Assessment
The Assessment Rules that follow should be read in conjunction with:
General
- Code of Practice - Students, outlining the general rights and responsibilities of students at the University
- Code of Practice - Practical Placements, setting out policies and practices regarding workplace experience and other practical training requirements
- Acknowledgement Practice, explaining how to acknowledge sources
- Special Consideration Policy, setting out the procedures and criteria for special consideration requests for all forms of assessment
- University Examination Rules, outlining procedures for the administration of centrally run University examinations.
Coursework and Honours
- Code of Practice - Teaching and Assessment, setting out the responsibilities of academic staff in relation to the assessment of undergraduate and postgraduate coursework subjects.
- Academic Grievance Policy (Coursework and Honours Students), setting out the University's general approach to resolving academic grievances and procedures that may be followed where a student wishes to pursue such a grievance
- Code of Practice - Honours, setting out the responsibilities of students and academic staff in relation to research or creative projects within an honours program or course of study leading to an Honours award.
Higher Degree Research
- Code of Practice - Research, setting out the policy and best practice relating to procedures for responsible practices in research
- Research Misconduct Policy - dealing with problems of research misconduct
- Code of Practice - Supervision, setting out the policy regarding supervision of research students
- Course Rule 10. Higher Degree Research, setting out requirements for doctoral or Masters theses
- Academic Grievance Policy (Higher Degree Research Students), setting out the process for resolving academic grievances for Higher Degree Research students.
Definitions
8.1 The following are definitions that are specific for Course Rule 8. Assessment:
| Term/Abbreviation |
Definition |
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assessment
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assessment means work which a student is required to complete to provide a basis for an official record of achievement or certification of competence in a subject. This may include summative and/or formative forms of assessment. Examples of assessments include, but are not limited to: examination, test, take-home examination, quiz, assignment, essay, laboratory report, thesis, demonstration, performance, tutorial presentation, class participation, practicum, clinical placement, and work experience in industry
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examination room
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examination room means a designated place where an examination or in-session test is held
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examination supervisor
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examination supervisor means a person authorised by the Academic Registrar to supervise a formal examination held by the University or authorised by the Head of the relevant academic unit to supervise an in-session test
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examiner
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examiner means a person or persons with responsibility for the assessment of work in any subject
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faculty examination
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faculty examination means a test, examination, quiz or in-class review conducted by an academic unit
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University examination
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University examination means a formal examination, including a supplementary examination, conducted by the Academic Registrar's Division (ARD)
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Assessment responsibilities of students
Assessment task requirements
8.2 Unless permission is first obtained from the relevant Subject Coordinator, undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students must submit the prescribed assessment work in accordance with the requirements set out or referred to in the relevant Subject Outline, which must be developed and distributed to students in accordance with the Code of Practice - Teaching and Assessment. Failure to meet the requirements for an assessment task as set out in the Subject Outline may result in a reduction in marks or a fail grade for that assessment task.
8.3 Unless permission is first obtained from the relevant Honours Coordinator, students completing an honours project must meet the assessment requirements set out in the Honours Guide which must be provided to students in accordance with the Code of Practice - Honours. Failure to meet these requirements may result in a reduction in marks or a fail grade for the honours project.
8.4 Students completing higher degree research projects must comply with the assessment requirements specified in the Code of Practice - Supervision and Course Rule 10. Higher Degree Research.
8.5 All assessment tasks must be responded to in English unless otherwise directed.
8.6 All students should keep a copy of all work submitted for assessment and should be prepared to submit a copy if requested by the relevant academic staff member to do so.
8.7 Students sitting an examination must comply with the University Examination Rules.
Minimum attendance requirements
8.8 Coursework and Honours students must meet any mandatory minimum attendance requirements, for example, at seminars, tutorials, practicals, laboratories or other modes of instruction, as set out in the relevant Subject Outline or Honours Guide. Failure by a student to comply with such mandatory minimum attendance requirements may constitute grounds for failure in that subject.
Special consideration
8.9 Students may apply for special consideration under the Special Consideration Policy where they believe that their academic performance in one or more assessment tasks has been, or is likely to be, adversely affected by illness or other circumstances beyond their control.
8.10 Students must not attempt to avoid assessment requirements using unauthorised means, for example, by forging or altering documents supporting special consideration applications. A breach by a student of this requirement may amount to misconduct and disciplinary action may be taken by an authorised person under the Student Conduct Rules.
Acknowledgement practice
8.11 Students must not submit for assessment work which has been submitted for any other subject at the University or at any other educational institution, except as otherwise permitted.
8.12 Where any material is used by a student which is not entirely the work of the student, in whole or in part, the student must comply with the Acknowledgement Practice document and fully reference that material in accordance with the system of referencing specified in the Subject Outline.
8.13 Failure by a student to comply with the requirements in Rules 8.11-8.12 inclusive may amount to academic misconduct and disciplinary action may be taken by an authorised person under the Rules for Student Discipline.
Conduct during University or faculty Examinations
8.14 Students sitting a University or faculty examination must not:
- have in their possession any material that is not authorised by the examiner for the subject concerned
- communicate with any other student, unless expressly approved by the supervisor or examiner
- give or endeavour to give assistance to any other student, unless expressly approved by the examiner
- accept or endeavour to accept assistance from any student or other person, unless such assistance has been expressly approved by the examiner
- permit any other student to read, copy from or use their examination question or answer paper, unless expressly approved by the examiner
- use any other material belonging to or written by another student or other person unless expressly approved by the examiner
- remove from the examination room any question or answer paper, other paper provided for use by the student during the course of the examination or test, or other material which is the property of the University, unless authorised by the supervisor or examiner or
- cause a disturbance or behave in a manner likely to disturb any other student.
8.15 Students sitting a University or faculty examination must:
- obey any instruction given by an examination supervisor for the proper conduct of an examination or test and
- comply with any other University By-Law or Rule in relation to orderly conduct.
8.16 A student who does not comply with the requirements set out in Rules 8.14 and 8.15 above:
- may be guilty of misconduct under the Student Conduct Rules or the Campus Access and Order Rules and disciplinary action may be taken by an authorised person and
- will normally be allowed to complete the examination but may be required to leave the examination room immediately in circumstances considered appropriate by the Academic Registrar or nominee (in the case of a University examination conducted by the Academic Registrar's Division) or the examiner (in the case of a faculty examination).
Declaration and release of final results
Declaration of results
8.17 A mark and an approved grade of performance is determined and declared for each subject in which a student is enrolled in accordance with the Code of Practice - Teaching and Assessment and Assessment Committee Guidelines. The roles of the Faculty Assessment Committee and the Academic Unit Assessment Committee in these processes are set out in their respective terms of reference.
Release of results
8.18 After final results are declared, the results are released by the Academic Registrar in a form and at a time determined by the Academic Registrar. Students access their results via their enrolment record on Student OnLine Services (SOLS) on the day of release of results. No information concerning results will be given by telephone.
Withheld results
8.19 Students must not have a blank declaration of results. A withheld result must be given when a grade is not allocated. Withheld results may be granted as follows:
- WH (withheld):
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- for medical or compassionate grounds: supported by an approved request under the Special Consideration Policy;
- for investigative grounds: any formal investigation carried out by a person or committee authorised to conduct the investigation under University Rules or policy;
- for where there are unavoidable delays in assessing the material.
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IPC (in progress coursework): for where a subject spans session dates (for example any subject lasting two sessions or longer), or those which include completion of a practicum, clinical placement, internship or other professional experience
- WHE (withheld extension): for when an extension for the non-declaration of results, including a reason has been approved by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International)
- ND (not declared): is a grade that is automatically generated by the student system when a grade has not been declared.
8.20 Where a WH or ND result is allocated given these results must be declared ten weeks after the release of results date. If an extension after that ten week period is required, each Dean, or their nominee, must submit a request for a four week extension for the non declaration of results including a reason, to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International). This extension must be submitted within ten weeks from the release of results date. Failure to request an extension will result in an automatic fail grade being given after the ten week period. If an extension has been granted failure to declare a result within four weeks from the extension date will result in an automatic fail grade being given.
8.21 When a WH or ND result is granted given, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the relevant academic unit as soon as practical. Failure to do so will result in an automatic fail grade being determined after ten weeks from the release of results.
8.22 Where a subject is required to be undertaken over more than one session, a grade shall be declared at the end of each session as either:
- IPC (in progress coursework) – for coursework subjects and clinical placements or
- IPR (in progress research) – for research subjects.
8.23 When the subject has been completed a grade of performance, as per Rules 8.26-33 inclusive, shall be declared for the final session of enrolment. All previous session enrolments may be declared as CO (Complete) for the purpose of counting the total credit points for the subject.
8.24 If a student is deemed to be making unsatisfactory progress during a multi session subject and is not permitted to continue their enrolment in the subject, a grade of U (Unsatisfactory) shall be applied to the current session of enrolment.
8.25 If a student withdraws from a multi session subject a grade of either U (Unsatisfactory) or NC (Not Complete) may be declared as appropriate to indicate that the student has ceased the subject before completion.
Grades of performance
8.26 The approved grades of performance and associated ranges of marks for 100, 200, 300 and 400 level subjects (except for subjects constituting an Honours program applying 8.37 (a) to determine the Honours grade) are as follows:
Satisfactory completion:
High Distinction 85% to100%
Distinction 75% to 84%
Credit 65% to 74%
Pass 50% to 64%
Pass Restricted / Pass Conceded 45% to 49%
Unsatisfactory completion
Fail 0% to 44%
8.27 The approved grades of performance and associated ranges of marks for 600 level subjects are as follows:
Satisfactory completion:
High Distinction 85% to 100%
Distinction 75% to 84%
Credit 65% to 74%
Pass 50% to 64%
Unsatisfactory completion:
Fail 0% to 49%
8.28 The approved grades of performance and associated ranges of marks for 800 and 900 level subjects (except for Higher Degree Research Thesis subjects ie THES9XX) are as follows:
Satisfactory completion:
High Distinction 85% to 100%
Distinction 75% to 84%
Credit 65% to 74%
Pass 50% to 64%
Unsatisfactory completion:
Fail 0% to 49%
8.29 For approved undergraduate and postgraduate coursework subjects, performance will be determined as:
Satisfactory Completion: Satisfactory
Unsatisfactory Completion: Unsatisfactory
Graduate School of Medicine
8.30 In addition to the determination of performance in Rule 8.29 above, subjects from the Graduate School of Medicine that are completed with a high standard of performance may be awarded the grade of Excellent instead of Satisfactory.
8.31 Subjects satisfactorily completed at a Pass Conceded or Pass Restricted grade may comprise no more than one sixth of the minimum credit point value of a course.
8.32 The award of the grade of Pass Restricted in a subject will prohibit a student progressing to the next subject in a sequence for which the subject in which the Pass Restricted is awarded is a prerequisite. However, students are not prevented from repeating a subject for which a Pass Restricted has been awarded.
8.33 Where a student gains a mark of 45 or greater (for 100, 200, 300 and 400 level subjects) or a mark of 50 or greater (for 800 and 900 level subjects) and does not meet a specified level in an assessment task required to pass the subject a Technical Fail grade shall be used. Where a Technical Fail is given the following applies:
- failure of the subject;
- TF (Technical Fail) without a mark will be granted;
- a TF will be presented on the student’s Academic Transcript; and
- the allocated mark of 44 will be used as the WAM calculation for subjects at all levels.
8.34 Where a subject has a minimum performance level required for either the subject, and/or for specific assessment tasks that are part of the subject, this must be included in the Subject Outline with the statement that students who do not meet the minimum performance requirements as set out in the Subject Outline will be given a TF grade on their Academic Transcript.
8.35 The following grades of Honours degrees may be awarded:
Honours Class I
Honours Class II, Division 1
Honours Class II, Division 2
Honours Class III
8.36 Honours grades will be determined using a weighted average mark calculated as follows:
weighted average mark =
SUM (mlc)
SUM (lc)
where:
m is the actual mark obtained in each attempt at each subject;
c is the credit point value of the subject;
l is the weight reflecting the level of the subject (see 8.37 below).
Summation in the numerator and denominator is over all subjects.
8.37 For each Honours degree, one of the following four methods must be adopted to determine the Honours grade:
a) Method 1:
Weightings for different subject levels (i.e. the l factor set out in 8.36):
1 for 400 level subjects that constitute the Honours program
0 for 300 level
0 for 200 level
0 for 100 level
Ranges for grades of Honours:
Class I 85% to 100%
Class II, Division 1 75% to less than 85%
Class II, Division 2 65% to less than 75%
Class III (where awarded) 50% to less than 65%
Honours not awarded 0% to less than 50%
b) Method 2:
Weightings for different subject levels (i.e. the l factor set out in 8.36):
4 for 400 level
3 for 300 level
2 for 200 level
1 for 100 level
Ranges for grades of Honours:
Class I 77.5% to 100%
Class II, Division 1 72.5% to less than 77.5%
Class II, Division 2 67.5% to less than 72.5%
Class III (where awarded) 62.5% to less than 67.5%
Honours not awarded 0% to less than 62.5%
c) Method 3:
Weightings for different subject levels (i.e. the l factor set out in 8.36):
4 for 400 level
1 for 300 level
0 for 200 level
0 for 100 level
Ranges for grades of Honours:
Class I 80% to 100%
Class II, Division 1 72.5% to less than 80%
Class II, Division 2 65% to less than 72.5%
Honours not awarded 0 to less than 65%
d) Method 4:
Weightings for different subject levels (i.e. the l factor set out in 8.36):
1 for 400 level
1 for 300 level
1 for 200 level
1 for 100 level
Ranges for grades of Honours:
Class I 75% to 100%
Class II, Division 1 72.5% to less than 75%
Class II, Division 2 70% to less than 72.5%
Honours not awarded 0 to less than 70%
8.38 Where a student has completed an honours program which applies Rules 8.37 (b), (c), or (d) but has not achieved a mark entitling the student to an award of Honours, the student will be eligible for a pass degree if they meet the requirements for that degree.
8.39 Where the method for determining the grade of Honours applied for a particular Honours program is changed after a student has commenced that program, the faculty must ensure that the student is not disadvantaged by the change. This may require the application of a previous method of determining Honours grades to that student.
8.40 Except as provided in Rule 8.41 below, every attempt at a subject in the course is to be included in the determination in Rule 8.36 above.
8.41 Subjects which are graded Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (U) (under Rule 8.29 above) are not to be included in the determination in Rule 8.36 above.
8.42 For four year prescribed courses, honours may be awarded only for those courses which contain 300 and 400 level subjects having a total value of at least 60 credit points, including:
a. at least 24 credit points at 400 level and at least 36 credit points at 300 level taken by the candidate at this University and
b. a 400 level thesis or project subject with value of at least 12 credit points.
8.43 A one year discreet honours course shall consist of at least 48 credit points total which includes a 400 level thesis or project subject with value of at least 12 credit points.
8.44 For 900 level research thesis subjects undertaken over several sessions, the grade of In Progress Research shall be declared at the end of each session until after the completion of thesis examination as set out in Course Rule 10. Higher Degree Research.
8.45 The following requirements must be met for a student to be eligible to receive an award "with Distinction":
a. A student must be enrolled in one of the following courses:
i. a pass Bachelor degree or
ii. a Masters by Coursework degree.
b. An undergraduate student, including a student enrolled in a joint program, must have completed at least 50% of their degree at the University of Wollongong
c. A postgraduate student must have completed at least 75% of their degree at the University of Wollongong
d. Advanced standing is not counted when assessing eligibility for the award "with Distinction" and is not included in the percentage of subjects completed at the University of Wollongong requirements specified in Rules 8.45(b) and (c)
e. Students enrolled in a double degree shall be assessed for eligibility for the award "with Distinction" for each degree separately or
f. A degree containing 50% or more of subjects that are graded at the level of Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory will not be eligible for the award "with Distinction".
8.46 Subject to Rule 8.45(d) above, all subjects completed while registered for the course shall be taken into account in determining the granting of an award "with Distinction".
8.47 In order to achieve an award "with Distinction", students must gain an average mark of 75% or more in these subjects. In determining a students average mark, subjects will be weighted for credit point value only.
8.48 Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) who achieve a minimum of three out of the four subjects (MEDI601, MEDI602, MEDI603 and MEDI604) with a grade of Excellent and who have not failed any subjects during the course of their candidature, shall be awarded the degree "with Distinction".
8.49 There are three circumstances where a student's academic record may be amended, that is, where:
a) there has been an enrolment error (as determined under Rule 8.50 below)
b) a student has successfully applied under the Student Academic Grievance Policy to have a mark or grade altered or
c) a student has successfully applied for special consideration under the Special Consideration Policy that has resulted in changing a final grade to withdrawn.
8.50 A student may apply to have their academic record amended where the student has either:
a) received a Fail or Unsatisfactory grade for a subject that they did not attempt but for which they were formally enrolled as a result of an enrolment error or
b) attempted a subject for which they were not formally enrolled as a result of an enrolment error and need to be enrolled to have a grade declared.
8.51 Applications under Rule 8.50 must be made on the appropriate form, which must:
a) be completed and signed by the student
b) include appropriate details to support the application and
c) be lodged with the Academic Registrar's Division no later than four weeks after the release of results.
8.52 An academic record will be amended in special circumstances only. The application will be assessed and, if it is determined that the error was the fault of the student, the student must pay an $80.00 charge before the academic record will be altered.
8.53 Under the Higher Education Support Act, domestic students are not eligible for Commonwealth support or assistance for subjects enrolled after the census date if the reason for late enrolment is student error. In these cases Commonwealth supported students will only be able to enrol in subjects on a full fee paying basis. For courses where there are no full fee paying places offered (e.g. Undergraduate courses), students will be required to enrol on a non-award basis and pay the non-award fees upfront. Non-Commonwealth supported (full fee paying) students will be required to pay the relevant tuition fees upfront.
8.54 An academic record will not be amended if it has been over 12 months since the release of results for the subject for which the amendment is sought.
8.55 Students may enrol in a course providing they comply with the enrolment rules and make satisfactory course progress.
8.56 Students enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate coursework programs are required to maintain the minimum level of course progress as specified in the Course Progress Policy. Higher Degree Research (HDR) students should refer to rules 8.61 -8.63 below, and the HDR Review and Probation guidelines.
8.57 The course progress policy defines the minimum level course progress as being a passing grade for 50% of credit points attempted in any course progress study period.
8.58 Except for courses covered in Rule 8.63 students who have failing or withheld grades in 50% or more of credit points attempted will have not met course progress requirements.
8.59 Except for courses covered in Rule 8.60, students who have not met course progress requirements may be placed on a pending course status, or a course status of referral, or a course status of probation. Students on a course status of probation who do not meet course progress requirements may be excluded from the University.
8.60 Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). If a student fails any component of a subject, as outlined on the course structure, they shall be required to repeat the entire subject. Students are only permitted to fail once during their candidature. A student who fails a second time, at any point in the course, shall be excluded from the course.
8.61 Higher Degree Research (HDR) students undertaking coursework subjects as part of their degree must complete their subjects at the level required by, and outlined in, the Faculty course program requirements. HDR students who do not meet these requirements may be excluded from the course.
8.62 A candidate enrolled for a Higher Degree Research shall submit annually to the Research Student Centre through the Faculty, a report on progress of work in accordance with the HDR course rules 10.29.
8.63 HDR students completing a thesis subject must maintain satisfactory progress throughout their candidature. The candidature of a student making unsatisfactory progress may be made subject to probation and/or may not proceed past the coursework component of the degree. Outcomes may include transfer to a different degree program or termination of candidature.
8.64 The student may be excluded from the course:
a. where the student fails to perform satisfactorily in a mandatory placement component of a course or for other specified reasons is deemed to be unlikely to perform satisfactorily in that placement and therefore has been assessed as unsuitable to continue in such professional practice by the Academic Course Coordinator or
b. where the external agency has refused to permit that student access to their facilities, the student may be excluded from the course.
8.65 Where the Academic Course Coordinator has reason to believe it is necessary to assess a student's suitability to continue to participate in a mandatory placement component, the Academic Course Coordinator must consult and be in agreement with the Faculty Dean before proceeding. The Dean shall advise the student in writing of the decision within three business days of making it, and invite the student to show cause in writing within the next twenty (20) days why the Rule should not be applied to them.
8.66 If the student is unable to show cause, he/she will be excluded from the course.
8.67 An undergraduate or postgraduate coursework student who is excluded from the University may appeal that decision in writing to the Coursework Exclusion Appeal Committee, via the Academic Registrar's Division. Appeals must be submitted to the Academic Registrar's Division within 20 working days of notification of their exclusion.
8.68 Any HDR student who is excluded from the University may appeal that decision in accordance with the Academic Grievance Policy (Higher Degree Research Students).
8.69 The Coursework Exclusion Appeal Committee may adjudicate on the basis of appeal documents or permit the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework student to appear before the Committee.
8.70 Upon consideration of the appeal, the following outcomes may be applied:
a. Exclusion stands (appeal declined).
b. Exclusion is amended to an enforced leave of absence
c. Exclusion is removed with enrolment restrictions
d. Enrolment is reinstated and an intervention strategy activated which may include:
i. Prescribed program
ii. Language and learning support
iii. Academic advice
iv. Existing Faculty based remedial learning services
v. Referral to student equity and diversity liaison officer
vi. Appropriate support services
e. Exclusion is removed without any further enrolment restrictions
8.71 If an appeal is declined and the exclusion stands the student concerned may appeal in writing to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International) within 10 working days. Grounds for consideration of an appeal are limited to:
a. lack of due process during the previous appeal and/or
b. relevant new or additional information is now available which may alter the outcome of the previous decision.
Further appeals must be made to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International) within 10 working days of the decision from the previous appeal.
If the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International) is satisfied the appeal is based on grounds of lack of due process, or that new or additional information is available that may alter the outcome of the previous appeal, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International) may refer the matter back to the Coursework Exclusions Appeal Committee or to the Academic Review Committee.
8.72 A student, who is dissatisfied with the outcome or conduct of an appeal within the University, may appeal to an external agency within 10 working days. Students have the right to make a complaint to the NSW Ombudsman where there is evidence of maladministration or misconduct by the University of Wollongong. If a student decides to make a submission to the NSW Ombudsman or other external agency, the student must notify the University of the decision within 10 working days of being notified of the outcome.
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