• Section 1 - Introduction
• Section 2 - Policy Scope
• Section 3 - Policy Intent
• Section 4 - Policy Provisions/Principles
• Lodgement of Applications
• Determinations
• Storage of Information
• Outcomes
• Demonstration of Adverse Circumstances
• Approval of Adverse Circumstances Applications
• Supporting Documentation
• Appeals
• Section 5 - Relaxing Provision

Section 1 - Introduction

(1) The University of Newcastle (University) acknowledges the right of students to seek consideration for the impact of adverse circumstances that may affect their preparation, attendance or performance in assessment item(s), including formal examinations, in-class assessment and placement.

(2) This policy must be read in conjunction with the Course Assessment and Grading Manual, the Adverse Circumstances Affecting Assessment Items Procedure, the Supporting Students with Disability Policy, the Work Integrated Learning Policy, and the Academic Appeals Policy.

(3) In the event of any inconsistency between this policy and its supporting procedure and any University Rule or delegation, the Rule made by the Council or delegation will prevail to the extent of the inconsistency.

Section 2 - Policy Scope

(4) This policy applies to:

1. all coursework students of the University, except for students in the Joint Medical Program; and
2. all modes of study, locations and types of assessment items.

(5) Students in the Joint Medical Program should refer to the Joint Medical Program Manual.

(6) Students whose ongoing circumstances may continue to adversely affect their performance should seek advice from their Course Co-ordinator, Program Convenor, and support services such as AccessAbility, the University Health Service or the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre. Students who experience ongoing health impacts may seek a Reasonable Adjustment Plan (RAP).

Section 3 - Policy Intent

(7) This policy outlines the support to be provided to students whose circumstances adversely affect their preparation, attendance or performance in assessment item(s).

Section 4 - Policy Provisions/Principles

Lodgement of Applications

(8) Students may submit an Application for Adverse Circumstances Affecting Assessment Items (application) via the online Adverse Circumstances system.

Determinations

(9) Each application will be assessed on its merits, and any previous applications will not prejudice a subsequent application.

(10) The University may review the number of applications made by a student and the courses affected. Students who submit a concerning number of applications may be referred to AccessAbility or the Counselling Service for assistance.

(11) The University will determine the deadline for submission of an application, which will be specified in the Adverse Circumstances Affecting Assessment Items Procedure.

Storage of Information

(12) All personal information or health information provided in relation to an application will be kept in accordance with the University's Privacy Management Plan and Privacy Policy.

Outcomes

(13) The possible outcomes of an application are:

1. an extension of time to submit an assessment item is granted;
2. permission to undertake a formal examination during the Rescheduled Examination Period is granted;
3. permission to undertake a in-class assessment at an alternative time is granted;
4. an alternative assessment item is provided;
5. a student is provided an exemption from a compulsory attendance requirement;
6. a placement (including Work Integrated Learning (WIL)) is rescheduled or reallocated; or
7. the application is rejected.

Demonstration of Adverse Circumstances

(14) Students who submit an application must demonstrate that one or more of the circumstances listed below may adversely impact their preparation, attendance or performance within the current term or the examination period:

1. health grounds – either physical or psychological;
2. non-health grounds, such as:
   1. compassionate grounds – for example, the death or serious injury of a close family member or friend;
   2. hardship – for example, sudden loss of employment, family breakdown, or severe disruption to domestic arrangements;
   3. trauma -for example, impact of crime, accident or natural disasters;
   4. cultural days or Sorry Business; or
   5. unavoidable commitments – for example, but not limited to, volunteer firefighters or student reservists.

(15) Adverse circumstances do not include:

1. misreading the Course Outline or the examination timetable;
2. usual work commitments;
3. travel plans;
4. not meeting the assumed knowledge requirements for a course; or
5. inability to meet the inherent requirements of the program or course.

Approval of Adverse Circumstances Applications

(16) Course Co-ordinators are responsible for approval of applications in accordance with the Adverse Circumstances Affecting Assessment Items Procedure.

(17) Course Co-ordinators may, at their discretion, enable automatic approval of applications for an extension of up to three calendar days for specific assessment items.

Supporting Documentation

(18) All documentation provided must be in English, or accompanied by an English translation provided by an agency accepted by the Universities Admissions Centre (NSW and ACT) Pty Ltd (UAC).

(19) Allowable documents are detailed in the Adverse Circumstances Affecting Assessment Items Procedure.

(20) Students who submit an application are responsible for:

1. ensuring the authenticity of any supporting documentation that they provide to the University; and
2. the retention of any supporting documentation for a period of six months after completion of the relevant term; and 
3. producing retained documentation when requested by the University to do so.

(21) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students may be granted an exemption from providing supporting documentation, on cultural or compassionate grounds. In such circumstances, a nominee of the Head of Wollotuka Institute is authorised to verify the authenticity of the application.

(22) The University may take steps to verify the authenticity of any documentation provided with an application. This may include seeking further information from persons named in an application or in supporting documentation.

(23) Supply of false information, false or falsified documentation by a student to the University will result in the rejection of the application and/or the cancellation of any approval given. This may also result in disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Conduct Rule.

(24) Course Co-ordinators may review applications that have been automatically approved per clause 17. Where a Course Co-ordinator identifies that an application has been automatically approved without valid documentation having been provided, the Course Co-ordinator may:

1. cancel the approval and apply a late submission penalty to the relevant assessment item; or
2. refer the student for non-academic misconduct in accordance with the Student Conduct Rule.

Appeals

(25) Students may appeal the outcome of an application within three working days of the outcome being determined.

(26) An appeal must be made in accordance with the Academic Appeals Policy and the Adverse Circumstances Affecting Assessment Items Procedure.

Section 5 - Relaxing Provision

(27) To provide for exceptional circumstances arising in any case, the President of Academic Senate may relax a provision(s) of this policy, provided that the relaxation:

1. does not compromise compliance with external obligations (including but not limited to contractual, legislative or accreditation requirements);
2. does not override a decision made under a formal delegation of authority;
3. does not replace a decision that is subject to a formal delegation of authority; and
4. gives due consideration to the principles of procedural fairness.

(28) Where a cohort of students have been impacted by a government (State or Federal) declared natural disaster or other national or international crisis, the Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) may waive the requirement for the submission of adverse circumstances applications and associated documentation and may direct Schools, Colleges andother areas of the University to put in place arrangements to support impacted students.