Counselling and Personal Development
Student Life
Are you thinking of applying for special consideration?
First you should investigate information available on your faculty website, Division of Student Administration website or the Deakin University Student Association (DUSA) website. Forms can be downloaded from the DSA website or collected from the Faculty office.
What should I do first?
In any situation where you feel that your studies have been strongly affected it is always a good idea to discuss it with your unit chair first so they can be made aware of the situation. Although in the case of special consideration the unit chair cannot grant you special consideration from this discussion.
Can I just go to my tutor, lecturer or unit chair for special consideration?
No. All applications for special consideration must be made through your faculty. Issues such as extensions can be discussed with your unit chair however anything else must be formalised through a faculty request.
What counts as a situation serious enough to be granted special consideration?
Things like a serious accident, long term or acute health problems (contact the Disability Resource Centre), sudden and serious illness, mental illness like depression, anxiety disorder, psychosis etc, hospitalisation, death of a close family member or friend, assault or sexual assault, family breakdown, obligatory religious observance.
What things do not count for special consideration?
Having a cold or flu, headaches, menstrual periods or feeling sick, having to work long hours of paid employment, attending weddings or other social or family occasions. In particular dealing with exam stress or anxiety does not count.
If I have special needs or arrangements in exams, do I have to apply for special
consideration?
No. For students with a permanent or temporary disability, it is not always
necessary to apply for special consideration to implement special arrangements.
Check with the DRC about your situation.
If I can not attend my exams and the reason doesn’t fall into the special consideration categories, can I change the date of my exam?
No. The date of an exam will only be changed in exceptional circumstances in accordance with University policy and procedures. This includes where there is a clash between two or more exams or where alternative assessment arrangements have been granted.
Exam dates and times will not be changed due to work commitments, holidays, attending weddings or other social or family occasions.
Do I have to see a Deakin doctor for my special consideration?
No. Your usual doctor or other medical practitioner can supply a letter or
medical certificate. If possible ask the doctor to complete the Deakin Medical
Certificate, which can be downloaded from the DSA website.
However the Deakin
Medical Service is available and able to support you if
you choose.
Do I have to see a counsellor to apply for special consideration?
No. If you have seen a private psychologist, social worker or psychiatrist, then ask them to write a letter or complete a medical certificate. Please ensure that they provide the appropriate details to assist in your special consideration request.
If you have previously seen a Deakin counsellor for help with this problem, then the counsellor will usually write you a support letter and/or advise you of the process.
If you have never seen a counsellor before, and there are serious personal issues affecting your study it is never too late to seek help. However it is unlikely the counsellor will write you a support letter after one consultation. A counsellor will also help you think about who else can provide documentation and help you deal with the problem. See how to make an appointment for more information.
International Students can consult the Advisers
at Deakin International for
support and help with the process.
Should I include a written submission in my application for special consideration?
Yes. A written submission is a great opportunity for you to express in your
own words how this illness or event affected your studies.
For ideas on how to write a written submission go to the DUSA
website (opens new window).
You should outline your situation in this letter, mention that you have discussed
this matter with the Unit Chair, talk about how this problem directly affected
your studies and be specific about the time period. If you have any further
concerns about how to write the written submission DUSA members are welcome
to discuss this with DUSA Student Rights Officer.
What is a Statutory Declaration?
A Statutory Declaration is considered a legal document. This means that anything in a Statutory Declaration is considered to be the sworn truth. Under the Commonwealth Statutory Declarations Act anyone who makes a false statement in a declaration is guilty of an offence and can be fined or jailed. The form is provided on the DSA website along with the special consideration form. You need to write a true statement about your circumstances and then your signature must be witnessed by an approved witness. Witnesses can include pharmacists, lawyers or doctors (a complete list can be found on the back of the stat dec form). You must show a photo ID to your chosen witness. For further help with understanding what’s required, contact a DUSA Student Rights Officer.
Can I just write the full circumstances on a Statutory Declaration?
No. A written submission is your first and best option and then a Statutory Declaration and supporting documentation.
Is a Statutory Declaration enough supporting evidence for special consideration?
No. You need supporting documentation or proof of your circumstances. Think about who knows your situation and can provide you with evidence. Medical practitioners, clergy, private psychologists, social workers or psychiatrists, community health workers, lawyers and police can write letters or supply proof, copies of documents such as a death certificate, bereavement notices, etc.
Can my parents (or someone else close) write a Statutory Declaration?
Yes, however usually a letter from this person will be sufficient. In the event that they do complete a Statutory Declaration this person would be under the same previously listed legal expectations.
What if I don’t have any proof of what happened to me?
In this case you would at least need to write a written submission and provide a Statutory Declaration. However the student must understand that under these circumstances the evidence they have provided would place limitations on a positive outcome. It would also be advisable in this situation to seek help either through your faculty, counselling or DUSA. These organisations may be able to help you think through what you can do.
Can I submit an application for special consideration any time?
No. If you apply for special consideration after the assessment has been completed or was due this must be done within three working days of the due date. However, if something happens during the semester that you know is going to affect your exam performance, you can submit the special consideration request to the faculty office before your exam. You will still need all the appropriate documentation, but it does give you time to seek help to deal with the situation. If you feel strongly that circumstances prevented you from putting your application in within the specified timeframe you can discuss this matter with a DUSA Student Rights Officer.
How will I know if the application has been accepted?
DSA will inform you in writing of the outcome. This could take several weeks or more depending upon when your application is submitted.
What effect will special consideration have on my grades?
Special consideration can offer two options. For those who apply before the exam in serious circumstances they may be granted a deferred examination. In other situations special consideration will be taken into account when marking. Please remember it does not guarantee a pass and any extra percent given to students that is not based on academic performance is taken very seriously by the faculty.
Who assesses my application?
The request for special consideration is submitted to your Faculty Academic Progress and Discipline Committee. A decision is made by a representative of the FAPDC and in consultation with the relevant Unit Chair.
What if the application is rejected and I think it is a deserving case?
Appeals can be directed to the faculty where you have further supporting documentation, however there is no specific University policy for appealing a special consideration outcome. DUSA members can see a DUSA Student Rights Officer to discuss the situation and evaluate further options.
Can I apply for special consideration more than once a year?
Yes. Although special consideration is not an option you would want to rely on heavily for ongoing issues. Students can discuss ongoing support options with counsellors, DUSA Student Rights Officer or with the Disability Resource Centre .
In general if something has happened that you think is serious and has affected
your ability to do your work, complete assessment tasks or prepare exams, then
it would be wise to seek help. It may not always result in a successful application
for special consideration but it may provide you with some advice and tools
to deal with any ongoing issues. By exploring what options you have available
in such situations you maximise your chance for the successful completion of
your degree.
