Exam rules and responsibilities

The information on this page refers to exams for higher education students at Federation University Australia. All students should be aware of the rules, rights and responsibilities associated with exams.

Student's primary responsibilities for exams are:

Attend exam/s as scheduled
Abide the conditions set for each exam
Follow all instructions given by supervisors

Frequently asked questions

1. What should I do if I cannot sit my exam as scheduled?

Unless the exam has been cancelled or your circumstances mean you are eligible for Special Consideration - Exam Deferment, you may not miss your exams.

Requests to have an exam rescheduled for reasons such as usual demands of employment, travel, exam stress, returning home, social or family occasions and minor ailments, do not meet the general eligibility criteria for Special Consideration.

Note that the University's Higher Education Examinations Procedure states that "Students must ensure they are available to attend examinations during the formal examination period outlined in the published Academic calendar".

2. Travelling and holidays during exam periods

Travel is not generally acceptable grounds for seeking Special Consideration during exam periods, and off-campus arrangements are only possible for students enrolled as Online and Distance Learning (ODL) for all units.

Students should never book flights, trips or events during the formal exam period. If you do so, you do so at your own risk. The final exam timetable is published 4 weeks prior to main semester exam periods, but if your examination is rescheduled for any reason, you still have an obligation to attend.

It is each students' responsibility to be available for exams as scheduled, and you must plan to attend your exams at your enrolled campus during the official examination period as stipulated on the Academic Calendar.

3. What if I forget to bring my student ID to my exam?

It is a student's responsibility to prove their identity to supervisors when sitting exams.

If you forget your student ID, we will accept most forms of photo ID, such as:

Drivers License
Passport

If you are unable to provide proof of identity during an exam:

A supervisor may ask to take a photo of you before you leave - this will be provided to the Exams Office.
You will then need to prove your identity to the Exams Office in order to have your exam paper marked.
A note will be written on your exam materials indicating that we were unable to verify your identity.
A breach notice will be issued and provided to the relevant Faculty, so they are aware.

If you leave an exam venue without having your identity verified or a photo taken, your exam may not be marked.

4. What if I don't think I can sit in a regular venue?

The Disability and Learning Access Office may be able to assist you regarding personal adjustments for medical issues or disabilities, either ongoing or temporary. It's important to contact them as early as possible, prior to the exam period.

5. Why is my exam venue different to other people in my unit?

Occasionally we can not fit all students into the same venue for an exam. It is important that you read and follow the instructions emailed to you on your most recent personal exam timetable. Alternatively, visit Exam timetables and log in to the personal exam timetable portal.

You will be unable to log in to the personal timetable portal if there is no exam timetable for you.

Be aware that a seat or paper cannot be guaranteed for you if you attend the wrong venue on the day, and misreading an exam timetable is not of itself a reason for Special Consideration.

This means for example, that if you arrive late at your venue due to error - you cannot be given additional time.

6. Mobile phones and other electronic devices

It is recommended that you do not bring any mobile phones or other electronic devices (except a calculator where authorised) into an exam. A mobile phone without a SIM card is still considered a mobile phone and is prohibited for use as a calculator, dictionary or other resource.

Students who choose to bring a mobile phone or any other prohibited electronic device (mobile phone, calculator, electronic dictionary, iPad, digital watches, laser or light emitting pens, etc) into an exam venue, will be required to:

Switch device/s off
Place the device on the floor under their desk, where it can be seen by examiners.

If a student is found to be in possession* of a prohibited electronic device or any unauthorised materials during an exam, the items or materials will be confiscated and forwarded to the Exams Office. A breach notice will be initiated, and forwarded to the relevant School.

"In your possession" is defined as items or information on your desk, chair or person. This includes in your pockets, clothing or your body.

Please see the full document, Examinations information for students (pdf, 297kb), for further clarifications around prohibited items and electronic device policies.

7. Integrity in assessment procedure and definitions for cheating and plagiarism

Integrity in assessment is achieved when students receive proper credit for assessable work which is clearly their own. You can read more about the definitions here:

Gap training and assessment procedure

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8. Dictionaries for students of non-English speaking background

All Schools now permit students to have a bi-lingual dictionary in any formal exam, providing that it is:

Bi-lingual
Unmarked
Hard copy (ie. not electronic)

Note: If a dictionary is found to be marked it will be confiscated, and a breach notice issued in accordance with Statute 5.3 The Schedule Part 1 Section 7.

The option for a bilingual dictionary may not apply to students studying a language unit if the bilingual dictionary is one of the languages being assessed.

Electronic dictionaries are not permitted, in any format, to be used for any exams which are centrally timetabled.

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