1. Introduction

1.1 The University recognises that students from language backgrounds other than English may encounter difficulties in their first year of enrolment that native speakers of English do not experience. Problems with acculturation are also most likely to manifest as linguistic issues for students. The cultural implications for student assessment are broader than the provision of extra time in examinations and special consideration in assessment.

1.2 The University has in place mandatory English language requirements for undergraduate and graduate international student admission. These minimum standards act as predictors of, but do not guarantee, a student's capacity to complete successfully their program at the ANU. The policy is reviewed from time to time. The University also provides a range of support services for students in the form of intensive orientation programs run by some local areas and Everyday English conversation classes. Academic skills assistance is provided through the Academic Skills and Learning Centre although this does not focus on English language skills. Students are also able to enrol in a number of English Language classes through the ANU College on a fee paying basis, and in some instances, for credit.

1.3 Most students who are from language backgrounds other than English will not need assistance under the assessment arrangements policy. For those students who are deemed eligible and require assistance, the support will be for a transitional period to enable the student to acquire the necessary level of language competency. It is expected that students will take responsibility for engaging help in developing proficiency with the English language according to their particular needs. If students would like assistance in identifying their academic English language needs and ANU resources, they can consult with the Academic Skills and Learning Centre.

1.4 The criteria set out in this policy are non-discretionary and are to be applied by all coursework areas in the University. Students may access advice about the application of the policy from the Student Administration Office in the relevant ANU College, Student Advisors or Sub-Deans, the Academic Skills and Learning Centre, the Tjabal Centre or International Student Services.

2. Definitions

2.1 Students who are from language backgrounds other than English are defined as:

• International students from non-English speaking backgrounds who have been educated in a country where English is not the first language and who speak a language other than English at home; or
• Domestic students from non-English speaking backgrounds who meet the DEEWR definition, that is, students who:
• were born outside Australia
• arrived in Australia up to 10 years prior to the date of application; and
• speak a language other than English at home; or
• Students who were born in Australia but who have lived permanently in a country where English is not the first language and who speak a language other than English at home.

2.2 Eligibility

The College Education Dean will determine which courses are eligible on the basis of:

• Language richness
• Forms and characteristics of assessment

 To be eligible to apply for extra time in examinations, special consideration in assessment, or a corresponding level of support, a student must:

• self-identify as a student from a language background other than English; and
• be in their first year of enrolment, either full-time or part-time; and
• be able to demonstrate a mix of both linguistic and cultural factors, which disadvantage them in time-dependent assessment tasks conducted in English; and
• be able to demonstrate that they are undertaking English language training courses and can list these courses, or can demonstrate they are making a concerted effort to focus upon their English language skills.

Eligibility may be extended, in very exceptional circumstances, for a limited time beyond the first year of enrolment at the discretion of the College.

Forms of Consideration

Time Concessions

2.3 Assessment in which extra time, special consideration or a corresponding level of support may be granted, must be shown to be time-dependent, and take one of the following forms:

• written examinations
• other written assessment
• oral examinations
• certain task-oriented assessment
• online examination or assessment

Time-dependent refers to assessment where a time constraint comprises part of the assessment method and is aimed at testing learning outcomes, which can be produced within a time frame. For this policy to apply, it must be shown that more limited literacy/communication skills could consume a large part of this time and so negatively impact on a student's capacity to produce outcomes. This will not normally apply to assignments which have a lengthy lead-time for submission.

Time concessions will only be available in those courses identified by the relevant Education Dean.

Note: CEDAM is able to provide teaching staff with advice about assessment.

Use of Dictionaries

2.4 Where the Delegated Authority determines, access to an appropriate dictionary during an assessment, will be available as a supplementary aid.

This aid may be a technical or language dictionary.

The dictionary may be in English, to or from English, or in the student's language background.  The type of dictionary is determined by the Delegated Authority.

Note: Electronic dictionaries are not permitted.

3. Formula for Time Concessions

Note: A form (http://policies.anu.edu.au/forms/application_for_special_assessment_arrangements_for_students_from_language_backgrounds_other_than_english/form ) to guide staff and students is available.

3.1 Students who are deemed eligible under paragraph 2.2 will be given an appropriate level of support and case-by-case dependent arrangements will be made according to the following formula:

• In the first year of enrolment, a standard upper limit of one-third extra time set by the Delegated Authority for the assessment in one or more of the courses undertaken by the student in the semester. This time may be used for either writing or reading.
• Beyond the transitional year, a reduced or nil allowance as determined by the Delegated Authority for each course.

3.1.1 In making a determination under the formula, the Delegated Authority should aim to address a student's disadvantage and, at the same time, maintain standards for learning outcomes. The Delegated Authority should also endeavour to maintain consistency in terms of eligibility, application and action. Time concessions given should be recorded on unofficial transcripts in the general comments section.

The Academic Skills and Learning Centre are available to provide professional assistance to areas.

The Education Deans of the ANU Colleges are responsible for monitoring the application of the formula within their respective College, and hold discretion for the period of time granted.

3.2 Where other forms of assessment are used (e.g., for professional practice, practical or performance examinations, oral examinations), the Delegated Authority may determine a corresponding level of support to that specified in 3.1 and 3.2.

3.2 Students who are deemed ineligible for support will be notified in writing by the relevant ANU College Office. Appeal procedures should follow the guidelines set out in the ANU Assessment Review and Appeal Procedures Policy which is available online.

4. Application

4.1 Students who wish to apply for assessment concessions will be expected to discuss this matter early in the first semester of their program of study with their ANU College.

4.2 Applications will be rejected if they are received later than four weeks before the scheduled commencement of the Examination Session (i.e. four weeks before the end of the semester) or other assessment (i.e. four weeks before the mid-semester examination or other assessment date notified by the Delegated Authority).