Deakin special consideration: how to apply and by when

Apply through StudentConnect within 3 University working days

Deakin's special consideration application goes through StudentConnect. The time limit is 3 University working days after the due date. The word "University" matters: the pages we read use it, so check on Deakin's own page which days count as working days. The pages we read do not describe how the days are counted, so do not assume. If you are close to the limit, read the official page again for the counting rule.

You also attach relevant documentary evidence to the application. That means the application and the evidence go in together.

Steps in order:

1. Find the due date of the exam or assessment you missed or could not do properly.
2. Work out the last day of the 3 University working days using Deakin's own page.
3. Collect your evidence. See the next section if it is medical.
4. Open StudentConnect and submit the application with the evidence attached.
5. Keep a copy of everything you submit.

Get medical evidence that matches the date of the exam

If your reason is medical, Deakin recommends that your documentation include a consultation date on the day of the exam or final assessment due date, or the day after. Back-dated medical certificates will not normally be accepted.

This affects what you do first. If you were ill on the day, seeing a doctor on that day or the next gives your documentation the dates Deakin recommends. A certificate that tries to cover a past date is the kind Deakin says it will not normally accept.

The evidence must also be true. Only submit documents that describe what really happened to you. The pages we read also say the evidence needs to be current.

Know what happens to your result if it is granted

If special consideration is granted, your unit result is recorded as RIE (outcome 3) or RIA (outcome 4). It stays that way until the final result is released. That release comes after your special assessment task or special examination is marked.

One point matters if you sat the exam or did the task anyway. If special consideration is granted after you attempted the initial exam or assessment task, that initial task will not be marked. Your result then depends on the special assessment or special examination instead.

The pages we read do not say how long the decision takes, and they do not say what the special assessment or special examination will involve. Your decision message or the Deakin page is where to check.

If you need an extension, there is a shorter path

Deakin also has automatic extensions. The pages we read describe an automatic extension of 3 calendar days, plus a further automatic extension of up to 4 calendar days. That gives up to 7 calendar days in total. Calendar days include weekends, which is different from the working days used for the special consideration time limit.

The pages we read do not set out here which assessments qualify for these extensions. Check the details for your unit before you rely on one.

If the answer is no, or you are unsure what to do

The pages we read do not state what happens if your application is refused, or whether you can apply again after the time limit. Read the decision message carefully and then check Deakin's special consideration page for the next step.

You can also talk to the DUSA Student Advocacy and Support Service. It is free, and an advocate can go through your situation and your letter with you.