UNE Business School Assessment Information and Late Assessment Policy

A brief overview of UNE’s Assessment Guidelines are below. This brief includes information regarding:

If you require more information or want to read the full Guidelines or Appeals documents, please refer to these on the policies page.

Please note: All assessment tasks will have a specified due date and this is included in the myLearn site for your unit. It is the responsibility of all students to ensure that their assessments are received by the due date and submitted electronically.

Presentation

For written essays and reports and other assessment tasks where formal guidelines (e.g. audio recording, pamphlet, newsletter, policy statement, electronic poster, PowerPoint presentation, journal, text or image construction, etc.) are not specifically given in the assessment description, assessment tasks should comply with the following format:

  • Title Page – with Name, Student Number, Unit details, Assignment number, Topic title, Due date, and Word count
  • Page numbers and your Student Number in the header or footer
  • A margin of at least 4 cm on the left-hand side
  • Double-spaced in 12-point Times New Roman font
  • A4 paper

Referencing

The UNE Business School uses two standard referencing styles: APA and Chicago Author-Date. Both are Harvard referencing styles – Harvard being a generic term for any author-date referencing system.

Unless indicated otherwise, either style can be used to reference assessment tasks.

Some units in UNE Business School courses are taught by the School of Law, these have the unit code: LSSUXXX. The School of Law uses a different referencing style: Australian Guide to Legal Citation, 4th ed (AGLC4). All students in LSSUXXX coded units must use AGLC4. Additionally, the School of Law requires all students to complete the Academic Integrity and Referencing Learning Instrument (AIRLI) for Law before submitting the first assessment. This is in addition to UNE’s ‘AIM’. AIRLI helps students learn how to use AGLC4. Students undertaking units taught by the School of Law will have access to the AIRLI through their relevant LSSUXXX myLearn sites.

Further information on referencing

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the action or practice of taking and using as one's own the thoughts or writings of another without acknowledgment. You must comply with the University's policy on Plagiarism and Academic Misconduct as described in the following policies:

Under the new Assessment Guidelines, where the assessment type allows, students must submit their assessment tasks through UNE’s originality measurement software.

You are also responsible for:

  • Completing the Academic Integrity Module in myLearn prior to submitting your first assignment in your first Trimester of study
  • Reading, understanding and respecting the policies on plagiarism and academic misconduct found at the websites above
  • Familiarise yourself with the conventions of referencing for your discipline(s)
  • Avoid all acts which could be considered plagiarism
  • Seek assistance from appropriate sources with any academic writing areas where you are aware you need more knowledge and skills
  • Confirm that you accept the submission statement for each assessment submission, which declares the assessment task is your own work, that all sources have been properly acknowledged and that the assessment task contains no plagiarism Be aware that when you submit an assessment task electronically, you are deemed to have signed the declaration

Avoiding Plagiarism

You should refer to the following websites or to academic units for further advice and assistance:

The Student Coursework Academic Misconduct Rule and the Student Coursework Academic Misconduct Procedures state that students have a responsibility to complete the Academic Integrity Module (AIM), which covers the rules of academic integrity, essential for successful and ethical study practices at UNE. The AIM educates students about these rules, what the University means by the term ‘plagiarism’, and how to incorporate other people’s ideas and language into their own work without violating these rules.

Completing the AIM is one small step towards achieving and demonstrating the UNE graduate attribute of social responsibility, which involves behaving with personal and professional integrity in academic and other contexts.

Access to the AIM is provided alongside other units on students’ myLearn My home page. It can also be accessed directly Academic Integrity Module. (You will need to login to myLearn.) The link to the AIM site will remain on students’ myLearn pages while they are enrolled at UNE to allow continued access to the information. Students who complete the AIM will be awarded a digital badge.

Submission of Assessment Tasks

Unless otherwise directed by the unit coordinator in the unit teaching materials, students must submit assessment tasks by electronic submission (through the learning management system). Details of how to submit your assessment tasks in myLearn can be found in the Learning Online at UNE myLearn site. (You will need to login to myLearn.)

Extensions of Assessment Tasks

If you find that you cannot meet the published due date for an assessment task, you must apply for an extension no later than the due date by completing the appropriate Assignment Extension Request form in the unit myLearn site. Under the UNE Assessment Policy, an extension can be granted for reasons including personal health issues, unexpected or unavoidable work or family commitments or other extenuating circumstances.

The UNE Business School has implemented two processes for applying for extensions:

1. Extension of up to three (3) calendar days

Can be automatically granted for one of the reasons outlined in the UNE Assessment Policy by using the “Register for a 3-Day extension” link within the unit myLearn site.

**Please note that not all assessment types are eligible for these automatic 3-day extensions. You should check with your unit coordinator if you anticipate a problem meeting the due date for these types of assessment tasks.

2. Extension requests of more than three (3) calendar days

Must be submitted through the “AskUNE Extension Form” link within the unit myLearn site. Extensions of more than three calendar days require supporting information, such as a medical certificate, and this information should be provided with the extension request.

**Please note that extensions may not be available for some assessment tasks, e.g. group work and online quizzes and take-home exams. You should check with your unit coordinator if you anticipate a problem meeting the due date for these types of assessment tasks.

Extensions will be granted on the basis of unavoidable or unforeseen circumstances. However, requests that relate to avoidable time management issues such as 'heavy work commitments in other units' or 'leaving my run a little late' will not be considered favourably.

Please monitor your student email account for details of the outcome of your application.

As per UNE’s Assessment Policy:

  1. Extension requests should be made as early as possible and before the due date and time of the assessment task. Requests submitted after the due date and time will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.
  2. The normal maximum extension is up to seven (7) calendar days and may be granted for reasons including personal health issues, unexpected work or family commitments or other extenuating circumstances. The School may request supporting documentation such as a medical certificate, a signed letter from an employer or a statutory declaration.
  3. Extensions longer than seven (7) calendar days may be granted for more serious personal health issues, unexpected work or family commitments or other extenuating circumstances that impact the student’s capacity to complete the assessment task within an additional seven (7) days of the original due date. Requests for these extensions will require supporting documentation.
  4. If an extension is required beyond the final day of the relevant teaching period, students must apply for a special extension of time through the process outlined below under the heading “Special Assessments”.
  5. If an extension for a student allows submission after the release of marks and feedback for the assessment task to other students, the Unit Coordinator may, at their discretion, require the student to complete a suitable alternative assessment task.

The penalties for late submission and for non-submission are:

  1. A deduction of 5% of the total marks for the assessment task for each calendar day or part day after the due date will be applied. The relevant Associate Dean Teaching and Learning, considering disciplinary and professional standards, may approve a lower penalty for individual units. The Unit Coordinator will advise students of the lower penalty through the Learning Management System.
  2. An assessment task received more than ten (10) calendar days after the due date without an approved extension will receive 0% for the task. The relevant Associate Dean Teaching and Learning, considering disciplinary and professional standards, may approve an alternative penalty for individual units.
  3. Where a task is mandatory to submit in order to complete a unit, a task received more than ten (10) calendar days after the due date but within the relevant teaching period will be deemed as having been submitted.

The Unit Coordinator will inform affected students when late submission penalties are applied.

If you find that you have missed a deadline because of unavoidable or unforeseen circumstances, contact the Business School through AskUNE as soon as possible to discuss options.

Return of Assessment Tasks

The unit coordinator will endeavour to have assessment tasks marked and returned electronically within 21 calendar days after either the submission due date or the actual submission date (if after the submission due date).  Examinations should be marked and marks provided to students prior to final grades being released. If marking is delayed for any reason, the Unit Coordinator will ensure students are informed of the delay and an expected timeframe for completion.

In some instances the early return of marked assessment tasks will be delayed until all students have submitted their work (a maximum of two weeks after the due date). This will be the case if returning marked assessment tasks or making feedback available could advantage students who have not yet submitted.

If a student receives an extension they should expect the return of their work to be later than assessment tasks submitted on time. This means that in some cases assessment tasks may not be returned before the next task is due or before the exam.

Marking of Assessment Tasks

Students are advised that their assessment tasks may be marked by someone other than a member of the teaching team. If this is the case, the Head of School will approve the appointment of all casual markers, and the unit coordinator will moderate the marking process to ensure competence, fairness and consistency.

Special Assessment

Please submit applications for any of the below to AskUNE (www.une.edu.au/askune).

Applications for special assessment must be made within five (5) working days of the examination date or the assessment due date. Late applications will be accepted at the discretion of the Course Coordinator (or delegate).

Special Extension of Time (SET)

If you have been prevented by illness or other unavoidable and unforeseen circumstances from completing any written assessment task (other than a formal examination) and an extension is required beyond the final day of the relevant teaching period, you may apply for a special extension of time. Application form for Special Extension of Time (PDF, 225.46 KB).

Special Consideration

If you sat your examination but believe that your performance in the examination was adversely affected by illness or other unavoidable and unforeseen circumstances before or during the examination, you may apply for special consideration. Application form for Special Consideration (PDF, 327 KB). If approved, up to a maximum of three (3) percentage points on top of the student’s current total unit (not individual assessment) mark will be applied.

Deferred Examination (SPE)

If you were unable to attend the University examination for a unit because of illness or other unavoidable circumstances, or if you sat your examination but believe that your performance in the examination was adversely affected by illness or other unavoidable and unforeseen circumstances before or during the examination, you may apply for a deferred examination. Application form for Deferred Examination (PDF, 204.38 KB).

School-based Deferred Examination (SPS)

The UNE Business School Policy for School-based Deferred Examinations:

  • A School-based Deferred Examination (SPS) must be approved by the Head of School (or nominee) and is available only when:

    1. the deferred examination relates to the final unit a student needs to successfully complete their course
    and
    2. there is evidence of extenuating circumstances.

Please use the Deferred Examination application form when requesting a School-based Deferred Examination and include the details of how you meet the criteria and why you need a School-based Deferred Examination in your cover letter. You will also need to include supporting documentation that supports your request and your extenuating circumstances.

Supplementary Assessment

A supplementary assessment will be offered to a student who is in their final teaching period before graduation and because of the following circumstances is unable to graduate:

  • has an aggregate result between 45% and less than 50% in a unit; or
  • has a mark of between 45% and less than 50% in any assessment item where a mark of 50% or higher is mandatory to pass the unit.

The student will not be eligible for a supplementary assessment if it has been determined that they engaged in academic misconduct in the unit.

The supplementary assessment will be comparable in type and content to at least one of the original assessment tasks in the unit and will allow the student to demonstrate achievement of the unit learning outcomes not achieved. The student will be provided with a due date for the supplementary assessment that provides sufficient time for the student to demonstrate achievement.

In order to pass the unit, the student must achieve a mark of 50% or higher in the supplementary assessment. If achieved, the student will receive a maximum mark of 50% for the unit.

Students with additional needs or particular educational requirements

Students with health conditions or personal circumstances who require adjustments to be made to assessment tasks or examinations should contact Student Accessibility and Wellbeing (before the commencement of the teaching period where possible). Student Access and Inclusion will work with the student (or representative) and relevant staff members to arrange reasonable adjustments or an alternative form of assessment task. Alternative assessment methods must be arranged with the advice and support of Student Access and Inclusion to ensure accordance with the Disability Standards for Education 2005, under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth).

Assessment Appeals

The University’s Assessment Appeals Policy provides a framework for appeals on academic assessment to ensure appeals are dealt with fairly, equitably, reasonably, and transparently while maintaining the academic quality and rigors of UNE’s assessment processes.  The guidelines apply to all coursework programs, and contain information relating to the following:

  • General provisions for appeals;
  • Appeals related to unit assessment;
  • Appeals related to student placements;
  • Appeals related to school assessment policy and procedures;
  • Appeals related to special assessment;
  • Appeals related to exclusion for insufficient course progress; and
  • Appeals related to assessment of Bachelor with Honours, Graduate Diploma, and non-research Masters dissertations or theses.

Please follow the processes outlined in the Assessment Appeals Policy if you wish to submit an appeal in relation to any of the areas outlined above.

UNE Grading System

Taken from the Assessment Policy.

Grade (Code)

Explanation

HD
High Distinction
85% or above

Addresses the assessment criteria to an excellent standard. Outstanding achievement of the learning outcomes. Superior level of knowledge and skills displayed.
7 on the Grade Point Average (GPA) scale
Numerical conversion: scores and/or aggregate marks of 85% or above

D
Distinction
75% and 84%

Addresses the assessment criteria to a very high standard. Very good achievement of the learning outcomes. Very high level of knowledge and skills displayed.
6 on the Grade Point Average (GPA) scale
Numerical conversion: scores and/or aggregate marks of 75% and 84%

C
Credit
65 to 74%

Addresses the assessment criteria to a high standard. Good achievement of the learning outcomes. High level of knowledge and skills displayed.
5 on the Grade Point Average (GPA) scale
Numerical conversion: scores and/or aggregate marks of 65% and 74%

P
Pass
50 to 64%

Addresses the assessment criteria to a satisfactory standard. Satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes. Adequate level of knowledge and skills displayed.
4 on the Grade Point Average (GPA) scale
Numerical conversion: scores and/or aggregate marks of 50% and 64%

N
Fail
Less than 50%

Fails to adequately address the assessment criteria. Does not achieve the learning outcomes. Does not display an adequate level of knowledge and skills.
0 on the Grade Point Average (GPA) scale
Numerical conversion: scores and/or aggregate marks of less than 50%

NC
Compulsory Fail

An assessment task has not been passed, which must be passed in order to pass the unit, but where the overall mark is 50% or higher.
0 on the Grade Point Average (GPA) scale

NI
Fail

One or more mandatory assessment tasks or requirements for the completion of the unit were not submitted or fulfilled.
0 on the Grade Point Average (GPA) scale

SR
Satisfied Requirements

Satisfied Requirements
SR has no numerical score on the GPA scale

US — Unsatisfactory
US is 0 on the GPA scale

In some units, the grading system is organised on a Satisfied Requirements/Unsatisfactory (Pass/Fail) basis. When this grading system is used the appropriate interpretive descriptors to apply will be those for the grade of at least Pass or Fail.

Administrative Grades

Grade

Meaning

AOS

Approved overseas study

RU

Result temporarily unavailable

RY

Result next teaching period or next year — generally thesis or dissertation units

SET

Special extension of time granted

SPE

Special examination granted — arranged by Student Administration and Services

SPS

Special examination granted — arranged by School

W

Withdrew after the census date but by the last date prescribed in the Principal Dates before deemed to have failed

WN

Withdrew after the date prescribed in the Principal Dates and deemed to have failed

WUN

Withdrawn by the University and deemed to have failed