Disability Support Services (DSS) provides support to undergraduate and postgraduate students with temporary or permanent disabilities, medical conditions, and mental health conditions. Upon registration, we can support students with reasonable adjustments, such as flexibility in assignment deadlines and alternative assessment arrangements for exams.
Alternative Assessment Arrangements
Alternative assessment arrangements (AAA) is a common service requested by students with temporary or permanent disabilities, which provides:
extra time
rest or movement breaks
specialised technical equipment or furniture
To be eligible for alternative arrangements, students must register with DSS. DSS will make an assessment and provide some recommendations based on their condition. As the assessment process can take some time, students are advised to register as early as possible.
Approved Alternative Assessment Arrangements are implemented automatically.
For in-class or department-run quizzes, tests or exams, students will need to email their Unit Coordinator or lecturer at least two (2) weeks before the exam or quiz to request the adjustments be applied.
Students requiring AAA will typically be allocated to an alternative examination venue where appropriate.
Students will receive an individual AAA confirmation email approximately one to two weeks before the examination period, outlining their approved arrangements.
Students approved for rest breaks may take these breaks as required during the examination. Rest breaks are not additional writing time, and students must notify the examination invigilator before commencing a rest break.
Students can apply online for an extension of up to ten (10) calendar days without attaching medical evidence via the Special Consideration Application. They must note on the online form that they are registered with DSS to request flexibility in deadlines, and state that the reasons for applying are specifically related to their DSS registration.
Students must apply by 11.55pm on the day their assessment is due.
There may be some exceptions to the 10-day extension time frame, for example, with group assignments, weekly or time-limited assessments, or after the end of the teaching period or semester.
If they need more time than 10 calendar days, they will need to provide current supporting documents stating exceptional circumstances.
For any intensive units, the 10-day extension may not be possible; they will need to consult with their Unit Coordinator for further guidance.
What is my role as an educator?
As an educator, if your student has been approved for alternative assessment arrangements, you must apply those arrangements to exams and non-exam assessments in your unit. Check Moodle for updates to AAA report(s) regularly.
To view students in your unit who are registered with the Disability Support Service (DSS) and have approved alternative assessment arrangements:
Log in to Moodle and navigate to your unit.
Select Reports next to Grade.
Select Alternative Assessment Info.
Watch video guide to export Alternative Assessment Arrangements report.
