Supplementary Assessments FAQ


In 2021 changes to the University's Assessment policy mean that some students who have failed by a small margin may be eligible to apply for a supplementary assessment to pass the subject. Please read below for eligibility criteria and frequently asked questions.

How do I know if I am eligible for a supplementary assessment and how do I apply?

Students may be eligible to apply for a supplementary assessment after the official notification of final subject results. Please see the Procedures Section of the WSU Assessment Policy for details of eligibility and the application process or read below.

Clause 49 of the University’s Assessment Policy states that students will be eligible to apply for a supplementary assessment attempt where they:

a. have failed a subject either by failing one item or multiple items whose cumulative assessment weightings total less than 50% of the subject (marks available); AND

b. have come within 5% of the passing grade for the subject (scoring 45-49%).

Students who have failed the subject due to a finding under the Student Misconduct Rule will not be eligible for a supplementary assessment.

Students registered in end-on bachelors (honours) programs and some other subjects (for example, clinical placements) may not be eligible for a supplementary assessment. The Subject Coordinator will determine eligibility based on clause 50 of the University’s Assessment Policy.

Students who have received a Compulsory Fail grade (CF) and believe they may be eligible for a supplementary assessment should contact their Subject Coordinator directly to see if they are eligible.

Students must apply for a supplementary assessment in writing to the Subject Coordinator by completing the WesternNow Supplementary Assessment Request form within 5 working days of the official notification of results. Supplementary assessments will only be considered when the conditions in clause 48 of the new Assessment Policy are met.

Please note that clause (50) of the University's Assessment Policy states that Supplementary Assessment attempts are not available for threshold assessments.

The new Assessment Policy applies from 15 February 2021.

How can I check my eligibility to apply?

Please see below four scenarios that can assist you in understanding how you can calculate your eligibility to apply for a supplementary assessment.

Scenario 1 - Eligible for supplementary assessment

Where fail is due to failing a single assessment item worth less than 50%

 

% Assessment Item weighting

% Achieved

Assessment 1

30*

13*

Assessment 2

30

15

Assessment 3

40

21

TOTALS

100

49

* Failed assessment item

Scenario 2 - Eligible for supplementary assessment

Where fail is due to failing multiple assessment items and total of both is less than 50%

 

% Assessment item weighting

% Achieved

Assessment 1

20*

9*

Assessment 2

25*

12*

Assessment 3

55

28

TOTALS

100

49

* Failed assessment items

Scenario 3 – NOT Eligible for supplementary assessment

Where fail is due to failing a single assessment item that is worth 50% or more

 

% Assessment  Item weighting

% Achieved

Assessment 1

20

12

Assessment 2

30

16

Assessment 3

50*

20*

TOTALS

100

48

* Failed assessment item

Scenario 4– NOT Eligible for supplementary assessment

Where fail is due to failing multiple assessment items and the total of both is worth more than 50%

 

% Assessment Item weighting

%Achieved

Assessment 1

20*

9

Assessment 2

35*

14

Assessment 3

45

25

TOTALS

100

48

* Failed assessment item

Will I have an exam for my supplementary assessment?

If you are eligible for a supplementary assessment, your Subject Coordinator will determine the supplementary assessment format.

I sat a deferred exam - can I still apply for a supplementary assessment?

Yes.  Rules for supplementary assessment also apply to deferred exams.

How long do I have to apply after I have received my final result?

Students must apply for a supplementary assessment in writing to the Subject Coordinator by completing the WesternNow Supplementary Assessment Request form within 5 working days of the official notification of results. Supplementary assessments will only be considered when the conditions in clause 48 of the new Assessment Policy are met.

Am I eligible for a supplementary assessment even if I don't submit one or more assessments?

The Subject Coordinator will confirm eligibility.

Students must apply for a supplementary assessment in writing to the Subject Coordinator by completing the WesternNow Supplementary Assessment Request form within 5 working days of the official notification of results. Supplementary assessments will only be considered when the conditions in clause 48 of the new Assessment Policy are met.

What result will I achieve after I have completed a supplementary assessment?

If you pass the supplementary assessment, the final grade awarded for the subject will be ‘Pass’ with a mark of 50 or, if the marks are lower than the original attempt, the original mark and grade will stand.

How many attempts will be allowed for my supplementary assessment?

One attempt only will be offered to achieve a pass in the supplementary assessment.