Extensions and Assessment Concessions (AC)

If the unexpected happens or things don’t go to plan, you may be able to apply for an extension or an Assessment Concession(AC) (formerly Affected Performance Consideration (APC)).

If you read the information on this page and you are not sure which process to use, please speak with your lecturer, course coordinator or Academic Programme Manager, or contact one of our student support services for advice.

Choose the right process

Extensions and Assessment Concession(AC) are different processes - you need to use the one that suits your situation.

• You may be able to apply for an extension.
• See below for more details and how to apply.

• You may be able to apply for an Assessment Concession(AC).
• See below for more details and how to apply.

Extensions

An extension must be applied for before the assessment is due.

If you apply for an extension of more than five days, you will need to provide evidence to explain why you need more time.

Applying for an extension does not guarantee it will be granted.

If you submit an assessment late without an extension, you may lose a percentage of marks (check your Programme Regulations in Moodle for details).

Reasons that may not be accepted for an extension

• An extension cannot normally be granted for an exam or test. (Follow the Assessment Concession process)
• If it is considered that it would be unfair to other students.
• The lecturer does not agree that the reason was valid.
• Some programmes do not allow extensions. You can check by asking your lecturer or by reading your Programme Regulations. You can find Programme Regulations in Moodle or on the website programme page.

How to apply for an extension

• Email your lecturer with details of your request.

Assessment Concession (AC)

The purpose of applying for an Assessment Concession (AC) (formerly Affected Performance Consideration (APC)) is to ensure your academic progress is not unfairly affected by critical personal circumstances beyond your control. 

An application can be submitted up to five working days after the due date of your exam or assessment.

Applying for an Assessment Concession (AC) (formerly Affected Performance Consideration (APC)) does not guarantee it will be granted.

When to apply for an AC

• You were unable to prepare, attend, submit or do your best in an exam, test, or assessment that awards marks towards your final grade.
• Illness or other personal circumstances beyond your control, which have affected your ability to perform or study.
• Circumstances that affected your ability to focus, concentrate, think clearly or put aside strong emotion for the period of the assessment, or a significant portion of the study period.
• Circumstances that you could not change or influence, such as anxiety, illness, bereavement or other critical personal events.

Reasons that may not be accepted for an AC

• Circumstances of your own making, such as time management issues, for example, sleeping through an exam or assessment event, being exhausted because of studying all night prior to an exam, or not leaving enough time to get to campus.
• Events such as birthdays, holidays and weddings.
• If granting your application would be unfair to other students.

How to apply for an AC

Complete the AC student form (PDF 212kb).

• You can download the form, fill in your details and then email it with your evidence to tkk@unitec.ac.nz. Or print the form, complete it, scan it, and email to tkk@unitec.ac.nz.

When you submit your AC form, you also need to provide:

• Proof of preparation or completed work, for example scanned documents, screenshots or photos.
• Evidence of the critical personal circumstances that impacted your study (see the list below for examples of suitable evidence)

The form cannot be processed if evidence is not provided when the form is submitted.

Examples of suitable evidence

Physical illness or injury

Mental illness or emotional distress

Birth or death

Traffic issue or accident, fire or theft

Jury service, court or crime

Employment commitment

Review and outcome of your AC request

Your application will be reviewed, and you will receive an email with the outcome. The outcome will be one of the following options:

• Upheld – If the application is upheld, your application has been accepted and you will be given an alternative to make sure you have another opportunity to complete the assessment, for example, an alternative submission date.
• Hold/Pending – If the application is pending, a final decision will be made when the other assessments are all completed.
• Decline – If the application is declined, you will receive an email explaining why the application was unsuccessful. For example, attending a wedding or going on holiday would not be an acceptable reason to apply for an AC.

As part of the review, Unitec may contact the person named in the evidence you provided to verify the illness, injury or other critical personal circumstances.

Not satisfied with the AC outcome

If you are not satisfied with the outcome, email your Academic Programme Manager to request that the Programme Academic Quality Committee (PAQC) reconsider the decision.
If you are not satisfied with the PAQC decision, you can submit a complaint.

Student support services

You may find it helpful to discuss your application with one of the following support services before applying:

Student Central (Te Pae Kōrero) is your one-stop-shop for help on campus, where you can ask anything. Visit their page to find out how they can help you, or visit them on campus.

Student Support Advisors are available to provide guidance and support around informal and formal complaints. Book an appointment to speak with an Advisor.

International Student Advisors are available to international students for support and guidance. You can book an appointment to talk to them.

Student Council (Te Kaunihera Akonga o Wairaka) offer further support. Connect with your Student Reps, visit the Student Voice page to find out how.