Are you physically unwell, suffering from the loss or illness of a loved one, or experiencing family relationship breakdown? Are you experiencing mental health issues, hardship or trauma, or other exceptional circumstances beyond your control which are impacting your ability to complete your assessments? If so, you may be eligible for Special Consideration.

From Semester 2, 2023 onwards, the Special Consideration process has changed.

Short Extensions

You can no longer apply for short extensions through your CE, or apply for any extensions after the due date (unless your supporting document states extreme circumstances prevented you from applying on time - more on this below).

All short extensions (2 calendar days) must be applied for through the Monash Short Extension/Special Consideration form by 11:55pm the day your assessment is due. If you apply after this due date, you will need to show extreme circumstances prevented you from applying on time. We can advise on the best wording to potentially address this late application - please reach out ASAP via booking an appointment or emailing msa-advocacy-l@monash.edu for guidance on this if needed.

For each assessment task within a unit you can apply for a 2 day short extension: the first time you apply for a 2 day short extension in a unit you do not need to provide a reason; however for all subsequent 2 day extension requests within that same unit you will need to provide a reason. However you do not need to provide supporting documentation for any 2 day extension request.

You need supporting documentation when…

• you need a longer extension (greater than the 2 day short extension); or
• your extension is for an in-class test, mid-semester test or to defer a scheduled final assessment.

Supporting documentation must always cover the total period of time from the due date to the date the assessment is handed in, or the specific date the scheduled final assessment is due to take place.

You will need to provide supporting documents using the Special Consideration process. You will still need to submit your application by 11:55pm the day your assessment is due.  Please see this page for more guidance on what Monash considers acceptable supporting documentation.

Can’t submit supporting documentation on the due date?

You must submit your application by 11:55pm on the day your assessment is due and in your application state the reason for the delay in getting supporting documentation. You must then submit the documentation within three calendar days of submitting your application.

For further delays of more than three calendar days you will need to specify the future date when documentation will be provided, and also supply evidence to support the reason for the delay.

Supporting documentation, even if supplied at a later date, must always cover the total period of time from the due date to the date the assessment is handed in, or the specific date the scheduled final assessment is due to take place.

If you submit your application after the date the assessment is due (or the revised due date after a 2-day extension has been granted), your supporting documents will need to clearly state that extreme circumstances prevented you from applying on time.

Please reach out ASAP via booking an appointment or emailing msa-advocacy-l@monash.edu for guidance if needed.

Submit your work

Do not wait for the outcome from Monash before submitting your assessment. Work on it as best you can in the background, and submit it as soon as possible. SC is never guaranteed, and if your application is not accepted, this will ensure you receive only the minimum late penalty. If your application is accepted, any late penalties can be removed retroactively.

Extensions for DSS Students

Students registered with DSS and approved for flexible deadlines can access extensions of up to 10 calendar days (unless it is a complex assessment- placements, quizzes, group tasks etc).

Students with flexible deadlines are not normally required to provide further evidence when requesting an extension, but must still submit a special consideration application no later than 11:55pm on the day the assessment is due.

Scheduled Final Assessments (Exams)

Applications to defer exams must be made by 11:55pm on the day the exam is scheduled. If you apply after this, you must show extreme circumstances preventing you from applying on or before the day of the exam. Get in touch with us ASAP if you have not been able to apply on or before the day of the exam, or if you have not been able to obtain supporting documentation on or before the day of the exam.

If you are unwell during the exam, you must request to speak to a Monash medical professional at the exam venue (or online equivalent), ask that they assess whether you are fit to continue your exam and if they determine you unfit to continue make sure you request a medical certificate confirming this. It is rare to be granted Special Consideration once you have commenced your exam.