Registration for ongoing support
Assistance from the University is available when an ongoing circumstance or an official commitment affects your ability to perform your studies and assessment tasks, and the expected duration is longer than six weeks.
Are you waiting on an application or an appointment?
Due to a high volume of applications, there may be a short waiting time for an appointment. We understand that you are wanting an outcome as soon as possible and we are working hard to reduce your wait time. We apologise for the inconvenience and thank you for your cooperation.
Assistance from the University is available when an ongoing circumstance or an official commitment affects your ability to perform your studies and assessment tasks, and the expected duration is longer than six weeks.
If your studies are affected by ongoing circumstances such as a disability, mental health condition or ongoing eligible commitments, you can register for an Academic Adjustment Plan (AAP), containing reasonable adjustments (Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005), which may include, for example, alternative assessment arrangements.
If you have an AAP in place, and you experience additional circumstances that impact your studies for less than six weeks, you may also need to apply for special consideration.
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Disability
Students with disability, as defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.
- Required supporting documentation: A Health Professional Report form (PDF 136.8 KB) (preferred document), medical certificate or supporting letter on official letterhead from a treating health practitioner stating impact.
- More information: Disability services.
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Chronic medical or mental health condition
Students with an ongoing medical or mental health condition which will impact their studies for six weeks or more.
- Required supporting documentation: A Health Professional Report form (PDF 136.8 KB) (preferred document), medical certificate or supporting letter on official letterhead from a treating health practitioner stating impact.
Eligibility
| Circumstances that may be eligible | Definition | Required supporting documentation | More information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disability | Students with disability, as defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. This includes disabilities related to sensory, physical or mental health. | A Health Professional Report form (PDF 136.8 KB) (preferred document), medical certificate or supporting letter on official letterhead from a treating health practitioner stating impact. | Disability services |
| Chronic medical or mental health condition | Students with an ongoing medical or mental health condition which will impact their studies for six weeks or more. | A Health Professional Report form (PDF 136.8 KB) (preferred document), medical certificate or supporting letter on official letterhead from a treating health practitioner stating impact. | Medical and mental health support |
| Carer responsibilities | Students who have ongoing carer responsibilities, as defined in the Carers Recognition Act 2012 (Vic). | Documentation to verify that you have significant carer responsibilities, such as an official Centrelink document or a letter from a GP. | Support for carers |
| Elite athletes or performers | Elite athletes or performers associated with approved organisations. | A completed Elite Athlete Recognition form. A signed letter from your performance organisation outlining your professional obligations as an elite performer. | Support for elite athletes or performers |
| Defence reservists or emergency volunteers | Members of the Australian Defence Reserve Service Volunteers for the Victorian State Emergency Service, the Country Fire Authority or similar. | A signed letter on official letterhead from relevant organisations outlining your duties and obligations. | Support for defence reservists or emergency volunteers |
| Cultural or religious observance | Students who participate in ongoing religious or cultural observance whose participation may impact their studies. | A signed letter on the official letterhead of your religious congregation or cultural authority outlining the nature of your observances and impact on your studies. | Support for religious or cultural observance |
How to register
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Step 1: Understand eligibility and documentation requirements
Review the eligibility and documentation requirements. Please note that because every situation is unique, eligibility for ongoing support is determined on a case-by-case basis.
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Step 2: Know the deadlines
We encourage you to lodge an online registration application at the start of your course, or as soon as your circumstances become known, to ensure adjustments and supports are in place as soon as possible.
While you are welcome to register at any time during your studies, there are deadlines for when you need to submit alternative exam arrangements (AEA) requests for each exam period.
To have your AEAs in place for your exams, you need to register and book an appointment with a Student Equitable Learning Adviser, (Step 3) before the deadline in the table below:
Exam period
(For dates, see exam dates and timetable)Deadline to finalise AEA requests Semester 1 2023 exams 14 April 2023 Semester 1 supplementary exams 23 June 2023 Semester 1 late supplementary exams To be confirmed Semester 2 2023 exams To be confirmed Semester 2 supplementary exams To be confirmed Semester 2 late supplementary exams To be confirmed -
Step 3: Register online
Fill out the online registration form and submit your application with relevant supporting documentation. To ensure your registration is processed smoothly, please include as much information as possible.
Confidentiality
The University of Melbourne respects the privacy of your personal information. Information you provide as part of your registration for ongoing support is strictly confidential and subject to the protections of relevant privacy laws.
Any person who contacts the University can expect that their personal or health information will be treated in accordance with the University of Melbourne’s Privacy Policy (MPF1104). You can access your personal information, subject to any relevant laws, by contacting us.
Outcomes
Once you have submitted your application to register, you’ll receive a submission acknowledgement email to let you know your registration has been received. You will later be advised by email of the outcome of your registration application.
Following this an email will be sent to you with a link to book an appointment with a Student Equitable Learning Adviser to create your Academic Adjustment Plan (AAP). Appointments can be by phone, in-person or virtual. Your registration will only be finalised after your appointment has been completed and we have received all relevant supporting documentation.
As part of your appointment, your advisor will check with you about what information you consent to releasing as part of your AAP. Your AAP will include the impacts of your condition on your study and suggested adjustments. Your AAP will be based on this discussion with you and reference relevant documentation you provide from health practitioners.
You will be asked to advise us what information, if any, you wish to share about your condition. No medical information is released to others in the University unless you specifically provide consent for your Equitable Learning Adviser to do so.
Please note, if your registration is not approved, you will receive an email with the outcome details.
Your Academic Adjustment Plan (AAP)
Your AAP is an official document that:
- Details the impact of your circumstances
- Outlines educational adjustments to assist with your studies that also meet the course inherent requirements
- Supports you when negotiating your educational adjustments with academic staff.
Educational adjustments for your study and assessments will be discussed with you during your appointment with a Student Equitable Learning Adviser to assist in developing your AAP. For some subjects and courses, we will need to check with the relevant Faculty staff to ensure the suggested adjustments meet the inherent requirements of your course prior to them being listed in your plan.
These adjustments will then be documented in your final AAP.
Your AAP is a confidential document, however, you are encouraged to share your plan with your lecturers, tutors, and other relevant academic staff in order to have your educational adjustments in place.
You will need to share with your Faculty your alternative exam arrangements (AEAs) for any Faculty run exams as only centrally run exams are provided with your AEA requirements from Student Equity and Disability Services (SEDS).
You have the right to disclose to SEDS only the information you feel comfortable to release. You can limit the information you provide SEDS or choose not to provide consent to share information, although this may restrict the University's capacity to provide educational adjustments.
Requesting a specific educational adjustment
Educational adjustments are not automatic or granted to you on request. All educational adjustments must be discussed with a Student Equitable Learning Adviser and may include discussions with the relevant Faculty. The Faculty makes the final decision on academic integrity and what educational assessment adjustments can be made.
In assessing whether an educational adjustment is reasonable, the University considers:
- Your circumstances
- The benefit of the adjustment on your ability to achieve learning outcomes and participate in your course or program, maintaining academic integrity
- The impact of the adjustment on the University, including staff and other students
Retrospective educational adjustments
Your Academic Adjustment Plan cannot be retrospectively applied to previous assessment tasks or attendance requirements.
If any previous assessment tasks have been affected by your circumstances, or may be impacted upon prior to your appointment with a Student Equitable Learning Adviser, you will need to apply for special consideration.
Re-registering for support
The length of time that you are eligible for an educational adjustment will depend on your circumstances. In some circumstances you may need to re-register for support as required to ensure currency. Circumstances such as changing courses, moving to a research only higher degree or progressing through a course with different study requirements should be reviewed at least annually. Updated documentation will be required to meet the changing needs of your adjustments.
For example, if you are an elite performer with commitments that are short-term or sporadic, your registration will last for the relevant period only. However, for example if you are a person with an ongoing vision impairment, your registration will be sustained throughout your studies. Annual reviews and updating of Academic Adjustment Plans are highly recommended, particularly as course requirements from year level to year level can change.
You may also need to apply for Special consideration in situations where your AAP does not already provide support. If you fall ill and miss an exam or assessment, you are able to apply for special consideration within four working days of the exam or assessment due date.