Exams affected by personal circumstances (aegrotat and compassionate consideration)

• If something happens that is going to affect your exams, you must see a registered doctor, dentist or counsellor as soon as you can. It’s particularly important to do so on the day of your exam, if you want to apply for consideration of your exam performance.
• You need to submit any applications for aegrotat or compassionate consideration within 7 days of the date of your last exam.
• Applications are made through University Health Services (even if you see your own doctor or counsellor). University Health Services can offer confidential support and advice. They will also record evidence that you’ll need if you apply for aegrotat or compassionate consideration.
• You cannot re-sit an exam, so you should always attend if at all possible. University Health Services can arrange special conditions for your exam such as individual rooms, writers to write your script (for example if you injure your arm) and resting time.
• For any application for aegrotat or compassionate consideration, all your coursework should be well above the minimum pass standard (normally a C+ or better).
• There is an application fee of $30 for each exam (to a maximum of $110) which is paid at University Health Services.
• You can also apply for aegrotat and compassionate consideration for written tests.
• If you have difficulties completing assignments due to personal circumstances, you should talk to your lecturer about options available within your department.

There are two main stages in the consideration of your application:

1. Professional assessment of your individual circumstances

• University Health Services make a recommendation on the basis of the evidence you have provided about your circumstances.
• A decision is then made by an independent Advisor, as to whether your application meets the criteria for an aegrotat or compassionate consideration.
• This is an important process to ensure that the system is applied fairly.
• If the independent Advisor decides that the evidence you have provided is not sufficient to prove your examination preparation or performance was affected, your application will be declined.
• You will be notified in writing by the Examinations Office about whether your application has been accepted or declined.

2. Assessment of your academic record

• If your evidence meets the criteria, your application is considered on the basis of your previous academic performance in the course. At this stage you will see ‘Consideration Pending’ next to any grades visible in Student Services Online.
• Your work needs to be well above the minimum pass standard (normally a C+ or better) in all coursework, and your department will assess whether your examination mark is lower than expected. They will pay particular attention to your grades in written tests as these are held under examination conditions, but will also consider other coursework.
• To ensure fair treatment of all students, it is not University policy to allow an aegrotat or compassionate upgrade of your final grade to a higher level than you have proved you are able to achieve. This means it would be unlikely that your grade would be raised, for example, above a grade you achieved in a written test, even if your circumstances meet the criteria for medical or compassionate consideration.
• To ensure that the standards of the university are maintained and that the process is fair for all students, a representative of the University Senate considers:
  
  • The department’s assessment of your grade.
  • The assessment of the impact of your circumstances by the independent Advisor.
  • Your overall university record.

• Once your application for aegrotat or compassionate consideration has been approved or declined by Senate, your Student Services Online record will be updated. You will be also notified of the outcome in writing by the Examinations Office.

Please ensure that you have read and understood the procedures for aegrotat and compassionate consideration before downloading application forms.

The medical and counselling criteria for written test applications are the same as those for examinations. However, there are a few key differences in the process:

• There is only one form for written test aegrotat and compassionate applications.
• You must apply for each test individually at University Health Services within 7 days of the individual test date.
• There is currently no fee for written test applications.
• The Examinations Office will advise you in writing of the outcome of the University Health Services recommendation. However, your application will then be passed to your department who will consider it internally and inform you directly of the outcome (normally within 21 days of the test).

Please ensure that you have read and understood the information on the form about applying for aegrotat and compassionate consideration before making your application.