Timing and category of task | Action required | Responsible Officer/s1 |
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Prior to commencement of the study period |
1. Design of assessment
| Formative assessment opportunities which provide exemplars of summative tasks should be made available to students. Assessment tasks will be designed so that they: - explicitly and validly link to specific learning outcomes as specified in the unit outline;
- use an appropriate variety of tasks needed to support the valid assessment of the different learning outcomes of the unit;
- use valid criteria and standards that discriminate between and enable differentiation of students’ levels of achievement;
- yield comparable outcomes when offered at more than one location and/or study mode;
- are weighted commensurate with the value/importance of the unit learning outcomes being tested by each task and level of difficulty of work required;
- are inclusive by seeking to avoid potential sources of bias (eg gender, racial and cultural bias);
- promote equal opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds and for students with disabilities;
- conform to all policies and guidelines on human research ethics in the case of assessment and/or other learning tasks in coursework units that involve students and/or lecturers in projects with human participants.
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Lecturer in Charge or National Lecturer in Charge where applicable
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2. Design of first year assessment
| Within each unit, the teaching team should develop a process for identifying students at risk of failing the unit (eg poor result on early assessment task, lack of engagement with online resources, failure to meet attendance requirements) and such students should be counselled on strategies to reduce their risk, including referral to appropriate University services if indicated. It should be noted that good practice in assessment in first year is equally good practice in other year levels. All units at the first year (100 level) should include feedback within the first six weeks of a standard study period. The assessment process should facilitate the identification of students who are experiencing study difficulties with, for example, English language, numeracy or academic literacy. Students so identified must be directed to appropriate University support. Examples include: - an early, low risk, lightly weighted assessment task;
- a draft or a portion of an assessment task;
- a self-assessment task;
- online activities where students can test their understanding;
- group and/or workshop tasks (where group members provide feedback to one another);
Please note that hurdle tasks should not be used in the first 6 weeks of first year.
See Assessment Policy definitions. |
Lecturer in Charge or National Lecturer in Charge where applicable
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3. Design of group assessment
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Group and/or collaborative work should only be used when unit learning outcomes require collaborative work. In such cases, no more than 50% of the total assessment may be group and/or collaborative work unless justified and approved by the relevant Committee.
- The responsibilities of each individual group member in completing each group/collaborative assessment task and the degree of collaboration permitted and/or required will be clearly stated in the Unit Outline. A tool for recording the agreed responsibilities of each group member in completing the assessment tasks will be provided within the unit resources and must be signed by each student in the group and submitted to the LIC prior to the commencement of any group work. This tool can be used to assist students to resolve any dispute regarding inequitable distribution of effort in completing the assessment.
- Normally, the contribution of individual students to group and/or collaborative assessment tasks must be clearly discernible so that appropriate award of marks can be made to individual members of the group. The exception to this is where group/collaborative tasks can only be effectively completed by equal contributions from each and every group member. In such cases the same group mark can be awarded to each student.
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Lecturer in Charge or National Lecturer in Charge where applicable
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4. Prepare Unit Outline
| - Prepare extended Unit Outline template for the specific study period of the unit offering and make it accessible to students via LEO one week before the beginning of the study period.
- Provide students with information regarding:
- Assessment tasks, including the learning purpose of the assessment, the learning outcome/s it relates to, a description of the task, the weight and the due date;
- the style guide and referencing/citation system required in the discipline;
- the implications of failure to adhere to such systems, particularly in terms of the Academic Honesty Policy.
- An assessment schedule, assessment criteria or other requirements may not be changed after the unit outline is made available to students except under exceptional circumstances as approved in writing by the Head of School.
- Follow the Faculty or School protocols and timelines regarding review of the Unit Outline and moderation of assessment.
- Achievement of a pass in all individual assessment tasks in a unit (other than hurdle tasks) is not normally a prerequisite for passing in the unit overall. Exceptions are when the task is related to an otherwise unassessed learning outcome and/or required discipline specific competency standards. In such cases the requirement to pass specific individual items of assessment in order to pass the unit must be clearly stated in the Unit Outline.
- For units with central examinations, no other assessment tasks should be due after the final week of teaching.
- For units without a central examination, the due date for submission of an assessment task or an assessment activity may be scheduled during the examination period or study week. If there is a clash between an assessment activity and a scheduled examination for another unit, the scheduled central examination will take precedence and the other assessment activity must be rescheduled.
- Where adjustments are required due to the effect of a public holiday, requirements of professional experience programs or unforeseen circumstances that affect the delivery of the unit, a National Head of School or nominee may approve that an assessment task can be undertaken during study week or the due date for submission of an assessment task can be scheduled during study week.
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Lecturer in Charge or National Lecturer in Charge where appropriate
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5. Communication assessment requirements and schedule to students | - The Unit Outline must be available on the University’s learning management system (LEO) prior to the commencement of the study period.
| Lecturer in Charge or National Lecturer in Charge where appropriate |
- Where a National Head of School approves a change to a unit outline under Section 4 above, any such variation should maintain the relationship between the assessment methods and the learning outcomes expected for the unit and students should not be disadvantaged by the change, or the timing of the change. A written revised schedule must then be made available to students via LEO and be provided in class. For online or multi-mode units the revised schedule must also be distributed by email.
- If electronic text matching (‘plagiarism detection’) software is to be used or may be used students should be advised of the circumstances of its use.
| National Head of School |
6. Unit Outline and assessment requirements
| Provide students with a copy of the Unit Outline on LEO at least one week prior to the commencement of the study period. In the case of non-standard study periods this must occur prior to the census date. |
Lecturer in Charge or National Lecturer in Charge where appropriate
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7. Class lists
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Check accuracy/completeness of class lists and advise students attending class but not included on the class list to check their enrolment.
| Lecturer in Charge |
Throughout the study period |
8. Communication and advice to students
| - Be available for student consultation and provision of academic advice on a regular basis, informing students of their availability for consultation (with and without appointments).
- Explain assessment tasks to students, including the relationship of assessment tasks to the unit and course learning outcomes and graduate attributes/generic skills.
- Communicate with/provide updates to students through their University email account, LEO and/or any other communication media used for the unit.
| Course Coordinator, Lecturer in Charge, National Lecturer in Charge as appropriate, Lecturers, Tutors. |
- On request, provide clarification to a student regarding results for an assessment task or final grade in a unit.
| Lecturer in Charge, National Lecturer in Charge as appropriate, Markers |
9. Running assessment tasks
| - Ensure that assessment practices are conducted in a consistent and coherent manner.
- Undertake the assessment of students’ work in accordance with the requirements specified in the Unit Outline and with the assessment strategy for the unit.
- Prepare and arrange the conduct of all School-based assessment tasks for the unit.
| Lecturer in Charge or National Lecturer in Charge as appropriate |
- Take all reasonable steps to detect and take action in relation to instances of academic dishonesty.
- Advise the Lecturer in Charge regarding student progress and effectiveness of student learning in the unit.
| Lecturer in Charge, National Lecturer in Charge as appropriate, Lecturer, Markers |
- Address any breaches of academic honesty in accordance with the Academic Honesty Policy.
| Lecturer in Charge or National Lecturer in Charge, Head of School |
10. Timely Marking, Moderation and grading of assessment tasks
| - Ensure that marking is not delegated to any other member of staff, except to academic staff contracted to mark assessment.
- Ensure consistency and quality of assessment practice among all staff teaching and/or marking in a unit, including sessional staff.
| Lecturer in Charge or National Lecturer in Charge |
- Provide appropriate guidelines to lecturers and markers, where used, on assessment criteria, marking procedures, moderation and methods for calculating final results.
- Ensure marks are provided in accordance with University practice and deadlines.
- Participate in discussion of and adhere to assessment and marking strategies adopted for the unit.
- Provide appropriate feedback to students within three weeks of the due date of submission.
| Lecturer in Charge or National Lecturer in Charge |
- Identify students who are experiencing study difficulties with, for example, English language, numeracy or academic literacy, and direct them to appropriate University support.
| Lecturer in Charge or National Lecturer in Charge |
- Provide data relating to results in assessment tasks and attendance, if required, to the Lecturer in Charge.
- Implement Faculty internal moderation processes and provide advice on how moderation is to be implemented in all units.
| Lecturer in Charge or National Lecturer in Charge, Lecturers, Markers |
- Consult with lecturers on their own and other campuses to agree to an equitable assessment plan and marking criteria for the unit. Where units are offered on different campuses and/or in different modes, ensure equivalence of assessment tasks and marking criteria in all instances of offering.
- Participate in post-moderation or benchmarking for the unit as required by the Faculty or School.
- Ensure that electronic records of results for each assessment item are kept.
- Ensure results are entered into Banner prior to the published roll date and release to students.
| Lecturer in Charge or National Lecturer in Charge, Lecturers, Markers. |
11. Return of assessment tasks
| Establish procedures for timely return of marked assessment tasks to students in class, electronically or through other means consistent with Faculty protocols and ensure they are communicated to students and relevant staff. Retain written authority to return assessment tasks to a person other than the student (Table 1, Section 8.1). |
Lecturer in Charge or National Lecturer in Charge
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12. Change to assessment task or criteria
| - Where exceptional circumstances arise, seek written approval of the Head of School to change assessment tasks or criteria for a unit after the first week of the study period. Such changes must not result in disadvantage to any student.
| Lecturer in Charge or National Lecturer in Charge |
- Evaluate and determine requests from Lecturers in Charge for any such change.
| National Head of School |
- Advise all students, through LEO and by email, of approved changes in a timely manner.
| Lecturer in Charge or National Lecturer in Charge |
13. Units with minimum or compulsory attendance requirements
| Keep attendance records for all classes in units where a compulsory or minimum attendance level is prescribed. | Lecturer in Charge or National Lecturer in Charge, Lecturers, Tutors |
14. Applications for extension of due date
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Determine applications for extension of the due date for submission of assessment tasks as soon as possible after receipt.
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Lecturer in Charge or National Lecturer in Charge
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15. Final grades
| - Grades in a unit are assigned by the Lecture in Charge, and must be ratified by the Head of School or nominee prior to release to the student.
- Make the date for submission of final result grades for ratification known to all staff.
| Head of School or National Head of School |
- Allocate final result grades and submit them and any subsequent changes for ratification by the Head of School by the prescribed date.
| Lecturer in Charge or National Lecturer in Charge |
- Determine, ratify and submit final grades with particular attention to results that are borderline between grades according to the Faculty quality assurance processes.
| Head of School or National Head of School |
- Monitor the conversion of interim grades to final grades by the relevant due date.
| Student Administration Course Coordinator, Head of School or National Head of School |
- Provide an electronic copy of students’ results including the results for each assessment task to the School Office by the due date for the release of final results.
| Lecturer in Charge or National Lecturer in Charge |
- Keep a secure record (electronic and in hard copy) of each student’s results for each assessment task.
| Lecturer in Charge or National Lecturer in Charge |
- Ensure that student grades are entered into Banner on time for the official release date as advertised in the Academic Calendar.
| Lecturer in Charge or National Lecturer in Charge Student Administration |
Prior to commencement of or during the study period |
16. Students with disabilities
| - Assess and determine reasonable adjustments to learning and assessment arrangements for students who have disabilities through an Education Inclusion Plan (EIP).
| Disability Advisors |
- Provide the Head of School or nominee with a copy of the EIPs.
| Disability Advisors and all staff |
- When aware of the existence of an EIP, make reasonable learning and assessment adjustments for students with disabilities in accordance with the EIP recommendations.
- Ensure other lecturers in the unit are aware of the Examination Adjustments Guidelines.
| Lecturer in Charge or National Lecturer in Charge, Lecturers, Tutors |
- Oversee implementation of academic adjustments as recommended on EIPs.
| Lecturer in Charge |
17. Applications for Special Consideration
| - Forward SC applications together with all supporting documentation to the Lecturer in Charge or Course Coordinator in a timely manner so that the Course Coordinator can notify the student of the outcome of the application within 10 working days from the date the application is lodged. Special Consideration – Students
| School Office, Lecturer in Charge, Course Coordinator |
- Assess and determine SC applications.
- Advise students of the outcome of their application within 10 working days from the date the application was lodged.
| Lecturer in Charge, Course Coordinator or Head of School |
Following release of results |
18. Reviews and appeals
| - Facilitate requests for review of examination papers.
- Consider requests for review of grade.
- Consider appeals against final grades.
| Responsibilities as defined in the Student Appeals Policy |
19. Disposal of assessment tasks
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Dispose of uncollected assessment tasks through confidential waste, six months after release of final results in the unit.
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School Office, Lecturer in Charge or National Lecturer in Charge
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20. Supplementary assessment task/s
| 20.1 Supplementary assessment is provided to support students’ learning, their development, and to aid their course progression and completion. It applies to eligible students for the duration of their course of study. Supplementary assessment is not a re-assessment of the student’s overall grade, or the mark for an individual assessment item, or a deferred assessment. It consists of a new item (or items) of assessment designed to give students an additional (i.e. supplementary) opportunity to demonstrate their satisfactory attainment of specific learning outcomes as specified for the unit. 20.2 A student who has gained 45-49% in a unit may be awarded an interim fail (NF) grade and may be eligible for a supplementary assessment provided that: - The course rules do not preclude Supplementary Assessment;
- The unit is not a professional experience or community engagement unit;
- The student has satisfied any compulsory attendance requirements for the unit;
- The student has passed any applicable hurdle task, as required under the Assessment Policy;
- A student will be offered only one supplementary assessment in one unit per semester (or study period) regardless of whether the student is studying full-time or part-time (i.e. regardless of the total number of units studied in the semester (or study period)). Students must pass all other units of study in that semester (or study period). A student with more than one NF grade will not be eligible for a Supplementary Assessment.
20.3 Supplementary assessment is subject to the same considerations under the Academic Regulations and policies (including Academic Honesty and Integrity, Special Consideration and Appeal processes) as for standard assessment. | Head of School or National Head of School, Lecturer in Charge or National Lecurer in Charge |
20.4 Results in courses gained by students undertaking approved cross-institutional study will be considered in determining eligibility for supplementary assessment. | Head of School or National Head of School |
20.5 The highest grade which can be awarded to students who successfully complete supplementary assessment requirements is a Pass (PA) grade. 20.6 Students who are unsuccessful in meeting supplementary assessment requirements will be awarded a Fail (NN) grade. | Lecturer in Charge or National Lecturer in Charge, Lecturers, Markers |
20.7 Students who are eligible for supplementary assessment will be notified by the Lecturer in Charge. | Lecturer in Charge or National Lecturer in Charge |
20.8 The Lecturer in Charge will be required to: - Ensure that the students’ grade has been entered into ‘Student Connect’ as an “NF”;
- Determine if the student is eligible for supplementary assessment by:
- checking eligibility criteria (as in 20.2 a-e above), and
- checking the report provided by Student Systems (identifying students with only one NF grade for that study period);
- Set new assessment task(s) that are appropriate to each student and that will assess the learning outcomes for which individual evidence is required;
- Notify a student of the supplementary assessment task/s, normally within three working days of the release date of results for the semester (study period), including details of the supplementary assessment task/s, day, date, time and location. Where there is a delay in the release of results a notification should be sent as soon as practicable;
- Assess the supplementary task;
- After the assessment convert the NF interim grade to either a Pass (PA) grade or a Fail (NN) final grade. The LIC will submit a change of grade form (CG) to the Head of School within 20 working days of the student completing the supplementary assessment task/s. If no final result grade has been assigned to the unit by the end of third week of the following semester, or after 60 days in the case of a non-standard study period, it will automatically roll to a Fail (NN);
- Notify the N-LIC (if applicable) of the outcomes.
20.9 Supplementary assessment will overlap with the deferred examination period, but will not commence until 6 days following the release of results for that semester (or study period). | Lecturer in Charge or National Lecturer in Charge |