Important Note: From Semester 2 2023, the former “Special Consideration” process is no longer an option. Adjustments to your course assessments on the basis of extenuating circumstances are now captured and applied through the Extenuating Circumstances Application (ECA) or the Assessment Extension Request Form.
Extension or Extenuating Circumstances? Not sure which form you need?
It can be confusing to determine which process you need to follow if you find yourself having difficulties completing an assessment on time. See the examples and flow chart below to help determine when to submit an Extension Request Form or an ECA.
Please note that you can only use one form per assessment item—you cannot apply for both an Assessment Extension and an ECA for a single assessment item. For example:
- You have an assessment worth 50% and you need an extension of 5 days. Submit an Extension Request Form.
- You have an assessment worth 10% and you need an extension of 12 days. Submit an Extension Request Form.
- You have an assessment worth 25% and you need an extension of 10 days. Submit an Extenuating Circumstances Application.
- You are unable to sit an exam. Submit an Extenuating Circumstances Application.
Assessment Extensions
The assessment extension process is managed by the ANU College of Engineering Computing and Cybernetics. Please complete this form for any COMP, ENGN, CECS or CYBN coded courses.
This process is only applicable for an assessment item that is:
- not an exam, and
- worth less than 20% of the course, or
- the extension request is for less than 10 working days.
Extenuating Circumstances Application (ECA)
The ECA process is managed by the ANU Division of Student Administration and Academic Services. Please complete this form through ISIS for any course.
The ECA process is only applicable for an assessment item that is
- an exam, or
- worth at least 20% of the course, and
- the extension request is for at least 10 working days.
You can only apply for an ECA once per assessment item. For more information on Extenuating Circumstances Applications please visit Extenuating Circumstances Application—ANU. Make sure you also check the guidelines for what makes an acceptable ECA.
Extenuating Circumstances Application
Late submission of assessments in CECC courses
Please ensure that you refer to each course outline for the courses you are enrolled in every semester to determine whether late submission of assessment items is permitted within that specific course. Some CECC courses permit late submission (with appropriate late penalties), while others do not permit late submission at all (unless a formal assessment extension is approved).
There is a University-wide policy on extension 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 24.
These guidelines apply to all undergraduate and graduate coursework in the ANU College of Engineering Computing and Cybernetics. They outline 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 the period covered by the extension, no penalty will apply.
Examinations
Unless otherwise specified, all CECC course examinations are held in-person and are centrally invigilated.
Centrally Invigilated examinations are timetabled and held on-campus during the university examination periods and can be viewed via the Exam Timetables website.
- Exam Conduct - explains what is expected of you when you attend an exam.
Deferred Examinations
Deferred and supplementary assessments for ANU College of Engineering, Computing and Cybernetics courses are conducted during the formal ANU Deferred and Supplementary Examination period, which is currently scheduled during the first week of the subsequent semester. The dates can be found on the university calendar and you will typically be advised of the exact date and time of your exam no later than ten calendar days prior to the examination.
Upon formal application, the University may approve alternative provisions for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students who are unable to attend a formal examination at the scheduled time due to extenuating circumstances. For eligibility criteria and details on how to apply, please read the information linked below carefully. Students will be notified of the outcome of the application via their student email account.
For Deferred Exams, the ANU Examinations Office will contact students via their student email account if an application is incomplete, so it is important to check your email account regularly. Note that holidays, travel plans or other foreseeable, planned activities are not considered valid reasons for further deferrals so it is your responsibility to ensure that you are available to sit your exam on campus at the scheduled time, during the official exam period.
Any further deferred examinations for a CECC Course - granted only in exceptional, extenuating circumstances through the ECA process - will be scheduled at the discretion of the relevant school (for example, during the semester break following the primary Supplementary and Deferred Exam Period - i.e. after week 6). Students must ensure they are available for examinations during these times as there will be no further provisions made.
Exchange, Travel Plans and Supplementary/ Deferred Exams:
If you plan to go on exchange or take a holiday before your exchange semester, be aware of the Deferred and Supplementary Examinations dates. If granted a Deferred Examination or offered a Supplementary Examination, you must be on campus to sit the exam. You may need to choose between your travel plans and attending the examination. The University cannot make alternative arrangements for deferred and supplementary examinations due to exchange or holiday plans.
- Deferred Exams - explains how to apply for a deferred exam and when to lodge your application.
Viewing exam papers
Students who wish to view examination script books must contact the course convenor to request a time to view the exam. If there are a large number of requests, then Student Services may set up viewing times. Students will be advised and required to register their attendance at these sessions. Only one viewing of an exam paper is permitted per course per semester.
Please note that exam script viewing is a formal examination event and the following rules apply:
- Please bring your ANU student identification card with you to view exams. No other form of identification will be accepted.
- Student only allowed to view their own exam script.
- No phone, iPads, laptops, bags, paper or pens (if you require a remark a form and pen will be provided).
- No talking/discussion during viewing session.
- Multiple choice answer sheets are not available for viewing.
Any questions regarding the marking of the examination paper must be directed to the course convener.
Assessment Appeal
If you consider the final published result of a course to be inappropriate or incorrect, you may appeal the outcome.
Prior to your appeal:
We encourage you to seek advice from an independent person knowledgeable about the process and aware of potential outcomes. The Dean of Students and the ANU Student Association (ANUSA) are available to provide you with advice. Depending on your circumstances, Student Safety and Wellbeing, ANU Counselling or Accessibility may be able to provide assistance.
Please refer to ANU Assessment Appeal Policy for detailed information or contact CECC Student Services if you need assistance.