Frequently Asked Questions

I need an extension on my assignment, can the DSS get this for me?
What is special consideration?
What if I can't make it to the exam because I am unwell?
How do I withdraw from my course or change subjects and whom can I speak to about this?
Are there any ways I can meet other students with a disability?
Are there any mentoring programs for students with a disability at Swinburne?
I didn't get the score I needed to get into my Swinburne course, can I be accepted on the basis of my disability?
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I need an extension on my assignment, can the DSS get this for me?

No, the DSS promotes self-advocacy and will advise you to get an extension directly from your lecturer or teacher. Please be aware that most lecturers / teaching staff prefer that you advise them of a need for an extension well in advance and not on the day that your assignment is due. Some lecturers / teaching staff may require you to fill in a form and/or provide medical documentation.

What is special consideration?

Special consideration is not part of the services offered by the DSS. Special consideration is arranged through your faculty / school. Basically a student whose performance in a specific assignment, exam or subject in general has been affected by illness or other serious cause may apply for special consideration. The 'Application for Special Consideration' form is available from and lodged at the appropriate faculty/school office. The application must be lodged no later than 5pm on the third working day after the day of examination.

What if I can't make it to the exam because I am unwell?

You will need to contact your faculty or school and request a 'special consideration form'. You will need to have your formed signed by a medical professional or a Swinburne student counsellor. A special examination is not automatic but may be granted by the faculty or school concerned. The 'Application for Special Consideration' form is available from and lodged at the appropriate faculty/school office. The application must be lodged no later than 5pm on the third working day after the day of examination.

How do I withdraw from my course of change subjects and whom can I speak to about this?

All administrative matters such as these will need to be organised through your faculty or school. You can ask the administrative officer for any asssitance on these matters.

Are there any ways I can meet other students with a disability?

Due to confidentiality implications, the DSS cannot provide contact details for other students registered with the service. There is however a national body called The Australasian Network of Students With Disabilities (ANSWD) which provides useful information for students with a disability. ANSWD also provide a discussion list and you can find information about joining the list on their website:
http://www.answd.org/

Students with a disability are encouraged to join all of Swinburne's clubs and join in with any activities on or off campus that met be of interest. To find out more please visit:
http://http://www.myssaa.com.au/

Are there any mentoring programs for students with a disability at Swinburne?

There is a specific program called Willing and Able Mentoring (WAM) which matches tertiary students who have a disability with Mentors in leading organisations in the students' field of interest. The program is external to Swinburne and has provided many students with great opportunities to gain experience in their chosen field. For further information, please visit the following website: Willing and Able Mentoring Program.

Students may also gain industry experience by participating in the Industry Based Learning (IBL) Program. This program is offered at undergraduate level in which students are offered the opportunity to undertake a full time paid placement in industry in an area relevant to their studies.

For further IBL information, please visit the following website:
http://www.swinburne.edu.au/ibl/

For IBL specifically at the Lilydale campus, please visit:
http://www.lilydale.swinburne.edu.au/ibl/

I didn't get the score I needed to get into my Swinburne course, can I be accepted on the basis of my disability?

If you have a disability and are wishing to apply for an undergraduate course at Swinburne you may be eligible to apply through VTAC Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS). For more information, visit the VTAC website: http://http://www.vtac.edu.au/seas.html

If you have had significant difficulties with person circumstances in year 12, you may be eligible to apply for some Special Year 12 Consideration when applying for courses through VTAC through the SEAS process. Visit the VTAC website for more information at: http://http://www.vtac.edu.au/seas.html

Should you miss out on a Higher Education undergraduate course, you may also wish to consider taking up the 'pathways' option by completing a TAFE course and later articulate into a degree program whilst still getting credit for your TAFE studies.