Extensions, late submission and penalties

Extenuating Circumstances Application

This process is managed by the ANU Division of Student Administration and Academic Services. Please complete the Request for Assessment Adjustment - Power App form.

  • the assessment item is listed as an "Examination" in the class summary.

or

  • the assessment IS NOT listed as an "examination" in the class summary; and
  • the extension period sought is for 14 calendar days (10 working days) or more; and
  • the assessment task is worth 20% or more.

For more information on Extenuating Circumstances Applications (ECA) and application form, please click the link below.

ECA Adjustments at the ANU College of Law, Governance and Policy

Extenuating Circumstances Request

If approved, outcomes from an ECA are limited to the following:

  • Approved: deferred examination: All deferred examination outcomes are determined by the ANU Central Examinations team.
  • Approved: altered assessment due date: This is the College’s preferred adjustment. Ordinarily and under the ANU College of Law, Governance and Policy Extensions Guidelines below, the college provides extensions up to one week prior to the return of assessment date. This time is required for Course Convenors to assess, moderate and grade assessment items. Where an ECA is approved, the ANU College of Law, Governance and Policy may provide a longer extension with the absolute deadline of 5pm prior to the return of assessment date. However, this will result in marking and grading delays and students will not receive feedback until after the published return of assessment date. If it is the final task in a course, then the results will also be delayed, and this may impact on graduation for potential graduands.
  • Approved: modified assessment weighting: Reweighting at the ANU College of Law, Governance and Policy involves adjusting the weightings of assessment tasks within a course. These adjustments are to assist students who experience unexpected and extenuating circumstances beyond their control, such as disability flare-ups, family bereavements, and hospitalisation that may significantly impact performance during a task.
    If an ECA is approved for a reweighting, the College will typically reweight an assessment by 5% as it is imperative that the learning outcomes are still met in the course. A reweighting will only be applied provided the learning outcomes can be met across the reweighted assessment items.
    Whilst reweighting can benefit some students, the adjustments are typically minor and may have no impact on the final grade. We only recommend applying for a reweighting when there are significant differences in assessment results within a course. It's important to note that once reweighting is applied, the outcome cannot be reversed, even if it adversely affects a student's overall course grade. Please also be aware that 0% weighted assessment tasks, quizzes, participation, and online tests cannot be reweighted.
    Where a successful ECA reweighting outcome is communicated, students have 5-business days to email the ANU College of Law, Governance and Policy if they elect not to proceed with the reweighting. Once the 5-business day response window has passed, the decision will not be reversed.
  • Approved: alternative assessment: Although seldom approved at the ANU College of Law, Governance and Policy, in extreme circumstances this option may be explored.
Extenuating Circumstances Further Information

Students who receive an extension or a deferred examination in Semester Two, resulting in a final grade of DA or RP, may not be considered for an ANU Prize if their grade is not finalised by January.

Extension Request for the Law School

This process is managed by the Law School. Please use this process for any LAWS coded courses where:

  • the assessment IS NOT listed as an "examination" in the class summary; and
  • the extension period requested is less than 14 calendar days (10 working days) from the published due date in the class summary.

or

  • the assessment IS NOT listed as an "examination" in the class summary; and
  • the extension or adjustment is for 14 calendar days (10 working days) or more from the published due date in the class summary; and
  • The assessment task is worth less than 20% of the overall course mark.

For more information including required documentation, please read the information provided below.

Assessment Extension Requests in the Law School

ANU Assessment Extension Request

There is a University-wide policy on: extensions of assessment due dates and times; the late submission of work without an extension; and associated penalties. These matters are addressed in clauses 22 to 28 of the Policy: Student assessment (coursework). The procedures governing the application of this policy are set out in the Procedure: Student assessment (coursework) clauses 7 to 26.

These guidelines apply to all undergraduate and graduate coursework across the La School (LLB(Hons), JD, LLM, MINLD, MFIML and CLAW and programs). It outlines the steps to be followed by a student seeking an extension for an assessment task within a course. These guidelines align with the ANU Policy: Student assessment (coursework).

Where an extension is approved, the revised due date and submission time is provided in writing. For all non-timed tasks, the submission time is always 5pm EST. To ensure equity for all students, the revised due date is calculated by including weekends and public holidays. For the period covered by the extension, no penalty will be applied.

Students who receive an extension or a deferred examination in Semester Two, resulting in a final grade of DA or RP, may not be considered for an ANU Prize if their grade is not finalised by January.

Submission after the Extension Deadline

Regardless of which day of the week the revised due date falls on, students who submit after that date are penalised by 5% of the possible marks available for the assessment task per calendar day, including weekend and public holidays.

As per clause 26 of the ANU Policy: Student assessment (coursework), where late assessment is accepted, assessment tasks are not accepted after the earlier of the following:

  • the tenth (10th) working day after the due date; or
  • the date specified in the class summary for the return of the assessment item.

Student who have an extension approved are not permitted to submit their assessment item after the periods indicated above.

Exceptional Circumstances that Warrant Approval of an Assessment Extension

Exceptional circumstances that warrant approval of an Assessment Extension include, but are not limited to:

  • Medical: This includes a significant illness/injury; significant exacerbation of condition registered in access plan that means completion of the assessment task is not possible by the published due date;
  • Hardship: This includes but is not limited to being a victim of significant crime including family and domestic violence; financial hardship; significant car accident or widespread public transport issues; significant broad spectrum IT issues; sudden, unavoidable primary caring responsibilities that means completion of the assessment task is not possible by the published due date;
  • Compassionate: This may be death/sudden serious illness of immediate family member or close friend that means completion of the assessment task is not possible by the published due date;
  • Elite: This may include commitments as an athlete registered with the ANU Elite Athlete Program or as a performer sport or performance event that directly conflicts with the assessment task due date;
  • Duties: This includes but is not limited to military, emergency or volunteer emergency services essential, military, emergency/volunteer emergency services that directly conflicts with the assessment task due date;
  • Disaster: This includes but is not limited to significant natural disaster/geo-political event: e.g. flood, fire, pandemic, earthquake, tsunami, outbreak of war, terrorism, cyber-attack that means completion of the assessment task is not possible by the published due date;
  • Employment Commitments: where a student's employment status or employment arrangements change unexpectedly due to circumstances beyond their control of such significance that means completion of the assessment task is not possible by the published due date; or
  • Cultural or religious commitments: This is only approved where a cultural or religious event conflicts with the published due date of the assessment task. This includes Indigenous cultural duties, consistent with the ANU Reconciliation Action Plan.

Key points to note in relation to the ANU policy and procedure

Key points to note in relation to the ANU policy and procedure on extensions are:

  • Applications for an extension must be made in writing by completing the ANU Assessment Extension form on or before the assessment due date and time as published in the class summary (Procedure: Student Assessment (Coursework), clause 14 and must be accompanied by documentation substantiating the case for an extension (Procedure: Student Assessment (Coursework), clause 15).
  • Under clause 14 of the Procedure, an extension will only be granted if there are exceptional circumstances beyond a student’s control which render the student unable to complete the assessment task by the due date.
  • All requests for extension will be considered within five working days (ANU Procedure: Student Assessment (Coursework), clause 16).
  • A new due date must not extend beyond the date for the return of the assessment item specified in the Class Summary (ANU Procedure: Student Assessment (Coursework), clause 18). The Law School provides extensions up to one week prior to the return of assessment date. This time is required for Course Convenors to assess, moderate and grade final assessment items and finalise course results in order to meet the university timelines.
  • At the end of each semester, there is an exception to this rule: a new due date cannot go past the deadline for submitting final grades. These dates are all unique to individual courses and students will be advised upon receipt of a request for extension. To provide Convenors with the time to assess, moderate and grade assessment items, the Law School provides extensions up to one week before the due date for the submission of results due/deadline to the complex processes of moderating, entering marks and approval meeting involved to meet the university timelines.
  • Please note that under policy you can submit the task up to 9am on the published return of assessment date, however, late penalties will apply.
  • Ensuring that our students are well supported and all appropriate welfare provisions are in place is our number one priority. The Law School will not approve any more than four extensions for the same assessment task without the student making an appointment to speak with an academic advisor. Once this appointment has been conducted, we will then consider further extensions if appropriate.

If an extension is for more than 10 working days, and the assessment task is worth 20% or greater, students should complete a Extenuating Circumstances Application (ECA) instead.

Students who are suffering long-term illness or difficulties should contact ANU Accessibilityto investigate implementing an Education Access Plan (EAP).

To ensure equity and transparency in the granting of extensions across the College, the Dean of the ANU College of Law, Governance and Policy has made a determination that all Law School extensions will be governed by the College Student and Education Support team in liaison with the Associate Dean (Education).

Supporting Documentation

Supporting documentation from any relevant independent person (or authority) must be scanned and included with the application. Requests for extensions will not be considered if the application does not include copies of all relevant supporting documentation.

All extension requests are subject to approval and must follow the requirements as set out in the class summary.

EAP and Wellbeing

If you have a current Education Access Plan (EAP), you are entitled to up to a seven (7) day extension for all non-timed coursework tasks, where permissible under the class summary. You must complete the Request for Assessment Adjustment - Power App form.

If you don’t have an EAP but are experiencing difficulties, you can apply for up to a five (5) day extension for all non-timed coursework tasks, where permissible under the class summary, if you provide either:

  • a letter from your Residential College Dean or Counsellor; or
  • a letter from the ANU Student Safety and Wellbeing team.

You must complete the Request for Assessment Adjustment - Power App form.

Medical

Examples of accepted documentation include:

  • a certificate or report from a registered health practitioner or professional (e.g., a GP) that details the impact of the circumstances on your health. It is recommended that your certificate or report is from an Australian health practitioner (see Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA));
  • a certificate or report from a mental health professional (e.g., a psychologist) that provides evidence of a significant exacerbation of your mental health condition; or
  • a hospital admission or discharge summary.

    • Your supporting documentation should include the following information:

    • the date your medical condition began and/or unexpectedly worsened; and
    • the dates of the impact of the medical condition; and
    • the medical professional’s opinion on how your condition has affected your ability to successfully complete the course requirements; and
    • if possible, the date by which your condition/s will be resolved.

    Please note documentation that only details self-reported effects—such as a doctor’s certificate listing symptoms as reported by the patient without the medical professional’s opinion—will not be accepted. While a professional opinion is required, a specific medical diagnosis is not necessary.

    Please note that the supporting documentation you provide must meet the independent evidence requirements articulated at the end of this section.

    All relevant supporting documentation must be attached to an application.

Hardship

Examples of accepted documentation include:

Depending on the circumstances, examples of accepted documentation may include:

  • a police report which confirms the occurrence and date(s) of the incident;
  • evidence you are customer of an Internet Provider Service that experienced a wide-spread internet outage;
  • official letter from relevant authorities;
  • evidence you were affected by widespread public transport issues;
  • proof of unexpected caring responsibilities;
  • a certificate or report from a registered health practitioner or professional (e.g., a GP) that provides impact of the hardship circumstances on your health. It is recommended that your certificate or report is from an Australian health practitioner (see Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)). Documentation should state:
    • the date your personal circumstances began and/or unexpectedly worsened; and
    • how your circumstances have affected your ability to successfully complete the course requirements; and
    • if possible, the date by which your condition/s will be resolved.

Please note that the supporting documentation you provide must meet the independent evidence requirements articulated at the end of this section.

All relevant supporting documentation must be attached to an application.

Compassionate

For the passing of a family member or close friend, examples of supporting evidence include a death certificate, or other official government or medical documentation. We are no longer able to accept funeral notices or an order of service from the funeral.

If obtaining this documentation is difficult or not culturally appropriate, you may instead provide a letter from a medical or mental health professional who can attest to the impact your circumstances had on your health or wellbeing.

Please note that the supporting documentation you provide must meet the independent evidence requirements articulated at the end of this section.

All relevant supporting documentation must be attached to an application.

Elite

Examples of accepted documentation includes an official letter from the organising body or an appropriate representative that includes:

  • your full name; and
  • details of your commitments, including the start and end dates; and
  • the date the statement was created.

Please note that the supporting documentation you provide must meet the independent evidence requirements articulated at the end of this section.

All relevant supporting documentation must be attached to an application.

Duties

Depending on the circumstances, examples of accepted documentation may include a copy of the legal notice or an official letter from the organising body or an appropriate representative.

Please note that the supporting documentation you provide must meet the independent evidence requirements articulated at the end of this section.

All relevant supporting documentation must be attached to an application.

Disaster

Depending on the circumstances, supporting documentation should confirm your statement.

Please note that the supporting documentation you provide must meet the independent evidence requirements articulated at the end of this section.

All relevant supporting documentation must be attached to an application.

Employment Commitments

An email or letter from your Employer that includes:

  • your full name; and
  • details of the unexpected and unplanned workload commitments, including the start and end dates; and
  • the date the statement was created.

Cultural or Religious Commitments

An email or letter from your cultural or religious leader that includes :

  • your full name; and
  • details of the event that conflicts with an assessment due date, including the start and end dates; and
  • the date the statement was created.

Requirements for Independent Supporting Evidence

Independent evidence must:

  • be issued by a relevant independent authority, with which you have no personal relationship (i.e. independent documentation cannot be provided by a family member, partner, friend etc.) and must demonstrate a professional opinion. You may want to inform the authority that the documentation will be provided to the University in the context of your Extenuating Circumstances Application; and
  • include relevant contact information of the independent authority providing the documentation and registration/provider details (as appropriate) for verification purposes; and
  • be clear, in focus, readable and in colour where possible; and
  • be provided in an appropriate format accepted by the application portal: pdf, jpeg, or png files;
  • not be altered in any way.

Other requirements include:

  • You must not submit photographs, audio files or videos with content that may be considered distressing or graphic. In addition, for any application where you are required to provide supporting evidence, photographs, audio files or videos are generally not considered appropriate evidence as their authenticity cannot be verified.
  • Documentation must be in English or an official translation must be provided. You should submit copies of the original documentation and the English translation of these documents. Documentation in a language other than English without an official translation will NOT be considered.

Please note that any document submitted may be audited and is subject to verification from the issuing body. Any fraudulent documentation identified may result in disciplinary action.

The University strongly advises against obtaining certificates from online providers, especially through services advertised on social media. Where possible, you should see a medical practitioner in person, especially if it is your first visit with that particular medical practitioner. For some circumstances, certificates from online providers may not be accepted.