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Special consideration throughout COVID-19 pandemic

The University’s policy and procedures for Special consideration will continue to apply throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. These cover a range of circumstances that may impact your ability to complete an assessment task to the best of your potential.

To apply, you must first check your eligibility by completing the questionnaire at the bottom of the page.

Eligible scenarios and documentation

Given the current emergency, there are some scenarios where usual supporting documentation may be difficult to obtain. Below are some examples of these scenarios and the documentation that will be accepted:

Eligible scenarios	Documentation
You have contracted COVID-19	Written evidence from the Department of Health and Human Services. Other medical documentation such as a written letter from doctor or hospital, as appropriate.
You, or you family, have been significantly impacted by a COVID-19 hotspot/outbreak (for example, India, Nepal, Pakistan etc). This applies to domestic and international students (onshore and offshore).	Complete the La Trobe personal declaration form [PDF 99KB], and attach the form to your Special Consideration application. You are not required to complete the eligibility for Special Consideration special COVID-19 questionnaire. You are not required to complete or attach any additional forms/supporting documentation. More information is available in the Special consideration - COVID-19 hotspot/outbreak (including domestic and international students).
You are caring for someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19	Written evidence from the Department of Health and Human Services verifying the diagnosis and evidence of a relationship or residential address.
You are ill and did not seek medical advice in order to not burden the health care system	Where possible, medical attention should continue to be sought. Visit the Health Direct website to find information and advice online from the Victorian Government. You may be eligible for a telehealth video consultation. View the list of medical services near La Trobe's campuses. If you have been unable to see a medical practitioner you can still submit your special consideration application. A member of our team will be in contact to discuss the next steps.
You have encountered unexpected additional caring responsibilities of school-aged children	If you don't have appropriate documentation to demonstrate how your study has been affected, please complete the La Trobe personal declaration form [PDF 99KB].
You have encountered unexpected circumstances like loss of job or place of residence	If you don't have appropriate documentation to demonstrate how your study has been affected, please complete the La Trobe personal declaration form [PDF 99KB].

Scenarios and alternative support services

The following are examples of scenarios that will not usually be considered eligible for special consideration. Whilst special consideration may not be the appropriate support mechanism in these cases, there are other services available:

Scenario	Alternative support services
You have been impacted by the transition to online learning and teaching	View La Trobe’s Student Guide to Online Learning Student IT Support. Make an appointment for Counselling, Disability Advisor or wellbeing support. Chat to your subject coordinator.
You are in self-isolation without having contracted COVID-19	Student Wellbeing has many services available to you throughout this time. Chat to your subject coordinator.
Another member of your household is in self-isolation but has not been diagnosed with COVID-19	Student Wellbeing has many services available to you throughout this time. Chat to your subject coordinator.

As always, where there are special circumstances these will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Check your eligibility by completing our special COVID-19 questionnaire

If you are having difficulties around placements, contact your placements office in the first instance who will be able to assist you.

If you are having difficulties with your studies or don’t think that you can submit your assessment task by the due date, chat to your subject coordinator in the first instance. They are here to help you and understand that this is a challenging time for us all.

The University's FAQs on the COVID-19 situation are updated regularly, please visit the FAQ webpage for the latest information.