Student lobby groups have welcomed Monash University’s new assessment extension policy yet raised concerns over whether it will effectively support those students who are most in need.

The policy, which came into effect last month, reduces the length of a short extension from five days to two.

Students don’t need to give a reason for their first request for a short extension in a unit. But any further requests require a reason, with evidence.

The change also streamlines applications for special consideration (SC). For SC, students must provide evidence, for example: documents pertaining to underlying medical conditions, crime-related incidents or religious and cultural obligations.

Students registered for flexible deadlines with Disability Support Services don’t need to provide the extra documents.

Monash Student Association released a statement that it “welcomes the fact that this means more consistent and universal” SC for all students, and especially the automatic two-day extension per assessment. 

Yet it said it would “continue fighting” to reintroduce the five-day rule for extensions, which “provided essential flexibility for students in difficult circumstances”. 

President of MONSU Caulfield Selina Ho said the process “will be smoother as both extensions and special consideration will go through one form, reducing the chances of miscommunication amongst themselves”. 

“However, it is currently unknown as to how many applications may face the chances of not being approved, which may cause dissatisfaction and concerns from students,” Ms Ho said. 

When the policy was introduced, Monash stated on its Learning and Teaching Teach HQ portal that the changes were brought about in an effort to “streamline academic involvement in the process” and “lessen disruptions to the marking process”. 

This included an online form to apply for both short extensions and SC. 

The authority to grant short extensions is now centrally managed, and not left to the chief examiner of a unit. Before, students would contact their tutors or chief examiners to ask for extensions.

Ms Ho said some students may respond positively to the changes.

“The new assessment policies may create a positive response from students, given that a medical certificate will not be required when requesting for short extensions,” she said.

“I reckon a lot of students face the challenge of getting medical certificates as they may not have free doctor appointments.” 

She said students "will now be more knowledgeable on the form to be submitted for both extensions and special considerations". 

“Hence they may request for a special consideration once they have the required documents whilst going through a short extension.” 

But the new special consideration policy “may not fully support those that are most in need as they may not receive an immediate response through submitting forms”. 

In its statement, Monash Student Association pledged to continue advocating for students. 

“MSA ... will continue to push the university to adopt more compassionate and equitable academic policies for those students who need it most," it stated. 

“We are collecting student experiences to support our ongoing advocacy efforts.”  

If an extension is sought, students are still required to apply as soon as possible and before 11:55 pm on the assessment due-date. 

If a student misses the deadline for a short extension, they will need to apply for special consideration instead.