If the policies of the School of Mathematics and Statistics in any way conflict with any University policy, then the University policy applies.
The University has policies for special consideration that are followed by the School of Mathematics and Statistics.
- "Illness" includes all medical conditions that may affect a student's performance, including depression and similar illnesses.
Note that the University provides a Health Service for medical problems and a Counselling Service which is well experienced in assisting students experiencing depression or personal problems.
- "Misadventure" is used to denote a non-medical circumstance beyond a student's control that affects their study. Such circumstances include things like the death of a close relative, a car crash on the way to a test, or jury duty. It does not include any work-related events such as being rostered on at the time of a test or even being sent overseas during exam period. (Students are expected to give priority to their studies over any employment.) It also does not cover lateness due to transport or traffic problems unless these are exceptional. It also does not include anything relating to the student's social or sporting life (unless the student is representing the University).
Special consideration for tests or assignments
If you miss a test, examination or other assessment due to illness or misadventure you must submit a special consideration for the test, assignment or examination through MyUNSW.
In the case of illness, a doctor's certificate (or counsellor's letter) covering the date(s) concerned is required. For misadventure, full documented evidence is required.
You should complete an application for Special Consideration using the UNSW online service. The application will be assessed by Student Central and an outcome e-mailed to you.
Special consideration for the final exam
If the consideration is for the final exam, again you must make an application through the University's online system. This should be done within three working days of the date of the assessment, unless the circumstances mean this is not possible (see the UNSW Student Central rules).
If you are suffering long-term illness or misadventure, you should be referred by your lecturer or tutor to see the Director of First Year, the Director of Undergraduate Studies or the Postgraduate Coursework Director as appropriate to explore your options. Full documentation (originals and copies) must be provided to prove the long-term nature of the illness or misadventure, and the copy will be retained by the School. Possible courses of action include applying to discontinue without failure or making special examination arrangements.
Note that the School of Mathematics and Statistics has a firm policy of NOT altering any mark due to a special consideration. All students must always show in tests, assignments and examinations that they have reached the required level of knowledge and skill in the course. Special consideration normally results in allowing you to show this in another assessment task, usually an Additional Assessment exam or test.