Grading, assessment and key dates

8 May 2020

Dear Student,

We recognise the significant disruption to our students caused by COVID-19, and that adjusting to studying online can take some time. Here are some important updates regarding assessments and semester two:

Grading update

To support you in achieving the best possible results for your units, we recently announced changes to our exams and assessments.

We established an Academic Safety Net working group, made up of students and staff, to make recommendations to the Academic Board about grading matters for semester one, and for teaching periods that intersect with or align with semester one.

These recommendations were made and approved by the Board:

  • If students achieve a mark of 40-49, they can choose to complete supplementary assessment in all the units that meet these criteria. The previous cap of two units for supplementary assessments is relaxed.
  • Any existing threshold hurdles will be applied at 40, not the current mark of 45, including exams.
  • After results are released, students can choose to exclude the results of all units studied in semester one from the calculation of their Grade Point Average and Weighted Average Mark. This is based on the principle that the disadvantage experienced by the student is experienced in all units, not just select units. Students who opt to exclude their results will have each unit which they passed recorded as SFR (Satisfied Faculty Requirements) on the transcript.

Delay to assessment timetable release

As we continue to modify education delivery to ensure all students have access and support for exams and assessments while we navigate COVID-19, we've had to delay the publication of the final assessment timetable until Friday, 15 May. We'll notify you by email when it's ready to view. We apologise for the inconvenience caused.

Changes to key dates

Earlier this year, we made the decision to delay the semester two, 2020 start date by one week (to commence on 3 August). This will ensure teaching staff are able to conclude assessment of semester one units, so you’ll receive your semester one results before semester two starts.

Census date has also been extended to Monday 7 September (previously 31 August).

Remaining semester one key dates (no changes):

  • Monday 15 June - Swot Vac commences (back to five full days)
  • Monday 22 June - Semester one final assessment period commences (until 10 July).

Semester two key date changes:

  • Monday 3 August - Week one commences (originally Monday 27 July)
  • Monday 31 August - Last day to discontinue units without ‘withdrawn’ showing on academic record (originally 24 August)
  • Monday 7 September - Census date (originally 31 August, last day to discontinue units without incurring fees)
  • Friday 30 October - Semester two teaching period ends (originally 23 October)
  • From 30 November 2020 to 22 January 2021 - a new six week intensive study period for laboratories, practical classes and studios - to be held after the semester two final assessment period
  • Monday 21 December - End of year break (no change).

Winter and winter extended semester key dates:

  • Monday 22 June - Winter and winter extended semester week one commences (previously 15 June)
  • Monday 6 July - Census date (previously 30 June)
  • Friday 17 July - Winter semester teaching period ends (previously 10 July)
  • Friday 31 July - Winter extended semester teaching period ends (previously 24 July).

You can also view this date summary (PDF, 48KB).

Our priority remains to support you to continue your studies and be able to progress and graduate as intended. For more information visit our COVID-19 website and fact sheet.

Regards,

Monash University