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 which in addition has its own policies as follows.

"Illness" includes all medical conditions that may affect a student's performance, including depression and similar illnesses.

Students are reminded that the University provides a Health Service for medical problems and Student Counsellors who are well experienced in helping students experiencing depression or personal problems.

"Misadventure" is used to mean some 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).

A student who misses a test, examination or other assessment due to illness or misadventure is able to ask for special consideration for the test or examination.

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.

Bring the original documentation and a copy for the School to keep. The School may contact the doctor or counsellor concerned to verify that the documentation is genuine.

If the student misses a single test that is worth less than 20% of the final assessment, then the documentation should be presented to the tutor (for during-tutorial tests) or Course Convenor (for other tests) as soon as possible, preferably at the next tutorial or lecture, The tutor or Course Convenor will consider the documentation and may either accept or reject the verbal request for consideraion depending on the severity of the incident or illness. If it is accepted then the result of the assessment will be recorded as an M mark on the Maths database. If it is rejected then the student can appeal to the Director of First Year (for First Year courses) or Director of Undergraduate Studies (other courses).

If the student is affected by illness or misadventure for an assignment, then an extension may be given (and recorded on their file) or if they are affected for a lengthy period, then an M mark may be given. As assignments are set at least 14 days before they are due, then the illness or misadventure must be of a substantial nature and duration before any consideration is given.

When the during-session composite marks are calculated, M marks are replaced by the average of assessment marks of the same type, or, if there are too many M marks or insufficient other marks to average, then greater weight may be placed on the final exam mark. In some courses an Additional Assessment Test may be run for students who missed an original test. This will be stated in the Course Home Page and Initial Handout.

If the consideraion is for any major assessment (the final exam, or during-session test or assignment worth 20% or more of the final assessment) then the official form must be completed and submitted via UNSW Student Central. This should be done within 3 days of the date of the assessment unless the circumstances mean this is not possible (see the UNSW Student Central rules). For all assessments other that the final exam, the Course Convenor should also be informed at the same time.

All the details on any forms submitted via UNSW Student Central are forwarded to the School of Mathematics and Statistics, are recorded on the student's record on the Maths database and are acted on by the Course Convenor who either accepts or rejects the request for consideration (see Additional Assessment).

If a student suffers long term illness or misadventure (see here), they should be referred by their lecturer or tutor to see the Director of First Year or Director of Undergraduate Studies to explore their 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. 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 the student to show this in another assessment task, usually an Additional Assessment Exam.