Supporting students during unprecedented events

When the unimaginable happens, your studies aren’t always at the top of your priorities. Unprecedented events can force many things out of our control, but your grades don’t have to be! #ProtectYourGPA

If you have been impacted by an unprecedented event such as a natural disaster, UNE is here to support you and there are a number of options for you to manage your studies around your situation.

Below are some of the options you can access if your studies have been impacted by a natural disaster or other unprecedented events.

Emergency Relief Funds

These one-off payments are provided by the UNE Foundation and the University are for students who’ve experienced unforeseen or unexpected financial hardship. Some of the circumstances students may apply for the fund are because of drought, family circumstances, health or medical emergencies and other one-off issues Reach out to our team at UNE Life Advocacy & Welfare for a confidential and private discussion on your eligibility for the relief fund.

Extensions for Assessment Tasks

If you feel you can get your assignment(s) done with a short extension (ie, an extra day or between 2 weeks), you will find information about how to request an extension in your Moodle unit outline or you can contact your Unit Coordinator directly. Each school has their own policy in relation to short extensions for assignments so you will need to follow the requirements of your school.

Special Extensions of Time (SET)

Special Extensions of Time are extensions that are longer than 20 days. The maximum extension which may be available is the last teaching day of the following trimester. To apply for a SET, you need to complete the Application for Special Extension of Time form which Advocacy & Welfare can assist you through the process.

Special Consideration

If you have submitted an assignment but feel as though it was not completed to your usual standard because of a unique circumstance, you may wish to apply for special consideration which allows for up to 3% to be considered during marking.

Special Examinations

If an unprecedented event or illness has prevented you from attending your exam, you can apply to re-sit the exam via a special examination application.

Remission of Fees

Remission of Fees is the cancellation of a HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP debt for a unit. There are three criteria for special circumstances that must apply for your application to be approved. If you have failed the unit, and your remission application is successful, your grade will be changed to a Withdrawn (W).

Withdrawal Without Academic Penalty

If an unprecedented event has impacted your ability to study, you may be able to withdraw from the unit without financial and/or academic penalty, depending on how far into the trimester you are.

Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

You are never alone at UNE. The UNE Wellness Center provides staff and students with counselling and psychological services to support them through difficult times. Head to their website to find out more and to book an appointment.

Our thoughts go out to the people of NSW who are experiencing floods right now. If you are in one of the flood zones we hope that you are staying safe and as dry as possible.

If you would like to speak to someone about which of these options are right for you, or you would like assistance with applying for any of the above, the student Advocacy and Welfare team are here to support you. You can get in touch with us here or call (02) 6773 3116 to speak with one of our friendly team.

You’re never alone at UNE.

Our team at Advocacy and Welfare offers confidential support to students! Contact us here.
Student Success also has confidential counselling for students, you can find them here.
Lifeline is also a 24/7 hotline and you can call them on 13 11 14