Due dates for assignments are clearly specified on unit guides. Unless students have been granted formal extensions, the following are the normal penalties for late presentation of assignment work:

• up to one week late, loss of 10% of the total available marks for the assignment;
• one to two weeks late, loss of 20% of the total available marks for the assignment;
• and over two weeks late, no mark.

An extension may be granted by the Registrar or the Registrar’s Delegate under the following circumstances:

• Illness (of student or immediate family member for whom student provided care) of three or more days.
• Death of close family member.
• Unavoidable disruption that did not make its impact known until after commencement of the unit (see definition below).

Extensions will normally be granted for the period of time that was directly lost through the incident, to the nearest week. Typically extensions will not be granted for more than two weeks but may be granted to a maximum of four weeks. Assignments submitted after the extended due date will attract the normal late submission penalty.

If the student feels that their circumstances will impact their ability to study for a period longer than four weeks they should meet with their Course Advisor to discuss options for continuing in the unit.

The following conditions apply:

• Evidence MUST be provided – such as a medical certificate or copy of a death notice.
• The event must be less than 6 weeks prior to the due date.
• The request must be received at least 48hours prior to the due date.
• The Request for Assignment Extension form must be properly completed.

No extension will be given in the following circumstances:

• Poor time management
• Computer, printer or copier problems
• Minor illness (1 or 2 days of sickness)
• Special events (work, family, church, etc.)
• Loss of form or failure to attach form when assignment is submitted
• Routine demands of employment, family commitments and study commitments
• Difficulties adjusting to the self-discipline needed to study effectively or stress associated with examinations and assessments
• Extra-curricular activities

Unavoidable Disruption (as defined by the Sydney College of Divinity)

The College defines unavoidable disruption to studies as an event or set of circumstances which:
(a) could not have reasonably been anticipated, avoided or guarded against by the student and
(b) were beyond the student’s control and
(c) caused substantial disruption to the student’s capacity for effective study and/or the completion of required work and
(d) interfered with the otherwise satisfactory fulfilment of unit or program requirements.

Students applying for extension on the grounds of unavoidable disruption must supply evidence to support their claim.