• Pre-Assessment Special Considerations: Adjustments or modifications made before an assessment to accommodate a student’s specific needs, such as additional time, modified papers, or alternative examination venues.
• Post-Assessment Special Considerations: Considerations given after an assessment has occurred due to temporary illnesses, injuries, or extenuating circumstances that affected the student’s performance during the evaluation.
• Extenuating Circumstances: Unforeseen events or conditions significantly impacting a student’s ability to complete or perform well in an assessment, such as illness, family emergencies, or psychological distress.
• Reasonable Adjustments: Modifications made to the learning or assessment environment to enable students with disabilities to demonstrate their knowledge and skills on an equal basis with others.

• Provide a clear and transparent process for students to apply for special assessment considerations.
• Define the types of special considerations available and the eligibility criteria for each type.
• Ensure that all students are treated fairly and consistently without compromising the integrity of the university’s academic standards.
• Outline the responsibilities of students, staff, and the university in the unique consideration process.

This policy applies to:

• All students enrolled in any program or course at Stonebridge University.
• All forms of assessments, including examinations, coursework, presentations, and practical assessments.
• All academic and administrative staff involved in the assessment and examination process.

• Providing clear information and guidance on the special consideration process to students and staff.
• Ensuring that reasonable adjustments are made to accommodate the needs of students with disabilities or specific learning difficulties.
• Reviewing and processing applications for special considerations fairly and promptly.
• Maintaining confidentiality and security of personal information submitted as part of the process.

3.2 Responsibilities of Students

• Informing the university of any conditions, disabilities, or circumstances that may require special considerations promptly.
• Providing accurate and complete documentation to support their application for special consideration.
• Complying with the university’s procedures and timeframes for submitting requests.

3.3 Responsibilities of Academic and Administrative Staff

• Supporting students in understanding and navigating the special consideration process.
• Referring students to appropriate university services, such as counseling or disability support, when necessary.
• Ensuring that requests are processed and implemented following university policies and procedures.

• Additional Time: Up to 25% for written examinations or assessments.
• Modified Papers: Large print, Braille, or coloured paper for students with visual impairments.
• Alternative Assessment Venues: Allowing a student to take an examination in a quieter or more accessible location.
• Assistive Technology: Providing access to specific technology or software, such as screen readers or speech-to-text software.

4.3 Application Process
Students must apply at least 12 weeks before the scheduled assessment date. The application must include:

• A completed Special Consideration Request Form.
• Supporting documentation from a qualified healthcare professional or educational psychologist.
• A statement explaining the nature of the condition and the specific adjustments requested.

4.4 Timeframes and Conditions
Applications submitted less than 12 weeks before the assessment date will only be considered in exceptional circumstances, such as sudden illness or injury. The university will make every effort to implement reasonable adjustments but cannot guarantee accommodation for all requests within short timeframes.

• Illness or Injury: Temporary health issues significantly impacted the student’s ability to complete the assessment.
• Family Emergency: Sudden bereavement, crisis, or other significant personal events.
• Psychological Distress: Severe anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions affecting the student’s concentration and performance.

5.2 Application Process for Post-Assessment Special Considerations
Students must submit a post-assessment special consideration application within 7 days of the assessment date. The application should include:

• A completed Post-Assessment Special Consideration Form.
• A medical certificate or other relevant documentation confirming the circumstances.
• A statement explaining how the circumstances affected the student’s performance.

5.3 Mark Adjustments and Resits
In cases where post-assessment special considerations are granted, the university may offer:

• Mark Adjustments: A minor adjustment to the final mark where the evidence supports that the circumstances slightly hindered the student’s performance.
• Resits: The opportunity to retake the assessment without a cap on the maximum achievable grade, allowing the student to demonstrate their full ability under normal conditions.

• Visual Impairments
  • Modified examination papers (e.g., large print or Braille).
  • Use of assistive technologies, such as screen readers or magnification software.
  • Alternative assessment formats, such as oral exams, instead of written papers.
• Hearing Impairments
  • Additional time for assessments to account for the use of sign language interpreters.
  • Seating arrangements to ensure the lecturer or interpreter is clearly visible.
  • Availability of lecture notes and materials in advance.
• Mobility and Physical Disabilities
  • Accessible examination venues or classrooms.
  • Permission to take breaks during extended assessments.
  • Use of voice recognition software for written assessments.
• Specific Learning Difficulties (e.g., Dyslexia, Dyscalculia)
  • Extra time for reading and completing assessments.
  • Use of assistive software, such as text-to-speech programs or spell checkers.
  • Access to a scribe or reader during examinations.
• Mental Health Conditions (e.g., Anxiety, Depression)
  • Additional time for assessments to accommodate concentration or focus issues.
  • Flexible deadlines or rescheduling of assessments.
  • Access to a quiet room for assessments to reduce anxiety.
• Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
  • A separate room or special seating arrangements to minimise distractions.
  • Access to support staff or mentors for help with understanding instructions.
  • Visual aids or alternative communication methods during assessments.

6.2 Examples of Extenuating Circumstances and Associated Adjustments
Stonebridge University recognises that students may face unexpected or extenuating circumstances that significantly affect their ability to attend or perform assessments. The following are some common examples of such circumstances and the types of adjustments that may be made:

• Short-Term Illness or Injury
  Examples include flu, broken limbs, or recovery from surgery. Adjustments may include:
  o Deferral of the assessment to a later date.
  o Extra time or use of assistive tools to accommodate physical limitations.
  o Provision of a rest area or additional breaks during evaluations.
• Bereavement or Family Emergencies
  Adjustments may include:
  o Postponement of assessment deadlines or exams.
  o Consideration of the impact on academic performance when marking.
  o Option to retake the assessment without penalty.
• Pregnancy and Childbirth
  Adjustments may include:
  o Additional time for assessments or flexible deadlines.
  o Provision of comfortable and accessible assessment venues.
  o Permission to take breaks during examinations or alternative scheduling.
• Unexpected Life Events (e.g., Legal Issues, Home Displacement)
  Adjustments may include:
  o Rescheduling assessments or extending deadlines.
  o Referral to student support services for additional assistance.
  o Temporary leave of absence if the circumstances are severe.
• Victim of Crime or Personal Trauma
  Adjustments may include:
  o Deferred assessments or alternative assessment methods.
  o Provision of counselling and emotional support services.
  o Special consideration in marking if performance was impacted.

¹ Note: Rest periods are not counted as extra time.
² Voice recognition software is classified as a form of scribe.
³ A prompter may also act as a reader if appropriate.

• All requests must be submitted via the online Special Consideration Request Portal or through Student Services in person.
• The submission must include a detailed explanation of the circumstances, the impact on academic performance, and supporting documentation.

7.2 Required Documentation

• Medical Conditions: Medical certificate or healthcare professional’s report.
• Disability or Learning Difficulties: Educational psychologist report or disability assessment report.
• Bereavement or Family Emergency: Death certificate or other relevant documentation.
• Other Circumstances: Any appropriate documentation supporting the claim, such as police reports for burglary or road accidents.

7.3 Approval Process and Notification of Decisions

• The university’s Special Consideration Panel will review the request and supporting evidence.
• The decision will be communicated to the student within 10 working days of submission.
• If further information is required, the student will be notified, and the timeline for a decision may be extended.

• All requests and outcomes will be recorded in a central system for monitoring and reporting purposes.
• The Special Consideration Panel will review records annually to ensure consistency and fairness in applying the policy.

8.2 Review and Feedback Mechanisms

• Students will be invited to provide feedback on their experience with the special consideration process.
• The university will use feedback to identify areas for improvement and ensure that the policy continues to meet students’ needs.

• They believe the decision was not made following the policy.
• There is new evidence that was not previously available.

9.2 Appeals Process

• Appeals must be submitted within 14 days of receiving the special consideration decision.
• An independent panel will review the appeal, and a final decision will be communicated within 21 days.

• All staff involved in the assessment and special consideration process will receive training on the policy and procedures.
• Training will include recognising and addressing the needs of students with disabilities, mental health issues, and other specific requirements.

11.2 Information and Support for Students

• Information on the special consideration policy will be provided during student induction and through ongoing workshops and seminars.
• Students will be encouraged to seek support and advice early if they require special considerations.

• All personal information provided as part of a special consideration request will be handled following the university’s Data Protection Policy.
• Information will only be shared with those directly involved in processing the request and will be stored securely.

• Published on the university’s website.
• Available in alternative formats upon request, such as large print or audio.
• Communicated through training sessions, workshops, and university announcements.