Monash University changes extension policy to address special consideration backlog

Seb Mottram

BY KARUNA BALASUBRAMANIAN

Monash University has increased its faculty extension policy after receiving numerous student complaints regarding a backflow of special consideration requests, which are now expected to decrease by 40 per cent.

The new policy allows faculties to grant up to five days extension - an increase from the previous two-day limit - for students without special consideration and the need for additional documents.

Monash University Deputy Vice-Chancellor & Vice President (Education) Professor Susan Elliott, said 2021 has seen a spike in special consideration requests from the student community.

“This has created significant pressure on assessing and processing special consideration and as a result there have been delays in assessing special consideration applications,” Prof. Elliot said.

Professor Susan Elliot said the procedural changes will improve the overall experience for students and staff. PHOTO: Via Monash.edu

The change was spearheaded by concerned students who took to social media and approached advocacy groups to share their dissatisfaction over the university’s special consideration (SC) process and the immense delays incurred when applying.

After receiving numerous complaints from students via email and Facebook, student advocacy group Monash Student Association (MSA) took action.

MSA President Marni O'Connell said they were overwhelmed by the number of responses from students regarding extended delays and complex cases having insufficient documentation.

“MSA’s Education (Public Affairs) department surveyed students on their experiences with special consideration, which we then put to the University through a series of meetings,” Ms O’Connell said.

MSA president Marni O’Connell says the five day extension of assessments was a result of lobbying the university. PHOTO: Supplied

Ms O’Connell said there needs to be a greater level of communication about the special consideration processes to university staff and students.

“Having additional staff would also ensure the high volume of applications can be processed sooner,” Ms O’Connell said.

“However, as hiring and training takes time, these short term, rapid solutions are a welcome relief for students,” she said.

Students applying for special consideration are usually notified of the outcome within five business days. PHOTO: Supplied

Before the changes, Bachelor of Law and Commerce final year student James Matheson said the process of applying for special consideration had enhanced his stress, and was detrimental to his mental health.

“I had applied for special consideration a few weeks ago and didn’t hear anything back for over a week,” Mr Matheson said.

“So, after the mandatory five business days, I called Monash Connect twice after which they said the SC team was having a backlog and I should try reaching out to my chief examiner,” he said.

Student James Matheson says students cannot contact the special consideration team and can only communicate with Monash Connect. PHOTO: Supplied

Mr Matheson said he had reached out to the Chief Examiner of the unit who told him the responsibility was with the Special Consideration Team to deal with the matter at hand, leaving him with no option other than to wait.

“I was granted the extension four days after the due date and I was only given an extension for the oral part and not for the written part of the assessment,” Mr Matheson said.

Addressing the concerns raised, Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Elliot said the university aimed to reduce its processing time for special consideration, following its review of procedures, in hope the overall student experience is improved.

“These enhancements were implemented on 30 April, 2021. With these new processes in place, it is expected that formal special consideration application volumes will be reduced by 40 per cent,” she said.

“This will assist us in ensuring any current processing delays can be rectified over the next few weeks.”