Special consideration and requesting documentation

Special consideration and requesting documentation

When things become challenging

Sometimes life doesn’t go as planned. If unexpected circumstances are affecting your ability to complete an assessment or attend an exam, it’s important to act early.

Start by speaking directly with your lecturer or subject coordinator as soon as possible to let them know what’s going on. In many cases, the issue can be resolved with a short extension or an informal arrangement.

What is Special Consideration?

Special Consideration is a formal JCU process that supports students whose studies have been impacted by unforeseen, short-term events beyond their control - for example, illness, injury, a family emergency, or a mental health crisis.

You may be eligible to apply if your circumstances have seriously affected your ability to:

  • Attend or prepare for an exam or assessment, or
  • Submit an assessment on time.

You can learn more about the process and eligibility criteria on the JCU Special Consideration webpage.

Please note: Special Consideration is not intended for managing long-term illnesses, disabilities, or other ongoing situations.  Support for long-term conditions is available through AccessAbility.

Sometimes your lecturer or college may ask you to provide documentation or evidence of your circumstances. You are not required to obtain documentation from JCU Wellbeing and Counselling. You can use documentation from any suitable professional source.

It’s best to obtain this from a professional who has been supporting you, such as:

  • Your GP,
  • An external psychologist or counsellor, or
  • Another relevant health or support professional.

You can also request documentation from JCU Wellbeing and Counselling, but please note:

  • A JCU Counsellor can only provide a Counsellor’s Certificate or letter if:
  • You already have an ongoing therapeutic relationship with the service, and
  • During your appointment, the Counsellor assesses that documentation is appropriate and necessary.
  • We are an appointment-based service, so documentation requests will be actioned as soon as possible, but cannot always be completed immediately. Please plan ahead and make your request early.

If your circumstances relate to your wellbeing or mental health, you may be encouraged to access JCU Wellbeing and Counselling for support - but it’s your choice.

You cannot be required or mandated to attend counselling, and seeking support will not affect your academic standing. Counsellors can also help you explore other services or resources that might be helpful during this time.

The sooner you act, the more options you’ll have.

  • Speak to your lecturer early if something arises.
  • Gather documentation from a professional as soon as you can.
  • Submit your Special Consideration application within the required timeframe listed on the JCU website.

If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, you can talk to your lecturer or a Counsellor to discuss your options.

Needing an extension or special consideration doesn’t mean you’ve failed - it means you’re managing a difficult situation responsibly.

Take care of your wellbeing, reach out for support if needed and communicate early with your lecturers.

If you’re struggling, or if your situation is ongoing, consider booking an appointment with JCU Wellbeing and Counselling. Our services are free, confidential, and available to all enrolled JCU students.