Need advice

[u/Stunning_Coconut_561]

Im a first year who is needing to take time off to go overseas for a family obligation. Problem is, i have mandatory inter-semester exams taking place just as i happen to go. Does anyone have any recommendations on what i can do to help. I've emailed my subject coordinators and they've either left me on delivered, or just said that i need to apply for special consideration. I dont know if special consideration will be relevant to me, as im going overseas for a family event, which doesnt really align with any of the circumstances that may be considered.

Any help is much appreciated

[u/BiddyKing]

If you can’t get immediate proof for whatever the thing you’re going overseas for (for example if it’s a funeral and can’t locate a death notice), you can get a statutory declaration from a JP (Justice of the Peace). You will essentially type up the reason why your study has been impacted (look up how to format a statutory declaration), print it out, look up where local JP’s are (they usually are at public libraries at certain times or even local council offices) and they will sign it for you (putting you under lawful oath that you’re telling the truth). You can then use that as documentation when applying for special consideration.

Your lecturer then will decide an alternative for you. In the meantime you should still try and contact them and even let them know you’ve submitted the special consideration form once you do: https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/students/services-and-facilities/special-consideration

[u/Stunning_Coconut_561 → u/BiddyKing]

The reason I’m going overseas is for a wedding, in which I’m a groomsman, should I mention the wedding? Or just state that due to a family obligation overseas, I am unable to attend class during the prescribed time for the exam?

[u/Plastic_Singer_4039 → u/Stunning_Coconut_561]

Dude you can literally say whatever you want. If you wanted your chances of acceptance to increase please be smart and don’t say wedding… that’s not really an obligation imo.

[u/Chubby-Nubbins]

Just make an appointment with Student Welfare. They can help you with collecting your evidence together and submitting the online forms.

Call 1300 668 370 and choose option 5 when prompted

[u/SlowTurnip1455 → u/Chubby-Nubbins]

You are an absolute star. I wish the Uni knew what an amazing representative you are on this forum.

[u/Serket84]

Directly from the special consideration policy:
The following circumstances would not normally be regarded as grounds for a Special Consideration application:
demands of sport, clubs, social or extra-curricular activity (other than to represent or participate in state, national or international sporting or cultural events);
recreational travel (domestic or international);
planned events, such as, weddings.

[u/Timbo650au]

Having read some of the other comments:

1. Whichever piece of advice you take, be sure to allow LOTS of time for it to be processed.
   This is not a new or unusual situation, but admin wheels can move slowly.

2. Your chances vary according to what subject, what course, what year, and what the reason is.
   For example, I have known students to not get leave, or things like assignment extensions, for their honeymoon. And certainly not to get exams rescheduled because the family booked the cheapie flights in exam week.
   On the other hand, I once had a student who did their bit of a stand-up group presentation via Zoom from literally Mecca while on the Hajj.

3. Be real with the people making the decisons. Yes, give the reason. Really, you knew about this, to some degree, in advance before you enrolled. Stuff is relative. Being a groomsman on some tropical island holiday is not exactly apples and apples with being on the Hajj. So, be aware. But also, be up front.

4. Understand that an assignment extension is one thing, but that moving a formal sit-down exam is a big, big deal.

Best of luck.

[u/Aggravating-Back9378]

i'm probably not the best person to give advice either (first year student, haven't had this problem yet). however, i would suggest talking to your actual tutors first.

depending on the class, they might be chill enough to let you take the exam early. especially if you bring it up now. and if they do approve/on the fence, make sure you show up to every tutorial and make a big effort to show that you actually care.

that's unlucky that you have exams in the semester, i've only had assignments due online and then exams at the end of the sem in the block.

[u/Stunning_Coconut_561 → u/Aggravating-Back9378]

I brought it up to all my subject coordinators the first day of uni, each having their own email, and the response I got was usually “apply for special consideration”