • is less than 1,000 words
      and/or
    • is a class test of one hour or less,

    the interim assessment task’s weighting may be re-weighted to the final assessment.

  • Essay/research paper

    Where a student is seeking an extension to the due date of an essay/research paper they have two options:

    • If the student is seeking an extension of 10 days or less, they should apply for an extension.
    • If the student is seeking an extension of 11 or more days, they should submit a special consideration application. Please note that the maximum permissible extension is 20 working days (Monday to Friday, weekends and public holidays excluded) from the original due date/time. Extension requests beyond this period may be considered for alternative outcomes, which may include late withdrawal.

    Pending special consideration outcome

    Extension requests via special consideration are processed within 5 – 7 working days. If a student has not received an outcome by the original due date/time of the assessment, they should email a copy of their work to date to law-assessment@unimelb.edu.au.

    Information to include in the email:

    • Student ID,
    • Subject code and name, and
    • The following statement: “This is a partial submission of my work and I am awaiting an outcome from an extension and/or special consideration application”.

    Students should continue working on their assessment until receiving an outcome from their special consideration application.

    Approved extension outcome

    Students with an approved extension should submit their work via the LMS. The LMS will state the original due date/time, but students should upload their assessment regardless. MLS will note your extension and will not apply late penalties.

    If a student has difficulties uploading their assessment to the LMS, they should email a copy to law-assessment@unimelb.edu.au before the submission due date/time. Students should ensure to attach a copy of their extension approval email.

  • Attendance requirements

    Students are advised to refer to the subject handbook to determine if the subject has an attendance hurdle requirement. If such a hurdle requirement exists and the student feels they are unable meet this, they may apply for special consideration. If the student is considered eligible, the subject coordinator will be consulted to determine if it is possible to waive the hurdle requirement.

    JD students are able to complete an elective subject from within the Melbourne Law Masters. Where a JD student is enrolled in a Master’s elective and is unable to meet the attendance requirement they should refer to the Special consideration - MLM Subject(s) guidelines.

  • Participation requirements

    Where a student is considered eligible for special consideration in relation to graded participation requirements, and the participation requirement is weighted at less than 25% of the total marks available for that subject, participation may be re-weighted to the final assessment.

  • Oral presentations

    If a student is considered eligible for special consideration in relation to an oral presentation they may be given one of the following outcomes:

    • Delay the oral presentation to a later date. The date is at the discretion of the lecturer/subject coordinator.
    • Re-weight final assessment (if the oral presentation is weighted at less than 25% of the total marks available for that subject)
    • If the Oral Presentation is a hurdle requirement and the student can demonstrate that they cannot physically complete the assessment, then the subject coordinator will be consulted to determine if the hurdle may be waived. Please note that this can only happen in very limited circumstances.
  • Late withdrawal

    A late withdrawal is the retrospective withdrawal of a student from a subject. The withdrawal is back dated to the last date to withdraw (for the particular subject) and the student will receive a WD grade on their transcript.

    It is each student’s responsibility to manage their enrolment and promptly seek assistance if they encounter difficulties. Key withdrawal dates are advertised on the University Handbook for each subject.

    Where circumstances have had a significant impact upon the student’s ability to successfully complete the subject, and have occurred or worsened on or after the last date to withdraw, students must firstly submit a special consideration application and be considered eligible by Student Equity and Disability Support (SEDS).

    A late withdrawal is only considered in the most significant of situations which:

    • Are beyond the student’s control
    • Make their full impact on, or after, the last date to withdraw, and
    • Make it impracticable to pass the subject, and
    • Are unusual, uncommon or abnormal.

    All of the above criteria must be met for a late withdrawal to be considered.

    Detailed evidence must be provided which confirms all criteria.

    Evidence must be provided on letterhead from an independent authority, eg doctor, psychologist, social worker. Statutory declarations will not be considered sufficient evidence; however, they can be considered in addition to official supporting documentation.

    Medical reasons

    A statement from a doctor stating:

    • The date the medical condition began or changed
    • How the condition affected the student's capacity to study
    • When it became apparent that the student would not be able to continue with their studies.

    Family/personal reasons

    A statement from a doctor, counsellor or independent member of the community (eg Minister of Religion) stating:

    • The date the personal circumstances began or changed;
    • How the circumstances affected the student's ability to study; and
    • When it became apparent the student could not continue their studies.

    Employment-related reasons

    A statement from the employer, stating:

    • Usual demand of student's role;
    • Demands of the role for the period the student is seeking a late withdrawal;
    • Previous hours of role, and;
    • Hours of work during period for which the student is seeking a late withdrawal.

    Once the Student Academic Adjustment and Wellbeing Officer is satisfied that the circumstances meet the eligibility criteria, the application will be forwarded to the Assistant Dean (Teaching and Learning) for final approval. The Assistant Dean (Teaching and Learning) has overarching responsibility for approving these requests.

    It should be noted that approval for a late withdrawal does not automatically entitle the student to fee remission for that subject. There are additional criteria used in the assessment of fee remission applications.

Availability for examinations

Students must ensure they are available to sit an exam during the advertised examination periods. If a student is applying for special consideration they must also ensure they are available to sit an exam during the special/supplementary examination period.

There are limited circumstances in which MLS will offer flexibility with exam scheduling, including:

  • Where a student is registered as an Elite Athlete and is competing in a national or international level competition taking place during the exam period. In this situation, MLS may consider moving the student’s exam to the special/supplementary exam period. If the competition extends into the special/supplementary exam period then an exam will be scheduled as close as possible to the date of the original exam and take place at the competition location with appropriate supervision.
  • Where a student is registered as an Elite Performer and is required to perform at a national/international level during the exam period. In this situation, MLS may consider moving the student’s exam to the special/supplementary exam period. If the performance period extends into the special/supplementary exam period then an exam will be scheduled as close as possible to the date of the original exam and take place at the performer’s location with appropriate supervision.
  • Where a student is participating in a competition for which the student has been selected by MLS to represent MLS. In these instances, students will be offered the opportunity to move their exams to the special exam period. Where the competition extends into the special/supplementary exam period then an exam will be scheduled as close as possible to the date of the original exam and take place at the competition location with appropriate supervision.
  • Where a student is awarded a special exam and is enrolled in an MLS approved and sponsored international subject, eg Law and Legal Practice in Asia. If the official dates of the study tour overlap with the special exam period, then student may be granted permission to sit the exam while on the study tour under the supervision of an academic supervisor.

Appealing/reviewing outcome

If a student feels there are grounds for a review of the outcome provided, they may seek a review within five (5) working days of their formal outcome.

Request review of outcome

Students should continue to work on their assessment until receiving an outcome from their review request, and they should email a copy of their work to date to law-assessment@unimelb.edu.au by the original due date/time.

Information to include in the email:

  • Student ID,
  • Subject code and name, and
  • The following statement: “This is a partial submission of my work and I am awaiting an outcome from an extension and/or special consideration review”.

Special consideration - MLM subject(s) only

This procedure should be read in conjunction with, and is subject to, the University's Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326).

The guidelines and procedures presented on this page do not apply for JD or Breadth subjects. Students should refer to the special consideration – JD/Breadth.

Students undertaking Melbourne Law Masters subjects who experience acute, short-term circumstances which impact upon their capacity to complete a piece of assessment are advised to apply for special consideration.

Eligibility

Students may be considered eligible for special consideration if they can demonstrate exceptional or extenuating circumstances outside their control that have impacted upon their capacity to complete academic requirements.

Students can apply for special consideration in relation to the following types of assessment:

  • Take-home examinations
  • Research papers
  • Attendance/participation requirements
  • Any other assessment as outlined in the handbook entry.

Potential circumstances

  • Short-term illness
  • Hardship or trauma, such as (not exhaustive) bereavement, family violence, accident or injury
  • Religious observance
  • Emergency service volunteers
  • Additionally, MLS may on a case-by-case basis use its discretionary capacity to provide adjustments to students who can demonstrate that they have been affected by exceptional employment commitments. The student must provide independent verifiable evidence of these commitments. This can be a written statement from a human resources representative from the student’s place of employment and/or a statutory declaration. These circumstances must be unforeseen and above and beyond the demands of their usual role. Student in these situations are advised to apply for Special Consideration as per the usual process.

Students will be considered in-eligible for special consideration in the following circumstances:

  • Computer failure
  • Public transport delays
  • Personal events such as weddings or birthdays
  • Minor ailments or illnesses, where you are still capable of completing the assessment
  • Travel plans or delays related to personal travel
  • Conflicting assessments or closely scheduled assessments between elective and compulsory subjects. If there is a direct conflict in assessment dates for compulsory subjects, students should notify the Academic Support Office via law-assessment@unimelb.edu.au.
  • General employment commitments.

How to apply

Students should not apply for apply for special consideration directly to the Student Academic Adjustment and Wellbeing Officer or to their lecturers/subject coordinators. Lecturers/subject coordinators do not provide outcomes for special consideration applications. Students will be advised to submit a formal application.

Any advice provided by a lecturer/subject coordinator regarding outcomes for special consideration is not considered official and students are advised to await receipt of their formal outcome provided as a result of their special consideration application.

Applications should be submitted within four (4) working days of the assessment due date/time.

Apply for Special Consideration (unexpected circumstances)

Outcomes

Step 1

Special consideration applications are firstly assessed by Student Equity and Disability Support (SEDS) to determine if they are eligible for special consideration based on the official supporting documents provided by students.

Step 2

Successful applications are then forwarded to Melbourne Law School to determine the outcome for each piece of assessment.

  • Supervised examination

    If a student is considered eligible for special consideration in relation to a supervised examination, the usual outcome is the award of a special exam.

    Students are advised to attempt exams if it is physically safe to do so. MLS can provide no guarantees about the outcome of a special consideration application.

  • Take-home examinations

    If a student is considered eligible for special consideration in relation to a take-home exam, there are two outcomes available:

    • Where the assessment specified in the University handbook for the subject offers a choice between a take-home examination and research paper, the student will be offered the opportunity to complete the research paper. They will be offered an extension to support completion of the research paper. The length of the extension will be based upon the time lost compared to other students, as well as the impact of the circumstances upon their capacity to complete the assessment.
    • Where a take-home examination is the primary piece of assessment, the student may be awarded a special take-home exam. Special exams will not be awarded unless approved by the Chair of the Board of Examiners. In the instance where a special exam is not possible, the student will be considered for a late withdrawal. Students may be contacted to submit additional evidence.

    Students are advised to consult with the Student Academic Adjustment and Wellbeing Officer (law-wellbeing@unimelb.edu.au) regarding the date of release of the special take-home exam. The special take-home exam is marked to the full value of marks available for that take-home exam.

    Students are advised to attempt exams if it is physically safe to do so. MLS can provide no guarantees about the outcome of a special consideration application.

    Students who apply, and are assessed as eligible for, a second special consideration (‘special on special’) application will receive a late withdrawal from the subject as the normal outcome.

  • Essay/research papers

    Where a student is seeking an extension to the due date of an essay/research paper they have two options:

    • If the student is seeking an extension of 10 days or less, they should apply for an extension.
    • If the student is seeking an extension of 11 or more days, they should submit a special consideration application. Please note that the maximum permissible extension is 20 working days (Monday to Friday, weekends and public holidays excluded) from the original due date/time

    Extension requests beyond this period may be considered for alternative outcomes, which may include late withdrawal.

    Pending special consideration outcome

    Extension requests via special consideration are processed within 5 – 7 working days. If a student has not received an outcome by the original due date/time of the assessment, they should email a copy of their work to date to law-assessment@unimelb.edu.au.

    Information to include in the email:

    • Student ID,
    • Subject code and name, and
    • The following statement: “This is a partial submission of my work and I am awaiting an outcome from an extension and/or special consideration application”.

    Students should continue working on their assessment until receiving an outcome from their special consideration application.

    Approved extension outcome

    Students with an approved extension should submit their work via the LMS. The LMS will state the original due date/time, but students should upload their assessment regardless. MLS will note your extension and will not apply late penalties.

    If a student has difficulties uploading their assessment to the LMS, they should email a copy to law-assessment@unimelb.edu.au before the submission due date/time. Students should ensure to attach a copy of their extension approval email.

  • Attendance/participation requirements

    Students are advised to refer to the University handbook to determine if the subject has an attendance hurdle requirement. In the instance where a student is unable to attend class due to a mitigating circumstance, they may apply for special consideration. If the student is considered eligible, the Student Academic Adjustment and Wellbeing Officer and Assistant Dean (Teaching and Learning) will review the application and determine if it is possible to waive the hurdle requirement.

    Where the student has missed more than 1.5 days of class (over a five (5) day period) then they will be considered for a late withdrawal.

  • Late withdrawals

    A late withdrawal is the retrospective withdrawal of a student from a subject. The withdrawal is back dated to the last date to withdraw (for the particular subject) and the student will receive a WD grade on their transcript.

    It is each student’s responsibility to manage their enrolment and promptly seek assistance if they encounter difficulties. Key withdrawal dates are advertised on the University Handbook for each subject.

    Where circumstances have had a significant impact upon the student’s ability to successfully complete the subject, and have occurred or worsened on or after the last date to withdraw, students must firstly submit a special consideration application and be considered eligible by Student Equity and Disability Support (SEDS).

    A late withdrawal is only considered in the most significant of situations which:

    • Are beyond the student’s control
    • Make their full impact on, or after, the last date to withdraw, and
    • Make it impracticable to pass the subject, and
    • Are unusual, uncommon or abnormal.

    All of the above criteria must be met for a late withdrawal to be considered.

    Detailed evidence must be provided which confirms all criteria.

    Evidence must be provided on letterhead from an independent authority, eg doctor, psychologist, social worker. Statutory declarations will not be considered sufficient evidence; however, they can be considered in addition to official supporting documentation.

    Medical reasons

    A statement from a doctor stating:

    • The date the medical condition began or changed
    • How the condition affected the student's capacity to study
    • When it became apparent that the student would not be able to continue with their studies.

    Family/personal reasons

    A statement from a doctor, counsellor or independent member of the community (eg Minister of Religion) stating:

    • The date the personal circumstances began or changed;
    • How the circumstances affected the student's ability to study; and
    • When it became apparent the student could not continue their studies.

    Employment-related reasons

    A statement from the employer, stating:

    • Usual demand of student’s role;
    • Demands of the role for the period the student is seeking a late withdrawal;
    • Previous hours of role, and;
    • Hours of work during period for which the student is seeking a late withdrawal.

    Once the Student Academic Adjustment and Wellbeing Officer is satisfied that the circumstances meet the eligibility criteria, the application will be forwarded to the Assistant Dean (Teaching and Learning) for final approval. The Assistant Dean (Teaching and Learning) has overarching responsibility for approving these requests.

    It should be noted that approval for a late withdrawal does not automatically entitle the student to fee remission for that subject. There are additional criteria used in the assessment of fee remission applications.

Appealing/reviewing outcome

If a student feels there are grounds for a review of the outcome provided, they may seek a review within five (5) working days of their formal outcome.

Request review of outcome

Students should continue to work on their assessment until receiving an outcome from their review request, and they should email a copy of their work to date to law-assessment@unimelb.edu.au by the original due date/time.

Information to include in the email:

  • Student ID,
  • Subject code and name, and
  • The following statement: “This is a partial submission of my work and I am awaiting an outcome from an extension and/or special consideration review”.

Registration for ongoing support

This procedure should be read in conjunction with, and is subject to, the University's Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326).

Students affected by unexpected circumstances, such as sudden illness, accident or bereavement, and where the duration of impact on their studies is not ongoing are advised to apply for special consideration - JD/Breadth subject(s) or MLM subject(s).

Eligibility

Registration for ongoing support is available via registration and interview process for students requiring long-term, ongoing support and adjustments due to a disability; a chronic or permanent health condition; sporting, performance or service commitments; or religious and cultural practices.

Ongoing support services are offered free of charge on a case-by-case basis in conjunction with the Student Equity and Disability Support (SEDS) team.

One of the main benefits of registering for ongoing support is that support can be streamlined and provided holistically, and students who require support and assistance on a long term basis will not be required to continually make applications for special consideration and supply documentation, as this is already on file.

  1. Register for ongoing support

    Register

  2. Book appointment with a Student Equity Adviser

    Once registered, students are required to meet with a Student Equity Adviser to discuss the following:

    • Nature of the illness/circumstances
    • Symptoms/nature of impact
    • Duration of impact.

    At the end of the appointment, students will be provided with a document outlining the adjustments for which they are eligible, in the form of an Academic Adjustment Plan (AAP).

    Book an appointment

Registration for ongoing support and examinations/take-home examinations

Examinations and take-home examinations are an integral component of assessment at Melbourne Law School. Where a student’s condition/circumstances impact upon their performance in an examination or take-home examination, they will generally be provided with Alternative Exam Arrangements (AEAs). These AEAs are intended to mitigate the impact of the student’s condition upon their capacity to successfully complete examinations/take-home examinations.

MLS understands that there may be occasions where the circumstances for which a student is registered may worsen and negatively impact upon their capacity to complete examinations/take-home examinations. In these instances, the student is advised to apply for special consideration - JD/Breadth subject(s) or MLM subject(s).

When submitting an application for special consideration, registered students should provide the following:

  • Copy of their Academic Adjustment Plan, and
  • Supporting evidence confirming the symptoms experienced in the lead up to and during exams. This evidence should confirm that the AEAs were not able to mitigate impact.

Special consideration applications are firstly assessed by Student Equity and Disability Support (SEDS) to determine if they are eligible for special consideration based on the supporting documents provided by students.