Alternative Examination Arrangements

Why are Alternative Examination Arrangements necessary?

Alternative Examination Arrangements are designed to assist students with impairments who may experience difficulty sitting exams under conventional circumstances. Alternative Examination Arrangements accommodate the needs of students with impairments to provide for them an equitable opportunity to participate and achieve.

What arrangements can be made?

Disability Information and Support can arrange Readers, Writers, additional time (the standard extension of time is 10 minutes per hour of examination), ergonomic equipment, alternative formatting of exam papers, the use of a computer, as well as other arrangements that best meet the individual needs of students.

Please note that documentation verifying the need from a relevant health professional or specialist (for example a doctor, physiotherapist, psychologist) is required before Alternative Examination Arrangements can be put in place.

What if I am unable to sit examinations as timetabled?

In exceptional circumstances the University may grant variations from the University’s Examination Regulations. If students require changes to their examination timetable they need to write to The Manager, Student Administration, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054. Documentation verifying the circumstances is required. Deadlines apply (as shown below).

How do I apply for Alternative Examination Arrangements?

If you have already registered with Disability Information and Support an Alternative Arrangements application form will be sent to you with a reminder letter one month before the deadline. Please ensure the address we hold for you is up to date. Otherwise you can collect an application form from Disability Information and Support.

Applications are due by the:

15th of January for Summer School
1st of May for Semester 1 and
1st of September for Semester 2.

Late applications will not be accepted except on the grounds of an accident, the onset of a new condition or the unexpected worsening of an existing condition.

What if my application for Alternative Examination Arrangements is declined?

You will need to sit your examinations at the times and places as advised in your initial examination timetable or you can appeal the decision by writing to The Manager, Student Administration, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054.

Do I have to apply for Alternative Examination Arrangements each Semester?

Yes. Arrangements cannot be automatically carried over to the next examination period.

If I am granted Alternative Examination Arrangements can I also apply for Special Consideration in Final Examinations?

Only in exceptional circumstances where a candidate may be eligible for Special Consideration on different grounds to those for which Alternative Arrangements were granted and this was not taken into account when they applied for Alternative Examination Arrangements. The University’s Special Consideration in Final Examinations provisions are used when students have been prevented from sitting a final examination through acute illness or other exceptional circumstance at the time of the final examination itself; or if they consider that their performance in any final examination has been seriously impaired due to illness or other exceptional circumstance at the time of, or in the 14 day period immediately prior to the final examination itself.

Can I apply for Alternative Arrangements for Terms Tests?

Yes. If you wish to apply for Alternative Arrangements for Terms Tests you should make an appointment with a Disability Information and Support Student Advisor. An application will need to be completed and returned to Disability Information and Support at least ten working days prior to the date of the test. Late applications will not be accepted without an appropriate explanation.