Special Consideration in the Faculty of Law

In-semester and End-of-semester Special Consideration for Postgraduate Students

The following procedures outline the steps for processing in-semester and end-of-semester special consideration applications for postgraduate students.  These procedures supplement the University procedures and should be read in conjunction with them.

Submitting applications: Applications (excluding in semester short extension application forms) should be submitted in person or posted, together with supporting documents, to the Postgraduate Student and Academic Services Unit at the Monash University Law Chambers. 

Special consideration applications generally

• Applications for special consideration may be made by lodging them at the Postgraduate Student and Academic Services at the Monash University Law Chambers.
  
• The Associate Dean (Postgraduate Studies) may accept a late application for special consideration for a final examination or assessment in exceptional circumstances where the Associate Dean is satisfied that a student was, due to circumstances beyond their control, unable to make an application by the required date.
  
• Late applications for special consideration will not under any circumstances be accepted after the results in the unit have been released and formally published by the university.
  

• For the purpose of Special Consideration the application process for all take-home exams and any research papers worth 100% will be the same as for supervised exams.

In-semester special consideration process

• Applications for special consideration for in-semester assessment will be assessed by the persons from time to time holding offices of the Manager, Student and Academic Services and the Deputy Manager, Student and Academic Services respectively, or delegate, to determine that the application meets the Special Consideration eligibility criteria. The Associate Dean (Postgraduate Studies) will be consulted for borderline cases.
  
• The Chief Examiner of the unit shall determine the form that the in-semester special consideration will take, provided that a mark adjustment shall not be made in any circumstances.
  

• A Chief Examiner may grant a short extension not exceeding 5 working days of the time for submission of an in-semester assessment task (excluding take-home exams) on receipt of an application for short extension signed by the student on a form specified for that purpose by the Manager, Student and Academic Services, and must notify the student of the decision and keep a record.

In-semester special consideration application form (word) (pdf)

In- semester short extension application process

• A form of application, to be called ‘application for short extension', shall be used when a short extension, not exceeding 5 working days is sought.
  
  • A student whose work during a teaching period has been affected by acute illness or exceptional cause beyond their control should not use this form. In these circumstances a Special Consideration form should be used.
    
• Chief Examiners to approve extensions of up to five working days of the due dates for submitting in-semester assignments (excluding take-home exams) without requiring the student to submit an application for special consideration and supporting documentation.
  
  • Normally an extension will not be granted for paid work commitments or for several assessments being due at once. (Most students experience these conditions.)
    
• An extension of more than 5 working days would be available only as an outcome of an application for special consideration.
  
• Where the Chief Examiner is unwilling to approve an application for short extension without viewing documentary evidence, the student will be required to submit an application for special consideration.
  

• Where a Chief Examiner determines an application for a short extension, the Chief Examiner must notify the student of the decision and keep a record.

Postgraduate assessment short extension application form (word) (pdf)

Deferred final assessment application form

(end-of-semester exam/assessment task)

• Applications for special consideration for end-of-semester assessment will be assessed by the persons from time to time holding offices of the Manager, Student and Academic Services and the Deputy Manager, Student and Academic Services respectively or delegate to determine that the application meets the Special Consideration eligibility criteria. The Associate Dean (Postgraduate Studies) will be consulted for borderline cases.
  
• The Manager, Student and Academic Services and the Deputy Manager, Student and Academic Services shall determine whether to grant applications for special consideration:
  
  • For early approval of a deferred examination, where a complete application with supporting documentation is made no later than 5 University working days before the final examination for which special consideration is sought.
    
  • Where a teaching faculty has made a recommendation under para 5.5 of the Special Consideration Procedures.
    
  • For an end of semester application for special consideration, including any research papers worth 100% of the marks.
    

• Where Special Consideration is granted, the Manager, Student and Academic Services and the Deputy Manager, Student and Academic Services, or delegate, will determine the most appropriate outcome for special consideration application, but a mark adjustment shall not be made under any circumstances.

Deferred final assessment application form (doc) (pdf)