Special consideration

What is special consideration?

Special consideration can include:

• recommendation of a final grade based on the student's achievement in the course
• an alternative assessment task
• a replacement assessment task
• adjustment of marks (which may not always result in a change of grade).

The form the special consideration will take is the decision of the Course Convenor.

When can I apply for special consideration?

You can apply for special consideration if your performance in an assessment item was seriously affected or you were seriously disadvantaged when attempting the assessment item for any of the following reasons:

• illness
• accident
• disability
• bereavement
• technical difficulties
• other compassionate circumstances (e.g. serious illness of a family member or close relative).

Special consideration does not apply to any re-attempted or re-submitted assessment item. Please refer to the Assessment Procedure for Students for a more comprehensive list of compassionate circumstances.

What is the difference between deferred assessment and special consideration?

Essentially if you are unable to attempt an assessment task or exam for the reasons listed, you may apply for deferred assessment. If, however, you have attempted an assessment item or exam and your performance was seriously affected or you were seriously disadvantaged when the assessment item was attempted, you may apply for special consideration. Please refer to the Assessment Procedure for Students for more information.

How do I apply for special consideration?

Submit a special consideration form online. You will need to attach appropriate  documentary  evidence  to support your application e.g. medical certificate (issued in-person or online), bereavement notice, copy of accident report, etc. Please refer to the Assessment Procedure for Students for other acceptable forms of documentary evidence.

How long do I have to submit my application?

Applications for special consideration must be submitted online no later than 3 calendar days after the assignment due date/exam date.

What happens after I submit my application?

The application is considered by the Course Convenor. The application will then either be approved or declined and you will be notified of the decision via email. The status and outcome of your application can also be viewed at any time via myGriffith.

What if my application for special consideration is declined?

If you feel that your case for special consideration has been wrongly dismissed by the Course Convenor, contact the Course Convenor first to make sure you understand the decision. If you are still unhappy with the decision, you can request a Review of decision within 10 working days of notification of the decision to the Chair, School Assessment Board using a Review of a Decision Form. If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the Review, you may lodge an Appeal to the Dean (Learning and Teaching) within 10 working days of notification of the outcome of the Review. The decision of the Dean (Learning and Teaching) is final. Please refer to the Student Review and Appeals Policy and Student Review and Appeals Procedure for more information.