All you need to know about assignment extensions and Special Consideration
Are you struggling to complete one of your unit assignments by the deadline?
We want you to succeed at your studies and meet all assessment requirements, so if circumstances beyond your control prevent you from attending a test, placement, practicum or similar, or from submitting an assignment by the due date, you should speak to your Unit Chair as soon as you become aware of the problem.
Note that work submitted late without an approved extension will be subject to a marking penalty, or may not be marked at all.
What you need to know before you apply for an extension
- Carefully read the information provided on the assignments page.
- Remember that assignment extensions can affect follow-on tasks, delay feedback and increase time pressure later, so try to meet the deadline where you can. The key is to ask for help early.
- Assignment extensions are granted based on several factors: the reason provided for the extension, evidence of progress made, the importance of subsequent due dates and feedback, the weighting of the assignment towards the overall unit grade and various other factors.
- It’s important you provide enough information in your personal statement to support your request for an extension.
- Up to two weeks can be granted, but this may make it harder for you to apply feedback to subsequent assignments.
- If you apply after the due date or need an extension of longer than two weeks, you’ll need to apply for Special Consideration instead. This will require documentary evidence.
How to apply
You need to follow the process outlined in your unit site. If there’s no specific instructions in your unit site, visit the Assignments page for faculty information.
Supporting you to succeed
Whether you need assistance with a unit, there’s a particular academic skill you’d like to improve, or you have a health and wellbeing issue that’s affecting your ability to study, Deakin has a range of professional services available. These may help you to meet your assignment deadlines and feel in control of your studies – and you can still access them as you study online.
Study support
Make sure you check out the Study Support site for many helpful resources to help you study and complete assessments. Popular resources include the Deakin guide to referencing, plus our wide range of Academic skills guides, which contain tips on time management, study plans and assignment advice.
If you need more personalised support:
- Get in touch with our Language and Learning Advisers for help on any assessments you’re not sure about. You can book a phone or videoconferencing appointment online.
- Attend an online drop-in with our Writing Mentors or Maths Mentors, or contact them by email.
- Try Smarthinking – Deakin’s online tutoring and writing feedback service that allows you to reach out for assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Peer-assisted study sessions that provide specific help for units are available as online CloudPASS sessions.
Health and wellbeing services
To succeed at your studies, it’s crucial that you put your health and wellbeing needs first, heed warning signs that you’re starting to struggle and ask for help if you need it. You can:
- Book a telehealth appointment with the Deakin Medical Centre. Your GP can discuss the option of developing a mental health plan with you.
- Book a telehealth appointment to speak with a Deakin Counselling and Psychological Support (CAPS) counsellor. You can also check out the Ask Counselling blog to browse questions asked by Deakin students and answered by CAPS.
- Contact the Disability Resource Centre to see what resources and support are available.
- Have a phone consultation with our Wellbeing Coach to develop a personalised plan to meet your health goals.
- Phone or email one of our multifaith chaplains for compassionate support – you don’t have to be religious.
- Visit Deakin’s eWellbeing Hub for a range of digital resources to keep you happy, safe, motivated and healthy.
In an emergency, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24-hour confidential support or call Triple Zero (000).