Special Consideration
Download Special Consideration pdf file here
In 2007 RMIT introduced a number of changes to its policy on Special Consideration. These will have a major impact on how you apply for special consideration and how your application will be considered.
The Student Union is fighting to have some of the unfair parts of the new policy overturned so stay tuned. If you would like to get involved in the campaign or have an experience that you would like to tell us about drop in to the Student Union or email us at studentunion.education@rmit.edu.au
If I get sick or have personal problems what should I do?
Special consideration is a process that you can use to make sure you are assessed fairly when you have been sick or experienced other factors, such as personal problems, that have impacted negatively on your ability to study. If you apply for special consideration and your application is accepted, your school or department has the power to make adjustments to how you are assessed. Once you have handed in your application form it’s a good idea to check that your lecturers know that you have lodged the application. Make sure you keep a copy of your application and proof of the time and date that you lodged it.
What Is Special Consideration?
If your ability to study has been affected by factors outside of your control you have the right to apply for special consideration.
You should apply for Special Consideration if you believe that because of special circumstances you have;
* Been prevented from meeting an assessment deadline or attending an exam.
* Performed below standard during the assessment.
Special consideration exists because sometimes life gets in the way of your studies.
Use the free services available at RMIT such as the RMIT counselling and Health Services to help and support you in your studies.
When Can I Apply for Special Consideration?
You can put in an application form at anytime before the due date or scheduled exam. You have 48 hours after the due date for the assessment or scheduled exam to submit a Special Consideration Form.
Late applications will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances by approval of the Academic Registrar. A student can seek approval to submit a late application by writing to the Academic Registrar explaining the reasons for late submission and attaching documentary evidence.
I Have An Ongoing Disability - How Can I Get Special Consideration?
The definition of a ‘disability’ can include ongoing illness, anxiety, and even depression.
If you have an ongoing disability you should contact the Disability Liaison Unit on (03) 9925 1089 to assess what special assessment arrangements can be made. You should contact the Disability Liaison Unit as soon as possible and not just when your assessment is due. The definition of an ‘ongoing disability’ can include any physical, sensory, neurological learning, psychiatric, intellectual or medical condition that impairs your ability to study.
What Sort Of Special Consideration Can I Receive?
Once you have submitted application at the HUB, it will be considered anonymously by an ‘expert’ panel comprising health professionals and academic staff. This panel will decide what kind of special consideration to give you. All communication about your lodged application (including notification of the outcome) will be via your RMIT student email account, so if you are unable to access this account make sure you say so in your application.
The decision of the panel may be either:
* Alternative Assessment
A variation to the method, or conditions under which an assessment is carried out to provide a reasonable adjustment for a student who is unable to participate in the normal or standard form of assessment.
* Extension of Time
* Equitable Assessment Arrangement
* Deferred Assessment
A rescheduling of an assessment to a time when the student has recovered from the condition/ s which prevented their undertaking an assessment.
* Approval of late course withdrawal without academic penalty
* Application Refused
Where an application is refused, the reasons for refusal will be provided, along with advice on the process to be followed should a student wish to appeal the outcome to the University Appeals Committee.
In the past, students have been able to apply for ‘grading consideration’ and ‘supplementary assessment’. Please note that these are not options under the new special consideration policy.
How Do I Apply?
Pick up the Special Consideration Form from your Department or School Administration Office, the HUB or download it from the RMIT website.
In some cases where you are able to scan the original application and documents you may also lodge your application via email to special.consideration@rmit.edu.au. If emailing your application, you must still lodge the original documents at the Hub within five working days of sending the email.
What Should I Write On My Special Consideration Form?
You will be asked to explain the reasons for requesting Special Consideration. State your reasons clearly, including all relevant details. Attach a separate sheet if you run out of room. You are well advised to write a letter that explains exactly how the illness or personal issue has affected your ability to study- giving dates if possible. Factors such as illness, death of a friend or family member, imprisonment, the presence of a disability, ‘coming out’, anxiety, stress or depression, homelessness, family or work commitments, are all examples of reasons why Special Consideration may be justified. You should include these reasons in your letter if possible.
What Should I Include With My Application?
Your application should include documentary evidence. Provide documents from an independent third party verifying your story. Applications made on medical or psychological grounds must include a completed Impact Assessment Statement from a qualified practitioner.
Where the required documentation is not available by the deadline for lodgement, you should still lodge the application by the deadline. You must then lodge the documentation no later than 5 working days after the date the application was lodged.
If you are having trouble getting documentation, or are not sure what to include, get in contact with your campus Student Liaison Officer for help.
Do I Have To Disclose My Illness And Personal Problem In Order To Receive Special Consideration?
No! You do not have to tell RMIT anything that you do not feel comfortable discussing. If you have a letter from a doctor or confidential support service such as the RMIT counselling service, it can describe the impact of your problems on your study and state that your problems are serious but confidential. With this letter you can fulfil your responsibility to provide evidence for your application without having to discuss sensitive personal matters with your teaching staff.
The new Special Consideration application form asks students to sign a declaration that gives away this right to privacy. The declaration, at the end of the form, says that you give consent for RMIT to contact your doctor or counsellor so that they can verify or get more information about your condition. The Student Union has very serious concerns about the legality of this declaration as we think it forces people into agreeing to divulge personal and sensitive information that the University has no right to know. If you have concerns about this, speak to a Student Liaison Officer.
When Will I Know If I Have Been Granted Special Consideration?
The Panel must notify you of its decision within 10 working days. It must also notify the Head of School and place the reasons for its decision on your file.
What If My Department Or School Rejects My Application?
Where an application is refused the Panel must provide the applicant with reasons for the refusal of the application including advice on the appeal process in the email notification. You have the right to appeal any decision made regarding Special Consideration or other assessment matters. You must do this within 10 working days but in some circumstances you can lodge a late application. If you are not happy with a decision about Special Consideration, talk to one of the Student Liaison Officers about what your options are. Read the Student Rights Information Leaflet titled “Appeal Against Assessment”.
International Students
Government Regulations outlined in the Educational Services for Overseas Student Act
(ESOS Act) mean that you can be ‘reported’ to DIAC (Department of Immigration and Culture) for unsatisfactory progress. If you are reported to DIAC it is very likely that your Visa will be cancelled. Failure to put in a Special Consideration Application can impact on your academic progress review and future appeal applications. Making a Special Consideration application if you run into difficulties is very important for international students and can be a very important step in making sure that you maintain satisfactory academic progress. Speak to your campus Student Liaison Officer immediately.
Off-Shore Students
Where this procedure applies to an off-shore student, or a local external student not based in or near Melbourne who is similarly affected by distance, the Dean or Head of School may implement a modified procedure which shall reflect the intent of the procedure whilst taking account of the different circumstances. The modified procedure shall not disadvantage the distant student in comparison with the local student. The student shall be advised of the modified procedure and how and why it has been modified.
Free & Confidential Student Services
These are central City numbers - advise the person which campus you are from.
RMIT Counselling: ph 9925 4365
email: counselling@rmit.edu.au
For personal problems, relationship issues, depression, grief and anxiety
RMIT Health Service ph 9925 2078
To receive health advice
Housing Advisory Service ph .9925 2963
To receive advice and assistance on housing needs
Disability Liaison Unit ph 9925 1089
TTY:. 9925 3673
email: dlu@rmit.edu.au
www.rmit.edu.au/disability
Getting support at university, ongoing Special
Consideration
Study & Learning Centre ph 9925 3600
Time Management, study skills, English
language and maths support
Student Complaints Manager ph.9925 5292
To make a complaint – you can also see the Student Union for advice
International Student Information and Support (ISIS)
ph 9925 2963
International Students advice, Visas etc
Scholarships and Finance: ph .9925 2811
Scholarship and financial advice for students
Check out the HUB on your campus for additional drop in times for these services.
Relevant Policy and Advice
There are a range of RMIT University policies relating to this topic including:
* Operating Assessment Policy - General
* Special Consideration in Assessment
* Academic Progress (Higher Education)
* Unsatisfactory Performance
* Academic Progress: Procedures for Onshore International Students
These can be accessed from
www.rmit.edu.au/governance/policies
The policies can be found by scrolling through the list of policies located on this page. You can discuss any questions you have about these policies with a Student Liaison Officer
Student Rights Leaflets
* Exams and your Rights
* Appeals against Assessment
* How to make a Complaint
* Being At Risk
* International Students
Disclaimer: The information on this website is a general guide only. RMIT is a very complex
environment, and there are often a number of different rules which apply.
For Additional Assistance drop into a Student Union Front Office to speak with a Student Liaison Officer:
City Higher Ed: Building 8, Level 3, ph. 9925 5004
Tivoli (Business): Building 108, Level 3, ph. 9925 5647
Carlton Campus: Building 57, Level 4, ph. 9925 4769
Brunswick: Building 514, Level 2, ph. 9925 9478
Bundoora students can book an appointment with a Student Rights Officer at Building 202, Level 2, ph. 9925 7226
Or send detailed information regarding your case to student.rights@rmit.edu.au
Any enquiries, call 9925 5004
If required, an appointment will be made for you with a Student Rights Officer
Has this information been helpful? Join the Student Union and join the fight to improve your rights!