Special Consideration/Advice of Absence
This section only relates to students undertaking Macquarie University courses. Students completing Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses are advised to consult OUA information regarding special consideration procedures.
Students are responsible for completing their studies in compliance with class attendance and assessment requirements outlined in relevant unit study guide/s. However, the University recognises that unavoidable disruption may occur during the course of a semester, or the formal examination period, and has established processes to be followed in the event of unavoidable disruption. These processes pertain to advice of absence and special consideration.
The process to be followed is determined by the time period in which circumstances constituting misadventure affecting study occur. It is important for students to understand the correct process to follow to ensure the University is able to adequately assess academic performance.
The following information on special consideration and advice of absence includes summary information relating to the processes involved. Students are encouraged to read this material in conjunction with information available from other sources, such as the University’s handbook here. Students must also be aware of the requirements in regard to supporting documentation when formally requesting consideration of their circumstances by the University.
Special Consideration
Special Consideration pertains to unavoidable disruption or misadventure during the formal examination period. It is important to note that students receiving examination provisions because of a disability/health condition are not eligible for special consideration (on the sole basis of their existing disability/health condition) unless they have experienced unavoidable disruption or misadventure during the formal examination period.
If misadventure or unavoidable disruption to studies impacts on academic performance during the formal examination period or, overall performance in a unit has been disrupted by circumstances beyond one’s control, a ‘Request for Special Consideration’ form should be completed. The Special Consideration form may be found here.
Any application for Special Consideration must be submitted no later than five (5) working days after the examination except in the situation where examinations are held during the last four (4) days of the formal examination period. In this instance, forms must be submitted by the end of the formal examination period.
All requests for Special Consideration must be accompanied by supporting documentation from a medical practitioner or allied health professional, such as a counsellor, who is aware of, and familiar with, the particular circumstances. Supporting documentation should be provided using a separate ‘Professional Authority’ form available from the University. The Professional Authority form, with the Special Consideration form, can be downloaded here.
Applications for Special Consideration are not handled by the ESU. Students are responsible for lodging an application by the due date to the APS. APS contact details are as follows:
Postal address: Level 4, C8A Lincoln Building, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109
Telephone: (02) 9850 9222
Fax: (02) 9850 7358
E-mail: apsinfo@mq.edu.au
Web: http://www.reg.mq.edu.au/Sections/APS/Homepage/index.html
Advice of Absence
Advice of Absence pertains to unavoidable disruption or misadventure during the semester. If unable to attend classes or complete assessment tasks during the semester due to unavoidable disruption, for example personal illness, students can submit to the University an ‘Advice of Absence or Other Circumstances’ form found here.
The ESU does not handle Advice of Absence forms. These forms must be lodged with the Student Enquiry Service located on Level 1 of the Lincoln Building. Contact details are as follows:
Postal address: Level 1, C8A Lincoln Building, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109
Telephone: (02) 9850 6410
Fax: (02) 9850 6597
E-mail: sesinfo@mq.edu.au
Web: http://www.student.mq.edu.au/ses/